I had these grand plans today. I was going to post some great pictures from a party I went to Sunday. Now that Blogger is allowing edits of raw HTML, I was planning on a change in my page layout. I had every intention of cleaning out a few things and adding a few things.
Well, Blogger kicked my butt! Pictures will not upload. I tried to change my template and in the process, lost my color scheme. I tried to clean out a few of the miscellaneous buttons and lost my counter. I will stop for now, lest I lose my entire blog history.
I tell you this not to whine but to assure you that I was indeed planning on posting today (after an unusually extended absence).
On a side note: All you HTML template geeks out there need to get busy. None of the blogskins work on the Beta system. Consider me your head cheerleader! GO! GO! GO, GEEKS! GO!
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: On the road...
DATE: 9/03/2006 11:46:00 AM
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BODY:
Jason and I borrowed Dad's Old Faithful pick up to gather a family heirloom and cart it home. (More on that later.) I shot this picture with my phone as we crossed the steel bridge and drove past a tobacco field. The perspective inside the perspective made me think of the history we carried in the bed of the old truck.
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: "The crimnial justice system is represented by two seperate, but equally important groups..."
DATE: 9/01/2006 10:48:00 AM
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BODY:
Today was a first for me. I went to court.
I've gotten tickets in the past for speeding. I've never been pulled over and wrongly charged. I always paid my ticket like a good citizen and went on my way. This time I chose to exercise my right and go to court. Did I mention the ticket was almost $200?
This morning I showed up at 9 am for General Sessions court. After almost an hour of names being called out and whispers at the judges bench, my name was called. (They went down the list alphabetically, of course.) The exchange went something like this:
"Mrs. Ward, do you have any outstanding tickets?"
"You're going to traffic school, Mrs. Ward. Does that suit you?"
"Mrs. Ward, pay the clerk the $50. Show up for 2 hours on Saturday and clear your record and don't do it again, please."
"Yes, Sir. Thank you, Sir."
Not exactly the epic courtroom declaration I had rehearsed in the car on the way over, but $50 is doable and I didn't have plans for Saturday anyway.
Maybe I should have worn my overalls.
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: Blue
DATE: 8/28/2006 05:44:00 PM
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BODY:
I am drawn to October.
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: How do you say...?
DATE: 8/23/2006 02:54:00 PM
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BODY:
I travel around the country with a diverse group of people. My closest friends are from Georgia, Texas and Oklahoma. I'm a Tennessee native and Hubby is a proud Ohioan. As you might imagine accents vary. Sometimes when we're driving a long stretch of road or it's late at night and we're running on very little sleep, we play a game called HOW DO YOU SAY...?
EX: How do you say the color that's a mixture of red and yellow. The school color of Tennessee and Texas?
Orange. Simple enough, right? Is that pronounced OR-enge? Or is it Arnge? Maybe its AR-enge?
What is the name of the curled pasta that kids eat with cheese? Macaroni.
I live in a rural community. Cows are part of the landscape here. I never paid much attention to their communications, but now when I see them gathering, I'll wonder. Are they playing a round of HOW DO YOU SAY...?
If you're good with a needle and a bit creative, I highly recommend this book. I'll be posting pictures of my new creations soon.
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: Plotlines
DATE: 8/22/2006 08:52:00 AM
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BODY:
What if you could suddenly remember every detail of your past? What if the details to every experience, good and bad, were vibrant and clear to you?
I have a terrible memory; everything from 'where did I put my keys?' to 'today is your birthday?!?'. I am constantly writing myself notes and forgetting where I put the note. Jason often has to correct me when I relay a conversation. I tend to attribute quotes to the wrong person.
This plot fascinates me. Being some one who cannot remember anything, I am terrified at the thought of remembering EVERYTHING. I believe our minds operate as filters. I know my self-preserving psyche has closed doors best left sealed. But along with the bad, some good has been lost as well.
Imagine the ability to clearly remember that loved one who has long since been gone. I've forgotten the sound of my grandmother's voice. I might be willing to trade the pain behind sealed door number 1 to hear that sound again.
Diversity is a beautiful thing.
1. Jeopardy/Greg Kinh Band
What can I say? I'm a child of the 80's.
2. Mother and Child Reunion/Paul Simon
4. Do You Know You Are My Sunshine?/Statler Brothers
Okay, say what you will, but nobody does four part harmony like the Statlers. My grandmother LOVED them and it stuck. Don't judge me.
5. Humble Me/Norah Jones
She increases the cool factor by at least 9%.
6. Hell or High Water/Tinsley Ellis
7. There's a Rainbow/Marty Stuart
8. Indigo-go/The Dingos
This was a local band Jason and I used to go hear back in the day. Wonder where they are now?
9. Rescue Me/Pushmonkey
10. Old Dan Tucker/Bruce Springsteen
Hayley learned this song in kindergarten. :)
11. Nothing At All/Third Day
Can't believe I got to 11 before Third Day showed up.
12. What Good/Third Day
Hmmmmm.....
13. Give Me Jesus/Fernando Ortega
14. Fortunate Son [Live]/John Fogerty
Listening to CCR intantly makes any day a good day.
15. Bedtime/Disney soundtrack
16. Its About Time/Jamie Cullum
Jazz vocalists do it for me.
17. Forever I Love You/Statler Brothers
Are you judging me? Stop it.
18. That Where I Am, There You May Also Be/Rich Mullins
Rich Mullins was a master poet.
19. Atmosphere/Tobymac
Have you seen him live? You should.
20. Seriously Gone/Dan Baird
Ending with a hip alt country rock sound.
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: "Anyone who has a library and a garden wants for nothing." - Cicero
DATE: 8/18/2006 02:04:00 PM
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BODY:
These are some of my more noble reading materials. I confess, I'm also a big fan of fluff. I love a good predictable mystery, science fiction is a mainstay for me and I find no shame in a quick read of short stories.
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: Fall 1986
DATE: 8/17/2006 02:45:00 PM
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BODY:
I have a terrible memory, but I recall clearly the moment this picture was taken. The back says Fall 1986.
Blogger is giving me a fit about posting pictures. Click on the teeny tiny photo and you can see a larger version compliments of Photo Bucket.
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: Ch-ch-ch-changes
DATE: 8/17/2006 11:15:00 AM
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BODY:
Blogger has decided to go Beta. I had thought at first we had a choice, then I read the fine print. We blogspotters will be required to convert to Beta evententually. So, might as well jump in, right?
I'm working on getting it back to the same color scheme I had last time you were here. Any of you figured out how to post pictures on your sidebars? I'm at a loss. Advice welcome.
Back to the mines....
**2 hours later....
Here is what I've found: Blogger is currently not allowing me to post pictures. Blogger is currently not allowing me to edit html in my upgraded template. What to do? What to do?
I've decided to hold out on the template change until I can alter the layout to my satisfaction. As for the pictures, I'm working on that. I'll get back to you.
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: Life Lessons with Mr. Turtle
DATE: 8/14/2006 04:53:00 PM
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BODY:
I had a few short minutes to race home, then back to work.
I was speeding down the winding road toward my house when suddenly I slammed on the brakes. There he was, Mr. Turtle. I threw the car in park, hit the hazard lights and flung open the door. I ran to Mr. Turtle. I picked him up. He hissed at me, but that's only because he didn't understand the reason for such personal contact. I carried him across the hot asphalt and placed him on the other side of the road in the cool grass. I ran back to my car and continued on.
We should never be so busy we fail to notice those around us who might be struggling. Even when they hiss at you...
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: Power Trippin'
DATE: 8/11/2006 01:18:00 PM
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BODY:
Mr. Richardson, my 11th grade Civics teacher, once said to my class, "If you learn nothing else in this year, learn this. Understanding this will serve you well in life."
I have learned all too well that Mr. Richardson was right on track.
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: Photo Scavenger Hunt
DATE: 8/09/2006 01:20:00 PM
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BODY:
This is what happens when a staff meeting goes too long and you have a wad of one dollar bills in your purse.
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: Key to Kokology
DATE: 8/09/2006 01:03:00 PM
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BODY:
1. A DAY TO REMEMBER: Graduation ceremonies follow certain fixed patters, but ask ten different people to describe their impressions and it's probable that they'll describe ten different scenes. People naturally tend to focus on different aspects of the world and therefore find certain types of information easier to recall than others. The thing you remember about your graduation shows the area where your powers of recall are strongest.
a. The face of the principal: You have a special aptitude for remembering faces and names. Meet someone once, and you never need to be introduced again. That I skill that has stood you in good stead on more than one occasion, making people you barely know feel like valued friends.
b. The banner: You've got a strong head for figures-birthdays, telephone numbers, batting averages, the number of steps from your front door to the car. You might not remember the names of someone you ate lunch with last week, but you could probably recollect how muh you paid for the meal. Those powers of recall have hearned you a reputation as serious and dependable. After all, you never forget a date.
c. The ranks of students standing: You don't remember things so much as you reminisce about them. Your ability to recall a scene is inextricably tied to the emotions it aroused in you, and you can almost experience the efeelings again just by turning your minds eye that way. This allows you to replay and enjoy happy memories over and over again. But it also means you have difficulty forgiving and forgetting after you've been hurt.
d. The playing of the graduation march: Visual memories seem to fade quickly for you, but the things you hear and say are stored in a permanent file that you can access as easily as pulling a CD from the shelf. When your memory of an event is blurred, sometimes all it takes is hearing a snatch of a melody that was playing in the background at the time to cause the memories to come flooding back to you.
2. LOOK OUT BELOW: The sheltered life of a potted plant corresponds to the hidden guarded side of your character and the way you try to keep the world from penetrating your social mask.
a. The plant landed on the ground upright and intact: You appear to be strong and confident and are always eager to demonstrate your coolness under fire. But beneath that tough facade is a person more concerned with keeping up an image than actually living it.
b. The pot broke, but the plant seems to have survived the fall: You seem calm and unflappable to others, but the reality is you just hate to show your emotions. those pent-up feelings within you just keep growing and growing, and no pot can hold them forever.
c. The pot and the plant are both smashed beyond recovery: You seem to be soft-spoken and self-effacing, but that 'natural listener' is crying out for the chance to shine cnter stage. You are only waiting for the opportunity to break out of the silf-imposed mold that confines you.
d. For some strange reason, there is no sign of either the plant or the pot: You excel at generating excitement and making others laugh, and people see you as the life of the party (even when there's no party in town). But that glib exterior hides a seriousness and even a shy side that you choose not to show the rest of the world.
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: Smart is SEXY!
DATE: 8/04/2006 03:05:00 PM
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BODY:
I'm all excited about the free nights and weekends, of course. But what really got me going was the ringtones. My friend Jamie has a really cool program that allows you to turn any song into a ringtone. I was all about that. I even purchased a Bee Gees song from iTunes. My friend Bari requires a Bee Gees song.
The problem? I can't get the darn thing to work. I get the ringtone set, send it to my phone, but it won't download. Grrrr. Is the problem Sprint? I have no clue. What good is a kicky pink cell phone if I can't make it play the Bee Gees?
I'm open to suggestions...
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: Kokology
DATE: 8/03/2006 11:14:00 AM
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BODY:
2. LOOK OUT BELOW: Keeping plants offers us the chance to give without any promise of reciprocation, gratitude, or reward. It's true that they ask for little-just some water and sunlight-but in a material sense they give even less in return. Nonetheless, houseplants enjoy a popularity that seems out of proportion to any decorative function they might perform. Perhaps we keep them because they fill a very human need; the need to be needed.
A potted plant you've been keeping on your balcony falls over the ledge it was sitting on. You run outside to survey the damage. What do you see?
a. The plant landed on the ground upright and intact.
b. The pot broke, but the plant seems to have survived the fall.
c. The pot and plant are both smashed beyond recovery.
d. For some strange reason, there is no sign of either the plant or the pot.
Take the little quiz. Leave your answers in the comments and all will be revealed Monday.
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: Psych me!
DATE: 8/01/2006 05:39:00 PM
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BODY:
Scroll your mouse over the image to see how I scored. Anyone surprised by the results?
Harrison Ford is most popular in Atlanta, GA. Blog skins searches are all the rage in Mylasia. Salt Lake City, UT leads the way in searches for Star Wars toys. Austin, TX peaks the chart for Dell laptop information.
Go to the site and see what people all around the world think is cool.
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: ASL in the spotlight
DATE: 7/28/2006 08:23:00 AM
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BODY:
Six years ago, when I came to work for this organization they were building a new website. My new boss was bopping around with his digital camera taking pictures of everyone and everything. I asked him more than once to please not post my picture on the website.
Several days later, a friend called to comment on the site. "Nice picture of you," he said. I quickly logged on the site. There I was, in full color. I went into nitro-panic mode. I skipped all the fun build to panic attack sypmtoms (nausea, anxiety, dizziness ) and went right into hyperventilation. I called my supervisor and begged him to intervene. I could not calm down until I knew the picture was down. I know most of my co workers never understood my issue. I'm not sure I understand it all.
There is a trust factor. There is an issue of control.
I hope you love the songs, but if you don't, its fine. I believe this little project was for my benefit.
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: Rock N Roll ACTION
DATE: 7/27/2006 11:17:00 AM
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BODY:
"So, tell me, Traci. Any of the new fall line up catch your attention?"
Understand, I have no inside scoop. I am not saying this show will be great. I am only believing in the possibilities.
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: Perspectives...
DATE: 7/21/2006 10:52:00 AM
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BODY:
Yesterday I spent about 2 hours in front of the camera. I filmed about 6 songs, 4 of which I'm happy with. The filming went well. Its so frustrating to get 3 minutes and 12 seconds into a 3 1/2 minute song and hit yourself in the eye while trying to look graceful. The vids will be edited this weekend (hopefully) and be posted by mid week. Don't hold me to that, I'm using free labor.
You know what anorexia is, right? Not the the eating disorder side of it, the mental picture side of it. Anorexics see themselves as fat no matter how thin they are. Whatever the opposite of that is, I have it. I looked at the person on the video monitor and thought, "Who is THAT?" I swear it didn't look anything like me.
I'm not fishing for compliments here. (You're kind, but really, don't bother.) What fascinates me is the distorted view we have of ourselves. Can I be honest and tell you something? I think I look better than I did on that screen.
Tell me. Am I alone on this? Is this just a woman thing? Does your self confidence get a bit banged up when your view changes?
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: Wordless Wednesday
DATE: 7/19/2006 10:13:00 AM
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BODY:
Check it out. Play around with the site and enjoy some tunes and videos.
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: Scare Tactics
DATE: 7/14/2006 02:52:00 PM
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BODY:
I may not know what I'm to be called, but at least I have my color scheme right.
Although I take issue with that last sentence...
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: Wordless Wednesday
DATE: 7/12/2006 08:41:00 AM
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BODY:
Well, they're wrong. You want proof? These are two of the nicest guys you'll ever meet.
It's a great testimony to character, when the first thing anyone says at the mention of your name is, "He is such a GREAT guy".
You'll notice a change around here today. I liked the previous color scheme, but it felt a little gender nuetral. I like being a girl!
So enjoy the purpleness of it all. Say nice things about it in the comments section. :)
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: Yeah, Man!
DATE: 7/07/2006 02:43:00 PM
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BODY:
Blogs are nothing if not self-indulgent. Keep that in mind...
Today's Yeah, Man! is...well...ME! Sunday is my 37th birthday and I'm leaving you with this post as I go off to celebrate. Jason is taking me away for the weekend. He promises fun surprises to mark the occasion.
Every birthday is a gift, every year a precious treasure. It doesn't matter if you're 16 or 60, CELEBRATE!!!
Have you ever noticed that chocolate cake can be a tad weighty? Don't get me wrong, I love chocolate, but sometimes its just too much of a good thing.
Try this recipe.
This is a nice, lighter alternative to a heavy, iced chocolate cake.
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: Yeah, Man!
DATE: 6/21/2006 04:29:00 PM
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BODY:
My least favorite feature? It's so public. There it is! My playlist! For all the world to see!
So, in the spirit of submersion therapy, I have posted the updating chart on my sidebar. What does it tell you about me this week?
Check out last.fm and tag me as a friend. I'm Calicogirl, BTW.
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: The Supreme Court ROCKS
DATE: 6/20/2006 11:54:00 AM
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BODY:
Paul Reed Smith Guitars has announced that the United States Supreme Court today denied Gibson Guitar's final appeal of a Court of Appeals decision upholding PRS' right to make a single cutaway-style guitar.
I confess, I know nothing about guitars. I'm one of the 'idiots' who wouldn't be able to tell the difference. But Jason mentions this lawsuit from time to time and I thought I would make some 'see I pay attention!' points with this post.
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: Yeah, Man!
DATE: 6/16/2006 08:40:00 AM
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BODY:
When it came out in Britain in December, the Mosquito sound system was supposed to be the sonic equivalent of a "no loitering" sign. Its annoying, high-pitched sound -- which many adults can't hear but most young people can -- would act as a teen repellent.
Now, teens are staging a worldwide rebellion: Downloading the sound, or another ring tone in that same high-frequency range, allows them to hear their cellphones ring when their parents and teachers (mostly) cannot.
Notice Jesus didn't say, 'where your heart is, you will put your treasure'. No, the treasure comes first, the heart follows.
On a spiritual level, our treasures and hearts are toward Heaven. Our blessings are to be shared with the intent of winning others to Christ. Our hearts should long for the day we are with Him. Most Christians understand this and have no trouble showing proof of this attitude in their lives.
But what about the practical less spiritual applications? Where are your treasures while you're here? Careful what you invest your treasures in. Your time. Your money. Your emotions. Because your heart will surely follow.
The Message says it this way: It's obvious, isn't it? The place where your treasure is, is the place you will most want to be, and end up being.
Over the last few days, I've been thinking about where my treasure is and where I want to end up being. I'll be making a few changes around my storehouse and a course correction or two.
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: Late night alert
DATE: 6/12/2006 04:48:00 PM
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BODY:
Two of newest faves are making the late night scene this week.
And an old friend from high school...
Some of my favorite lines to watch for:
"You're the devil." Vern
"But I like the cookie!" Hammy
"Rosebud..." Ozzie
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: U2 iPod
DATE: 6/06/2006 03:03:00 PM
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BODY:
Apple continues their partnership with the Irish rockers. The special edition iPod is a standard 5th generation with 30GB, storage for 7,500 songs, 25,000 photos and 75 hours of video.
Today's Yeah, man! goes out to my friend Jamie.
Question: Are you willing to go ALL out? Are you ready to humiliate yourself on the world wide web to win a meet and greet? Are you prepared to go the distance?
Answer: Yeah, man!
Jason suggest a caption contest. Any takers? Caption this picture of Jamie. WINNER gets a 'pirate-y' prize. Come on! You know you want to....
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: The guardians of Campbell's Dairy
DATE: 6/01/2006 05:29:00 PM
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BODY:
"It's difficult for people to get rid of junk. They get attached to things and let them define who they are. If there's one thing I've learned in this business, it's that you are what you can't let go of." - Brian Scudamore, Founder and CEO of 1-800-GOT JUNK?
What can't you let go of? What are you? Are you satisfied with your answer? No? What are you planning on doing about it?
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: Christmas in May
DATE: 5/20/2006 11:59:00 PM
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BODY:
Jason and I had the opportunity to travel to Atlanta this weekend to sing in a Gomer choir. Third Day fans from around the country met in a recording studio with the band and provided backing vocals, encouragement and some Christmas spirit for the upcoming release.
After the session, I had a few questions for guitarist Mark Lee. Click on the audio button below to hear the mini-interview.
Thanks to everyone involved for involving us.
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE:
DATE: 5/20/2006 09:26:00 PM
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BODY:
*I'm headed to Atlanta Saturday to see these guys.
What could be better? Seeing THESE guys...
*I'm seriously digging my new laptop, a Dell inspiron 6400. This puppy ROCKS. More on that later.
* One of these days I'm going to learn to swing dance. I think its just the coolest thing!
*Jason told me the other day I need something more hip on my CD list. He said my 'list of old guys' made me seem old. I like THE KILLERS. Does that make me hip?
"We start to talk and I say, 'What actually is going on? Because the stuff that I'm saying to myself sometimes is pretty nasty. And its interfering...Its interfering with a lot of stuff. '. I was particularly talking about work, but actually it interferes with a lot of stuff. And he said, "You know, that's a very typical thing and it happens with writers all the time. Its the inner voice and the inner voice is extremely harsh and very arrogant and very negative. And because you hear it from inside you, you think its true, because its coming from inside you.'. 'But', he said, 'its not really true.' He said, "This is my trick. Take a voice that you think is very funny. I don't know what voice you think is funny....But let's say its Buggs Bunny. And take that voice and put it on the sole of your shoe and then say all these negative things that you have to say. Let it come from that place. Then you'll get the perspective about how much you should pay attention to that." I've found it a very interesting, useful piece of thinking."
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: Half of my mistakes
DATE: 5/09/2006 10:26:00 AM
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BODY:
With socially aware lyrics, low polish production and a pedigree of rock, punk and Hank Williams, Sr. these artists operate outside the Nashville music machine. You may have to go off the beaten path to find them, but its a journey worth taking.
1. Never in my life: have I been as content as I am now
2. The one person who can drive me nuts, but then can always manage to make me smile: Hayley, my niece
3. High School was: Just a blip on the radar screen
4. When I'm nervous: I giggle
5. My hair: Is in the in-between stages of short and long.
6. When I was 5: My parents divorced
7. Last Christmas: Jason gave me a 5th generation video iPod. :)
8. When I turn my head left, I see: Photos of the people I love
10. When I look down I see: my little fat, bare feet
11. The craziest recent event was: losing Jamie. (Don't disappear w/o calling in first!)
12. If I were a character on Friends I'd be: Phoebe, I guess, (more so than any other)
13. I have a hard time understanding: people who are NEVER satisfied
14. Take my advice: Chose wisely, the man you love
15. My ideal breakfast is: Biscuits and gravy
16. If you visit the place I grew up: You would think you had gone back in time
17. If you spend the night at my house: Jason will make you pancakes for breakfast
18. I'd stop my wedding if: I didn't laugh at least once during the ceremony
19. The world could do without: bigotry and hate in the name of God
20. Most recent thing you've bought yourself: 2 skirts (very 80's!)
24. The last time I was drunk was: too long ago to remember.
25. The animals I would like to see flying besides birds are: Thinking about this one just weirds me out!
26. I shouldn't have been: so hard on myself
27. Last night I: played Nancy Drew computer games with Hayley
28. There's this girl I know who: is about to take Nashville by storm!
I know, I know. It's been almost 2 weeks since I peeked around the corner. I'll just use the old standby, "I've been busy" and we can leave it at that, okay?
I went to the polls today. It's the primary for local positions; County Mayor, Sheriff, Councilmen, etc. As I approached the doors of the school gymnasium, I was rushed by campaigners trying to hand me stickers, pens, and cards. I waved them away with a smile. "No need," I said. "I've already made my choices. Thank you, no." I walked on to the booth, did my civic duty and went on my way.
I thought about the uproar over The DaVinci code. Why do I not get myself in a knot about these things? Because I've already made my choices. Had I approached the polling station with doubt, those outside might have swayed me. A candidate with a smile and a firm handshake might have gotten my attention long enough to get my vote.
I'm looking forward to seeing The DaVinci Code in the theatre this month. I've made my choices about what I beleive. No slick presentation will change my mind. But like the Constable running for re-election who was doing magic tricks for the voters, it may entertain me for a while.
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: The Capitol Albums Vol. 2
DATE: 4/19/2006 11:12:00 AM
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BODY:
Most bands issue 1 album a year. In 1965 Capitol released 4 American Beatles records. (The American versions differed from their British counterparts. Different philosophies and economics created a dual market.) These vinyl treasures were never released on CD. The Early Beatles (March 22), Beatles VI (June 14), HELP soundtrack (August 13) and Rubber Soul (December 6) are now being offered in a CD box set.
Many of the songs from THE EARLY BEATLES were recorded and released in 1962 and 1963 by VJ Records. After Capitol signed the Fab Four, VJ re-released these raw recordings in an attempt to take advantage of their increasing fame. Capitol sued and VJ Records eventually signed away all rights to The Beatles in a small settlement agreement. That will go down in history as the worst business deal ever made.
There is no version of BEATLES VI in England. Capitoal took songs from the Beatles For Sale (British edition) and created the American album BEATLES VI. After scavenging from British releases and left over soundtrack cuts the executives were still short 2 songs. The Beatles went into the studio to record and flesh out the album. They used 2 Larry Williams songs from their live show. BAD BOY is the stand out.
The HELP soundtrack released in America was a true soundtrack album. It featured 8 Beatles songs and 4 instrumental pieces performed by George Martin and his Orchestra. The opening track combines two 60's icons, James Bond and the Beatles. Does it get any better than that?
RUBBER SOUL is considered by many to be the Beatles first great album. This recording was offered in the US with a MONO and a STEREO mix. The box set offers both. RUBBER SOUL was the last album The Beatles allowed Capitol so much creative control.
1965 is my favorite era of Beatles history. I like the raw, simplicity of TWIST AND SHOUT and the playfulness of HELP. The folky rock of RUBBER SOUL is skirting the edge of disinterest for me. (I think its the sitar.) I'll be putting pennies aside for this purchase. Lots and lots and lots of pennies.
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: Stop selling God short!
DATE: 4/19/2006 10:05:00 AM
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BODY:
Have you seen that Tshirt little kids wear? It reads, in childlike scrawl, "GOD DON"T MAKE JUNK". Cute, huh? But how many of us believe that?
Oh yes, you shaped me first inside, then out;
you formed me in my mother's womb.
I thank you, High God-you're breathtaking!
Body and soul, I am marvelously made!
I worship in adoration-what a creation!
You know me inside and out,
you know every bone in my body;
you know exactly how I was made, bib by bit,
how I was sculpted from nothing into something.
Like an open book, you watched me grow from conception to birth;
all the stages of my life were spread out before you,
the days of my life all prepared
before I'd even lived one day.
Psalms 139 14-16, The Message
Last weekend I met an artist, a lovely woman who works with stained glass. She explained to me how God had led her to become an artist full-time. I encouraged her, reminding her that God created her with an amazing talent to share. That talent was placed in her for a purpose. It is not vain to do what you were created to do and to take pride in that creation.
I was doing well. I was encouraging a Sister to follow God's plan for her. I was praising our God for creating us with talents and gifts. Then...I blew it. I didn't even realize what I had done until days later. I said, "I have zero artistic abilities." Then I'm sure I made some sort of lame self deprecating joke.
Several months ago I embroidered a baby quilt for a friend. I took the almost finished project to my Grandmother to ask her opinion on a particular stitch. She turned the quilt over in her hands, rubbing her wrinkled fingers across the backstitching, "This is good," she said. "for machine work."
(In my family that is the equivalent of calling some one the worst possible name you can imagine, whatever that may be!)
"Machine work?!?" I stammered. "No, ma'am. I stitched that by hand. Every stitch! By hand!" My Grandmother brought the quilt closer to her face and pulled gently at some of the long stitches. "Well, then," she said approvingly. "That's a different tale to tell. I'm a better teacher than I thought."
I come from a long line of gifted artists. We are quilters and embroidery experts by experience. God gave that talent to many women in my family and we pass it along to each generation. I sold God short in that conversation with my artist friend. I gave Him no credit for the ability He gave me.
God created everyone with a talent. Be bold in how you use it. Display your art. Play your music. Dazzle people with your brilliance. And when they brag on you, use that moment in the spotlight to teach someone GOD DON'T MAKE JUNK.
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: Enough is enough
DATE: 4/17/2006 04:46:00 PM
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BODY:
It's summer time now. My niece is the catcher for the youth club softball team and I plan to be there to cheer her to a successful season. I feel like I haven't had dinner with my best friend in months. My flower bed is a weed paradise. There are other things to focus on and I'm looking forward to doing that.
By the fall, Hayley will again be MVP of the season on a winning team. My best friend and I will have spent hours and hours talking about nothing and ... well, to be honest, there isn't much hope for the flower bed. But I will have spent the summer doing things I love to do and the anticipation of a 40 city fall tour will have me jittery with excitement.
It's prom season and the drama is high. " Girl-A" can't find that perfect date. "Girl-B" can't find that perfect dress. "Boy-C" is refusing to attend and is getting tired of hearing about the fabled perfect dress.
Hearing my youth kids talk about prom brought back memories for me. I attended my senior prom in a red and black Scarlett O'Hare ensemble. (Allow me to remind you, it WAS 1987.) There was nothing particularly memorable about the night. I attended with my highschool boyfriend. I broke curfew. I can't for the life of me remember the theme song.
A few weeks after the prom the aforementioned boyfriend dumped me. I collected all the pictures, letters, gifts, etc into a pile and burned them in the backyard. For that reason, I don't think fondly on proms.
But all that is about to change! Jason is the Senior chaperone this year. We have decided to make an event of it. I'll be wearing a black velvet gown. (Much more elegant than the Scarlett get up, I assure you.) Jason will wear a matching black velvet blazer with his hip suit. We will dance and laugh. This will be a prom to remember.
I hope my dress fits. How should I do my hair? Who will be at out table? Who will have the most gorgeous dress?
It's prom season and the drama is high.
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: Cut Footloose!
DATE: 4/11/2006 12:36:00 PM
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BODY:
How can we begin to understand the love of Jesus?
Jesus reached people on their own levels. He spoke to them in terms they could understand. He told parables to farmers about seeds. He spoke to merchants using illustrations of money. He spoke of family to a culture that valued genealogy.
When some one tells you God loves you like a father, they are telling you the absolute truth. But if your father was the distant, unemotional type, how does that influence you? If I told you God loves you like a groom loves a bride on their wedding day, but you've never experienced that, it becomes a reference point and little else.
Please know that God loves you with an all consuming love. His love for you goes beyond anything you will ever understand, but try anyway. Try to understand. Find that illustration in the Bible that speaks to you. Do not allow yourself to feel less than, because you don't have the same experiences as those around you. Ask God to reveal to you, in a way that you can relate to, the depths of His love for you. And never, NEVER let anyone shake that faith.
I write this today secure in His love for me. Regardless of my understanding or yours, I know without a doubt My God loves me.
Shalom.
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: Tennessee Road Trip 2006 Part I
DATE: 4/04/2006 04:58:00 PM
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BODY:
That's the Knoxville leg of the trip. Stay tuned for more from Tennessee Road Trip 2006.
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: Marty Freakin' Stuart
DATE: 4/02/2006 03:18:00 AM
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BODY:
Take a road trip with some one you want to know better. Enjoy the journey and the destination becomes all the more special.
"Excuse me, Lord, but there's been a clerical error. There are other Tracis in our department. A minor oversight, I'm sure it could be adjusted in a matter of...What? Really? You're sure?"
I'm gearing up to start a new adventure. Lately, (since YWC in December) I've been thinking about starting a small group, a mentoring group. I've selected a few girls from our youth program and I plan to meet with them in a few days to get started.
Can I tell you that I'm scared to death? This is one of those times when I wonder if God knows what He's doing. The girls I've decided on are wonderful, beautiful, intelligent young women, who have little or no traditional family structure. So, of course who should mentor them? Me! The product of a family structure that could best be described as gelatin-like.
Say a prayer, for me, these girls and all that we will learn and discover along the way.
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: Traci needs...
DATE: 3/20/2006 02:58:00 PM
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BODY:
Do a google search - "(your name) needs". Use the quotation marks to get the full effect.
Try this on your blog and post a link in the comments. Here are some of my results.
The "Yeah, Man!" for this week is a the new release from songwriter legend Kris Kristofferson, This Old Road. This recording is bare bones. No polish, no smoothing the wrinkles of almost 70 years. Kristofferson is reflective about his life, his spirituality, his children, and his politics.This Don Was production is being touted by ROLLING STONE as his greatest work.
I am enthralled by him. He speaks the words of a father, a lover, a friend, a teacher. "Look at that old photograph. Is it really you?" The fist line of the first song sets the stage for this poet's journal. From the introspective creed of Pilgrim's Progress to the bluesy addiction recount of Chase the Feeling, you will be blown away by his words and imagry.
This record is an education.
Did you know Ben Franklin was instrumental in creating the first fire stations and hospitals? Did you know Ben Franklin was responsible for swaying the French to our side during the American Revolution?
This post is simply to show off this beautiful little girl and clue you in on how special she is to Jason and me. :)
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: "Beware the Ides of March"
DATE: 3/15/2006 10:16:00 AM
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BODY:
March 15 is generally considered a bad luck day. (Especially if your best friend is set to gain from your death.) Julius Ceaser was murdered on this day some 2,000 odd years ago.
Being superstitious, I thought I would just warn you to keep a close eye on your best friend today.
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: Bible 101
DATE: 3/14/2006 10:25:00 AM
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BODY:
I doubt my stance on this issue is popular among evangelicals. I don't want Bible curriculum in my public schools. That is not what I pay teachers for. I want their expertise in mathematics, art, English and science to be an influence on my child. I do not know the teachers' depth or commitment of understanding of the Scriptures. Therefore, I am not comfortable with their influence. If I desire for my child to have religious instruction outside the home or church environment, I will pay tuition to a private school.
I would be interested in hearing students' and teachers' opinions.
I grew up in my Grandmother's house. The old farmhouse was well over 100 years old by the time I arrived. The house was heated with one black, cast iron stove. The tiny pot bellied stove sat in the corner of the living room. Being one of the youngest, my room was very near the stove. I remember waking to the sounds of my Grandmother stirring the coals, trying to warm the house before all the kids awakened.
The little old lady who lives across from me now has a coal burning stove in her little cottage. Some evenings when the air is cool, I step out on my porch and inhale deeply. HOME...
Where to begin? Let's start with a trip list. That's always a kick. For anyone new here, a trip list is a collection of inside jokes and reminders of things said, seen and overheard along the way.
Cookie
I just got fired by an Australian perv!
Shiiiine
We ain't got no sense!
Pity pick
My name is Traci. I attend the nonsmoking meetings on Western Ave.
Who is you?
Fashion advice and marriage counseling from the retaining wall
...a substantial amount of what?
meet and grope
"I'm a huge 3D fan! I've seen them 3 times!"
Delicious
Did I mention there was a pre-show in front of the venue? A nice treat for those of us who packed in there 7 hours before the doors opened.
I'm not sure if its possible, but the guys seemed to enjoy it as much as the fans.
A few concert pics...
Ok. Traci is out of town. I was supposed to do this yesterday, but I didn't. Sorry. Anyway, if you recall, "Yeah, Man" is where Traci posts something cool on Fridays. Since she is in Oklahoma/Texas, I will do it for her. Today's "Yeah, Man" is Thai food. If you have access to a restaurant that serves it, go. If you like spicy, try some curry. My personal recommendation is green curry. It is usually the spiciest thing on the menu. If you have never had Thai; go try.
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: Soul Shifters
DATE: 3/02/2006 10:10:00 PM
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BODY:
I'm off for Oklahoma tomorrow! I'll be meeting up with my OK girls and traveling on to Texas. We're taking in a Toby Mac show and 2, count 'em, 2 Third Day shows this week. Say a prayer for safety. I promise to return with pictures and great stories.
But fear not, friends, I leave you in capable hands. Hubby will be doing some guest posts while I'm gone. If nothing else, he will cover this Friday's edition of "Yeah, Man!". Enjoy his genius and humor.
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: Sing along, if you know it
DATE: 3/01/2006 03:45:00 PM
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BODY:
Have you ever gotten a few words of some long forgotten song stuck in your brain? It's maddening! Years ago, Jason told me about a song he and his sister listened to, but all he could remember was one line:
Pretty women out walking with gorillas down my street
He had tried to track the song down but never could find it. It had bugged him for years. I smiled and said, "Joe Jackson/Is She Really Going Out With Him?" I am indeed his soul mate.
That leads me to my long forgotten song story. For as long as I can remember the phrase, "all she could pay was attention/so all he could take was her time" has rattled around in my head. Today I was prowling through iTunes and came across the title SHANDY. The instant I saw the title I remembered most of the song. I immediately downloaded it and played it. There it was! I should have known it was Kris Kristofferson lyric.
I am somewhat saddened to have found it. A few times I had almost convinced myself I wrote it.
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: His eye is on the sparrow.
DATE: 2/26/2006 12:23:00 PM
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BODY:
I hope Jamie doesn't mind me sharing this with you.
Saturday morning, after her daughter's birthday party, my friend Jamie was loading things in her SUV. Somewhat distracted and hurried, she left her wallet lying on the back bumper. The wallet was filled with credit cards and a large amount of cash. When she realized she had lost it, several miles down the road, she began backtracking to search for it.
Meanwhile, a call came in to an acquaintance of Jamie's. An older couple had found the wallet along the highway. Inside was a check made payable to Jamie. The couple called the phone number on the check. The acquaintance called a mutual friend and a connection was made.
Jamie met the couple in the next town over to retrieve her wallet. The lady assured Jamie everything was there. "You really shouldn't carry so much cash, " she cautioned. Overjoyed at having her credit cards and cash returned, Jamie gave the couple a reward of $100. The lady accepted the reward, telling Jamie that she and her husband had only $14 to their name.
God saw a wallet fall onto a highway in Durante, OK. He cared about that family with only a few dollars in their pocket. Be reminded, friends. His eye is on the sparrow and I know He watches over me.
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: Yeah, man!
DATE: 2/24/2006 04:40:00 PM
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BODY:
This is a new Friday feature here at Haystacks. Well, its featured this Friday, anyway. We'll see what happens in the coming weeks.
This weekly feature is called "Yeah, Man!". (If you get that reference, good for you. You know me too well. If you don't get it, sorry. )
You, like David, can check in each Friday afternoon and see what I think is cool. It might be a song, a book, a fashion trend or a website.
Sometimes people ask questions that are far too involved to answer. Sometimes children ask questions that simply have no answer. Sometimes a question is best left unanswered. To combat all these dilemmas, I offer the following:
I will be headed to the bookstore as soon as I close the office today. Everything else on my reading list will have to be put on hold.
Donald Miller has an amazing way of telling a story. He has the ability to become your trusted friend in a matter seconds. A few sentences into his books you feel comfortable and at ease with him.
I haven't had a chance to listen to the downloads yet, so I can't comment on the quality. I'll let you know more when I know more. Meanwhile, pop in and let me know what you think.
The moon's worn thin
Succumbed to the pressure
Her silver dress
Hangs in the sky like a rag
Her coat her cloak
Her cover of darkness
It fails to hide
The tears that she's cried
Oh she cries
But she still shines
Though the night falls around her
And by her light
I find my way
When I fear the path laid before me
I look to the light of her face
And thank her for being so brave
The moon remains
In fullness or frailty
A faithful climb
And I stand amazed at the way
She still shines
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: The Dogs of Babel by Carolyn Parkhurst
DATE: 2/01/2006 04:36:00 PM
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BODY:
First Sentence:Here is what we know, those of us who can speak to tell a story: On the afternoon of October 24, my wife, Lexy Ransome, climbed to the top of the apple tree in our backyard and fell to her death.
Paul Iverson's wife dies under mysterious circumstances. The police rule it an accident. Paul isn't convinced. He begins to find 'clues' around the house which lead him to believe Lexy may have taken her own life. The only witness to the day's events is Lorelei, the family dog. Paul, a linguist, embarks on a series of experiments designed to teach Lorelei to communicate what she knows.
As Paul recalls the past, layers of Lexy's personality are revealed. His obsession leads him and Lorelei into unexpected and and even dangerous situations.
That's the plot line. Now, let me tell you how this book feels. Paul learns through the clues left behind and by recounting his and Lexy's history for the reader, how very much we miss walking through life. Like the message written in glossy paint, readable only at certain hours of the morning as the sun washes through the kitchen window, some communications are painfully subtle. Paul may never have known the true person Lexy was. Perhaps he only glimpsed her. His dependence on Lorelei is heartbreaking. At the conclusion of the story, we finally understand Lorelei's pain. She and Paul are bound by this shared guilt of missing what Lexy was truly about.
Those of us how love and share our lives with animals tend to think we have a special communication with them. We have signals and words of which we have a shared understanding. For animal lovers, this book will be a difficult read at times, but it is worth the struggle.
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE:
DATE: 1/31/2006 05:34:00 PM
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BODY:
I came across this little questionaire. (Thanks to www.howlinghogbbq.blogspot.com)
Four jobs you had in your life:
1) packer/production drone 2) answering service operator 3) switchboard operator 4) bookkeeper
Four movies you'd watch over and over:
1) Raiders of the Lost Ark 2) Die Hard 3) Grease 4) Mr. Smith Goes to Washington
Four TV shows you love to watch:
1) Seinfeld 2) My Name Is Earl 3) Law & Order: Criminal Intent 4) Scrubs
Four websites you visit daily:
1) www.foxnews.com 2) www.weather.com 3) www.thirdday.com/boards 4) www.ccn.com
Four of your favorite foods:
1) Spaghetti 2) Grilled chicken salad 3) Fried mushrooms 4) Cereal
Four places you would rather be right now:
1) At the movies 2) At my favorite bookstore 3) At a spa 4) In bed
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: by e.e. cummings
DATE: 1/30/2006 04:23:00 PM
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BODY:
[somewhere i have never travelled]
somewhere i have never travelled,gladly beyond
any experience,your eyes have their silence:
in your most frail gesture are things which enclose me,
or which i cannot touch because they are too near
your slightest look easily will unclose me
though i have closed myself as fingers,
you open always petal by petal myself as Spring opens
(touching skilfully,mysteriously) her first rose
or if your wish be to close me,i and
my life will shut very beautifully, suddenly,
as when the heart of this flower imagines
the snow carefully everywhere descending;
nothing which we are to perceive in this world equals
the power of your intense fragility: whose texture
compels me with the color of its countries,
rendering death and forever with each breathing
(i do not know what it is about you that closes
and opens; only something in me understands
the voice of your eyes is deeper than all roses)
nobody,not even the rain, has such small hands
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: And the losers are...
DATE: 1/30/2006 12:24:00 PM
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BODY:
It's award show time. The Golden Globes, the SAG Awards and of course the Oscars are all jampacked into a couple of months. And I love it! The red carpet, the gowns, the gossip and of course the winners. I rarely miss the Globes or the Oscars. It's an event, to be sure.
But let's not forget the losers. The
Razzies have been announced. All the movies you hated are here. All the actors and actresses, directors and writers who bilked you out of your $7.50 are up for a Razzie. (Although, if you actually paid to see Son of The Mask, you deserved what you got.)
My favorite Razzie category is Tabloid Overexposure. My money is on Tom Cruise. With his anti-psychiatry sparring with Matt Lauer and his ubiquitous relationship with Katie Homes, he's a shoe in.
Be sure to watch your favorite news site for the winners. There is serious satisfaction in knowing the film that robbed you of 2 hours of your life and charged you for it got the distinct honor of Worst of the Year.
I wanted to follow up on the Kanye West post. Strange that I didn't get any comments. I got some emails and some interesting verbal exchanges, but no one wanted to go on the record. The overwhelming opinion was "Yes. That is offensive."
Let me begin by telling you that it does not offend me. It elicits no reaction at all from me. I don't see it as art that deserves some type of intellectual property type defense, nor do I think of it as blasphemy.
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: The Passion of Kanye West
DATE: 1/25/2006 11:20:00 AM
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BODY:
Does this offend you?
(427 BC - 347 BC), Dialogues, Phaedrus
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: In celebration of friendship
DATE: 1/20/2006 08:45:00 AM
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BODY:
Last October this hamster was presented to this rat snake as dinner. It seems Mr. Snake was more lonely than hungry. The two have become pals.
I offer this story in celebration of friendship.
If a rat snake can show some love, you can too. Post a comment in celebration!
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: Love Monkey
DATE: 1/18/2006 11:56:00 AM
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BODY:
Last night we watched the highly anticipated premiere of
LOVE MONKEY. Being that I am certainly not the target audience for this mid-thirties, white, single male adventure, many of the references eluded or bored me.
The 2004 Kyle Smith novel on which the characters (more so than the show) are loosely based was hailed as the men's SEX AND THE CITY. If LOVE MONKEY intends to live up to that title it will certainly need to pick up the pace. Our hero, Tom Farrell is a lovable and quirky A&R rep in the music business. His circle of friends (1 black, 1 gay, 1 female, 1 married) provide the backdrop for his wistful narratives. I wanted to assure him somewhere around the second commercial break that I liked him. He didn't need to try so hard.
Tom Cavanaugh is as charming as ever and he holds my attention regardless of the adolescent pop references he sends flying over my head. I'll brush up on my Dylan trivia and hang in for a few more episodes.
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: Instant Karma
DATE: 1/17/2006 07:41:00 PM
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BODY:
As I may have mentioned, I'm a fan of the NBC show MY NAME IS EARL. Earl is a screw up who gets a crash course in karma (from Carson Daly, no less). Once he comes to understand karma, his life changes dramatically. "Do good things and good things will happen to you" is Earl's motto. He makes a
list of all the bad things he's done in his life and sets out to right every wrong.
Earl has approximately 240 things on his list. I wonder how many items I would have on my list.
I'm even more curious about your list...
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE:
DATE: 1/13/2006 04:30:00 PM
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BODY:
Ever wonder where they're going? Ever wish you could go with them?
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: 20 points down
DATE: 1/11/2006 03:34:00 PM
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BODY:
I'm not much of a basketball fan. I don't follow college or professional games, but last night I saw a great game.
The home team got smashed. I mean they were out played on a grand scale. The final score was 18-38.
So, why was it a great game? Because Hayley scored 6 of those 18 points and was named as the best rebounder on the team. There she was, 20 points down, fighting for that rebound like the game depended on it.
Next time I'm down by 20 points with only 2 minutes left in the game, I'll think of her...
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: Lessons from a cat
DATE: 1/11/2006 11:00:00 AM
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BODY:
Jason was standing at the kitchen sink. As he turned to walk through the kitchen, he came dangerously close to breaking his neck. There in the middle of the kitchen floor was Chaplin's water bowl. Jason danced around less than gracefully, trying to avoid a nasty fall. "Why is the water bowl in the middle of the floor?!?" Chaplin sat just around the corner, watching everything. He had dragged the empty bowl out of the corner to the center of the room, knowing it could not be ignored.
Lesson from my cat: If you want it, ask for it. Don't hide in the corner and wait for someone to notice you're dying of thirst.
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: Tragically Hip
DATE: 1/06/2006 10:30:00 AM
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BODY:
Starbucks is the Wal-Mart of our generation. What do you need? They have that!
What could be hipper than hanging out at the oh so chic Starbucks in the latest looks, sipping your Chai latte, listening to
HEAR music and reading the liner notes to the newest Starbucks music offering, a Bob Dylan compilation? Nothing! Nothing is hipper! Don't even try to find a comparison. There isn't one.
Note: You may substitute a coffee drink of your choice for the Chai latte . It will not have an effect on your hip rating.
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: ...and the groom wore dolphin grey.
DATE: 1/04/2006 01:43:00 PM
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BODY:
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE:
DATE: 1/04/2006 11:57:00 AM
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BODY:
I believe every life is a story worth telling.
I'm halfway through CASH, Johnny Cash's second autobiography. The conversational style of writing is comfortable and engaging. He tells the personal, painful stories with honesty and raw emotion. He makes no excuses for his destructive behavior, which tore apart his family. As he conveys the outrageous stories of the road, you can almost read the chuckles between the words.
My first read of 2006 will certainly go on my list of best books for the year.
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: Bob's Petting Zoo and Animal Reserve
DATE: 1/03/2006 06:51:00 PM
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BODY:
My father has a bit of a Noah complex. He is unwilling or unable to turn away an animal in need of a home. Therefore, he has been the caretaker over the years of several dogs, cats, goats, chickens, rabbits, birds, hamsters, guineas, a wounded opossum and one lizard.
We once had a chicken arrive in the mouth of a hungry collie. The collie was disappointed when the chicken became a pet rather than dinner. The chicken took up residence in the shed which housed a dozen cats or so. My father said it had an identity crisis. "Must have been the stress of the move."
With the responsibility of animal husbandry comes the pain of losing one. We've lost animals during birthing, because of accident or sickeness and some just disappeared. We lost many a cat to the dairy farm next door. They were required to work for their pay, but the benefits were amazing. Cream, cream and more cream. Saying goodbye to a favorite pet is just part of life in the country. Recently, Bob's Petting Zoo and Animal Reserve suffered a couple of losses.
Zyphod, the hyper active and somewhat out of sync chameleon simply could not handle the harsh northeast Tennessee winters. The little guys are sold at the beach and are counted quite lucky if they survive the trek home. Hayley was sure her Grandfather could keep him happy and healthy. Pop built a state of the art cage, complete with heating lamp and a vast supply of crickets, but it wasn't enough. I think he took that one personally.
Peanut was a miniature rabbit. He was very friendly and would eat from your hand, as long as you didn't try to remove him from his cage. This agoraphobic rabbit, upon removal from his wire home would scratch, bite and howl unlike anything you've ever heard. Mr. McAmus sold the rabbits with a warning. "These animals only live 3 years. Don't expect much more." Mr. McAmus died within a year or so of the transaction. Peanut was almost 8.
The menagerie remains, although some of the more exotic and interesting animals have gone on. There are spaces available at Bob's Petting Zoo and Animal Reserve. I expect a phone call anytime now.
"Come over," he'll say excitedly. " I got somebody for you to meet!"
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: New Year's Resolutions
DATE: 12/28/2005 12:42:00 PM
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BODY:
The top ten New Year's resolutions made by Americans:
1) Spend More Time with Family & Friends
2) Fit and Fitness
3) Tame the Bulge
4) Quit Smoking
5) Enjoy Life More
6) Quit Drinking
7) Get Out of Debt
8) Learn Something New
9) Help Others
10) Get Organized
Most of us make resolutions. Many of us fail to keep them. Mark posted this on his blog. It bears repeating. This is my New Year resolution.
People are often unreasonable, illogical, and self centered;
Forgive them anyway.
If you are kind, People may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives;
Be kind anyway.
If you are successful, you will win some false friends and some true enemies;
Succeed anyway.
If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you;
Be honest and frank anyway.
What you spend years building, someone could destroy overnight;
Build anyway.
If you find serenity and happiness, they may be jealous;
Be happy anyway.
The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow;
Do good anyway.
Give the world the best you have, it may never be enough;
Give the world the best you’ve got anyway.
You see, if the final analysis it is between you and God;
It was never between you and them anyway.
Mother Theresa
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: Happy New Year!...Oh! Wait a second!
DATE: 12/27/2005 10:08:00 AM
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BODY:
At 11:59:59 on 12/31/05, one second will be added to Coordinated Universal Time (UTC).
Leap seconds are sometimes used to keep the atomic clocks synched with the inconsistent rotation of the Earth. Apparently, the rotation of the Earth has slowed ever so slightly and adjustments are necessary.
In 1972 the International Timekeeping agreement was signed, securing the use of the UTC. This will be the 23rd time such an adjustment has been made since the agreement. The last leap second was granted in 1998.
The
leap second is the perfect gift, if you think about it. What's the one thing we all claim we want and need?
Time.
You've been given 1 second. Use it wisely.
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: The Oxen - Christmas Poem by Thomas Hardy
DATE: 12/22/2005 02:20:00 PM
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BODY:
Christmas Eve, and twelve of the clock.
"Now they are all on their knees,"
An elder said as we sat in a flock
By the embers in hearthside ease.
We pictured the meek mild creatures where
They dwelt in their strawy pen,
Nor did it occur to one of us there
To doubt they were kneeling then.
So fair a fancy few would weave
In these years! Yet, I feel,
If someone said on Christmas Eve,
"Come; see the oxen kneel,"
In the lonely barton by yonder coomb
Our childhood used to know,
"I should go with him in the gloom,
Hoping it might be so’
Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
‘God is not dead; nor doth he sleep!
The Wrong shall fail,
The Right prevail,
With peace on earth, good-will to men!
--------
AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: And the hits just keep on coming...
DATE: 12/21/2005 07:53:00 PM
-----
BODY:
Now that I have mastered Mac Powell trivia over at
ThirdDay.com, I'm thinking the winning streak is bound to end soon. Seriously, how long can this go on?
I think I'll crank up some Joe Walsh and sing along...
"...life's been good to me so far..."
--------
AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE:
DATE: 12/20/2005 06:05:00 PM
-----
BODY:
Jason's youngest brother Andy is chef at
Manhattan Ocean Club. He lives in Queens and works in Manhattan. I thought of him this morning as
NPR reported on the transit strike. Being the modern New Yorker he has become, he depends on public transportation to get to work.
For Andy's sake, as well as millions of other New Yorkers, I hope it is all settled soon. It won't be getting warmer in NYC any time soon.
Bundle up, Bubby!
--------
AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: For Mitchell
DATE: 12/20/2005 03:16:00 PM
-----
BODY:
http://www.itsawonderfulinternet.com/
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: Thanks, Santa!
DATE: 12/19/2005 05:45:00 PM
-----
BODY:
Christmas came early to our house. I got my iPod!!
I absolutely love it! I'm in the process of uploading my favorite CDs. I bought a couple of music videos from iTunes. I have video ability, therefore I must possess videos. I don't find the screen tedious at all. I don't know that I would want to watch a 2 hour movie on the mini screen, but for videos its more than adequate.
My favorite thing so far? Podcasts. I'm hooked. I am a die hard NPR fan. (Much to Jason's dismay.) I love that I can download all the broadcasts not aired on our local station. I am currently downloading a 7 part pod cast celebrating the 30th anniversary of Springsteen's Born To Run. Which reminds me, I'll need to purchase Born In The USA from iTunes. I am a child of the cassette age, you know?
My only complaint about this wonderful jewel of technology is the pesky earphone covers. I've lost 3 already.
Next on my shopping list: iPod accessories and a volume purchase of earphone covers...
--------
AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: Dear Santa Part II
DATE: 12/15/2005 12:21:00 PM
-----
BODY:
Just how good have you been this year? Check out
Forbes report on the most expensive toys out there this season. It can be yours! A 3D simulator, a life size Batman suit, a jewel encrusted Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head (I think it makes them look like they have a severe dermatology problem...)! Has anyone been THAT good? Really?
For the hard to buy for, check sharperimage.com. For that some one in your life who has a weird affection for chimps, there is this. For the comic book lover you love: this. (No way that's going to fit under the tree.)
--------
AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: More Christmas Questions
DATE: 12/13/2005 06:16:00 PM
-----
BODY:
I have been absent a bit lately. Sorry, it's an occupational hazard. Let's do some more Christmas questions!
What Christmas song drives you batty?
Jingle bells makes my eye twitch. Its not that I don't like the song, its that no one knows the words!
What Christmas tradition do you hold most dear?
Jason reads the Christmas story from Luke chapter 2 on Christmas morning.
There are 2 gifts under the tree with your name on them, but you may only choose one. One gift is in a 3 x 1 inch square box, the other is in a three foot square box. The monetary value of both gifts is exactly the same; which one will you choose? (No fair shaking!)
I would take the bigger box. I'm tactile!
Talk to me people! I want to read your answers.
Yesterday marked the 25th anniversary of the death of John Lennon. Today marks the anniversary of the day I became a fan of John Lennon. I was 11 when I watched his murder unfold on television. I was fascinated by his story. I began to pay attention to the music, really pay attention.
--------
AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: Sing with me!
DATE: 12/08/2005 11:48:00 AM
-----
BODY:
--------
AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: Overheard at the farm campfire:
DATE: 12/07/2005 05:37:00 PM
-----
BODY:
He leaned back in his chair and stretched his legs out in front of him, getting his feet closer to the fire, crossing them at the ankles. "Remember than one black bull? Waste of money, he was. Couldn't even sell him...Too darn mean."
He chuckled at a long forgotten joke. "We were trying to corral him one day," Each word began and ended with a chuckle, "Ivan got too close. That bull bit a piece out of him."
The listeners winced.
"Ivan was fine.
The bull died, though.
That's a true story."
--------
AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: Animal? Vegetable? or Mineral?
DATE: 12/02/2005 01:57:00 PM
-----
BODY:
Remember when you were a kid and you would take those loooong road trips? Twenty Questions was always the game of choice, wasn't it?
Choose your country and answer a few quick demographics questions and you're ready to go. No fair changing your answer half way through the game!
--------
AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: Testing 1...2...3...
DATE: 12/01/2005 03:57:00 PM
-----
BODY:
If all goes according to plan, clicking above will allow you to see a video I shot of Third Day in Arlington, TX this past summer.
If this works, I might be posting more video in the furture. If it doesn't, there went 30 mintues of my life I'll never get back...
--------
AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: BAH! Humbug!
DATE: 12/01/2005 10:11:00 AM
-----
BODY:
"Nobody ever stopped him in the street to say, with gladsome looks, "My dear Scrooge, how are you? When will you come to see me?" No beggars implored him to bestow a trifle, no children asked him what it was o'clock, no man or woman ever once in all his life inquired the way to such and such a place, of Scrooge. Even the blind men's dogs appeared to know him; and when they saw him coming on, would tug their owners into doorways and up courts; and then would wag their tails as though they said, "No eye at all is better than an evil eye, dark master!"
But what did Scrooge care? It was the very thing he liked. To edge his way along the crowded paths of life, warning all human sympathy to keep its distance..."
Every year I read Dickens' A Christmas Carol. It is a tradition I began as a teenager and have continued through the years. I suppose I could almost quote it now.
Why read the same book over and over? Because we forget, don't we? Somewhere along the way Scrooge had forgotten. He had forgotten the love of Belle, the joy of the Feziwigs, the adoration of Fran. I imagine after his reclamation, he often thought of Jacob Marley, his second chance. Dickens reminds me each year of the chance of reclamation.
If you've never read the book, I encourage you to this Christmas. Don't get hung up on the Victorian vocabulary. Have a good dictionary handy and press on. Yes, I know you've seen the movie. (My favorite is the George C. Scott film. ) But until you've read Dickens account from the page, you don't know the whole story.
Many of the encounters with the Ghost of Christmas Present are absent from the film versions. The Ghost of Christmas Present gives the most powerful revelations. "This isn't a past you can't change. This isn't a future you may not yet believe. This is your life. This is your NOW and you're missing it." The Ghost of Christmas Present rattles my cage.
Even if
the powers that be do not chose Dickens for the Book of the Month, you should make time for it in your busy holiday schedule. You will find yourself in the characters of this book. If you find much of yourself in Ebinezer, don't worry. There's still time before the clock strikes 1.
For me, tomorrow begins the official holiday season. I know, retailers think it starts the day after Halloween, but around here it's December 1st.
To kick off the Christmas season, I'll ask a question or two each week. Give it some thought and post an answer. You can post your answer in the comments or post the answer on your site and provide a link.
Be a good blog reader and participate.
__
* You have a beautiful 50 foot pine tree in your front yard that you are allowed to decorate with
only one color of lights. What color would you choose?
* Which of the following thee events would you most enjoy attending during the holiday season:
1) a stage production of Dickens' A CHRISTMAS CAROL?
2) a choral concert of Handel's MESSIAH?
3) a performance of Tchaikovsky ballet THE NUTCRACKER?
__
I would decorate my tree in blue lights. As a towering, blinking tribute to ELVIS.
My event choice would be the stage play. I love Dickens! (more about that tomorrow)
--------
AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: The Thin White Duke
DATE: 11/29/2005 11:50:00 AM
-----
BODY:
David Bowie is set to return to the screen in
PRESTIGE.
Bowie is more than a rock star, more than an actor. He's an icon. He is a snapshot of pop culture in a 4 decade rapid exposure film.
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: Dear Santa,
DATE: 11/28/2005 12:53:00 PM
-----
BODY:
5) Airline tickets to any of the following destinations: Augusta GA, Wapanuka OK, Austin or Fort Worth TX, Memphis TN
-
Take care of yourself, Santa. Get plenty of rest and stay bundled up. We're all depending on you. As aways, milk and cookies await you at the Ward house.
:)
Much Love,
Traci
-
PS: Big hugs to the little elf who delivered Jason's guitar early. It is beautiful. He loves it and we can't thank that elf enough. I nominate that one for ELF OF THE YEAR.
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: Happy Thanksgiving!
DATE: 11/23/2005 04:55:00 PM
-----
BODY:
It's time to cook the turkey! Bring out the stuffing! Or are you more of a dressing person? I'm not much of a cook. Jason is the chef in the family. I make a few dishes. One of my specialties is sweet potato casserole. I have to tell you, its yummy. Give it a try.
__________
3 cups sweet potatoes, cooked and mashed
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
1/2 cup milk
1 tsp. vanilla
pinch of salt
1/3 cup butter
TOPPING:
1/3 cup flour
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup chopped pecans
1/3 cup butter, melted
Combine all above ingredients until smooth. Pour into 2 qt. casserole dish. Mix all topping ingredients and spread over sweet potato mixture.
Bake at 350 degrees for 35 to 40 minutes
__________
Although Thanksgiving has never been much of a celebration in my family, I am reminded by the happenings to give thanks for so much. I'm thankful for a family of friends who love and support me and often tolerate and endure me. I'm thankful for a home, humble though it may be, that is filled with love. I'm thankful for another day of grace.
May your table be circled with family and friends who love you. May you be truly thankful for all God's blessings. May you need for nothing and want for very little.
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: Blue Like Jazz//LIVE
DATE: 11/22/2005 03:09:00 PM
-----
BODY:
Have I mentioned in the last 4 or 5 days how much I love
BLUE LIKE JAZZ?
This weekend we watched an amazing performance by
Jason Hildebrand. He performed his
one man show, bringing BLUE LIKE JAZZ to life. It was beyond incredible.
Hildebrand puts a face and a voice to Miller's writings. His movements on stage, the shy smile, pacing, the way he jams his hands into his pockets, make the uncomfortable somehow comfortable. The music, stories and photos blend together perfectly.
If you read the book and you loved it, you need to see
this. If you're not much of a reader, but want to get in on the Donald Miller thing,
this is the short cut. Take it!
1Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. (Hebrews 11:1, KJV)
This morning I had the pleasure of hearing Tony Campolo speak. He was phenomenal. Any attempt I make to summerize his thoughts would be lame. I know better than to try. He spoke for over an hour and I took notes like a crazed court reporter, trying to get every point and supporting detail.
The detail that has stayed with me today is one of his thoughts on Psychological arguements concerning faith. Psychology tells us our past has the greatest influence on our behavior. We all know our past experiences shape who we are today, but what influence does it have on who we will become tomorrow?
We are not Pavlovian dogs. We are not so conditioned by our past that we cannot change. We have the ability to hope. Our hope, our dreams, our goals for the future are what shape our tomorrows.
"...faith is the substance of things HOPED for..."
We can overcome the experiences of the past. Our hope is our tool for shaping the person we will become tomorrow. Dream big.
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE:
DATE: 11/18/2005 08:42:00 PM
-----
BODY:
This is Desi. She loves a good sturdy cardboard box. It's a cat thing. It should never be a person thing.
Don't let people put you in a box. Don't let them tell you that you're too young or too old. Don't listen when they say, 'That's just how it is done." Ignore their pleas for 'normal' or 'conventional'.
Be your own cat.
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: Sunday Morning Comin' Down
DATE: 11/17/2005 10:37:00 AM
-----
BODY:
Last night we watched and recorded I Walk The Line: A Night For Johnny Cash. It was an all star event with beautiful songs and moving tributes. I'll talk more about it after I've had the opportunity to watch it again. For now, I have a review of one performance.
I should preface these statements with the following confession; I love Kris Kristofferson. He can do no wrong. I wouldn't want you to think these are in any way unbiased comments.
Kristofferson was joined by Foo Fighters to perform one of the greatest songs of country music, Sunday Morning Comin' Down. FF was a wonderful compliment to Kristofferson. They knew to stand back and let him lead.
____
In the park I saw a daddy
With a laughing little girl that he was swinging.
And I stopped beside a Sunday school
And listened to the songs they were singing.
Then I headed down the street,
And somewhere far away a lonely bell was ringing,
And it echoed through the canyon
Like the disappearing dreams of yesterday.
On a Sunday morning sidewalk,
I'm wishing, Lord, that I was stoned.
'Cause there's something in a Sunday
That makes a body feel alone.
And there's nothing short a' dying
That's half as lonesome as the sound
Of the sleeping city sidewalk
And Sunday morning coming down.
____
The only thing more lonely than the lyrics of that song is the sound of Kris' voice. There is something tangible in the cracks and quivers, something that brushes by you and keeps moving. Having been alcohol free for nearly 8 years, I found myself craving the taste of whiskey as he sang. It's one of the pitfalls of loving a man like Kris Kristofferson.
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: The View
DATE: 11/16/2005 01:48:00 PM
-----
BODY:
--------
AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: Sometimes I take for granted...
DATE: 11/16/2005 01:45:00 PM
-----
BODY:
that I live in a postcard...
--------
AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: I am saving for the future
DATE: 11/11/2005 01:49:00 PM
-----
BODY:
Maybe we should just sell the house and buy a Winnebago. Penciled in for the coming months are a trip to Nashville, a visit to Georgia, a cruise leaving from a Florida port, and a triple play weekend involving Knoxville, Chattanooga and Nashville (again). I'm beginning to think our home base should be mobile.
It's funny to me to think about peoples' reactions to our seemingly constant road trips. A few will scoff and roll their eyes. Some will lecture us on the importance of saving for retirement. (which we do, BTW) Those who encourage us, smile wistfully and say, "Enjoy it." "Relish it." Because they understand there will come a time when it won't be an option.
Some day in the distant future, Jason and I will sit on a park bench. He will smile, turning his hat around in his hands and say,
"Do you remember that trip we took to Texas in 2005? Remember how hot it was?"
"2005? " I'll ask, because my memory will be even worse than it is now.
"Yes," he'll answer. "We met up with everyone there. Jake and I rode roller coasters. Remember?"
"No," I'll say, shaking my head. "Tell me about it again..."
--------
AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: ebay Strategies
DATE: 11/07/2005 11:24:00 AM
-----
BODY:
The two most common elements in the universe are Hydrogen and stupidity.
Harlan EllisonUS science fiction author & screenwriter (1934 - )
If you're looking for scapbooking supplies, sub-woffers, camiflage gear or giutars, check out this link.
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: Deep Thoughts
DATE: 11/03/2005 10:14:00 AM
-----
BODY:
I've been all kinds of busy lately. I have neglected you, dear reader. And sadly, I will be neglecting you for a few more days.
I promise new, insightful posts next week. In the meantime, visit my buddy
Kenny. He explains gravity and the string theory while providing some cool background noise.
That should be enough deep thought to hold you until I return.
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: The breaking point
DATE: 10/31/2005 09:28:00 AM
-----
BODY:
"She didn't wanna do it, but he just pushed her too far. Everybody's got a breaking point and Baby, there you are..." Runaway/BoDeans
I've tolerated the spam comments. I come in each day, track them down and delete them. No big deal. But today, I reached my breaking point. Some idiot spammed me with an ad for personals. There's the line, right there.
So, in response, I will also be using the letter recognition option. I hate it, but Baby, there you are....
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: Metaphorically Speaking
DATE: 10/27/2005 03:13:00 PM
-----
BODY:
For three days now, the door outside my office has been making strange sounds. It creaks. Not the slight whistle or faint rattle, no this is a tell tale heart kind of creak. C-R-R-R-E-E-A-A-K ...
This door serves as the main entrance into our office building. The foot traffic seems nonstop outside my door.
The first day I tried to ignore it. "The janitor will fix it," I told myself. "He's busy. He'll get to it soon."
The second day I cursed it. "If some one doesn't oil this freaking door, I'm going to go crazy!" (Slamming my office door as punctuation!)
Today I am attempting to make peace with it. "Maybe the sudden cold weather has caused it to malfunction. I know the feeling, friend."
Tomorrow, I'm bringing a few tools to work with me. "I'll figure this out myself."
And there it is: my approach to life. Something makes a noise and I ignore it for a while. The noise continues. I become angry and frustrated. I vent. After an exhausting day of venting, I try to make peace. Once everything calms down, I begin to analyze everything to the nth degree.
There is something pathetic about finding your predominant personality traits in a malfunctioning glass door.
--------
AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: Another trip in the scrapbook
DATE: 10/25/2005 02:50:00 PM
-----
BODY:
How can 2 people with such ordinary lives meet so many amazing people and have so much fun? I never intended this blog to be a 'follow me and see what I do" kind of thing, but right now that's where my heart and my head are. Right here in these pictures, with these people that I love and hold so dear.
I usually do a trip list with each adventure. For those of you not in the know, its a list of words or phrases that cause us to relive a moment. I'm including them in the photos, so if the private jokes don't mean anything to you, you can at least enjoy the pics. How's that for caring about the reader?
Here we go.....
--------
AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE:
DATE: 10/25/2005 02:38:00 PM
-----
BODY:
Girls, did we forget something?
Does this trick work on all bass players?
Mustard. More mustard. A little more mustard.
--------
AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE:
DATE: 10/25/2005 02:31:00 PM
-----
BODY:
I'll do my best EVITA!
Gloria is just messin' with us, now.
It was sooo much fun!
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE:
DATE: 10/25/2005 02:22:00 PM
-----
BODY:
Side stage, Commander.
Gov. White settled here following the War of Northern Aggression....
1...2...3...4...5...33! 33 Pictures!
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE:
DATE: 10/25/2005 02:18:00 PM
-----
BODY:
The closest Starbucks? Raleigh.
A backstage pass? Just walk right thru there!
Want to see my Josh impersonation?
--------
AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE:
DATE: 10/25/2005 02:12:00 PM
-----
BODY:
We got IN on Mac's tickets. We enjoyed the show on YOUR tickets.
"And who are you shopping for?" "A rockstar."
--------
AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE:
DATE: 10/25/2005 02:10:00 PM
-----
BODY:
We had a wonderful time, but we were so happy to be home again.
Jason sure had a great time. ;)
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: NC bound
DATE: 10/20/2005 04:30:00 PM
-----
BODY:
We're off on yet another road trip! We're driving to Raleigh to take in the sights and sounds of the North Carolina state fair. I'll return with pictures and stories to share. Have a great weekend!
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE:
DATE: 10/19/2005 12:27:00 PM
-----
BODY:
I want to live inside this picture.
Is there a picture that captures your deepest longings? for peace? adventure? family?
--------
AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: Take 2 Monty Python movies and call me in the morning.
DATE: 10/18/2005 11:24:00 AM
-----
BODY:
Published studies have shown that laughing lowers blood pressure, reduces stress hormones, increases muscle flexion, and boosts immune function by raising levels of infection-fighting T-cells, disease-fighting proteins called Gamma-interferon and B-cells, which produce disease-destroying antibodies. Laughter also triggers the release of endorphins, the body's natural painkillers, and produces a general sense of well-being.
For the last few days I have felt stressed. Negative emotions tend to drain me physically. It's a viscous cycle. Last night some one asked a simple question: Who's coming from Atlanta? I know this likely means nothing to you, but it set off a session of laughter that did a world of good for me.
This is my advice for the day. Find something or some one that makes you laugh and get cozy. Giggle, snicker, guffaw or snort! Laugh, already! You're body will thank you.
--------
AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: Walk The Line
DATE: 10/17/2005 01:34:00 PM
-----
BODY:
I have such high hopes for this movie. Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon star as Johnny and June Carter Cash. Phoenix is always impressive and Reese has become one of my favorite actresses. I hope it is as dark, brilliant, complicated and ragged as the man himself. The film debuts on November 18th. I plan to catch it within a few days of the debut date. Watch for a review.
This might be the perfect opportunity to have Jason guest post. He knows more about Cash's music than I could pretend to know. So, watch for Jason's review. :)
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: What beautiful color!
DATE: 10/13/2005 04:59:00 PM
-----
BODY:
I liked his color so much,
I copied it.
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: 13 Things
DATE: 10/13/2005 12:23:00 PM
-----
BODY:
In honor of the 13th day of October, I give you -
13 Things I'm Into Right Now
1. Antigone Rising/From the Ground Up
2. Rum icecream
3. The color brown (deep rich chocolate brown, to be exact)
4. Spoon River Anthology (reading it for the 6th or so time)
5. Quilting
6. Road trips
7. Unnatural hair colors
8. My Name Is Earl
9. Ellery Queen stories
10. Autumn
11. Doris Day-style dresses
12. Improving my ASL skills
13. Hot chai tea
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: Chewbacca the American
DATE: 10/13/2005 10:57:00 AM
-----
BODY:
The geek in me thought
this was so cool.
Peter Mayhew, the actor who brought Chewbacca to life in the Star Wars films, will soon become a United States citizen. I always find it heart warming when long time residents decide to become American citizens. It's not a business decision or a casual affair. Mr. Mayhew bought a new suit for the swearing in ceremony. It's an event!
I remember watching Mikhail Baryshnikov take the oath of citizenship. He defected from Russia in 1974. On July 3, 1986 in a televised Independence Day celebration, he took the oath along with hundreds of other immigrants. Being a celebrated dancer, the camera focused on him. It was an intense emotional moment, played out in his expressions.
It makes me wonder who loves this country more; those of us who are born here and often take all the privileges for granted? Or those who choose to change their status and BECOME Americans?
--------
AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: And the winner is.....
DATE: 10/11/2005 12:36:00 PM
-----
BODY:
I should be a gambler. My luck is really very good. I often win contests. By fluke and odd circumstance, I have fallen into some pretty cool situations. Last week I was blog surfing. I came upon a site with a trivia contest. I answered the questions and viola! This came in the mail today. Thanks,
Cassie. I love it!
I entered another contest this weekend. The prize is 2 tickets to an exclusive invitation only concert in Knoxville. Let's see if my winning streak continues.....
--------
AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE:
DATE: 10/09/2005 03:43:00 PM
-----
BODY:
John Lennon said, "Life is what happens when you're busy making other plans."
This weekend, we were busy making other plans. Our family farm is hosting a corn maze, five acres of winding, twisting and turning paths. There are pumpkins to be diplayed, hay bales to be carried and candied apples to be prepared.
But then, LIFE happened. We discovered this little guy.
We had no idea there was a calf on the way. He was born to a heifer. She rejected him, so he'll have to be fed on a bottle. He's weak and shaky, but Uncle Mike says he looks determined.
Jason named him Cash, because he's all in black. We're all pulling for the little guy.
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: No, I don't want to count.
DATE: 10/06/2005 05:35:00 PM
-----
BODY:
Along with all the other changes around here, I removed the counter. Granted, it is cool to check in on Monday morning and see how many visitors I had. It was nice to run some numbers through the IP locator and see where my readers are. BUT, I found myself caring. I caught myself fretting over Wednesday's numbers being lower than Tuesday's.
We won't be going down that road. I removed the counter as a proactive measure. The last thing I'm looking for is another anxiety trigger.
If you're visiting me, drop a comment. Let me know you were here. I promise not to email you with a 'limited time offer' or add you to any mass mailing lists.
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: Under Construction
DATE: 10/06/2005 11:06:00 AM
-----
BODY:
Well? What do you think?
Positive comments only, please. I'm asking to be encouraged not corrected. If you can't say something good...
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: Here's the thing:
DATE: 10/04/2005 03:38:00 PM
-----
BODY:
I'm wanting to change the look around here. (It's a recurring theme, I know.) But I can't find a blog skin that fits me. Do they make plus size blog skins? ( Sorry, couldn't resist.)
Here are my criteria:
I'm not depressed, lovelorn, lonely or a teenager. I do not have a fascination with teddy bears, vampires, fairies or angels. I don't want rain clouds, dark shadowed streets or lonely open fields. I'm not angry with anyone. I'm not missing anyone.
I like being a girl.
Is there a blogskin out there for me?
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: Ahhh! The simple pleasures of life
DATE: 10/03/2005 03:56:00 PM
-----
BODY:
This past weekend I picked up a new pair of jeans. Is there anything more comfortable than the perfect pair of jeans? I think not. I go home every evening after work, pull on these perfect jeans and wear them until bed time. I'll do this every day until Oct 21. I'll wash them a few times in between, of course. By Oct 21 (the date of the NC state fair in Raleigh) they will be sublime.
Ahhh! The simple pleasures of life.
Now to find the perfect shirt.....
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: But I digress...
DATE: 10/03/2005 12:16:00 PM
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BODY:
I know the concert and all the excitement was LAST saturday, but SOMEBODY won't let it go. So, to get SOMEBODY off my back.....
This is my friend Bari and her adorable sidekick Lawson with one amazing keyboardists.
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: The self-improvement game
DATE: 9/28/2005 05:48:00 PM
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BODY:
Do you ever surprise yourself? Do things you had no idea you were capable of? Or fail at things you never thought would snag you?
After
Sarah posted about some cool new blogskins, I got it in my head that I need a new look around here. So I spent an hour or so creating a new face for Haystacks. It turned out really well, I though. A whimsical cartoon of a girl standing in the rain. Colorful. Girly. Perfect.
You'll notice the yellow and green dots are still here....
It was just too compartmentalized. Too orderly. I'm a right brainer to the core. I like things out in the open where I can see them, analyze and make decisions.
Maybe I was trying to prove to myself that I am not as resistant to change as I know myself to be. I can't seem to let go of my original template. (SNAG!)
I did however drive in Atlanta traffic this week without having a panic attack. SCORE!
It seems I'm one for one in the self improvement game.
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: Rock N Roll Roadtrip Part 2
DATE: 9/26/2005 05:37:00 PM
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BODY:
Saturday was all about
Third Day. We saw some other interesting stuff, but the day was about seeing our favorite band. They were tired. The set was a bit shorter than I would like, but I cannot and will not complain. They NEVER disappoint. Here are a few snaps from Saturday.
Dr. Mark Lee
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE:
DATE: 9/26/2005 05:18:00 PM
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BODY:
Brad, Jason & Mark
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE:
DATE: 9/26/2005 05:17:00 PM
-----
BODY:
The best part of a show? A picture!
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: Rock N Roll Roadtrip
DATE: 9/26/2005 05:15:00 PM
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BODY:
We drove just under 800 miles these last few days. We saw Dwight Yoakum, Overflow, Falling Up, Fabrik, Everyday Sunday and Third Day in concert.
Sorry, no pictures from the Dwight show. I'll just have to ponder that show in my heart. Take my word for it when I tell you...It was phenomenal! If you get the chance to see him live, don't miss it!
We saw
Overflow for the first time. What a great bunch of guys!
We heard some great bands and met some wonderful people. Here's a glimpse:
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE:
DATE: 9/26/2005 05:10:00 PM
-----
BODY:
My buddy Lawson with Fabrik
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE:
DATE: 9/26/2005 04:53:00 PM
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BODY:
Hey, Jamie! I'm lovin' up on some Matthew O. Hayes
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE:
DATE: 9/26/2005 04:51:00 PM
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BODY:
I can't help myself, I love this guy!
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE:
DATE: 9/26/2005 04:50:00 PM
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BODY:
Matt burnin' up the keys!
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE:
DATE: 9/26/2005 04:44:00 PM
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BODY:
Josh and me...
Okay, now I'm just bragging.
If you get the opportunity to see OVERFLOW in concert, don't miss it. These guys put on an energetic, loud, rockin' show.
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE:
DATE: 9/26/2005 04:43:00 PM
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BODY:
Josh and gator on a stick...taste just like chicken.
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: The Tao of packing
DATE: 9/21/2005 06:00:00 PM
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BODY:
"I won't need this. Will I?" Better pack it, just in case.
I'm making preparations for our weekend trip, deciding what to pack, what to leave behind. As I was making my list I thought about how I mentally pack and unpack.
I'm worried about a friend who seems distant lately. (Better pack that.)
Budget issues at work are a major concern. (I won't need that until Monday morning. Leave it behind.)
I have friends directly affected by the evacuations happening in Houston. (Certainly want to keep that close by.)
I had hoped to lose another 10 lbs before this trip. (No need to worry with that now; unpack it.)
As I throw my favorite jeans and my must-have hair paste in my suitcase, I rifle through all the concerns and worries I carry with me. I lay a few aside. They will keep. But I hold a few close, knowing I will find time on the drive to say a prayer and think good thoughts for those I love.
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: Some Bob Dylan and some Chick-rock
DATE: 9/19/2005 12:19:00 PM
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BODY:
In part,
____________________________________________
Advice for Geraldine on her Miscellaneous Birthday
stay in line. stay in step. people
are afraid of someone who is not
in step with them. it makes them
look foolish t' themselves for
being in step. it might even cross
their minds that they themselves
are in the wrong step. do not run
nor cross the red line. if you go
too far out in any direction, they
will lose sight of you. they'll feel
threatened. thinking that they are
not a part of something that they
saw go past them, they'll feel
something's going on up there that
they don't know about. revenge
will set in. they will start thinking
of how t' get rid of you. act
mannerly towards them. if you don't,
they will take it personal. as you
come directly in contact face t' face
do not make it a secret of how
much you need them. if they sense
that you have no need for them,
the first thing they will do is
try t' make you need them. if
this doesn't work, they will tell
you of how much they don't need
you. if you do not show any sadness
at a remark such as this, they
will immediately tell other people
of how much they don't need you.
your name will begin t' come up
in circles where people gather
to tell about all the people they
don't need. you will begin t' get
famous this way. this, though, will
only get the people who you don't need
in the first place
all the more madder.
you will become
a whole topic of conversation.
needless t' say, these people
who don't need you will start
hating themselves for needing t' talk
about you. then you yourself will
start hating yourself for causing so
much hate. as you can see, it will
all end in one great gunburst.
_________________________________________
Ever so often I read this poem. It reminds me that I do not need some one else to be who I am. On that note I think I'll fire up some Chick-rock with
Antigone Rising. I'm feeling rebelious today...
I came across
this interview with Donald Miller; great insights from one of the spokesmen for the postmodern movement. His book BLUE LIKE JAZZ, rests comfortably in my top10.
Have you read
VELVET ELVIS by Rob Bell? Bell's efforts to give us a 'fresh take on Jesus' are bold and controversial. Read
this interview to get an idea of what he wants this generation to know about faith and authentic Christianity. If you feel 'out of the loop' when it comes to church vs reality, this may be the book for you.
There's no reason for this post other than the fact that looking at these 2 pictures always brings a smile to my face. That's my niece, Hayley on the left. That's me, circa 1974. (with my world famous Grandma, AnnaBelle)
Hayley's mother likes to tell people that Hayley looks like her. I think we all can see who Hayley takes after, can't we? :D
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: Noah's Wish
DATE: 9/12/2005 02:52:00 PM
-----
BODY:
In the midst of all the human suffering we have witnessed this week, let us not forget our companions.
Noah's Wish is a non-profit organization dedicated to rescuing animals in disaster situations. They shelter the animals, tend to their medical needs and reunite them with their owners, if possible.
There is no debate here regarding the importance of human life, the dire need to meet the needs of the people of the Gulf States. I am not asking that you defer funds you would have given to Red Cross or World Vision. I'm asking you to consider giving an additional amount to support this foundation. If you have ever loved an animal, you can understand the despair some families have felt at having to leave a beloved pet behind.
Wouldn't you appreciate some one giving $5, $10 or $20 to save your favorite furball? Give it some thought....
Then go to
Noah's Wish and put that feeling into action.
Over the last several weeks, we have had a team working to renovate our youth room at church. This room was at one time the main sanctuary. Our youth inherited white walls, orange carpet and stained glass windows. Very hip, no? No.
The transformation has been radical. The slanting floor was built up in the back, tiled and surrounded by wooden rails. The main floor was relieved of its orange-ness and covered in berber carpet. Hardwood flooring now covers the stage at the front of the room. The walls are now a warm, inviting taupe.
While the work was in progress, there were stacks of ripped carpeting, broken tile and wood chips everywhere. Often I could hear the sounds of saws, hammers and loud fans from the upstairs rooms. It was an involved process, making all those changes.
I have been reading some amazing books lately that have shaken my views of life and all that entails. I'm renovating. I'm reshaping my opinions and my beliefs. I'm pulling up rotted, old, out of date coverings and refashioning my spirit.
The stained glass windows remain. Once the room was recarpeted, painted and updated, the windows brought a touch of tradition. They remind us where we came from to get to the place we are now.
I have those in my remodeled spirit as well. I intend to hold on to them, for without a reminder of where we began, we loose track of where we're going.
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: Fall is in the air
DATE: 9/09/2005 10:02:00 AM
-----
BODY:
There is something about the onset of autumn that gives my spirits a lift. As the leaves fall, I think of closing the book on another year. Our family farm has a pumpkin patch, a rather large one. At harvest time we walk the rows, picking the plump, orange goards that are ready for market. Several times over a 3-4 week period this process will be repeated. Only the fully grown pumpkins with good color are picked. The goards that never matured or are marked in any way are passed over. At the end of the season, the plants not chosen for market are left to rot and enrich the soil.
So as this year draws to a close, I will inventory the past months. I will chose to hold dear the things that are noble, beautiful, pure, and lovely. I will leave to rot all the lowly, ugly, unworthy, mistakes and missteps. These things will decay and become soil for next year's crop.
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE:
DATE: 9/08/2005 03:03:00 PM
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BODY:
Sometimes encouragement comes from the most unexpected source at the most unexpected times. This morning I gathered with friends at the graveside of a sweet man, to say goodbye. Stanley was my Sign Language instructor. He taught me everything I know about Deaf culture and communication. I confess, I have been worried about taking on the ministry without him. I can't say that I have ever felt ready for such a responsibility. I have always felt lacking in my skills as an interpreter.
After the graveside service, I stood there among the Deaf. I was smiling and nodding as they told stories about Stanley and all he had meant to them, but in my mind I was thinking, "I'm not ready. I don't think I can do this." Some one put their hand on my shoulder. I turned to see Sharon. She is a licensed interpreter, very well trained and highly qualified in ASL. She works for the state office of Communications for Deaf and Hearing Impaired. She hugged me and said, "Stanley taught you well. You're very, very good at what you do. I know he was proud of you. He trusted you to carry on this work."
As Stanley would often say when he wanted me to interpret, "It's all yours, Mrs. T."
He will be greatly missed...
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: Left click for hurricane relief
DATE: 9/07/2005 01:33:00 PM
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BODY:
With all the activities and opportunities to support hurricane relief, it's hard to know what to do. While many will give larger sums to the charity of their choice and donate items in local area drop off points, there are small things we can all do as well.
The guys of
Third Day have released a beautiful song called "Cry Out To Jesus". This moving song of hope is being given away on their website. For every unique download, the band is pledging $1 for World Vision Hurricane Relief. Go to
this site. Download the song. Listen, enjoy, be encouraged.
Perhaps the title doesn't appeal to you, that doesn't matter. By downloading the song you put $1 in the pot for World Vision.
Supporting others' efforts is just another way to DO SOMETHING.
--------
AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: Yet another opportunity...
DATE: 9/03/2005 07:23:00 PM
-----
BODY:
Maybe you want to give again? Here's a sweet deal. Go to
Randy's site and follow the instructions for giving to the hurricane relief funds. Your contribution could net you a signed print by this gifted artist.
The total devastation I am seeing on the news is beyond belief. I feel as though I'm watching a film from a third world country or a made for TV disaster movie. I cannot begin to imagine what the people in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama are suffering though.
We can all do something. Don't waste your energy on pity. That will serve no purpose. Put your compassion into action. Send money. Send supplies. Contact a local church or Red Cross chapter and ask how you can help. PRAY!
Monday Jason and I will be working at the local Red Cross drop point for supplies. We'll be manning the supply drop off station, gathering and sorting supplies. It's a small contribution, I know, but I have to do something. Don't you?
On a side note, Mark is doing a fundraising drive on his
site. Go. Contribute. Maybe you'll win an autographed CD in the process.
I heard this several weeks ago and it has stuck with me. It was the story of Paul being lowered in a basket over the city walls to escape persecution by the religious leaders who didn't care for a reformed murderer preaching the gospel. The title of the lesson was, "Don't let go of the rope".
Don't let go of the rope because:
1) You don't know who is in your basket.
Only God knows the amazing things that can be accomplished by this person you hold on to. Who knows what the future will bring? Paul went on to write most of the New Testament.
2) You don't know how far they are from the bottom.
Don't give up on them now, you don't know how far they have to fall. You have no idea how close they are to getting it all together.
3) You may be the only one holding the rope.
The Bible tells us the disciples held the rope. How many? We don't know. What if you're the only lifeline that person has?
I have thought about these points many time over the last few months. At first I thought of myself only as the one holding the rope, but then I began to think of myself as the one in the basket. So to all those who hold my ropes: Don't let go. I may be something special, yet. I might be closer to the bottom than you think and you may be the only one keeping me from falling just now.
Don't let go of the rope.
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: Ali said this was fun....
DATE: 8/30/2005 02:06:00 PM
-----
BODY:
...so I made a South Park Jason and Me. What do you think?
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: In honor of Warren Zevon
DATE: 8/30/2005 08:57:00 AM
-----
BODY:
Jason and I have decided to use our savings (set aside to finish the dining room) for a road trip! We're off to Atlanta September 22 to see Dwight Yoakum! I'm psyched! Yoakum is one of our favorite artists and we've never seen him in concert.
What of the half-finished dining room? The bare floors? The naked windows? The unpainted walls? They can wait. Dwight cannot.
We'll drive the 5 1/2 hours to Atlanta, enjoying each other's company, talking, singing with our favorite songs to the top of our lungs, playing a little air guitar. Who knows? We might stop along the way and enjoy a sandwich...
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: Bridge Building 101
DATE: 8/29/2005 12:13:00 PM
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BODY:
My Pop is a construction foreman. He builds bridges. Nothing aggravates him more than an engineer. Period. Because my father is a bit of a slow talker and older than your average foreman, these young bucks try to talk over his head. It rarely works. He may not understand all the technical engineering terminology, but he knows bridges. Don't challenge him.
People often use a 'specialized vocabulary' to speak of spiritual matters. I call it Christian-eese. "Walk by faith... Blinded eyes. ...For the remission of sins...Under the blood..." You get the idea. It's not that the message is not valid. It is. But why cloak it in terms that not everyone understands? Who are we trying to impress?
Let's put down our blue prints. Lay aside our diplomas and certificates. Talk to people in a language they understand or this bridge will never get built.
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: TGIF
DATE: 8/26/2005 04:19:00 PM
-----
BODY:
Where have I been all week? Right here. Staring at a blank computer screen. I have been in a serious funk. I cannot write anything when I feel this way. I could try, but believe me, we would both regret the effort. It's depressing and no one wants that.
It has been a week of ups and downs. Such is life, I suppose. I have realized, yet again, I can take the most positive things, analyze them to the nth degree and turn them negative. It's a gift.
I said to a friend, "I tend to over analyze." She responded in a searing, mocking tone, "Really? I hadn't noticed."
I'll have some therapy this weekend (i.e. girl talk, rum ice cream and Harrison Ford movies) and by Monday I'll be back in the swing of things. I hope. If not, be standing by with a cell phone, some rum ice cream and a DVD of Regarding Henry.
--------
AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE:
DATE: 8/22/2005 04:08:00 PM
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BODY:
As I was prowling through cyber space via the 'NEXT BLOG' button, I came across an almost empty blogspot. There was a clip art picture with no text. Below the picture were 13 comments. What was there to comment on? Curiosity got the best of me and I read the comments.
Not surprisingly, most of the comments were advertisements. You've seen those, right. "Great blog! I'll be bookmarking this! Check out my page at 'buy this crap.blogspot.com'". You know the comments I'm talking about, I'm sure.
One in particular caught my eye. "I spend all day reading blog posts and this is one of the best!" it proclaimed. The next line was the clincher. There it was, underlined and hightlighted to indicate a link, "You can buy Cialis on line." And I'm thinking, its not doing you much good if you're sitting around reading strangers' blogs all day.
I don't know why, but this struck me as really, really funny.
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: Who speaks for you?
DATE: 8/22/2005 01:29:00 PM
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BODY:
In an effort to battle prejudice, a library in Sweden has begun allowing patrons to 'borrow a person'. According to
this article, a homosexual, an imam, a journalist, a Muslim woman and a gypsy will be available for 45 minute check outs. Interesting concept; I commend these people for their willingness to open themselves to all sorts of questions and opinions.
As I read the article, it occurred to me; who would speak for an entire culture, race or profession?It is a bold thing to declare yourself a spokesperson for thousands of people.
If people are so ignorant as to be prejudice in the first place, would this make a dent in their myopic opinions?
If some one had a prejudice against chubby women who dye their hair, I would be a great representative. I meet the requirements, but I only represent myself. I'm afraid I wouldn't do much to shake the stereotype. I'm funny, smart and sometimes I try too hard. If that's your opinion of chubby girls who dye their hair various shades of red and blonde...you're actually dead on.
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: Ragamuffin Gospel by Brennan Manning
DATE: 8/22/2005 10:16:00 AM
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BODY:
This book is amazing! I can't say I understand or agree with everything Manning serves up, but I am blown away by his explanation of grace. If you have ever wondered what this whole Jesus thing is all about, get this book! If you know what this Jesus thing is all about but feel like you're somehow missing the point (that was me), get this book!
After you read it, email me and tell me what you thought. I would love to know.
I'm pouting today.
I plan to pout all this weekend and possibly into the early part of next week.
Three of my dearest friends are off on an adventure without me.
Be careful. Think of me every minute and bring back TONS of pictures!
I'll just stand here waiting....pouting.....
It's all about perspective, isn't it?
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: I think I might cry...
DATE: 8/18/2005 12:34:00 PM
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BODY:
I love James Bond a little less today.
Jason broke the news to me. It's
official. Pierce Brosnan has been released from his James Bond role.
Sean Connery is the standard, I realize, but Pierce brought Bond to life in the age of believable technology.
Who will take his place? I do not know, nor do I care. They can hire whomever they wish. He may be a better actor. He may be younger and more capable of the physical stunts required, but it would be impossible for him to be more gorgeous. I state for the record: Pierce Brosnan is the most beautiful man I have ever seen.
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: One blogger's vulgarity is another blogger's poetry.
DATE: 8/18/2005 11:29:00 AM
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BODY:
It seems Blogger has been making some minor changes around here as well. There is now a button on the toolbar titled "Flag". It seems this button is to report any inappropriate posts to Blogger HQ.
I am curious to see how this plays out. What is inappropriate?
I am a fan of the 'Next Blog' button. I like to stroll through cyber space and people watch. If I find something offensive, I quickly click the button again and move on. I have no desire to lead a revolt to remove some one's blog because it offends me. I don't have that kind of time in my life...well, I do, but I don't chose to use it that way.
I've seen some curious people while clicking the 'Next Blog' button. There is a woman who writes her blog in the voice of her infant child. Absolutely the most obnoxious thing I have ever read. Have you seen the guy who takes pictures of himself naked in front of famous landmarks? It's more hysterical than offensive. "This is me at the gates to Salem, Mass." And he's completely nude! You have to give him points for originality.
I tell you who has objection's material; those people who use tiny pink font on a white background. That's highly objectionable. I just might report them.
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: Miscellaneous Information
DATE: 8/17/2005 03:15:00 PM
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BODY:
I made some minor changes around here.
First, I put a picture of my adorable self on here. ;) In black and white, of course. ($75 to get 4 shades of color on my head and I won't use color photos. Go figure.)
Second, I increased the font size. Vanity be damned! I cannot read small print!
I had considered writing my own template instead of continuing to use the cookie cutter option, but after wrestling with my 1 photograph and arguing with the font choices for 30+ minutes, I've had a change of heart. Get used to the green and yellow dots, they're here to stay.
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: My Rant
DATE: 8/16/2005 12:43:00 PM
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BODY:
I try to curb the rantings around here. Who wants to hear people rant? But....here goes!
There is no reasonable explanation as to why an airline ticket would more than triple in price from Friday morning to Monday afternoon!! None whatsoever!!
I get it. Fuel is expensive. I'm aware of that, thank you. But TRIPLE? Vultures!
I'm not going. So, there! You won't be getting my $325 and you certainly won't be squeezing $998 bucks out of this sister.
Sigh.....I feel better.
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: What does Thomas Wolfe know, anyway?
DATE: 8/12/2005 11:54:00 AM
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BODY:
Thomas Wolfe said, "You can't go home again", but today I got so close.
My beautiful niece, Hayley, began 7th grade today. She's had more than a few academic rough spots. She has been labeled as 'difficult'. Some teachers would rather not deal with her, I'm sure.
A few carefully placed comments and more than a few prayers brought good results. She was placed in Mrs. B's class.
Mrs. B was my 6th grade teacher. She expected no less than your best and she would torture you to get it. Sometimes that torture came in the form of foreign root words and their meanings written 20 times. Sometimes that torture came in the form of a bear hug and a whisper. She is one of the people who shaped the person I am today.
As I watched Hayley settling into her new environment, I couldn't help but think of myself 24 years ago. I was awkward, chunky, smart but unsure of myself. I made decisions later in life that were greatly impacted by that year. I made choices. I decided who I would become. I see Hayley moving toward that revelation and it makes my heart sing.
I suppose Mr. Wolfe was correct. You can't go home again, but if it's all the same to him I'll sit here by the widow and watch it all unfold again.
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: God cares about what I care about.
DATE: 8/12/2005 10:08:00 AM
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BODY:
I have 2 truths in my life.
Truth #1: Nothing I do will make God love me more and nothing I do will make God love me less.
Truth #2: God cares about what I care about.
I want to focus on Truth #2. There are 2 thoughts in this statement. First, God is concerned about what I care about. He wants my thoughts and desires to be positive. ( Summing it all up, friends, I'd say you'll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious--the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Philippians 4:8 The Message)
Second, God cares about the things that are important to me, because He cares about ME.
I got a package in the mail yesterday, a letter from Coca Cola Inc. Last April Jason won a contest. The prize was an XM car radio. Cool, huh? We thought so, too. It seems Coke had underestimated the value of the previously unreleased item. So, to make up for it, they sent us a $55 gift certificate for XM radio fees or accessories and $180 in American Express Travelers' Cheques. These facts alone would be interesting enough. However, you should know I was $180 short on my savings for a new dining room table. 
In the grand scheme of things, does it matter if I have the furniture I really want or any furniture for that matter? Of course not! But, because God cares about what I care about, I will soon be the proud owner of this lovely table.
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE:
DATE: 8/11/2005 01:15:00 PM
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BODY:
Is it November yet?
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: You write like a GIRL!!!
DATE: 8/10/2005 01:34:00 PM
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BODY:
Writers, check
this site out. Copy and paste your writings, preferably 500+ words and the hardware and blinking lights will guess if you are male or female. The guessing is gauged by your usage of masculine vs feminine words. Try it.
Although I think my subject matter is more feminine slanted, I wasn't surprised that it guessed me as 'male'. I've been told more than once that I think like a man. What can I say? My father wanted a boy.
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: "Your porch needs railing."
DATE: 8/09/2005 01:17:00 PM
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BODY:
A few weeks ago, we did some quick home improvement around our house. We had a 'temporary' front stoop for about 5 years. When a house down the street got a face lift, we took their old 8x10 back deck and made a new front porch. The deck had railing. I didn't care for them, so we detached the railing and left just the platform and steps.
Upon inspection, a neighbor pointed out, "Your porch needs railing." I explained that since there were no children to be watched over, there was really no need for it. My neighbor continued, "But what is it without railing? Just an open platform."
Last night as I sat on my new front "platform" talking on the phone, it occurred to me. That's exactly what I want: OPEN PLATFORM. No railing to bind me in.
Jason and I appreciate our unfettered, uncomplicated lifestyle. We meet all our responsibilities with time to spare. We go out for coffee at 9:30 in the evening to the next town 45 minutes away, because we can. We take naps from 8:30 -10 pm, then stay up watching movies until 2 am, because we can. With very little notice, we throw some clothes in a backpack and take off on road trips, because we can.
No, dear neighbor, you are mistaken. Neither my porch, nor my life need railing.
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: 11 down, 39 to go!
DATE: 8/05/2005 09:50:00 AM
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BODY:
August 6, 1994
My goodness! We look 16!
Tomorrow we will celebrate 11 years!
Love is not an emotion, it's a decision. This is a picture of the best decision I have ever made.
Happy Anniversary, Hubby.
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: "Okay, okay. Everybody can fly!"
DATE: 7/31/2005 11:27:00 PM
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BODY:
If you could have a super power, what would it be?
Flying is a given. Everybody wants the power of flight.
I want to be able to become invisible.
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: Are you a gamer?
DATE: 7/29/2005 04:53:00 PM
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BODY:
Um...me neither. I don't have the hand-eye coordination required to be a gamer. Nor do I have the attention span. Those games that go on for hours and hours and hours are just not for me.
This is my idea of gaming.
I haven't played them all yet, but so far
this is my favorite. And I like
this one.
This one is cute, but I keep drowning the bird... :(
This cool web site is filled with simple (oh so simple!) games to waste a few minutes of your day.
I would think these would be great for small kids just leaning to use a mouse.
Click on the colorful square and follow the easy 2 step instructions.
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: I can say, "I knew them when".
DATE: 7/29/2005 01:56:00 PM
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BODY:
Somewhere, some one can say, "I knew Allison Kraus when she played fiddle in the bluegrass festivals held in cow pastures." There is, somewhere a waitress who served Sheryl Crowe coffee after she played for tips. I'm willing to bet Bonnie Rait still has friends who knew her before she became known to us as one of the greatest slide guitarists of all time.
Last evening Jason and I spent a few hours at Starbucks. Our friends Rachel, David and Jacob made their debut as 3 Lefts Right. They offered a great blend of secular and spiritual accoustic tunes. (My personal favorites were "Crazy" and "Ups&Downs".) They sounded great. They were well received. This could be the beginning of something great for them.
I look forward to the day I can brag, "I knew them when..."
I think I'll avoid the rush and start bragging now that I'm friends with these 3 beautiful, talented people.
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: Dwight Yoakum: Blame The Vain
DATE: 7/26/2005 01:18:00 PM
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BODY:
I could talk about how this is a milestone for Dwight Yoakum. I could comment on his split with producer/guitarists Pete Anderson. I could, because Jason has spoken of it often and I listen well. I am in no way a musician. I am, in fact musically illiterate. I only know what I like. And I like this CD.
The term 'reckless joy' was used by Dwight Yoakum to describe this record. I think it's the perfect term. From the raucous beginnings of "Intentional Heartache" into the British accented mini play backed with techno synth intro of "She'll Remember", it's pure joy! "Does It Show?" reminds you why you loved him with Buck Owens. "Lucky That Way" and "Just Passing Time" are the type of deep reaching, evolved songs that all Tim McGraw's ballads want to be when they grow up. "When I First Came Here" seems to go on too long, but after a few listens, I started to feel the story in the length of the song; the aching of holding onto a feeling, unable to let it go.
Whether you're just a casual fan or you're up to your ears in Dwight Yoakum, you need this recording!
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: Are you a book snob?
DATE: 7/25/2005 08:44:00 AM
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BODY:
Many years ago, I worked as a live-in nanny. (One of the greatest jobs I've ever had!!) One of my charges was an 12 year old budding genius named Neal. Neal was an avid reader. He was into Tolkien long before Peter Jackson made it hip. Neal and I would sit for hours and discuss science fiction and fantasy literature. For Christmas one year his mother bought us each a copy of Wells The Time Machine and we read it together.
I was away from the family home one weekend and had left behind a paperback. The paperback was in a plastic book cover bearing the logo of a local used bookstore. (When you buy and trade paperbacks as often I did, a book cover is a good investment.) The bright green cover hid the title of the book. The only way to know what was inside, was to open it. Several times over the weekend Neal commented to his mother, "I wonder what Traci is reading." His mother told him to leave the book alone. It was not his business. His mother told me he imagined all sorts of titles that I might be reading. Titles I would then pass on to him and we would discuss and dissect.
When I returned to work the following Tuesday, Neal was distant. He didn't want to discuss much of anything with me. Finally, on Thursday night I asked. "What's the problem here?"
He looked at me with disapproval. "Star Trek?!?! You're reading Star Trek novels?!?" The little book snob had sneaked a peak!
I tell you all this by way of confession. While others in my
book club are catching up on the classics they skipped in high school, I am lazing around in the flashy and cheap science fiction bin. While others are discovering the joys of The Great Gatsby and War and Peace, I am delving into alternate universes and time travel gone wrong. It's summer and I'm relaxing with some quick and easy reads.
You're going to act distant now, aren't you?
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: Therapy Nation
DATE: 7/22/2005 09:55:00 AM
-----
BODY:
I was sitting in a coffee shop a couple of weeks ago. As I sipped my raspberry latte and flipped through a Nick Bantock book, the man at the next table poured out his life story. "My Mother is not a very nice person. I hate to say it but it's true. My Father was never really there for me. I was a great disappointment to him. My brother is emotionally disconnected from the family and my sister is always trying to fix us."
He went on for the next 20 minutes, elaborating on each family member and how their personality triats shaped him into the loser he is today.
At first I thought the man was talking on a cell phone. I never heard another voice. Finally, his companion exused herself. They exchanged social pleasantries and the man said, "I enjoyed meeting you. I hope we can meet again sometime."
Not likely, Buster.
We are a therapy nation and if we can't afford to pay some one to listen, we'll browbeat anyone within earshot with our complex psychosis. Don't get me wrong. I'm a big fan of therapy. I've yet to meet one person who couldn't benefit from a few hours with a professional, but we need to get a grip.
Let me make this easy for you: Your parents are just people. They did the best they knew how to do...or they didn't. Either way, you survived. Make it count.
Get help if you need help. Develop friendships. (It's okay to need a shoulder occasionally as long as this doesn't become your friend's full time job.) Pick up the pieces and move on. We are all the sum of our experiences, both good and bad. You have survived! Make it count!
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: Just a glimpse
DATE: 7/20/2005 12:30:00 PM
-----
BODY:
I had a life altering experience this weekend. (No. I'm not talking about a guitar pick!) ;)
A few days ago I posted about seeing people through the eyes of some one who loves them. I got to do that Saturday.
We were hoping to spend time with a friend who had arranged the trip for us. Work schedules got crazy and flights were delayed. Because I take everything personally, I was having abandonment issues. I was worried how I would react when I saw her. Would I get all defensive? Play like I was mad? ( I wasn't, but 'mad' is my default defense mechanism.)
When I saw her, I felt nothing but joy! My dear friend! My friend who lives almost 1,000 miles from me, right here! I was so happy to see her, I forgot all my "issues". I grabbed her and said, "I'm so glad you're here!"
On the flight home I thought long and hard about all the emotions I had felt over the weekend. I had been selfish, no doubt. I had felt hurt. Several times I caught myself trying to justify my bad attitude. Then I realized something.
I hurt God every day. Not like my friend and I, not through miscommunications or out of control circumstances; not because of my social phobias or take-everything-to-heart attitudes. No, out of blatant defiance. And everyday God throws his arms around me and says, "I'm so glad you're here!"
I got a glimpse of myself through the eyes of the One who loves me most.
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: Friends o'mine
DATE: 7/18/2005 02:57:00 PM
-----
BODY:
I could write pages and pages about the people I spent my weekend with. People who in so many ways influence my life. I made some new friends, met some friends face-to-face for the first time and held on to others so tightly because I knew this would be the last time for a long time.
A wise person once told me, "It might serve us all to become blind." We all have prejudices. The internet sometimes allows us to get past those. I deeply care for people I might never have noticed in person. I'm ashamed to say that, but I'm afraid it's true. God has gifted me greatly with these friendships. I will do my best to honor his gift with the love and care it warrants.
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: Amarillo by morning...
DATE: 7/14/2005 08:12:00 AM
-----
BODY:
Well, not exactly. Dallas-Fort Worth by tomorrow night, to be precise. (but that just doesn't have the same ring to it.)
We're off to Texas for the weekend. I admit, I've been a little troubled about the trip. It's been a case of everything that could go wrong, has. Plans have been changed, communication has broken down a few times. We were scrambling last night for a ride to the hotel. (Thanks, Jake!)
But through all the twists and turns, our attitude has been one of facetious defiance. We WILL have a good time. We WILL enjoy our 32 hours in TEXAS! We WILL.
Abraham Lincoln said most people are as happy as they make up thier minds to be. We have made up our minds. We will have a fantastic whirlwind tour of Texas! Picture postcards will be forthcoming.
Hold down the fort, while I'm gone.
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: Hello, Beautiful!
DATE: 7/12/2005 03:01:00 PM
-----
BODY:
Ugly? Yes. He has a title to prove it. But somebody loves him. He has an owner who is nursing him through a series of health problems, because she loves him.
Do we only love the beautiful people? Do we only care for and nurture those who meet the standards we have set?
Look around you . Who are the 'ugly' people in your environment? The woman who sits by her self in church, who maybe doesn't smell like roses? The guy outside your favorite restaurant who picks up trash? The kid in the lunchroom who dresses a few years out of style? Is it the lady at the office everyone makes fat jokes about?
It's not always easy to love the 'ugly' ones. Today, make an effort to see beyond the physical. See them through the eyes of some one who loves them. Maybe they will extend the same curtesy to you.
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: Don't let a suitcase full of cheese become your giant fork and spoon.
DATE: 7/09/2005 08:10:00 PM
-----
BODY:
Re: Everybody Loves Raymond:
Marie Barone is a wise woman. When Ray and Debra had an argument about who should put away the suitcase after returning home from a trip, Ray put cheese inside the bag. His plan was to break her using the sharp aroma filling the house.
Marie warned Debra with the cautionary tale of the giant fork and spoon. She and Frank had received the wooden ornaments as a wedding gift. They were hung on the kitchen wall. Through years of stubbornness and unrelenting pride the hated pieces of Americana remained. Both wanting them removed, neither willing to do it.
Sometimes we carry grudges because we are determined not to yield. We have set our minds to not appearing weak or taken advantage of. So, he lied...so, you didn't get a thank you...so.....
Don't let a suitcase full of cheese become your giant fork and spoon.
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: The Name Game
DATE: 7/08/2005 04:28:00 PM
-----
BODY:
This is the cleanest version I could find of the name generator. Yes, I know. If they want to find it, they will. Fine, but I'm not linking to them. I got kids reading this, y'know!
Here's a taste:
My Goth name is Beautiful Disgrace. (by far my favorite)
My Indian name is Rowena Blueberry Beak. (not my favorite)
My Gangsa name is Dead Bully Jamaican. (Doesn't sound too feminine, does it?)
You can call me Beautiful Disgrace if you like. But please, don't call me Rowena Blueberry Beak.
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: London? Are you kidding me?
DATE: 7/08/2005 02:22:00 PM
-----
BODY:
I have no intention of making any sort of political stand here. It's not that I don't have one, I do. I just don't want to discuss it with you.
Politics aside. London?! London?!
The English have an unbelievable fortitude. This is the nation that took on Hitler! While America was sending troops to war, holding drives for war bonds and recyclables, London was on the front lines.
To avoid political entanglements I will not elaborate on the issue of IRA bombings. I will say this, at the height of the militant IRA, bombings became so commonplace they hardly ranked front page.
I believe the terrorist have made a grave strategic error.
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: He is good
DATE: 7/08/2005 11:19:00 AM
-----
BODY:
I've been wearing my new Kendall Payne CD out! This song reminds me even when I can't tie my shoes or button my shirt, when 5 days of threatening rain clouds slow me down, HE IS GOOD.
ASLAN by Kendall Payne
Don’t stop your crying on my account
A frightening lion, no doubt
Well, he’s not safe
No, he’s not safe
Are you tempted now to run away?
The King above all kings is coming down
But He won’t say the words
You wish that he would
Oh, he don’t do the deeds you know that he could
He won’t think the thoughts you think that he should
But he is good
He is good.
I know you’re thirsty
The water is free
But I should warn you it cost everything
No, he’s not fair
He’s not fair
When he fixes what’s beyond repair
And grace is every one that don’t deserve
Now he won’t say the words
You wish that he would
He won’t do the deeds you know that he could
He won’t think the thoughts you think that he should
But he is good
He is good
No one knows him
No, eye has never seen
I don’t know him
But he knows me
He knows me
He knows me
Lay down your layers
Shed off your skin
But without his incision you can’t enter in
He cuts deep
Yes, he cuts deep
When the risk is great and the talk is cheap
But never leaves a wounded one behind
Now he won’t say the words
You wish that he would
He don’t do the deeds you know that he could
He won’t think the thoughts you think that he should
But he is good He is goodLast night I read a book called A GRACIOUS PLENTY by Sheri Reynolds. It's a quick read, only about 250 pages.
Finch Nobles tends to the flowers and shrubs surrounding an isolated cemetery in a small Southern town. Finch, who was badly burned at the age of 4, is a loner. She discovers she can hear the voices of those buried in her cemetery. Through her narrative we learn the regrets, explanations and insights of the dead. When the residents of Nobles cemetery first arrive, their spirits are heavy; unable to move about freely. It is through the telling of their stories that they 'lighten and fade away'.
I love the concept. It is through sharing our life experience that we lighten our burdens. We teach others by example or warning and are somehow able to free ourselves from the regrets of the past. I know from personal experience, sharing a painful past in order to help another lightens the spirit.
Don't search this novel for any type of Christian theology. You won't find it. Don't pick apart the visions of the afterlife we are shown. Just enjoy a good story about a woman who learns from the dead how to thrive in the world of the living.
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: Batman Begins
DATE: 7/05/2005 09:06:00 AM
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BODY:
If you're one of those people who love the set up portion of a movie, you'll like this one. It is a 2 1/2 hours of set up.
The rumble I hear is that Batman fans love this movie because it is so realistic. That was my problem with it. Batman is a comic book character. I don't want realistic, I want comic book!
We meet Bruce Wayne in some God forsaken prison in mountainous Asia. Liam Neeson frees him and teaches him how to channel his anger for justice. He returns to the Gotham and with the help of Morgan Freeman and Michael Caine, he becomes Batman, complete with all the toys.
Katie Holmes was unneccesary. (I can't see her now without thinking of Tom Cruise.) Gary Oldman was underused. Although, I did enjoy meeting his Lt. Gordon as a younger man.
To me, it was like reading the first half of a novel, having already read the ending. Maybe I take my comic book characters too seriously, or maybe not seriously enough. I'm just not sure...
In the interest of equal time, I should point out that Jason loved this movie. I'm sure he will be commenting very soon.
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: 36 Candles
DATE: 7/01/2005 01:35:00 PM
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BODY:
Drop the confetti and strike up the band!
Tomorrow is my birthday!
Is this post a shameless attempt to solicit birthday greetings? Absolutely!!
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger
DATE: 6/29/2005 11:57:00 AM
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BODY:
I finished this book Sunday night. It was a quick read. Now here is a quick review.
Henry has a genetic disorder that causes him to travel back and forth in time. Clare is the wife who anchors him to his present. The set up is pure science fiction, but the story is nothing less than a beautiful love story. The writer almost waxes over the sci-fi aspect by first making it a medical condition and secondly making Clare so real.
Henry's future is Clare's past. When Henry first meets Clare in his present, he is unaware that he has (in his future) traveled back to her all through her life. For Henry, these events have yet to occur. This sets up their love story which becomes Clare's reason for being.
The tired old time travel clichés exist, of course. Henry vanishes and reappears somewhere/somewhen else always without clothes. He plays some lottery numbers for a quick fortune and gives his friends glimpses into their future.
The telling of the events of 9/11 was eerie. It makes you wonder how differently you would have felt, had you known in advance. Even with the forewarnings Clare received, her shock and sadness are no different than the rest of the world.
The narrative told alternately in Clare's and Henry's voices flows evenly through the timescape. I was impressed that the writer not only kept the jumping time line well established, she did it without boring or losing me in the process.
There is crude language and some sexual content.
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: If there's one thing I know for sure...
DATE: 6/29/2005 10:27:00 AM
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BODY:
What is it? What's the one thing you know for sure?
I will be pondering this today. I'll get back to you. In the meantime I would love to hear your answer.
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: Hawk Nelson ROCKS
DATE: 6/29/2005 08:48:00 AM
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BODY:
If you haven't heard
Hawk Nelson, you need to check them out. They are Green Day/Blink 182 lite. I caught their show at Sonfest this weekend and I was impressed. Great sound! Fun, positive message. Strong vocals and easy to dance to. I give it a 98, Mr. Clark.
The Hawk Nelson fans behind us were having a blast. What do you think, is 35 and 5/8 too old to don a black T shirt and a duct tape necktie?
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE:
DATE: 6/28/2005 12:17:00 PM
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BODY:
My guy...and some Rockstar.
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: Beware of inside jokes...
DATE: 6/28/2005 11:53:00 AM
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BODY:
I love an inside joke! Even when I'm on the outside, I find them funny. I love to watch some one dissolve into laughter at the mention of a seemingly benign word or phrase. Say the word, "Helicopter" to Jason and me and we will grin. I guarantee it.
I just spent 3 days with some of the most wonderful people God ever made! Here is a quick Trip List. I know some of you won't have a clue what I'm talking about, but take joy in knowing somewhere some one is giggling over this list.
*It's a little toasty.
*My mom is not a very good driver.
*It never crossed my mind.
*Dreams do come true.
*...See? This is the screen...
*Sharpie! Who has a sharpie?
*More cowbell!!
*Really? How interesting....
*Why does my car smell like pickles?
Thank you for indulging me in my private jokes.
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE:
DATE: 6/28/2005 11:48:00 AM
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BODY:
Ali and Bari check out the weigh station...Bari is the Queen of Wrong Turns!
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: Dear Friend,
DATE: 6/28/2005 11:32:00 AM
-----
BODY:
Over the last few days, through a series of email conversations, I came dangerously close to hurting some one's feelings. Because I overreact and say things without thinking, I fear I almost lost a friend.
I don't have so many wonderful, selfless friends that I can go around shooting my mouth off and causing damage. Sometimes I just can't stand myself.
So, my friend, if you're reading this, (and I'm pretty sure you are) I'm sorry. I'll do better next time.
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: Giggle
DATE: 6/27/2005 03:10:00 PM
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BODY:
Want to see some happy? Go here. That my friend, is one happy kid.
After waiting in the heat all day, David Carr (drummer for Third Day) made an appearance. Ali floated all the way home. :D
Its nice when you're heroes turn out to be all around great guys.
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: On the road again....
DATE: 6/22/2005 11:35:00 AM
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BODY:
Tomorrow we head for North Carolina/South Carolina border to jam at Carowinds Sonfest.
I will be absent from cyberspace for a few days.
Take good notes. Don't say anything awful about me while I'm gone.
I will return with stories and photographic illustrations. (and a nasty sunburn, I suspect....)
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: Not to toot my own horn but.....
DATE: 6/21/2005 02:47:00 PM
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BODY:
HONK!
Check out the second comment on
this post. I am honored and excited beyond words. Follow the links and download the program. It's fascinating. A blog smorgasboard.
It's that time again. Vactions. My friends are all abuzz talking about cruises and road trips. We're planning quite a few jaunts around the board ourselves. It gets me thinking. What is your ideal DREAM VACATION?
Is it sandy beaches and palm trees? Maybe you're like me, mountains and babbling brooks?
All things being equal, (meaning cost is not an issue and my cats are provided a qualified, well trusted pet sitter) I would choose a place with the following criteria.
*Isolated. If I want people, I'll go find them.
*Quiet. I'll bring my own music, thank you. If we want chatter, we'll talk.
*Comfortable temperature. By 'comfortable', I mean not hot.
*Modern conditions. Nothing fancy but I'm not into roughing it.
I'm imagining a little bed and breakfast cottage on an Irish hillside. What about you? What's the ideal spot for your DREAM VACATION?
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: Moments
DATE: 6/17/2005 08:42:00 AM
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BODY:
I went to Europe when I was a teenager. We were in Paris on a Friday night and it was pouring rain. Rather than brave the weather, about a dozen of us piled into one hotel room and played cards all night. Well into the evening one of my roommates came to a startling conclusion. Flatly, she said, "Here we are: young and beautiful. A Friday night in the most exciting city in the world and we are hold up in a third rate motel playing BS and drinking Algerian wine from the bottle."
Strange how that stands out in my memory. I can't for the life of me tell you what we did that afternoon or the next morning. Life is made of moments, not hours, not days. Moments.
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: Speaking of exciting Friday nights
DATE: 6/17/2005 08:41:00 AM
-----
BODY:
Jason is off to see a Skillet concert tonight. I'm not a major Skillet fan, so I have opted out. I will be staying home, cleaning.
I'm a lousy housekeeper. I'm the first to admit it. Let's blame it on my mother, shall we? My mother is a neat freak. She will tell you otherwise, but don't believe her. She wants everything in its place. I rebelled! I'm a total slacker when it comes to cleaning. You won't find any stale food in neglected dishware. My sinks, showers and bathrooms are clean. But....dust, clutter and shoes are a different story. My record for shoes cast around the house is 9 pairs! (Jason will have to verify that, but I think I'm right.)
I find chaos comforting.
Ever so often I invite some one to visit with us. This is a kickstart. I HAVE to clean the house now. So tonight, in preparation for
ali's visit, I will clean, clean, clean. My mother will drop by. She'll be so proud. "Now, why can't you just keep it like this?" she'll ask. I will nod and kick my shoes off, sliding them under the sofa.
Don't even THINK about messin' with me!
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: PRAY
DATE: 6/15/2005 10:45:00 AM
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BODY:
(Kendall Payne)
I will pray for you now.
You have been my faithful friend.
While the road we walk is difficult indeed,
I could not ask for more than what you've already been;
only that you would say these prayers for me.
May your heart break enough that compassion enters in.
May your strength all be spent upon the weak.
All the castles and crowns you build and place upon your head,
may they all fall, come crashing down around your feet.
May you find every step to be harder than the last,
so your character grows greater each stride.
May your company be of humble insignificants.
May your weakness be your only source of pride.
What you do unto others,
may it all be done to you.
May you meet the one who made us
and see the smile upon His face, when life is through.
May your blessings be many,
but not what you hoped for.
When you look upon the broken,
let Mercy show you what you could not see.
May you never be sure of any plans you desire,
but you'll learn to trust the plan He has for you.
May your passions be tried, tested in the holy fire.
May you fight with all your life for what is true.
I have prayed for you now,
my dear and faithful friends.
what I wish is more than I could ever speak .
As the way wanders on, I long to see you once again.
Until then, would you say these prayers for me?
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: If I were a chair....?
DATE: 6/14/2005 04:25:00 PM
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BODY:
I know who I am. I know me. I may not know much, but I know me. Well....I thought so, anyway.
It is amazing how quickly you begin to doubt the 'real' you once you begin to redecorate or remodel. I'm in the process of turning a living room into a dining room. I'm trying to make the room "ME". I'm not sure how to do that. I want the room to be eclectic, but not too busy; funky but not obnoxious.
If I were a color (in the warm palette), what would I be? If I were a dining room table, what shape would I be? (Oddly enough, not oval.)
These are issues I am grappling with right now. Heavy stuff, people. Heavy stuff.
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: Out of sorts
DATE: 6/14/2005 10:54:00 AM
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BODY:
Lately I've been feeling restless. I can't pinpoint exactly what it is. I want to be somewhere else. Even now, as I sit here, I long to be somewhere else. Where? I'm not sure.
I've been thinking a lot lately about moving. Certainly not further south, too hot. Maybe west. Arizona? It's all pipe dreams, really. Financially, moving is not an option for us anytime soon.
I'm more concerned about the desire to go than the inability to fulfill it. Contentment is a goal in my life. Stability is a mainstay in my American dream. Feeling like this is not comfortable to me. It is not exciting. It's painful and I don't care for it a bit. I rather wish it would go away.
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: Outside looking in
DATE: 6/14/2005 08:50:00 AM
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BODY:
Sometimes when I'm driving at night, I glance at the houses I pass. Little stories begin to unfold.
I see an elderly man sitting by a lamp table, coffee cup in hand. I note that it's almost 1 am. Is he waiting on a phone call? Perhaps he got bad news today and can't calm his nerves enough to sleep. I imagine that he worked 35 plus years on the 11-7 shift and has conditioned himself to stay up until 4 or 5 am with ease. His normal bed time is still hours away.
A teenage girl sits at a piano. Does she have dreams of becoming the next Tori Amos? Is she practicing for a church performance that she knows she's not ready for? Maybe she really wants to be a drummer, but her mother thinks that's unlady like. So with every soft key she plays, she imagines herslef behind a plexi-glass wall, pounding a beat.
A dim light shines on a paneled front door. The door appears to be bright magenta. Is it that color in the daylight or is it the yellow bulb creating a new shade of pink? Perhaps the man of the house chose this color becuase the thought this is what his wife meant by 'warm and inviting'. No, I decide the wife chose the color because it reminded her of the flowers that grew in her grandmother's yard.
I wonder what stories unfold when you drive by my house.
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: Miss me?
DATE: 6/14/2005 08:44:00 AM
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BODY:
I've been slammed by work and by the weather, so I've been out of touch for a few days. Sorry about that. I'll do better.
I'm back. Cue the dancing poodles and the bubble machine. My life is a circus.
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: A sticky wicket...
DATE: 6/08/2005 02:59:00 PM
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BODY:
I have a dilemma. I have a brother that I am not particularly close to; actually, we're not close at all. This weekend he will be licensed to preach. My family is excited and of course, all are expected to attend the service. I have chosen not to attend.
There are some theology issues I won't go into. There are some personal issues I won't go into. The question is this: Do I, regardless of my reasons, have a right to pass on this family event? I know there will be hell to pay, but quite honestly, I would rather suffer the consequences of that than attend the service.
--------
AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: FedEx is the devil.
DATE: 6/07/2005 04:20:00 PM
-----
BODY:
I don't think I've mentioned that in a while. So, in case you've forgotten....FedEx is the devil.
I'm tracking my package with this handy-dandy tracking number, right? As of this morning at 8:52 am it is on the truck for delivery. (I will at this point in the story make note of the fact that the shipping station is less than 30 miles away.) I wait. I wait. I wait. I check the tracking number again at 4 pm. My package is now at the shipping station AGAIN!
Maybe you're thinking, "Chill out, Traci. They will bring it tomorrow." That's what one might think, had one not been the subject of a FedEx conspiracy in the past. A few months ago I had a run in with the local delivery station. My package had been returned to sender. When I contacted them regarding this matter, they told me I didn't exist. I assured them I did.
When my package was finally delivered to my work address, they left it without the required signature at the wrong end of the building.
I'm stressed.
--------
AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: Kendall Payne is a prophet.
DATE: 6/06/2005 08:08:00 AM
-----
BODY:
God has given me a mind
that I will use from time to time
I got more on my head
than what's made by Paul Mitchell
Supermodels by Kendall Payne
Recently, I mentioned in a casual discussion that I intended to read Tony Compolo's book Speaking My Mind. Immediately, I was chastised. "Liberal trash" is the phrase that was used.
I realize that Mr. Compolo is a far more liberal thinker than those embraced by my conservative church. I don't need to be spoonfed. I can think for myself, thank you.
It is not likely Mr. Compolo will sway my thinking on most matters. I am not afraid of hearing an opposing view. If you are, your convictions are not so strong as they are untested.
--------
AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: Because I can...
DATE: 6/02/2005 11:16:00 AM
-----
BODY:
My favorite band, Third Day, recently played in CA. A friend was kind enough to tote these banners to the meet & greet. Most of you probably know, but for those of you who may not...This is Mark Lee. He is one of the guitarists for Third Day
and an incredible songwiter. Love his work. Love his style.
The Doctor approves.
This is for Bari. Bari is a fan of Geof Barkley, touring keyboardist for Third Day. I've never met the man personally, but by all accounts he's a sweetheart.
Geof Barkley gets props.Six years ago when we moved in to our little house, we looked at the fireplace and said, "It would look great if we had a shelving unit on each side."
There was the original procrastination: We just moved in. There's so much to do. It can wait until next summer.
Some misstarts: I've never built shelving before. I have no idea how to begin.
A few budget problems: Do you know how much a piece of shelving costs? Ridiculous!
A sidebar or two along the way: Third Day filmed their latest DVD in Kentucky, a mere 7 1/2 hours away. ROAD TRIP!
Six years later, we have achieved our goal.
They are gorgeous. Perfection!
In the next few weeks, we begin transforming a never used living room into a much needed dining room. We also plan to build a wall to create a galley kitchen. If all goes well, our house will be our dream home about the time we get it paid off.
Let us hold fast to all things going well.
--------
AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: Magritte
DATE: 6/01/2005 05:08:00 PM
-----
BODY:
Rene Magritte is one of my favorite artists. I don't always understand what he's trying to convey, but I always enjoy the beauty of color and perspective.
I have an odd eyesight problem, I have no depth perception. Without my glasses I can't tell if you are standing 2 feet away or 20 feet away. Maybe that's why I love his work. It's all about a skewered perception.
--------
AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: Paris in the Springtime
DATE: 6/01/2005 04:37:00 PM
-----
BODY:
I'm a music lover. I play the radio, the CD player 24/7. Television I can take or leave. (not counting my addiction to Law & Order.) Certain records have been the sound track of my life. Over the next few days, I'll be talking about a few of them.
The first that comes to mind is U2 Unforgettable Fire. It was Spring 1985. I was on a plane to Europe. I had never flown before and was quite nervous. The guy in the seat next to me was trying to be nice and keep my mind off my irrational fears (or he was flirting...). He offered me a cassette player and a set of headphones. I don't know if I had ever heard U2 before that day.
As it turned out the guy, David, was part of the same tour group. We stayed at the same hotel and took the same tours over the next 12 days. He let me keep the player and the tape the entire visit. I walked thru Paris listening to some of the most beautiful songs I had ever heard, seeing a world I had never before experienced.
I will forever associate the Eiffel Tower and the taste of coffee with the sound of Bono's voice.
Soundtrack for my life mid-April 1985: Unforgettable Fire.
--------
AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: Audiostiles.com
DATE: 6/01/2005 03:24:00 PM
-----
BODY:
I heard about
this service on NPR. The idea really appeals to me. I answer a short questionnaire, (15 questions or so) about my music likes and dislikes, make a confession or two about what I listen to when no one is around and they create a mix for me. I could request to branch out into new genres and artists or stick with my favorites. The service offers iPod or burned CDs.
I can request a mix for driving, working out, entertaining or chilling. They apparently cater to your every mood.
I would love to hear a mix calculated by my love of Elvis, Third Day, Enya, Paul Simon, The Clash and miscellaneous Broadway tunes. I never will, though. Because I'm not willing to cough up the $60 minimum order. Maybe you are. If you do, let me know how it turns out.
--------
AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: Day off? yeah, right....
DATE: 6/01/2005 02:31:00 PM
-----
BODY:
I have reached this conclusion: A day off is not really worth the extra effort it takes to catch up when you return. I've been absent from HAYSTACKS for several days. Taking a 3 day weekend isn't all it's cracked up to be. I'm back! :D
--------
AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: Walk with me...
DATE: 5/27/2005 08:35:00 AM
-----
BODY:
Yesterday evening Jason and I took our camera for a walk.
I love photography. I love the idea of capturing a feeling or a concept on film. I'm not a great photographer, probably never will be. But I resolve to photograph the things that interest me; anything that speaks to who I am, where I've been, anything that has color that catches my eye, anything I want to remember. Maybe you'll enjoy them, too.
This is my neighborhood Thursday, May 26, 2005 approximately 8 o'clock in the evening.
Walk with me...
--------
AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE:
DATE: 5/27/2005 08:34:00 AM
-----
BODY:
Jason took this one
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE:
DATE: 5/27/2005 08:33:00 AM
-----
BODY:
Smokey comes to visit
--------
AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE:
DATE: 5/27/2005 08:32:00 AM
-----
BODY:
Peek-a-boo
--------
AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE:
DATE: 5/27/2005 08:32:00 AM
-----
BODY:
A blooming weed
--------
AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE:
DATE: 5/27/2005 08:31:00 AM
-----
BODY:
Neighbors
--------
AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE:
DATE: 5/27/2005 08:31:00 AM
-----
BODY:
The road to my house
--------
AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE:
DATE: 5/27/2005 08:30:00 AM
-----
BODY:
The veiw from my back door; HAYSTACKS!
--------
AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE:
DATE: 5/27/2005 08:29:00 AM
-----
BODY:
Why I never make the bed...
--------
AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: Sorrowful Angels by Patty Loveless
DATE: 5/26/2005 10:58:00 AM
-----
BODY:
I love this song so much. I think its the best song on her MOUNTAIN SOUL record. Her voice and this story will haunt you.
________________
(Leslie Satcher Tommy Conners)
She loved him most when his eyes were gray
The palest shade of a winter day
They filled her with a raging fire
And a bittersweet desire
She shined for him like candlelight
That softly beckons in the night
But he said no right to her face
Then simply turned and walked away
All Heaven watched from way on high
True love given and denied
And while her heart was broke and bleeding
Sorrowful angels wept into their wings
She wore him like a locket chain
Only in dreams she spoke his name
By day it sleeped upon her tongue
The taste of unrequited love
Now her hair is long and gray
The palest shade of a winter day
She never took a ring of gold
She swears she never loved a soul
All Heaven watched from way on high
True love given and denied
And while her heart was broke and bleeding
Sorrowful angels wept into their wings
Sorrowful angels wept into their wings
She loved him most when his eyes were gray
--------
AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: Bird watching
DATE: 5/26/2005 08:02:00 AM
-----
BODY:
I live out in the middle of nowhere. I work 4 miles from nowhere. The drive to my office is a trek through the back roads. I see some of the most interesting creatures in those 4 miles. Over the years I've seen bears, deer, foxes, goats, groundhogs, hawks, buzzards, and more opossums than I can count.
Today I saw the most beautiful bird. I'm not sure what type of bird it was, likely a robin or a blue jay. Both are common in this area. What made this bird special was the coloring. His feathers were the most brilliant blue I have ever seen. (I say 'he' because in the animal kingdom the males are the made up ones.)
As I watched him fly by and land on a fence postI couldn't help but smile and whisper, "You're beautiful". It occurred to me that he's going about his day, checking off his To Do List, paying no attention to me; and yet he made an impact. He caused me to stop and appreciate nature's beauty. He brought a smile to my face.
Do we ever do that? Do we cross some one's path and without any effort on our part, make them feel better about their world?
--------
AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: Tuesday 10
DATE: 5/24/2005 12:34:00 PM
-----
BODY:
As my birthday approaches, I will be pondering and pontificating on things pertaining to 1969. (And words beginning with 'P'.)
What is in a name?
Top 10 names for girls in 1969....
1) Lisa
2) Michelle
3) Jennifer
4) Kimberly
5) Melissa
6) Amy
7) Angela
8) Mary
9) Tammy
10) Laura
In case you're wondering, Tracy came in at #17. Out of the top 10 and spelled wrong to boot......
--------
AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: I want to be tragically hip.
DATE: 5/23/2005 11:50:00 AM
-----
BODY:
What exactly is a "Holla Back Girl"? And why is Gwen so defiant about it? Somebody help me out here.....
--------
AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: Reading Is Fundamental
DATE: 5/23/2005 08:04:00 AM
-----
BODY:
Remember RIF? Do they still have that in schools? That was without a doubt my favorite day of school. The librarian would call our class to the library, where hundreds of books were scattered out on tables. You could choose 2 books. FREE! I was always the last to finish. I had the hardest time making a decision. I wanted them all! I remember once a boy in my class said, "I don't want one. Take four." Oh, happy day!
This weekend while sitting outside Starbucks discussing books with some friends, Rachel spoke up. "I can't contribute to this conversation. I have only read Christian books. I have no idea what you guys are talking about." She asked me to make a list for her of my top 5 fiction, non-Christian books.
Not an easy thing to do, but I came up with 5 novels and 5 short stories. These are among my top 20 modern works of literature, but I chose these specifically for Rachel. Here's my list:
NOVELS:
*Of Mice and Men, Steinbeck: This book changed the way I think about people. Oddly enough, I've never seen the movie. Jason tells me it's very good, but it cannot be better than the one that plays in my head every time I read this story.
*Love Medicine, Erdrich: Jason introduced me to this writer. Her ability to involve you in her stories is amazing. You never want to leave the world she creates in her books.
*Gulliver's Travels, Swift: I loved this story as a child, as a teenager and as an adult. It has so many layers. It's a great story and a poignant satire.
*My Sister's Keeper, Picoult: Jodi Picoult is a modern storyteller. She creates wonderfully complicated characters. This book asked medical ethics questions that I believe scholars will debate until the end of time.
*To Kill A Mockingbird, Lee: What can I say?
SHORT STORIES:
*The Tell-Tale Heart, Poe: A descent into madness.
*Herrison Bergerion, Vonnegut: This is an amazing prediction of human behavior. I worry that it has already come to be in our education system.
*Murder On The Orient Express, Christie: The template for the murder mystery. I don't care how many times you've seen the movie, if you haven't read the story, you missed out.
*Spoon River Anthology, Masters: Okay, I know, this is more of a prose collection than a short story. But when you read it all together, it creates a vivid, well-plotted story.
*Think Like A Dinosaur, Kelly: My only SciFi offering.
Have you read any of these? Let's talk about it.
--------
AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE:
DATE: 5/20/2005 08:34:00 AM
-----
BODY:
An art professor once told me, "If you can sign your name, you have the dexterity to draw." The dexterity, yes. The skills? No. The attempt only brings frustration which fuels the emotional distress. Its a vicious circle void of creativity.
Some days I want desperately to be able to draw, to paint. I long to be able to create something from my emotions. It's a desire to purge my system, a need to make something beautiful out of something painful. I have this idea that if I could create something, it would ease the pain. I suppose that's true to some extent, but I'm not so foolish as to believe artistic talent is a cure for emotional distress.
My mother is back in the hospital. Hours upon hours spent sitting in a room listening to monitors beep and whistle. In my head I escape. I wish I could transfer the images onto paper. That would some how make them as real as the tiny, sterile room we sit in.
--------
AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: Pop Psychology
DATE: 5/20/2005 08:03:00 AM
-----
BODY:
Read
this before you continue.
Got your answers ready? Okay, here's the Kokology analysis:
Your impression of the mountain shows the image you have of your father. Difficult? Unforgiving? Gentle? Welcoming?
The stone represents your as yet undiscovered talent or strength. Your response to this question shows whether you will ever realize that potential. Did you continue the search, no matter what? That shows persistence and determination. Did you quit for the day, resolving to return? That shows you pace yourself, spreading your efforts over a long period of time. Did you give up all together?
Your description of the stone represents your feelings of self-worth.
Your parting words to the mountian reveal what you have always wanted, but never been able, to say to your father. The mountains reply shows your idea about his feelings for you.
Okay...how close was it to your life? I have to say, it was acurate for me.
--------
AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: Let's play a (head) game
DATE: 5/19/2005 04:19:00 PM
-----
BODY:
From the book KOKOLOGY:
You set out to climb a moutain, in search of a fabulously rare stone. What is your impression of the mountain as you stand at its foot?
After a hard search, you still haven't found the stone, and now the sun has fallen. What will you do next?
You have finally discovered the stone you were seeking. What kind of stone is it? Describe its size, weight and value.
Now it is time to come down from the mountain and return home. What parting words do you have for the mountain, and what is its reply?
Give it some thought. I'll post the key tomorrow.
--------
AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: Table Manners Rant
DATE: 5/18/2005 02:45:00 PM
-----
BODY:
Some things you just expect people to know. Some behaviors are not socially acceptable and we all know that, don't we?
Some one tell the woman sitting at the near table at Cheddar's last night. Follwing a meal of shrimp she piled her plates to the side, opened her purse, pulled out a long thread of dental floss and....
Yep. Flossed. All the while chatting with her companion. She would prattle on loudly and while her friend responded, she flossed.
I was taught to never talk with my mouth full and not to play with my food. No one ever gave me instructions regarding flossing at the table of a casual dining restuarant. I guess I was just expected to know. Aren't we all?
--------
AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: Tuesday 10
DATE: 5/17/2005 03:30:00 PM
-----
BODY:
My father has often said of me, "There are 2 ways to learn something; the easy way and the hard way. Traci always takes the hard way."
Ten things I learned:
1) My worth is not determined by the price or the size of my clothes.
2) Abusive boyfriends don't change.
3) It's easier to buy new lights each Christmas than to try to untangle the old ones.
4) The term "FREE KITTEN" is a misnomer.
5) Joy doesn't come from outside sources. That's happiness. And there's a difference.
6) Circumstances change, so can the people in those circumstances.
7) If you have to 'work' to impress him, he's not worth it.
8) Making an omelet isn't as easy as it looks.
9) My life, your life, no matter how scattered it sometimes seems, has purpose.
10) NOTHING is impossible with God.
--------
AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: Core Values and Me
DATE: 5/16/2005 04:54:00 PM
-----
BODY:
Randy posted
this at Ethos. I have been working on this assignment since the moment I read it. I continue to muddle through it.
This post made me think of a lesson Jason taught in Youth Group a few weeks ago. He asked the same question of several students. The exchange went something like this:
Jason: Who are you?
Student: I'm Susan.
J: Okay. I know your name now, but who are you?
S: I'm Ann's kid.
J: Okay. I know your mother's name now, but who are you?
S: I'm a Christian.
J: Okay. I know in a genearal sense what you believe, but who are you?
S: I'm a mass of cells, DNA and mostly water.
J: Okay. I know your chemical make up, but who are you?
The point Jason was making is that God is a person, not some out there entity that can't identify with us. God, in the person of Jesus Christ, was a complex physical, mental and emotional person, just like us.
My Aunt is a pyschologist. She once told me that most people figure out in their early 20's that they have issues to work out. They spend their 20's avoiding the conflict. Sometime in their early 30's they begin to confront these issues, usually by blaming their parents. By your 40's you are supposed to have worked most of the average stuff out. I'm trying to get ahead of the game.
So I carry this list with me. I'm marking things off, erasing, making some notes and reorganizing ever so often. I'm not sure I'm making any progress, but I'm getting to know myself a bit better.
...And yes, the fuzzy pink flip-flops DO help. Thank you.
--------
AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE:
DATE: 5/16/2005 08:39:00 AM
-----
BODY:
You know you want a pair! ;)
--------
AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: Just my luck.....
DATE: 5/13/2005 02:00:00 PM
-----
BODY:
It's Friday the 13th, you know....
Those of you who know me personally are probably thinking, "OMG! I can't believe she even got out of bed today!"
I admit it. I'm superstitious. I do not rock empty rocking chairs. I do not put hats on the bed or open umbrellas inside. If I spill salt, I throw some over my shoulder. I put my right shoe on first.
My Great Grandmother was superstitious. She never did laundry or cleaned the ashes out of the stove between Christmas morning and New Years Day. She would not allow red flowers and white flowers to grow side by side. I suppose I get these odd habits from her.
So...cross your fingers, knock on wood, walk in the rain, avoid sidewalk cracks and we'll make it to Saturday the 14th unscathed.
--------
AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE:
DATE: 5/10/2005 10:25:00 AM
-----
BODY:
Mom's Iris
--------
AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: Tuesday 10
DATE: 5/10/2005 08:55:00 AM
-----
BODY:
We recently bought a digital camera. I love it! I'm taking pics left and right. I'm not much of a photographer. If I take a picture of a blue parkbench shrouded in autumn foliage, it does not appear as a metaphor for life. When some one else takes the same picture, it transforms. I don't get it....maybe I never will.
Here is my list of 10 things I want to photograph.
1) Hayley on her wedding day: YEARS and YEARS from now
2) My grandfather on his 100th birthday: March 24, 2006
3) Jason standing outside the Buddy Holly Museum in Lubbock, TX: ...someday
4) The perfect snowfall
5) A perched cardinal
6) The perfect sunset
7) My entire family in one picture
8) A waterfall
9) Hayley and Pop fishing on the riverbank
10) A blue parkbench shrouded in autumn foliage
--------
AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: May the force be with you...
DATE: 5/09/2005 09:57:00 AM
-----
BODY:
There's no life lesson here. No spiritual insight. No relationship revelation. Just some really cool Star Wars pics. Enjoy!
--------
AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE:
DATE: 5/09/2005 09:55:00 AM
-----
BODY:
Sit, I did and talked with Yoda.
--------
AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE:
DATE: 5/09/2005 09:52:00 AM
-----
BODY:
Aren't you a little short for a Storm Trooper?
--------
AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: A Mothers Day retrospective
DATE: 5/09/2005 08:12:00 AM
-----
BODY:
Yesterday was Mothers Day. That's always been a difficult day for me. My mother and I were never especially close and it just seems to churn up a lot of conflicting emotions. It's not that I don't love and appreciate my mother. I do, but we've had a rough road and sometimes it's hard to lay things aside with a Hallmark card and a blooming rose. I tell you that for background information. It's not really the point.
I chose may years ago to NOT be a mother. I made a conscience decision that I would not have children. Analyze that how you wish. There has always been a part of me that felt a bit left out on Mothers Day, no strong connection to my mother and no place in the parade. (I'm not complaining. I'm stating a fact.)
This year was different. Three wonderful young women made an effort to thank me for my role in their lives. These girls are teens who come to me for advice, comfort and an occasional request for transportation. This year I got to stand on the edge of the parade and I admit it felt good.
I haven't changed my mind. I know I was not created to be a mother. I have no doubts about that, but I am more and more convinced I have a responsibility to young women around me. I'm proud to take that role of mother-type.
I hope all you ladies; mothers, mentors, favored aunts and best friends had a wonderfully blessed Mothers Day.
--------
AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: What a great question!...I think....
DATE: 5/05/2005 09:56:00 AM
-----
BODY:
I found
this while prowling through blogs. The question under the title:
What would the child I once was think of the adult I have become?
That has some wheels turning, let me tell you. It makes me think of the Bruce Willis move THE KID. Remember how disappointed the kid was to learn that his older self (Willis) was unmarried and living alone? "Not even a dog?!?!"
The younger me (under 12) would be pretty happy with how things turned out. Nice home. Good job. Wonderful husband. Bliss. Secure bliss.
The teenage me, however, would be thuroughly disgusted. (Not with my choice of a husband, mind you. Jason was one of my best friends in high school, long before we dated.) She would scream, "You work WHRE? Doing WHAT? You're BORING!" She would rage against the comfort and contentment my life gives. She would pontificate on my lack of experience in the global scheme of things. She would be mortified to learn I still live in my hometown.
She wouldn't rant for long, though. Just after the "What do you mean you don't have a college degree?" speech, and just before the "You still haven't been to Austraila, Africa or India?" montage, something colorful would distract her.
"I love your hair!!" She would gush. " Did you have it dyed or is that rasberry punch Kool-aid!?"
--------
AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: Today's Word
DATE: 5/05/2005 09:36:00 AM
-----
BODY:
In an effort to
expand my vocabulary and perhaps yours as well, I offer the occasional installment of "Today's Word".
GORDIAN
gordian (GOR-dee-uhn) adjective Highly intricate; extremely difficult to solve.
In Greek mythology, King Gordius of Phrygia tied a knot that defied allwho tried to untie it. An oracle prophesied that one who would undo this Gordian knot would rule Asia. Alexander the Great simply cut the knot with one stroke of his sword. Hence the saying, "to cut the Gordian knot" meaning to solve a difficult problem by a simple, bold, and effective action.
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: The Bear, The Fire, and The Snow
DATE: 5/04/2005 06:13:00 PM
-----
BODY:
"I live in fear of the snow," said the bear.
"Whenever it's here, be sure I'll be there.
Oh, the pain and the cold,
When one's bearish and old.
I live in fear of the snow."
"I live in fear of the fire," said the snow.
"Whenever it comes then it's time I must go.
With its yellow lick flames
Leaping higher and higher,
I live in fear of the fire."
"I live in fear of the river," said the fire.
"It can drown all my flames anytime it desires,
And the thought of the wet
Makes me sputter and shiver.
I live in fear of the river."
"I live in fear of the bear," said the river.
"It can lap me right up, don't you know?"
While a mile away
You can hear the bear say,
"I live in fear of the snow."
Shel Silverstein
What do you live in fear of?
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: "Sweep around your own backdoor"...
DATE: 5/04/2005 10:37:00 AM
-----
BODY:
...my Great Grandmother would say that often, whenever some one would take it upon themselves to point out another's mistakes or shortcomings.
We're so quick to judge, aren't we? We grab every opportunity to say, "I would never do that. I know better than that, they should too. They obviously have a problem." Etc., etc., etc. A wise man once told me we criticize because we project our own emotions into the situation. We assume 'Person A' feels or believes a certain way because that's how WE feel. (I think Will & Grace call it Hector Projector. )
Sweeping around your own backdoor is about taking a good look at yourself before you start running down the lists of other's frailties.
Here's your broom. I'll go get mine.
--------
AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: Tuesday 10
DATE: 5/03/2005 12:22:00 PM
-----
BODY:
Ten things that pick me up when I'm feeling down.
1) 80's music: Cheesy, poppy 80's dance music
2) Potato cakes: I'm a carboholic
3) An afternoon movie: something light and not too complicated
4) Animals: It's a proven fact that petting an animal lowers your blood pressure
5) Shel Silverstein: His perspective always makes me smile
6) ARCHIE comic books: Love them!
7) Having my nails done: Because when you LOOK pretty, you FEEL pretty :D
8) Creating something: stitching, writing, any kind of creative endeavor makes you feel positive
9) Girl Talk: About anything. The subject is irrelevant
10) Time with the hubby: That's my official cure-all
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: I guess you had to be there....
DATE: 5/03/2005 10:39:00 AM
-----
BODY:
Yesterday I left work a little early and took in an afternoon movie. There's something wonderfully relaxing about going to the movies in the middle of the day.
I saw HITCHHIKER'S GUIDE TO THE GALAXY. I've loved the book since I was 12. I am so excited that it finally made it to the big screen.
Here is my review:
If you haven't read the book, don't bother. You will spend the entire movie eyebrows knitted together and head tilted slightly to the left. However, if the names Arthur Dent, Ford Prefect and Zaphod Beeblebrox mean anything to you don't miss this movie.
Its almost as if the filmmakers intended it all to be an inside joke. The book is complicated and it would be impossible to bring it all to the screen, but I couldn't help but think, "They should explain the towel." (See? If you didn't read the book, you just knitted your eyebrows together and tilted your head at the towel comment.)
Arhur Dent is perfect! He walked right out of the pages of the book. Mos Def as Ford Prefect is smooth comedy timing at its best. The characters of Trillian and Zaphod didn't play as I thought they did in the book. Trillian comes off more as spacey than dreamy. Zaphod is supposed to be a self-centered egomaniac, not an idiot. The movie plods along at some points, but Vargons are not exactly exciting creatures. When you see a Vargon expect the film pace to slow. My favorite part? Alan Rickman as Marvin, the chronically depressed robot. "Sigh...Why do I bother?" Indeed.
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: Click
DATE: 4/29/2005 07:26:00 AM
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BODY:
Sometimes the moment comes in a 'click' not a 'crash'. It's that moment when you realize you cannot do 'this' again. (Maybe it's a poisoned relationship, maybe it's a bad habit, maybe it's an addiction. Your 'this' is surely different from mine.) It's that instant when somewhere inside you a voice says, "No more". And you walk away.
One might expect a crash; the sound of a carefully laid foundation, held together by vigilance, crumbling in a blast of enlightenment. But, no. Just a click, like a combination finding its mark on a safe dial.
No more.
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: My brain thinks it's 1985.
DATE: 4/27/2005 10:28:00 AM
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BODY:
1985 by Bowling For Soup
Woo Hoo Hooooo!Woo Hoo Hooooo!
Debbie just hit the wall
She never had it all
One Prozac a day
Husband's a CPA
Her dreams went out the door
When she turned twenty four
Only been with one man
What happened to her plan?
She was gonna be an actress
She was gonna be a star
She was gonna shake it right
On the hood of Whitesnake’s car
Her yellow SUV is now the enemy
Looks at her average life
And nothing has been alright
Since Bruce Springsteen, Madonna
Way before Nirvana
There was U2 and Blondie
And music still on MTV
Her two kids in high school
They tell her that shes uncool'
Cause she's still preoccupied
With 19, 19, 1985Woo Hoo Hooooo!
(1985)Woo Hoo Hooooo!
She’s seen all the classics
She knows every line
Breakfast Club, Pretty In Pink
Even St. Elmo's Fire
She rocked right out to Wham!
Not a big Limp Bizkit fan
Thought she'd get a hand
On a member of Duran Duran
Where's the mini-skirt made of snakeskin?
And who's the other guy that's singing in Van Halen?
When did reality become T.V.?
What ever happened to sitcoms, game shows on the radio?
(on the radio was)
Springsteen, Madonna
Way before Nirvana
There was U2 and Blondie
And music still on MTV
Her two kids in high school
They tell her that shes uncool'
Cause she's still preoccupied
With 19, 19, 1985
Woo Hoo Hooooo!
She hates time; make it stop
When did Motley Crue become classic rock?
(classic rock)
And when did Ozzy become an actor?
Please make this stop, stop, stop!
And bring back Springsteen, Madonna
Way before Nirvana
There was U2 and Blondie
And music still on MTV
Her two kids in high school
They tell her that shes uncool'
Cause she's still preoccupied1985
Woo Hoo Hooooo!
Bruce Springsteen, Madonna
Way before Nirvana (1985)
There was U2 and Blondie
And music still on MTV (1985)
(Woohoohoo)
Her two kids in high school
They tell her that shes uncool (1985)
'Cause she's still preoccupiedWith 19, 19, 1985
As a disclaimer, let me say the negative aspects of this song do not apply to me. ;) ...but sometimes I really miss 1985...
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: Please Don't Feed The Animals
DATE: 4/27/2005 10:06:00 AM
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BODY:
Years ago (eons, really) I worked in a factory on the production floor. The 'higher-ups' would come down from Canada and inspect our production procedures. It's unnerving to be watched like that. Evaluated. We made jokes that this must be how zoo animals feel. Some of us made signs for our stations that read, "Please Do NOT feed the factory workers". (I got written up for insubordination for that one.)
A few weeks ago I started a diet. And here they come out of the woodwork. I've been invited to several dinner parties/social events in the last month. People are coming by the office with chocolate goodies in hand, "We appreciate you." Can't you appreciate me with a flower or a celery stick?!?
Today I'm considering making a sign for my office door. "Please Do NOT feed the chubby secretary."
Think I'll get a write up?
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: Happy Administrative Professionals' Day
DATE: 4/27/2005 09:02:00 AM
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BODY:
Why can't I just be a secretary? Would I ever tell someone, when asked what I do for a living, "Oh, I'm an administrative professional." Of course not.
Gene Roddenberry, creator of all things Star Trek, once told this story. In the second season of the original series the supporting actors wanted a raise. The production couldn't afford a raise. Instead of money for the actors, they promoted the characters. Each supporting character was given a higher-ranking title. The actors backed off on their salary demands.
In that same thought line....today my bosses will bring me gifts. :D All the cards will say Happy Administrative Professionals' Day. I will smile. Say thank you and accept the title that allows me to accept the gifts.
Happy Administrative Professionals' Day!
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: Tuesday 10
DATE: 4/26/2005 09:11:00 AM
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BODY:
I do not consider myself a sentimental person, but I have a few things I consider priceless.
My Top 10 Possessions:
1) My Great Grandmother's treadle sewing machine: Best we can figure, it's a early 1900s model.
2) My hardback copy of LOVE MEDICINE by Louise Erdrich: My friend Mary gave this book to me. She bought it because my paperback copy was held together with packing tape.
3) Fuzzy: He's a stuffed white elephant. I suppose I've had him my entire life.
4) The cheap gold plated bracelet Jason bought me for my 25th birthday: It clasps with 2 little hands hooking together. It took him hours to locate it in the junk shop.
5) A quilt my Great Aunt made for me: Most of the women in my family quilt, so I have dozens of hand sewn quilts, but this one is the most special. My aunt's mental development was stunted after an accident when she was about 11. She was a sweet, kind soul. She spent hours making this quilt for me. Imagine an 11 year old having the patience to piece a Queen sized quilt.
6) My Mother's ring: A beautiful ivory cameo with a tiny diamond. My father gave it to my mother on their first anniversary. Although their marriage was what could only be described as a disaster, it reminds me that once upon a time they loved one another.
7) A potholder: The kind you make with the loom kits you buy at Wal-Mart. Hayley made it for us as a housewarming gift. She was 6 years old, presenting this little rag like it was spun gold.
8) A photograph of me with my Grandfather: Its just one of those pictures that speaks volumes. I'll have to share it with you sometime....
9) The bench my father built: I took a picture from a Pottery Barn catalog and some measurements and viola! My father is a gifted carpenter. He can make anything by just looking at a picture. I did not inherit this ability.
10) I'm reserving #10. I am soon to receive a wonderful gift from a talented artist. And although I have not yet seen it, I know it will be a most prize possession. More on that later.
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: Some minor adjustments
DATE: 4/25/2005 10:47:00 AM
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BODY:
Ever been to a chiropractor? POP! SNAP! OUCH!
The doctor bends you like a pretzel, squeezes you in places you didn't realize were even hurting, until he got hold of you and then says, "You'll be sore tomorrow, but in a few days you'll feel much better." God is like that sometimes.
Last night some friends and I attended a service in a neighboring town. Actually, we conducted the service. Our Deaf choir performed and our ministry leader spoke. This small church has one Deaf member and no full time interpreter. We were there to challenge the congregation to become involved in Deaf ministry. It was our job to issue the challenge, but as usual God put a twist on things.
I've been involved in Deaf ministry for about 7 years. For 6 of those years I've been an interpreter. I play a supporting role to our ministry leader, Stanley. A few months ago, Stanley was diagnosed with terminal cancer. Short of a miracle healing, he has very little time left. I realize with his failing health, the responsibility falls to me.
Last night as Stanley spoke, asking the congregation to meet the need before them, God spoke to me. "You've been selfish with your time. You have been lazy with the gifts I have given you. You have been too sensitive when corrected or criticized. "
POP! SNAP! OUCH!
I'm a little sore today, but I think in a few days I'll feel much better.
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: Five Days of Movies V
DATE: 4/24/2005 10:15:00 AM
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BODY:
Day 5
That Thing You Do
You,
Doin' that thing you do,
Breaking my heart into a million pieces,
Like you always do And you,
Don't mean to be cruel,
You never even knew about the heartache,
I've been going through
Well I try and try to forget you girl,
But it's just so hard to do,
Every time you do that thing you do
Try watching this one without doing the Beatles head-shake move. I dare ya.
"You guys look great in red. Have I told you that?"
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: Five Days of Movies IV
DATE: 4/23/2005 05:51:00 PM
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BODY:
Day 4
Rear Window
Jimmy Stewart can do more sitting in a wheelchair in a 3rd floor apartment than most actors can do with a fleet of Hummers! Plus Grace Kelly!
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: Lessons From Nature
DATE: 4/22/2005 12:44:00 PM
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BODY:
A common saying around here is something along the lines of, "He doesn't have the sense God gave a goose". I'm afraid that may be true of many of us.
Canadian Geese make their home here in our little corner of Tennessee. They're everywhere. Look up. You're likely to see that trademark "V" formation and hear them honking loudly.
I found some interesting facts about these silly geese.
1) The leader of the flying formation is doing the most work. The other geese benefit by drafting off those in front, making their flight somewhat easier. Those honks you hear as they fly over are shouts of encouragement. "Go! Go, Larry! You the bird!"
2) The bird flying to the leader's right is like his second. He is positioned to take the leader's place should he become tired. The second will not, however, take over without being invited.
3) Canadian Geese mate for life. As a rule, they do not abuse, abandon or neglect their mates.
4) They care for their young as a family. The goslings are watched over and taught for over a year before becoming independent.
Seems to me God gave them a good bit of sense. A sacrificial work ethic, a spirit of encouragement, loyalty, humility, devotion, kindness, family values; all things we humans could improve upon.
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: Five Days of Movies III
DATE: 4/22/2005 09:56:00 AM
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BODY:
Day 3
Dead Again
Kenneth Branaugh (doing a wonderful American accent) in a slick LA detective story of amnesia, past lives and murder. Keep your eye on the scissors.
FYI: This film is rated R. If bad language is an issue for you, skip it.
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: Lights! Camera! ACTION!
DATE: 4/21/2005 02:44:00 PM
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BODY:
In the interest of keeping the public happy, I offer the following in no particular order.
My Top 10 ACTION movies
1) Rumble In The Bronx: Jackie Chan, 'nuff said
2) Die Hard: The template for the action move
3) Any of the Pierce Brosnan / Bond films: My favorite James Bond
4) AirForce One: This begins the Harrison Ford section
5) Blade Runner: One of the greatest SCI-FI films ever
6) Raiders of the Lost Ark: This concludes the Harrison Ford section
7) Jurassic Park: Nature always finds a way
8) The Priness Bride:There is much sword fighting!
9) X-Men: Comic books come to life
10) Star Wars Trilogy: Well, what do ya know? There's Harrison again.
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: Five Days of Movies II
DATE: 4/21/2005 08:41:00 AM
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BODY:
Day 2
LA Story
Steve Martin rollerskates thruough an art gallery, has a half double decaffeinated half caf--with a twist of lemon, breaks off his long-time relationship, has an affair with a younger woman, meets the love of his life and converses with an electronic highway sign.
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: Five Days of Movies
DATE: 4/20/2005 04:31:00 PM
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BODY:
Day 1
Truly, Madly, Deeply
Nina mourns the death of her lover, Jamie. She is so devastated by his death, she stops living. When Jamie returns to her, she is overjoyed. But life with a ghost isn't really a life, is it?
Grab a box of Kleenex and curl up on the couch. This movie will have you laughing through the tears. Alan Rickman is wonderful! Juliet Stevenson will break your heart.
And like any good romantic comedy we have the rather odd neighbor, the overbearing sibling and rats. Okay, I know rats are outside the formula, but it works here, trust me.
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: Stephen Crane, Toads & God
DATE: 4/20/2005 09:29:00 AM
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BODY:
Steph posted some intense questions on her blog,
here. It reminded me a lesson God taught me a year or so ago and the wonderfully personal way he delivered that message.
Stephen Crane is one of my favorite poets. I fell in love with his work in high school. My favorite poem is THINK AS I THINK.
"Think as I think," said a man,
"Or you are abominably wicked;
You are a toad."
And after I had thought of it,
I said, "I will then, be a toad."
After finding this poem, I became a collector of all things froggy.
I was in my office early one morning. I had come in around 7:15 to work in peace before the rest of the crew poured in. As I was typing, something moved in the corner. At first I thought it must be a cricket. I went to investigate, intending to catch the little guy and set him free. (Its bad luck to kill a cricket, you know?)
It was a tiny creature all right, but not a cricket. A frog. No bigger than your fingernail. As I carried the little guy (or gal) outside, across the highway and into a field, I could feel God speaking to me. He was telling me that even when I think I'm alone, I'm not. Reminding me that he knows everything about me. He knows how to make me smile in those quiet times. He knows me better than I know myself. I could feel Him telling me, "I am ALWAYS close by, ALWAYS with you."
Later that day we found out my mother's cancer had returned for a second time. Immediately after I heard those words, I thought of the frog. "I am ALWAYS close by, ALWAYS with you."
The lesson I learned was to look for God everywhere. EVERYWHERE!
God could have sent a person to say those things to me. He could have put a book or scripture in my path that would have reminded me of His promise. But he chose a frog.
I know to some of you this may seem silly. That's okay. Have a giggle. I don't mind. I sometimes giggle when I think about it too; a God so loving that he takes the time to put a frog in a busy office building to make someone like me smile.... :D
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: A webring??? Seriously...
DATE: 4/19/2005 05:19:00 PM
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BODY:
I know, it seems kinda silly at first, but hear us out.
Sarah in her mad genius way has started a
webring for MLFB members. I know, I know, I said I didn't want to make this blog all about Third Day, and I don't. I'm not going to. I promise. But I can't exclude it alltogether. I've made some amazing friends through my Third Day fandom. I have met people that have impacted my spiritual life, (stephanie, Pammy) people who have given me hope (Bonnie) and become my inspirations(Aimee, Ali). How can I leave that out? Its part of the ME I am becoming.
And I am proud of to be a
Third Day fan. I am proud to be the MLFB Commander. (Hokey, I know, but we get a giggle out of it ;D) So check out the webring and meet some of these incredible people I call friends. I love them without questioning.
I was listening to
this report on NPR a few days ago. Musician Laura Rosser has a rare neurological condition called synesthesia. Stimulation of one sense produces the sensation of another. When she plays, she sees the notes as colors.
This fascinates me. I talked to a friend who has this same gift. She sees names as colors. (I'm magenta, btw.) I asked her if there were positive and negative colors; if people can change colors. The answers, yes and yes.
I realize the fact that I'm magenta and not black with red streaks is much due to her perception and affection for me. That made me think about how I am perceived. As I mentioned, I'm not much on worrying about what others think, but maybe I should be. Not as a self-worth issue, but as an example.
Recently, a hateful remark was directed toward me publicly and I had to make a choice as to how I would respond. A young friend said to me, "You have every right to lash back and I wouldn't think less of you if you did, but I will respect you even more if you don't."
Reality check.
The respect of my young friend is far more valuable to me than any type of retaliation. I choose to remain magenta.
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: Cornball Country and Life Truths
DATE: 4/18/2005 09:58:00 AM
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BODY:
If you own a radio, you've heard the Tim McGraw song "Live Like You Were Dying". This is what is commonly referred to around my house as cornball country. (Even if you're a fan, you have to admit, its sappy.) Corny as it is, there is truth in the message.
Wednesday afternoon my father-in-law was admitted into the hospital. He had a heart attack. Hubby and I were 5 hours from home when it occured. After the phone call from my mother-in-law, I asked, "Do we need to drive home?" Jason assured me Dad was stable. We decided to return home early Thursday morning.
The days that followed were filled with surgery, tests and lab work results. Jason said something that hit me hard. He said, "If my father died tonight, I would have no regrets. Nothing would be left unsaid."
That is a real example of living like you were dying.
So today I ask myself, "What remains unsaid?"
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: SAY ANYTHING
DATE: 4/15/2005 10:07:00 AM
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BODY:
We've all played this scenario in our heads, haven't we?
"If I ever get to meet (insert name of idol here) I know exactly what I'll say. 'Your (music, writing, work) has changed my life. I'm a better person because of your influence.' That's what I'll say and he/she will be blown away by my sincerity and heartfelt affection." Yeah...right.
During intermission at the GMAs, we made our way to the section seating our favorite band, Third Day. More specifically to Mark Lee, guitarist of said favorite band. We greet Mark, introduce ourselves, and pose for a pic. (Taken by Randy Elrod, another artist I admire :D)
Mark then shows us his Tshirt, an abstract bird image displayed across the front. He explains he wore it in honor of the Dove awards.
And here it is, the moment I had rehearsed in my head all night.
But my hubby, being not swayed by fame nor talent, his wit and brutal honesty being no respecter of persons proclaims, "Dude, thats a pigeon".
I suppose that was as right a thing to say as any other. Why? Because that's what he was thinking. Maybe all those other thanks-for-all-your-work-has-meant-to-me thoughts were rattling around too, but he seized the moment to just be himself. And that's what I love about him.
Far from ruined, the moment I met one of my idols will forever stand out in my mind as a time when once again my hubby took an anxiety-ridden situation and made me laugh out loud.
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE:
DATE: 4/15/2005 10:05:00 AM
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BODY:
"Dude, that's a pigeon."
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: Grab some batteries, a snack and meet an icon of CCM...
DATE: 4/15/2005 09:33:00 AM
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BODY:
Hubby and I just returned home from the Dove awards in Nashville. This was our first visit to the GMAs and it was a blast!
We stopped into a Citco about an hour after checking in to the hotel. (My digital camera eats batteries and I wanted to be well prepared.) I was grabbing a strawberry slushy when I spotted him. Steven Curtis Chapman. I have to admit here, I don't really consider myself a SCC fan, but we are talking about a man who has won over 40 Dove awards. When it comes to the CCM world, he's the top.
He was so gracious, I may have to reconsider my standing as a fan.
Per Geof-fer's request...a photo.
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: A Birthday Wish
DATE: 4/12/2005 04:13:00 PM
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BODY:
Have you ever had some one come into your life and fill an empty space you didn't even know existed? Then, once they're settled, you can't imagine how you got along without them.
I learned at a very young age that family, REAL family, is not determined by blood type. We choose our REAL family. Not unlike adoption, marriage and step-families and friends are choices we make. We decide to love some one not based on a genetic code, but by the leading of our hearts. Not to say you don't love your blood relatives, of course you do. But in my life, blood relatives have not been the norm for family structure. Friends have always been a major part of my family life.
Having said that, I want to wish my friend Bari a very happy birthday. (Thursday, April 14th)
My wish on your birthday, Bari, is that someday in the far, far distant future when asked, we will giggle like teenagers and say, "Us? Oh Heavens! We've been friends forever!"
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: Singing the praises of XM Radio
DATE: 4/12/2005 03:24:00 PM
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BODY:
XM Radio may be the best thing that has ever happened to me. Not counting knowing God and marrying a perfect guy...okay, XM Radio is the best inanimate object type thing that has ever happned to me. Do you have one? Get one!
I live out in the middle of nowhere. I don't get a very good radio signal and I don't have cable television. XM may have saved my sanity. With over 200 stations playing music, news, sports and miscellaneous sounds, you cannot get bored.
Feel like hearing some George Jones? Tune in Americana. Like Wilco? Try XCountry. Are you a punk at heart? Fungus is the station for you. Currently, my favorite station is HearMusic. "Eclectic" is the word that comes to mind. Just the other day they played back to back, THE STONES, EMMY LOU HARRIS, SNOW PATROL and ENYA.
The initial cost depends on what type unit you buy and the monthly fee is around $12.00. If you love music, satellite radio is the way to go. I can guarentee you won't be disappointed
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: Snail Mail
DATE: 4/12/2005 01:40:00 PM
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BODY:
Be honest. Is there anything worse than waiting for something in the mail? It just ties me up in knots when some one says, "I sent you something. You should have it in 3 days." Instant anxiety!
I love to get mail. I do. I'm like a little kid in that way. I love getting cards and notes and little trinkets. Packages! That's the KingDaddy of snail mail! I get tingles, just thinking about it. :D
But, oh, the anticipation! Everyday, stopping at the mailbox, crossing your fingers. But, oh, the disappointment...when its not there.
I suppose you guessed I'm waiting on a package...
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: Tuesday 10
DATE: 4/12/2005 08:26:00 AM
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BODY:
I love a gimmick, don't you?
Every Tuesday I will post the Tuesday 10. "Ten what?" you ask. I don't know. Whatever strikes my fancy.
A friend told me last night that she just finished her 100 Facts About Me list on her blog. (Per her request, no link is provided.) I was inspired. The first Tuesday 10 will be....(drum roll, please).....10 Facts About Me.
1) I was named out of a NAME YOUR BABY book. Due to a series of errors, the spelling of my name is rather unusual for a girl.
2) I placed 2nd in the school talent show in 4th grade. I did a gymnastic/modern dance to THE MUSIC BOX DANCER.
3) My nickname as a child was Google. It shortened over the years and many in my family still call me Goo.
4) I have traveled to France, England and Canada.
5) I am a Christian.
6) I love animals.
7) I am deathly afraid of dragonflies. I don't know why, but I am.
8) I cut my waist- length hair the day after my wedding and have worn it short ever since.
9) I am superstitious.
10) I once lived in an apartment that had 2 entrance/exits. One was a garage door; the other was an attic ladder that opened into a hall closet in the upstairs apartment.
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: 2005 - The year of the ROAD TRIP
DATE: 4/11/2005 11:17:00 AM
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BODY:
Yes, friends, that's right. I have declared 2005 the year of the road trip. I'm very excited about our travel schedule for the next few months.
I know some of you probably travel about on a regular basis. Well, we don't. We're homebodies. My husband is of Irish heritage. He likes to explain his love of home by saying, "I'm Irish. We don't leave until the food runs out."
Here's a quick run down:
April 13-14 - Nashville, TN
We're headed to NashVegas for the GMAs. Its only a quick 2 day trip, but I think its a great way to kick off THE YEAR OF THE ROAD TRIP.
June 23-25 - Charlotte, NC
We're meeting up with some friends for SonFest at Carowinds. Funnel cake and Rock n Roll!
July 15-ish - Fort Worth, TX
Texas, here we come! I've never been to Texas and I am looking forward to it. A dear friend has agreed to play host and tour guide.
September 9-11 - Orlando, FL
"Traci, now that you've declared this THE YEAR OF THE ROAD TRIP, what are you going to do?" I'm going to Disneyland!
September 23-26 - Memphis, TN
I'm going to Graceland. Graceland. Memphis, Tennessee. My mother is a die hard Elvis fan and she has always wanted to see Graceland. Why not? I love the blues! Its a 9 hour drive...
this jaunt might do me in....
I vow to keep a travel journal and take some great pics, so all you homebodies can travel with me. ;)
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: My 10th trip down the aisle...
DATE: 4/11/2005 07:35:00 AM
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BODY:
...as a bridesmaid.
Just after high school, my friend Tracey was planning to get married. She had planned an elaborate wedding for the fall. But when her fiance got orders for deployment to the Persian Gulf, things had to be stepped up. Quickly. Six months of plans had to be accomplished in 3 days. The wedding dress hadn't even been purchased.
There I stood in JC Penney's in a semi formal white gown, the hem of the dress piling up on the floor. "It's perfect," I said. "We'll take it." The lady knelt, pins in her mouth and gathered the billowed material around my feet. "It must be hemmed, of course," she said. "No, it's fine, " I explained. "The bride is 5' 8."
Tonya called to ask me to be her matron of honor for her second wedding. "The color theme is powder pink," she told me excitedly. "I had to wear pink at your last wedding," I groaned. She was quick to correct me. "No you didn't! That was dusty rose."
Michelle was driving home from her wedding rehearsal, still unsure of the commitment she was abouto make. She prayed, "God, I'm not sure if I'm doing the right thing. Please give me a sign." The next thing she remembered was the paramedic asking her if she knew her name. She had fallen asleep, driven off the road and hit a tree. She was unhurt, except for severe bruising on her face. It took a bottle of Cover girl to hide the purple and yellow marks.
She asked for a sign. God ran her into a tree and she STILL married the guy.
I've retired twice from the bridesmaid business, putting the word out that I would never again wear a puffy-sleeved, fashionably colored taffeta dress with fitted bodice and accent bow to witness a wedding. And twice friends have won me over with the emotional plea of, "It just wouldn't be the same without you." But, truly this is the last time.
My parents will celebrate 29 years as they renew their vows at the end of April. I'll stand by the bride; overdressed, overcoiffed. And repeat in my head the bridesmaids' mantra I know so well. "This dress makes me look like a cow and my feet are KILLING me! This dress makes me look like a cow and my feet are KILLING me! This dress....."
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: The Up-Side of Arthritis
DATE: 4/09/2005 01:03:00 PM
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BODY:
You probably didn't know there was one. Many don't. I, however, choose to look at the bright side of things. I was diagnosed with Rhumatiod Arthritis (also known as crippling arthritis) at age 27. There are many down-sides to RA. The disease is chronic and progressive. There is no cure. It shortens your life span by approximately 15 years. Depressed, yet? I was. Depression also is a cohort of RA.
But Traci, where's the up-side? A hyper active immune system! I've never had those pesky childhood diseases: mumps, measles, chicken pox, mono, strep. And now as the dreaded flu season circles...I remain untouched.
So on those days when my fingers won't bend or I can't walk too well, I remind myself. There's an up-side to most every situation.
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: A Royal Wedding
DATE: 4/09/2005 12:24:00 PM
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BODY:
I hear from FoxNews that it finally happened. Prince Charles and Camilla were married.
I'm not a royal watcher, but this caught my eye. I've been known to say that love finds its own way. (Which is a variation of my Father's favorite saying, "Water finds its own level". )
If a love is meant to be, nothing can stop it. If it is not meant to be, nothing can make it right.
Through 30 plus years their love story has wound around, tangled, knotted and untied several times. Having my own complicated love story, I appreciate the dynamics of it all.
Now I know all you naysayers out there who care enough to comment are thinking, "She only wants to be the Queen." Perhaps, but what of Charles? He obviously loves Camilla. He has endangered his standing with the public and endured the tabloid attacks. All the while, waiting to make Camilla his wife.
I have to say this story brings out the 1/8th of me that has a tinge of romanticism. So with that 1/8th, I say, "Blessings."
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: 3 a.m. Conversations
DATE: 4/09/2005 12:12:00 PM
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BODY:
You've had those, right? You talk on the phone all night or you sit up on the couch talking about life, the universe and everything. Last night a friend and I had one of those conversations. What was the main topic? 3 a.m. conversations! It begins with, "OMG! Do you remember when..." and ends somewhere around, "I still can't believe they did that!".
My friend decided that she doesn't particularly want to be the topic of anyone else's 3 a.m. conversation. She vowed not to do or say anything so monumentally stupid that it would stand out to others' minds at 3 o'clock in the morning.
Which naturally led to this question: What do we care what others think about us?
My friend is very conscience of others' opinions and struggles with her self-esteem. I, however, was blessed with a bad attitude on this subject. I don't really care what others think. Granted, there are a select few who could speak a harsh word and reduce me to a puddle. The key is to have a select few. Choose wisely those whom you allow to estimate your worth. Then, when you find that you have been the topic of a 3 a.m. conversation, you can just smile and say, "Oh, that's nothing! Do you remember when...."
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: Our Unique-ness
DATE: 4/07/2005 09:13:00 AM
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BODY:
I recently agreed to transport an underage friend across state lines for a Rock N Roll show. Her mother, a handwriting anyalist, requested a sample of my script. She wants to be sure I'm not "disturbed". I wrote a short note and crossed my fingers, praying for my friend's sake and for mine that I am not "disturbed".
Out of couriosity I Googled handwriting analysis and found this site:
www.myhandwriting.com . I took the self test. It was dead on. Apparently, the way I cross my 't' shows some self-esteem issues. The loop in my 'y' shows my need to control my emotions. The fact that my 'o' has no visible looping shows a tendancy toward brutal honesty. Who knew?
Which leads me to the question: How unique are we? My handwriting is not distinctive. I've seen many people with the same style script. Do all those people share my personality traits? Am I just a carbon copy of some other rounded letter writer?
Of course there are some things the analysis won't tell you about me. My favorite color is red. I love the smell of burning coal. (It reminds me of home.) My favorite food is mashed potatoes. I think the most beautiful thing God ever made is a yellow tulip. Are these the things that make us unique, the things that aren't determined by self-esteem or integrity?
It also occurs to me that I don't know the psychological flags I might throw by liking the color red, mashed potatoes and the smell of burning coal. Does my friends mom?
"Tulips! OMG! I had no idea! You can not travel with this woman. She is obviously disturbed!"
I've been accused of it more than once. I've been guilty of it more than twice.
What exactly are we searching for? Its not the fame. I could sit across a dinner table from Ben Afleck and never bat an eye. He just doesn't hold my attention. (Nothing against Mr. Afleck.) Why do we choose the idols we choose?
Feel more comfortable calling them role models? Okay, fine by me.
I think we're looking for something we feel is missing in ourselves. We have a need to feel close to that trait, to somehow be associated with it. Is it talent? Beauty? Intelligence? Confidence? Take a good look at your role models and ask yourself, "What is it about this guy?" Take a good look at yourself. Dig deep. Maybe you'll find it.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not looking to shake any pedestals. But recently one of my idols challenged me to be creative, thus this blog was born. I'm digging deep for that creative spark I so admire in others.
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: A Lost Art?
DATE: 4/06/2005 04:48:00 PM
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BODY:
A few years ago when I move away from my hometown, my cost conscience grandmother began writing letters. She said phone calls were far too expensive and she couldn't hear very well anyway. Each week a letter would arrive detailing the day to day happenings of her life. The garden yeilded twice as much as she expected. The preacher stopped by for dinner. The roof leaked after the last good rain.
I came across these letters recently and read through them again.
Letter writing is a lost art. I chat with friends all day on IM. I send emails throughout the day. Its not the same is it? An email or IM doesn't allow you the detail and perspective of letter writing.
I've since moved back to my hometown and live just miles from my grandmother. I miss those letters. I didn't realize it until recently, but I do. Maybe I'll call her today and ask her to write ...
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: Once a clutterbug always a clutterbug?
DATE: 4/06/2005 02:57:00 PM
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BODY:
My sister-in-law told me this week that she's starting a new business. She wants to become a professional organizer. I've seen these ladies on HGTV. They put lovely baskets in your home, alphabetize your magazine collection and seperate you, forcibly if necessary, from your treasured belongings.
Guess who Lisa wants to make her guinea pig? You guessed it. Me. I confess, I'm an easy target. I'm a clutterbug. I always have been. I keep everything. Not for sentimental value, mind you. I'm not a sentimental person. I keep it becuase I might need it.
As a child of divorce, who was shuffled from place to place most of my life, I found hoarding to be a valuable skill. You learn to hang on to things becuase you don't know where you'll be going tomorrow and they might not have this item in the new place. I was almost 30 years old before I stopped carrying a complete change of clothes in the back of my car.
Can a few stylish storage bins disguised as ottomans change years of habitual behavior?
The great de-cluttering begins next month. I'll let you know how it goes.
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: A NEW PROJECT
DATE: 4/06/2005 02:41:00 PM
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BODY:
Don't you just love a new project? A blank canvas, a place to start over.
Let's see what happens when a creative, yet chronic underachiever decides to start a blog. Total disaster? Another unfinished project? Perhaps. Who knows? I might surprise myself (and a few others too.)
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Grab the photo hunt code or join the blogroll.
Jason and I finally took a giant leap into the 1990's. We got cell phones. Sprint is the only service that works in our rural setting, so the choice of carriers was a simple one. We got these cute camera phones for free with the standard 2 year agreement. (Jason's is NOT pink, BTW. Mine is! :D)
Grab the photo hunt code or join the blogroll. 
Hayley found this beautiful hummingbird lying on the ground near the lake. Of course, she couldn't just leave it there. She brought it home and tried her very best to nurse it back to health. Unfortunately, she wasn't able to save it. Ruby the hummingbird only lived 4 more days. We buried her in the backyard in a ceremony worthy of such a noble creature. 
photo by Jason Ward
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: Lights! Camera! Music! Panic!
DATE: 7/18/2006 04:42:00 PM
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BODY:
Vincent D'Onafrio is one of my favorite actors. I just love watching him. He fascinates me. Yes, I think he's sexy. (Its not all about the acting skills, is it , girls?) Want to know the dirty little secret? He scares me. Truly.
I feel sure if I ever found myself in the same room with him, I would begin to cry, because that's what I do when I'm scared. Not scared as in being afraid to approach a famous person. I mean frightened, terrified. And yet, I watch his movies and never miss him on Law & Order: CI.
Maybe I understand the horror movie junkies better than I thought.
photo by Jacinda Applewaite
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: Nice Guys Finish Last
DATE: 7/10/2006 04:47:00 PM
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BODY:
Green Day sang it. Leo Durocher said it. (or did he?) 
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: Purple Haze-stacks
DATE: 7/07/2006 04:44:00 PM
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BODY:
"Traci, are you planning a big birthday celebration?"
Yeah, Man! 
Jason and I saw this movie over the weekend and we loved it. Honestly, I can't remember the last time I laughed so much at a movie theatre.
A family of hibernating creatures awakens to spring and begin preparing for the gathering of food for the oncoming winter (273 days 'til winter!). Only to discover STEVE. STEVE is the hedge, designed to keep wilderness and suburban sprawl humanely separated.
It is the formula animation film. All the standard moral lessons apply: Family is most important. Good prevails. Even the worst among us is not beyond redemption. Real beauty is inside. Etc.
Dreamworks doesn't take any real chances in this film. The characters are tailor made for the actors giving them voice. Gary Shandling's Vern the turtle is the cautious leader of this interspecies family. Bruce Willis is the cocky, swaggering con man (con racoon?) who leads them all into danger. Steve Carrell is the ADHD squirrel. The angry black skunk is voiced by Wanda Sykes. Eugene Levy and Catherine O'Hare play the parents of a nice midwestern porcupine family, complete with triplets. Avril Lavigne's turn as Heather the teenage opossum is dead on. (Pun intended.)
William Shatner steals the show as Ozzie, the opossum who takes great pride in playing dead. He doesn't just play dead, he PLAYS dead. Ozzie has that Shakespearean quality that lends itself to a long and dramatic death scene.
Go see this movie. 
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: X3: The Last Stand (4 out of 5)
DATE: 5/27/2006 12:59:00 PM
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BODY:
Feel better soon, Bari. We need you!
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: I've been hit!
DATE: 5/03/2006 01:49:00 PM
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BODY:
Jason with David Crowder:
We affectionately call David "a unique creation of God". David is amazing. I am thrilled to see him and DC*B at every show.
Jason has perfected his David Crowder impersonation. "You people are viscous on the inside. Evil, just evil."
For those of you who have never had a conversation with me, this is me with Mac Powell. I've seen the band in concert 18 times, had the opportunity to meet them several times and it never occurs to me to get a pic with the lead singer. This time I did. My mother is so jealous!
We have a little joke in my circles. When you talk to Mac, do NOT look into those beautiful blue eyes! I'm telling you, its a dangerous thing.
Continuing in the Third Day motif, this is David Carr. It only takes a few minutes with David to realize he is a beautiful person inside and out. I like to refer to David as the 'all around good guy'.
He spoke at the after party Saturday night. If anyone in that room wasn't moved by what he said, they are made of stone.
What is a Third Day show without a picture with The Doctor? I have no idea what's up with the smirks...I swear we were much happier than we appear in this photo. 
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: Because we all need to be reminded
DATE: 3/28/2006 11:21:00 AM
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BODY:
Go read this.
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: "Yeah, Man!"
DATE: 3/24/2006 03:14:00 PM
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BODY:
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: It began something like this.
DATE: 3/21/2006 06:42:00 PM
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BODY:
Who didn't see this coming?
This is my friend Lawson. For the 3rd grade literary event of the year, she chose to be Benjamin Franklin. In full costume, she presented her research on the inventor, writer and philosopher. 
Acoustic set in Grand Prairie. Third Day was amazing! They never disappoint, but this show was off the scale. 
Donald Miller has a new book out. I just found out about it today.
(Thanks to a new friend.)
Some of my dearest friends lovingly gave money to help purchase our airline tickets to attend a family funeral in Allentown, PA. Due to severe weather our flight was cancelled, so we packed up the VW Bug and hit the road. A mere 3 hours into our return trip, my little bug curled up in a ball and died by the side of the road. The problem? A busted water pump! A night's stay in the local Comfort Inn of Shippensburg and several hundred dollars later, we had a new water pump.
Thanks to my crew who came through for us once again. I love you guys beyond words and without you I would be lost...and overheated.
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: acoustical liberation of the books in public domain
DATE: 2/06/2006 05:42:00 PM
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BODY:
PICT0955
Originally uploaded by duconihilum. 
I believe every life is a story worth telling.
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: Overheard at the farm campfire:
DATE: 12/07/2005 05:37:00 PM
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BODY:
He leaned back in his chair and stretched his legs out in front of him, getting his feet closer to the fire, crossing them at the ankles. "Remember than one black bull? Waste of money, he was. Couldn't even sell him...Too darn mean." 
Does this trick work on all bass players? 
Mustard. More mustard. A little more mustard.
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE:
DATE: 10/25/2005 02:31:00 PM
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BODY:
I'll do my best EVITA!
Gloria is just messin' with us, now. 
It was sooo much fun!
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE:
DATE: 10/25/2005 02:22:00 PM
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BODY:
Side stage, Commander. 
The closest Starbucks? Raleigh.
A backstage pass? Just walk right thru there!
"And who are you shopping for?" "A rockstar."
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE:
DATE: 10/25/2005 02:10:00 PM
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BODY:
We had a wonderful time, but we were so happy to be home again.
Jason sure had a great time. ;)
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: NC bound
DATE: 10/20/2005 04:30:00 PM
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BODY:
I have such high hopes for this movie. Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon star as Johnny and June Carter Cash. Phoenix is always impressive and Reese has become one of my favorite actresses. I hope it is as dark, brilliant, complicated and ragged as the man himself. The film debuts on November 18th. I plan to catch it within a few days of the debut date. Watch for a review. 
Originally uploaded by ElseKramer. 
I know the concert and all the excitement was LAST saturday, but SOMEBODY won't let it go. So, to get SOMEBODY off my back..... 
Dr. Mark Lee
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE:
DATE: 9/26/2005 05:18:00 PM
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BODY:
Brad, Jason & Mark
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE:
DATE: 9/26/2005 05:17:00 PM
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BODY:
The best part of a show? A picture!
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: Rock N Roll Roadtrip
DATE: 9/26/2005 05:15:00 PM
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BODY:
My buddy Lawson with Fabrik
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE:
DATE: 9/26/2005 04:53:00 PM
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BODY:
Hey, Jamie! I'm lovin' up on some Matthew O. Hayes
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE:
DATE: 9/26/2005 04:51:00 PM
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BODY:
I can't help myself, I love this guy!
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE:
DATE: 9/26/2005 04:50:00 PM
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BODY:
Matt burnin' up the keys!
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE:
DATE: 9/26/2005 04:44:00 PM
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BODY:
Josh and me...
Okay, now I'm just bragging.
If you get the opportunity to see OVERFLOW in concert, don't miss it. These guys put on an energetic, loud, rockin' show.
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE:
DATE: 9/26/2005 04:43:00 PM
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BODY:
There is something about the onset of autumn that gives my spirits a lift. As the leaves fall, I think of closing the book on another year. 
I'm pouting today.
I plan to pout all this weekend and possibly into the early part of next week.
Three of my dearest friends are off on an adventure without me.
Be careful. Think of me every minute and bring back TONS of pictures!
I'll just stand here waiting....pouting.....
I love James Bond a little less today.
In the grand scheme of things, does it matter if I have the furniture I really want or any furniture for that matter? Of course not! But, because God cares about what I care about, I will soon be the proud owner of this lovely table.
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE:
DATE: 8/11/2005 01:15:00 PM
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BODY:
Is it November yet?
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: You write like a GIRL!!!
DATE: 8/10/2005 01:34:00 PM
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BODY:
August 6, 1994
The Doctor approves.
Geof Barkley gets props.
Rene Magritte is one of my favorite artists. I don't always understand what he's trying to convey, but I always enjoy the beauty of color and perspective. 
Jason took this one
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE:
DATE: 5/27/2005 08:33:00 AM
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BODY:
Smokey comes to visit
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE:
DATE: 5/27/2005 08:32:00 AM
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BODY:
Peek-a-boo
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE:
DATE: 5/27/2005 08:32:00 AM
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BODY:
Neighbors
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE:
DATE: 5/27/2005 08:31:00 AM
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BODY:
The road to my house
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE:
DATE: 5/27/2005 08:30:00 AM
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BODY:
The veiw from my back door; HAYSTACKS!
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE:
DATE: 5/27/2005 08:29:00 AM
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BODY:
Sit, I did and talked with Yoda.
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE:
DATE: 5/09/2005 09:52:00 AM
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BODY:
Aren't you a little short for a Storm Trooper?
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: A Mothers Day retrospective
DATE: 5/09/2005 08:12:00 AM
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BODY:
"Dude, that's a pigeon."
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: Grab some batteries, a snack and meet an icon of CCM...
DATE: 4/15/2005 09:33:00 AM
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BODY:
Per Geof-fer's request...a photo.
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AUTHOR: Jason & Traci
TITLE: A Birthday Wish
DATE: 4/12/2005 04:13:00 PM
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BODY:
.jpg){kind=link}
