Stop By Any Time??

I was raised in New Mexico. I hated it while I was there, but since I've moved away, I've discovered that there are several things I really miss.

• Iced tea. There's always tea. Always.
• Cowboys who hold doors, take their hats off and love their mamas.
• The smell of the fresh Ruidoso mountain air in the morning. Mmm...
• Brisket and fried okra. And REAL Mexican food.
• Little old grannies who boss you around and swat your butt if you're sassy.
• Going out for a "coke".
• Allsup's burritoes. It's just one of those things.

I could go on and on, but I won't. Only the New Mexico folks would understand, anyway.

Having said all that, one of the things I miss the most is, "Stop by any time!" Where I grew up, doors were open and people REALLY meant it when they threw that statement out to you. Depending on who you were visiting, you might not even have to knock. You could walk in and yell for whoever was home. They would yell back.... "We're in here... get yourself something to drink (usually tea) and get in here!" If you happened to stop by during dinner, it wasn't awkward and full of apologies. It was, "Siddown (translation: sit down). Here's a plate. Eat."

The Minnesota version of this is, "Yes... we should get together soon... let's check our schedules and calendars and find a time slot that works for all of us. Oh, and make sure you call to confirm before you come."

Huh?

You don't dare just stop by most peoples' houses here... it's considered disrespectful.

Wait.... what? Stopping by someone's house just because you're in the neighborhood and want to say hello is disrespectful? Really? Where I come from, that's one of the ways you care for people. I wish, oh, how I wish I could call a bunch of my New Mexico people up here to give these stuffy Germans and Norwegians a solid dose of good old southern hospitality.

Now, I'm not dismissing the privacy factor, as some things are very personal, but I truly don't understand the "closed door" policy most people up here seem to have. What is so wrong with stopping by just because you're thinking about someone and want them to know it? Hey, Minnesota... psst.... listen.... your life is NOT going to crumble to the ground if your friends stop by unannounced. Really. It will be okay. Sit with them. Chat with them. Care for them. Let them care for you. Who cares if your house isn't perfectly in order with vacuum lines on the carpet and a scented candle burning?! Who cares if the dishes aren't done?! Who cares if you're in your sweats and grubby t-shirt?! Live! Be real. Open up! Share!

I think we SHOULD have those real moments with each other. The down and dirty ones. The off-guard ones. The ones that show the true lives we live, rather than the perfectly tailored images we try to present when we have time to prepare. Perhaps it would do us good to open our doors and allow people to "stop by any time." We might discover that we're not all as put together as we'd like to be, and that it's okay to just be human.

Agree or disagree. That's your choice. I will leave you with this: I am not perfect. My house is sometimes really messy. The dishes are often sitting on the counter waiting to be done. Even the litter box isn't always scooped (*GASP*). But... my door is always open, so PLEASE..... stop by any time.

There's always tea.

The Lyrics of Life #5

Out my window, I see... the beautiful day... looks like it's going to rain. I love rain!

I am pondering... The shallowness of the business world. It seems to be all about how you dress and who you know. I HATE that. It's so maddening to see people judged by their appearance and connections. What the heck difference does it make if you get the job done??? Geez.

Looking forward to... Payday. That's always a plus.

I am grateful for... my bestest friend, Stacey. She is just amazing.

Something I have learned recently... It's not that I learned it recently, but I was recently reminded that Christians can be some of the most harsh, judgmental, people. It's really sad when you see more of God's character in atheists than you do in Christians. Oy.

An awesome quote... "I am always doing that which I cannot do, in order that I may learn how to do it." ~ Pablo Picasso

I love... tomatoes. I just love them.

It would appear that... most people are more comfortable being charged for something than taking it for free. Odd.

I am hearing... my own thoughts twisting about in my head.

Something musical... I lost one of the music books I really like. Can't for the life of me figure out what I did with it. So frustrating.

Around my house... I really want to reorganize the stuff in my kitchen cabinets. We'll see if I'm actually motivated to follow through.

One of my favourite things... Watching the trees turn from green to their gorgeous fall colours. Aaahhhh.

Five random things that have happened this week:
1. Got to go to Thursdays on First AND the Farmer's Market.

2. I got to go straight home from work and STAY there several days this week. I don't even remember the last time that happened.

3. Sat in traffic through 9 green lights. Exciting, I know.

4. Got a phone call to photograph a cactus blossom. Said blossoms don't last very long, I guess.

5. Started making plans for the great Minnesota Get Together. Junk food on a stick. W

Picture of the day... The cactus blossom. It's actually pretty cool.

The Lyrics of Life #4

Yes, I know.... I've been only SLIGHTLY sporadic at writing here. For those of you asking, I'll try to do better. :o)




Out my window, I see... a barbecue grill, a table, and a very bright, sunny day.

I am pondering... Regret. Specifically with how little we tell people we love them, cherish them, need them. Life can change so fast. SO fast. We DO NOT KNOW how our next minute will be spent. How their next minute will be spent... whether we'll see them again.... How are we going to feel if something happens to them, and our last words were empty, or angry? More than that, though, are we picking your battles carefully, and doing our best to live peacefully? I have many thoughts on this subject. Perhaps that's another post.

Looking forward to... the Farmer's Market with my dear friend, Jennifer, and then a lovely breakfast with Kristin.

I am grateful for... the surprise visit I was able to pull off on my mom. She had NO idea I was going to show up in Ohio, and it was fabulous. What a great time we had.

Something I have learned recently... 

An awesome quote... "The best way to become boring is to say everything." ~Voltaire

Today's duds... Boring. Shirt. Capris. Shoes. Bleh.

I love... watching someone's passion come out. Whatever it is, however it works. Love it.

It would appear that... despite the protest of most people I know, autumn is indeed on its way. My favourite time of year. Ahhhh....

I am hearing... my computer humming, and the air conditioner running.

Something musical... I still need to find an outlet for singing. And I need to start playing the piano more often. And the guitar. I desperately need a keyboard in my house.

Around my house... Well... the little tootsie rolls in the litter box are going to start migrating if I don't clean them out soon. That would be the goal this weekend, among other things. Oh, I'm sorry... was that too much information???  :o)

One of my favourite things... Oswald Chambers, though, technically, he's not a thing. He was such a wise man.

Five random things that have happened this week:
1. Someone gave me a can of whole tomatoes as a sarcastic gift. It was awesome.

2. Despite my Scottish heritage, I attended the Irish Fair in the twin cities. It was great fun.

3. I was able to photograph (at stage level) a concert of The High Kings. What a blast! If you like Irish, Celtic music, you'll love these guys.

4. August 18th marked my twelve-year anniversary at my job. I love what I do! It also marked my two-year anniversary of back surgery. I guess I've come pretty far. Just wish my gimpy foot would work.

5. I enjoyed the cooler weather so much that I started nesting for winter. I'm so excited!

Picture of the day... One of the shots of The High Kings... Love them.

The Lyrics of Life #3

Out my window, I see... freshly cut grass. A wonderful sight, and it smells great, too!

I am pondering... something a friend said to me yesterday (that her daughter said to her). "Comparing our troubles to others, even when it's a 'good' comparison, is denying God's path for us." I think she's on to something here. Maybe when we try to minimize what we're dealing with or feeling, we are limiting the whole experience God has for us. Perhaps when we face it, feel it to extreme depths, "get in the mud" with it, we'll find ourselves getting to know a whole new aspect of God's character. That's so interesting to think about.

Looking forward to... sleep this weekend. Sleep is good. Sleep is swell.

I am grateful for... the time I've had with my nephew over the past month. He is such an amazing kid, and I'm so glad he's been able to spend so much time with me.

Something I have learned recently... well..... I've learned that I still have so much to learn. It just never stops, does it? You can learn and learn and learn and still never learn it all.

An awesome quote... "The high minded man must care more for the truth than for what people think." ~Aristotle

Today's duds... Black Words Players shirt, black capris, clear Chucks, plaid socks.

I love... building deep relationships.

It would appear that... my poor little tomato plant is on its way out. It's given me some good fruit, but I think the end is near.

I am hearing... my thoughts... they're taking over the air space in my head. Wait.... uh..... that can't be right.

Something musical... I have discovered that I really don't care for "The Music Man" as a whole. The Words Players kids are phenomenal, but it's just not my favourite musical.

Around my house... Josiah and I will be spending some time cleaning tomorrow, just to catch up from the week.

One of my favourite things... having a deep, rich conversation with someone. Forget the weather talk. Let's dig deep and really talk. Love it.

Five random things that have happened this week:
1. Josiah beat me in a vicious match of Hungry, Hungry Hippos.

2. I got some collectors glasses as a gift from a good friend, bringing my total of them to 44. Yay!

3. I was reminded how much I love my friends. I am so fortunate.

4. I got a push broom at an auction for $5. I was very excited. I had NO idea push brooms were so stinking expensive in the stores. Those suckers are $20!

5. One of my good friends made it home safely after being gone for five weeks. Happy. :o)

Picture of the day... this is what happens when my good friend goes away for five weeks...

The Lyrics of Life #2

Out my window, I see... hot sunshine and two robins that appear to be protecting a nest.

I am pondering... how we as people tend to only listen to, and take the advice from people who are "on our side" in a situation. It's manipulative, and yet we seem to have this need to try to sway people our direction, and lock them in to our story or opinion. For example, next time you're sitting around a table in a meeting or a discussion, watch the dynamics, and observe how one person will try to seek out eye contact with another person they think is "with them". They will hook on to each other, and become a force together, seeking out the next brick in their wall. It's very fascinating.

Looking forward to... next week when "Annie" opens. I think it's going to be a great show. :o)

I am grateful for... the opportunities I've had lately to meet some really cool people.

Something I have learned recently... young men and women tend to saunter across the street like they own it, while old ladies and gentlemen scurry, because they don't want to be in the way.

An awesome quote... "The most important kind of freedom is to be what you really are. You trade in your reality for a role. You trade in your sense for an act. You give up your ability to feel, and in exchange, put on a mask. There can't be any large-scale revolution until there's a personal revolution, on an individual level. It's got to happen inside first." ~ Jim Morrison

Today's duds... grey cargoes, eggplant purple shirt, sandals.

I love... my cat. He's the best cat in the world. No, really, he is.

It would appear that... a Wal-Mart trip is in order. Lest I not eat for the next week.

I am hearing... the air conditioner and the clock ticking. It's enough to put me to sleep!

Something musical... I didn't realize how much I enjoy being in musicals. They are so cheesy, but it's so much fun to sing and dance on stage.

Around my house... I really think I will enjoy actually spending some time at home after next week. Time to get it cleaned and straightened, and continue working on it to make it what I want.

One of my favourite things... watching a child's face light up when you tell them you believe in them.

Five random things that have happened this week:
1. I had a dream that my sister-in-law and I were making candles out of red Play-Dough.

2. I was able to shove (and I do mean, SHOVE) my gimpy foot into a pair of dress flats for the first time in nearly two years. Oh, the things we do for the theatre.

3. I gathered up all my courage to slam a shoe down on a spider/centipede thing, only to find out that it was just a dust bunny.

4. I was reminded once again, that kids are just amazing. And if you just allow them to shine, they WILL.

5. My first mortgage payment on my house was made successfully! One down, 90 bazillion more to go!

Picture of the day... the epitome of contentment.

The Lyrics of Life

I used to participate in this thing called, "The Simple Woman's Daybook," which was a weekly recording of random happenings in one's life. However, I got out the habit, and truth be told, I am the farthest thing from "simple" anyway. People keep telling me they miss the weekly update, SO.... I'll do my own version, and see how it goes each week.

Out my window, I see... a gorgeous cloudy sky, and the trees blowing in the breeze. Delicious day.

I am pondering... whether or not flies wish they had sunglasses.

Looking forward to... vacation. I really need some time to just chill. No deadlines. Just relaxing.

I am grateful for... my new house. I am so.... dare I say it?..... blessed. Oy.

Something I have learned recently... if you have a bush outside your house that you want to trim, wear gloves. It could have sharp, pointy things on it. And they could tear up your arms.

An awesome quote... "Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail." ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

Today's duds... jeans, red long-sleeved shirt, chucks. Very comfy.

I love... that I have a tomato plant of my own. Next year, I'm going to try to plant more veggies. VEGGIES!!!

It would appear that... I won't have another free night till the end of June. I love being busy and active!

I am hearing... the sound of a machine running.

Something musical... I would really, REALLY like a keyboard in my house, so I can play again.

Around my house... I have to learn how to get out of my new house. It's not as easy as you think when you've been used to living with only one entrance and no garage for ten years.

One of my favourite things... capturing people and things and emotions through the camera. LOVE.

Five random things that have happened this week:

1. I discovered that what I thought was rhubarb was only skunk cabbage. Thanks to Mark and Libby for that revelation.

2. I went to the movie, "Soul Surfer". It was pretty good. Inspiring.

3. I made a complete fool of myself in an audition. Classic.

4. I won popsicle maker things at a bridal shower. Woot.

5. I broke my shoe in a rehearsal. It's tragic. My most comfy pair of Chucks.

Picture of the day... I love this picture of Audrey. I had pictured it in my head and asked her to pose for it, and it turned out better than I thought it would.

Blogging as Narcissism?

One of my closest friends recently shared an experience with me. It was an exchange between her and someone very dear to her regarding blogging. This person considered blogging to be narcissistic and braggadocious, and sort of .... well... slammed her for keeping a blog at all.

My friend expressed that she's not an expert on much, but she is an expert on her life. It's what she knows and lives, and somehow, she hopes to bring joy to others by sharing it through blogging.

I say, she's right. We aren't experts on much, are we? However, we ARE experts on our own lives. I mean, who, other than God, knows our lives better than we do? And why shouldn't we share that with others? It's how we learn, how we reason things out, how we relate to each other, and for me, it's how I learn about who God is.... or isn't.

I WANT to hear what you're thinking, feeling, going through. I WANT to laugh with you, cry with you, and learn life lessons from you. So, please, if you're a blogger, keep it up! If you're not, consider doing it. If you've thought about it, and are hesitant, please know that I am waiting, with baited breath to hear what you have to say. Truly.

You are valuable, and your thoughts and feelings matter to me.

It's Not Our Job

His sign reads, "Homeless. Hungry. Anything helps. God bless." He regularly stands on the corner of 2nd street in the freezing winter. I've driven past him nearly every day for months now, and I still don't know his name. Today, I noticed that his gloves don't match, and it got me thinking (I know, I know, it's always scary when I start thinking!) about how people treat him.

I wonder...

When they drive by, do they sit in their warm vehicles and avoid making eye contact with him? Do they look at him and shake their heads in judgmental disgust, and snarl about how he should go out and get a job? Do they criticize him because he smokes, and he's wasting his money on that "nasty habit" when he could be spending the money on food?

I wonder...

Do they feel compassion for him and hand him money? Do they ever give him food? And if they do give him food, is it in a can? Because food in a can wouldn't do any good if you don't have a can opener. Does it have to be heated? It would be terribly hard to heat something with no oven. Is it something he likes? Has anyone ever asked him what he likes? Maybe he doesn't like bologna. Or maybe he's allergic to peanuts. Maybe he's a vegetarian.

Oh... but wait.... beggars can't be choosers, right? He should be grateful for what he gets.... right? If he's going to be lazy and not work, then he doesn't have the right to choose...... right?

Hmm. I wonder....

I wonder if we realize that he's not just a dirty fixture on the street corner. He's a person. A living, breathing person. God made this gentleman in His image, just like He did you and me. He cares deeply about his sorrows and his joys, just like He cares about ours. He loves him - like He loves us... mercifully and unconditionally... no matter what.... always.

I wonder if we stop to think that we have never walked in this man's shoes, and there's no way we could possibly know about his journey. Maybe he had a devastating blow in his life, and there was no one to help him through it. Maybe he's sick and trying to just make it. Maybe he lost his family to a tragedy. Or maybe he just likes standing on the corner. Who knows?

And then I wonder if we know that it's not our business to judge ANY of his life. At all.

I was having a conversation with a 14-year old the other day at the theatre. In that conversation, he was expressing his thoughts about love, and how if we would just LOVE each other - REALLY love each other - a lot of the problems in our world would be solved. He's right. Judging hurts. Love covers. Love seems the better, more Jesus-y option.

Whatever that means to you, do it. LOVE. Because, judging.... yeah... that's not our job.

Do We REALLY Make a Difference?

Joseph Johnson stands out on the side of the road nearly every single day and flashes the "Peace" sign to everyone driving by. American flag in one hand. Pepsi can in the other. Through every season, dressed for every holiday, he is faithfully there, waving away.

One day, our former Vicar stopped and chatted with Joseph, and asked him why he does what he does. His response still warms my heart and makes me chuckle with affection. He told the Vicar that he flashes the "Peace" sign because he's spreading the peace of God.

"Oh yeah?" asked Vicar Seth. "Which god is that?"

"You know... the regular God. Jesus' Dad."

How can you not love that??

At first when I saw Joseph, I was simply amused and happy to wave back, but then something odd happened. That tiny little expression of selflessness became something I looked forward to every day. I would turn on to 2nd Street and begin scanning the area while I was still a block and a half away. If a little moving spec appeared in my vision, my groggy morning mood would lift immediately, and I would prepare to receive my portion of the "regular God's peace."

One day I drove by, and much to my horror, Joseph wasn't there.

"What?!?! Where IS he?!" I lamented. "Doesn't he KNOW I look forward to this every day??"

And right then was when I realized that this man, a complete stranger to me, had (and still has) a true impact on my life.

You wouldn't normally think much of it, would you? A man dressed in wild outfits and waving at people would maybe even elicit a snicker of mocking from some. However, Joseph's small gesture of selflessness has an impact far greater than he could ever know. He doesn't have to stand out there in the middle of winter when the windchill is 30 degrees below zero, or in the summer when the humidity is so thick you can practically eat it with a fork. But he does. And for no other reason than to spread some peace.

It is a mysterious thing to give of yourself just because you can. When you are selfless, you may be making a difference in someone's life and not even realize it. Take some time to think about it, but then make some time for action. Call someone. Wave. Write a letter. Smile. Be kind to someone who's having a bad day. Extend as much grace as you would hope to receive.

Make a difference.