And the Curtain Closes

L'Chiam!

This past weekend was the culmination of 8 weeks of rehearsals as I performed with the New Horizon Theatre company in a production of Fiddler on the Roof. In looking back, I have fewer regrets than I thought I would at the half way mark. I eventually found friends to talk with and cut up with. I gained new perspectives into teenagers growing up during these times. I was reminded that everyone...everyone...needs a compliment or two each day. People have asked me if I am glad I did this. I always answer...I think so. I did miss my Auburn social life and missed my midweek Bible Class time at church, which admittedly surprised me. But on the other hand...I loved getting to know people who were not like me, who believe in God and yet dressed differently than I did. (Can you see me in a pair of baggy pants with giant safety pins?) I learned to appreciate the fact that I 30 years old and out of the high school drama of why Suzi is not talking to Joe. So the answer remains...i think so.

I typically have post-production depression because I am a creature of habit and when my habit is removed I feel lost. I have not expreienced it to the degree that I usually do. Perhaps it is because this week has been filled with social times of talking with close friends and loved ones. And what is even more wonderful is I have many other people I need to catch up with.

In other news, we caught one of the squirrels on Monday. Birdseed was the bait that trapped him. We have reset the trap because we heard another one. So hopefully we will not have to wait as long.

So to all those readers who thought I had quit blogging...I am back.

Oh...don't forget to spring foward this weekend. Time Changes Baby!

Yes it has been awhile

My apoligies to those who have been waiting with great anticipation for my next blog. I have had a lot of ideas crop into my head about what to blog about.

Kicking a Wet Dandelion
We recently have had a lot of rain, one day I was walking to work and I felt somewhat childish and decided to kick the white puffy seed bloom of a dandelion. What is usually a somewhat fun sight of seeing the bloom burst into pieces and float away was a yucky mess on my shoe because of all the rain. Life is often like that. Getting bogged down with circumstances of life that we are impaired in doing the job we are called to do and we end up making a mess rather than flying free and unhindered.

Draining Self-help
I am currently reading 2 books that are in the genre of "self-help" Both are helping me, but both simply drain me. After spending 2 hours reading one of them I did not want to talk or do anything. But alas life goes on and you have to go out into the world. A close friend and mentor remarked at how quiet I am right now. I think it is because I am in conflict with myself. I know what I am working on is the right thing to do, but it does not remove the difficultness of it. Even Christian "self-help" books have a tendancy to emphasize "My work" instead of God's work. So I am in conflict trying to navigate the path I am on, praying that it is a path of God's blessings.

Purging
Saturday I went to my parents' home and begun a task that I thought would be dreadful...cleaning out my room. I am far from finished but a lot of the junk has been removed. I also found a lot of letters. Some are "love-notes" from my ACSC (campus Ministry) days, others were actual love notes from previous girlfriends. So I followed the path of many TV shows and had a Keep and throw away pile. I threw a lot of stuff away at home but then some stuff I put in the keep pile until I got to my house. I have been wanting to test out my fire place and decided that this was the night to do it. So old records and a few of those love notes went into the fire. I understand again, the concept of fire being a cleansing tool. Many of those papers represented hurt and frustration, some were plain happiness. Burning them did not erase any memory but it did help me categorize them and deal with them. There are still a few documents that I want to burn but did not because they are hard to let go of. What is interesting is that they represent some of the most painful stuff and yet I hold on to them for security. Granted...I know this is not the most healthiess thing to hold on to bad memories. I often joke with my friends about praying for God to remove this or that from my life immediately. As much as it sounds cool and enjoyable. I am not sure I would be the person I am if all the pain were just removed. Needless to say, my room is a lot more organized and I can hit the closet next. Who knows what lurks in those shadows.

The Irony of God

As some of you know having kept up with my blog that I am in rehearsals for the musical "Fiddler on the Roof." with the New Horizon Theatre in West Point, GA. Well it is has been somewhat a difficult process. Mainly because I am out of my comfort zone. Everyone knows everyone but me. Most of these people have friends and family members also in the play and it is more of a family community so being a single guy I just feel plain out of place at times.

So I have complained to God about it and to others. There was a small part of me wanting to quit. But since I was raised with finishing what I started. I have stuck it out. Well the past two weeks have shown improvement. I now feel like Sally Fields in that "They like me...the really like me" Here are a few examples....

Last week, I was talking with 2 teenage girls and one of the girls said to the other..."Let me show you what Sandy did to her husband." She then preceded to pull on my beard. I stood there...mouth open...and said.."You are a very brave girl" The then said..."Please don't hurt me"

Then just last night, a kid of one of the cast members sat right next to me. I introduced myself and he preceded to tell me his name, we made some small talk and then he pointed at a sore on his lip and said "Look at this". I asked, "What happened?" He replied "It's an ulcer." I replied, "Yeah, I get those too". He said "You have herpes." After asking him to repeat himself, he explained that ulcers and cold sore mean you have herpes.

So as you can see, God has answered my prayers for being liked and accepted by having my beard pulled on and being told I have herpes.

Joking aside, It has been a learning process because I can now identify with visitors at my church who feel like everyone knows everyone and feel out of place.

The Four Things Tag

I really think this tagging is a ploy to re-awaken dying blogs but ok, I will play along with my brother's request.

Four Jobs I've Had:
Computer/Copier Repair with Business System and Services
Ladies Shoes Salesperson/Jr. Department Manager with Gayfer's Department Store
Office Manager for Auburn Church of Christ
Seasonal Engraver with Heartstrings Entreprises


Four Movies I Could Watch Over and Over:
The Princess Bride
Dead Poet's Society
American President
Finding Nemo

Four Books I Could Read Over and Over:
Harry Potter by JK Rowling
Chronicles of Narnia by CS Lewis
Mitford Series by Jan Karon
I & II Samuel (I really like David's life...the good and bad)

Four Places I've Lived:
Opelika, Alabama
Montgomery, Alabama - 9 months
Auburn, Alabama
Wiston-Salem, North Carolina - 4 months

Four TV Shows I Watch:
Lost
Clean House
It Takes a Thief
CSI


Four Places I’ve Been on Vacation:
Washington DC
Orlando, Florida
Peoria Area, IL
Brevard Area, NC (Camping, waterfalls)

Four Websites I Visit Daily: (I really don't check pages daily, but here are some I look at quite frequently)
ESPN.COM (I do not like their new home page format)
www.jkrowling.com: She has a really cool website
www.msn.com for the news
www.biblegateway.com for the Bible


Four Favorite Foods:
Mexican Casserole (you know the one with velvetta, chili, rotel tomatoes, etc.)
4-layer Chocolate Dessert
Chicken Fingers (Zaxby's & TendaChick are my favorites)
Niffer's--99% of everything I have eaten there is my favorite.


Four Places I’d Like to Be Right Now:
In a room with my closest friends sitting around a fireplace with snow falling outside
Touring the Midwest (Montanta, Colorado are high on my list)
Ireland
playing a board game with my family and friends

I realize that by not passing on the tagging, I am breaking the chain and will probably suffer a horrible death or 30 years bad luck but I just haven't got time to worry about that right now.

Sick & thoughtful

It is almost 1:00 AM and I should be in bed. I have been fighting a cold and I am sure this is not helping the healing. I guess right now I am just in a thoughtful mood. A dear friend of mine is a teacher in IL. His school has had 7 students die in 6 months. I just finished reading the obit and related article. The last student to die was 17. In listing her acolades, she was listed as a Teen for Christ.

So right now, much like the beaver in Narnia, I understand right now that God is not safe. Please understand what I am saying. We are not promised tomorrow. We could be checking out at any moment. Why does it take death to remind us that life is a vapor.

For those out in blogland that are wondering...no....no squirrel capture. Though I am getting concerned. I saw two squirrels the other day. I am praying that they are bachelors or batchelorettes.

Someone recently said that they feel that bloggers are narcissitic. I don't know...perhaps she was correct. What is the motivation behind blogging? Can it be pinned down to a simple understanding?

My brother in his blog says Change is a coming. I think perhaps change is always there. Sometimes it is a really cool yet slow-moving automatic sidewalk ...and other times it is a train barrelling at you and you grab on and hold on for the ride. It is all in your perspective. Can you imagine being a Jew on the day of Pentecost when Peter preached. That was a train ride change to say the least. But yet it still had slow movements at time.

Well i have yawn enough so I guess I will go to sleep.

Bicycle Seats and Songs

You ever had a day where everywhere you went you were reminded of someone close to you? That was me today. The people I was reminded of are not dead, just gone from Auburn, but it still made me very pensive. I care deeply for my friends. In many ways they are my family addition. Some talk about getting wives, husbands, children and the like...I talk about finding close friends.

The most funny remembrance today was at the post office, when I saw someone getting on to their bicycle. The seat was at the correct height. I thought...Adam would have been pleased to see this, for you see one of Adam's many things that he is prone to go on and on about is the height of bicycle seats. He hates seeing people ride with incorrect heights. Personally, I don't care. But it made me smile, so I guess that is what have good memories is all about.

The squirrel is still here at the office. The problem is he won't eat the food in the trap because he can get outside and get food...however we don't want to trap him in the house because he could cause real havoc. The idea of shotgun is looking more and more appealing.

The funniest thing I witnessed today was a person walking up to the postal clerk with a folded down box and asking how the box worked.

Oh well.... onward and upward.

I have seen the critter

So last night Jim Armstrong, my good friend and Wildlife guru brought some traps to catch this critter. So this morning I began the task I have been avoiding for a month or so. Cleaning out the area so we can lay the traps. Well it was just too dark for my comfort so I brought in a halogen work lamp and set to work. As you will know from my previous post, I am a scaredy cat to the core so my neck is all tense and blood pressure on the rise because I do not like being scared or surprised...especially by an animal. So after quitting twice because my nerves could not handle it. I mustered up my courage and had a look. At first all I could see was his nest. THIS AINT A MOUSE. I TOLD YOU IT WAS NOT A MOUSE. Then with the work lamp...I peered a little bit deeper in and there were two beady eyes. My heart jumped a few beats and I peered a little bit more to see the bushy tail. It is a squirrel. Of course I feel much better that it is a squirrel than a rat but I still am tense and my body aches. So since I now know what it is, I can put off cleaning out a little more till Jim A. comes to set the trap. Don't worry it is a hav-a-heart trap...he will not be killed.

Speaking of squirrels, we have a white squirrel that lives near our house. I had first seen it a few days after I moved in and thought...wow...he is old. But when Adam saw it was like wow...you don't seen many of those. Now I don't think it is an albino because he does not have the red eyes. He comes to the back of the house on occasion to roll in the dirt. I guess his form of adaptation. I was concerned recently because I have not seen him, but Phil told me today that he saw him yesterday.

All I can saw...is Squeak, squeak, squeaker, squeakins!

Speaking of Scaredy Cat

We currently have a visitor living with us here at the office. I am pretty sure it is a rat. For some reason, I can not be agressive enough to get rid of him. I did my part...I placed traps. I feel it is his responsibility to commit sucide for a taste of peanut butter. That way I don't have to hear him scampering across the ceiling. He has found a way to get between the ceiling and floor upstairs.

Rodents bother me. I blame The Princess Bride, the R.O.U.S's (Rodents of Unusual Size) and the rat from Lady and the Tramp for my feelings towards rats. Even though there is Splinter for Teenage Muntant Ninja Turtles and Templeton from Charolotte's Web....I still find them evil and ugly.

Perhaps tomorrow I will attack the attic storage area and try to get rid of him.

DD

Scaredy Cat

I admit it. I am a scaredy cat. I jump at the slightest noise if I am in the kitchen washing dishes. The best example I have is that my mother painted my face one Halloween as Count Dracula. So I was led to the mirror to see the finished project and I jumped. I scared my own self. I know pretty sad. It even affects my movie choices. For example....I have wanted to see The Village for a very long time because I really like M. Night Shyamalan work, but I can only handle so much suspense. I get all tense and such. Well the previews of The Village had lead me to believe of monsters which is a direct link to scary horror things. So I avoided it. Well I finally summed up the courage to rent it during the holidays but I let it sit there. Still not wanting to be scared. So finally after it had occured 2 late fees I watched it. Boy did I feel stupid. It was not bad at all. I only jumped once and I even had prepared myself when the creepy music started that something was going to happen. So perhaps this was a lesson for me not to be afraid of facing my scaredy cat-ness from time to time.

Guys Rule!!!!

For those that read my friend Kara's blog, you are aware of the Annual Gingerbread building celebration held each year by the wonderful Commander family who "adopted" the Band and Kara into their family last year.
This year, Phil & Jared, took control of the men's side with the advisement of Jon C. and the hands off decision of myself. At the time this picture was taken...the girls house was suffering the effects of icing avalanche and collapsing. So needless to say...This year...was the year of guys!

Beyond the icing and the gumdrop buttons, there is a peace and joy that we all feel when we are in that house. God has blessed us with a family who gives great hugs and laughs loud. But they also share their hurts and dreams with us and it is in those moments that I understand community.

Better luck next year girls.

2 root canals and a partridge in a pear tree?

Yep, just got back from the dentist. Lips still numb. Dull pain ever present. I knew I would need both of the done, so when the dentist said which one, I said both and let's just get it over with. My regular dentist has begun to refer me to a specialist for these root canals. That is fine I guess, but I am tired of hearing how long my roots are. This time it was not only how long but how curved they are. Oh well, I know what I am getting myself for Christmas...All I want for Christmas is 2 capped teeth just doesn't have the same ring to it.

For those who don't know, I will be playing the part of Fyedka, in Fiddler on the Roof. I am really excited even though I probably will not be singing a lot. But for some reason, I just don't see myself as a 20 something Russian peasant farmer. The first Rehearsal is Jan 5, the same day as part 2 of my rootcanal work. Just hope my lips are un-numbed before rehearsal.

Last Night

I was heading to audition for Fiddler on The Roof with a community theatre group in West Pt., GA. I take the exit and start seeing flashing lights and people lined up along the road. It is 6:45 their time so it was way dark. I then see in the distance more flashing lights and realize that they are about to have a Christmas parade. Of course the next direction I needed to turn was left which would have cut through the parade. So I was stuck. So I drove around till I could get to the place.
I walked in, signed my name and stuff and then sat down. So finally a lady stands up and announces that the director will not be there due to a banquet he had to attend but should arrive later on. I thought...great...this is off to a wonderful start. So then they pass out the music, well they did not have enough to go around so I shared with this over eager old man who had been at auditions the previous night, and tonight he was wearing a Fiddler on the Roof t-shirt. Good grief! So he did not bring his glasses so we have to hold the sheet out at arms length so he can read it. He breath was horrible and when it was just the ladies he sang along with them. Then when it was time to audition the reading parts, he weaselled his way to reading for Tevye (the lead character). Granted he was not too bad but still. So it was around 8:00 est and the director still had not shown up. The poducer and music director had done all they could do so the producer stood up and said.."Well, since he knows all of you, there is no reason for us to stay" I was like...I have never met the guy, how does she know who he knows. So I left the theatre feeling very frustrated and really doubting if this is what God wants since things have been so difficult. So on my drive back to Auburn, I was fight the pity party invitation hard. I kept telling myself to trust God and that God will open and close doors as he wills. I may be disappointed now but later I may be glad. I felt the need to reward myself after a blah day, well no one was available to eat and the movie I wanted to see was already showing and the next showing was at 10:30. So I had truely reached my blah point when who should call but Eric, one of my closest friends. I God good or what?! We only spoke briefly but it was what I needed. I spent the rest of the evening still frustrated but much more content that God is in control and does know exactly what I need, when I need it.

wide awake

So before the days of blogs and the WWW, what did people do when they woke up in the middle of the night and were wide awake?

As you can determine from my brother's comment on the post below, I celebrated my 30th birthday last Friday. It's a funny thing sliding into another decade. My last slide was bumpy and I was extremely unsure of myself. 10 years later it was less bumpy but I am still unsure of myself. However, after my last comment, I have been trying to intentionally see God in the small things of life which has been rewarding but yet I have still slipped back into the blinders so easily from time to time. For example.... (names have been changed to protect those who I have not asked permission)

Last Thursday God taught me a valuable lesson, it was a refresher course but boy did it pack a punch. I am working a part time job to help pay off my car bill from my trip to IL (see Odysey post below) and they scheduled me to work from 6-midnight but for the past week they had cut the shifts short due to lack of work. SO here I was thinking about all the money I wasn't making and the things I was missing out of because I did not know I was going to have the night off. So around 7:30 I walk in the door grumbling to myself, not really wanting to be home but home nonetheless. I check my email and there is an email from a dear close friend,Lilly, who was checking up on Kitty, a mutual close friend. (Can you follow that?) Anyway, I regret to say that I was even frustrated at that because since when am I am the checker up on people...ok ok...I know I am always checking up on people but at that current moment in time I did not want to check up on anyone. So I started watching a movie and Lilly called. Of course, I first complained about work and how they are wasting my time and blah, blah.Well, Lilly herself has been having a real rough couple of weeks and I guess the rubber had met the road and she needed to talk. So after about an hour we finish up with me still somewhat foul but nonetheless less hard-hearted than when I placed the call.

I then move back to the couch still in a bad mood but trying to watching a movie so feeling a little better. But then Adam (my roommate) comes in and hands me my birthday present, yes, almost a week late, but it is wrapped beautifully in a Winn-Dixie bag. He hands it to me and I sit up, throw off my Cub's blanket and begin to unwrap. I can tell it is a shirt and then when I open it up I stare at it for a minute. I can feel/sense Adam's anticipation to see if I like it. I just turn my head and stare at him with a confused look. He bought me a Boston Red Sox t-shirt. His face was all smiles, so I looked at the shirt again, thinking perhaps I had misread it but nope it was still Boston Red Sox. I then looked down and I was even wearing a Cub's t-shirt to go with the Cub's blanket. He finally realized what had happen, yelled and snatched the shirt out of my hands and hastily apologized and ran into our room mumbling about wrong shirt/size and having to return it. It was quite funny, but I felt like a jerk because I did not even thank him (I did the next morning) but I did not know how to thank him for a shirt that I no longer had and wasn't even a shirt I would wear. I mean come on...if you are an Auburn fan, could you really thank someone for getting you an Alabama shirt?

So I resumed my movie for the third time still frustrated that I was not working. When one my of my best friends called. He needed a brother to talk to. Before I could get anything out, he said, I really need to talk first. So he shared his heart and it was in that moment that all the pieces fell into place. I understood that it was not about me. A lesson I must have flunked more times than not. Lilly called because she needed a friend to talk to. It was truely the thought that counted for Adam, and now my best friend needed me. So after I listened and said a few things, I prayed for him. All the past few hours seemed to become so less important and i realized that God will work his will even through my part -time job to put me in place on where I need to be.

I came back to the couch refreshed and a lot more humble, finished my movie and went to sleep thanking God for my friends and for his Son.

I am sure that I will need to be hit on the head again to remember this lesson but right now it is fresh on my mind.

Peace and blessings
Duer

Going through the motions

Don't you just hate to get soap in your eyes in the shower? Perhaps there are some out there that has never experienced this but this morning I was mid-wash when some how soap sprang into my eyes causing pain. Since I was mid wash I had soap on my hands which prevented me to wash my eyes out. So I just closed them and finished up "blind". I noticed how deliberate I was in everything I did. Putting the soap back on the dish for example. In everything I did, I was taking care and thinking through each process. In my head I thought, I am intentionally going through the motions.

I usually hear that phrase in a negative context but I think there is something to intentionally or perhaps deliberately go through the motions. As I was getting dressed, I began to compose some thoughts about this blog. What is my equivelant soap in the eye? What gets me out of the automation and into the whys behind the process. In my spiritual walk, am I as intentional about following Christ on a daily basis as I was about wanting to remove that soap in my eye? Perhaps if I came to terms with how blind I am without God then I would want to do everything I can, as perfect as I can so that the blind may see. Perhaps we could all do with a good dose of soap in the eye.

Happy Thanksgiving

This morning I was able to sleep late, around 8:00. I turned on the TV and the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade was just about to begin. For some reason watching the parade always makes me cry. They are usually tears of joy with only a few times mixed with tears of yesteryear. Having been in the parade when I was in 8th grade there are many memories attached to it. so I guess that is cause for some emotion to be aroused.

Having made a decision to just relax on this day of thanks, I chose to put up my Christmas tree and watch a few movies. My evening dinner plans fell through so I made poppy seed chicken and had my own T-day feast. Now before any of you feel sad for me...don't. This was my choice.

Have you ever been going at such a fast pace that you just need a vacation from people. That is how today and possible even tomorrow will be for me. I did go to the movies with a friend tonight and will see some family tomorrow but mainly I needed a break.

There are a few things I am thankful for that may seem trivial to most but to me they are what this day means to me.

I am thankful for my Cubs blanket because it reminds me that God gave me friends who love me.
I am thankful for my two roommates that go away for the holidays. It is always good to be reminded that you do miss them when the house is quiet.
I am thankful that I have a family who loves me enough to say it is ok that I did not join them for dinner in Bham.
I am thankful for God who loves me inspite of my mistakes and as a friend recently reminded me...Thanks be to Jesus Christ that I do not bear the burden of my forgiven sin.
I hope you enjoyed your Thanksgiving day. God Bless

Go to Church?

Last night at my part-time job, I was talking with a friend who goes to church with me about an article in Sharing the Victory, the web magazine of the Fellowship of Christian Athletics about Tommy Tuberville and his 2 team chaplins. About 30 mins later a coworker, Kevin, came up and said "So you go to church with Tommy?" Honestly, the first thing I thought was how does he know Tommy Hunke, who is a close friend of mine that has graduated, married and moved on. Then I realized he must have overheard my conversation. So I said yes. He then asked "Does the pastor pray more when we lose?" I jokingly replied, "Well since that has only happened twice in the past two years, I can't really say." I then went on to explain how he is a great family man and his mother also lives here and attends church. He seemed a little taken aback that I don't put a lot of hype into the fact that Coach Tuberville goes to church with me. For me, he is just a normal guy. I respect him a lot, and it took the heavy pressure of my mom on multiple occasions to ask him to sign a football for my nephew because I want him to feel safe in the church building. This of course is not the first time people have been "awed" that Coach goes to my church. Everytime, I leave these conversations just wondering...what would people say if I said, "Yea, Tuberville goes to church with me, but so do hundreds of other people and I am pretty sure that God attends regularly as well." But I don't think they would get the point.

Late Lunch

So early this week, I found out that a good friend, Kara, was hoping to come into town and wanted to grab lunch with the three Amigos (Phil, Adam & myself). Kara works for Impact Alabama and she along with a co-worker were in the "general area." So lunch ended up being around 2:00, by that time I was really hungry. As me and Phil drove to Niffer's, we passed resturants and I could taste my favorite food of each place. Needless to say by the time I pulled into the parking lot, my taste buds were screaming.

Do I do that with my spiritual food? I just don't crave it like I do corn nuggets, honey mustard burger & fries. And here is the rub, I know I have been here before feeling the same thing but I let that moment pass away into the oblivion known as complacency. It all falls down to doing something about it. I am very good at observing and complaining about my situation in life, but I slam the brakes when someone wants me to do something about it.

I recently took the GRE. I honestly don't know if I will go to grad school or not, but it felt good to accomplish something different. To have a challenge and do my best. I did ok on it. Nothing to get me into Harvard or anything but it helped me feel a little more in control of my life. Please understand that all of this was prayerfully decided but I think I tend to "let" my circumstances dictate my life. I think I was led to believe that because of the past, you are bound to those cirmcumstances. Taking the GRE changed that. It gave me hope that just perhaps the church sign was true when it said "God does not consult your past about your future."

So now I am faced with another decision. On my dresser is a Bible Study book. A lot of my older friends have gone through it and it has challenged them and helped them grow immensely. But it sits there taunting me. Am I so afraid of change that even change from impure to pure, unholy to holy, spiritual milk to a hearty spiritual feast, I fight and resist? I want to think that is not true but in the past it has.

Will I allow this "feeling" pass or will I allow God to change me? It is my choice and I think that is what scares me the most.

The Odyssey…Van that is Part IV

The morning sun rose beautifully on that Sunday morning. I have typically been an early riser so while the rest of the guys were sleeping. I went outside and sat on the swing by the lake for just a little while praying and meditating. Soon it was ready to get ready for church. We went to Grace Church in Morton, Il. It was a wonderful service. The speaker was the associate pastor and he had been in the mission field abroad before coming to Morton. He spoke on Luke 15 and shared insights that he learned from reading this story with those who are from the middle east. It really showed me how much my culture as an American tints my reading/interpretations of the Bible.

We then went to one of my favorite places, Monical’s pizza. Though having only been there once before, I came close to begging that we go there again. They have the best thin crust pizza. The atmosphere is very eccentric. With movie posters, old lunch boxes and toys adorning the walls and shelves. It was a great time. We ordered 2 pizzas and I think had to force feed Eric and Jill to eat the last few pieces.

From there we departed to drop Jill off and then head to Pekin County High School to take a tour of Eric’s classroom. So we drop Jill off and go pick up Kim, Eric’s sister to take her to Bradley to drop off some items. So we precede to drive to PCHS, get out the car and in typical Eric fashion, he realizes that he has forgotten his work keys. We all start laughing and then saunter down a hill to peek into a small window of his classroom to get a glimpse of the room. He then takes us on a tour of the area. We stop at Bradley, Eric bachelors Alma Mater. We take a brief tour and then help Kim take some stuff to her dorm.

We then pile back in and head back the Larson homestead. Rosy had planned this meal for when we arrived on Friday but do to car trouble had postponed it for Sunday evening. The entire Larson family, minus the Dad, who was away on work, gathered round the table, laughing and story telling. There was no mistake. This family loves each other but further, each one loves God. Coming from a family that is similar in that aspect, I am continually thankful for that blessing. People gradually went home and it was just the Band and Paul outside half-heartedly playing hoops.

We all went towards the dam embankment and just sat and let the Spirit guide us. I could attempt to explain that night but words fail me because I can’t begin to explain the feelings, sights or sounds that came from God being presence with us and guiding our thoughts, songs, and prayers. It was good. Praise God.

After that experience, reality of the world began to set in. Eric had school in the AM and we had to get on the road to head back towards KY to see about my car. We awoke and loaded up. Giving our hugs and farewells to Eric and Rosy. It was hard for me because I knew that it would be awhile before I would physically see one of my best friends again. I am not ashamed of my sentimental attitude. But life is life and friends move away.

To wrap up the saga. My car’s engine had died. So after quick decision making, we extended our rental and headed to Auburn in the Odyssey. Leaving my car to be repaired. (that is a story for another time but not today).

I want to thank my faithful readers for reading my story of that weekend in September. It will be a weekend I won’t soon forget. The Band of Brothers lives on, in fact we meet tonight. But right now I have to go to Walmart and pick up my new contact lenses.

DD

The Odyssey - Van that is Part III

When we last left our foursome of friends, we were spending a relaxing afternoon by the lake. It was time for a decision. Do we go the actual Pumpkin Festival or spend the evening at home. All of us agreed that culture usurped relaxation. So we piled into the car and headed back into Morton. The Pumpkin Festival reminded me a lot of county fairs. There were amusement park rides, food vendors of everything imaginable, and port-a-potties. We first had a viewing of the winners of the pumpkin-carving contest. There were some impressive creations. The theme this year was Moments in History so there were a few representations of George Washington; Ben Franklin was present as well as the first moonwalk.

After that we went towards a large tent that held a plethora of tables and chairs. We stood in line for a pork chop sandwich (first timer here for this) and sat down and ate. Early that week they had held a lip-syncing contest and the winners were being presented and then would perform. We had “The Blues Brothers”, the “Go-Go’s” , I think a country singer or two as well. We sat there for a while enjoying conversation and allowing Paul, Eric’s brother to join us and eat. We then headed to Dairy Queen for a pumpkin blizzard. It was delicious!! We then did what all 20’s ages people do at a cool place such as the Pumpkin Festival. We cruised. We strolled all through the park, stopping every 10 minutes or so for Eric or Jill to say hi to friends they have not seen in awhile.

We then headed to the back of the park where a ride called “the Zipper” was located. Eric & Kim (Eric’s Sister) wanted to ride it so we all stood around talking waiting for them. The moon was beginning to rise and it was a huge. (Yes, I know that the moon is always the same size, blah, blah.) When then walked to a quaint coffee shop and had hot beverages to warm us up, though it was not too cold to begin with.
We then went home and began watching Finding Neverland. Excellent Movie!!!. And then it was bed.

A funny

I was reading a blog this morning and she was discussing her health issues that seem to have compounded. Someone commented to her post..."If Job had a blog....." I laughed out loud at that idea. The implications are still meandering around in my head maybe it will become a more detailed post later.