February 28, 2004
They know not what they do.
As my senses are lately bombarded with attacks on Christianity, whether in reference to "anti-gay" legislation or The Passion movie, I am reminded of two sayings:
"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom." - Proverbs 9:10
and
"A fool is born every minute." - P.T. Barnum
February 27, 2004
Chivalry is dead.
I see this over and over. One person, entering or exiting a public establishment, holds the door for another, then gets offended if there is no display of gratitude. A sarcastic you're welcome (or something more explicit) from the first party punctuates the encounter. I watch, stunned, as the courteous gesture is nullified by the discourteous comment. I like to think that people hold doors because they are the kind of people who hold doors, not because they expect recognition for it. Conversely, I try to be the kind of person who always says thank you, because you never know who you're gonna get.
February 26, 2004
Riddles
I saw a six-legged woman today, the characteristic cadence of her walk heralding her arrival on the linoleum floor. Ba-dum bum bum, ba-dum bum bum. I saw her and marvelled at the evolution of Man. She moved with the grace and precision unique to a hexapod, slow, regal. Each step, or combination thereof, had a purpose, as did she, traversing the library in search of her source. She came up and went back, and then she was gone.
February 25, 2004
Controversy
In an email from my friend Patrick:
So I finally saw this Mel Gibson movie everyone is talking about.
As someone with English parents, I'm disgusted that he would show William Wallace's death at the hands of the English.
He clearly must be an anti-Anglo.
February 24, 2004
The (Original) Magnificent Seven
I just finished watching Seven Samurai. That was the best 4 hours of Japanese cinema I've ever seen. Also the only 4 hours, but I am making progress. Aaron, I now understand why it is your favorite film. I have to say, I am also a fan.
February 23, 2004
Iceland is green; Greenland has ice.
After amassing a ludicrous number of frequent flier miles on my trip to Papua New Guinea in 1999, and patiently watching them accrue over the years with every charge on my credit card, I'm just going to blow the lot and go to Iceland. Yes, yes I am. Because I need a vacation. Or, at least, I will by the time the summer semester is over. So much to do between now and August! Like, for example, learning enough Icelandic to not embarrass myself. I know nothing as of now, except that I think my name would be Merediþ Albertsdottir. (Hooray for special characters!)
February 22, 2004
A Picture's Worth
I have been asked to participate in this online photography/writing project. The owner of the site approached me after coming across my Mirror Project submission. (Nothing like a good ego boost early in the morning.) Sadly, the site is currently experiencing some bandwidth setbacks, and can't accept submissions. All of the previous entries are available, though, and some of them are quite inspiring.
February 21, 2004
Oui, oui. Très bien.
I am resolved to watch more foreign films. If I turn off the subtitles and act like I understand, I can pretend that my command of French or German isn't fast becoming dismal.
February 20, 2004
Cradle of Life
Have you ever imagined God designing the universe the way expectant parents design a nursery? In every detail, the thought of someone else. It must be warm and bright, letting in a lot of light during the day, with the walls painted a soothing shade of blue. At night, it will never be completely dark, with a nightlight and glow-in-the-dark stars across the ceiling. There will be teddy bears and bunnies and all different kinds of animals to comfort and cheer. And a Lamb, the provision chosen with the most care, to dry every tear, to ease every hurt, to make life more full. Everything we see was set in place by a loving Father in preparation for our arrival.
"Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God!" - 1 John 3:1
February 19, 2004
"'Is this heaven?' 'No, it's Iowa.'"
I love this. I absolutely love it. What an amazing thing, to have access to a piece, an entry, a post made available for the whole of the earth to read, and then write back! Whole conversations, brilliant beyond expectation, are possible, unhampered by distance, time, prejudice. How did I find myself here, with the means to engage the world at large? To be awestruck by the beauty and creativity revealed in words and images? What an extraordinary privilege I have only just stumbled upon...
February 18, 2004
To Meredith: A Message from Your Vocal Cords
We are officially on strike, citing unsuitable working conditions. There is enough phlegm down here to drown a small animal. We can't even see each other, let alone come together properly to vibrate. In addition, the frequent coughing is placing excessive strain on the fibers of our being.
We are writing in the hopes of reaching an equitable solution for all parties involved. That equitable solution would be to ELIMINATE SOME OF THE STRESS IN YOUR LIFE!!! We thought this answer would be obvious, but apparently you needed your vocal cords to tell you.
If you continue to neglect your health in this way, we will be forced to render you speechless. We hope you make the right decision.
Sincerely,
Your Larynx
February 13, 2004
Extra! Extra!
Newsboys in concert. Third row seats. Very choice.
Look at my pictures.
February 10, 2004
Why thank you, I also play the harp.
I was told by the guy taking my order today that I had an angelic voice. After the smile comment, I have to be impressed with the high-quality pickup lines I've been rating.
February 07, 2004
No. 2
I need to write. I guess you could call what I have a constipation of the mind. It's all in there, but it's not coming out without some serious time and effort, two things I can't really devote at present. The activities of my outer life have multiplied and usurped the attention reserved for my inner life. So much to write. So much to write about. But so little energy left at the end of the day to write it.
February 04, 2004
I'm just not there yet.
Perspective... perspective... must keep perspective... must not let typo called to my attention ruin my day... must not let temporary slump signify loss of creative edge... must not let past failures obscure underlying potential...
February 01, 2004
Cultural Anorexic
Did I go to a Superbowl party? Yes.
Did I watch the Superbowl? No.
Is that weird?