2012 -- A New Year, A Resolution

My sister Danelle brought me the book, have a little faith, a true story, written by Mitch Albom. As I read through this moving, extraordinary story about Albom's childhood rabbi, Albert Lewis; a-later-in-life request; and Pastor Henry Covington, I am profoundly inspired with Rabbi Lewis', a beautiful faith. My deepest thanks, Danelle.

I have made a resolution to write every day. Perhaps it will not become part of blogging, but I resolve to write. I tend to have epiphanies that strike like lightning bolts, on account of being a slow learner. Some time back I was inspired by Amy Adams' character, Julie, from the movie, Julie and Julia, loving it when she said, "I've got thoughts! I can write a blog, too."

Except for the past year and a half, I've applied for jobs and have not written much. All aspects of job searching has become an-almost-full-time job:  scouring the classifieds, combing through Monster.com and other web sites, writing cover letters, building-RE-building resumes, interviewing, networking, second interviews, informational meetings. Recently, I found the Medina County Workforce Development Center and believe this great resource will get me employed!

So, back to the writing. I began the year writing an elder prayer that I read at the Communion table yesterday, January 1, 2012. I brought my sister Danelle, the faith of Rabbi Lewis, Mitch Albom, many others, a couple quotes, and the scripture John 1:1-14--and felt inexplicably nervous. And not because I'd plagiarized.
     Good morning, Light of the World, Father God! Thank you for blessing us and inviting us to this table. We proclaim your glory through this life-giving bread and cup. We remember your son's birth, life, death, and resurrection. And the price of your light made flesh--light that must endure burning to dispel darkness. We confess and lay down our sins, asking to become Good News--your unconditional words offered through this meal, 'What is there that forgiveness cannot achieve?' to serve and love in Jesus' name. Amen."

“What is to give light must endure burning.”
― Viktor E. Frankl

"What is there that forgiveness cannot achieve?"
--Vidura

Yoga + Diego = Scritch Ear-Facing Dog

*Note:  "scritch" comes from Charles Schultz, Peanuts - Charlie Brown and Snoopy

Digsy Bear is the leading yoga devotee

with his tail-waggin'

Mudra hands - scritchin'

mat-crowdin'

leaving-no-room-for-me-to-stretch

enthusiasm!

Mo R. Bidity

We step back in time in our little town. To simpler things. 


One never knows what one will see upon waking. Walking into the kitchen I reached for a mug for an early morning cup of coffee, rubbed sleepy eyes, and looked out the kitchen window. I had to look twice, not sure what I was seeing. The night darkness slowly lifting. What lies beyond the window is downright macabre. It is trapping season. WARNING:  if you love animals and are sensitive to their untimely deaths, I strongly recommended that you read no further.  

Our neighbor  had a heaping pile of tiny carcasses lying in his yard after skinning their little fur bodies. I laughed out loud at the sight. I mean, who wouldn't?

Then, a few weeks later during hunting season, in a tree was a dead buck hanging antlers down from his little hind hooves. The following day, a dead doe joined the dead buck. They hung there a few days.  So hilariously unexpected.

But, oh, how does one blog such things tastefully?  

Monkey ball bumper crop

Do not be fooled by the legend of

monkey balls

(commonly known as Osage Oranges)

Do they, in fact, repel spiders?

We placed them near entry ways--

examine evidence below. 

Funny thing is...
this spider appeared two days after monkey ball was placed on the floor.
Photo is unretouched.
Snopes failed me.

What ruined Christmas 2007?

Test your memory. Can you guess what ruined Christmas?

Was it our Fat Bastard Christmas tree?

Was it Gammy almost choking to death?

Or, did it involve...

yule tide tonsil stones?

"The Book Thief"

One of the most powerful, excellent books I have ever read in my life.

Family reunion at Coppertop Restaurant in Valley City - no pictures, please.

Family members who attended were Patty, Jimmy, Danelle, Erin (who is Les' daughter), Bryan (who is Les' son), Uncle Jerry, Aunt Diane, Aunt Elaine, Uncle Ron, Auntie Donna, Uncle Karl, Cousin Yvonne, John, Gregory, Michelle, Charlie, Ryan, Uncle Dave, Aunt Angie, cousin Debrae and her partner Frank. It was quite fun. Oh, conversation got started when we heard Deb's daughter is at O.U. We said our older two kids went there, too. Frank played football at O.U. and then explained his super cool golf swing invention apparatus. We wish him and Deb the best! Also, they were recently filmed on Shark Tank. When we left we heard fireworks and Dad and I drove to find them. They were lovely!
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