monday; the forecast --
cloudy.
a high pressure system
hovers off the coast.
overhead,
thoughts gather:
grey thoughts,
cluttered thoughts,
bunched together in storm-size strength.
lightning strikes;
a piercing electric current
of worry
fear
exhaustion
condemnation.
tension mounts;
the climate rises.
the air --
thick, suffocating, humid --
overwhelms.
stop.
stop a while;
stop and dip your fingers
in the cooling stream
of living water.
[prompt here]
----------
conversations:
Staish -- sometimes you wonder. But the cool thing about God (correction: one of the many cool things about God) is that He won't let us languish in ignorance or misinformation. It's so relieving to know that we can stumble along and yet, 'He is able to keep [us] from falling'.
Abbie -- thank you for your encouragement!
Anonymous -- there is definitely a fine line between the extremes of putting God's provision to the test and refusing to trust Him at all. How good to know that He also makes provision for our weakness and guides us to a better understanding of His ways (and, as a result, our responses) through the Word and the Holy Spirit.
Meaghan -- it's very cool. I would be mental without that knowledge! No, I haven't seen the movie; you'll have to let me know what it's like if you watch it! xox
Monday, October 6, 2008
Friday, October 3, 2008
P.S. I Love You[r Comments]
A big shout-out thanks to Beth, Sarah, Staish, Abbie, Caitlin, and Meaghan for joining the Wednesday discussion about causing love to happen vs. loving others and then seeing what happens. Go read their comments because they make for good thinking matter.
I wouldn't have minded if some of you disagreed with me, but it was strangely heartening to find that all of those who took time to comment are essentially on the same side of the fence; heartening in a purely personal way because it's usually in trepidation that I send my little thoughts out into the world of interwebishness -- (does anyone even believe the same things any more?) It's encouraging to know that there are a few who do -- just as it keeps us on our toes to be in discussion with those who don't. That way, we continue learning.
This whole concept of trusting in God for love rather than trying to crash into it ourselves is a pretty precious one to me. As a single woman in my late[r] twenties, it's tempting to look over the past and think, "What have I done wrong?" Others ask the same questions. Am I too fat? Too skinny? Too small-town-girl? Not assertive enough? Not holy enough? Not Proverbs-31-Jennifer-Hawkins enough?
Every now and then, the insecurities can become overwhelming. Are the in-your-face girls the only ones who become brides? Perhaps we're hanging too hard on to old-fashioned mindsets?
Yesterday I was pondering this subject some more. There are all sorts of answers from all sorts of perspectives. But, ultimately, I ask: how does grace fit into the picture?
Everything God has done for us in the realm of eternity is flooded over and dripping with grace. If He chose to bestow the dual gifts of eternal life and fellowship with Him in one gigantic act of unconditional grace, how can we assume that lesser gifts will be characterised by lesser grace? He did not call us to be "good enough" for salvation, or to work our way to its end. Is He going to hold out on offering the gift of marriage because we're not "good enough" or not working hard enough, either? Our Lord is one of grace.
I wouldn't have minded if some of you disagreed with me, but it was strangely heartening to find that all of those who took time to comment are essentially on the same side of the fence; heartening in a purely personal way because it's usually in trepidation that I send my little thoughts out into the world of interwebishness -- (does anyone even believe the same things any more?) It's encouraging to know that there are a few who do -- just as it keeps us on our toes to be in discussion with those who don't. That way, we continue learning.
This whole concept of trusting in God for love rather than trying to crash into it ourselves is a pretty precious one to me. As a single woman in my late[r] twenties, it's tempting to look over the past and think, "What have I done wrong?" Others ask the same questions. Am I too fat? Too skinny? Too small-town-girl? Not assertive enough? Not holy enough? Not Proverbs-31-Jennifer-Hawkins enough?
Every now and then, the insecurities can become overwhelming. Are the in-your-face girls the only ones who become brides? Perhaps we're hanging too hard on to old-fashioned mindsets?
Yesterday I was pondering this subject some more. There are all sorts of answers from all sorts of perspectives. But, ultimately, I ask: how does grace fit into the picture?
Everything God has done for us in the realm of eternity is flooded over and dripping with grace. If He chose to bestow the dual gifts of eternal life and fellowship with Him in one gigantic act of unconditional grace, how can we assume that lesser gifts will be characterised by lesser grace? He did not call us to be "good enough" for salvation, or to work our way to its end. Is He going to hold out on offering the gift of marriage because we're not "good enough" or not working hard enough, either? Our Lord is one of grace.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Looking for love in all the right places?
If you've been reading my blog for a little while now, you'll understand that I love Boundless. So the following jumble of thoughts is in no way a bagging out of a ministry I respect just about as hugely as is possible. I may respect John Piper a little more than the folks at Boundless. Yes, yes. I believe I do. But Boundless is definitely tops.
However: I am a little disappointed by Thomas Jeffries' recent blog post, Delivery Not Included.
He addresses an issue he calls a variation of the "Yeah, but..." syndrome, a concept that puts the blame for the high percentage of single young Christians fair and square on the singles themselves. Jeffries speaks of God's sovereignty,
Yes, it's true that God is in control of your destiny. Yes, it's true that God can cause that special someone to happen across your path. Yes, it's even true that God can have Mr. Right parachute into the remote jungle village in Borneo where you've been serving as the only English-speaking missionary for the last 10 years. Yes, it's true that God can do anything He wants.
But then says:
That said, how likely is it that He will make sure every Christian who wants to get married will experience an unscripted meeting with just the right spousal candidate at just the right time?
He follows with an analogy from his own life:
I'm reminded of my (slightly) younger days, back when I dreamed of success as a rock musician. The bands I played in were for the most part filled with talented musicians, singers and songwriters, but we never experienced the success that leads to lucrative record contracts or nationwide tours. At least one reason for this is obvious: We didn't make ourselves available to the right people. Sure, we played at a few local clubs and recorded a decent-sounding demo, but we never performed our songs for well-connected promoters or music industry executives.
Mr. Jeffries goes on to say that many single Christians are approaching their search for a mate in the same way by not putting themselves in the right places for romantic success:
You may have lots to offer as a spouse, but if the only times you leave your home involve work and the grocery store, then your odds of meeting a potential mate are greatly reduced. If you've never been willing to be "set up" by friends and family, then perhaps it's time to make yourself available. If you live in a rural community where the only single man at church is a World War II veteran, then you might want to reassess whether it's the right place to be if marriage is important to you.
My biggest concern with this post is the underlying attitude it seems to imply. I believe Thomas Jeffries to be a godly and faithful servant of Christ. However, read on its own, his post seems to suggest that finding a marriage partner is the one single goal of life. The implication is, that if you spend too much time in your own company, you'd better get out more to increase your chances of finding a spouse. If you live in a small community populated mainly by elderly folk, maybe you should move.
This has it all backward.
We should get out more not because we want a husband but because Jesus told us to shine like stars in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation (Phil. 2:15). We move to a community (or church) not because of the vast numbers of eligibles there but because this is where God has called us to show love and service.
The New Testament has little to say, specifically, about finding a mate. It has a lot to say about pursuing love from a pure heart and loving people as Jesus did. This has less to do with creating a blissful romance with a special someone and more to do with laying down our lives for the people we are surrounded by now.
Moving from church to church, social group to social group, and town to town in pursuit of a mate seems to me to be desperate at best and self-serving at worst. Ultimately, a marriage is for here and now only, just a portion of our three score years and ten or maybe more. Relationships founded on the love of Jesus endure for eternity.
And it's not a proven fact, but I tend to think that anyone who is pouring their life out in selflessness is bound to "get noticed" by a person of awesomeness somewhere along the way.
----------
conversations:
Beth -- oh do, do enter!
Meaghan -- well said!! We could never cram all our many conversations onto the page! Oh, and I'll bring the Twitter updates back, just for you :).
Staish -- :D
Sarah -- commenting on blogs most certainly counts!
However: I am a little disappointed by Thomas Jeffries' recent blog post, Delivery Not Included.
He addresses an issue he calls a variation of the "Yeah, but..." syndrome, a concept that puts the blame for the high percentage of single young Christians fair and square on the singles themselves. Jeffries speaks of God's sovereignty,
Yes, it's true that God is in control of your destiny. Yes, it's true that God can cause that special someone to happen across your path. Yes, it's even true that God can have Mr. Right parachute into the remote jungle village in Borneo where you've been serving as the only English-speaking missionary for the last 10 years. Yes, it's true that God can do anything He wants.
But then says:
That said, how likely is it that He will make sure every Christian who wants to get married will experience an unscripted meeting with just the right spousal candidate at just the right time?
He follows with an analogy from his own life:
I'm reminded of my (slightly) younger days, back when I dreamed of success as a rock musician. The bands I played in were for the most part filled with talented musicians, singers and songwriters, but we never experienced the success that leads to lucrative record contracts or nationwide tours. At least one reason for this is obvious: We didn't make ourselves available to the right people. Sure, we played at a few local clubs and recorded a decent-sounding demo, but we never performed our songs for well-connected promoters or music industry executives.
Mr. Jeffries goes on to say that many single Christians are approaching their search for a mate in the same way by not putting themselves in the right places for romantic success:
You may have lots to offer as a spouse, but if the only times you leave your home involve work and the grocery store, then your odds of meeting a potential mate are greatly reduced. If you've never been willing to be "set up" by friends and family, then perhaps it's time to make yourself available. If you live in a rural community where the only single man at church is a World War II veteran, then you might want to reassess whether it's the right place to be if marriage is important to you.
My biggest concern with this post is the underlying attitude it seems to imply. I believe Thomas Jeffries to be a godly and faithful servant of Christ. However, read on its own, his post seems to suggest that finding a marriage partner is the one single goal of life. The implication is, that if you spend too much time in your own company, you'd better get out more to increase your chances of finding a spouse. If you live in a small community populated mainly by elderly folk, maybe you should move.
This has it all backward.
We should get out more not because we want a husband but because Jesus told us to shine like stars in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation (Phil. 2:15). We move to a community (or church) not because of the vast numbers of eligibles there but because this is where God has called us to show love and service.
The New Testament has little to say, specifically, about finding a mate. It has a lot to say about pursuing love from a pure heart and loving people as Jesus did. This has less to do with creating a blissful romance with a special someone and more to do with laying down our lives for the people we are surrounded by now.
Moving from church to church, social group to social group, and town to town in pursuit of a mate seems to me to be desperate at best and self-serving at worst. Ultimately, a marriage is for here and now only, just a portion of our three score years and ten or maybe more. Relationships founded on the love of Jesus endure for eternity.
And it's not a proven fact, but I tend to think that anyone who is pouring their life out in selflessness is bound to "get noticed" by a person of awesomeness somewhere along the way.
----------
conversations:
Beth -- oh do, do enter!
Meaghan -- well said!! We could never cram all our many conversations onto the page! Oh, and I'll bring the Twitter updates back, just for you :).
Staish -- :D
Sarah -- commenting on blogs most certainly counts!
Monday, September 29, 2008
10 reasons why writing is better than talking any old day
one :: You can write Don Quixote and no one realises that in your head you say it Quicks-oat and not Key-oh-tay (see this post).
two :: A little editing and the use of the backspace key can make anyone look smart.
three :: Writing in place of speaking eliminates many of those How-could-I-have-said-that? moments. You can, after all, just hit delete.
four :: Writing allows you to get out a whole thought without someone interrupting with a more exciting story.
five :: (Most) three-year-olds can talk but (mostly) they can't write. Writing makes you feel grown up.
six :: Writing keeps Bic in business. Talking does nothing of the kind.
seven :: If you share a verbal something with your friend and they don't listen to you, you feel embarrassed and lame. If you share a written something with your friend and they don't read it, they feel embarrassed and lame.
eight :: It's hard to lisp in writing.
nine :: You can write with your mouth full and your mum won't tell you off.
ten :: Sitting on a bus, writing in a notebook, makes you look cool and creative and mysterious. Sitting on a bus talking to yourself just makes you look weird.
What are your additions to this list?
---------
conversations:
Caitlin -- long comments = awesome! And all I can say is: who needs driving and parking when there are such wonderful things in the universe as reading, writing, and sewing?
southeastcountrywife -- I'm glad you enjoyed :). There is a Krispy Kreme store in Brisbane now. I tell you: it's worth the flight ;).
Bethany -- my simple answer to that is: well, visit!! :D But having just driven back from Armidale, I can only imagine how much huger a trip northward from the ACT would be. Oh, and I am looking forward to popping over and reading your answers :).
Staish -- emotions, aaah! It's wonderful you have a listening to soul to joyfully unburden those emotions to. Bravo, DL!
Beth -- ohmygoodness, may I please enter this contest?? Okay, in all honesty, I confess I would be physically incapable of both running four miles and/or eating a dozen Krispy Kremes... but it would be kinda fun to try. Please tell me you have entered.
two :: A little editing and the use of the backspace key can make anyone look smart.
three :: Writing in place of speaking eliminates many of those How-could-I-have-said-that? moments. You can, after all, just hit delete.
four :: Writing allows you to get out a whole thought without someone interrupting with a more exciting story.
five :: (Most) three-year-olds can talk but (mostly) they can't write. Writing makes you feel grown up.
six :: Writing keeps Bic in business. Talking does nothing of the kind.
seven :: If you share a verbal something with your friend and they don't listen to you, you feel embarrassed and lame. If you share a written something with your friend and they don't read it, they feel embarrassed and lame.
eight :: It's hard to lisp in writing.
nine :: You can write with your mouth full and your mum won't tell you off.
ten :: Sitting on a bus, writing in a notebook, makes you look cool and creative and mysterious. Sitting on a bus talking to yourself just makes you look weird.
What are your additions to this list?
---------
conversations:
Caitlin -- long comments = awesome! And all I can say is: who needs driving and parking when there are such wonderful things in the universe as reading, writing, and sewing?
southeastcountrywife -- I'm glad you enjoyed :). There is a Krispy Kreme store in Brisbane now. I tell you: it's worth the flight ;).
Bethany -- my simple answer to that is: well, visit!! :D But having just driven back from Armidale, I can only imagine how much huger a trip northward from the ACT would be. Oh, and I am looking forward to popping over and reading your answers :).
Staish -- emotions, aaah! It's wonderful you have a listening to soul to joyfully unburden those emotions to. Bravo, DL!
Beth -- ohmygoodness, may I please enter this contest?? Okay, in all honesty, I confess I would be physically incapable of both running four miles and/or eating a dozen Krispy Kremes... but it would be kinda fun to try. Please tell me you have entered.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
In lieu of a real post:
I'm formulating some thoughts (it takes me ages these days -- must be thick), but in the meantime:
How well can you...
cook? I don't cook heaps apart from my two cooking nights per week (Wednesday and Saturday if you want to test out my skilz) and the odd baking fest, but I think I'm okay at it. I am a master at changing recipes. Watch me replace ingredients!
sew? My lack of skill in the construction of actual wearable clothing appalls me; it's embarrassing actually. But I love to cut up fabric and stitch back together. Straight lines are my delight. And hand stitching is fun!
clean? Hmm. Best to remain silent here. I love vaccuuming and tidying, folding washing and washing up... but toilets and showers not so much.
sing? Worse and worse with every passing year. (On first attempt, I accidentally wrote sin in place of sing; I tend to be a natural at that, too).
play an instrument? I used to be so much better at playing the piano. I need to practice!
write? I love it. Love it, love it, love it. And the stuff I produce that I think is good usually isn't, while the stuff that I think is rubbish usually gets some encouragement. I have so much to learn.
read? Awesomely. I'm good at reading. Please give me a gold star.
paint or draw? If it's a matter of splashing paint across a page, I rock. I looove to play with paints! If, however, the paint needs to resemble a recognisable person or place... this is another story entirely.
tell stories? Verbal communication is sometimes scary for me. I talk a lot (my family nods) but sometimes I feel certain I must say what I need to say in a third of the words necessary, and so I am a rather lame storyteller.
persuade? Hmm. I really don't know. Let's test my powers of persuasion right now: whoever you are, if you're reading this, please send me a never-ending supply of Krispy Kremes. Thank you.
resist those who persuade you? Again, I'm not sure. Let's test once more: Krispy Kremes? For me? Oh, you shouldn't have. You should have? You really think so? You want me to take a dozen? And eat them right now? Okay then.
dress? I am pretty bad at this, but I have a lot of fun -- and terror -- experimenting, all the same.
decorate a room? I love decorating rooms, so does it really matter if they look weird when I'm done? I thought not.
decorate a cake? I have made a Very Super Rocket Cake before.
parallel park? Boom-boom. Not Well At All.
[and here I insert my own additional question:
spell parallel? Badly on the first go through.]
regular park? In one swift turn.
control yourself around food? I think my above imaginary dialogue which happens to mention Krispy Kremes may, in fact, answer this question.
control your strongest emotions? I mostly don't reveal them unless I know someone wants to see them. Family is an exception to this rule. Sometimes they get emotion whether they are ready for it or not.
take care of children? Are they naughty ones or good ones with just a creative spark of mischief?
make a cup of coffee? I don't think this is my forte.
motivate yourself? I love me a good deadline!
organise? Organisation is sometimes my middle name. Other times my middle name is Disarray.
make a deadline? See above answer to 'motivate yourself?'
make others feel comfortable? I would love to be brilliant at this, but I am not sure. Do you feel comfortable right now? If you don't answer honestly, it may suggest you do well at controlling your strongest emotions (again, see above).
wrap a gift? I always make those corner bits look bulky.
dance? Inside of me there is a boy band just waiting to break out. It's the attempts to do so that cause me some concern.
swim? I always worry the lifeguard will rescue me when I'm just moseying out in the waves on my own.
debate? I flee confrontations. So the answer to this one is: badly!
Now I would like to see your answers, please!
----------
conversations:
southeastcountrywife -- thanks for the congrats! I hope you liked the emailed pics :).
Sarah -- what a delight to receive your comment (and a long one, too, yippee!). Yes, Google is beloved over here, too. It's always funny watching Google change with the US seasons/events while ours are nothing alike. Thanks for the congratulations and love to the gang!
Celeste -- (or should that be ? :D) thank you for your sweet congratulations! I'm pretty excited :). Oh, and thank you for your kind words; you encourage me!
How well can you...
cook? I don't cook heaps apart from my two cooking nights per week (Wednesday and Saturday if you want to test out my skilz) and the odd baking fest, but I think I'm okay at it. I am a master at changing recipes. Watch me replace ingredients!
sew? My lack of skill in the construction of actual wearable clothing appalls me; it's embarrassing actually. But I love to cut up fabric and stitch back together. Straight lines are my delight. And hand stitching is fun!
clean? Hmm. Best to remain silent here. I love vaccuuming and tidying, folding washing and washing up... but toilets and showers not so much.
sing? Worse and worse with every passing year. (On first attempt, I accidentally wrote sin in place of sing; I tend to be a natural at that, too).
play an instrument? I used to be so much better at playing the piano. I need to practice!
write? I love it. Love it, love it, love it. And the stuff I produce that I think is good usually isn't, while the stuff that I think is rubbish usually gets some encouragement. I have so much to learn.
read? Awesomely. I'm good at reading. Please give me a gold star.
paint or draw? If it's a matter of splashing paint across a page, I rock. I looove to play with paints! If, however, the paint needs to resemble a recognisable person or place... this is another story entirely.
tell stories? Verbal communication is sometimes scary for me. I talk a lot (my family nods) but sometimes I feel certain I must say what I need to say in a third of the words necessary, and so I am a rather lame storyteller.
persuade? Hmm. I really don't know. Let's test my powers of persuasion right now: whoever you are, if you're reading this, please send me a never-ending supply of Krispy Kremes. Thank you.
resist those who persuade you? Again, I'm not sure. Let's test once more: Krispy Kremes? For me? Oh, you shouldn't have. You should have? You really think so? You want me to take a dozen? And eat them right now? Okay then.
dress? I am pretty bad at this, but I have a lot of fun -- and terror -- experimenting, all the same.
decorate a room? I love decorating rooms, so does it really matter if they look weird when I'm done? I thought not.
decorate a cake? I have made a Very Super Rocket Cake before.
parallel park? Boom-boom. Not Well At All.
[and here I insert my own additional question:
spell parallel? Badly on the first go through.]
regular park? In one swift turn.
control yourself around food? I think my above imaginary dialogue which happens to mention Krispy Kremes may, in fact, answer this question.
control your strongest emotions? I mostly don't reveal them unless I know someone wants to see them. Family is an exception to this rule. Sometimes they get emotion whether they are ready for it or not.
take care of children? Are they naughty ones or good ones with just a creative spark of mischief?
make a cup of coffee? I don't think this is my forte.
motivate yourself? I love me a good deadline!
organise? Organisation is sometimes my middle name. Other times my middle name is Disarray.
make a deadline? See above answer to 'motivate yourself?'
make others feel comfortable? I would love to be brilliant at this, but I am not sure. Do you feel comfortable right now? If you don't answer honestly, it may suggest you do well at controlling your strongest emotions (again, see above).
wrap a gift? I always make those corner bits look bulky.
dance? Inside of me there is a boy band just waiting to break out. It's the attempts to do so that cause me some concern.
swim? I always worry the lifeguard will rescue me when I'm just moseying out in the waves on my own.
debate? I flee confrontations. So the answer to this one is: badly!
Now I would like to see your answers, please!
----------
conversations:
southeastcountrywife -- thanks for the congrats! I hope you liked the emailed pics :).
Sarah -- what a delight to receive your comment (and a long one, too, yippee!). Yes, Google is beloved over here, too. It's always funny watching Google change with the US seasons/events while ours are nothing alike. Thanks for the congratulations and love to the gang!
Celeste -- (or should that be ? :D) thank you for your sweet congratulations! I'm pretty excited :). Oh, and thank you for your kind words; you encourage me!
Monday, September 22, 2008
Weekend XI :: the untaught harmony of Spring
I didn't make that up -- the untaught harmony of Spring; it's a line of poetry from someone brilliant whose name escapes me, and it (the line of poetry, not the name) bounced into my memory when I was considering how to sum up my weekend. I have decided I can't, really, properly. It was all sunshine and flowers and taking things slow and dusty feet and perspiration. So I shall let the pictures tell you instead. Start at this picture and click your way through using the right arrow in the browse box.
One part of our weekend that I didn't record in pictures was The Lame Movie Fest we unintentionally found ourselves participating in. We thought: a slow weekend, everyone together for once... Sounds like movie time. Alas, even though I haunted my movie-choosing best friend, PluggedIn, and my mother and sister browsed the shelves of our local Blockbuster, we couldn't think of anything new and wonderful that everyone wanted to see. So we settled instead for something old and wonderful: The Great St. Louis Bank Robbery and The Bedford Incident. Vintage Steve McQueen (a la, pretty much one of my favourite actors of all time) and Sidney Poitier; you can't go wrong, right?
Oh yes. The Great St. Louis Bank Robbery began incredibly slowly. I am fond of old movies, but this was s-l-o-w. Dad fell asleep, early on, but the rest of us hung on for a glimmer of promise. It surfaced, eventually, developing into a slightly Hitchcockian, atmospheric film with some cool camera angles (and the obligatory shrieking, ticking-clock-style soundtrack).
The Bedford Incident started at a slightly quicker pace, with richer characterisation (since I'm making comparisons, think Hemingway this time) and more relaxed acting. But after slowly, slowly dragging us into the plot, both movies let us down. All I will say is: if you enjoy movies where all the main characters (that you have just spent the last ninety minutes trying to learn to like) end up either a) shot, or b) blown up, these may be just the films for you.
----------
also:
conversations:
Alissa -- off to stream some This American Life!
Caitlin -- bravo for phonetic pronunciations, I say! 'Stow-match' definitely makes more sense :). And, yes, we are loving having a little nephew to dote upon (even if we must dote long-distance-ly).
Meaghan -- inevitable is rather tongue-twisty; I had to think twice as I typed it :). And I'm so happy you got the Don Quixote/porridge reference. I never know if anyone else will make sense out of my weird twistings of the English language. But I know I can count on you :).
One part of our weekend that I didn't record in pictures was The Lame Movie Fest we unintentionally found ourselves participating in. We thought: a slow weekend, everyone together for once... Sounds like movie time. Alas, even though I haunted my movie-choosing best friend, PluggedIn, and my mother and sister browsed the shelves of our local Blockbuster, we couldn't think of anything new and wonderful that everyone wanted to see. So we settled instead for something old and wonderful: The Great St. Louis Bank Robbery and The Bedford Incident. Vintage Steve McQueen (a la, pretty much one of my favourite actors of all time) and Sidney Poitier; you can't go wrong, right?
Oh yes. The Great St. Louis Bank Robbery began incredibly slowly. I am fond of old movies, but this was s-l-o-w. Dad fell asleep, early on, but the rest of us hung on for a glimmer of promise. It surfaced, eventually, developing into a slightly Hitchcockian, atmospheric film with some cool camera angles (and the obligatory shrieking, ticking-clock-style soundtrack).
The Bedford Incident started at a slightly quicker pace, with richer characterisation (since I'm making comparisons, think Hemingway this time) and more relaxed acting. But after slowly, slowly dragging us into the plot, both movies let us down. All I will say is: if you enjoy movies where all the main characters (that you have just spent the last ninety minutes trying to learn to like) end up either a) shot, or b) blown up, these may be just the films for you.
----------
also:
- Today I made up a meme and I think you should try it because I'd really like to see your handwriting and a list of your current favourite things.
- Tegan, you wanted to see cards when I made them? I loaded a picture of one for you. It's not very special, but in future you can see any new cards in this photo set.
conversations:
Alissa -- off to stream some This American Life!
Caitlin -- bravo for phonetic pronunciations, I say! 'Stow-match' definitely makes more sense :). And, yes, we are loving having a little nephew to dote upon (even if we must dote long-distance-ly).
Meaghan -- inevitable is rather tongue-twisty; I had to think twice as I typed it :). And I'm so happy you got the Don Quixote/porridge reference. I never know if anyone else will make sense out of my weird twistings of the English language. But I know I can count on you :).
Sunday, September 21, 2008
It's Don Key-oh-tay, okay?
The problem with growing up and reading a bunch of books that no one else around you seems to read is that you come out -- like, ten years later -- and start talking about Don Quixote like he's a guy who knows how to make porridge really, really fast instead of being a Spanish anti-hero type with a very Spanish-sounding name. I can still feel the embarrassment.
I was probably in my teens before I realised that misled is not my-zld, but miss-led. And it only dawned on me a few years back that awry was actually said a-rye and not awe-ry. Boy.
Today, however, I discover it's not just foreign words or the lesser-used ones that I can mess up. My family roared in laughter when I said nuclear. Nuclear, right? New-clear? Apparently not. And here, the girl who has frequently mocked American folk for their bizarre nuke-u-lar, discovers that nuclear is, in fact, a three-syllable-word. It's nu-cle-ar, folks.
I'm probably the only person on the planet who didn't realise that.
Not, thank goodness, the only person who mispronounces words, though. Abraham Piper confesses he puts an 'n' in legitimate. I remember a friend once saying compromise as promise with a com in front of it. What do you say all wrong?
----------
conversations:
Bethany -- thank you!! xox
Amanda -- I will pass on your kind wishes.
Lis -- I'm so glad! Your comment made me hunt out that poem and re-read it. Such good stuff.
Abbie -- new babies are super. We're all just so spoilt to get to hug and smoosh and squish them!
I was probably in my teens before I realised that misled is not my-zld, but miss-led. And it only dawned on me a few years back that awry was actually said a-rye and not awe-ry. Boy.
Today, however, I discover it's not just foreign words or the lesser-used ones that I can mess up. My family roared in laughter when I said nuclear. Nuclear, right? New-clear? Apparently not. And here, the girl who has frequently mocked American folk for their bizarre nuke-u-lar, discovers that nuclear is, in fact, a three-syllable-word. It's nu-cle-ar, folks.
I'm probably the only person on the planet who didn't realise that.
Not, thank goodness, the only person who mispronounces words, though. Abraham Piper confesses he puts an 'n' in legitimate. I remember a friend once saying compromise as promise with a com in front of it. What do you say all wrong?
----------
conversations:
Bethany -- thank you!! xox
Amanda -- I will pass on your kind wishes.
Lis -- I'm so glad! Your comment made me hunt out that poem and re-read it. Such good stuff.
Abbie -- new babies are super. We're all just so spoilt to get to hug and smoosh and squish them!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
