A few weeks ago there was a flurry of people writing the names of 10 books that influenced their life. According to the posts, they:
Didn't have to be the 'right' books. Yes, the scriptures have influenced me, but anyone who knows me would know that is a given, so I'm going for non scripture here.
Don't think too hard. I could deliberate for days. I better keep it short.
On the whole I am a little put out that no one ever nominated me, since I am sure somebody on Facebook would remember how I love to read. But I won't hold grudges, I'll just make my list. So without further ado (ooh, Shakespeare) here I go, in no particular order:
1. To Kill A Mockingbird- Harper Lee
2. Night- Elie Wiesel
3. Walden- Henry David Thoreau
4. Stargirl- Jerry Spinelli
5. Where The Red Fern Grows- Wilson Rawls
6. The Chronicles of Narnia- C. S. Lewis (Is that cheating? At least I didn't use that to fill up the list.)
7. An Anthology of Poetry- Dylan Thomas
8. The Secret Garden- Francis Hogson Burnett
9. All Quiet on the Western Front- Erich Maria Remarque
10. A Separate Peace- John Knowles
This is the short list. Thank goodness it wasn't music. I'd need a top 50.
Thursday, September 25, 2014
Monday, September 22, 2014
Writing Prompt 4: Do you like dinosaurs?
Yes. Except when an Allosaurus tried to eat me. I'd heard people say they weren't as scary as T. Rex. Yes, ole Rex is 50 feet long. Allosaurus is only 30. That's a bus length of difference. What no one ever wants to mention is that we are mostly less than 6 feel long (tall). I certainly am. So whether a dinosaur is 30 feet long or 50 doesn't make much of a difference. Both heads are almost as big as you are. Both have a row of very large teeth on both jaws. So yes, I like dinosaurs. just please feed yours before you let it out for a walk.
Monday, September 8, 2014
God WILL Give You More Than You Can Handle- All Our Lemmony Things (Again)
Here is this amazing post from All Our Lemmony Things. I've never met her, but Kayla Lemmon is becoming one of my favorite people. I feel a very strong friendship towards her,
http://lemmonythings.com/2014/01/05/god-will-give-you-more-than-you-can-handle-i-guarantee-it/
http://lemmonythings.com/2014/01/05/god-will-give-you-more-than-you-can-handle-i-guarantee-it/
Time Doesn't Heal All Wounds: The Loneliest Part of Grieving- Another reblog from Kayla Lemmon
here it is. Oh my goodness. You have to read this! I just wish I had seen this earlier!
http://lemmonythings.com/2014/02/18/time-doesnt-heal-all-wounds-the-loneliest-part-of-grieving/
http://lemmonythings.com/2014/02/18/time-doesnt-heal-all-wounds-the-loneliest-part-of-grieving/
"It Isn't A Sin To Be Mad At God" -All Our Lemmony Things reblog
Here is a link to "It Isn't A Sin To Be Mad At God" from the blog All Our Lemmony Things, written by Kayla Lemmon. I loved this. Actually, I like most of her posts. I would strongly suggest you follow her blog. Here is the link.
http://lemmonythings.com/2014/09/08/it-isnt-a-sin-to-get-mad-at-god/
http://lemmonythings.com/2014/09/08/it-isnt-a-sin-to-get-mad-at-god/
Sunday, August 24, 2014
Diverging Concerts: and why I loved both
This week I went to two concerts. They were very different styles of music. I enjoyed both of them SO much!
The first concert I went to was on Wednesday (August 20, 2014) It was the first rock concert I have ever been to. I've listened to rock music for pretty much my whole life. I distinctly remember listening to Dire Straits with my dad when I was very little. Brothers In Arms is most likely the first full album I ever heard. But I had not, in my memory, ever been to an actual rock show. So when Hawthorne Heights posted on their Facebook page that they were coming through LA for their ten year anniversary tour, I bought a ticket! I was a little nervous about going. First off, even though I have followed Hawthorne for most of their career, I'd heard crazy things about rock shows and what goes on there, even if none of the CDs have parental advisory warnings on them. And I guess some of it was evident- there were people drinking, and somebody was smoking pot outside the venue. But no one asked me to do either, and I would have politely turned them down anyway. That wasn't a problem. Of the saying, "sex, drugs, and rock n' roll" there was none of the explicit first at the concert. And as for rock n' roll, that's why I was there in the first place. I like new school pop-punk. There is nothing wrong with songs about missing your girl in Ohio. The guys in Hawthorne Heights lost one of their band members early on in their career, so they always dedicate a song "Four Become One" to Casey. How amazing and dedicated is it to remember a friend, and be able to honor him every concert, almost a decade after his death?
The second concert was today, Sunday, August 24. It was a violin recital by a young Finnish violinist who graduated from BYU. It was held in a local Latter-day Saint chapel. The recital consisted of pieces by J. S. Bach, John Sibelius, LDS hymns, and Finnish folk songs. Like I said about rock, I have loved Classical music all my life. On my sixth birthday, my step-dad bought me two cassette tapes of Classical music. I listened to them until the tape spool broke. I now have one of those albums on CD. It is still one of my favorites. Back to the concert. Bach is one of my favorite composers! I've heard people say that his music is too mathematical. If that is true, then I will have to eat my words from my years of schooling, and say, "I like math." At least in Baroque music. The violinist played "Finlandia" by Sibelius combined with the hymn "Be Still My Soul." In fact the tune for the hymn is taken from that piece. It is a very beautiful song either with or without the Christian words. The calming spirit is in Classical music.
Going to these two musical events solidified my belief that all music has some value. I have always had some trouble, maybe in a prideful way, with those who only listen to one kind of music. I feel like they are missing out. I can understand not liking everything. I don't. I can freely admit I have a hard time with rap and much of the modern pop/urban scene. It doesn't appeal to me on a musical, emotional, or even spiritual level. So if someone doesn't like Classical, punk, country, or some other genre that I find great value and enjoyment in, that's fine. However, I find that it there is value in expanding horizons musically. I cannot listen to one genre of music for more than a few days without having a desire to listen to something else. When someone once told me that it was "cool" to like one kind of music and stick with it, I tried it. . . for two whole days. Forget being cool, I HAD to hear a country song after that. No matter how much I liked what I had picked out as my "cool" music, I needed that variety in my life. Another high school example, someone asked me if I listened to "rock or rap." I was flabbergasted. Not wanting an argument I said "rock" but there was, and is, so much more out there! Go and find it! You will be surprised by what you find- and what touches your deepest soul.
Yours truly & JT Woodruff, lead singer of Hawthorne Heights
Finlandia- John Sibelius
The first concert I went to was on Wednesday (August 20, 2014) It was the first rock concert I have ever been to. I've listened to rock music for pretty much my whole life. I distinctly remember listening to Dire Straits with my dad when I was very little. Brothers In Arms is most likely the first full album I ever heard. But I had not, in my memory, ever been to an actual rock show. So when Hawthorne Heights posted on their Facebook page that they were coming through LA for their ten year anniversary tour, I bought a ticket! I was a little nervous about going. First off, even though I have followed Hawthorne for most of their career, I'd heard crazy things about rock shows and what goes on there, even if none of the CDs have parental advisory warnings on them. And I guess some of it was evident- there were people drinking, and somebody was smoking pot outside the venue. But no one asked me to do either, and I would have politely turned them down anyway. That wasn't a problem. Of the saying, "sex, drugs, and rock n' roll" there was none of the explicit first at the concert. And as for rock n' roll, that's why I was there in the first place. I like new school pop-punk. There is nothing wrong with songs about missing your girl in Ohio. The guys in Hawthorne Heights lost one of their band members early on in their career, so they always dedicate a song "Four Become One" to Casey. How amazing and dedicated is it to remember a friend, and be able to honor him every concert, almost a decade after his death?
The second concert was today, Sunday, August 24. It was a violin recital by a young Finnish violinist who graduated from BYU. It was held in a local Latter-day Saint chapel. The recital consisted of pieces by J. S. Bach, John Sibelius, LDS hymns, and Finnish folk songs. Like I said about rock, I have loved Classical music all my life. On my sixth birthday, my step-dad bought me two cassette tapes of Classical music. I listened to them until the tape spool broke. I now have one of those albums on CD. It is still one of my favorites. Back to the concert. Bach is one of my favorite composers! I've heard people say that his music is too mathematical. If that is true, then I will have to eat my words from my years of schooling, and say, "I like math." At least in Baroque music. The violinist played "Finlandia" by Sibelius combined with the hymn "Be Still My Soul." In fact the tune for the hymn is taken from that piece. It is a very beautiful song either with or without the Christian words. The calming spirit is in Classical music.
Going to these two musical events solidified my belief that all music has some value. I have always had some trouble, maybe in a prideful way, with those who only listen to one kind of music. I feel like they are missing out. I can understand not liking everything. I don't. I can freely admit I have a hard time with rap and much of the modern pop/urban scene. It doesn't appeal to me on a musical, emotional, or even spiritual level. So if someone doesn't like Classical, punk, country, or some other genre that I find great value and enjoyment in, that's fine. However, I find that it there is value in expanding horizons musically. I cannot listen to one genre of music for more than a few days without having a desire to listen to something else. When someone once told me that it was "cool" to like one kind of music and stick with it, I tried it. . . for two whole days. Forget being cool, I HAD to hear a country song after that. No matter how much I liked what I had picked out as my "cool" music, I needed that variety in my life. Another high school example, someone asked me if I listened to "rock or rap." I was flabbergasted. Not wanting an argument I said "rock" but there was, and is, so much more out there! Go and find it! You will be surprised by what you find- and what touches your deepest soul.
Finlandia- John Sibelius
Sunday, August 3, 2014
California vs. Idaho
I have two places I want to be. Maybe one more than the other. But still, where I'm at has its perks.
"Where I'm at" happens to be California. The Beach Cities, west of Los Angeles to be more exact. I grew up here. El Segundo IS my hometown. I smile walking down Main Street. I have fond memories of Center Street Elementary on through to El Segundo High School. I love my friends from that period of my life. I have a steady job. I go and work out with a group of friends that I have found.
But . . .
I also feel like I am living in the past. I hear "Interstate Love Song" by Stone Temple Pilots or "Pop-Rocks and Coke" by Green Day, and all of the sudden I'm back in the 90s. Nostalgia and fond memories are great. However, I have a propensity towards wanting to jump in a time machine and stay there. It's like a dream world that I want to live in. I hardly talk to any of those high school friends, even on the internet, and I never see any of them. Although many live close, they have their own lives. Most have jobs, several are married or in committed relationships. I doubt that very many of them have anything against me. But they have their own life.
I have my family here. I love my family. But they all have ideas for my life. Unconsciously, I think they want to be in charge of their favorite parts of my life. Mummy likes this one girl that I've known for decades. Whenever I say that I want to see a movie or do something she says, "Call ------, take her with you!" And then when I either give her a "not again" look she adds, "I'm not trying to get you together." Yes. You are. Despite the fact I've tried to patiently explain that I'm not interested, and the object of your affection says she isn't either, yes, you do want us to be together. So much so that I wonder if you'll be happy when I do find someone.
Then there is my dad and step-mom. They feel, because I have spina bifida, like I need to be protected from everything. I feel like I am still 9 years old when I am around them.
My siblings, or at least 2 of the older ones, and the spouse of one of them, are more into the- you need to escape from under the thumb of our parents- and I, or WE, have the best plan to do that. Do as I say, and you'll be free.
On the other hand, there is Idaho. I went to college there. I know how much I like it there. The weather may not be as nice during the winter, although I'm not totally opposed to snow. I don't have a job there. I don't even have very many leads, although I have asked around. I like the small town life. Like El Segundo, I feel comfortable in Idaho. If I found a job, I'd move there.
But . . . I'm not sure if they want to bring someone in from a different state.
I'd have to find new friends. I'm not shy. Just introverted and reserved. Because I don't understand how to do small talk, and want to skip straight to how others feel about the universe, I think I may freak people out at times. If there is a big get to know you group activity, I tend to not say much. Therefore, I don't give very good first impressions. Apparently those are important?
So, I'm not sure what to do, and where to go. Should I stay, or should I go? Maybe I should just listen to a song to tell me.
YouTube
Interstate Love Song-Stone Temple Pilots
Pop Rocks and Coke-Green Day
"Where I'm at" happens to be California. The Beach Cities, west of Los Angeles to be more exact. I grew up here. El Segundo IS my hometown. I smile walking down Main Street. I have fond memories of Center Street Elementary on through to El Segundo High School. I love my friends from that period of my life. I have a steady job. I go and work out with a group of friends that I have found.
But . . .
I also feel like I am living in the past. I hear "Interstate Love Song" by Stone Temple Pilots or "Pop-Rocks and Coke" by Green Day, and all of the sudden I'm back in the 90s. Nostalgia and fond memories are great. However, I have a propensity towards wanting to jump in a time machine and stay there. It's like a dream world that I want to live in. I hardly talk to any of those high school friends, even on the internet, and I never see any of them. Although many live close, they have their own lives. Most have jobs, several are married or in committed relationships. I doubt that very many of them have anything against me. But they have their own life.
I have my family here. I love my family. But they all have ideas for my life. Unconsciously, I think they want to be in charge of their favorite parts of my life. Mummy likes this one girl that I've known for decades. Whenever I say that I want to see a movie or do something she says, "Call ------, take her with you!" And then when I either give her a "not again" look she adds, "I'm not trying to get you together." Yes. You are. Despite the fact I've tried to patiently explain that I'm not interested, and the object of your affection says she isn't either, yes, you do want us to be together. So much so that I wonder if you'll be happy when I do find someone.
Then there is my dad and step-mom. They feel, because I have spina bifida, like I need to be protected from everything. I feel like I am still 9 years old when I am around them.
My siblings, or at least 2 of the older ones, and the spouse of one of them, are more into the- you need to escape from under the thumb of our parents- and I, or WE, have the best plan to do that. Do as I say, and you'll be free.
On the other hand, there is Idaho. I went to college there. I know how much I like it there. The weather may not be as nice during the winter, although I'm not totally opposed to snow. I don't have a job there. I don't even have very many leads, although I have asked around. I like the small town life. Like El Segundo, I feel comfortable in Idaho. If I found a job, I'd move there.
But . . . I'm not sure if they want to bring someone in from a different state.
I'd have to find new friends. I'm not shy. Just introverted and reserved. Because I don't understand how to do small talk, and want to skip straight to how others feel about the universe, I think I may freak people out at times. If there is a big get to know you group activity, I tend to not say much. Therefore, I don't give very good first impressions. Apparently those are important?
So, I'm not sure what to do, and where to go. Should I stay, or should I go? Maybe I should just listen to a song to tell me.
YouTube
Interstate Love Song-Stone Temple Pilots
Pop Rocks and Coke-Green Day
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