Make a Move for Miley

I just read a blog post entitled "I weep for Miley." The author lamented Miley Cyrus' downward spiral and the degradation of our culture. It's a topic that has been on my mind since seeing the news coverage of the VMAs and a story about Simon Cowell's love child with the wife of his friend. 

What I appreciated about the piece was that the author "credited" the entertainment industry, producers, choreographers, advertisers and even viewers for the gradual acceptance of the type of dancing, lyrics, gestures, and costuming people are criticizing Miley Cyrus for. 

I was shocked when I heard a news anchor justify Simon's actions and the photos taken of the couple with the phrase, "but he's in love."

There were people along the path to production who could have held themselves, and these shows, to higher standards. 

It's up to every one of us to stop buying products (tv, movies, cable, clothing, cell phones, magazines) that sexualize children and promote the objectification of women. It's up to us to MOVE. 

Jesus gave the example when he drew a line in the sand. Love the sinner..hate the sin...and stand up against injustice. 

Get off the couch people and please, stop pointing at Miley Cyrus. Her performance didn't deserve a first, let alone, a second glance.

A Mind for Things

I'm not the kind of person who brags about purchases but...I have to say, I am so happy that we found a new (used) car for MrWestBerryDad. It's a sensible, comfortable vehicle with WORKING doors, windows, and air conditioning. It passes inspection. 

Yesterday (here I go again, bragging about a "haul") I found two beautiful botanical prints at the second hand store. They had been custom framed and they will be perfect in the dining room, once I'm done painting that same dining room. It is fairly rare that I make it into the second hand store. Rarer still that I find something that I'd want to live with. I try not to bring "things" home.

Part of the delay in painting the dining room and other projects is getting to the store to buy the supplies. I don't mind the work, it's the shopping I loath. 

I just don't have a mind for "stuff." It's exhausting to survey it, touch it, move it, and display it. 

There are three rooms upstairs that are currently full of boxes of stuff. We decided to rearrange my art studio and two back rooms. One room needs to look like a boys' bedroom before their principal comes for a home visit this Sunday. 

Wishing there was a "fairy godmother" to help me clean and organize. Wishing I could take some time off in order to gather up the time and energy to label, box, stack and ship (and burn!) some clutter. 

Wishing I could ignore stuff and sit down for the length of a movie or go visit a friend.

Too much to do.

Sugary Drinks

Insert Coca Cola logo (this function isn't currently working).

Today was one of those "afternoon slump" days. I'm helping out in the building I supervise, where we clock employees in and out by scanning their badges as they enter or leave for the day. It's not a particularly demanding task, but my eyes get tired looking at old, fuzzy monitors.

I walked over to the maintenance building and grabbed a half glass of Coca Cola. First let me say, I rarely, if never, drink soda. Can't stand the stuff.

But today, this Coca Cola reminds me of sitting on the porch of my grandparents' suburban home. Every afternoon, when I visited them on vacation, we would enjoy one bottle of Coca Cola and a Reese's peanutbutter cup. I was terribly indulged!

My grandmother loved petunias and she always planted a circle garden full of them around the flagpole in front.

We read and discussed the newspaper or chatted about literature.

The sweet, sweet summertime...in Penfield.

Two Obituaries

Our local Pennysaver happens to carry, alongside the announcements of auctions and fish fries, the week's obituaries. I always read this section, to be sure to learn of any deaths that have involved friends, family, or neighbors.

Last night I learned that two great women, both of them having influenced my life, had passed away.

It struck me that their obituaries appeared side by side. 

One obituary, for the woman I knew to be rather "contrary,"  was quite lengthy, listing her hobbies, volunteer positions, grandchildren...even her level of physical fitness! 

The other obituary, for the women I knew to be a deep thinker, a generous soul, and a tireless worker for The Lord, was quite short in length. There was no mention of the years she spent as a school teacher, her long letter-writing campaigns, or her work with the DAR. 

Now matter how my obituary ends up reading, I want to live like "Miss Betty," with her great mind, her sense of humor, and her beautiful smile.

My Homework Excuse

True Story.

This morning I was driving my husband's car to work. It's an old, used up Pontiac held together by bungee cords.

The roads were wet. When I hit the breaks for a yellow light at a busy intersection, the car spun out of control.

I didn't hit anyone, but the centrifugal force from the spin opened the back doors and all of the papers I was supposed to grade blew out. Some sheep registration certificates were lost too, I now realize.

I surveyed the long black skid marks and my students' papers flying over the highway. And then I put the car back into drive, got into the right lane,  and went to work.

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A Treasure Hunt Through The Past

Having a right relationship with the past is a timely topic. I attended my 25th class reunion just this past weekend.

I told myself, the morning of, that I wasn't the least bit nervous. Yet, I exhibited a terrible rash on my forehead and I had a terrible belly ache.

Deciding where to sit for the picnic and wondering who to chat with after the meal brought back a few childhood fears. Still, it was a very pleasant event.

This morning's "cup of tea with Carol" by Bible teacher Carol McLeod suggested taking a treasure hunt through the past.

"We all have things in our past that we're not happy about. We all have things and events and people who didn't treat us right. We all have made choices that we're not proud of.

But listen...every day of your life you're going to have some kind of relationship with your past.

Never look back at your past with shame or regret, because that ties you to your past in an unhealthy way. And that's not the purpose of your past.

When you look at all of your life before today, you need to go on a treasure hunt to look for God's goodness, for his faithfulness, for the way's he blessed you, even when you didn't like all of your circumstances. Because I can tell you, that if you look, you can find the fingerprint of God in all of your days before today."

A Girl's Day Out

I was surprised to find out that it was really quite enjoyable to attend a large, Christian music festival...alone (it was a shame not to use the other three passes. Despite my efforts, I couldn't find anyone who wanted to go with me).

So I danced in the "World's Largest Electric Slide, " slipped in and out of venues, and browsed the merchandise tent at my leisure.

I found the message by women's speaker, Carol McLeod, refreshing and uplifting. Because I was alone, I could soak it up without having to think of commentary.

I did leave the festival in the early evening to pick up a boy with an injured back. I ate chocolate chips and peanut butter from the can while sitting on the couch (alone), and then fell into bed, exhausted, by 8:30 p.m.

It was a great day.

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