Thoughts while Traveling
11.27.2005
Thanksgiving 2005 at CWJ was great ~ although over in a flash, as usual. Highlights were:
1. Needham's & Jewett's together again in their entirety (with a few additions since...1992? I am trying to remember the last time this happened? )
2. Rex & Carly - the cutest kids ever
3. Harvey & Theo and their shenanigans
4. Singing "Travel along in the Sunshine" around the Thanksgiving dinner table as Meemee led us-
5. Christopher video taping himself telling what he is thankful for
6. Sheri learning , and losing poker after a valiant effort
7. chocolate pie & yams
11.23.2005
"Don't throw stones if you live in a glass house," I overheard the wise woman saying.
11.20.2005
boomerangs & other unlikely gems
I have always been drawn like a magnet to people who are unapologetically themselves. This, by definition, makes them unique. No pretense; they are who they are, with their quirks and all. Nothing is more attractive, appealing, nor desirable in my humble opinion! At first, anyways. Later comes the indescribable stuff, when you really get to know someone, and you begin to uncover what lies deep in their soul...in their hearts. However, what remains the same is the state in which you met them, the moment when you were blessed enough to have found them just as they were. At this point is when your eyes start opening and you can learn.
I sound like a manual of sorts. Oops! I have to say , going through this journey of discover with someone is by far one of the greatest pleasures we have as humans. My favorite part always remains the initial ...wonder.
Karen. A middle aged woman who sits caddy - corner of me at work. She is a wonder to me. Ever since she wore the pirate costume on Halloween, she has been making these noises every so often. "Aaaarrrggggg," she growls as I stifle a giggle. Her, with her vocabulary filled with words such as "snafu" and "lolligag" is a wonder. She has a servant heart and a sweet, sweet spirit. I can learn from her.
Michael, on the other side of me. The other day he walks in to work after locking up his bicycle, and proceeds to pull none other than ..boomerangs out of his backpack. Many, many boomerangs. Who knew? He then proceeds to tell me of boomerang competitions that he attends. Again, who knew that this quiet guy who tends bar in the evenings, eats a lot of hot and sour soup, sneezes a lot, and lives in our old neighborhood collects boomerangs and competes with them? After another brief encounter with Michael, I found that he just moved back here a few months ago from Germany where he helped to pilot the very first jazz radio station there. My interest has just exploded at this point. What a character. Justin tell me to "stop staring" a lot, and Caroline now has jumped on board, reminding me not to stare at Michael. I'm not staring, per say, I am just in awe. I can't help it! Michael, is a diamond mine, in my opinion. I can learn from him. Michael ...is a wonder. I can learn from him.
Then we have Noah. This creature that had only been out in the world for a few hours on Friday when I had the pleasure of holding him in my arms ... staring again, of course. In mind- stopping awe. When everything goes blurry like in the movies except his little face and wiggling fingers and toes. The yawns, and the sneeze, even the poop is simply...a miracle. The little juicy lips and the big eyes...I can already tell he will be an expressive communicator like his mommy, and by his lack of screaming I can tell he will be kind and gentle like his daddy. Noah, it was a pleasure meeting you, and your "Auntie Anna" can't wait to finger paint with you. I can learn from you, dear Noah.
Wonder. May we look at each other with wonder and appreciation. If I did more of this, my heart wouldn't have room for the nasty things that the Enemy tries to sneak in. The things that God did NOT intend for me, for us. Our hearts would be so full of awe in how he made us all, we would be filled to the brim and overflowing with nothing but love! I think that was part of his plan - He has made it easy for us. Like " How to be like me - for Dummies." If we could only open our eyes a little wider and see one another...and the wonderful joy and priviledge that truly is.
I sound like a manual of sorts. Oops! I have to say , going through this journey of discover with someone is by far one of the greatest pleasures we have as humans. My favorite part always remains the initial ...wonder.
Karen. A middle aged woman who sits caddy - corner of me at work. She is a wonder to me. Ever since she wore the pirate costume on Halloween, she has been making these noises every so often. "Aaaarrrggggg," she growls as I stifle a giggle. Her, with her vocabulary filled with words such as "snafu" and "lolligag" is a wonder. She has a servant heart and a sweet, sweet spirit. I can learn from her.
Michael, on the other side of me. The other day he walks in to work after locking up his bicycle, and proceeds to pull none other than ..boomerangs out of his backpack. Many, many boomerangs. Who knew? He then proceeds to tell me of boomerang competitions that he attends. Again, who knew that this quiet guy who tends bar in the evenings, eats a lot of hot and sour soup, sneezes a lot, and lives in our old neighborhood collects boomerangs and competes with them? After another brief encounter with Michael, I found that he just moved back here a few months ago from Germany where he helped to pilot the very first jazz radio station there. My interest has just exploded at this point. What a character. Justin tell me to "stop staring" a lot, and Caroline now has jumped on board, reminding me not to stare at Michael. I'm not staring, per say, I am just in awe. I can't help it! Michael, is a diamond mine, in my opinion. I can learn from him. Michael ...is a wonder. I can learn from him.
Then we have Noah. This creature that had only been out in the world for a few hours on Friday when I had the pleasure of holding him in my arms ... staring again, of course. In mind- stopping awe. When everything goes blurry like in the movies except his little face and wiggling fingers and toes. The yawns, and the sneeze, even the poop is simply...a miracle. The little juicy lips and the big eyes...I can already tell he will be an expressive communicator like his mommy, and by his lack of screaming I can tell he will be kind and gentle like his daddy. Noah, it was a pleasure meeting you, and your "Auntie Anna" can't wait to finger paint with you. I can learn from you, dear Noah.
Wonder. May we look at each other with wonder and appreciation. If I did more of this, my heart wouldn't have room for the nasty things that the Enemy tries to sneak in. The things that God did NOT intend for me, for us. Our hearts would be so full of awe in how he made us all, we would be filled to the brim and overflowing with nothing but love! I think that was part of his plan - He has made it easy for us. Like " How to be like me - for Dummies." If we could only open our eyes a little wider and see one another...and the wonderful joy and priviledge that truly is.
11.18.2005
Noah Dustin Rowe was born today- 8lbs and 3 ounces. Going to meet him in a few. Can't wait! Poor Rowe, she has been through it the past few weeks. Glad he is finally here.
Ever have so much going on (schedule wise and also internal) you can't seem to express it?
Maybe it will thin out and clarity is on the horizon.
Ever have so much going on (schedule wise and also internal) you can't seem to express it?
Maybe it will thin out and clarity is on the horizon.
11.01.2005
Red Bull?
In Atlanta for a few days with Justin's family. Pa Street went to see Jesus peacefully in his sleep, and for that we are grateful. Tomorrow we celebrate a life lived to the fullest. I have to be honest and say I am glad that we are not celebrating a life lived for the Lord with a "but" attached at the end... again. Such as, "but he had so much ahead of him" or " but she was only a kid" or even, "but why did she have to suffer so?" These departures have been far too frequent. Thankfully, Otis lived a vibrant and long life. Although the prospect was there, he didn't have to suffer for long, and he was ready. That's awesome. It is probable he is playing the ultimate game of golf he always dreamed of...
Being in Atlanta is sort of surreal. Driving down 85 looked so different. New signs, new buildings, new billboards...Twas another time...why is it that we have moments where it feels like we have lived several lives, and connecting the dots seems almost impossible? Weird, I tell ya. Hard to believe it was even me that lived, worked, and walked the sidewalks of this campus daily.
There are many many memories attached to this city.
I plan to get some Mo-Joe's wings down the street, even if I have to sneak it~ it has been way too long ~ the depravity is over...
I hope we can see some of you cool cats that we miss so much, even for just a moment.
To drastically change the subject, anyone drink Red Bull out there? I have never given these energy type drinks a second thought, even though I have taken my share of Vivarin back in the college days. Anyways, Red Bull can't be good for ya. I was sitting in this exhaustingly boring corporate training at work on Friday, and we began the day by introducing ourselves and giving everyone else a glimpse of who we are ~ and there is this woman, Tina. She is from new Jersey and she looks....well, tired. Coming straight from pharmaceutical sales and marketing, who wouldn't be? Come on now, all that time and energy spent robbing the American public en mass? Sorry- that's a whole different subject.
Back to Tina ~ she proceeded to tell us that she is addicted to caffeine, and her favorite dessert is beer and red Bull. Ok~ whatever, dude. At 11:00 we took a break and there I sat, watching with my mouth gaped open as she proceeded to pull not one, not two, not three, but FOUR Red Bulls out of her purse and set them in a line in front of her binder like these shots were about to go down. And that they did. By the time the break was over all four of them were empty aluminum cyllinders sitting like trophies of alertness on the desk in across from me. Wow. The thing is, she didn't look that alert. Or awake for that matter. I am worried about her heart. it just may explode. For some reason I can't get Tina and that little episode out my mind.
To addictions ~ may we kick them to curb and be free for good.
Being in Atlanta is sort of surreal. Driving down 85 looked so different. New signs, new buildings, new billboards...Twas another time...why is it that we have moments where it feels like we have lived several lives, and connecting the dots seems almost impossible? Weird, I tell ya. Hard to believe it was even me that lived, worked, and walked the sidewalks of this campus daily.
There are many many memories attached to this city.
I plan to get some Mo-Joe's wings down the street, even if I have to sneak it~ it has been way too long ~ the depravity is over...
I hope we can see some of you cool cats that we miss so much, even for just a moment.
To drastically change the subject, anyone drink Red Bull out there? I have never given these energy type drinks a second thought, even though I have taken my share of Vivarin back in the college days. Anyways, Red Bull can't be good for ya. I was sitting in this exhaustingly boring corporate training at work on Friday, and we began the day by introducing ourselves and giving everyone else a glimpse of who we are ~ and there is this woman, Tina. She is from new Jersey and she looks....well, tired. Coming straight from pharmaceutical sales and marketing, who wouldn't be? Come on now, all that time and energy spent robbing the American public en mass? Sorry- that's a whole different subject.
Back to Tina ~ she proceeded to tell us that she is addicted to caffeine, and her favorite dessert is beer and red Bull. Ok~ whatever, dude. At 11:00 we took a break and there I sat, watching with my mouth gaped open as she proceeded to pull not one, not two, not three, but FOUR Red Bulls out of her purse and set them in a line in front of her binder like these shots were about to go down. And that they did. By the time the break was over all four of them were empty aluminum cyllinders sitting like trophies of alertness on the desk in across from me. Wow. The thing is, she didn't look that alert. Or awake for that matter. I am worried about her heart. it just may explode. For some reason I can't get Tina and that little episode out my mind.
To addictions ~ may we kick them to curb and be free for good.
