Total Crackpot Day

October 20th is Big Block of Cheese Day -- or the day on which the episode of The West Wing titled 'The Crackpots and These Women' was originally aired in 1999. You'll have to watch the show yourself to find out where Big Block of Cheese Day comes from (and why Toby Ziegler calls it Throw-Open-Our-Office-Doors-To-People-Who-Want-To-Discuss-Things-We-Could-Care-Less-About Day). I'm definitely going to try and find some time on Wednesday to squeeze in a West Wing episode, in honour of a show that I'm going to actually call the best television program ever.

It's probably the most quotable show I've ever seen. It's like a novel with a wide cast of brilliant, lovable characters who all have command of snappy, intelligent dialogue yet somehow manage not to be annoying. It taught me everything I know about politics (albeit with a decidedly American bent), gave me a deep-seated understanding of the rhythm of iambic pentameter, and will continue to make me compare all real prime ministers and presidents to the completely fictional Jedidiah Bartlet, entirely to their detriment.

* * * * *

Conversations:

Caitlin -- thank you for the hugs and the kind words -- and yay indeed about the sovereign Writer who's got the whole story under control!

SandieT -- thank you for dropping by and leaving a comment! It's always a delight to meet WM subscribers (the final issue is literally going to press as I type).

ElizabethFay -- I just have a strong liking to you, generally and specifically.

Samantha -- it was a beautiful interlude in my day. :)

The truth is always worth repeating.

I believe that one of the Christian artist's primary goals should be to seek out ways to put old truths in new words. That's what rapper Lecrae has done in this video inspired by John Piper's Don't Waste Your Life. It's a reminder I need to hear every day and I'm thankful for this new version of an old truth, the lyrics of which include:

Suffer -- yeah -- do it for Christ
If you're trying to figure what to do with your life.
If you're making money, hope you're doing it right;
Because the money is God's, you better steward it right.
Stay focused. If you aint got no ride;
Your life ain't wrapped up in what you drive,
The clothes you wear, the job you work,
The colour of your skin -- no, we're Christian first.
People living life for a job, make a lil money, start living for a car,
Get 'em a house, a wife, kids and a dog.
When they retire, they're living high on the hog.
But guess what? They didn't ever really live at all.
To live is Christ -- yeah, that's Paul I recall.
To die is gain, so for Christ we give it all;
He's the treasure you'll never find in the mall.
Your money, your singleness, marriage, talents, your time:
They were loaned to you to show the world that Christ is divine.

[HT]

* * * * *

Conversations:

Katie -- indeed it was a fun party!

Samantha -- a Canon, yay! :D And yes, Lauren's awesome.

Jessica -- thank you! And Canons rule :).

Lauz -- I'll turn thirty again next year, 'k?

Bohoharri -- ah, that memory makes me miss you!! I even want to just come and sit in the sun and read books with you :).

Rebecca -- thanks, lovely. I certainly did :).

Julia -- I've never been to a luau; sounds fabulous!

Awesome thing of the day #6

Uni started back last week after the Holidays Of Serious Enjoyment, and my lack of attention to blogging is painfully evident. Until I roll my sleeves up and make a proper post, please enjoy the sixth Awesome Thing of the Day: a mash-up of the David Crowder*Band's performances of Oh Happiness during their Summer of Happiness 2010 Tour.

Excited crowds, Crowder with crazy hair, Hogan synthesizing, a drum-robot called Steve3PO, smiley faces, and happiness because of grace. What could be more excellent?

* * * * *

Conversations:

Jessicarose -- so cool to meet you through this crazy world that is blogging! I think I have an idea who you are -- do you know my cousin Fran? And the Fosters?

Katie -- Giant spiders are definitely one terrifying aspect of my life I'd rather live without. I genuinely shudder just thinking about them.

Staish -- let's talk seam allowance sometime soon!

Samantha -- :D Aw, thanks! You encourage me to keep blogging!

Meaghan -- You KNOW those are my favourite kinds of puns. They don't make me groan; they make me smile. See? :D

Anonymous -- shucks! Is that you, Mum?

Andrea -- I got a comment from you! My blogging life is complete!

Awesome thing of the day #3

No captions necessary. Just watch and smile.

Daymakers

Today had some stinky elements in it which made me feel down. But then some things made me happy:



1) this video by Improv Everywhere. It filled me with Christmas cheer and also made me want to go to Manhattan immediately.

2) my cousin, Annie, sent me a little for-no-reason-at-all-except-love parcel and it hit my mailbox today, completely unexpected! It filled me with a warm glow :). And yes, I do have the world's best cousins.

3) information about my newest sponsor child came in the post, and I opened the envelope to see an adorably cheeky little brown boy staring out at me with gorgeous dark eyes.



4) this charismatic little dude singing Jason Mraz's I'm Yours, not knowing any of the words, and not caring in the slightest.

I hope your day is filled with happy.

Saturday Inspiration #3

This video -- in which Carrie and her big brother sing their very own cover of Say Hello by Rosie Thomas and Sufjan Stevens -- makes me want to be a small girl with red hair and a guitar-playing big brother. Such sweetness.

It's Friday -- yay!

What's the coolest thing you've seen this week? I think this is mine. Amazing.

----------

conversations:

Carla -- You're so encouraging :).

Mum -- It's beautiful! And you are a Nut-Climbing Champion. ;)

A little bit of quirk for your Saturday morning:

Have a great weekend, everyone! xox