The Sky's the Limit!

Q: What would you do if you were suddenly granted a magical 48hrs. to do or be absolutely anything you ever wanted to be or do? And this "gift" would also include the skillset that comes with your choice.


For example: if you had always wanted to be a heart surgeon, you would suddenly have the skills to perform heart surgery and have a practice, clients, etc. for a full 48 hrs.


So what would you choose?
What would your 48 hrs. be like?



Remember: THE SKY'S THE LIMIT!



ME: I've thought about it and my initial response was:

that it would be cool to be a super-spy or something like that -- as it is so very different from what my everyday life is like -- but upon careful reflection, I realize that I probably couldn't live with the moral and ethical implications of the choices that might present themselves -- even for just 48 hours.

So my choice would be to be a famous writer and novelist that got to travel to far away and exotic places --strange and foreign lands -- on my own private jet (that I would of course pilot) in order to do research for my books.

'The Garden of Adonis - Amoretta and Time', By John Dixen Batten

12/1/09  My new Secret Garden ... This will be number 5 ....

My nightmares have been bad lately.  I can't remember the last time I slept or slept peacefully. 

Have not been back in to see the therapist since returning home, but I think its time to go again. 

I just want the nightmares to stop; I don't want to remember anymore.  I remember too much already.  I wonder why the nightmares have intesified so lately? 

I thought that I was, at long last, at a point of experiencing peace in my life once again ...

What will it take to silence these nightmares forever?

'The Nightmare', By Henri Fuseli (Image Courtesy of ArtMagick.com)

Grant me peace for I am weary ...

'Pity', By William Blake (Image Courtesy of ArtMagick.com)

A positive note ... my friend's father did make it through his surgery alright.  He tells me that the hard part now will be the recovery.  I have prayed extensively for success in the surgery and healing of Paul's father.  I even said a rosary for him ... something that I have not done in quite some time.  I will now pray for the recovery of Paul's father. 

Praying helps to keep me focused and not so centered on my own problems and silly concerns.  I pray often for others ... I wonder sometimes, if others pray for me?  I guess, that I'd have to let down my guard and let others know that I am truly in need in order for them to do so, no?  And I don't want to worry anyone ... everyday life can be hard enough without having to worry about someone that you love. 

I take comfort in knowing that where I am weak ... there is more opportunity for God to fill up the emptiness and want with His will, might, wisdom, and glory.

P.M.  I recall now one of the many reasons why I love Ken ... he is the ONE who picks me up when I fall ... and offers me a safe place to land.  If it weren't for him, I know ... beyond a shadow of a doubt ... that there are -- and have been --  times that I simply would not get up again.  The fact that he still cares enough to be the one who is there for me says alot ... and is perhaps another reason yet to continue to hope.

12/3/09  ... I recall now that Nov. 5th is a good day. A beautiful light re-entered the world on that day. I hope that that light still shines brightly ... that its bearer is at peace and has much happiness and joy in his life ... and that he is loved much by those present in his life.  God's peace and blessings to you.  -M

'November 5th', By Margaret MacDonald

(image courtesy of http://www.artmagick.com/)

'The Offering', By Wilhelm List

(image courtesy of www.artmagick.com)

I am doing better now.  With the aid of heavy medication (sleeping pills to the max), I did finally sleep and if I did dream:  I do not remember anything of it.  It's been a long time since I've given myself leave to feel afraid ... and permission to rest.  It makes me sad that the past still has such a powerful hold upon me ... it should make me angry and as I grow stronger again it just may.  But I wonder if anger is the more constructive of the two emotions?

I am still happy, with a good perspective on the present state of my marriage ... so that is something, no?

I guess that you have to love life ... love it or hate it: it's full of unexpected surprises ... some good ... some not so good.  How you choose to view and deal with those surprises determines your happiness, does it not?

12/4/09   Evolution of poem ... they're never ever really done ... always changing, shifting, evolving ...

copyright @2009 Michelle C. www.whatplanetareyoulivingon.blogspot.com

Willow's Whisper

Have I made you cry?  Have I awoken once sleepy eyes?

Perhaps, I've made you smile? Shared something that's made your visit here worthwhile?

Come then, and stay with me awhile under peaceful shade of the willow tree, here in my secret garden. Tell me of your hopes, your dreams ... your inner most desires. What would it take to set your world on fire?

Promise me that one day I'll find, in me, the voice to sing again ... that this happiness might never end ...

I breathe you in and close my eyes.  A tear of joy wells up inside and with a whisper I wish us away, on willow's wings, to the place where Majestic Day bends to sweetly kiss Serene Night.  A place where all is momentarily right in the world, as in the celestial heavens far above.  A place where my love for you is sacred and not a given.

Yet the hour draws swiftly to its close.  Reality returns.  Sadly, I must let you go. With parting kiss on shade of tear stained lips, I bid you a silent farewell. Until we meet again: know that in my heart, I still call you friend.

 
copyright@2009 Michelle C. of www.whatplanetareyoulivingon.blogspot.com

Song:  'Happiness', By the Fray



12/07/09 Poetry by renowned English painter, William Blake (1757-1827) ... these poems particular caught my eye ...


I set this poem's words to paintings in an art ablum on ArtMagick.com:  'Love's Secret', By William Blake

'When the Morning Stars Sang Together', By William Blake

(Image Courtesy of ArtMagick.com)

'The Little Girl Lost'  and 'The Little Girl Found'.




For other writing by William Blake see:   http://www.english.uga.edu/nhilton/Blake/blaketxt1/
 
For art by William Blake see:  http://www.artmagick.com/pictures/artist.aspx?artist=william-blake

Here is an art album I put together with one of Blake's poems, 'Love's Secret': http://www.artmagick.com/albums/album.aspx?id=20730




A nice momentary retreat from the demands of everyday life ...

Well cross one more thing off of my 'I'll never do that!' list ... I have done 'texting' now ... and just as I had anticipated: it DOES annoy the hell out of me!

Having a basic 10 button phone, with no fancy funtion to guess words I am trying to type probably doesn't help much, but such is life.  But at least I can now say that I have done it ... texting.   I guess, in rare instances texting  has its uses (i.e., don't really want to talk the person that you're texting ... that is your input is not worthy of an actual conversition, due to its pitifully short length or subject matter : ).   That being said: I'm not a huge fan of it ... texting ... and I probably won't use very much more.  

I now get the use of all of the stupid acronyms/texting language ... but it all still annoys me!  The one shortcut that really gets to me is 'LOL' ... talk about dumb?!   And this sad little catch-phrase is now making it's way into the mainstream too ...  I see it everywhere?!  ... emails ... post-it notes... the web ... blogs ... my kids notebooks.  Ugh!!!!!!!!!!!  Make it stop please, please, PLEASE!   I mean if you were actually gonna laugh out loud, do you have to tell me about it?!  [And, I've got news for you:  I'm NOT laughing ... but, three guesses as to what I'm thinking about you when you use LOL in your writing ... ] At least the main people that I happen to text don't use LOL ... thank you, THANK YOU .... you smart generous, kind and loving people!  One friend even takes the time to type out 'Hahahahahaha' ...  now THAT:  I can respect.




12/8/09   I apologize for ranting and raving about texting yesterday ... should I take it back?  : )  Guess I can do that ... this is my blog after all:  I have ULTIMATE POWER, no?  Don't worry ... won't let it go to my head.  The 'LOL' just struck a chord with me last night.

'Andromeda', By Gustav Dore

(image courtesy of www.artmagick.com)

Darkness ... some of us struggle with it more than others.  I used to wonder why that was so ... now I just accept it ... and try to move on.   Still having dark dreams ... one in particular ... the one where I am running through a night time forest.  I can't seem to escape ... in the dream or the dream ... so last night I wrote it all down ... my attempt at containing it on paper (don't bother looking here ... you won't find it ... hard enough just to write it ... let alone type it?@!).

'Nocturne with Elves', By Gustav Dore

(image courtesy of www.artmagick.com)

I have been sleeping in the music room these last few nights just so I won't bother Ken with my thrashing and perhaps screaming ... hard to tell what I dream and what I actually physically do?  I awoke last night shivering and having trouble breathing. 

Now that I've written down the dream, I see that core of it is based on real events, but I have transposed events to another place and time ... a dark wood at night under a half moon ... with ominous clouds shading the light of moon from time to time, along with other elements that I have yet to understand.

'The Enigma', By Gustav Dore

(image courtesy of www.artmagick.com)

I usually cannot go back to sleep after awakening from such a dream ... but last night, it was as if a presence was there with me comforting me ... I felt strangly safe and protected ... and somehow, I was able to dose lightly in sleep.  Perhaps an angel?  I believe in angels ... don't usually feel their presence so strongly ... but it was nice to find peace after such a haunting dream.  Nice not to feel so all alone ...

'The Guardian', By Arild Rosenkrantz

(image courtesy of www.artmagick.com)

As Dante descends further into the depths of his Hell, I find myself slowly rising ... having captured my nightmare on the pages, with pen ... and with a strong protecting presence in my heart and by my side.

P.M. Upon further reflection, it occurs to me now that someone is praying especially for me ... and that is why I felt the comforting presence after my nightmare ... whether the presence was an angel in answer to those prayers, or the presence of the person, themselves, praying for me ... it brought me peace and restful sleep. So thank you ... sincerely ... and most profoundly ... God Bless you!


Song: Nocturnes: No 7, In C Sharp Minor, Op. 27, No. 1, By Chopin





12/9/09  Interesting day today ...

Interesting day today ... took the day off to chaperone for a 3rd grade field trip to see play 'Peter Pan'. A story I've seen and heard many times before, but today this play took on a whole new meaning as I looked at the play through the eyes of friend who is dealing with his own mortality in a rather harsh way these days.

The whole play can be summed up rather nicely in one key statement given by Peter Pan in a speech to Wendy about why he, Peter Pan, won't be joining Wendy and the Lost Boys when they return to Wendy's home ...

"I won't be going, because I don't ever want to grow up and have to think on solemn things."


What do think? An interesting perspective on what it truly means to be grown-up, no? An accurate assessment? Rather sobering, if nothing else ...

Perhaps, Peter Pan's remark, should serve as a message to us grown-ups that we should seize (AND SAVOR!) every opportunity which allows us NOT to think on solemn things?  Maybe then, the world would be an overall happier place ...


Next subject ...  I may have the opportunity to go to Singapore (in Maylasia) in the Spring.  Just me ... not Ken.  Would you go?  I've always been fascinated by Eastern mythology, language, traditions and history.  I think this would be an opportunity of a lifetime.  Mandarin is not one the languages that I've ever looked into though -- need to verify that is what they speak here. Wonder if I could learn enough to get around between now and spring?   Good news is that I would go with a friend, and we would be meeting (and staying with) her sister who is currently living there.  She is familiar with local customs, modes of transportation and the language.  So that would be a big plus in my book.  I don't know if everything will work out, but it is FUN to ponder.  Never thought of going to Maylasia before I made it to Egypt or Greece, but if opportunity is knocking ... think I'd be a fool not to consider it, no?

'Pyramids of Gizeh', By Thomas Seddon

(image courtesy of ArtMagick.com)

I'll get to Egypt one of these days ... and by then, I'll probably speak Arabic fluently.  :  )






12/11/09 After reading and thinking on Poe's poem, 'The Raven' ...

'The Raven', By Carl Spitzweg

(image courtesy of ArtMagick.com)

... I am strangely lonely today too?   If I had one wish right now:  I know beyond a shadow of a doubt what I would wish for.  

Scary night last night ... Lauren (my oldest) fell through our glass kitchen table top.  I was adimantly opposed to glass tables when the kids were little, but when we moved up here I replaced our bulky kitchen table with a cleaner, circular glass table.  I figured that the kids were older now, so it was safe.  Guess I was terribly wrong?! 

It all happened so fast and then there was blood everywhere.  I seem to have the ability to slow time and focus in a crisis.  I knew what had to be done ... only I didn't seem to have enough hands.  I found the three worst cuts and immediately applied pressure, with the help of Bethany, while Erynn called Dad and told him to get home quickly.  Lauren was near hysteria.  Her right elbow had a huge cut ... gash ... and I could see the bone.  I applied pressure to Lauren's right arm and held it high above her head.  Dad came home in record time and we all piled into the car and shot over to the emergency room -- which thankfully was only blocks away. 

The ER staff got Lauren in immediately and took over.  She need 8 stitches in her elbow and had just missed the oberon nerve (sp?) -- praise God she missed the nerve.  They were worried about broken bones, but after too many x-rays ... they ruled out any major breaks.  Lauren did have a sprained left wrist and her right arm need to be imbolized for the next two weeks in order to prevent any further/possible nerve damage.  So Lauren presently has the use of niether hand ... tres frustating for her, but she is a trooper.  Fortunately, Lauren had on a thick hooded sweatshirt and blue jeans or the damage might have been much worse ... and thankfully she did not hit any part of her face ... her forearms bore the brunt of the fall. 

If you are the praying type ... please pray that Lauren heals well and does not suffer any nerve damage.  If there is nerve damage, that would mean involving ortho and surgeries.  I don't want to go there!  She is young ,energetic, is right handed, and has always had a dream of one day becoming a marine biologist.

As I said ... I held it together during the crisis and even at the ER ... but once we got home, I went in my room and just cried and shook uncontrollably.  It is so horrible to see one of your babies hurt like that ... you just can't even imagine.  But I know that God was watching out for Lauren ... it could have been much worse.

On a positive note, Lauren is enjoying being waited on hand and foot ... and she still has her ravenous appetitie, so that is a good sign, no?

View from my bedroom balcony this evening.  Breathtaking ... so tranquil ... peaceful ... my own little piece of heaven on Earth ...

Peace to you ... God Bless!

12/12/09  Stumbled across this on the internet ... wasn't looking specifically for this, but it is beautiful ...



"Here are some recordings from a voice quartet concert , two selections of Pierre Bouteiller's Requiem Montreal University (music faculty) Jacques-Olivier Chartier - tenor Isabeau Lemire - second tenor ...
posted March 24, 2009."

Also found some interesting reading on angels, specifically the names of the Archangels and where they are mentioned in the Bible.  Also, finally understand what a Seraphim is.    Anyway, cool read if you happen to have some spare time ... 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christian_angelic_hierarchy#Seraphim. 

[My daughter, Lauren, would chastise me for using wikipedia as a source ... for hard core research, guess I would agree ... but just for basic directional info and insight:  why not.  You have to take anything you read on the net with a grain of salt anyway, no?]

'Winged Seraph', By Mikhail Vrubel

(image courtesy of ArtMagick.com)

Mikhail Vrubel is a very interesting artist that I discovered from ArtMagick.  I mentioned him on my main page not long ago, along with a link that had a painting he did to illustrate a poem about a demon who fell in love with a mortal woman ('The Demon' (published posthumously in 1842), by the Russian poet Mikhail Lermontov.)  A chilling poem ... but, I ended up feeling pity for the demon.  Read if you have time and see if you perchance agree?

Anyway, here is the link to Vrubel on ArtMagick: 
http://www.artmagick.com/pictures/artist.aspx?artist=mikhail-vrubel

Check out the Vrubel painting, 'The Conquered Demon' ... intriguing, no?  Wish that there was larger, higher resolution image available.



12/14/09  I think that I have uncovered one of the hidden meanings of my confusing and terrifying night time forest dream (nightmare): xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
 I don't know ...  maybe I am just tired today (physically and mentally? ... emotionally?) ...

'The Shadow', By Edmund Blair Leighton

(Image courtesy of ArtMagick.com)

'The Knight Errant', BySir John Everett Millais

(Image courtesy of ArtMagick.com)

'Perseus and Andromeda', By Sir William Blake Richmond

(Image courtesy of ArtMagick.com)

'Twixt Hope and Fear', By Edward Robert Hughes

(Image courtesy of ArtMagick.com)

P.M.  I think that I am just tired ... really tired ... I almost fell asleep during dinner (making dinner).  So I am going to help put the kids the bed and head to bed myself.  I don't really want to believe what I wrote earlier.  Hopefully, I'll see things a bit clearer tomorrow.  Nite ...

Some good news ...

I brought Lauren in for a follow-up appointment today.  The doctor says that she's healing nicely and that there appears to be no permanent nerve damage -- Praise God!  Her stitches are healing nicely and she will be able to have them removed on Christmas Eve ... what a Christmas present, eh?   She returns to school tomorrow.  Can't write or carry anything, but somehow she'll manage.  Have an appointment with counselor to see what school can do to help Lauren out for the next 4 days.  Then she's off for 2 week Christmas break.  If you've been praying for Lauren:  THANK YOU, THANK YOU ... from the very bottom of my heart.  God Bless! 

M


12/16/09  In keeping with my honest efforts to 'Give the poets another try', I have begun reading some of the poetry by Edgar Allan Poe.  It fits rather nicely with my other dark reads of late (e.g., Dante's 'Inferno' and 'The Demon').  I must say, that I am presently in a better state of mind to read, understand, and more fully appreciate these works by Poe than I would have been in previous years. 

'The Abandoned Town', By Fernand Khnopff

"Death has reared himself a throne in a strange city lying alone."

I've read 'The Raven', and  I've also identified the verses used to narate the 'A Symbolist's Ode to Edgar Allan Poe' ArtMagick album.  Actually, 'narate' is a poor choice of words ... I should say 'verses chosen to illustrate ... the album' ... for the verses chosen in the 'Symbolist's Ode...' album, actually DO bring the album to LIFE.

Now that I've read the poems from which the album verses were drawn, and reread the album itself:  I have to say that 'A Symbolist's Ode to Edgar Allan Poe' is one of ... if not THE MOST BEAUTIFUL ... things that I have ever read ... witnessed.  Truly ... there just aren't words ...

Peace, light and blessings to the author.

M


12/19/2009  Irving Berlin's 'White Christmas' was fabulous!  We took the whole family last night.  Probably the best musical I've ever seen -- barring operas.  The combination of song a dance was just mesmerizing, and the set changes happened so fast they made your head spin --don't know how they did that?! So much fun!  They had the whole audience singing along for the song 'I'm dreaming of a White Christmas' -- sounds corny, I know ... guess you had to be there ... and no, I could not sing, but I did enjoy listening ever so much ... and I was smiling : ).  They even had snow falling gently --from the rafters-- onto the audience for the last chorus of the song.  The theater was tres cool also.  Everything was art deco and I believe that the theater is a historic landmark.  Anyway, good family outing and bonding time ... despite the late hour 8-11 p.m. (a long show!).

'Angels of the Night', By William Degouve de Nuncques

(image courtesy of ArtMagick.com)

I had to say farewell to my pen pal.  It was a hard thing to do, but it was the right thing to do.  We had gotten outside of the 'philosophical discussion' that we were supposed to be having --per my agreement with Ken--somewhere along the way ... our continuing a relationship ... friendship ... just didn't feel right anymore and the relationship was no longer condusive to my efforts to mend my relationship with Ken.  Such is life ... but know that you'll alway be special to me, Paul.  I will continue to pray for your father's recovery, for good things in your life and much happiness ... even joy : )  along your journey of discovery.  God Bless! -M

Song: 'Hope', By Rush
Song: When the Angels Fall ... the song that started it all ...


P.S.  I let you have the last word ... you see, I CAN do that.  Thank you for your parting words of kindness and well wishes ... and "I never could pretend to know [what that is]." ... I'm still struggling to figure that out for myself ... such is life and the reason that we are here, no?  As for "your [my] goodness", I am glad that you are thankful for it ... but I have moments where I truly think that 'good' girls will always finish last.

I read your post on 17-18 Dec., post-dated to 21 Dec. (? what's up with that?  Date on your blackberry set wrong?).  It is funny... actually strange ... I was unpacking a box of books just last week, and I came across a copy of 'Everyday Grace', By Miriam Williamson.  As I was pulling the book out of the box, it opened to the page containing the exact text passage that you posted.  The passage struck me as significant at the time and now that you've posted it as well ... wow?!  I guess that the universe is trying to tell me something, no?

... Well ... Take care, Paul.  (even though I know that you probably won't see this)


12/21/09

We went to church tonight to celebrate the winter equinox, which occurred at 9:47 a.m. WST, where we live. As our pastor said, even though the date of Jesus's actual birth is debatable, the early Christians knew what they were doing: "They said, we don't know the actual day ... but let's do this ... let's put it on this day ... the shortest day of the year ... the day with the most darkness ... because Jesus represents God's gift of light to the world. Every day after Jesus's birth, more and more of God's light will enter the world."

A beautiful sentiment, is is not? Even those before the time of Jesus saw the remarkable significance of light coming out of the darkness. How simple, how beautiful and true ... regardless of what your personal religious beliefs might be.

Light out of Darkness ...

(photo by me 12/5/09)

As I sat in the candle lit church tonight, I was also reminded that some of the most beautiful poetry resides in the Bible and in songs inspired by the Bible. We had an amazing musical group from six surrounding churches performing tonight. It was truly wonderful and inspiring!  Thought for a moment, I might just find it in me to sing a long ...

Anyway, one of the songs was Psalm 121 put to music and sung: 

Psalm 121 (New International Version)

Psalm 121

A song of ascents.

1 I lift up my eyes to the hills—
where does my help come from?

2 My help comes from the LORD,
the Maker of heaven and earth.

3 He will not let your foot slip—
he who watches over you will not slumber;

4 indeed, he who watches over Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep.

5 The LORD watches over you—
the LORD is your shade at your right hand;

6 the sun will not harm you by day,
nor the moon by night.

7 The LORD will keep you from all harm—
he will watch over your life;

8 the LORD will watch over your coming and going
both now and forevermore.



And I truly believe this ... this alone is what holds me up and gets me through the hard times ... the dark times ... times of doubt and times of loneliness.

The service was truly beautiful and very moving.  The music was just incredible.  We are blessed to have such talented musicians working ... volunteering ... sharing their gifts and talents ... at our church.  At one point, the pastors invited all to visit various candle lighting stations around the chruch to light a candle for intentions that they might have ... one staiton was for Grief ... another was for Forgiveness ... another for Courage ...

I had to get up and leave the church during the speech leading up to this invitation.  I have just been so overwhelmed with emotions lately ... I couldn't sit there and listen to the pastor's invitation and explanation of each station without bursting into tears.  When I returned to the church again, the girls had talked it over with Dad (Ken) and decided that they each wanted to light a candle for 'Courage' ... that sounded good to me : ). So we all went up together and lit candles for Courage.  I couldn't find it within me that night to light a candle for Forgiveness ... but I had already been thinking a lot about Forgiveness, and I began to wonder that night, if maybe it was time for me to finally truly embrace Forgiveness in my own life.

Maybe my lighting a candle for Courage ... will give me the courage to finally find Forgiveness within me ...

So, it was a good evening ... good for me ... and everyone went without too much of a struggle, which always makes it nice. I hate having to fight just get everyone out the door for church ... makes me not even want to try sometimes. But we did it, and I'm smiling once again : ).

Was thinking that maybe I can get my therapist to go to voice lessons with me and between the two of them -- therapist and vocal instructor -- they can figure out what's wrong with me and help me to fix it? I would love to be able to sing again ... even if it was lousy singing ... What do you think?

So this is me smiling and sending of God's peace and light your way. God Bless! Sweet dreams ... -M

I'd like to leave you with a song written and performed by one of the talented musicians that heads up our music program at our church.  Can't give his name, but this song is copyrighted ...

Waiting for the Sun to Shine:  By, Sean

                                                                 (link disconnected)


12/22/09   Only 2 days left until Christmas ... or so 'they' say ... Christmas means more to me when I enjoy the whole season leading up to 25th ... if not, I find the 25th to be a bit of a let down.   Last night's service was a reminder to keep the focus on the reason for the season. 

This year's Christmas has been hard for me, because it will be my FIRST EVER Christmas 'away from home'.  No, we're not flying back to Texas this year.  Too costly ... not to mention nerve wracking (!) ... to travel during the holidays with kids (i.e., shipping gifts there and figuring out how to get everything home again).  Might be easier as they (kids) get older?  Instead, we'll go home over summer break and take in Schlitterbahn and Sea World as well.

Brought the kids into the dentist today, and I am so very happy (and proud?) to report that all three of my girls are still 100% cavity free.  Not bad?  Guess all of my healthy food and nagging to brush and floss have an impact after all?  Lauren reasons:  NOT to the latter (she has an insatiable sweet tooth) ... she claims that it's just genetics ... good genes.  I claim that her sweet tooth is genetics too ... and I blame Dad for that one!  : )

I finished up the Christmas cards yesterday ... and got them into the mail yesterday too.  Think they'll arrive by Christmas?  I strongly dislike the mass-produced cards -- for me anyway ... to send out that is -- I pick a card that has special meaning to me, and then I handwrite a special note to each person and hand address the envelope.  It's a lot of work, but if I can't do it that way: I'd rather not do it all.  Sent out over 50 cards this year.  I wonder how we know so many people sometimes (think I just have too many relations)?!  I keep every Christmas card I've ever received too.  I have shoebox for each year.  Silly, I know ... I may have to reconsider my sentimentality with all of this moving we seem to be doing of late ...

Well, I promised the girls that we would make home made Christmas cookies this evening:  Sugar Cookies and Gingerbread Molassas Cookies ... messy ... but always yummy and so much fun!  So, I'm off to roll up my sleeves and get myself, three daughters and the kitchen dirty : )  Joyful day to you!    -M


12/24/2009  This Christmas, 2009, I offer to myself and to those who have hurt me ... knowingly or unknowingly ... physically, mentally, or emotionally the gift of Forgiveness ...

I think that, at long last, I can finally say it now and truly, truly mean it:  I forgive you .... completely and unconditionally ... and I forgive myself ... for trusting those who I should not have ... for feeling unworthy and hence not crossing bridges that I, perhaps, should have ... for shutting myself off from others and keeping things from them that might have allowed others to help me sooner ... for being afraid to trust again ... for being afraid to truly open up to others ... even Ken ... and let them see me for who I truly am ...

An Angel Plays A Song Proclaiming God's Gift of Peace to ALL the world ...

'An Angel', By Sir Edward Burne-Jones

(Image courtesy of ArtMagick.com)

Song: Hark the Herald Angels Sing, Performed By Straight No Chasers

Just maybe, these simple words will offer us all true peace ... Christ's Peace ... in the New Year ...



Other songs I find comfort and peace in at the end of my alias playlist ... www.playlist.com/ZombieCheerleader ... starting at song#34.


God Bless! And a truly wonderful Christmas to you and yours ... may Christ's Peace overwhelm your hearts and fill your celebrations with joy and the stuff that dreams are made of  : ) ... May abundant Peace, Light and Blessings be yours in 2010.


P.S.  Lauren got her stitches out this morning.  They say it's healing nicely.  Still need butterfly stitches (tape and glue), but they say she is doing well and within the next two weeks she should have near full mobility back.  So PRAISE GOD!  That is my best Christmas present this year.  : )

[FYI : the laptop on which I am writing my novel does NOT EVER connect to the internet ... I always have my laptop with me though ... like when I sit out on my balcony ... and I often write my thoughts ... like posts for my blog ... my secret gardens ... on my laptop ... hence, the delay in transferring things I write ... and subsequent changes and updates from my laptop to here ...]




12/25/2009  For Paul ... 3:30 a.m. Christmas Day ... aftermath ... actually, techinically it is 12/26 now.


I see on my pen pal's blog a very sad post this day. His father is still in the hospital ... in the cancer ward.  I had hoped and prayed that he would be home by Christmas, but I see now that that did not happen.  His mother is staying alone at Paul's apartment, while he is 100 miles away at his parent's house with his sister (away from her fiance, who is still in Phoenix) and his two daughter's who are away from their mother.  Paul writes ...

"There is little semblance of christmas at my apartment where my mom is staying. The university hospital offers even less. My parent's house is an empty shell without them here. We are all torn away from those we love this christmas day. " 

My eyes fill with tears and I begin to cry ... I want to reach out to Paul and offer him some comfort ... something ... anything ... but I know that I must keep my distance -- as I promised Ken -- and I can only send healing thoughts and prayers his way.  Besides, I know that no words will ever be the right words ... the words that he most needs to hear ... so I just hope that somehow, God will get him through this time ... I don't know how, but I have faith that He (God) will.  I also pray for Paul's faith ... which I know in my heart that he truly has ... to reawaken on a deeper level ...

God ... Jesus ... the Creator IS there with you Paul ... even if your faith has been shaken ... only you can say for sure ... I know that deep within your heart you still believe.   Like the poem 'Footprints' says ... “The years when you have seen only one set of footprints, my child, is when I carried you.”

I think that right now, you Paul ... even your family, are being carried ...

(Here's the poem in its entirety ... just in case you haven't ever seen it ...)

Footprints in the Sand

One night I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord. Many scenes from my life flashed across the sky.

In each scene I noticed footprints in the sand. Sometimes there were two sets of footprints, other times there was one only.

This bothered me because I noticed that during the low periods of my life, when I was suffering from anguish, sorrow or defeat, I could see only one set of footprints, so I said to the Lord,

“You promised me Lord, that if I followed you, you would walk with me always. But I have noticed that during the most trying periods of my life there has only been one set of footprints in the sand. Why, when I needed you most, have you not been there for me?”

The Lord replied, “The years when you have seen only one set of footprints, my child, is when I carried you.”

~Mary Stevenson, 1936


Hang in there Paul!  Know that my SINCEREST thoughts and prayers are STILL with you ... God Bless and may Christ's Peace find its way into your heart, your life and the lives of those present in your life. 




12/26/2009   I was thinking some more on the topic of 'Forgiveness' late last night ... after all of the boxes, wrapping paper, and annoying wire twist ties were cleaned up ... and everyone ... including Ken ... was content, fed and quietly tucked into bed. 

I sat by the fire, gazing into the brilliant blue and orange flames, as they danced wildly about and I wondered ... when Jesus says to the disciples, in the Bible, “whose sins you hold bound are bound; whose sins you forgive are forgiven.” … is the scope of this statement meant to encompass more than just the disciples present with Jesus when He spoke those words?

'Heart of the Rose', By Sir Edward Burne-Jones

(Image courtesy of ArtMagick.com)

Perhaps, forgiveness is meant for ALL of  us to administer … whose sins we (each of us) hold bound are held bound and whose sins we find it within us to forgive are forgiven? We, who have been wronged, hold the keys to forgiveness?

And perhaps, in finding it within ourselves to forgive … maybe we, ourselves, receive the gifts of healing and peace … because, we can at last let go of the hurt … the pain … and all of the energy that is required to hold onto to these negative feelings and memories?

Any thoughts?



12/27/09  I have a confession to make ... I did sent a message to my email pen pal, Paul.  Only a link to the passage that I wrote about him on Christmas Day ... nothing more.  Probably should not have done that, but I felt the need to let him know that I still care and I am still storming Heaven for him ... his father ... his needs ... hopes and dreams ... whatever they may be.

He won't reply ... because he doesn't want to get me into trouble ... but hopefully, just knowing that someone out here feels his pain and is still pulling for him will help in some small way?

I think that's why I wrote "whose sends you forgive are forgiven" in an art album post ... "sends" vs. "sins"?  The subconscious will out, no?  Sometimes, I wonder:  is my subconscious saner than my conscious self?











12/28/09   Happy Anniversary to Ken and me ...

'Sunshine', By Evelyn Pickering DeMorgen

(Image courtesy of ArtMagick.com)

And I feel the sun slowly beginning to shine again ...


12/29/09   Listening to soundtrack for the movie 'Kingdom of Heaven' ... one of my Christmas gifts.  It is mezmerising ... I love it!  Almost makes me feel as if I can close my eyes and be transported directly to the Middle East.  Would that a visit there were that simple ... I'll get there someday ... I have no doubt.

I'll try to post a favorite song(s) when I have more time ... right now, I'm sorting through the girls clothes to make a donation to a local women's shelter.  Not my favorite thing to do, but it is for a worthy cause, no?  Will also help to make room for new clothes that do fit.  So I should see fewer clean clothes on the kids floors?  Yah, right?!  : )  One can only hope ...

Last night, Ken and I were able to get a sitter at the last minute ... in order to go out for our anniversary.  We went out, in blue jeans, for Indian food (my absolute favorite!) and then to a movie ... the new 'Sherlock Holmes' movie.  It was pretty good ... not excellent, but entertaining ... I much prefered this version of Shelock Holmes to the uptight, fastidious, portrayals in older movies and the like ... I found the disheveled ... chaos of Downy's portrayal to be much more in line with what I have witnessed ... and would imagine of that sort of genius ... savante.  Jude Law surprised me too ... in being able to pull off the role of Watson.  Haven't seen the new movie 'Avatar' yet, but Ken was nice enough to let me choose.  :  )  Guess, we'll see that next.  Anyway, if you're looking to see an entertaining movie that makes you think a little:  I'd recommend the new 'Sherlock Holmes' movie.  I'd give it a 7 out of 10 (10 being the highest marks).

I almost forgot ... the owner of the Indian restaurant brought out a plate of cherry topped icecream triangles, drizzled in chocolate sauce, as his gift to us.  He had written "Happy Anniversary" drizzled in chocolate sauce around the rim of the plate ... I can't even begin to think  how one would find the patience to do that?!  I was so incredibly full at that point, but I managed to put down a few bites in order to show my sincere appreciation of his gift and gesture ... so generous and sweet.   Moments like these renew your faith in your fellow man, no?  : )  Oh ... and Ken managed to clean the rest of plate off ... thank goodness for his bottomless pit of a stomach.  ; )-

One nice thing about having an anniversary just before New Year's is that you don't feel compelled to go out on New Year's.  I much prefer staying home on New Year's Eve, by a warm fire, with a bottle of champagne and the one I love ...


12/30/09   I was never yours to own ... nor you mine to possess ... we are only borrowers of each other for our short time here ... a blink of an eye in the sea of enternity ... what then is immortal?

'Immortality', By Henri Fantin-Latour

(image courtesy of ArtMagick.com)

Some of my favorites ... thus far ... from my 'Kingdom of Heaven' soundtrack. Enjoy ...

Song: 02 Kingdom of Heaven, film score~The Crusader

Song: 04 Kingdom of Heaven, film score~A New World

Song: 05 Kingdom of Heaven, film score~To Jerusalem

Song: 06 Kingdom of Heaven, film score~Sibylla

Song: 07 Kingdom of Heaven, film score~Ibelin

Song: 09 Kingdom of Heaven, film score~The King

Song: 10 Kingdom of Heaven, film score~The Battle of Kerak

16 Kingdom of Heaven, film score~The Pilgrim Road

Song: 18 Kingdom of Heaven, film score~Path to Heaven

Song: 19 Kingdom of Heaven, film score~Light of Life (Ibelin Reprise)

Still praying for you Paul and your father ... your family. I have a very strong feeling that some truly good news is just around the corner. Let's hope I'm right ...

Also praying for another friend ... not sure who ... may not be the friend but rather someone that they love and care for ... they are need of prayers for depression ... so I don't know who you are, but I am praying for you. : )


12/31/09  A work in progress ...

"Faith, Hope, and Love ... but the greatest of these gifts is Love ..." 1 Corinthians 13:13

(this needs a lot of work!  ... just some ideas pulled from an over tired mind ... late ... late at night ... right on through to early morning...)


@Copyrighted Poem, December 2009.  All Rights Reserved:  Michelle C. of whatplanetareyoulivingon.blogspot.


**Update 2011**

@Copyrighted Poem: December 2009. All Rights Reserved: Isabelle Black Smith.

"I was never yours to own ... nor you mine to possess. We are only borrowers of each other for our short time here: A blink of an eye in the sea of eternity. What then is immortal? ... All my love, now and forever." ~Isabelle



"What then is Immortal?"



I am nameless ...
I am faceless ...
Faith and Hope are my kin ...


Hope is but a dreamer and while Faith may move mountains: I move men. Tis true, I have moved many a man to brave and noble deeds. Yes, some to even truly amazing feats! And yet, sadly I lament, others I have unwittingly moved to their defeat; For Passion, masquerading as me, has brought many once great men swiftly and humbly to their knees. Passion, however, is merely a jealous sibling rival to me ... a desperate imitator, want-to-be of the true me.


It is said by wise, divinely inspired men, that I am ‘patient, gentle and kind’ ... that I ‘bear all things’. Noble and honest sentiments indeed we'd be agreed; Had I a face, you might just find me crimson of shade, but I digress ... For not all happen to agree with this naming noble disposition you see. These skeptics often lash out at me in wild lament, claiming that I am but the bearer of unbridled torment. Their justification? That I am a cruel and unrelenting master when I refuse to meet a match; For though I am freely given: I am not always well received. Therein, perhaps, lies the folly of man ...


In my defense, I claim to be no master of any sort. I am simply here to inspire and nothing more. I am a potential within all beings ... some more so than others … but the will, the desire to act is not within the scope of my power. Nor is control of the quickly waning hour; For so often, I am all a matter of timing. Hence, much is left to chance ... unlikely, serendipitous circumstance.


Now I make my final stance before our parting glance … for surely, you have my name? ... Despite the arguments leveled against me above: I am what I am and what I am is … (xxxx) … A whisper of hope carried upon the mystic winds for all mankind. And all in all, I’d have to say that the world is a better place because of, rather than in spite of me. Do you, perchance, agree? I wonder: does the latter not, to some small degree, make me immortal?


A moment before you answer and pray do ponder this: can you even begin to imagine a world without me?



@Copyrighted Poem: December 2009. All Rights Reserved: Isabelle Black Smith.


Updated Painting: "Immortality", By Henri Fantin-Latour.






I could not sleep last night ... not at all.  I watched the sun set and then rise.  I did rest briefly for an hour two this morning, after sun rise.  Then, I found out this afternoon that one of my Great Aunts, Aunt Phyllis  (Phe Phe) had passed away in her sleep last night ... actually at 4:30 a.m. central standard time.  I wonder if that was part of the reason that I was unable to sleep last night?

I don't feel sadness at her passing ... but, I will miss her presence in my life ... I am happy that she has gone on to what comes next ... a better place ... home to her Creator.  She, Phyllis, has led an incredibly full life.  Phyllis would have turned 99 this upcoming April 12, 2010.  She still drove ... if you could call it that ... pointed and accelerated was more like  : ).  She lived alone in her own townhome.  She attended mass nearly everyday and played bridge at least 5 times a week.  She was independent and the thats how she wanted to stay.  Phyllis left this world the way that she had always wanted.   I am happy for that.   Living in a retirement home would have been a slow and painful death for her.

Phyllis had spunk and a zest for life that was truly, truly contagious.  She always spoke her mind and was up front with people ... you had to respect her for that.  There was no task that beyond her; she could accoomplish anything that she set her mind to and no one could persuade her otherwise.  Phyllis was very loving and giving ... and a bit eccentric ... if you happened to admire a vase or glass in her home ... she'd package it up and send it home with you.   : )

We will all sorely miss Aunt Phyllis; she truly was one who let her inner light shine and she will be greatly missed, but somehow I believe that her brilliant light will continue to shine and that she is perhaps closer than we may think.

You ARE an inspiration Aunt Phyllis!  Put in a good word for the rest of us in your conversations with God ... I'm sure you have an earful to convey to Him.  All my love and fondest wishes... admiration ...

Michelle

1/1/2010  I just had to 'write' that somewhere today : )  So it is officially a new year ... a new decade ... I wonder what this one has in store for me ... for our country ... the world?  Hopefully a better economy and stronger, more decisively useful leadership from Washington.  I feel some letters to my congressmen coming on ...

Well, my visions of a romantic evening by a warm fire, with champagne, quickly faded and were whisped away by reality ... but that's alright ... the kids are older now and they want to celebrate too.  I had a box of old hats, noise makers, etc. ... so we pulled that out toasted the new year with sparkling cider.  An hour later the kids were in bed ... but so was Ken.  So I sat outside on our balcony and howled at the moon : )-  Okay, so there was no actual howling ... just shutter clicks from my camera as I experimented with different settings to take snaps of the 'Blue Moon'.  It was dang cold too!  But well worth the effort ... I guess ... something to do anyway.

Then I came inside and sat by the fire, with a cup of tea to warm up ... and cried ... I am content to 'just be' as I said ... 'Forgiveness' has helped a lot with that ... I know that I am where I need to be and I do have moments of happiness ... I am just LONELY ... I love Ken and he loves me in his own way.  He doesn't want me to leave ... I don't want to leave either ... I just want more ...  is that wrong to want??? ... maybe that will come in time?  There is just still a ... a disconnect between us ... sometimes the gap feels small ... just inches ... other times it's miles.  Last night it felt like miles ... and today it is football ... football again ...

I think, I'll get out of the house for awhile ... wonder if any stores are open today?  I have a gift card to shop for a new 'perfect little black dress' ... nothing I have fits anymore ... it's all too BIG.  I kept hoping I'd put some weight back on, but I guess I eat too healthy for that?  I'm still under 110 and a size 4 hangs on me like potato sack.  Ken wants me to have a black dress that fits properly ... hence the card.  I guess a 'perfect little black dress' can be my small nod to comformity, no?

If the person who created the 'Thoughtful Bemused' art album is reading this ... you could make my day ... [week and month ... maybe even year?] by putting together an album about yourself for me.  That would bring a smile to my face ... wishful thinking, I know ... I have a problem with that, don't I? ... being hopeful, when perhaps I shouldn't?

Anyway, HAPPY NEW YEAR 2010 to you!  May it bring you only good things, much happiness and even moments of sheer JOY.  God Bless! 

M

P.M.  Decided not to go out to look for a dress ... didn't feel in the frame of mind to make decisions about what fit the criteria of 'perfect' as pertaining to a black dress.  So instead,  I did some reading on photography and 'circles of confusion' ... apropos, no?  Ken did buy me a new lens for Christmas ... a 50-200mm lens, so that has new implications for me w.r.t. depth of field.  I love photography, but I am an amatuer to be certain ... still it's fun to explore and try new things.  My digital SLR camera has so many menus and buttons ... settings ... it can be confusing and overwhelming at times, but I will prevail and have fun in the process ... even if it klls me  : ) (e.g., freezing my axx off last night, out in the cold at 1:30 a.m.).   You know my motto:  'No pain, no gain' ... funny how that notion seems to pertain to so many aspects of my life ...

The girls have been in Wii heaven since Christmas ... they hit the mother load of games and have been particularly entertained by Mario Soccer, Super Smash Brothers (a bit violent for my tastes), and Sports Resort.  They also have done some Wii Fit, which I like.  Most of the other games make my stomach turn, with all of the motion.  Lauren has also been playing Ken's game:  Call of Duty, World at War.  It's rather violent, but Lauren is bright kid and she sees beyond the violence or I wouldn't let her play it.  She's actually a good shot, with great reflexes.  So the kids are Wii-ing, while Ken is watching his Gators play in the Rose Bowl ... thankfully they are winning thus far ... and thankfully, football season will be over soon.

Guess it's time for me to pull a miracle (something that pleases everyone?) out of my hat for dinner ...

Peace ...

M

P.S. I guess that you CAN force post dates ... so I started a new secret garden in a post dated for 1/1/2006.  Tres Cool ... cause I'm running out room here, as well as older posts to append to.  I like the older posts because the search engine doesn't go there and my thoughts can remain relatively private ... still I am able to vent and stay 'sane' ... or my version of it at least, no?

Happy New Year!

Happy 2007! Hope the new year is treating you well thus far and that everyone had a blessed holiday with friends, family and loved ones.

Keep it real in 2007 and remember to be humble. That is my "New Year's Resolution" for 2007. To stop running around like a crazy person trying to check things off of endless lists. To slow down enjoy the moment and just listen.

This outlook has truly given me a sense of inner peace and hope. And I feel that I am on the right track. I read this in our church Christmas bulletin after Christmas Eve mass:

It is an excerpt from a letter from the priest in our sister parish in Honduras . . .

“ The simplicity of the Christmas scene dominated the event. Poverty triumphed preaching the lesson of humility: the etched out cave, the lack of furnishings, the poor couple which could not find rest in the Inn and the curious shepherds who lived in the fields on the outskirts of town. The poor alone are free to approach the poor Christ. They alone entered into the humble dwelling of the Holy Family, without being ashamed of the poverty which surrounded them. They alone on that day were capable of tears and joy, of privations and sweetness, for them alone the angels made haste, to them alone was peace announced.”

Yes, the universe is constantly reminding me in one form, or another, to be humble! And in my "old" (age is relative) age: I’m finally getting it. Some days I still have to be hit over the head a couple of times – just to be reminded -- but I get it now ... wish I had gotten it in my 20's, but better late than never. Of course, it would be easier if everyone got it, but I suppose that’s Heaven -- and it will come soon enough.

Have a humble day. God Bless and inspire you!

We Were Put Here on Earth to Be Humble

As the New Year approaches and the bustle of the holidays ensues try to slow down and be filled with joy and renew your sense of hope. This is the season of HOPE. A magical time of year when all things are possible.

Don't have regrets about things in the past year -- or years. Regret is mistakes or misfortunes of the past having control over you in the here and now. Only you have the power to release them. Tell yourself "Today is a new day!" And if you believe it: then it truly is.

Forgive those who may have wronged you and move on. Stop wasting valuable energy and joy by holding onto the negative.

I truly believe that we were put here on this earth to be humble. When we are humble what is best in us is able to connect to the divine, GOD ... our Creator, and through HIM do truly amazing things. So slow down, connect, be humble, and let the joy of this magical season touch and inspire you.

God Bless and have a great day!

I Saw the Movie & More Holiday Traditions

Okay. I saw the movie "The DaVinci Code" this weekend. It was okay, but I think that the book is better. Somehow Tom Hanks is not quite how I pictured Langdon. But it was mildly entertaining and an excuse to sit down and relax for awhile.

It's still pretty popular I guess because it took us 2 rainchecks and 3 trips to the video store before a copy was available to rent -- and they had about 30 or so available for rent.

Oh well, check that one off my list!

Hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving! We had a surprise arrive here on Thanksgiving evening. My sister finally had her baby. A healthy, bouncing, baby boy. What a day to make your entrance into the world: on a day of reflection and thanksgiving. Awesome! Welcome to the world little one.

Well we got our tree up, lights on and decorated. Our stairway banister and fireplace are done too. All this by Dec. 1st! Most amazing! We had our outside lights and decorations up the weekend after Thanksgiving. This is a first all the way around for us! We are usually scrambling the week or two before Christmas. I guess that our kids are getting older and life is getting smoother and a bit easier. Praise God!

I've really enjoyed hearing everyone's inputs on "Holiday Traditions." There have been some really clever and neat ideas. Thanks so much for sharing!

This past weekend I received an email from my godmother telling me about her wonderful family traditions. They have a big family dinner, a weekend or two before Christmas, and everyone brings a dish. Then the kids put on a short play or skit. Sounds like so much fun! I remember doing that as a kid myself.

Her story inspired my oldest daughter and I to write a play for our extended family of kids to put on for the parents and grandparents. The kids are so excited! Thanks for the idea Nancy. Now that the kids are all a bit older I think that it will be a blast.

Our play is a bit of a comedy or sorts, but serious too. It will be titled "A Christmas Story: 2 Dudes and a Wise Woman." We've written the first draft and it looks like it will be fun and funny! Can't wait! Let me know if you would like a copy of the script to do with your family or if you want a DVD of the final "production." Just leave me your name and email or send me an email.

Happy Holidays everyone!

Happy Thanksgiving

Here's wishing you and yours a wonderful Thanksgiving!

I truly hope that yours is a blessed celebration of friends, family, loved ones and all that you have to be thankful for. Lots of good food too!


I am thankful for ...

My wonderful husband.

My 3 beautiful, healthy and energetic daughters.

My loving and supportive family.

Friends across the many miles.

The good health of all of my family and friends.

Friends and family who keep in touch and share their news and photos to stay connected in this fast paced -- and sometimes crazy! : ) -- world.


God Bless and Happy Thanksgiving! And in our family the first one to get their tree up wins -- usually my sister-in-law Jenny.

P.S. "Holiday Traditions" is 2 entries down.

The Truth About Claims Made in Bestselling Novel “The Da Vinci Code”

Remember this book? Everyone was talking about it when the novel hit the stands in 2003. It has since become so popular that it has made it to the coveted movie status.

Have you read it? The movie is due to be released on DVD today, November, 14, 2006. And the talk about the startling claims made in the book is once again raging.

I have read this book. I started out to read it just so that I could see firsthand what all of the hype was about, but I have to admit that the book was an interesting work of fiction – even a page turner at times. Having said that, however: I firmly believe that “The Da Vinci Code” is in fact nothing more than a well-written work of fiction.

One of the things that has so many people up in arms, and mislead, is Dan Brown’s “Fact “page. This “Fact” page follows immediately after his title page.

But therein lies a simple solution to all of the angst about this novel: Brown’s “Fact” page follows his “Title” page. And so, it follows that this “Fact” page is merely a part of the overall work of fiction and nothing more.

Don’t buy that? Well you’re not alone: there have been stacks of books written to discuss the claims made in the novel “The Da Vinci Code”. There have also been several television documentaries made. Wow! If you ask me, Dan Brown is not only a brilliant writer, but an excellent marketing strategist as well.

Well here’s what I have found in listening to discussions about the “claims” made in this novel:

The first “fact” listed on Dan Brown’s “Fact” page states “The Priory of Sion – a European secret society founded in1099 – is a real organization. In 1975 Paris's Bibliotheque Nationale discovered parchments known as Les Dossiers Secrets, identifying numerous members of the Priory of Sion, including Sir Isaac Newton, Botticelli, Victor Hugo, and Leonardo da Vinci.”

A pretty impressive list of members no? Well the truth is that this document does exist, and it was in fact found in the noted library in Paris, in 1975. But the truth ends there. Examination of the document has since revealed that the document known as the “Les Dossiers Secrets” was a document that was created in the 20th century and most believe that it was created by the very man who “discovered it,” Plantar Chanteau . As luck would have it, Plantar Chateau happens to be listed as a member of this same “secret society.”

It is believed that in the late 1960’s, Plantar Chanteau had visited the hotel that was erected on the land adjacent to the site of France’s Rennes le Chateau -- in Brown’s novel, the Rosslyn Chapel -- where the proof of a the “Holy Grail” is supposed to reside. It was here that Chanteau learned of the story of the “Holy Grail” – a story which many believe was a marketing ploy on the part of the hotel owner who acquired the land on which the chapel sits to generate interest and tourism. Chanteau, a megalomaniac, experts theorize then began to write himself into the story.

There has been no subsequent evidence to support the existence of the secret society of the “Priory of Sion”. And as such, experts do not believe that it existed at the time of Christ; hence the “Priory of Sion” was not created to protect the secret of a Christ and Magdalene bloodline. Further, since the society did not exist they do not believe that Leonardo Da Vinci, nor any of the other esteemed members listed in “The Dossiers Secrets,” was/were members of the “Priory of Sion.”

If the renowned artist Leonardo Da Vinci was not a member of this secret society -- which did not exist until its creation in the 20th century -- then his works of art do not hold secret clues to the existence of a Christ and Magdalene bloodline. And Brown’s third “fact” would also seem to be invalid. It would appear that any “descriptions of artwork, architecture, and documents, and secret rituals in this novel are …” at best convenient coincidence.

Religious experts claim that the individual seated to the left of Christ in the famous Da Vinci painting, “The Last Super” is the young apostle John. Artistic experts agree that the feminine portrayal would be consistent with the Renaissance style at that time for a young male.

The only possible truth on Brown’s “fact” page is the existence of a religious society known as Opus Dei which is not “officially” recognized by the Catholic church. Oh, and there are no monks in Opus Dei unlike Brown's character, Silas, in the novel.

As for other claims made in Brown’s novel:

With respect to art: Brown’s supposed “sacred feminine” symbol of “V” -- that the novel claims is hidden in many of Da Vinci’s paintings -- has been refuted, by expert and lay artists alike, as merely a new, but common, technique used at the time for showing movement via the use of diagonals.

As for the claim’s of cover-up by the Catholic church about a Christ and Magdalene relationship. Proponents get the fuel for their fire from two sources:

The first is the fact the church tried to downplay the role of Mary Magdalene in the Christ movement by perpetuating a case of mistaken identity which has Mary Magdalene confused with a nameless prostitute in the Gospel of Luke. This case of mistaken identity comes from the fact that the passage in which Luke introduces Mary Magdalene is followed by a passage about a nameless prostitute from whom Jesus exorcised demons. The mistaken identity of Mary Magdalene as a prostitute was solidified by a homily (speech during a mass after the Gospel reading) given by Pope Clement XIV (1769-1774). This mistake was not corrected by the church until the early 1900’s.

Proponents argue that the church was trying to supress a movement within the church that followed Mary Magdalene and further allude to a romantic relationship, possible marriage and offspring between Magdalene and Christ.

To date there has been no historical evidence found to show evidence of a marriage or of any offspring. You would think that a thing as big a wedding to Jesus would have been known and told to many.

It is more likely that the male-dominated hierarchy of the church was threatened by the power of a woman to influence others in matters of religion and so perpetuated the mistaken identity of Mary Magdalene so as to discredit her and thus remove her as a real threat to the church.

Proponents of the Christ and Magdalene bloodline theory claim that Mary Magdalene fled to France after the death of Jesus, carrying with her The “Holy Grail”. They claim that The “Holy Grail” was the offspring of Christ, in the womb of Mary Magdalene. But there is no mention of The "Holy Grail" anywhere in the Bible and to this date there has been no substantial historical evidence of a “Holy Grail” uncovered.

The second source of ammunition used by the Proponents is a second set of gospels found in Egypt in (?date TBD). These Gnostic [see also http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/06592a.htm] gospels have been historically verified to have been written at a date substantially later than that of the original Gospels. For this, among other reasons, the Catholic church has rejected these gospels.

In a passage in one of these Gnostic gospels, Jesus’ disciples are troubled by his dealings with Mary Magdalene and in one line of text there is a reference to a “kiss on the _________” by Jesus. The page is torn here and that one key word is missing. Historians think that it may have been the hand or foot which at that time would have symbolized deference to a woman.

Proponents say that the above line of text is evidence of a romantic relationship between Jesus and Mary Magdalene. Historical experts say that the evidence is at best inconclusive. Even the authors of the book, “Holy Blood, Holy Grail,” upon which much of Dan Brown’s novel appears to be based, say that their book presents merely the possibility of the existence of a Christ and Magdelene relationship. They further state that this theory is merely a theory and far from proven fact.

So there you have it in a “nut shell” – a big one : ). Hopefully this will help other Christians to speak clearly and thoughtfully about the fact vs. fiction in Dan Brown’s novel, “The Da Vinci Code.”

If you haven’t read it: read it. It is a well-written, intense work of FICTION. Just keep that in mind as you read. Who knows: I just may tackle “Holy Blood, Holy Grail” next. What else have I got to do?

Oh, I know: I still haven’t seen the movie …

Holiday Traditions

Okay, enough politics! Time to start thinking about the Holidays. Are we ready for this?

This year, I actually feel that I am ready for a change. Maybe it is my newly painted house -- inside, furniture, and out?

All this thinking about the Holidays has gotten me to thinking: What things are our family holiday traditions? What things would we like to do to add to these traditions? So I am emailing & writing to others to see what their holiday traditions are. Here is one from my cousin in Louisiana:

"We don't do dat [put up Christmas tree] 'till da first week of December!!!!!! We usually try to get a real tree from this Christmas Tree farm just outside of the city limits. The thing is though that most of XXXXX tags their trees right after Halloween, then lets them grow for another month, then goes cut it down closer to advent.

Well, this family seems to never getting around to going tag ours! So every year we get stuck with a "Charlie Brown" tree. Every year I describe to Barrett and the boys what I want. (tradition is that the XXXXX men go get the tree, the woman decorates) They get off knowing exactly what to bring back. Sure enough, Barrett says that they always see just what I wanted but it was tagged!!! So, he tries to pass off what he buys as the most beautiful tree that they had left, with the boys ohhing and ahhing too. It is actually pretty hilarious!!!!"


One thing that our girls do is to write a note to Jesus about something that they will do during the holiday season to help others. It may be to pray for someone in need, or donate toys to a charity, or send an email or letter to someone who is lonely. Then they place their note in a wrapped box under the Christmas tree and open it on Christmas day for Jesus.

We also almost always go out to look at neighboring Christmas tree lights and displays, while sipping peppermint hot chocolate, and singing Christmas Carols. We try to do this at least one time and on Christmas Eve, after mass, if possible.

What are your holiday traditions? Email me, or post a comment.


Well here is what some of you had to say -- Thanks for sharing! :

1) We order Chinese takeout on Christmas Eve as my brother-in-law is Jewish -- kind of reminds me of the movie "A Christmas Story." : )

2) We look at the light and yard displays in a big neighborhood that goes all out. You can walk or they even have horse and carriage rides available. Fun!

3) We light a candle near our Nativity with Baby Jesus and sing Happy Birthday to Jesus on Christmas Day.

4) We light an Advent wreath with candles each night, in the weeks preceding Christmas, and say a special prayer to remind us the true meaning of Christmas. On Christmas Day we light all of the candles and sign Happy Birthday to Jesus.

5) We make lots of Christmas cookies, with tons of icing, sprinkles, and red hots. The ratio is usually about 1 part cookie to 2 parts icing and sprinkles. We're cleaning up sprinkles off the kitchen floor for days! : )

6) We try to visit a nursing home and sing carols/give gifts to the residents -- so many of whom are very lonely at this busy time of year.

7) My mom used to make PJs (pajamas) for all of us kids, and for her and dad if time permitted. Many years they were matching sets. Now she does the grandkids.

8) We try to do a "Christmas Angel" or something like that to give gifts to others who are less fortunate.

9) We try to add a new piece to our Fontanini nativity set each year. They have neat stories that come with each person, angel, or animal. They even have wells, palm trees, and other structures.

10) We try to buy at least one new ornament each year for our Christmas tree.

11) We try to have each person take a turn putting the Angel on top of the tree each year.

12) We try to take a family photo each year and send out a card.

13) My daughter Lauren: I make a Christmas countdown chain out of red and green strips of construction paper. I have a link for each day until Christmas. Then I number them and put the largest number at the bottom of the chain and work my way up to #1. I remove 1 link each night to keep track.

My mom loves this because then she doesn't have to answer the question each night: "How many days until Christmas?".

You can also make a poster to represent the actual day of Christmas. Then attach your countdown chain to the poster and/or just hang it up in a spot where you can reach it to remove the links. Happy counting!

14) Speaking of Lauren: I remember when Lauren was 3 1/2 and on Christmas Eve, when we were driving around looking at Christmas lights, she got the idea in her head that she wanted to look for Jesus's star. She wouldn't let us go home until she was absolutely sure that we had identified the correct star. We did manage to talk her out following the star to the Baby Jesus though, or that would have been a long night! : )

So why not look for Jesus's star while you are out with your family looking at Christmas lights?

15) We get together one weekend before Christmas with the whole extended family. Chief Mom/Grandma cooks the main meal and everyone brings a dish to complement the meal. Then after the dinner the kids put on a skit or play for the grown-ups. Lots of fun!

16) We try to go to see a Christmas play, concert, the Nutcracker or something as a family.

17) We go to our town's Holiday festival complete with noontime parade, bounce houses, train rides, gingerbread cookie decorating, live performances, face painting, craft fair and in the evening the town tree lighting by Santa Claus and kids can visit with Santa. Lots of good food too!

What's in a Politician?

The elections are over and our people have spoken. Republicans are out. Democrats are "in", taking control of both the House and the Senate. Or to put in Bush terminology: Republicans "took quite a thumping." Or to put it in terms of my five year-old: "The Democraps won." -- gotta love the innocence of our little ones! : )

I guess that Republicans had it coming. There has been a lot of infighting within the party which has perhaps contributed to the Republican controlled Congress accomplishing very little with its majority and control of both the House and Senate. So let's see if the Democrats can do better. Hopefully, they'll accomplish objectives to improve America, without damaging the recovering economy. Perhaps Democrats' efforts will be less hindered by perpetual debate over the status of the war in Iraq -- thanks to the "Iraq Study Group" and a change of leadership in the Department of Defense?

As for the infighting within the Republican party, it has been said that "there were too many Republicans in name only" and that this election has flushed them out. Now with its party in-line, perhaps the Republican party can focus on key objectives and issues without the hindrance of political infighting. Perhaps the Republican party has finally returned to its true conservative values.

So what key attributes do you look for in a politician? Maybe: 1) Honesty/trustworthiness, 2)experience, 3) endorsements, 4) party affiliation, 5) moral stand on key issues such as abortion and the death penalty? 6) other.

I am truly curious to know? Leave a comment for me: put the above in the order that is most important to you, with the first on the list being the most important and the last being the least important. Also, if you would like: list your party affiliation -- if any -- as well.

What issues do you hope will be addressed this Congressional term?

I would like to see seatbelts put into every public school bus -- and eventually a law requiring private schools to do the same.

Our state has thousands of children riding on public school buses everyday with absolutely no seatbelts. From what I have seen, most private schools use vans and these come equipped with seatbelts. As a parent, I wouldn't let my kid get on a bus without seatbelts and I'd let the school know exactly why. It's craziness to put our kids on school buses without seatbelts.  I can't be the only one who has taken the time to think this through?!  For the time being I drive my children to and from school each day, but many parents do not have this option.  And it's not always the easiest thing for me to do.

Legislators argue that it is just too costly to retro-equip buses with seatbelts. Well come on people: let's get our priorities straight! How about channeling some of the money for endless -- and often needless -- road construction projects and putting it into seatbelts for our children's school buses. And further, let's pass laws requiring new buses to come equipped with seatbelts straight from the factory.

I am surprised that organizations such as the American Academy of Pediatrics  is so blaise about requiring seatbelts for school buses, when this organization has in recent years lengthened the amount of time/expanded weight & height guidelines for children using car & booster seats (up to about 70 lb. now).  They have made these adjustments due to new data on crash statistics related to children, but still no one from the American Academy of Pediatrics broaches the subject of seatbelts on school buses? ... Follow the money???????

I wonder: what issues concern you?

Allow Anymous Posts: TBE ...

I have tried to set the "comments" portion of posts to my blog to "allow anonymous posts." This is so that you don't have to have a Blogspot account in order to comment. I haven't been very successful so far.

May have to do it for each post, on a case by case basis. So keep trying! I enjoy reading your email comments from friends and family.

When comments are enabled, to make a comment: 1) simply click on the word "comments" and a screen will pop up allowing you to type in a comment. 2) Select "anonymous" and type your comment in the text box. 3) When finished select "publish" to see your comment appear on the blog. 4) use the "<" back arrow key to return to the blog main page.

Note: you will of course have to select "comments" to view all comments, and it may take a few minutes for your comment to appear. You may also have to click the "refresh (dual arrows)" button on your browser as well -- depending on your browser refresh settings.


Upcoming: "What's in a Politician?" and "Why is the Mainstream Media Bias Liberal?"

Blog ya later! : )

P.S. If I do get "anonymous post" enabled, please keep in mind that my blog is semi-anonymous. I don't want the State I live in, my name etc., out there on the web. Just my preference. Thanks in advance for respecting my preference for anonymity!

President Bush Addresses the Nation: Nov. 8, 2006

The winds of change are upon us. In a lunchtime speech to the American people, President Bush congratulated the Democrats on their "well orchestrated victories." And so it should be.

President Bush reiterated that his "first responsibility, as Chief Executive, is to protect America and that that objective will not change as result of the election."

After emphasizing the need for both parties to work together to meet "real challenges" (the economy, education, and global issues such as American independence from foreign oil), the President warned "our enemies not to take the outcome of our American democratic process as a sign of a lack of will." He also emphasized that Iraq should not despair or fear that America will abandon them, and that our own American troops should not fear that America will no longer support them.

President Bush also announced a study group, the "Iraq Study Group", under the direction of "Baker and Hamilton", that will be analyzing possible solutions for addressing the war in Iraq. Then, Bush announced the resignation of Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld. He announced that Rumsfeld's replacement will be former CIA Director Robert Gates, who would be working very closely with the Iraq study group.

President Bush called Rumsfeld "a true patriot who has served ... with honor and distinction." Bush said that both he and Rumsfeld recognized the need for a fresh perspective on the war in Iraq at a "critical juncture."

When asked when the President knew that Secretary Rumsfeld would be stepping down and why he waited until after the election to make the announcement, President Bush said that he did not want to make this announcement "in the final stretch of the election" and send the "wrong message to American troops" that the Commander-in-chief will flip-flop on "complex military issues based on the political whims of the American people."

It appears as if Bush is ready is to embrace change in an approach to the war in Iraq. Further, with the Rumsfeld resignation he is putting that rhetoric into action and perhaps offering Democrats a symbolic "peace offering" of sorts.

Republican officials said they welcome the change in leadership in the House and look forward to seeing what Democrats will do to enact the changes they have been espousing. They also said that the current Democratic victory should help to give Republicans a better chance to win the White House in 2008, as the on-the-fence Republicans may be reluctant to give full control (House, possibly Senate, and White House) to the Democrats.

"If you want to have friends: never discuss religion and politics." What do you think?

Time for the Republicans to take off the Gloves!

So my husband says. Isn't it convenient for the media that they don't cover the fact the aftermath of investigating Iraq DID find that there was in fact weapons grade plutonium in Iraq and also viable components for manufacturing lethal nerve gas on a large scale.

The media was so quick to jump on President Bush for his blundering of the reasons for going to war with Iraq, yet when the WMD evidence did finally come to light -- due to relaxation of security issues surrounding the information -- the liberal media buried the stories. "WMDs found!" is not headline news -- that's reserved for Bush and company bashing. Instead the "found" story is relegated to a mere footnote, 3 to 4 stories down. How can anyone say that their is not blatant bias in our media?

What's even scarier is that most people don't see this bias, don't get it, or just don't care! It takes some effort to find out the truth: You have to read multiple news sources and listen to alternative news and talk radio. Even if you don't agree with the alternative opinion: don't you owe it to yourself to hear both sides of issues so that you can make informed decisions and opinions?

I challenge you to try to get both sides of the issue. Try it: this week pick up an alternative news source. I recommend the "Week" magazine. They report excerpts from several reputable publications in one convenient location. So you get different views on the issues in just one read. Try listening to one of the talk radio programs on AM radio ( News Talk 820 or KRLD 1080) while you are stuck in your car driving. Try watching FOX news once a week -- or just flip back and forth between your local news and FOX and see how the headline stories compare from night to night.


Looks like we're in for a wild roller coaster ride if we wind up with a Democratic House and a Republican Senate. I just pray for the safety of our country on multiple levels.

In the meantime, Republicans perhaps do need to take off the gloves and address the mud-slinging head on. Not doing so seems to have cost them quite a bit in this election. Republicans aren't perfect by any means. The American people have spoken ... let's just hope and pray for a more informed electorate in the next election. And if an informed people arrive at the same conclusions: so be it.

God Bless our Democratic Republic!

What's in a Christmas Card?

It's that time of year again, when we all start thinking about Christmas cards. I really look forward to this time of year, because it is the one time of year when I get to hear from all of my family and friends. I just love reading all of the letters and seeing all of the photos!

I do wish that more people would take the time to write a short note or letter to include with their card though, but  if I get a card that just has a name signed at the bottom: I say to myself "Praise God! They are alive and well enough to send out cards and they thought of me/our family. " Even though, I would still really love to hear their news.

Contrary to popular belief: I don't find Christmas letters annoying and I don't think that they are "brag" letters. I think that Christmas is the one time of year when people actually force themselves to take the time to slow down, sit down, and think about what wonderful things have happened to them and their families throughout the course of the year. And often times writing one letter -- that can be mechanically reproduced -- is easier than handwriting a note in each and every card, especially if you have a lot of cards to send out.

How SAD for those who get green with envy when they read a Christmas letter and as a cover-up for their own inadequacy they resort to calling the letters "brag" letters!

I have an Aunt, on my husband's side of the family, call my Christmas letter a "BRAG" letter -- among other things -- one year, and it really hurt my feelings at first. Ken and I had just struggled so much to put ourselves through college.  It was nice to finally to be moving ahead and reaping the rewards of our hard work, so we wanted to share. Well this Aunt really hurt my feelings and I began to think that maybe others truly did see our Christmas letter as bragging, so I didn't do a Christmas letter the next year.  Shortly thereafter, everyone was calling and emailing me asking if Ken and I were doing okay?  And where was my letter?  It turns out that everyone missed hearing our news. So now, I will include a Christmas letter with my Christmas card and if people take it the wrong way: that is just their own problem --NOT MINE! They can throw my letter away for all I care.  They don't have to read it if it bothers them.

As for my husband's Aunt, I realize now that she has a lot of hate, hurt, and anger that are her own issues and not mine. I refuse to take that on. So she is simply no longer on our Christmas list for a letter. I hope that she works out her issues so that she can find her own peace, healing, and happiness.

I have one friend who sketches out her family's Christmas letter with stick figures and multiple choice questions that are just hilarious. How creative! We always look forward to seeing how unique her letter will be each year.

So if you can, put a little effort into it this year! Put something out there about you and your family ... make a personal connection. Dare to go a step beyond just signing and addressing your card.  You'd be surprised how much this effort reaches out and really connects you to your friends and family.

And for those of you who have the time, energy, and presence of mind to actually write a personal note to each and every person on your list: God Bless You! And more power to you!

Happy Christmas Card composing  =)


~M

Don't Let the Media Determine the Election Outcome

I think that the election of 2000 was a real eye-opener for all of us! The media had called the election in favor in Al Gore: "It's over they declared." This bold proclamation was made despite the fact that the polls had yet to close on the west coast and only preliminary numbers were in for most of the rest of the country.

This message that "it was over" prompted many people to figure that their vote didn't matter anymore, and thousands of people didn't vote because of this arrogant media proclamation.
The country was in for a rude awakening the next morning when the media had to eat their earlier evening proclamation. It wasn't over: it was still undecided!!

I hope that the lesson of 2000 hasn't faded into the background, now 6 long years later. The media is out there again with their experts, analysts and polling with renewed fervor and intensity ... But keep in mind, all of the mainstream media numbers are just best guesses and predictions of what could occur. What actually occurs is up to average citizens like you and me!

Don't give these media corporations power by letting their predictions determine whether, or HOW you vote. Your vote belongs to YOU, and how YOU vote is entirely up to you.

It truly is "not over until the fat lady sings" and we, the American people -- not the American mainstream media -- vote and every vote is counted! So go VOTE!

The "Lost" Craze ... Or Just Plain Craziness?

Yes, I am married to a "Lost" addict. I have brother who is one as well. To be frank, I can't stand the show! But I am subjected to it, each and every week, as my husband religiously watches the program -- wish getting him to attend church on Sundays was as regular as his viewing of this show.

At best, "Lost" is just plain terrible writing. It seems as if the writers keep flip-flopping on the direction they want to take the show so as to not disappoint the dwindling fans that they've been trailing along with their big carrot for 2+ seasons now.

I have another theory: the whole show is a government -- or private corporation -- scientific experiment to identify key personality types and traits of those unique individuals who will continue to watch the show, season after season, as the show continues to painfully twist and turn without ever delivering any tangible explanations for what the island is, who the "others" are and why they are there. Nor does there appear to be any consistent sense of direction as to where the show is heading. Maybe these key personality types -- who continue to watch the show -- will make good assassins, or soldiers that "they" can stuff in a cave/hole underground to push a button, or buttons, in the event of a major war on our turf? Sound familiar?

In any event: I am sick and tired of "Lost". I've "lost" my husband every Wednesday evening for an hour, and I want him back. So "Lost" producers, writers, etc. I issue you a challenge:
Enough already! Stand and deliver us something tangible or get LOST!

P.S. I am going to have a "Thank Heavens It's Finally Over!" party at the end of this fiasco!
Want to come?

Don't Forget to Vote!

As citizens of this great country, the United States of America WE ALL have a duty to:

1) Stay informed and know what the issues are.

2) Know which political candidates currently represent us, who their opponents are, and which candidates best represents the issues that are important to us, our well-being, and the well-being of our country at large.

3) Hold our elected officials accountable by voting and writing to them when we have a concern or are unhappy with their representation of us on key issues.

If you DO NOTHING to act as an engaged citizen of the United States of America: then you have absolutely NO RIGHT to complain about how things are, or are not, going!

The elections are upon us. Read, watch, listen, and act: VOTE!