Tradition and Pagentry

I attended ACU's opening ceremonies yesterday,and as always, was awed and impressed with the traditional elements--the parade of flags, the reading of Paul's sermon  on Mars' Hill and the singing of "All Hail the Power of Jesus' Name.  Chills

I also remembered with fondness walking with all the other teachers through the auditorium in our robes--a showing of respect for the academic area of the university.  I remember  being impressed with some of the more unusual robes--red and yellow.  I got along with my blue hood.  I do miss that showing off as we strode to our seats above the stage.

I miss the excitement of the first day in class--seeing what students I had, meeting them, sharing tidbits of our lives, and getting ready to meet Cinderella, C. S. Lewis, Katharine Paterson, and all the glorious illustrators in Childrens' Literature.  Those were really fun days for me and I miss them more than any other segment of my teaching days.

Today I am wondering where the time went?

The Dome

Rain is falling as I write in Hawley, C-City, Stamford, Winters, but not in Abilene!
Is there an invisible dome over this city?  Strange.  There are thunderstorms predicted for the county, so maybe...

I do pray that Irene will not act as predicted and that the major cities up east will be spared--too many people, too many tall buildings.  They have already had an earthquake this week--they don't need another weather happening.

Friday night football begins tomorrow--gnerally viewed here as one of the most important entertainment venues around.  I must say, I do miss the excitement of the games, the smell of popcorn, marching in the band, sitting on the very uncomfortable bleachers and gossiping with my fellow band members. (Football was secondary.)  There is nothing that pulls small towns together like a good football team.

Dear Father, 
Please bless those young men who play--keep them from harm, broken limbs, concussions, heat strokes (105 predicted tomorrow), sprains, and spinal problems...what fools are we just for a little entertainment!

School days

I get restless and emotional these last few days of August because schools have always been a part of my life, and I treasure my time as a teacher-librarian.

I loved going to school with the kids on the first day at Sam Thomas Elementary.  There is actually a front page story and very nice picture of Sheryl and Sam in the Reporter-News today.  I loved watching the kids interact with the principal ( who stood at the front door and greeted every family unit); and seeing the wide-eyed wonder of the of both the parents and the kindergarten children (didn't see any tears); I loved absorbing the atmosphere of the clean school and the future days of promise; and, I must admit, I missed being a part of it--  NOT ENOUGH TO GO BACK TO IT THOUGH!

August-September have always been new beginning months for the Thomas family, and this year especially with new job, new school, new community.  I pray it may be a wonderful one for us and all the others who know what an opportunity a new year brings.

I can't wait to hear what the kids bring from school about what they are learning and seeing, just as I look forward to seeing how the new year shapes Brandon and Sheryl.

May God bless us all as we strive to take Him into our days and months.

Are You Settled Yet?

That is the question I am hearing now that most of the boxes are unpacked.  And my answer is NO.

Actually a surface Yes is what I usually say, but I truthfully cannot feel settled until I close on my house.  The house is under a guardianship in North Dakota, and evidently the children of the owner are not agreeing with each other about the sale.  The legal proceedings have not even started, and I was supposed to close on the house June 25th!  At this rate, it may be Christmas.

But as with the sale of Brandon's house, all this will come in God's timing, and I am trying to make the best of it.

Meanwhile, when Sheryl gets a few minutes, the pictures are going to go up on the wall even if I don't own the house yet. So there....

Rick Perry Announces--Run Away Fassssst

While it defies belief, Rick Perry believes he can be president.  Anyone who thinks he will make a good one, look at his track record on line about the cuts he has made to Texas schools and social programs.  His touted jobs hooraw--most of the jobs were low income.  A great quote in this week's Time, (speaking about people who might think that Perry is an intellectual lightweight,) one of his own strategists said, " Perry benefits from an uncluttered mind."  And so he does.

And yes, I know he comes from my area and his folks are nice people.

The Help

Well, they finally did it.  A movie does justice to a book.  The Help was all I had hoped it would be and more.  A cinematic treatment of a sensitive subject is sometimes more emotional than reading the book (some might want to debate this). 

The packed house in the movie (mostly women) applauded when the movie ended, and many stayed around outside discussing the movie.

All actors did a fantastic job portraying the characters created by Kathryn Stockett.  Some should get Oscars.  I hope the movie will be nominated--it will give a nod to serious, well-done drama.

Now, I want to read the book again. As I thought the first time I read the book, the people in Jackson MI must have cringed when the book was published.

I also want to see the movie again--to bask in the 50's when I grew up, and to see the things I missed.  Some lines were dropped because of the audience reaction.

At any rate, this is a must-see movie, especially for those who are children of the 1950's.

Luxuriating

Henry Miller said, "We should read to give our souls a chance to luxuriate."
I so agree!!! Been doing that this morning on my porch in the cool weather (caused by rain last night!) reading Victoria Magazine--my very favorite of the many mags I take.  Gorgeous pictures, good writing from the artist in residence, rich recipies--it takes a while to read and absorb.

Going to see the movie The Help today--can't wait!

Spent a nice evening last night with Denice Emery, an old friend.  We reminisced about out mutual friend Vicky Smith who died in February.  We miss her so much--Abilene is diminished by her absence.

I've been listening in the car the The Pastor, a memoir of Eugene Peterson.  It is excellent as usual.  I hope to share it with some of my favorite pastors.  Peterson remains my very favorite spiritual writer.

I'm Baaaack!

It is ages since the last blog---several people have been asking when I plan to write again.  I really have not been inspired--still processing that I am here in Abilene again.  I have not closed on the house yet--so looong.
Yet hopeful soon.

We had 5 minutes of rain yesterday--nothing to brag about, but I saw children playing in the run-off with little boats.  It was the first wet stuff since Easter--we are burning up!!

I have joined Hendrick Health Club desptite all the protests of my body.  I realize I really need it to stay active, although I prefer to sit in my chair and read a good book.

Just finished Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand; slow start, but riviting to the end.  It is a book men would enjoy too--all about WWII , B29's and Japanese prison of war camps.

I hope to see The Help this weekend.  The book was a favorite of our book club.  I am anxious to see how it has translated to the big screen.

I will try to write more now that I have begun again....