Sorry I am a bit behind the times in posting this; I've been up to my proverbial eyeballs (which are just slightly higher and to the left of my normal eyeballs) in life for the past few weeks.
Ahem.
I am in a play this summer. Right now, actually (well, I mean, not right at this precise moment; I mean we have commenced performances for the season). Specifically, Heritage Theatre's production of Wm. Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing. I have a smaller part (a member of the watch...lots of stage time, but not so much dialogue), so don't necessarily come on my account, but it is a pretty solid production. Tickets are a little steep--$18 for "adults" but only $8 for students--so it may also depend on your academic situation or the performance of your mutual funds.
We actually opened last Thursday, so I apologize profusely for being so late in my invitations, and also for being a bit out of circulation for a little while now.
Performance dates are as follows:
Fri. July 14, 8pm
Sun. July 16, 3pm (half price!)
Sat July 22, 8pm
Thurs. July 27, 8pm
Sat. August 5, 8pm
Thur. August 10, 8pm
(no touring dates. Grand Rapids only. Sorry, non-Michigan friends)
More information at the Heritage Website; or, of course, you could post a comment or drop me a line.
Grace be with you all.
Tuesday, July 11, 2006
Sunday, June 18, 2006
A short conversation with God
Me: What would you have me do?
God: Speak the truth.
Not quite so vague a response as it sounds, because to me it carries some specific implications. God's words to me, though often few and simple, tend to be like little prisms, exploding colors and multifaceted images all over the place.
God: Speak the truth.
Not quite so vague a response as it sounds, because to me it carries some specific implications. God's words to me, though often few and simple, tend to be like little prisms, exploding colors and multifaceted images all over the place.
Saturday, May 20, 2006
Howl's Moving Castle
I admit that with the scarcity of my posts here, and the lack of information about my "real life", it seems odd that I would break my silence for a film review. However, I would be absolutely remiss if I did not share my discovery of the brilliance that is Hayao Miyizaki's Howl's Moving Castle.
Watch. This. Film.
It is a masterful piece of storytelling from a master storyteller, full of wonder, life, and imagination. The score by Joe Hisaishi (a favorite of mine from Takeshi Kitano's films), the script translation, and even the English voice cast (including Christian Bale)--which can often be groan inducing in other foreign films--are all also worthy of mention.
So when you get the chance, find this film, settle in with a blanket and a friend, and bathe in child's wonder for 119 minutes.
Watch. This. Film.
It is a masterful piece of storytelling from a master storyteller, full of wonder, life, and imagination. The score by Joe Hisaishi (a favorite of mine from Takeshi Kitano's films), the script translation, and even the English voice cast (including Christian Bale)--which can often be groan inducing in other foreign films--are all also worthy of mention.
So when you get the chance, find this film, settle in with a blanket and a friend, and bathe in child's wonder for 119 minutes.
Monday, May 15, 2006
Special Mother's Day Guest Columnist!
Greetings, all! Provoked by a dearth of updates from yours truly, we bring you an entry from a special guest: me own lovely mum.
I've no idea what she's written yet, but she's a better writer than I am, so enjoy....
-------
Tea cups and Roses and a Mother's dreams
Gathering up the ribbons and remnants of breakfast come Monday morning, causes me to pause and reflect. Life with Brian has been a charming adventure. He is my middle son. And this year the responsibilities of the Mother's Day festivities have rested upon his shoulders. Dad has been off doing his spring tour ( no he is not a rock star but an engineer) adding frequent flier miles to his already platinum status. John, the oldest, has been off being all that he can be in the Army. The burdensome task of holiday with MOM has been placed in the skillful hands of Brian and his smiling assistant Dave.
It was a wonderful day. The phone rang early in the morning and it was John wishing me a Happy Mother's day. Brian and Dave entered the room so that I could enjoy the blessing of all three of their voices in the same room ( and not an argument among them!!) From there it was breakfast, I had a handsome butler named Jenkins, with a lovely British accent ala Dave and a breakfast menu to chose from. While I waited for scones with lemon curd and strawberries and melon to be prepared, I was given Godiva chocolates- from Dave, the first of many gifts I was told. Now that is a pleasant way to start Mother's day. The joyful sound of my three sons with coffee and Godiva. Breakfast was delicious hot coffee, warm scones with lemon curd on good china!!! And two hungry sons to share with.
After breakfast Brian skillfully manuevered his way through the day with charming little surprises round every turn. When I went to dress what should I find but a card from Brian and perfume waiting there in the bathroom. It was the exact fragrance that I had mention wanting only a few weeks before. Later when we went out to dinner my heart skipped a beat. Red Lobster, the whole time I was pregnant with Brian, I craved shrimp. Since we were in Florida while I was expecting him, I ate them to my hearts' content. I could not help but smile since seafood always makes me think of the joys of my pregnancy of my second born son.
Later during the meal, Brian pulled out a little black box that was my gift from Travis. My eyes filled with tears as he said this is from Dad. Little did he know that a few years before, in the same restaurant Travis had presented me with a diamond bracelet to celebrate our twentieth anniversary. Now in a loving gesture for his father, he presents my gift for mother's day in the very same fashion. It was a set of beautiful pearl bracelets. Pearls, they speak to me of wisdom, of beauty and of grace. For a tiny little grain of sand to grow to such a thing of beauty. It is amazing to me.
Life is much like that. When I think back to my first mother's day. I was thankful just to have Travis watch over John and allow me the time to shower and do my hair and makeup. Now that was a gift!! Flashbacks and memories flood into my mind. Coupon books and dandelions. Plaster hands and crayola cards. Pretending to sleep while the boys fought QUIETLY to make me a surprise. Spilled coffee on bedsheets because of the traditional mother's day breakfast in bed. Poems and promises and lots of potted plants. Shovels full of dirt for roses and tea parties in the afternoon. Those memories seem faded over time but have become so much more precious.
I can also remember the prayers and the dreams. Oh God give me wisdom, wisdom to raise this precious little life. Wisdom to teach him. I was overwhelmed by all I never seemed to know. And then before I knew it there were two babies. How I held them in my arms and cried out earnestly that God would show me how to raise them, that they would grow to be men of integrity, men of virtue. That some how I could take all the leassons I had learned and help them to learn more, be more, accomplish more, more than I had ever hoped or dared to dream for myself.
The reality is that when you hold your babies you hope and pray and dream but you can never really imagine the men, the women that they shall become. As a Christian parent I have tried to instill in them the importance of devotion to God, through worship, pray and His Word. I have taught them as best I know how to live and love and laugh. I have surrounded them with the things I believe are of merit, value and beauty -books, music, faith and forgiveness, china and sunsets and to stop and smell the roses. I have tried to be genuine, allowing them to see my human frailities and need for dependency upon God. I have prayed for their safety, their sorrows, their strength, their loves and their futures and that above all their lives would give glory to their God.
Mothers sow in prayer and tears, they hope and dream, love and laugh and along the way there are many, many regrets. The hand that rocks the cradle rules the world. The responsibility of bringing another life into this world is overwhelming. To realize as a mother that you are influencing that infant for a life time can be staggering. It is only through the grace of God that this responsibility and commitment can in any way trully be realized. Have I touched their hearts and shaped things around them in a way that is good and right and pure? Have I honored God with this gift of life that He has entrusted to me?
The chairs are often empty now. And time seems to have slipped by quicker than I ever imagined it could. For some this might imply sorrow and emptiness. Not for me, my heart is full. From the very first moment that John was born, I knew that my babies did not belong to me. I was given the gift of time with them but they were never mine to keep. It was my job to teach them to be polite, to lean on God and stand as men. They are strong now, and independent and they stand in the light of who they see God to be. And the tea cups and the roses... did they make a difference..... you tell me.
The Second Cup by John
A young man sat down and took for himself a pot of tea on the table along with his cup. In the empty chair across from him he took a second cup from the tea set and place it there. He sat looking at it for a while knowing what it was for.
This is my second cup.
This is for the woman who will make my life special.
It is for someone I love.
She'll make me feel l can do anything.
We'll enjoy just being togeher.
When we're sipping that tea
Everything will be all right.
The woman who's out ther
And while he sat there pondering this someone sat down in the empty chair.
"Hello Mom"
And he offered her that second cup.
Untitled by Brian
Just a short stroll, she thougthto herself. It was too lovely a day to remain indoors. Everything seemed s it should be. As she meandered down the path, she couldn't help but feel at peac. The gentle sunshin cascaed through the multicolored branches of the trees. My trees, she thought.The light breeze caused the branches to sway, making the shadows dance all around her. All around her, the feeling of spring was tangible. All of the flowers, the blooms, bursting forth with color. She stopped in front of her favorite, the rosebush near the center of the garden. My rosebush. My garden. She thought of all the time that had gone into it. All the years, starting so small, with so little reward. But standing ther, bathed in light, the troubles faded away, and all the toil seemed to her a small sacrifice to make. It was worth it. Absentmindedly she plucked a rose from the bush, and inhaled it fragrance as she stood there. She knew she couldn't stay for long. The children would be coming soon. My children. Even thought they were scarecely children anymore. Sometimes it pained her. She would walk her garden, with small tears in her eyes, because a part of her had left when they had moved on. The thought of all the time, all those years ago, when they were so somall. All that she had given up. But she saw them now, so tall and grown up, now with families of their own, she saw the men that she had raise, and it all seemed a small sacrifice to make. It was worth it. She heard a sound coming up the hill, the sound of laughter. Her children, and their children. One last look at her garden, and she went inside, eager to see them again. All grown, with families and lives of their own. But they would always be her little ones.
Rainy weather prevented Brian and I from planting roses this year. John and I both agreed to sit with two cups of tea, reminiscent of our times together.
And the grandchildren among the roses .. that's a dream that must wait for another day.
I've no idea what she's written yet, but she's a better writer than I am, so enjoy....
-------
Tea cups and Roses and a Mother's dreams
Gathering up the ribbons and remnants of breakfast come Monday morning, causes me to pause and reflect. Life with Brian has been a charming adventure. He is my middle son. And this year the responsibilities of the Mother's Day festivities have rested upon his shoulders. Dad has been off doing his spring tour ( no he is not a rock star but an engineer) adding frequent flier miles to his already platinum status. John, the oldest, has been off being all that he can be in the Army. The burdensome task of holiday with MOM has been placed in the skillful hands of Brian and his smiling assistant Dave.
It was a wonderful day. The phone rang early in the morning and it was John wishing me a Happy Mother's day. Brian and Dave entered the room so that I could enjoy the blessing of all three of their voices in the same room ( and not an argument among them!!) From there it was breakfast, I had a handsome butler named Jenkins, with a lovely British accent ala Dave and a breakfast menu to chose from. While I waited for scones with lemon curd and strawberries and melon to be prepared, I was given Godiva chocolates- from Dave, the first of many gifts I was told. Now that is a pleasant way to start Mother's day. The joyful sound of my three sons with coffee and Godiva. Breakfast was delicious hot coffee, warm scones with lemon curd on good china!!! And two hungry sons to share with.
After breakfast Brian skillfully manuevered his way through the day with charming little surprises round every turn. When I went to dress what should I find but a card from Brian and perfume waiting there in the bathroom. It was the exact fragrance that I had mention wanting only a few weeks before. Later when we went out to dinner my heart skipped a beat. Red Lobster, the whole time I was pregnant with Brian, I craved shrimp. Since we were in Florida while I was expecting him, I ate them to my hearts' content. I could not help but smile since seafood always makes me think of the joys of my pregnancy of my second born son.
Later during the meal, Brian pulled out a little black box that was my gift from Travis. My eyes filled with tears as he said this is from Dad. Little did he know that a few years before, in the same restaurant Travis had presented me with a diamond bracelet to celebrate our twentieth anniversary. Now in a loving gesture for his father, he presents my gift for mother's day in the very same fashion. It was a set of beautiful pearl bracelets. Pearls, they speak to me of wisdom, of beauty and of grace. For a tiny little grain of sand to grow to such a thing of beauty. It is amazing to me.
Life is much like that. When I think back to my first mother's day. I was thankful just to have Travis watch over John and allow me the time to shower and do my hair and makeup. Now that was a gift!! Flashbacks and memories flood into my mind. Coupon books and dandelions. Plaster hands and crayola cards. Pretending to sleep while the boys fought QUIETLY to make me a surprise. Spilled coffee on bedsheets because of the traditional mother's day breakfast in bed. Poems and promises and lots of potted plants. Shovels full of dirt for roses and tea parties in the afternoon. Those memories seem faded over time but have become so much more precious.
I can also remember the prayers and the dreams. Oh God give me wisdom, wisdom to raise this precious little life. Wisdom to teach him. I was overwhelmed by all I never seemed to know. And then before I knew it there were two babies. How I held them in my arms and cried out earnestly that God would show me how to raise them, that they would grow to be men of integrity, men of virtue. That some how I could take all the leassons I had learned and help them to learn more, be more, accomplish more, more than I had ever hoped or dared to dream for myself.
The reality is that when you hold your babies you hope and pray and dream but you can never really imagine the men, the women that they shall become. As a Christian parent I have tried to instill in them the importance of devotion to God, through worship, pray and His Word. I have taught them as best I know how to live and love and laugh. I have surrounded them with the things I believe are of merit, value and beauty -books, music, faith and forgiveness, china and sunsets and to stop and smell the roses. I have tried to be genuine, allowing them to see my human frailities and need for dependency upon God. I have prayed for their safety, their sorrows, their strength, their loves and their futures and that above all their lives would give glory to their God.
Mothers sow in prayer and tears, they hope and dream, love and laugh and along the way there are many, many regrets. The hand that rocks the cradle rules the world. The responsibility of bringing another life into this world is overwhelming. To realize as a mother that you are influencing that infant for a life time can be staggering. It is only through the grace of God that this responsibility and commitment can in any way trully be realized. Have I touched their hearts and shaped things around them in a way that is good and right and pure? Have I honored God with this gift of life that He has entrusted to me?
The chairs are often empty now. And time seems to have slipped by quicker than I ever imagined it could. For some this might imply sorrow and emptiness. Not for me, my heart is full. From the very first moment that John was born, I knew that my babies did not belong to me. I was given the gift of time with them but they were never mine to keep. It was my job to teach them to be polite, to lean on God and stand as men. They are strong now, and independent and they stand in the light of who they see God to be. And the tea cups and the roses... did they make a difference..... you tell me.
The Second Cup by John
A young man sat down and took for himself a pot of tea on the table along with his cup. In the empty chair across from him he took a second cup from the tea set and place it there. He sat looking at it for a while knowing what it was for.
This is my second cup.
This is for the woman who will make my life special.
It is for someone I love.
She'll make me feel l can do anything.
We'll enjoy just being togeher.
When we're sipping that tea
Everything will be all right.
The woman who's out ther
And while he sat there pondering this someone sat down in the empty chair.
"Hello Mom"
And he offered her that second cup.
Untitled by Brian
Just a short stroll, she thougthto herself. It was too lovely a day to remain indoors. Everything seemed s it should be. As she meandered down the path, she couldn't help but feel at peac. The gentle sunshin cascaed through the multicolored branches of the trees. My trees, she thought.The light breeze caused the branches to sway, making the shadows dance all around her. All around her, the feeling of spring was tangible. All of the flowers, the blooms, bursting forth with color. She stopped in front of her favorite, the rosebush near the center of the garden. My rosebush. My garden. She thought of all the time that had gone into it. All the years, starting so small, with so little reward. But standing ther, bathed in light, the troubles faded away, and all the toil seemed to her a small sacrifice to make. It was worth it. Absentmindedly she plucked a rose from the bush, and inhaled it fragrance as she stood there. She knew she couldn't stay for long. The children would be coming soon. My children. Even thought they were scarecely children anymore. Sometimes it pained her. She would walk her garden, with small tears in her eyes, because a part of her had left when they had moved on. The thought of all the time, all those years ago, when they were so somall. All that she had given up. But she saw them now, so tall and grown up, now with families of their own, she saw the men that she had raise, and it all seemed a small sacrifice to make. It was worth it. She heard a sound coming up the hill, the sound of laughter. Her children, and their children. One last look at her garden, and she went inside, eager to see them again. All grown, with families and lives of their own. But they would always be her little ones.
Rainy weather prevented Brian and I from planting roses this year. John and I both agreed to sit with two cups of tea, reminiscent of our times together.
And the grandchildren among the roses .. that's a dream that must wait for another day.
Tuesday, April 04, 2006
Happy Birthday!
At 6:10 yesterday evening, Reuben Blythe Armstrong--the firstborn child of the illustrious Aaron and Carleen Armstrong--was brought officially into the world. Congratulations to the proud and loving parents (and especially to Carleen who, let's be honest, had the more difficult half in this endeavor; love you). I think I can go on the record with many others as anticipating "great things" (in many possible senses) for this trio. If you would like to see some snapshots of the strapping young lad, hop on over to the Xanga dimension and pay Aunt Jane a visit.
Long time, I know, since my unsightly mug was seen in these parts (I am, of course, being metaphorical; try to keep up, you in the back there), but, honestly, if I wasn't going to post for this, when would I?
Though actually, I have a few half finished drafts floating around, but once they sit in the open for a little while, they tend to go stale. In the interests of brevity (for me, I mean. my delicate little fingers tend to cramp), allow me to summarize:
In the second most important event of this last trading period, the whole family went down to South Carolina a few weeks back, to attend John's graduation from Basic Training. My guess is that many of you have already heard about said event from my Mom, who is attempting to steal all of my friends by actually...you know...communicating and stuff. John was a little bit tanner, a little bit balder, a little buffer, a little more hoarse, and a lot happier than when I saw him last. Not that he was excessively morose before he joined up, but he definitely seems to have made a place for himself there, and he enjoys it. Pictures to come soon.
As we bopped around that weekend, it seemed we couldn't go two steps without running into someone from John's company (D company, the "Delta Dogs") or his platoon (the "War Dogs"...ask to see my commemorative t-shirt) telling us that John helped them make it through, that he was the most motivated soldier in the company, how he was always keeping everyone going. One guy said they needed to make a plaque for him, and even one of the drill sergeant, in a more relaxed moment, said that John was the reason he came into work in the morning. To all of them, John will forever be "The Motivator", as he was fondly dubbed. (also "Robin", but that's another story)
He's now in AIT for advanced aviation mechanics training (15 more weeks or so), and, like Joseph, seems to be making a name for himself wherever he goes. Anyone surprised? Didn't think so...
Summarize. Summarize summarize.
In the "Hell freezes over" department, I bought a car. Officially, the H.M.A. Winston Churchill, but you can call him Winston. At a later date, I will post pictures and tell the story of how we met. Awwww. (that was Chelle saying "Awwww" in my head, but you all couldn't hear it.)
Work continues to...be work. Many shires and villages of the IT department have been placed under my patronage in the last month, since they let go of the previous IT manager. They tell me I'm doing well. Had my first review last week; got a raise. First solo trip to the Detroit plant yesterday. Now if only I could get past 10 and 11 hour days...
I think I've decided (since this is the part where I veer off into the random and rambling) to never read "theology" books with the words "Hidden" or "Secret" in the title. Unless they're about catacombs. Or buried treasure, I suppose, but since theologies of piracy are hard to come by (a project, Katrina?), I think I am safe.
I am going to be in "Much Ado About Nothing" this summer. Smaller, "due paying" role: a watchman. The "second watchman", actually. It's a more slapstick role, which is something I've never done before; could be fun.
I'm also doing a scene from Richard III for Willows at Cornerstone this year. April 25th, for those of you in the neighborhood; probably my last chance to play my beloved crippled, hunchbacked, manipulative deceiver king. *sniff*
Right. That's probably enough out of me, until I get the hang of this again...probably gonna wake up sore in the morning....*grumble mumble*
Long time, I know, since my unsightly mug was seen in these parts (I am, of course, being metaphorical; try to keep up, you in the back there), but, honestly, if I wasn't going to post for this, when would I?
Though actually, I have a few half finished drafts floating around, but once they sit in the open for a little while, they tend to go stale. In the interests of brevity (for me, I mean. my delicate little fingers tend to cramp), allow me to summarize:
In the second most important event of this last trading period, the whole family went down to South Carolina a few weeks back, to attend John's graduation from Basic Training. My guess is that many of you have already heard about said event from my Mom, who is attempting to steal all of my friends by actually...you know...communicating and stuff. John was a little bit tanner, a little bit balder, a little buffer, a little more hoarse, and a lot happier than when I saw him last. Not that he was excessively morose before he joined up, but he definitely seems to have made a place for himself there, and he enjoys it. Pictures to come soon.
As we bopped around that weekend, it seemed we couldn't go two steps without running into someone from John's company (D company, the "Delta Dogs") or his platoon (the "War Dogs"...ask to see my commemorative t-shirt) telling us that John helped them make it through, that he was the most motivated soldier in the company, how he was always keeping everyone going. One guy said they needed to make a plaque for him, and even one of the drill sergeant, in a more relaxed moment, said that John was the reason he came into work in the morning. To all of them, John will forever be "The Motivator", as he was fondly dubbed. (also "Robin", but that's another story)
He's now in AIT for advanced aviation mechanics training (15 more weeks or so), and, like Joseph, seems to be making a name for himself wherever he goes. Anyone surprised? Didn't think so...
Summarize. Summarize summarize.
In the "Hell freezes over" department, I bought a car. Officially, the H.M.A. Winston Churchill, but you can call him Winston. At a later date, I will post pictures and tell the story of how we met. Awwww. (that was Chelle saying "Awwww" in my head, but you all couldn't hear it.)
Work continues to...be work. Many shires and villages of the IT department have been placed under my patronage in the last month, since they let go of the previous IT manager. They tell me I'm doing well. Had my first review last week; got a raise. First solo trip to the Detroit plant yesterday. Now if only I could get past 10 and 11 hour days...
I think I've decided (since this is the part where I veer off into the random and rambling) to never read "theology" books with the words "Hidden" or "Secret" in the title. Unless they're about catacombs. Or buried treasure, I suppose, but since theologies of piracy are hard to come by (a project, Katrina?), I think I am safe.
I am going to be in "Much Ado About Nothing" this summer. Smaller, "due paying" role: a watchman. The "second watchman", actually. It's a more slapstick role, which is something I've never done before; could be fun.
I'm also doing a scene from Richard III for Willows at Cornerstone this year. April 25th, for those of you in the neighborhood; probably my last chance to play my beloved crippled, hunchbacked, manipulative deceiver king. *sniff*
Right. That's probably enough out of me, until I get the hang of this again...probably gonna wake up sore in the morning....*grumble mumble*
Thursday, February 23, 2006
My little brother...
...who, incidentally, knows all of the lyrics to "MacArthur Park"...had a dream last night that Christopher Walken hit him over the head with a laundry basket (apparently there was some altercation). That beats anything I've got.
Today was also his half birthday. I got him a 20th anniversary Optimus Prime Transformer figure (which is, if I do say so myself, pretty much the coolest ever), and there was much happiness. Really we don't do half birthdays, but I bought it for him a little while ago, and knew I was never going to make it until August.
I didn't.
Today was also his half birthday. I got him a 20th anniversary Optimus Prime Transformer figure (which is, if I do say so myself, pretty much the coolest ever), and there was much happiness. Really we don't do half birthdays, but I bought it for him a little while ago, and knew I was never going to make it until August.
I didn't.
Wednesday, February 22, 2006
Saturday, February 18, 2006
"How to do what you love"
I found an interesting article on the above topic. Appropriate, considering how many conversations I've had recently on vocation, calling, the future, etc, etc. I'm not sure I agree with all of his suppositions, and I would hardly consider his advice axiomatic, but some good points, nonetheless.
Just finished watching Bergman's The Seventh Seal (that would be the one with the knight playing chess with Death). I liked it. I will have to think about it, but it wasn't nearly so pretentiously artistic as I have been led to believe (either that, or *I* have become pretentious...don't answer).
Also, as it turns out, science has "proven" that our subconscious mind is better at making decisions. I now have scientific validation for something I've often noticed in myself, where time spent "making a decision" is really just accepting the decision I have already made.
I was just talking about something similar last night with Johanna, about the ideas that seem to spring fully formed from the mind, like Athena in armor, that seem (whether regarding a story, or a poem, or theology) to just fit, almost like self-evident truth. I suppose they're all really the work of what Stephen King called "the blue collar guys", that part of your brain that is always grinding away on something while you are doing something else (as opposed to the glamorous "consciously deep and meaningful thoughts" part of the brain).
Probably why some of my best ideas come while washing dishes or standing in the shower.
Just finished watching Bergman's The Seventh Seal (that would be the one with the knight playing chess with Death). I liked it. I will have to think about it, but it wasn't nearly so pretentiously artistic as I have been led to believe (either that, or *I* have become pretentious...don't answer).
Also, as it turns out, science has "proven" that our subconscious mind is better at making decisions. I now have scientific validation for something I've often noticed in myself, where time spent "making a decision" is really just accepting the decision I have already made.
I was just talking about something similar last night with Johanna, about the ideas that seem to spring fully formed from the mind, like Athena in armor, that seem (whether regarding a story, or a poem, or theology) to just fit, almost like self-evident truth. I suppose they're all really the work of what Stephen King called "the blue collar guys", that part of your brain that is always grinding away on something while you are doing something else (as opposed to the glamorous "consciously deep and meaningful thoughts" part of the brain).
Probably why some of my best ideas come while washing dishes or standing in the shower.
Tuesday, February 14, 2006
In what turned out to be a post mostly about theaters of various sorts...
So I decided to just make a scattered list of complex sentences and sentence fragments to cover anything interesting that may have happened in my life since my last post; I will, of course, miss many of the more interesting points, because of my eccentric memory ("eccentric" stems from the Old Norse for "swiss cheese").
I went to see "The Secret Garden" at GVSU with Amber and Caroline on Amber's birthday; the acting was mediocre, but the singing was superb, making the show well worth seeing (though not as good as CU's).
I've committed to directing a scene for Willows this year, but have taken the underhanded step of casting myself as Richard III, thus beginning my path to villainy (the wooing of Lady Anne scene, for those wondering...now all I need is a Lady Anne); would anyone honestly expect me to direct someone else playing my favorite Shakespearean role?
Continuing in the theatre vein, I saw the One Acts at CU this past weekend, which included pieces directed by old chums Michael Coon (a bizzare but wonderful bit of Japanese parable theatre) and Josh Middleton (an incredibly well written bit about three chimps trying to write Hamlet); much joviality and reuniting with old pals, and so forth.
Also went to see West Side Story (I realize this makes me look incredibly imbalanced, but I'm not...well...not on this point, at least) with Katie; it was...pretty good, and free, which is a good combination (and hey, *I* want to be in America, too).
Jane and I justified seeing "Nanny McPhee" by going together; it was well worth it, and as an added bonus afterwards we solved most of the great conundrums of life (except why it is on button up shirt collars that one side tends to curve down, while the other side curves up...does *anyone* have lead on this one?)
I got a Calvin Library Card, which is good, because they have more books than CU, and don't currently have a prize out for my scalp because of late fees...yet.
I finally bought a Bartlett's; 17th edition, because I didn't like the gold leafing on the 18th.
I'm struck by the fact that none of this can be particularly interesting to anyone, but I am so deep in blood, and all that...
Still no car; first car, then apartment.
Sela Ward is gone from House, God be praised.
On Thursday, I get to go to a psychiatrist (as part of the Mill Steel hiring process, to weed out the psychopaths [at least the less than clever ones], and those who do not play well with others); I'm hoping for the whole treatment, with inkblots and my childhood and everything (sadly, there is no couch, I've heard). I may have to resist the urge to go "Will Hunting" on him.
Ok. I'm stopping. I was going to post this, and then start on a more meaningful entry, freed from mundane considerations. But it's a bit late now. So...um...right. Raincheck?
Been Watching: House, natch
Been Reading: Sophie's World by Jostein Gaarder
Been Listening to: Tapestry by Carol King
and Tigerlily by Natalie Merchant
I went to see "The Secret Garden" at GVSU with Amber and Caroline on Amber's birthday; the acting was mediocre, but the singing was superb, making the show well worth seeing (though not as good as CU's).
I've committed to directing a scene for Willows this year, but have taken the underhanded step of casting myself as Richard III, thus beginning my path to villainy (the wooing of Lady Anne scene, for those wondering...now all I need is a Lady Anne); would anyone honestly expect me to direct someone else playing my favorite Shakespearean role?
Continuing in the theatre vein, I saw the One Acts at CU this past weekend, which included pieces directed by old chums Michael Coon (a bizzare but wonderful bit of Japanese parable theatre) and Josh Middleton (an incredibly well written bit about three chimps trying to write Hamlet); much joviality and reuniting with old pals, and so forth.
Also went to see West Side Story (I realize this makes me look incredibly imbalanced, but I'm not...well...not on this point, at least) with Katie; it was...pretty good, and free, which is a good combination (and hey, *I* want to be in America, too).
Jane and I justified seeing "Nanny McPhee" by going together; it was well worth it, and as an added bonus afterwards we solved most of the great conundrums of life (except why it is on button up shirt collars that one side tends to curve down, while the other side curves up...does *anyone* have lead on this one?)
I got a Calvin Library Card, which is good, because they have more books than CU, and don't currently have a prize out for my scalp because of late fees...yet.
I finally bought a Bartlett's; 17th edition, because I didn't like the gold leafing on the 18th.
I'm struck by the fact that none of this can be particularly interesting to anyone, but I am so deep in blood, and all that...
Still no car; first car, then apartment.
Sela Ward is gone from House, God be praised.
On Thursday, I get to go to a psychiatrist (as part of the Mill Steel hiring process, to weed out the psychopaths [at least the less than clever ones], and those who do not play well with others); I'm hoping for the whole treatment, with inkblots and my childhood and everything (sadly, there is no couch, I've heard). I may have to resist the urge to go "Will Hunting" on him.
Ok. I'm stopping. I was going to post this, and then start on a more meaningful entry, freed from mundane considerations. But it's a bit late now. So...um...right. Raincheck?
Been Watching: House, natch
Been Reading: Sophie's World by Jostein Gaarder
Been Listening to: Tapestry by Carol King
and Tigerlily by Natalie Merchant
Tuesday, January 31, 2006
Tread softly, because you tread on my dreams...
Just finished watching Equilibrium (instead of writing a detailed post), an excellent sci-fi/action movie superior, in most respects, to the Matrix movies. I highly recommend it, if that is your cup of tea.
I've also started listening to the Decemberists Picaresque, which finally came in the mail. I'm only halfway through the album, but already I think it's one of the strongest I have heard in the past year or so. A sort of symphonic pirate folk, with tales of love and loss at times almost desperately evocative.
It's felt like an odd couple of weeks. You know those times when you were little (or maybe last week) when you would spin around just to get dizzy, and sometimes your eye would catch something and follow it, and for just a moment, with the turn of your head, you could see the world and not just a blur? That's sort of what life has seemed like--a blur of motion punctuated by the occasional clear image.
Last night was spent cutting out and glueing together Cheat Commandos action playsets and vehicles. Rock, rock on. We have the whole set. Feel free to envy.
Went to see Cornerstone's opera this past Saturday with Jane. Splendid evening, all around, complete with tea in one of North America's coziest sunrooms (which is, I suppose, somewhat wasted on Michigan weather).
Last week I went to the library to do some work, fleeing the havoc that is the IT department where I now reside. It was...nice. Just to be there, surrounded by all the books, was somehow refreshing, like I could breathe easier. You can feel the knowledge radiating from the pages. Do I miss the hallowed halls of higher education and scholarship? I must, or else it wouldn't have felt like a homecoming of sorts. Or at least a reminder, that that world exists, and has a piece of me.
But more on that later. There's always more, and there's always later.
I've also started listening to the Decemberists Picaresque, which finally came in the mail. I'm only halfway through the album, but already I think it's one of the strongest I have heard in the past year or so. A sort of symphonic pirate folk, with tales of love and loss at times almost desperately evocative.
It's felt like an odd couple of weeks. You know those times when you were little (or maybe last week) when you would spin around just to get dizzy, and sometimes your eye would catch something and follow it, and for just a moment, with the turn of your head, you could see the world and not just a blur? That's sort of what life has seemed like--a blur of motion punctuated by the occasional clear image.
Last night was spent cutting out and glueing together Cheat Commandos action playsets and vehicles. Rock, rock on. We have the whole set. Feel free to envy.
Went to see Cornerstone's opera this past Saturday with Jane. Splendid evening, all around, complete with tea in one of North America's coziest sunrooms (which is, I suppose, somewhat wasted on Michigan weather).
Last week I went to the library to do some work, fleeing the havoc that is the IT department where I now reside. It was...nice. Just to be there, surrounded by all the books, was somehow refreshing, like I could breathe easier. You can feel the knowledge radiating from the pages. Do I miss the hallowed halls of higher education and scholarship? I must, or else it wouldn't have felt like a homecoming of sorts. Or at least a reminder, that that world exists, and has a piece of me.
But more on that later. There's always more, and there's always later.
Wednesday, January 18, 2006
ennui...that's the word for it
I confess that I am filled with an almost insurmountable inertia when I think about writing here (or perhaps anywhere, as those who have engaged in the patience-building task of writing are well aware). I promised Carleen that I would do better with my correspondence this year, and promises made to the expecting mother at a baby shower are extra sacred. By at least 42 percent. If not more.
I am back from Florida, by the by, though I am sure no one thought that I was still there, shucking this life of mine with all its modicum of grandeur to live as a beach bum amongst the splendor of the old Jewish ladies in West Palm Beach. Chelle and I had a splendid time, with much rambling and singing and sleeping in and general pleasantness of being. Travel buddies we remain. Scott and Sarah continue to fall into the not insubstantial but hardly indiscriminate category of favorite people in the world.
I think that's really all for now. Later I will regale you with tales of my decisions about grad school, life, and the monastic existence, but at present you are victim to my unfettered caprice. And my caprice is sleepy.
Oh. Hugh Laurie won the Golden Globe for House. This pleases me on some level, though I did not bother to actually watch. Amber said his acceptance speech convinced her that he and I were twins separated at birth. I can live with that comparison.
fin.
I am back from Florida, by the by, though I am sure no one thought that I was still there, shucking this life of mine with all its modicum of grandeur to live as a beach bum amongst the splendor of the old Jewish ladies in West Palm Beach. Chelle and I had a splendid time, with much rambling and singing and sleeping in and general pleasantness of being. Travel buddies we remain. Scott and Sarah continue to fall into the not insubstantial but hardly indiscriminate category of favorite people in the world.
I think that's really all for now. Later I will regale you with tales of my decisions about grad school, life, and the monastic existence, but at present you are victim to my unfettered caprice. And my caprice is sleepy.
Oh. Hugh Laurie won the Golden Globe for House. This pleases me on some level, though I did not bother to actually watch. Amber said his acceptance speech convinced her that he and I were twins separated at birth. I can live with that comparison.
fin.
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