Mr. Bin Laden

It's disturbing for me to hear so many people praising the death of someone they don't know. I understand the 'victory' this must represent psychologically for most Americans, but still don't resonate with most of our nation's decisions about murdering humans they don't like or understand or think deserve the right to life, liberty and happiness. I suppose that's what war is....that justification of others not deserving life- especially others who aren't like us. But who makes those decisions? Who wants blood on their hands?

Why are our international relations influenced mostly by hate, greed, and fear?

Anyway, Wendell Berry always helps me articulate what I'm thinking about.

Enemies

If you are not to become a monster,
you must care what they think.
If you care what they think,

how will you not hate them,
and so become a monster
of the opposite kind? From where then

is love to come- love for your enemy
that is the way of liberty?
From forgiveness. Forgiven, they go

free of you, and you of them;
they are to you as sunlight
on a green branch. You must not

think of them again, except
as monsters like yourself,
pitiable because unforgiving.

Thank you Marcus Aurelius

'Everything is only for a day, both that which remembers and that which is remembered.'

'Observe constantly that all things take place by change, and accustom thyself to consider that the nature of the universe loves nothing so much as to change things which are and to make new things like them. For everything that exists is in a manner the seed of that which will be.'

It's hard to remember (so I'm glad I read this) that change is not only inevitable, natural, and needed to keep all things evolving....It's also good. It's 'the seed of that which will be.'

So good. :)

THE Dilemma

Why can't I get paid to do cool things?

Someone's Gotta Do It

Easter happened. I went to my friend M's house and there were 28 people over for Easter lunch! We dyed eggs, talked and talked and talked with such amazing people, and sang all the classics at church. Oh, and we ate SoMuchFood.

Today, I successfully completed the most important task a babysitter has: Teaching about good music and air instruments.

We danced around shaking our finger to the Temptations, air drummed to WipeOut and performed guitar solos to Eric Clapton. These girls are gonna be ready for the big time (in about 20 years).

Speaking of the BigTime- last night I went to a dinner party and ate such delicious food. My friend and her brother played banjo and guitar and mandolin and sang us old songs and new songs and ones they'd written. SO, now I'm inspired again. PLEASE, let's start a band. Anyone. (Seriously)

Say What?

There was snow on the trees, rooftops, ground and cars this morning.

Why?

Hiatus, Finished

I have been absent. I'm not sure why exactly- probably because nothing much happens after Christmas and before Spring (which unfortunately has yet to grace us with its beautiful presence). But now it's getting warmer and things are happening. SOOOO, I will begin again. I think. Unless I get tired of writing again. Which may happen. (I just feel like you should be given fair warning)

We'll start slow: Tonight I spent the evening with two of the coolest girls in the city. And yes, they are both under the age of 4. We danced and talked about giraffes and snacked and put our feet on the couch. And it was perfect.

[See?! These are the things that are happening. Get excited.]

The Most Wonderful Time...

I just LOVE advent. It's much better than celebrating 'Christmas' which has been taken over by crazy consumers (all of which shop on State street right by the Farmstand). I've been enjoying this time of quiet anticipation, waiting and hoping- and it's been beautiful. The Book of Common Prayer has been taking me back- reminding me why I love the Episcopalian tradition and the long standing history of common prayers and daily readings.

'Deliver us in our various occupations from the service of self alone, that we may do the work you give us to do in truth and beauty and for the common good; for the sake of him who came among us as one who serves.'

Wishing you all a beautiful advent. :)