The following are real, verified, and actual names we've recently come across. Note: This material is not recommended for weak hearts or susceptible pregnant women:
* Galaxy
* Theocracy
* Joshua Courage (which my sister and I decided it was the Christian Alternative version of Joe Cool)
* Maverick
* Carondelet
Actually, I *like* Carondelet (pronounced "Ca-RON-day-lay"), but Carondelet Jones just doesn't sing. -- SJ
P.S. Darren, looking over my shoulder:
"I thought you were doing a post about the guinea pig on the skateboard."
"I did, but it was a boring post."
"Oh." Darren hates watching me write; paragraphs aren't cut with so much abandon in his world, probably because more thought goes into them to start with.
We really did see a guinea pig on a skateboard, though.
Thursday, September 30, 2004
Wednesday, September 29, 2004
First Impressions
(Which any good Jane Austen devotee recognizes as "the original title of...")
Tomorrow, four years ago, was the day I married... well, not the man of my dreams. In fact, he was fairly opposite from what I'd dreamed of all those years. Part of my confusion in this area began about three years previously.
We met over a gameboard. Several gameboards, actually. Our good friends Earl and Geni Hall began a weekly Game Night for interested parties -- namely, those of us who didn't go out dancing. (Young ladies, please notice the improving moral: I didn't dance, so I got a husband.) He was spectacularly good at every game we played. Plus, in the few conversations we had apart from my railing at him during Game Night, I found out that he'd read stacks of books. Even a couple of Jane Austens. (*Ping* goes the extra-points meter.)
It wasn't long before I could see the man he would become. I even edified him with a description: He would be a bachelor professor surrounded by dusty old books. I didn't add the rest of my vision, which was that he would hide from the female world behind his books, finding himself at a loss anytime a woman entered his sanctuary. Eventually, I imagined, he'd get married, but I foresaw the proposal running along the lines of: "Pardon me, but I've just noticed that you are female. I think the customary step in these situations is to get married. How does that strike you?"
The part that I missed, astute judge of character though I was, was that he'd already singled me out as a fair prospect by that time.
It wasn't until a couple of years later that the dusty professor shed his clever disguise to reveal the guy who wrote poetry, liked his books to have romance in them, bought me chocolate-covered-cherries, and could make me relax and smile just by being present.
Four years, two kids, and a minivan later, I'm completely unrepentant that I cost the world a good bachelor professor. I love you, Darren. You're the best surprise I've ever had. -- SJ
Tomorrow, four years ago, was the day I married... well, not the man of my dreams. In fact, he was fairly opposite from what I'd dreamed of all those years. Part of my confusion in this area began about three years previously.
We met over a gameboard. Several gameboards, actually. Our good friends Earl and Geni Hall began a weekly Game Night for interested parties -- namely, those of us who didn't go out dancing. (Young ladies, please notice the improving moral: I didn't dance, so I got a husband.) He was spectacularly good at every game we played. Plus, in the few conversations we had apart from my railing at him during Game Night, I found out that he'd read stacks of books. Even a couple of Jane Austens. (*Ping* goes the extra-points meter.)
It wasn't long before I could see the man he would become. I even edified him with a description: He would be a bachelor professor surrounded by dusty old books. I didn't add the rest of my vision, which was that he would hide from the female world behind his books, finding himself at a loss anytime a woman entered his sanctuary. Eventually, I imagined, he'd get married, but I foresaw the proposal running along the lines of: "Pardon me, but I've just noticed that you are female. I think the customary step in these situations is to get married. How does that strike you?"
The part that I missed, astute judge of character though I was, was that he'd already singled me out as a fair prospect by that time.
It wasn't until a couple of years later that the dusty professor shed his clever disguise to reveal the guy who wrote poetry, liked his books to have romance in them, bought me chocolate-covered-cherries, and could make me relax and smile just by being present.
Four years, two kids, and a minivan later, I'm completely unrepentant that I cost the world a good bachelor professor. I love you, Darren. You're the best surprise I've ever had. -- SJ
Monday, September 27, 2004
The Victorians
Ironclad social rules, strict morality, and seriously overdone ornamentation: the legacy of the Victorians. I've lately been reading a fascinating book dealing with the very heart of Victorianism: the home. Judith Flanders, the author, hardly touches on politics, military, or any of the big issues of the day; instead, she delves into the myriad of details that defined daily life in the years between 1830 and 1860.
The book is engrossing, while the life it describes sounds horrid. From dirty coal fires that turned their hair filthy after an outing; to the constant battle against crickets, roaches, and beetles; to the idea that the man of the house should not be bothered by domestic trifles, including the children; to the backbreaking work the servants endured to make the ladies' lives easy... it makes my 21st century world seem utopian.
But I remind myself, as I gawk over how stupid they were to wear clothes dyed with an arsenic base, that our age is just as self-satisfied as theirs, and another hundred and fifty years will reveal our follies and vices. It's an informative book, both in spelling out a vanished way of life, and offering a glimpse as to why the world -- never known for its moderate reactions -- has swung so far away from the Victorian ideals. -- SJ
The book is engrossing, while the life it describes sounds horrid. From dirty coal fires that turned their hair filthy after an outing; to the constant battle against crickets, roaches, and beetles; to the idea that the man of the house should not be bothered by domestic trifles, including the children; to the backbreaking work the servants endured to make the ladies' lives easy... it makes my 21st century world seem utopian.
But I remind myself, as I gawk over how stupid they were to wear clothes dyed with an arsenic base, that our age is just as self-satisfied as theirs, and another hundred and fifty years will reveal our follies and vices. It's an informative book, both in spelling out a vanished way of life, and offering a glimpse as to why the world -- never known for its moderate reactions -- has swung so far away from the Victorian ideals. -- SJ
Sunday, September 26, 2004
The Dance
Hey, I could use that for the title of a song or something...
This weekend was our church's Ladies' Retreat, and I enjoyed it thoroughly. The theme was "Staying in the Dance," using dancing as an analogy for our spiritual life. It was a weekend full of new experiences, one of which was learning "The Electric Slide."
I'm not sure which surprised me more, learning a dance at a retreat, or the fact that the dance is the Electric Slide, which means people are still doing it. (I first heard of it back in the early 90s. I was sure it had gone the way of all the world by this time.) But, anyway, we learned it.
You know how in movies where the heroine finally gets an opportunity to do something she's always wanted to, and it turns out that she has an amazing natural knack for it? Well, that has nothing to do with how I danced The Electric Slide. That floor was littered with the steps I missed, not to mention my faulty sense of direction that sent me going right when everyone else headed back, or left when everyone else was turning. Mr. Collins and I would have made ideal partners.
When we all sat back down, giggling, my introverted roommate remarked, "Well, I really think I enjoyed that." -- SJ
This weekend was our church's Ladies' Retreat, and I enjoyed it thoroughly. The theme was "Staying in the Dance," using dancing as an analogy for our spiritual life. It was a weekend full of new experiences, one of which was learning "The Electric Slide."
I'm not sure which surprised me more, learning a dance at a retreat, or the fact that the dance is the Electric Slide, which means people are still doing it. (I first heard of it back in the early 90s. I was sure it had gone the way of all the world by this time.) But, anyway, we learned it.
You know how in movies where the heroine finally gets an opportunity to do something she's always wanted to, and it turns out that she has an amazing natural knack for it? Well, that has nothing to do with how I danced The Electric Slide. That floor was littered with the steps I missed, not to mention my faulty sense of direction that sent me going right when everyone else headed back, or left when everyone else was turning. Mr. Collins and I would have made ideal partners.
When we all sat back down, giggling, my introverted roommate remarked, "Well, I really think I enjoyed that." -- SJ
Friday, September 24, 2004
Sky
Reptilian clouds
Bumpy, warty lines of grey
With pale blue background.
Sometimes the sky is beautiful. Sometimes it just looks strange.
--DJ
Bumpy, warty lines of grey
With pale blue background.
Sometimes the sky is beautiful. Sometimes it just looks strange.
--DJ
Thursday, September 23, 2004
The Prayer of Addie
"Dear Jesus,
Please bless my food
And Addie and Mama and Stuart.
Old McDonald had a farm,
E-I-E-I-O,
And sing forever.
Amen."
Please bless my food
And Addie and Mama and Stuart.
Old McDonald had a farm,
E-I-E-I-O,
And sing forever.
Amen."
CRE8TV CARZ
Personalized plates recently spotted:
HYCINTH (appropriately colored van)
2MB IZMT (obviously a Christian family)
BG DOGZ (remarkable mostly because of the cat prints on the hood)
CERTI5D (Jennifer, is that you?!)
DMTIML8 (so is this use justified?)
BCRE8TV (not a mathemetician)
JONESES (just try to keep up...)
Any further contributions? -- SJ
HYCINTH (appropriately colored van)
2MB IZMT (obviously a Christian family)
BG DOGZ (remarkable mostly because of the cat prints on the hood)
CERTI5D (Jennifer, is that you?!)
DMTIML8 (so is this use justified?)
BCRE8TV (not a mathemetician)
JONESES (just try to keep up...)
Any further contributions? -- SJ
Wednesday, September 22, 2004
Bible Translations
Another chart caught my eye today (I warned you, I'm a sucker for the things).
This one is put out by an actual Bible publisher, so of course they tout their own products. Pretty heavily, actually. But I thought it was pretty neat.
A couple comments of my own:
* The NIV is the "Most read, most trusted" version? Maybe most read in English, although I'd want to see statistics on the New American Bible before accepting that claim. But most trusted? By whose count? I've heard a lot of criticism of it, mostly by people who liked it when it first came out, but now tend to go for either the NAS or the ESV.
* I was interested to see that of the 6 Bibles I own, they all fall toward the "word-for-word" end of the continuum.
* Of the 6 I own, I like the New American Standard for my main reading, the New Revised Standard or the King James for public reading, the New Jerusalem Bible for getting a fresh look especially at the Psalms, and the New International when I'm trying to find a verse I remember learning when I was young (it's the one I grew up on). The Amplified sits lonely on the shelf; I bought it at a book sale and haven't looked at it yet. (I'm a sucker for book sales and new Bible translations, which is why I snapped it up.)
* And a last personal note: if you ever get cornered by a "King James only" person, look over their shoulder, gasp, and when they're distracted, run. I can still remember being nailed by a gimlet-eyed man at a homeschool conference who accosted me by asking (before we knew names or anything about each other) what version of the Bible my pastor used in church. When I told him that it was the NIV, he launched into a blistering tirade about it. And unfortunately, I had to listen; I was manning the HSLDA booth at the time.
God's Word is eternal and infallible. Man's efforts to express it are neither. But I praise God that there are many men and women who have devoted their lives to bringing His Word to me in a format that my mind and my spirit can both appreciate. --DJ
This one is put out by an actual Bible publisher, so of course they tout their own products. Pretty heavily, actually. But I thought it was pretty neat.
A couple comments of my own:
* The NIV is the "Most read, most trusted" version? Maybe most read in English, although I'd want to see statistics on the New American Bible before accepting that claim. But most trusted? By whose count? I've heard a lot of criticism of it, mostly by people who liked it when it first came out, but now tend to go for either the NAS or the ESV.
* I was interested to see that of the 6 Bibles I own, they all fall toward the "word-for-word" end of the continuum.
* Of the 6 I own, I like the New American Standard for my main reading, the New Revised Standard or the King James for public reading, the New Jerusalem Bible for getting a fresh look especially at the Psalms, and the New International when I'm trying to find a verse I remember learning when I was young (it's the one I grew up on). The Amplified sits lonely on the shelf; I bought it at a book sale and haven't looked at it yet. (I'm a sucker for book sales and new Bible translations, which is why I snapped it up.)
* And a last personal note: if you ever get cornered by a "King James only" person, look over their shoulder, gasp, and when they're distracted, run. I can still remember being nailed by a gimlet-eyed man at a homeschool conference who accosted me by asking (before we knew names or anything about each other) what version of the Bible my pastor used in church. When I told him that it was the NIV, he launched into a blistering tirade about it. And unfortunately, I had to listen; I was manning the HSLDA booth at the time.
God's Word is eternal and infallible. Man's efforts to express it are neither. But I praise God that there are many men and women who have devoted their lives to bringing His Word to me in a format that my mind and my spirit can both appreciate. --DJ
Taste (or Sip) of Another Era
Touchstone Magazine's blog had a good article a couple days ago regarding an old Temperance hymnal from 1900. The songs might be rather funny - if they weren't so blatantly racist and incredibly self-righteous.
An example:
I know a good old preacher, he’s a staunch Republican,
He argues that his party is the only one that can
Do anything or ever has done aught for temperance,
He makes the facts and figures pile up high in its defense.
But he votes with Jimmy Doolan, Paddy Ryan, Teddy Flynn,
All saloonists, and his ballot counts and helps these men to win; With
brewry and distillr’y men,his vote is just the same,
And means perpetual hell on earth and everlasting shame.
And another one:
I’se a ‘Publican niggah, yes I is, An’ I votes dat ticket eb’ry time;
But de Mastah, he say, I am his, An’ my ‘legiance in de heb’nly clime.
So I votes fo’ de man, if he’s all right, An’ takes no likker at de bar;
But ef fo’ de whisky sid he’ll fight, Den I draws de line right dar. Yah! Yah!
The most disturbing thing about it to me was the absolute conviction that a political means had become a spiritual end. In fact, the spiritual end, superseding even the Lord's command "Take and drink, all of you:"
Who is on the Lord’s side, who? Who is on the Lord’s side, are you?
Not if it is your business to sell, liquor that fits the drinker for hell.
E’en though the State permission may grant, ‘Tis a satanic--a vile covenant.
Not if you drink the poisonous cup, E’en but a small, occasional sup.
While you yourself may be very strong, You may lead weaker ones into the wrong. Not
unless you uphold with your might, All that is good and noble and right.
Not unless you oppose all you can, Ev’rything evil and hurtful to man.
As the author points out, this points out a serious danger to Christians of all ages - don't get so caught up in a political fight that you begin twisting Christianity to fit your political needs. C.S. Lewis warns against this in The Screwtape Letters.
Politics is important. I'm delighted to work for an organization that believes in full-blooded participation in the political process. But when the political party of Caesar demands that the Church of Christ bow and scrape to his tune, the answer is not just "No," but "Hell, NO! Get thee behind me, Satan!"
--DJ
A couple P.S. (1) Please note that it's from a sacramental perspective, so naturally he views Communion differently from many Protestants.
(2) Of course, Christians have been squabbling over the proper elements to use in Communion for years now. See "Schism, the Great 1054."
An example:
I know a good old preacher, he’s a staunch Republican,
He argues that his party is the only one that can
Do anything or ever has done aught for temperance,
He makes the facts and figures pile up high in its defense.
But he votes with Jimmy Doolan, Paddy Ryan, Teddy Flynn,
All saloonists, and his ballot counts and helps these men to win; With
brewry and distillr’y men,his vote is just the same,
And means perpetual hell on earth and everlasting shame.
And another one:
I’se a ‘Publican niggah, yes I is, An’ I votes dat ticket eb’ry time;
But de Mastah, he say, I am his, An’ my ‘legiance in de heb’nly clime.
So I votes fo’ de man, if he’s all right, An’ takes no likker at de bar;
But ef fo’ de whisky sid he’ll fight, Den I draws de line right dar. Yah! Yah!
The most disturbing thing about it to me was the absolute conviction that a political means had become a spiritual end. In fact, the spiritual end, superseding even the Lord's command "Take and drink, all of you:"
Who is on the Lord’s side, who? Who is on the Lord’s side, are you?
Not if it is your business to sell, liquor that fits the drinker for hell.
E’en though the State permission may grant, ‘Tis a satanic--a vile covenant.
Not if you drink the poisonous cup, E’en but a small, occasional sup.
While you yourself may be very strong, You may lead weaker ones into the wrong. Not
unless you uphold with your might, All that is good and noble and right.
Not unless you oppose all you can, Ev’rything evil and hurtful to man.
As the author points out, this points out a serious danger to Christians of all ages - don't get so caught up in a political fight that you begin twisting Christianity to fit your political needs. C.S. Lewis warns against this in The Screwtape Letters.
Politics is important. I'm delighted to work for an organization that believes in full-blooded participation in the political process. But when the political party of Caesar demands that the Church of Christ bow and scrape to his tune, the answer is not just "No," but "Hell, NO! Get thee behind me, Satan!"
--DJ
A couple P.S. (1) Please note that it's from a sacramental perspective, so naturally he views Communion differently from many Protestants.
(2) Of course, Christians have been squabbling over the proper elements to use in Communion for years now. See "Schism, the Great 1054."
Tuesday, September 21, 2004
Plot Holders
I'm just getting over a nasty cold bug, and so I didn't feel like doing anything tonight. Thankfully Sara understands this and just lets me read.
So I started a new fantasy book (The Fifth Ring, by Mitchell Graham) I just got through interlibrary loan (one of the wonderful perks about working in the same building as Patrick Henry College is free ILL). The book has been on my list of "Books to Read" for a few months now (the list is currently about 3 pages long, so some books tend to stay on it a while).
And it starts with a young man seeing dark strangers who give him an uncomfortable feeling. Hmmm. Let's see. What books have used this plot device in the past?
* The Fellowship of the Ring, J.R.R. Tolkien
* The Eye of the World, Robert Jordan
* The Sword of Shannara, Terry Brooks
* Pawn of Prophecy, David Eddings
* The Dark is Rising, Susan Cooper
* Children of Amarid, David Coe
* and if I remember correctly, Wizard's First Rule, Terry Goodkind. But I regret ever having read that book, so I won't go back to see if I remember rightly.
Evidently, this particular plot device is supposed to be a signal to the reader: "This is Epic Fantasy. I can imitate the Great Ones."
Actually, the book isn't all that bad. But I'm getting rather tired of young men who see ominous dark figures. --DJ
P.S. If you can think of any others to add to the list, I'd love to hear them. I'm a list type of person :)
So I started a new fantasy book (The Fifth Ring, by Mitchell Graham) I just got through interlibrary loan (one of the wonderful perks about working in the same building as Patrick Henry College is free ILL). The book has been on my list of "Books to Read" for a few months now (the list is currently about 3 pages long, so some books tend to stay on it a while).
And it starts with a young man seeing dark strangers who give him an uncomfortable feeling. Hmmm. Let's see. What books have used this plot device in the past?
* The Fellowship of the Ring, J.R.R. Tolkien
* The Eye of the World, Robert Jordan
* The Sword of Shannara, Terry Brooks
* Pawn of Prophecy, David Eddings
* The Dark is Rising, Susan Cooper
* Children of Amarid, David Coe
* and if I remember correctly, Wizard's First Rule, Terry Goodkind. But I regret ever having read that book, so I won't go back to see if I remember rightly.
Evidently, this particular plot device is supposed to be a signal to the reader: "This is Epic Fantasy. I can imitate the Great Ones."
Actually, the book isn't all that bad. But I'm getting rather tired of young men who see ominous dark figures. --DJ
P.S. If you can think of any others to add to the list, I'd love to hear them. I'm a list type of person :)
Certified Success
Yesterday I went to my new playgroup for the year. I'm part of a MOMS Club -- yes, indeed, a support group for stay-at-home moms, an invaluable resource that keeps us from going insane on grey winter days -- and every fall the board creates several playgroups according to the age of the kids. We meet every Monday. Last year I loved my playgroup. This year it got off to a rocky start.
Jennifer arrived. As soon as our personalities came in contact, mine shrieked and hid behind the couch. I could see immediately that we ran on different operating systems -- probably incompatible ones. Confirmation came when she asked where my husband worked.
"Oh, homeschooling," she said (following the usual script.) "Are you planning to homeschool?" I said yes. "Are you a teacher?" No, I've worked with kids a lot but I'm not a formal teacher. "You have to be certified in Virginia, don't you?" And off she went, holding forth on what a great thing it was that Virginia requires certification. She had friends, she said, who told her they were going to stay home and homeschool, and she said they had only high school diplomas; how did they think they could do what she did, after she went through four years of college and recertified every year?
So, thanks, Jennifer, for grabbing my personal ambitions and wiping your muddy feet on them. It made for an enjoyable playgroup, and makes me hope you don't think our kids are stimulating enough for Brianna so you'll switch to another group. But at least it ensured that I prayed nice things for you all the way home, because otherwise I'd have spent all day beating you up mentally.
Can't wait till next Monday. -- SJ
* P.S. -- Yes, Neil, I know you're dying a thousand deaths every time you read the word "playgroup." Sorry, your sister actually is involved in something so trendy and enriching.
Jennifer arrived. As soon as our personalities came in contact, mine shrieked and hid behind the couch. I could see immediately that we ran on different operating systems -- probably incompatible ones. Confirmation came when she asked where my husband worked.
"Oh, homeschooling," she said (following the usual script.) "Are you planning to homeschool?" I said yes. "Are you a teacher?" No, I've worked with kids a lot but I'm not a formal teacher. "You have to be certified in Virginia, don't you?" And off she went, holding forth on what a great thing it was that Virginia requires certification. She had friends, she said, who told her they were going to stay home and homeschool, and she said they had only high school diplomas; how did they think they could do what she did, after she went through four years of college and recertified every year?
So, thanks, Jennifer, for grabbing my personal ambitions and wiping your muddy feet on them. It made for an enjoyable playgroup, and makes me hope you don't think our kids are stimulating enough for Brianna so you'll switch to another group. But at least it ensured that I prayed nice things for you all the way home, because otherwise I'd have spent all day beating you up mentally.
Can't wait till next Monday. -- SJ
* P.S. -- Yes, Neil, I know you're dying a thousand deaths every time you read the word "playgroup." Sorry, your sister actually is involved in something so trendy and enriching.
Friday, September 17, 2004
The Christian Liberty Film Festival Guidelines
After musing upon this subject for some time -- "musing" being defined as the random moments when my mind lighted upon this particular topic before meandering away again -- here are the guidelines I'd set for my own film festival.
These aren't necessarily the guidelines that govern my own movie choices. These are the standards I, personally, think appropriate for an American Christian filmmaker. (My imagination balks at the thought of my film festival spanning continents and cultures.)
1. No profanity. Watch the old movies, and see how creatively they express what the same script today would spell out in four-letter words. Note: I believe that some scenes justify the limited use profanity. But if you, the filmmaker, include swearing or blasphemy in your film, it should be, um, darn well justified. The more daring your language, the greater your risk of being docked a few points.
2. Honor authorities. It isn't a stipulation of our festival that all authorities be portrayed as good, honorable, and obeyed without question. Nor must all disobedience, by default, be cast in a bad light. But authorities should not be held up for ridicule merely for being an authority. Besides, a character who respects his superiors could be considered innovative and exciting in the world of modern movies. (For an example of respectful disobedience with consequences, see "Bend It Like Beckham.")
3. Sexual references, scenes, and nuances must be avoided, although they not prohibited. Correction: a sex scene is not appropriate for this festival. Sex is great, Godly, and not a spectator sport. However, a little light banter between a committed couple could be entertaining (as C.S. Lewis says, sex is genuinely funny. It's also genuinely fun), and it's difficult to portray a romance without sexuality coming into play. Again, see the old movies. They're full of nuance, but a child can watch them without understanding it. Such inclusions will bring your submission under closer scrutiny. It's permissible, but risky.
4. Modesty is desirable. Attempt to portray other cultures as accurately as possible while still conforming to our culture's perception of modesty. Don't even try to say that America has no concept of modesty; why do you think half-dressed women and bare-chested men are so attractive? Because our culture considers them to be showing what they're not supposed to!
5. We don't care what kind of music you use. Be as daring as you like, always realizing that if it's offensive, we'll dock you some points.
I think that covers it, at least for a first run-through. Never having run a festival before... or made a movie... or done anything with filmmaking other than criticizing what I don't like... these guidelines may have some gaping flaws. What do you think? -- SJ
These aren't necessarily the guidelines that govern my own movie choices. These are the standards I, personally, think appropriate for an American Christian filmmaker. (My imagination balks at the thought of my film festival spanning continents and cultures.)
1. No profanity. Watch the old movies, and see how creatively they express what the same script today would spell out in four-letter words. Note: I believe that some scenes justify the limited use profanity. But if you, the filmmaker, include swearing or blasphemy in your film, it should be, um, darn well justified. The more daring your language, the greater your risk of being docked a few points.
2. Honor authorities. It isn't a stipulation of our festival that all authorities be portrayed as good, honorable, and obeyed without question. Nor must all disobedience, by default, be cast in a bad light. But authorities should not be held up for ridicule merely for being an authority. Besides, a character who respects his superiors could be considered innovative and exciting in the world of modern movies. (For an example of respectful disobedience with consequences, see "Bend It Like Beckham.")
3. Sexual references, scenes, and nuances must be avoided, although they not prohibited. Correction: a sex scene is not appropriate for this festival. Sex is great, Godly, and not a spectator sport. However, a little light banter between a committed couple could be entertaining (as C.S. Lewis says, sex is genuinely funny. It's also genuinely fun), and it's difficult to portray a romance without sexuality coming into play. Again, see the old movies. They're full of nuance, but a child can watch them without understanding it. Such inclusions will bring your submission under closer scrutiny. It's permissible, but risky.
4. Modesty is desirable. Attempt to portray other cultures as accurately as possible while still conforming to our culture's perception of modesty. Don't even try to say that America has no concept of modesty; why do you think half-dressed women and bare-chested men are so attractive? Because our culture considers them to be showing what they're not supposed to!
5. We don't care what kind of music you use. Be as daring as you like, always realizing that if it's offensive, we'll dock you some points.
I think that covers it, at least for a first run-through. Never having run a festival before... or made a movie... or done anything with filmmaking other than criticizing what I don't like... these guidelines may have some gaping flaws. What do you think? -- SJ
For anyone else irritated at Christian fads
This article describes my irritation at people jumping on the latest Christian bandwagon pretty well. For examples of "bandwagons," think WWJD, Jabez, Left Behind, and now the Purpose-Driven Everything. Or simply go to Christian Book Distributor's latest magazine to find out the current one.
Okay. [/rant off]
Okay. [/rant off]
Thursday, September 16, 2004
Thanks for Praying
I just talked to my sister, Lauren, who was sitting in our uncle's house, without power, eating a bologna sandwich. Everything is fine, she said. Evidently Ivan weakened to a Category 3 storm, then shifted eastward so Lucedale got only the edge. So far, there doesn't seem to be much damage to the various family homesteads -- no broken windows, no missing roofs, no diner-on-Main-Street damaged. I'm feeling enormously relieved today, obviously. Thank you for praying. -- SJ
(And please join me in feeling guilty that my family was spared because people farther east got hit. The usual dilemma.)
(And please join me in feeling guilty that my family was spared because people farther east got hit. The usual dilemma.)
Wednesday, September 15, 2004
A cool chart
I'm a sucker for charts and spreadsheets, and also for comparing Christian denominations, which is why one of my favourite presents for Christmas last year was a chart from my brother Evan that shows core beliefs of all the major denominations. I have it hanging on my office wall.
Here's a chart from today's Washington Post showing different beliefs and practices on the central practice of our faith: Lord's Supper/Communion/Eucharist/Mass. I thought it was fascinating.
Here's a chart from today's Washington Post showing different beliefs and practices on the central practice of our faith: Lord's Supper/Communion/Eucharist/Mass. I thought it was fascinating.
Addition and Subtraction
I decided it was too much of a bother to keep the list up to date of which books I've recently read. I decided this because I've now completed about six books that aren't on the list, and I don't feel like taking the time to change the list every few days.
However, shamelessly piggybacking on Sara's idea, I have put up the list of websites that I check regularly. I didn't include the ones on Sara's list, although I read those as well.
Disclaimer: The sites tend to be pretty eclectic. If you're a Protestant, you may want to avoid Mark Shea and Amy Wellborn. If you're a Catholic (Roman or otherwise), you may not like Dawn Eden. If you're Orthodox without a sense of humor, definitely avoid The Onion Dome. Orson Scott Card is a Mormon who also happens to be a very fine columnist and science fiction writer. Ancient-Future Catholics and Touchstone Magazine have something to offend everyone, especially people who think "ecumenical" is a dirty word. And Snopes, while the best resource on the Net for debunking urban legends, has a lot of the more risque urban legends too - just stay away from obvious topics on its table of contents and you'll do fine.
So, with that disclaimer, dig in!
However, shamelessly piggybacking on Sara's idea, I have put up the list of websites that I check regularly. I didn't include the ones on Sara's list, although I read those as well.
Disclaimer: The sites tend to be pretty eclectic. If you're a Protestant, you may want to avoid Mark Shea and Amy Wellborn. If you're a Catholic (Roman or otherwise), you may not like Dawn Eden. If you're Orthodox without a sense of humor, definitely avoid The Onion Dome. Orson Scott Card is a Mormon who also happens to be a very fine columnist and science fiction writer. Ancient-Future Catholics and Touchstone Magazine have something to offend everyone, especially people who think "ecumenical" is a dirty word. And Snopes, while the best resource on the Net for debunking urban legends, has a lot of the more risque urban legends too - just stay away from obvious topics on its table of contents and you'll do fine.
So, with that disclaimer, dig in!
In the Path of Ivan
Please be praying for my family down in Lucedale, Mississippi. Hurricane Ivan is predicted to sweep right through the town. Ivan is a Category 5 storm -- really big and mean. My entire family lives down there, while I'm a 1000 miles away and safe, so all I can do is round up as many prayers as possible for them. Please do! -- SJ
Anniversary (Un) Surprise
The anniversary present I bought for Darren was delivered yesterday. Although it's still two weeks till the day, I was excited, and took it out of the box immediately. (No, I am not going to tell you what it is. It's for a *fun* anniversary.) Then I left it on the kitchen counter.
I was happily visiting with a friend who lives about 30 minutes from my house when I glanced at the clock and realized it was after 5. Darren gets home at 6. The anniversary present was still in plain sight on the kitchen counter. I made a scramble for the van.
I rushed home in a flurry, hoping Darren's carpool wouldn't make good time, hoping he'd just sit at the computer when he got home, hoping he'd be struck blind if he went into the kitchen.
All to no avail. He got home about ten minutes earlier than usual. And being the blasted good husband he is, he spent the entire time in the kitchen unloading the dishwasher. When I got home, it was all too late.
I'd had to stop for gas on the way home, which is probably what made the difference between "in time" and "too late." Darren said, "Oh, I meant to fill it up over the weekend." "Ha!" said the daughter of Eve. "Then it's YOUR fault you saw your present!" -- SJ
I was happily visiting with a friend who lives about 30 minutes from my house when I glanced at the clock and realized it was after 5. Darren gets home at 6. The anniversary present was still in plain sight on the kitchen counter. I made a scramble for the van.
I rushed home in a flurry, hoping Darren's carpool wouldn't make good time, hoping he'd just sit at the computer when he got home, hoping he'd be struck blind if he went into the kitchen.
All to no avail. He got home about ten minutes earlier than usual. And being the blasted good husband he is, he spent the entire time in the kitchen unloading the dishwasher. When I got home, it was all too late.
I'd had to stop for gas on the way home, which is probably what made the difference between "in time" and "too late." Darren said, "Oh, I meant to fill it up over the weekend." "Ha!" said the daughter of Eve. "Then it's YOUR fault you saw your present!" -- SJ
Tuesday, September 14, 2004
Find a Book -- Listen to the Radio
Yesterday I was listening to my country radio station and heard an advertisement for a new book. It's the third in a "chick lit" trilogy ("Bridget Jones' Diary" was the inaugural "chick lit" book). It's very rarely that I hear a new book advertised on the radio. But I'm thinking they know their market. After all, I've actually read the first of the trilogy. Obviously, the women who read these books are the ones who listen to Kenny Chesney after shopping at Kohl's. -- SJ
addie (typed all by herself! Two kids in my lap. Done.)
addie (typed all by herself! Two kids in my lap. Done.)
Modern Romance
"Last night we exchanged PIN numbers and internet passwords. He *has* to marry me now." -- SJ
Monday, September 13, 2004
Pretty Pictures
We're figuring out how to post pictures on the blog, so here are my trial runs. Naturally I chose pictures that were of most interest to us. :)
Ponytail girl.
Ponytail girl.
Sunday, September 12, 2004
Ways of Worship
Today in church, for the first time, I knew what to do with myself while singing "I Exalt Thee."
Last week sometime, Darren said that on his commute home, he was thinking about church music. "Hymns," he said, "allow me to worship with my mind. They have doctrine and theology. I love them." He continued, "But praise songs allow me to worship with my emotions. I don't have to think, just feel." And, he added, for such an even-keel intellectual as he is, that's a good thing.
It was a good realization for me, as well. I never learned how to worship with my emotions. It was considered bad form, a cheap substitute for real worship. But that's a wrong way to look at it. God is a God of emotions as well as the mind, and we can worship Him in both ways.
So we sang an excellent hymn, "Before the Throne." Wonderful words, great tune, solid confirmation of our faith. And then we sang "I Exalt Thee," and for the first time I let go of my mind, and just let myself feel as I sang. Both were worshipful, and I felt as if I'd given more of myself than usual.
Our God is a great God, and today I both knew it and felt it. -- SJ
Last week sometime, Darren said that on his commute home, he was thinking about church music. "Hymns," he said, "allow me to worship with my mind. They have doctrine and theology. I love them." He continued, "But praise songs allow me to worship with my emotions. I don't have to think, just feel." And, he added, for such an even-keel intellectual as he is, that's a good thing.
It was a good realization for me, as well. I never learned how to worship with my emotions. It was considered bad form, a cheap substitute for real worship. But that's a wrong way to look at it. God is a God of emotions as well as the mind, and we can worship Him in both ways.
So we sang an excellent hymn, "Before the Throne." Wonderful words, great tune, solid confirmation of our faith. And then we sang "I Exalt Thee," and for the first time I let go of my mind, and just let myself feel as I sang. Both were worshipful, and I felt as if I'd given more of myself than usual.
Our God is a great God, and today I both knew it and felt it. -- SJ
Saturday, September 11, 2004
A Better Home with BH&G
Dear Better Homes and Gardens,
I have had a subscription to your magazine for about four years now, and as the mother of two small children, I haven't been able to incorporate many of your ideas. But today I'm writing to thank you for your September 2004 issue ("Small Space, Small Budget, Big Impact"). This issue was an exceptional value. It's hardly an exaggeration to say that every page gave me something useful with which to better my home.
We ripped your magazine to shreds.
Not literally. We actually tore out each page whole and wadded it up into a little ball. Your magazine, in its several parts, became coal to shovel into a tank engine; freight to haul across the room in a small plastic wagon with a Mardi Gras necklace for a pull; a bubble bath; leaves to rake up; and when all else failed, something to throw up in the air and make a mess. My children have enjoyed the creative avenues that your magazine provided. As a grateful mother, I am writing to thank you for your work in putting together such a high-quality publication.
Sincerely,
SJ
I have had a subscription to your magazine for about four years now, and as the mother of two small children, I haven't been able to incorporate many of your ideas. But today I'm writing to thank you for your September 2004 issue ("Small Space, Small Budget, Big Impact"). This issue was an exceptional value. It's hardly an exaggeration to say that every page gave me something useful with which to better my home.
We ripped your magazine to shreds.
Not literally. We actually tore out each page whole and wadded it up into a little ball. Your magazine, in its several parts, became coal to shovel into a tank engine; freight to haul across the room in a small plastic wagon with a Mardi Gras necklace for a pull; a bubble bath; leaves to rake up; and when all else failed, something to throw up in the air and make a mess. My children have enjoyed the creative avenues that your magazine provided. As a grateful mother, I am writing to thank you for your work in putting together such a high-quality publication.
Sincerely,
SJ
Thursday, September 09, 2004
Alternative Guidelines
The Queen of Carrots inquired as to what my guidelines would be if I were to host a film festival. It's a stretch of the imagination even to put me in charge of such an event:
A. Because ever since third grade I've had "firstophobia," and always took the *second* spot in line so I could follow instead of lead. I still operate under this principle today. That's why I married Darren.
B. I'm a very occasonal movie-watcher, and am far more accomplished at finding movies I dislike rather than like. I'd be the Judge from Hell at my movie festival.
But I have ample imagination (ask me someday about what I thought Darren was like before I actually got to know him) so, presto, I'm in charge of my own film festival. What would my guidelines be?
Very good question. I'll muse upon it and get back to you. Any suggestions meanwhile? -- SJ
A. Because ever since third grade I've had "firstophobia," and always took the *second* spot in line so I could follow instead of lead. I still operate under this principle today. That's why I married Darren.
B. I'm a very occasonal movie-watcher, and am far more accomplished at finding movies I dislike rather than like. I'd be the Judge from Hell at my movie festival.
But I have ample imagination (ask me someday about what I thought Darren was like before I actually got to know him) so, presto, I'm in charge of my own film festival. What would my guidelines be?
Very good question. I'll muse upon it and get back to you. Any suggestions meanwhile? -- SJ
Tuesday, September 07, 2004
Here We Go 'Round the Censors' Block
My mother and I had a civil disagreement a few weeks ago over the guidelines to the San Antonio Independent Christian Film Festival. I complained that the rules were unreasonably restrictive. Not all stories can be told with modestly-dressed women, clean-mouthed men, and classical music. And who decides exactly what these guidelines mean, anyway? I went on a good Roberts rant about it.
My mother said she thought it was a good idea. "Look at the old movies. The women were covered up and the language was clean, and they still told the story."
We ended without agreeing.
Well, Darren and I just watched "Breakfast at Tiffany's." (1963, I think.) This movie deals with serious moral cesspool sort of people. But of course at that time they couldn't come right out and tell you exactly what Holly Golightly's and Paul Varjack's professions are (and if you don't catch it, the movie is unutterably dull). Once we caught on, however, I was amazed at how creatively the storytellers got their points across. They even managed to have two characters sleep together without ever showing them go to bed. This sort of storytelling took real skill, and it was very well done.
So I'll concede to Mom that, yes, you can tell a grimy story without wallowing in the mud, and that it's far more enjoyable to watch it that way. But I still object to the guidelines mentioned above as too specific and too restrictive... I guess because it's obvious they're looking for a certain ideological result, and no other kind is acceptable. -- SJ
* My sister, Lauren, suggested an easy way to identify the rebellious girls without having them dress immodestly: "They can just wear a t-shirt that says 'Rock and Roll' on it."
My mother said she thought it was a good idea. "Look at the old movies. The women were covered up and the language was clean, and they still told the story."
We ended without agreeing.
Well, Darren and I just watched "Breakfast at Tiffany's." (1963, I think.) This movie deals with serious moral cesspool sort of people. But of course at that time they couldn't come right out and tell you exactly what Holly Golightly's and Paul Varjack's professions are (and if you don't catch it, the movie is unutterably dull). Once we caught on, however, I was amazed at how creatively the storytellers got their points across. They even managed to have two characters sleep together without ever showing them go to bed. This sort of storytelling took real skill, and it was very well done.
So I'll concede to Mom that, yes, you can tell a grimy story without wallowing in the mud, and that it's far more enjoyable to watch it that way. But I still object to the guidelines mentioned above as too specific and too restrictive... I guess because it's obvious they're looking for a certain ideological result, and no other kind is acceptable. -- SJ
* My sister, Lauren, suggested an easy way to identify the rebellious girls without having them dress immodestly: "They can just wear a t-shirt that says 'Rock and Roll' on it."
Monday, September 06, 2004
This Is Only a Test
"... Each and every one of us was put on the earth to fulfill some divine purpose, and life is essentially a test to determine an individual's eventual destination -- Heaven or Hell ..."
I came across this quote in a novel. What do you think about it? Do you agree that it is a good basic description of Christianity? -- SJ
I came across this quote in a novel. What do you think about it? Do you agree that it is a good basic description of Christianity? -- SJ
Sunday, September 05, 2004
Tutter With Your Boast?
Darren and I are both prone to occasional migraine headaches. My vision goes strange, then the pain sets in, and about two hours later it fades and I'm left pretty wiped out. Pretty standard and not very interesting.
Darren, on the other hand, gets "painless" migraines. His vision goes strange and sometimes his head gets a little sore, and then he's pretty wiped out afterward. But -- I hate to say this -- it's actually funny when Darren gets a migraine.
Evidently the connection between his brain and his tongue shorts out for the duration of the migraine, and he simply can't say what he's thinking. Today he was trying to quote a remark about three guys who have "their fingers on the pulse" of general opinion. "Three guys who have their feelings on the... their pulse on the feeling... their fingers on the feeling..."
Once he called me from work with a painless migraine. By the end of the difficult conversation, I was very sympathetic, which I couldn't express enough because I was laughing too hard to talk. Finally he said he was going to "get off the fan... get off the phone." I gripped my self-control and said calmly, "I hope the migraine is over soon."
"Oh, yes," he replied cheerfully. "Me, toast!"
He hung up to renewed peals of laughter. But he didn't mind. He still loves me. At least, I think that's what he said. -- SJ
Darren, on the other hand, gets "painless" migraines. His vision goes strange and sometimes his head gets a little sore, and then he's pretty wiped out afterward. But -- I hate to say this -- it's actually funny when Darren gets a migraine.
Evidently the connection between his brain and his tongue shorts out for the duration of the migraine, and he simply can't say what he's thinking. Today he was trying to quote a remark about three guys who have "their fingers on the pulse" of general opinion. "Three guys who have their feelings on the... their pulse on the feeling... their fingers on the feeling..."
Once he called me from work with a painless migraine. By the end of the difficult conversation, I was very sympathetic, which I couldn't express enough because I was laughing too hard to talk. Finally he said he was going to "get off the fan... get off the phone." I gripped my self-control and said calmly, "I hope the migraine is over soon."
"Oh, yes," he replied cheerfully. "Me, toast!"
He hung up to renewed peals of laughter. But he didn't mind. He still loves me. At least, I think that's what he said. -- SJ
Friday, September 03, 2004
Another Book Review
I finished V. Synan’s “The Holiness-Pentecostal Tradition” last night. It’s required reading for the class “Life in the Spirit,” which starts next weekend. Synan is a Pentecostal who is the dean of Regent University’s School of Divinity, and he’s a good writer. I have a much better understanding of the holiness/Pentecostal/Charismatic/Third Wave* movement of the last 150 years, and I appreciate it much more than I have. I still think that Pentecostalism tends to go overboard in claiming as manifestations of the Spirit’s work actions that are Scripturally questionable, but then again, all the streams of the Church tend to go overboard in some ways, in my opinion. To give just a couple examples, I see standard Reformation Protestantism as having a tendency to ignore the sacramental and liturgical roots of the Church, to the extent that some I know deny that Catholics and Orthodox are even Christians; while Catholicism tends to ignore the personal evangelical relationship that is so important to our growth “unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ.” (Eph. 4:13). Orthodoxy, at least to the limited extent that I have seen it in practice, tends to go overboard on conflating Church and Culture, even to the point of holding services here in Winchester in mostly Greek even though most of the parishioners (at least to my eyes) appear to be at least second-generation American.
Synan does make a convincing case that the charismatic movement (including Pentecostals, Charismatics, and Third-Wavers) should be considered a separate tradition alongside Reformation Protestantism and Catholicism (he doesn’t mention Orthodoxy). The charismatic movement has in some cases been further on the cutting edge of Church unity than the Protestants, because they have been willing to recognize Catholics as brothers in Christ, due in large part to the fact that the Catholic Church accepted the charismatic movement in the late 1960s and 1970s rather than rejecting it like some of the mainline churches did earlier in the century.
It’s always fun to learn about an area of history that I know almost nothing about, and it’s even better when it’s Church history! I’d recommend this book highly. Synan knows his subject well, and he’s fairly balanced at presenting the (at times wild) history of the Spirit’s moving in the last 150 years.
* “Third Wave” is used by some to describe those Christians who accept the up-to-date manifestation of the Holy Spirit through His gifts, which can include the “sign gifts” of tongues, prophecy, and healing, but who do not accept the Pentecostal doctrines of “entire sanctification” or a separate experience of being “baptized in the Holy Spirit.” -- DJ
Synan does make a convincing case that the charismatic movement (including Pentecostals, Charismatics, and Third-Wavers) should be considered a separate tradition alongside Reformation Protestantism and Catholicism (he doesn’t mention Orthodoxy). The charismatic movement has in some cases been further on the cutting edge of Church unity than the Protestants, because they have been willing to recognize Catholics as brothers in Christ, due in large part to the fact that the Catholic Church accepted the charismatic movement in the late 1960s and 1970s rather than rejecting it like some of the mainline churches did earlier in the century.
It’s always fun to learn about an area of history that I know almost nothing about, and it’s even better when it’s Church history! I’d recommend this book highly. Synan knows his subject well, and he’s fairly balanced at presenting the (at times wild) history of the Spirit’s moving in the last 150 years.
* “Third Wave” is used by some to describe those Christians who accept the up-to-date manifestation of the Holy Spirit through His gifts, which can include the “sign gifts” of tongues, prophecy, and healing, but who do not accept the Pentecostal doctrines of “entire sanctification” or a separate experience of being “baptized in the Holy Spirit.” -- DJ
Is God a Hippie?
Evidently God
Is in divine ‘Sixties mood -
Tie-dyed cloud above.
Last night on the way home from the Christian bookstore, where Sara and I had drooled over pre-school Bible studies, we saw a small cloud up to the right of the setting sun. The end away from the sun was a brilliant rainbow. It looked like it had been tie-dyed. It also looked like a colorful version of the Christmas cookies that have one end dipped in chocolate. I’d never seen something like that before. -- DJ
Is in divine ‘Sixties mood -
Tie-dyed cloud above.
Last night on the way home from the Christian bookstore, where Sara and I had drooled over pre-school Bible studies, we saw a small cloud up to the right of the setting sun. The end away from the sun was a brilliant rainbow. It looked like it had been tie-dyed. It also looked like a colorful version of the Christmas cookies that have one end dipped in chocolate. I’d never seen something like that before. -- DJ
Prime-Time Re-Run
The opinion has been expressed that the Soap Opera Identity Game was too easy without anonymous posting. Now you can post without a name. Give it a shot! Note: some sort of additional hint is appreciated, as Darren and I *are* both genius but not quite psychic.
-- SJ
P.S. Rose, I'd have guessed you anyway, knowing you couldn't resist a name game. :)
-- SJ
P.S. Rose, I'd have guessed you anyway, knowing you couldn't resist a name game. :)
Thursday, September 02, 2004
You can be anonymous, too!
We've changed the settings to allow anonymous comments (we didn't realize that it wasn't set to allow them to start with). This means that you can comment without registering for your own blog account. So please do. :)
-- SJ
-- SJ
English Deficiency
As I mentioned a couple of posts ago, there should be a collective term for aunts and uncles, as well as neices and nephews; after all, we have "grandparents," "cousins," and "in-laws." I and others have worked on this problem over the years, coming up with a couple of suggestions:
* (From my sisters, Rosemary and Lauren, and myself): Aunts and uncles can be "Grandsibs" (grandsiblings is the long form). The term could apply the other way for neices and nephews, also, but then it would be difficult to distinguish which generation you're referring to.
* My sister-in-law, Lindsay, has announced in the past that she was waiting for a "neicephew" to arrive. It's a very handy word with the added benefit of being feminine-dominate, a virtue in today's gender-conscious world.
Any other suggestions? Leave your comments below. Maybe we can change the way the Western world speaks! Or maybe we can just seem a little more weird. -- SJ
* (From my sisters, Rosemary and Lauren, and myself): Aunts and uncles can be "Grandsibs" (grandsiblings is the long form). The term could apply the other way for neices and nephews, also, but then it would be difficult to distinguish which generation you're referring to.
* My sister-in-law, Lindsay, has announced in the past that she was waiting for a "neicephew" to arrive. It's a very handy word with the added benefit of being feminine-dominate, a virtue in today's gender-conscious world.
Any other suggestions? Leave your comments below. Maybe we can change the way the Western world speaks! Or maybe we can just seem a little more weird. -- SJ
Wednesday, September 01, 2004
Life Is Bitter: A Poem in Haiku
Since our poetry was so well-received, I thought I'd post another that came about during our weekend on the lake. This work is a child's cry of realization of the sting of life.
Life Is Bitter: A Poem in Haiku
Inspired by Addie Jones
I stand on the shore
As they sail away from me.
My tears stream freely.
They would not take me
They said there was no more room.
But Jed got to go.
Ah, life is bitter,
For I wanted to be there,
In the boat with them.
I stand on the shore
As they sail away from me.
I see Jed waving.
Life Is Bitter: A Poem in Haiku
Inspired by Addie Jones
I stand on the shore
As they sail away from me.
My tears stream freely.
They would not take me
They said there was no more room.
But Jed got to go.
Ah, life is bitter,
For I wanted to be there,
In the boat with them.
I stand on the shore
As they sail away from me.
I see Jed waving.
Catching Up...
...with the other Joneses.
Maine was great and the Joneses were even better. We stayed at Darren's aunt-and-uncle's house (there really ought to be a collective term for parents' siblings.) Uncle Rick and Aunt Kath fit six family groups/individuals in their house and on their grounds with ease. They live on a lake, so the kids played in the water and the adults took turns taking out kayaks.
A word about kayaks, as opposed to canoes. Kayaks are good, canoes are evil. Kayaks are accomodating and careful not to rock too much, whereas canoes take malicious pleasure in tipping over. Kayaks work with you to get where you're going, while canoes subvert your efforts. We are glad that the Lakehouse provided kayaks for our use and edification.
Along with the big meals, speedboat rides with Uncle Rick, a bonfire, and lots of actively sitting around and talking, we got to watch the cousins together. There are five Jones cousins now: Jed, Addie, Stuart, Chloe, and Tucker, ages 4 years to 7 weeks. Darren's parents (known to the important people as "Grandpa and Nana") were happy spectators.
It's always a good time with the Joneses because they feel like my own family, and like my own family there's very little tension or one-upmanship among us. Well, okay, there was that game of Cranium where the guys won by a mere fluke -- they had to draw a menorah, whereas we lost because Lindsay couldn't get us to recognize the first few bars of "I Got You, Babe" when she hummed it. Or maybe it was when she tried to get us to guess "salmon" while drawing with her eyes closed, and we couldn't figure out what her salmon steaks were supposed to be. Otherwise everything went fine.
We got home about 10:00. The kids get the Super Excellent First Place A-1 Tip Top Rocky Top Grand Prize for good traveling. Fortified with Teddy Grahams and two interminable CDs, they rode quietly and happily for the majority of the trip. Have we ever got good kids.
And, boy, is it good to be back online! -- SJ
Maine was great and the Joneses were even better. We stayed at Darren's aunt-and-uncle's house (there really ought to be a collective term for parents' siblings.) Uncle Rick and Aunt Kath fit six family groups/individuals in their house and on their grounds with ease. They live on a lake, so the kids played in the water and the adults took turns taking out kayaks.
A word about kayaks, as opposed to canoes. Kayaks are good, canoes are evil. Kayaks are accomodating and careful not to rock too much, whereas canoes take malicious pleasure in tipping over. Kayaks work with you to get where you're going, while canoes subvert your efforts. We are glad that the Lakehouse provided kayaks for our use and edification.
Along with the big meals, speedboat rides with Uncle Rick, a bonfire, and lots of actively sitting around and talking, we got to watch the cousins together. There are five Jones cousins now: Jed, Addie, Stuart, Chloe, and Tucker, ages 4 years to 7 weeks. Darren's parents (known to the important people as "Grandpa and Nana") were happy spectators.
It's always a good time with the Joneses because they feel like my own family, and like my own family there's very little tension or one-upmanship among us. Well, okay, there was that game of Cranium where the guys won by a mere fluke -- they had to draw a menorah, whereas we lost because Lindsay couldn't get us to recognize the first few bars of "I Got You, Babe" when she hummed it. Or maybe it was when she tried to get us to guess "salmon" while drawing with her eyes closed, and we couldn't figure out what her salmon steaks were supposed to be. Otherwise everything went fine.
We got home about 10:00. The kids get the Super Excellent First Place A-1 Tip Top Rocky Top Grand Prize for good traveling. Fortified with Teddy Grahams and two interminable CDs, they rode quietly and happily for the majority of the trip. Have we ever got good kids.
And, boy, is it good to be back online! -- SJ
Dullville
After a total of 30 hours driving, passing through portions of ten states (you can tell which coast we're on), I voiced my decision to Darren: If we ever have the opportunity to name a town, we are not going to stick "ville" on the end of it.
Annville, Frackville, Hawleyville, Ludingtonville... The monotony was, well, boring. I thought of the possible disasters we could name our little town, including Jonesville, Saraville, and Rivendellville. Town names that won my approval included: Greencastle, Wilkes-Barre, Falling Water, and York.
I suggested naming a town "Studelaide." Darren didn't like it, and the entire conversation was exactly what you'd expect after eight hours in the van with six hours still to go.
-- SJ
Annville, Frackville, Hawleyville, Ludingtonville... The monotony was, well, boring. I thought of the possible disasters we could name our little town, including Jonesville, Saraville, and Rivendellville. Town names that won my approval included: Greencastle, Wilkes-Barre, Falling Water, and York.
I suggested naming a town "Studelaide." Darren didn't like it, and the entire conversation was exactly what you'd expect after eight hours in the van with six hours still to go.
-- SJ
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