The Faith Club

My sister gave me a book for Christmas, "The Faith Club" that I subsequently read in two days because I couldn't put it down. It is the narrative of three women, a Muslim, a Jew, and a Christian, who try to find the commonality among their religions in an effort to understand themselves and the world a little better especially after the 9 -11 attacks. They did not know each other before beginning, and really, they didn't know themselves very well. The think I liked most about the book was that each of them came to recognize how important their faith in God was to them. No one converted each other, that was never the intent. But they did unexpectedly convert themselves to recognizing the power of God and His hand in their lives.

I thought of this book today when we took Bradley, our youngest child, to the temple to receive his endowment before going on a mission to Ogden, Utah. My faith is deep, but the sacredness of the temple deepens even more and reaffirms to me that Heavenly Father is real, yet knows me and loves me. At one point in the session today, I had an overwhelming feeling that Heavenly Father was amused with our family and loves us because of all our quirks. It made me smile and I felt that He was sharing an inside joke with me.

What a wonderful day to have shared with four of our five children (we missed Arla) and their three spouses. Sometimes it's good for just the adults to get together without the children, as cute as they are! We really had a good time at lunch after the session at a very tasty Mexican restaurant.

New Hair

I love going to the salon. The two stylists that work there are both very talented; the salon itself is in an old building in Olde Town which gives it character; and the clients are always interesting to listen to. Tonight the orthopedic surgeon who has often been there at the same time I am. was there again getting his hair cut. He talked about getting a stationary bicycle for his office so he could take 2-3 minutes every few hours to ride...nothing too strenuous, just a little exercise, but not to work up a sweat. He's about my age - mature enough to appreciate moderation in all things! Then there was the woman who had never been to this salon before. She walked out visibly pleased with the results.

Meghan is my stylist. She discussed the new tattoo she wanted to get - a star of David. She's not Jewish. She's married with three kids. The conversation then moved to all the foods she did not like to eat because of taste and especially texture. Her New Year's resolution is to try some new food, but she's not sure what that will be. Amy, the other stylist is trying to decide on new paint colors for the salon. So she and I looked at paint chips - Benjamin Moore, which are my favorite paints - will be interesting to see what she chooses.

I came home with a trim and new highlights and lowlights, totally relaxed, and ready to tackle my life again.

Writing in a Trance

When my head is clear and my brain is calm I can write so much better than when I feel as though I'm forcing every word. My best writing comes when I don't look at the screen, and sometimes not even at the keyboard, but just type what comes into my head. If I do this, it is as though there is flow to what I'm writing and I barely have to think about what is coming, especially when I am trying to create a narrative.

Tonight I revised a proposal for a conference presentation in Claremont, CA in May. Mormon Scholars in the Humanities is having their annual conference and the theme this year is the family and human relationships. So I took a piece of my dissertation writing and proposed an idea, including some of my art work. We'll see what they think!

Natalie

Natalie has come to live with us, of course her mom and dad came along too. But she has finally started to warm up to me. Yesterday when she came into the room where I was working, I turned around, opened up my arms and she ran straight into them for a hug. There is nothing quite like having grandchildren! It makes you remember how sweet your own children were as toddlers and elementary age kids and realize how quickly time passed. But back to Natalie - she and Tinker have a special relationship! Tinker loves to play with Natalie using his toy...he growls at her when she tries to get it, but really he's just in for the fun! And they do have fun!

End of An Era

We just ordered more white shirts, warm hat. gloves. and scarf for Bradley for his mission in Ogden,. Utah. We also created the final checklist of other items to purchase and last minute errands to do (including his H1N1 vaccine). I'm really glad that he is able to go, but John and I will both miss him. He has been such a help to us in the last few months since he moved home - changing high light bulbs, moving heavy stuff, carrying in cases of bottled water, etc. Plus, he's fun to be around, and talk and laugh. And nothing beats watching him grow spiritually and be so happy with his life! There's no other place I'd rather him to be than on a mission teaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ to those who wish to hear about it. Of course, he's the last of the children to go, and there's always something to be said about another "end of an era" milestone. No more missionaries after him, no others to take to the temple for the first time, etc. No more young men and young women to send out and have them come back adult men and women. He will be missed!

Another good writing day. I'm making no predictions when this portion will be finally done, but I certainly will publish it with great hurrah's when it is!

Tired!

A very long day today - I stayed after school to chaperone the 6th grade band concert from 6:30 - 7:45 (the concert didn't last that long, that was just the time I needed to be there.) Instead of going home between, which I sometimes do, I decided to stay at school and write on my preprospectus. I got the revisions made on another chapter, so that's 4 down, 2 more to go. I wanted it all finished by Friday, but I have another meeting tomorrow after school that will put me home late again. Soon, soon, soon though.

What to Say?

During the day I will think about something and say to myself, "Make a note of this. It could make an interesting blog." Um-m-m. The problem is, unless I write it down, I can't remember what it was. And so, although I have had some moments of ideas to write about, I can't remember a single one tonight.

I will comment that so far it has been a great three-day weekend. I wrote, did a little politicking, painted on a couple of new paintings, went to church, had a nice chat with a couple of friends, and had a great time chatting with my family.

On the downside, I dropped my cell phone in the toilet. :( It is now in the oven trying to dry out. I hope I can restore it to health so I don't lose all my contacts. And no, nothing is backed up on the internet. (See previous posting: Technically Unsavvy.)