Christmas is...

The Greatest Gift

There has been only one Christmas - the rest are anniversaries. ~W.J. Cameron

Jesus is the Gift
Jesus is the gift that perfectly fits every heart
and it is with His love that all celebration starts.
We rejoice in Him as we remember His birth
and thank God for sending His only Son to earth.

His life led from a manger to a cross on a hill
where He faithfully followed His Father’s perfect will.
He freely laid down everything so that we could live,
and there is no greater treasure anyone could give.

Like a scarlet ribbon His love wrapped around the cross
and He offered it to us all at the greatest cost.
So each time that we give we remember what He’s done
and honor the perfect Gift—God’s one and only Son.
~ Holley Gerth



The gift of God.
The birth of Christ.
This is Christmas.
This is the miracle of
Amazing grace and love.
~Boomerkat

Fail not to call to mind, in the course of the twenty-fifth of this month, that the Divinest Heart that ever walked the earth was born on that day; and then smile and enjoy yourselves for the rest of it; for mirth is also of Heaven's making.
~Leigh Hunt

“Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign:
Behold, a virgin will be with child and bear a son,
And she will call His name Immanuel.”
~Isaiah 7:14




Except the Christ be born again tonight
In dreams of all men, saints and sons of shame,
The world will never see his kingdom bright.
~Vachel Lindsay


May the Prince of Peace, Lord of All, bring His
everlasting peace,amazing grace,and unconditional
and eternal love into your heart and life at this
special celebration of His Holy birth.

Favorite Things

Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens
Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens
Brown paper packages tied up with strings…
…these are a few of my favorite things…

The gentle morning goodbye kiss of the one you love most, as
you lay still snuggled warmly in bed, half in a dream, as he leaves for work…
The feeling that your heart is about to burst out of your chest
with love and wonder as you hold your first born child…
The sense of awe , the tearful joy and overwhelming
gratitude to God when you hold your firstborn grandchild…
The precious gift of true friendship. The joy of a family
Christmas morning filled with surprise and love and laughter.
The amazing, unbelievable promise of an Easter morning sunrise

…and all the “little” pleasures and wonders God has given us.
The sweet sensation of walking barefoot through the dew-kissed
grass early in the morning, the peace of the early morning hush,
crocuses in the snow, snow angels in your own back yard,

hot cocoa with marshmallows, a glass of wine and a great movie,
the gentle spring breeze bringing the scent of lilac and honeysuckle,
the sound of soft, soothing surf caressing the shore in the moonlight,
scampering squirrels and majestic whales, the earth, the heavens…
the little “a-hah” moments of discovery and revelation…
the soul stirring sensual pleasures of all of natures
little wonders.…and created in His image, people, people who make beauty, art, poetry,
stories that carry us away to worlds of beauty and fantasy, the writers who
paint word pictures, and the music makers who stir our hearts, our minds,
our souls, who can make us weep with the artistry of their voices and their
nimble fingers…who can bring to life so many poignant memories simply
through hearing their magical melodies.

…these are a few of my favorite things.

Christmas Spirit 2007

This commentary was delivered by Ben Stein on
CBS Sunday Morning,on December 16, and I believe it echo’s
The sentiments of so many of us. God bless you, Ben stein.

Kudos to Ben for his outspoken, non-PC, and wise words.


I keep seeing in the newspapers that it might not be a "good" Christmas because while visits to stores are up, purchases per visit are down very slightly.

There is also some fear that it might not be a "good" holiday season because fears about the housing correction will scare shoppers into keeping their wallets zipped.

I'm fascinated by this, because I have looked through a Concordance of the Old and New Testaments and I do not find the word "shopping" even once.

I'm not sure when the idea got to be dominant that a "good" Christmas was about total spending, but here respectfully are some alternative suggestions:

Maybe a good Christmas for this most blessed of nations would be when we as a nation and as communities made sure the homeless had a warm, safe place to sleep.

Maybe a good Christmas would not be about buying your kids the latest gizmo for listening to obscene lyrics, but about teaching them that if they are fortunate enough to have extra time or extra money, they can help out at the old age home or at the local animal shelter.

Maybe a good time would not be buying your parents sweaters they will never use, but taking a trip to see them and telling them how much you appreciate that they spent the heart of their lives taking care of you, feeding you, teaching you, putting a roof over your head, warming you with their love and concern.

Maybe the best time of all would be telling your husband or your wife or love partner that you would be lost without him or her and that you're sorry for the selfish things you did that year, and you'll be better next year.

Christmas and Hanukah presents rarely fit and rarely are to your taste. They sit in your closet and collect dust forever.

But gifts in this special, sacred time of love and caring to your family, your friends, and your neighborhood - those are never forgotten. They bring peace of mind for years.

And I seem to recall from my vanished youth that this is the holiday of the Prince of Peace, not the queen of diamonds.

A Child Shall Lead…

Jesus, our blessed Savior, came as a child
to lead all the children of God to salvation
and eternal life in Him.
I pray that all will come to know Him as I do.
His most precious gift is a personal
relationship with Him,
Jesus Christ, the Son of God.


“For today in the city of David there has been born
For you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
And this will be a sign for you; you will find a baby
Wrapped in cloths, and lying in a manger.
And suddenly there appeared with the angel a
Multitude of the heavenly host praising God,
And saying;
Glory to God in the highest,
And on earth peace among
Men with whom He is pleased.”
--Luke 2:11-14


The greatest gift is given by God, His name is JESUS!

Deck the Halls

I IZ singing...fa lala lala...meeeeow!


...and oh yeah...HO HO HO!

Laughter and Joy!

Let the world be filled with laughter and joy
at this happiest and most blessed time of year.

A Cinematic Confection

How sweet it is!

Johnny Depp as Sweeney Todd…I’m in heaven!

It doesn’t get better than this, and it seems TT is favorably
impressed. In his blog he says, “…it is--without exception, and by a considerable margin--the best film ever to have been made from a Broadway musical.” Read more of his comments here.
A definite must-see for me!

God Bless Us…every one!

One of the brightest, cleverest, and most entertaining guys in showbiz today is Ben Stein. Certainly not the leading man type (although that is quite subjective…and I kinda like his looks :o), he is not only an actor, author, and TV celebrity, but he is one of the most intelligent commentarians around today. His commentaries always seem to be so well thought out and right on target. He’s not always PC…hallelujah and amen to that! He’s a man after my own heart who is not afraid or ashamed to “tell it like it is” and sometimes as it should be. If someone finds his comments or opinions offensive, well, deal with it. This is still the great US of A and freedom of speech still exists. You go, Ben!

The following was written by Ben Stein and recited by him on CBS' "Sunday Morning" Commentary on December 18, 2005. If anything, it is even more apropos in today’s society.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Herewith at this happy time of year, a few confessions from my beating heart:

I have no freaking clue who Nick and Jessica are. I see them on the cover of People and Us constantly when I am buying my dog biscuits and kitty litter. I often ask the checkers at the grocery stores. They never know who Nick and Jessica are either. Who are they? Will it change my life if I know who they are and why they have broken up? Why are they so important? I don't know who Lindsay Lohan is, either, and I do not care at all about Tom Cruise's wife.

Am I going to be called before a Senate committee and asked if I am a subversive? Maybe, but I just have no clue who Nick and Jessica are. Is this what it means to be no longer young. It's not so bad.

Next confession: I am a Jew, and every single one of my ancestors was Jewish. And it does not bother me even a little bit when people call those beautiful lit up, bejeweled trees Christmas trees. I don't feel threatened. I don't feel discriminated against. That's what they are: Christmas trees. It doesn't bother me a bit when people say, "Merry Christmas" to me. I don't think they are slighting me or getting ready to put me in a ghetto. In fact, I kind of like it. It shows that we are all brothers and sisters celebrating this happy time of year. It doesn't bother me at all that there is a manger scene on display at a key intersection near my beach house in Malibu. If people want a creche, it's just as fine with me as is the Menorah a few hundred yards away.

I don't like getting pushed around for being a Jew and I don't think Christians like getting pushed around for being Christians. I think people who believe in God are sick and tired of getting pushed around, period. I have no idea where the concept came from that America is an explicitly atheist country. I can't find it in the Constitution and I don't like it being shoved down my throat.

Or maybe I can put it another way: where did the idea come from that we should worship Nick and Jessica and we aren't allowed to worship God as we understand Him?

I guess that's a sign that I'm getting old, too. But there are a lot of us who are wondering where Nick and Jessica came from and where the America we knew went to.

(The following was not part of the original commentary, but seems to have been added. I think it is well worth including for it’s truths)

In light of the many jokes we send to one another for a laugh, this is a little different: This is not intended to be a joke; it's not funny, it's intended to get you thinking.

How can we expect God to give us His blessing and His protection if we demand He leave us alone?

In light of recent events...terrorists attack, school shootings, etc. I think it started when Madeleine Murray O'Hare (she was murdered, her body found recently) complained she didn't want prayer in our schools, and we said OK.
Then someone said you better not read the Bible in school. The Bible says thou shalt not kill, thou shalt not steal, and love your neighbor as yourself. And we said OK.

Then Dr. Benjamin Spock said we shouldn't spank our children when they misbehave because their little personalities would be warped and we might damage their self-esteem (Dr. Spock's son committed suicide). We said an expert should know what he's talking about. And we said OK.

Now we're asking ourselves why our children have no conscience, why they don't know right from wrong, and why it doesn't bother them to kill strangers, their classmates, and themselves.

Probably, if we think about it long and hard enough, we can figure it out. I think it has a great deal to do with "WE REAP WHAT WE SOW."

Funny how simple it is for people to trash God and then wonder why the world's going to hell. Funny how we believe what the newspapers say, but question what the Bible says. Funny how you can send 'jokes' through e-mail and they spread like wildfire but when you start sending messages regarding the Lord, people think twice about sharing. Funny how lewd, crude, vulgar and obscene articles pass freely through cyberspace, but public discussion of God is suppressed in the school and workplace.

Are you laughing?

Funny how when you forward this message, you will not send it to many on your address list because you're not sure what they believe, or what they will think of you for sending it.

Funny how we can be more worried about what other people think of us than what God thinks of us.

Pass it on if you think it has merit. If not then just discard it... no one will know you did. But, if you discard this thought process, don't sit back and complain about what bad shape the world is in.

Terry and Me

There’s a great blog on this, the WWW, that occasionally has comments on topics that leave me scratching my red-head. It’s the sort of blog that keeps me connected to the big world outside of this sleepy little burg I live in, to the world of literature, theater, and other good stuff that I have limited access to otherwise. I love reading his opinions and comments on so many different topics. A perusal of “About Last Night” can lead to a marathon session of pleasurable and informative browsing as well as the discovery of little gems of literary references. My dear friend is an avid fan of this blog as you will discover by checking out her comments here. (Incidentally, there’s a whole lot more wonderful “stuff” on her blog that will amuse and entertain you.)

What an apropos name for one who “teaches” about such varied venues, Terry Teachout. I love his reviews of many of the stage presentations extant in our land. Although I love the theater, I rarely have the opportunity to get to a Broadway show, so it gives me some satisfaction to know which shows I am better off missing. Somehow though, I seem to have missed one about a show I will be seeing in January, “Jersey Boys”. I’m sure Terry has mentioned it somewhere, sometime, but I’m also sure I will enjoy it. How could I not, it’s my time and my music for Pete’s sake!! and these "boys" were even from New Joisey! (…and thank goodness the strike is over!)

In a recent post he noted something else that piqued my interest and I was not disappointed. Imagine that!
Terry and I both seem to be intrigued by dinosaurs, or could it have been the literary reference to John Updike he was focused on? Whichever it might be, check out the “dino” link (fascinating), and by all means, check out his blog. It will enlighten and entertain as well as teach.

School Plus Church?

I recently had the pleasure of spending an entire Sunday in church. You may well ask what’s so unusual about that? Well, this was a tour sponsored by a local Community School program, what I like to call “School Plus”. School today is not just the three R’s, it’s learning-plus delivered in so many different and interesting ways to kids of all ages. One of which is the “day trip” offering geared mainly toward adults. Many of these trips are indeed an adventure in education and entertainment in unique ways.

This particular offering intrigued me. Especially since it was centered in the not so desirable destination city of Newark, which has a reputation not quite connected with religious worship. What, I wondered, could be the fascination of “touring” different churches. Of course, I had my own ideas, and the day certainly proved some of my instincts to be right on target. My personal feeling is that for Christians there should be no separations or schisms brought on by different forms of worshipping and glorifying God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit, since we are all praising the same triune divinity. Unfortunately, there is strife that arises from the differences in the dogmas of different divisions of Christianity and the resulting styles of worship. However, whether you are Roman Catholic, Orthodox, Baptist, Methodist, Pentecostal, etc., etc., you must remember we all love the same Lord God Jehovah.

Our first stop was a well-known church in this, the East Coast of the USA, New Hope Baptist Church. A black gospel Baptist church. The people were so warm and openly welcoming to our group. The choir and congregational singing was rousing and animated, joyfully and loudly praising the Lord in song. There was witnessing to the congregation with responses of praise loudly proclaimed by others, and friendly greetings and interaction among the congregants and our group. Since I’ve attended a Baptist church before I felt so very much at home and eagerly joined in with everything.


Then on to the Roman Catholic Sacred Heart Cathedral Basilica. It was officially designated a Basilica in 1995 by Pope John Paul II who said, "This magnificent building stands in the heart of Newark as a powerful reminder of God's steadfast love for his People and as a sign of faith in Christ, our 'hope of glory.'" The architecture was spectacular in the style of European cathedrals, it’s spires majestically soaring heavenward. The interior was beautifully designed with the finest woods and Italian marble. It truly was awe inspiring. The service, in contrast to New Hope, was reserved and somewhat sedate but certainly imbued one with a feeling of piety and respectful worship through it’s quiet reverence. There was little interaction with the congregation because of the different style of worship in this glorious edifice.

We paused for lunch at the Priory Restaurant and enjoyed their sumptuous Sunday Jazz Brunch buffet. A bountiful Cajun/Creole/Southern style inspired selection along with the more mundane offerings. The food was excellent and there was so much variety to satisfy anyone’s tastes. The gastronomic delights were enhanced by a jazz pianist who serenaded us throughout lunch with various gospel selections. His adaptations of well-known tunes into worship songs was delightful. One example; “Georgia on My Mind” became “Jesus on My Mind”. It was almost like breaking bread with the Lord! ;o)

We then visited the Grace Episcopal Church after all services were finished for the day but were in for a special treat. Here, again, the beautiful architecture, reverently beautiful inside as well, as the cathedral was. Our treat was a “private” concert of worship hymns performed by the organist on one of the most beautiful church organs I’ve ever seen. It was a stirring performance by a master on a magnificent instrument. The melodies soaring to God’s Heaven as beautifully as they did in the regular services, perhaps joined then by the voices of the congregants.

The “tour” concluded with a stop at the Newark Museum before heading home.

For me this was a day of joy and refreshment. Worshipping the Lord is always a joy and experiencing the differences in these churches only served to once more prove to me that for those of us who love the Lord, there is no difference. He is our God, we love and adore Him, each in our own way, yet each with the fullness of our hearts, minds, and souls. Praise God, and all the people shouted, “AMEN!”.

Thoughts About Giving Thanks...

Prayer of Thanksgiving

We give thanks
Lord, for all you have given to us,
For lighting our way through the
Darkness of this world,
For giving us truth,
For loving us unconditionally.
For all Your blessings, Lord,
We thank You.

The unthankful heart... discovers no mercies;
but let the thankful heart sweep through the day and,
as the magnet finds the iron, so it will find,
in every hour, some heavenly blessings!
- Henry Ward Beecher

O God, when I have food,
help me to remember the hungry;
When I have work,
help me to remember the jobless;
When I have a home,
help me to remember those who have no home at all;
When I am without pain,
help me to remember those who suffer,
And remembering,
help me to destroy my complacency;
bestir my compassion,
and be concerned enough to help;
By word and deed,
those who cry out for what we take for granted.
Amen.
- Samuel F. Pugh

For each new morning with its light,
For rest and shelter of the night,
For health and food, for love and friends,
For everything Thy goodness sends.
- Ralph Waldo Emerson

On the Lighter Side

So logically Illogical…LOL!



"What soap is to the body, laughter is to the soul." Yiddish Proverb

Freedom is Not Free

God bless all who have served and still serve,
Who have given all to secure our freedom
And preserve all we hold dear.

It is the Soldier

"It is the soldier, not the reporter,
Who has given us freedom of the press.

"It is the soldier, not the poet,
Who has given us freedom of speech.

"It is the soldier, not the campus organizer,
Who has given us the freedom to demonstrate.

"It is the soldier, who salutes the flag,
Who serves beneath the flag,
And whose coffin is draped by the flag,
Who allows the protester to burn the flag."

-- Father Dennis Edward O'Brian, USMC

Chuckles & Grimaces

With a bow to my pal, Lady Wordsmith for steering me to this fun site.

I am now a Titled "Dame"...LOL. You shall now address me as...

My Peculiar Aristocratic Title is: Reverend Lady Evie the Feline of Chalmondley Chumleyton Get your Peculiar Aristocratic Title

or, if you prefer...

My Peculiar Aristocratic Title is: Very Lady Katgal the Pertinacious of Chipping Sodbury Get your Peculiar Aristocratic Title

BOO!

Happy Halloween to kids of all ages…

Alimentary (er! Elementary), My Dear!

Oh, the pure joy of re-reading literary classics! I am in the midst of reading one of the most intricately and beautifully crafted works of mystery and deductive reasoning ever written. James Patterson, hang your head and hide…but the Master of Deduction will find you out. Alex Cross, though an accomplished sleuth and finely crafted character, is no more than a poor imitation of the master sleuth, Sherlock Holmes.

I think I am enjoying these stories so much more on this reading. Sherlock Holmes is without question, the most famous literary detective ever created. Sherlock Holmes knew the value of observing not only the obvious, but the minutiae overlooked by mere mortals who lacked his finely honed powers of observation and intellectually superior reasoning. Created by Sir Arthur Conan-Doyle, and what a mind Conan-Doyle had. For there, my friends, is the source of Holmes’ inimitable skills of observation and deduction. From that mind flowed these intricately woven tales of discovery. The characters--Holmes, Watson, Lestrade, the infamous Professor Moriarity, (the quintessential arch-villain), come alive in all the facets of their personalities in these pages of intrigue. As for the personality of Holmes himself (the archetypical sleuth in his Deerstalker, smoking his Meerschaum)…he is arrogant, dismissive of “lesser mortals” and openly disdainful of them, opinionated, superior…and let’s not forget addictive. He is also a lover of the arts, and naturally has a keen grasp of many scientific disciplines.



Whoa, hold on a minute here…do I deduce some similarity here? A similarity to one of my very favorite TV shows? Why, it is elementary my dear! Dr. Gregory House/Sherlock Holmes? My, my…the game is afoot. The similarities are blatantly obvious…Holmes=House the brilliant, arrogant, non-conformist who disdains “the establishment“, Dr. Watson=Dr. Wilson, his trusted and faithful confidant and friend. The music lover, the addict, the brilliant scientist, the willingness to “bend the rules“…even the names. Of course, the solution is obvious…”House” IS the medical detective, the Sherlock Holmes of the world of medicine. There are many, many similarities, all outlined beautifully in the link.

Ah, but now I am compelled to return to my “real” book and once more leave this world for the intrigue and fascination of priceless and inimitable fiction.

In the Beginning

“…And God saw that it was good.”
Genesis 1:18






How can anyone, anyone capable of intelligent thought, doubt the power of God?
No words, only wonder and awe and reverence. He IS an awesome God.

"There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle.
The other is as though everything is a miracle."
--A. Einstein

To Boldly Go…

One of my favorite TV shows of all time was “Star Trek”, now identified with the letters TOS as The Original Series, to distinguish it from the many spin-offs. ST:TOS was produced on a shoe-string budget with lots of hokey stuff for the special effects. However, it was a ground-breaking show--original, creative, forward thinking, intelligent (the network originally considered it too “cerebral” for the average viewer) and appealed, at first, to a narrow audience of “thinkers”. It’s creator, Gene Roddenberry utilized some of the best sci-fi writers (and some not so sci-fi) of the era to bring his vision of the future to life and to tackle some highly controversial issues, religious, social and political. I am proud to have been, and still am, among the many “cerebral” fans of the show. Those fans were and are among the cream of the intellectual crop of Americans who saw beyond the hokey effects, makeshift scenery, and sometimes over-emotive acting, to the real Star Trek and it‘s deeper messages and lessons. On ST:TOS morality, honesty, integrity, and brotherhood were alive and well, along with a lot more American values.

So, I offer you this, from one of my favorite blogs--The Corner, published by NRO (and one of my favorite NRO writers). Enjoy and be edified. I certainly could not have written it better! Live long and prosper!

"It's Time For A Confession [Jonah Goldberg]

I've decided I really just don't like Star Trek: Next Generation (ST: TNG) very much. For years, I was its defender against all comers. I liked it a lot when it was still on the air. And I liked it in reruns for awhile. But the more I watch it, the less I find redeeming about it (you might see my influence on this score in this quasi editorial). There are things I still like about it, but it's become increasingly difficult to separate the quadrotriticale from the chaff. But, for now let me speak in broad brushstrokes. Everything good about the show, they fell over backwards into.

Indeed, almost everything about TNG was designed to be the opposite of The Original Series (TOS). They originally thought that Ryker was going to be this really powerful personality, a James T. Kirk as second-in-command who actually kept the captain safely on board. But, he sucked. He was a bad actor, and he allowed himself to be upstaged by a Euroweenie with a French attitude and name (in fairness Patrick Stewart is a much better actor). The original Trek was a Cold War drama where a Kennedy-esque captain, exploring the new, final, frontier was willing to pay any price, bear any burden for decency and freedom. The enemies were totalitarians — Klingons, Romulans etc. The new Trek took the Prime Directive deadly seriously and went out of its way time and again to set itself off from the understated Americanism of the original series. Now, the greatest enemies were the Ferengi — runaway capitalists with bullwhips who looked like a mix between Nazi caricatures of Jews and the original Nosferatu. They failed miserably as villains and, over time, had to become comedic relief. The Borg were eventually introduced as the signature bad guys of Star Trek because — guess what? — collectivists always make for better enemies than capitalists, even bad capitalists. But one gets the distinct impression that if the producers had their druthers, the villains in Star Trek would have remained anti-environmental, free-market, unilateralists until the bitter end.
But we can come back to that. What also drove me crazy was how someone got it into their head that Star Trek needed to be a showcase for the acting chops of the entire ensemble. So one episode we get to follow Dr. Crusher around the ship for a frick'n hour as she tries to muster a feminist complaint in the 23rd century. In another episode, we're expected to sustain interest in Troi's romantic life. The constant explorations of Data's inner life at least had some sci-fi benefits — he was an android after all — but even here the priority seemed to be to show that Brent Spiner can act.

Which brings me to the hideous holodeck. It makes noooooo sense scientifically. But we can forgive that, I guess. But it makes even less sense dramatically — for a sci-fi show. Who wants to watch the crew of the USS Enterprise solve a 1930s crime story — a billion frick'n times? In interviews, you could tell that the actors though the holodeck was perhaps the best part of the show because it allowed them to do all sorts of different and exciting things as actors. Well guess what? The show is not about the actors! The most successful star of the whole series was William Shatner for Pete's sake.

What's interesting, to me at least, is that TOS still holds up, while TNG basically does not. The acting, the effects and even, in a sense, the writing of TNG is better. But the original series has a soul and a clear vision. The vision of TNG is a post Cold War vision and as such it lacked coherence. It tried to marry Roddenberry's optimistic dream of the future with a critical stance toward the present, and it came up with mush. The best things about TNG were those things that the fans wanted — more war, more Worf, more action — and the producers stumbled on. Contrast this with Battlestar Galactica, which has a critical, albeit complicated, vision of our own time but also has a pessimistic vision of our future (or what might turn out to be our future). One could defend TNG college-administrators-in-space goody-goody banality by arguing that it was an interesting and somewhat accurate reflection on the "holiday from history" zeitgeist that saturated the 1990s while Battlestar Galactica reflects our more interesting times. But that just underscores how Battlestar Galactica is, in fact, interesting and Star Trek the Next Generation really isn't, at least not anymore.”

These Precious Days

“…With the Lord one day is as a thousand years,
And a thousand years as one day.”
2 Peter 3:8

As the Days Dwindle Down

“To everything there is a season,
And a time for every purpose under heaven--”
Eccl 3:1


It seems to me the seasons so parallel life…Spring-birth and childhood, innocent, fragile, in need of nurturing; Summer-youthful, carefree, unpredictable, sometimes stormy, and hot!; Autumn-maturity, serenity, acceptance and adulthood; Winter-the golden twilight of life, serenely nostalgic, reminiscing, and preparing to return home to our Father. Why not equate winter with death? Simple, Winter is not death, but a preparation for new life to come. Casting off the old to be reborn into new life.

We’re all kind of used to it, inured to the necessity of the routine of daily life. Sometimes barely, and sadly, unaware of how life is changing all around us. We hardly even notice this amazing cycle of life and the changes it brings…so much beauty, so much to see, so much to miss with our hustle-bustle, day-to-day “busyness”. Take a break, take the time to stop and really see the wonders God works on this corner of the universe, this little blue marble we inhabit. Step back, relax, and soak in September’s song.

It has all been occurring with predictable consistency since the beginning of time---

“That which has been is that which will be,
And that which has been done is that which
Will be done.
So, there is nothing new under the sun.”
Eccl 1:9

September evenings, longer now with the earlier setting sun. A prophetic forecast of the coming autumn and winter. Autumn days, some as warm and sultry as a day in August, some with the chill of winter’s bite in the air. For some it’s a welcome respite from hot, hazy, humid summer…for some a sad farewell, see you next time. It’s all a matter of taste, I suppose.

"Try to remember the kind of September
When life was slow and oh so mellow
Try to remember the kind of September
When grass was green and grain so yellow…
Try to remember and if you remember
Then follow--follow…"
- Try to Remember, Jones/Schmidt


Yes, autumn is such a beautiful season, a gentle transition, just as spring is an awakening, a birth and rebirth…autumn is a waning, the earth gently returning to herself. It is God’s plan, just as He has designed our lives, so He has designed the life of mother earth.

Evenings are refreshingly cool, the silence pleasantly broken by the chirping of the last crickets songs until silenced by the cold to come. Bumblebees are lazily kissing the last roses of summer and the profusion of fall blossoms-soft lavender dusty miller, the contrast of bright red salvia, a kaleidoscope of marigolds, regal chrysanthemums, all arrayed in their autumn finery.

I love to watch the leaves drifting down in little rivulets on the soft breeze, in torrential showers of color with the northern winds…red, orange, yellow, rust, bronze. Little splashes of green holding on as if clinging to life with their last breath. A solitary green leaf clings tenaciously to the very tip of a branch. The trees shed their raiment in preparation for a long sleepy winter only to be clothed in white, as though wearing a coat of ermine, with the first falling snows.

How delightful it is when acorns come raining down with the strong autumn winds, drumming their rat-a-tat rhythm on the rooftop and on the pavement. Falling to the ground for all God’s little creatures to harvest. Squirrels and chipmunks scurry to and fro in my yard busily gathering them and the fruits still clinging to the bushes. Stocking their little larders with golden-brown acorns for a sleepy mid-winter feast, to sustain them until the first fruits of spring once again break forth. Time to start filling the bird feeders again. Time for the last visits from the Chickadees with their pert little black caps, the Mourning Doves with their soulful cooing, the fleeting flashes of the bright little Goldfinches. The beautiful Cardinals will stay, their plumage somewhat dimmed by the season, along with the tenacious little sparrows, they will feed through the winter on the bounty we provide. Just as God in His infinite mercy and miracle of creation provides us with a bounty of autumn sustenance for our bodies--pumpkins and squash in a rainbow of hues, tubers, grains, greens, and so much more. As He sustains our souls with His word and promises of new life to come, He sustains our physical bodies with His bountiful fruits of the earth and the eternal promise of the coming of spring and re-birth.

I am not saddened by the waning of summer and the entrance of autumn on this stage of life. I am amazed and elated by once again seeing the miracles and the cycles of life and living. I am filled with the wonder of all the sights, scents, and sounds He has provided to thrill my senses. This is God’s bountiful gift to us, this world of wonder, of change, of delight. These are the precious days I’ll spend with Him.

"Oh, the days dwindle down to a precious few
September, November…
And these few precious days I’ll spend with you
These precious days I’ll spend with you."
Anderson/Weill

Addio Maestro

Now, he sings to the Master Musician with the Angelic Choir...addio Luciano.

Those Were the Days…of TV’s Golden Age

A recent blog post by my dear friend and literary mentor, brought back so many fond memories and inspired this post. In it she mentions a classic comedian from the early days of “fifties” TV when life was simpler and it didn’t take profanity, degrading people, explicit or inferred sex or violence, to make people laugh and forget their troubles. Maybe I’m old-fashioned…no-- no maybe about it…I am!!!…when it comes to what is right and wrong with most of what passes for “comedy” today ( and a few other things, too). Hey, whatta ‘ya know!…a Baby-Boomer with old-fashioned values!

Jackie Gleason, Sid Cesar and Imogene Coca, Jimmy Durante, and of course, the inimitable and irreplaceable Lucy. (In case you haven’t a clue…that’s the incomparable, irrepressible, scatter-brained, hilarious, carrot-top, Lucille Ball). And if none of these names ring a bell, look them up on the WWW!

More recently people like Bill Cosby carried on the tradition of “rolling them in the aisles” with good, clean humor that your folks weren’t worried about their kids seeing and hearing. Oh, and how about “the Santa Clause”, better known as Tim Allen, whose TV show, "Home Improvement", was good wholesome family fun. How sad and what a pitiful commentary on the decline of social and moral values in this great country of ours that it has all but disappeared. Oh sure, some of these performers had other, more “adult” acts elsewhere, but not on TV, not in our living rooms. Even “Everybody Loves Raymond”, as family-oriented and funny as it was…and it was a great sitcom…focused on a dysfunctional and sometimes hurtful family and even they sometimes resorted to overt sexual situations, “potty humor” and double-entendres. Some “reality” is funny, a lot of it isn’t and comedy should help us escape reality, forget the hurts or laugh at what skims the surface of “reality” and feel better…not mirror our own pain or elicit uncomfortable, self-conscious laughs. Even the Bunkers were kinder and gentler with their witty, often biting, and very often not-PC, satire.

But, back to the topic at hand. A sweet, multi-talented man of many faces and characters who got his start in Vaudeville, just as many of his contemporaries did. Vaudeville was live, rough, and raunchy, but none of these comedians brought the seamy side of their comedy into our homes. We didn’t have to monitor programs or put “kid locks” on the remote.

His name was Red Skelton. Learn more about him and be delighted. He was Klem Kadidddlehopper, Freddie the Freeloader, and more. He was truly one-in-a-million. He made us laugh with him at his often poignant portrayals, and he always respected us and himself. These were the values of Red Skelton and those of us who loved watching and listening to him…

In tribute to Red Skelton, and with thanks for all he gave us.

…one more time in his own words…Good night, and God Bless.

Klingon’s Bane?

…eat…sleep…make babies!!!











Do you know what you get when you feed a tribble too much?

…A fat tribble?…

Noooo…….. you get a whole bunch of hungry little tribbles…it seems tribbles are bisexual, reproducing at will. And, brother, have they got a lot of will.

"Just before they went into warp, I beamed the whole kit and kaboodle into their engine room, where they'll be no tribble at all." -- Scotty, explaining how he got rid of the tribbles (The Trouble With Tribbles)

Ina-CAT-a-da-Vida

I iz world renowned opercatic tenor!
Ma name he iz Enrico Catruso.

Katz iz Kingz!

It's A Marvelous Night for a Moondance

“The heavens are telling of the glory of God;
And their expanse is declaring the work of His hands.”
Psalm 19:1



Wow, blue (well, bluish black) sky and red moon!

Seeing a lunar eclipse never ceases to amaze me, and so much easier to view than a solar eclipse.

How wondrous are His works in heaven!
The heavens truly declare His Glory and mystery
and sing of His creation.

"Music Hath Charms..."

A little more on a bit of impressive and delightful entertainment I mentioned in a previous post. A wonderful group of young college men who produce some sweet, sweet, music. Non-professionals with a sound quality many pro’s never achieve. The mellifluous sound of a capella singing, something that takes real vocal talent, perfect pitch, and a love of the genre. It also takes a lot of hard work (I know, I sang in a choir and I’m really only a shower singer…LOL.) These guys give it their all, and it shows in their beautiful and perfect harmonies. Their repertoire ranges from well-known tunes to some obscure little ditties, from “oldies” to “newbies”. Who are they? Why, none other than The Vineyard Sound. A Martha’s Vineyard institution and a joy to see and hear.

"Love Me Tender..."

What can be said, the King of Rock‘n Roll still lives. I guess Elvis will never really die.

A cultural phenom, the first real “American Idol”. It intrigues me, all the attention, all the fan frenzy, even 30 years after his demise. Some reverent and respectful, some bizarre and unhealthy. I wouldn’t even attempt to understand the reasons behind it all. So much talent, so much to live for and so much yet to give. He gave so much pleasure to so many people and they loved him, still do. Yet it seems there was so much anguish in his heart and spirit…so sad.

I loved him too…well, loved his music and I guess, the sweet little boy from Tupelo, Mississippi who never really grew up and literally never grew old. I know that he’s happily raising his voice in joyous song to our Father with the Angelic Choir, and gyrating those hips in his Blue Suede Shoes all over God’s Heaven.

How Sweet the Sound...Eph 6:24

"From Wakan Tanka, the Great Spirit, there came a great life force that flowed in and through all things..." Teton Sioux saying

Afterglow (“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Heb 11:1

“The heavens declare His righteousness
And all the peoples have seen His glory.” Psalm 97:6



I’m revisiting our last night on the Vineyard because it was special in more ways than one. That evening God gave me cause to reflect on the many gifts He gives us, the big ones and the sweet little ones, and the lessons He teaches to help us grow ever closer to Him. I thought about the hard times, the rough patches, and how valuable they are no matter how much they may hurt. I thought of all the relationships in my life and how each fills me in a different way. I thought of acceptance, forbearance, forgiveness--- of faith, hope, and love.

I thought about the irreplaceable gift of my family, a treasure beyond earthly value, of the love and sharing. The events of that evening also reminded me of how precious the gift of true friendship is, especially when that friend becomes so much more, becomes a sister of the heart. All the more precious because of her love and caring, her generosity, and most of all, her faithfulness to me. She has given me so much of herself and I love her dearly.

Has God ever given you one of those very personal, very special, little gifts at the perfect time and in the perfect place, only meaningful for you? The kind someone else might find silly or capricious, that they would never understand? He has done this for me on occasion. These gifts are so rare that I store them in my heart and treasure them even more for their rarity. Well, on that last night on the Vineyard He gave me one. My last night---Home Port--it means much to me in so many ways, home tomorrow where so much of my heart lives, and after this world, my Home Port for eternity. Your gifts, sweet Abba, almost overwhelm me sometimes.

After a truly scrumdiddly-icious meal at the Home Port Restaurant in Menemsha...view of the ocean, an amazing meal, so abundant and generous I couldn‘t finish it (yes of course I brought home my peeps baggie), lobster and other bounty from the sea, each tasty morsel cooked to perfection...wonderful service, and again, the name of the place! (Dear Lord, You made it so appropriate for my heart and You didn‘t stop there), we joined about 100 other observers at sunset out on the jetty. It’s somewhat of a tradition on the Vineyard, sunset at Menemsha.

Someone had a recording of “Amazing Grace” on bagpipes playing from a boat right behind us...a special treat for any "Trekkie" and I‘ve been a devotee since the very first episode, (this music was in the film “Star Trek II, The Wrath of Khan“)...is it also a Navy tradition? I wish I knew. According to urban legend the hymn was sung by the Cherokee people on the Trail of Tears and is considered a sort of anthem for the Cherokee Nation. It is also very meaningful for me personally in many ways.

I find it difficult to imagine anything more appropriate than wailing bagpipes to set the mood for a funeral...yet God in His mysterious way has designed this particular funeral dirge to instill a feeling of hope and the anticipation of something new and better beyond this life in the heart of some listeners...at least it does for this listener and believer in God's faithfulness and promises.
This life we live is not an easy one. It seems it's the way this fallen world has to be for a while longer. Yet for believers, something is different. We suffer tragedies and we also see the sufferings of other's, and we weep for them...those we love and those we will never know. We plod along and tough it through the daily trials, the pain and disappointments. We struggle through the deserts of despair and loneliness and yet, somehow we endure. Somehow we manage to retain that little spark of hope in our hearts that life can be better. That feeling, my friend, that little spark, is God. He is that still, small voice of faith that kindles the spark of hope. He always manages to give us a glimpse of what His world is supposed to be like and what it will be with Him.

Just before I heard the music I had almost allowed myself to slip into a mood of melancholy, a little self-indulgent sadness over the end of a beautiful week. This despite being happy to be heading on to my Home Port and everyone I love the next day. Yet, this week was one of God’s gifts to me and now, with this music and His hand gently lowering His sun into His ocean, He reminded me so lovingly and gently once again, to treasure all the wonderful gifts He has given me. He has given us all this beautiful world, filled with His wonders and love.

Once again my God has shown me that the air is never sweeter, more rarified, more pure and refreshing, the view is never more life affirming when you reach the mountaintop, than when you've been a dweller in the desolate valley of despair. Though I’ve been in that valley, and the deeper pit, and will no doubt be there again…my God will always lead me back to the mountaintop if I just follow.

More Than Merely Sea and Sand

"God is our refuge and strength...
though the earth should change...
though the mountains slip
into the sea." Psalm 46:1-2



You may think that because the "Vineyahd" is an island that there is only so much to see, sea and sand, sand and sea , but au contraire, Noepe is an island of earthly delights. Just driving along any of the main roads brings a feast to the eyes and the whole place is a photographer’s paradise. The drive itself is relaxing and leisurely. The only time you run into traffic is in the towns with all the shoppers in the daytime and the revelers at eventide. Then patience is indeed, a virtue.

The great white Heron in the pond with the swans, barely 100 yards inland from the ocean. Standing on a jetty/dune you could see both, ocean to the left, pond to the right. Beach plums growing in amazing abundance along State Beach and others, blazing with the colors of the summer sun, inviting you to pick and eat. Clusters of sailboats and a catamaran in a bay down the hill from the road. A rainbow profusion of so many different flowers everywhere you look, and not all cultivated, except by the hand of God. He certainly was busy with His paintbrush on this island.

Meander along any of a number of beaches and see balls of seaweed, like tumbleweed from the sea. Gather shells and sea glass and smoothly polished, almost translucent stones, little jewels polished in God's gem tumbler...the sand and waves of the ocean.

We even went to a wine-tasting and tour at the only vineyard on the Vineyard :o), the Chicama Vineyards in West Tisbury, (oh my, isn’t that where Fox Mulder’s father was from?) where they still produce their nectar-of-the-vine the old-fashioned way. I brought home a bottle of the aptly named Summer Island Red. Luscious! Even got to make some puppy-love with the Beagle there. Then there was the absolutely obligatory, "must have some", stop at Chilmark Chocolates…again all made the old-fashioned, by hand, way. Yum! Need I say more?

Another day we motored over to Aquinnah and the Gay Head cliffs. Talk about God’s paintbrush! Layers of color upon color with the most fascinating Wampanoag native American legends behind them.

We wandered through the little souvenir shops there, and although I don’t routinely buy kitschy stuff I spotted a small wooden hanging “thingee” with a crab perched on top, saying “the crab is in”. It just tickled my warped sense of humor, so of course I had to buy it at a whopping $2.75 (It now hangs on my entry door.) Then there is this little, fat, stone cat from the same souvenir shop, a serendipitous find. Sitting there in his little corner of the shelf, grinning at me Cheshire-like, just waiting for me! When I saw the $5.00 price I knew he was just begging to be adopted ;o). The young Wampanoag lady who ran the shop and I had a great chuckle about both, the little “plaque” and my new beckoning “pet”, a meeting of minds in humor.

One night we went to a Wampanoag tribal presentation of “The Legend of Moshup”. It was beautifully staged on an area of Wampanoag land, at sunset under the stars, surrounded by trees and nature. Oh yes, we had to bring our own “seating” and don’t forget the “bug spray”! In full native dress they portrayed for us the Wampanoag oral history of how the giant Moshup formed the island of Noepe (Martha’s Vineyard) and the surrounding isles, including a delightfully imaginative and intriguing explanation of how Gay Head cliffs came to be so colorful.

Soon enough, regrettably, it would be time to head home, but the last night on the island was to be a special experience and begs it’s own narrative.

On the way home to New Jersey, a stop at a lovely picnic area at a tourist information center for our “bring it along” lunch. A clean and delightfully shaded place for a respite from the road and the long drive. Why does the simplest food taste like a gourmet meal when eaten al fresco? Scrumptious-lunchious…LOL.

Then on to the Mystic Aquarium for close-up views of some denizens of the deep I will never see in “real” life. It’s a great place for kids of all ages (especially ones like me who will never grow up), entertaining and educational. The performing sea-lions were adorable and funny. The penguins were delightful in their innocently un-self-conscious antics. Simply an amazing glimpse of some of the living treasures of the sea. Even one I call “Old Blue“, a huge, bright blue lobster I’m told is over 100 years old. I had seen him there many years ago on a previous trip and was astonished that he was still alive.

…and so the journey nears it’s finis…at least for now.

(…and the best will be last.)

On One of God's Little Acres (“Come to Me, all you who labor…and I will give you rest.” Matt 11:28)

"You shall be like a watered garden
And like a spring of water
Whose waters do not fail." Isaiah 58:11




I recently had the special opportunity of vacationing for nine days with my dearest friend, my God-given sister, on Martha's Vineyard. It was a long overdue and much anticipated respite from the world. It was also a special gift since I would not have been able to do it on my own right now. Sharing the time with her made it especially pleasurable, but then, sharing joy and fellowship with someone you love makes everything better.

Mahtha's Vinyahd...to the locals, natives, year-round denizens, "the Islanders", as they refer to themselves...not part of the good old USA. The "world" lies over that-away, an approximately 40 minute ferry crossing away, over that stretch of water where you eventually must return, wishfully later rather than sooner.
The Vineyard is a world unto itself. Quaint--sophisticated, old-fashioned--modern, discreetly or blatantly affluent, yet in places it is sadly run-down and shabby ...a place of contrasts.

There are the places of cacophonous revelry. This island is also a favorite of the college crowd and, yes, it gets a bit overwhelming with the crowds and the noise during the peak of the "tourist" season. Strolling down the main drags during the day to shop you see folks of all shapes, sizes, and colors--hear languages you’ll never understand…Babel personified. As for the nightlife, there is definitely a variety of choices, the famous Flying Horses carousel, movies of course, bars, bars, bars, and more bars. An almost impossible choice of eateries from modest to outrageously overpriced--Italian, Portuguese, rib joints, pizza, and of course, an abundance of lusciously fresh and sinfully delicious seafood (my personal favorite). My kingdom for lobster (how can a “bug“ taste so good!). You’d better not be bothered by walking cheek-to-cheek or shoulder to shoulder, ‘cause you can’t avoid it on the sidewalks at night.

Trying to find a parking space is an exercise in perseverance and sometimes ingenuity ;o). We did manage to go to a movie one night, “Ratatouille”, and it was great, imaginative and very entertaining. Wonderfully detailed computer graphics and the story concept was so amusing.
We went to see a group called The Vineyard Sound on another night.
An accapella group of nine college men who sang old favorites and obscure ditties with equal precision and skill. They were amazing, funny, engaging, and well worth the five block walk to the church where they performed.

All of that can be and was great fun, but the beauty is that there is always that quiet, peaceful place to retreat to. To be renewed and refreshed. Of course we went to the beach, how could we not! But then, that sort of comes with the territory, it's part of an island vacation and one of the best parts. But there was so much more to enjoy, so much more that provided renewal and refreshment.

Pockets of creation so peaceful they beg for meditation and the soul-refreshing silence of contemplating what our Father has given us in this island retreat, and indeed, the world He created. From the yard at my Sis's house in Oak Bluffs---the waskally wabbit who came to forage every day, the Monarchs at the milkweed, and the beautiful summer blossoms, to the reverent silence and almost heartbreakingly beautiful vistas of the My Toi Gardens on Chappaquiddick Isle.

Another interesting contrast. A little Eden on an otherwise infamous little island just a two minute ferry ride from the Vineyard. Even a touch of wry humor on "Chappy". On this little isle, known for it's affluence and the ferociously enforced anonymity and privacy of it's wealthy Denizens, is “The Chappy Store“. This little store is the personification of the phrase "ramshackle shantytown shack" if you put your imagination to work. It's sign carries the motto "The Only Store on Chappy...an Island Tradition since 8 a.m.".

For me, being here amidst all the natural beauty on this lovely island was a reminder of the majesty of all of His creation, of how impossible it is not to see Him in all the natural beauty in this world.

(…to be continued)

When I Whine

Food for thought received from a friend:

Today, upon a bus, I saw a girl with golden hair
I looked at her and sighed and wished I was as fair.
When suddenly she rose to leave,
I saw her hobble down the aisle.
She had one leg and used a crutch
But as she passed, she passed a smile.
Oh, God, forgive me when I whine
I have 2 legs, the world is mine.. ~~

I stopped to buy some candy
The lad who sold it had such charm
I talked with him a while,
he seemed so very glad
If I were late, it'd do no harm.
And as I left, he said to me,
"I thank you, you've been so kind.
It's nice to talk with folks like you.
You see," he said, "I'm blind."
Oh, God, forgive me when I whine..
I have 2 eyes, the world is mine.. ~~

Later while walking down the street,
I saw a child with eyes of blue
He stood and watched the others play
He did not know what to do.
I stopped a moment and then I said,
"Why don't you join the others, dear?"
He looked ahead without a word.
And then I knew, he couldn't hear.
Oh, God, forgive me when I whine..
I have 2 ears, the world is mine.. ~~

With feet to take me where I'd go.
With eyes to see the sunset's glow.
With ears to hear what I would know.
Oh, God, forgive me when I whine..
I've been blessed indeed,
The world is mine.~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
author unknown

Sorrow looks back, Worry looks around, Faith looks up.

Oh The Rocket's Red Glare

Well, here goes. This will be my first foray into the world of blogging...blogging, odd word. Another word coinage of the computer age. Wonder what old Will would think of a word like "blog"? The Bard that is...of Avon...oh you know!!! *Shakespeare*...for goodness sake…who definitely had a way with words. I have a dear friend, a Sister in the Lord and a writer who has a wonderful way with words and she is the one who encouraged me to try this.

Setting down my thoughts and sometimes, feelings, for public view is a daunting proposition and makes me feel sort of like Eve in the Garden before "the Fall", very naked and exposed. Hmm, that's not right. Actually she felt that way *after* when she realized she was nekked...oh well. Yet, who knows how God may use even my musings, or rants and raves, to nourish or enlighten someone. If what I share simply entertains anyone, makes someone *think*, reminds someone of some cool memories, or even makes you chuckle, then at least I know He is using even my simple and humble thoughts to good purpose.

After 3 days of sweltering, feeling as though I was actually melting and not just sweating every time I mustered the courage to venture out into the heat and hum-did-ditty, I am thoroughly enjoying this absolutely beautiful day of sun and sweet summer breezes...make me feel fine, blowin' through the corners of my mind. Ahhhhh yes, I could certainly take an entire summer of days like this. See, I'm not one of those "ladies" who sit quietly moist and misty sippin' juleps or lemonade in the shade (hmm, neat rhyme), I *sweat* and I don't like it, the heat or the sticky, icky sweat...aarrrrghhhhh. Nooo thanks, no long hot summer for me!

The best thing about this week is anticipating Independence Day. I'm a big kid (don't 'wanna grow up) about lots of things and one of them is fireworks. Just love 'em. I'm also a big-time sentimental slob about quite a few things. One being this wonderful, though sometimes seriously troubled and flawed country of ours, the good old USA.

When I watch "the rockets red glare, the bombs bursting in air", and the good old Drum & Bugle Corps is blaring out all the great patriotic songs, especially on the "Fourth", I get misty-eyed and my heart swells for this country...for all the good things about it and all it stands for. A few years ago I actually sang through tears as our church choir did a special Armed Forces salute at our Independence Day special service as members, some disabled, of each of the Armed Forces marched down the center aisle. And, boy oh boy, I was a wreck trying to sing “God Bless America” and the “Battle Hymn of the Republic”. I felt so blessed, and humbled, to have been able to take part in that. I am also reminded how dear what we have here really is. I think we all need reminding that our great freedom is indeed, and never has been, *free*. I hope everyone else also remembers that and thanks God for giving us all the brave young men and women who are out there today protecting us and paying the price for all of us here at home and for all those who have gone before, so many times, to protect what we have here, to secure our God-given freedoms, including the freedom to dissent. I hope we can all pray for their safe return home very soon and for real peace some day. I know this is all in God's hands.

For now this will be enough to start this new venture into the world of blogging. I will leave you with these two things, one a poem from a U.S. Marine Chaplain and the other, thoughts excerpted from a longer, but excellent speech by a very well respected man at the commencement of what should be, for all Americans, a proud and special holiday. May Old Glory always proudly wave, though tattered and wounded, " 'oer the Land of the Free, and the Home of the Brave".

"It is the soldier, not the reporter,
Who has given us freedom of the press.

It is the soldier, not the poet,
Who has given us freedom of speech.

It is the soldier, not the campus organizer,
Who has given us the freedom to demonstrate.

It is the soldier, who salutes the flag,
Who serves beneath the flag,
And whose coffin is draped by the flag,
Who allows the protester to burn the flag."
-- Father Dennis Edward O'Brian, USMC

"What July Fourth Means to Me"

"Let the Fourth of July always be a reminder that here in this land,
for the first time, it was decided that man is born with certain
God-given rights; that government is only a convenience created
and managed by the people, with no powers of its own except those
voluntarily granted to it by the people.

We sometimes forget that great truth, and we never should.
Happy Fourth of July."

--Ronald Reagan, President of the United States (1981)