Earlier this spring south Texas was the happy recipient of record rainfall, ending several years of pretty severe drought almost overnight. Reservoirs went from completely empty to spilling over the flood-gates in a matter of a few days. During that time, we had the pleasure of dealing with up to two feet of running water flowing down our road, up to three inches of standing water in the yard, a flooded septic system, and a whole host of other flood and rain-related things. We mostly celebrated, though, because it had been so long since we’d had good rain.
Life can be funny sometimes. Things we often tend to view in absolutes can become quite fuzzy or even inverted when the context is right. One example I’ve experienced very recently is an inversion of the concept that it’s bad to be unwanted.
Most of us spend a good portion of our lives trying to be something or someone who is wanted. We develop skills that are wanted by employers. We seek to be wanted by friends and love interests. We often find ourselves trying to acquire stuff and abilities that place us in a position to be envied. I … Read the rest
Editor’s Note: Liz started this with Michael a while ago, but hasn’t been able to convince him to finish it. Rather than wait for what will probably never happen, I’ve decided to post what he’s done so far for the benefit of people who want a view of our world through the eyes of Michael. Who knows what this would have looked like had Michael finished it, but for now, enjoy the sneak peak. –Peter
Today Michael and I decided to make a book. He asked me to take pictures of “bugs, animals, chickens, Thornton, and cracks in the dirt.”… Read the rest
They say don't sweat the small things,
But give big ones all they're due.
A principle that comfort brings,
A guide star pointing true.
Yet massive things when broken down,
Are small in truth and deed.
So monstrous stuff of great renown,
Must garner little heed.
We’ve been going through the gyrations associated with the incomprehensible system that determines when and where I move. First, they tell you you are hot to move, then tease you with a list of possible assignments, only to withdraw that list a few days later and replace it with one that is dense with substantially worse options. A few days after that, they tell you that there aren’t enough people to fill all the positions, and that the positions that must be filled are all the sorts of jobs that make my skin crawl. Once this drill is complete, they … Read the rest
Dickenson's poem says she's nobody,
She couldn't be further from right.
Everyone's someone to somebody,
A jewel and a treasured delight.
Some discount their talents and value,
Our Saviour sees through all of that,
To cherish potential and virtue,
And love us wherever we're at.
Time is impatient and simply won't wait,
While we argue with chance and bargain with fate.
It presses us onward in spite of our fears,
Turning seconds to minutes and minutes to years.
Badly swollen and weak
It groans and it grinds
It creaks and it squeaks
Then it seizes and binds.
So more leverage apply
Yes! It yields just a bit
And shears off the next turn
I'm so mad I could spit.
Peetie the one-legged pirate,
came stumping along down the path,
wearing his stripe-ed pajamas,
and desperately needing a bath.
Grumbling, mumbling, and grousing along,
A cloud hanging over his head,
Scowling and wearing a horrible frown,
Ever since he climbed out of his bed.
His grizzled long beard looked like lightning,
His eyebrows were tied up in knots.
Powder smoke blackened his visage,
His mustache held clumps of dried snot.
As he thundered along down the alley,
He stepped in through several a door,
Collecting a bit at each halting,
What he needed and not a thing more.
At the
Larry and Susan came to visit this weekend. Larry had some training downtown, so they took advantage of the situation by delaying his flight home and flying Susan down for a long weekend with us. As part of the fun, we decided to check out a renaissance fair that was going on nearby.
Sydney was ecstatic when she came across a group who do illumination and calligraphy (her current art-interest, and one that she’s getting quite good at). Turns out there are several people who are happy to help her learn new techniques for free. She also was excited to … Read the rest
