tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18867168526829173852024-03-05T19:42:52.876-08:00Always be a first rate version of yourself...Inghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04372208526217552262noreply@blogger.comBlogger2487125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1886716852682917385.post-46526460524588171932022-02-26T20:07:00.001-08:002022-02-26T20:07:07.735-08:00How I have learned <p> I haven’t posted in years now, I suppose. I don’t foresee posting a lot, or maybe even one more time after this one, but I just had to set something right.</p><p>In Sunday School we are reading Full Hearted Faith by the late Rachel Held Evans. Evans was a brave and influential woman of faith, having escaped evangelical Christianity and then writing and speaking about her journey. This is the only book I have read by Evans so far and we are only on the fifth chapter.</p><p>So far I have enjoyed listening to the book and discussing it in class, but I haven’t felt very deeply connected to much of it on a personal level. I didn’t grow up “in the church,” having come to faith in middle school, attending Youth Group with a friend. So I was not raised in a faith community at all, and my parents were very socially liberal and inclusive, they especially did not buy into the nationalistic, small-minded anti-intellectualism of right-wing Christianity. </p><p>Until I finished this chapter on Jonathan Edwards I had forgotten about how I used to believe and even joke about the “Calvinist/Presbyterian answer to ‘why do bad things happen to good people?’ - there are no good people.”</p><p>I bought into the whole concept of “total depravity.” Or at least I gave lip service to it. And I am very sorry for that and for anyone I might have misled.</p><p>Original sin is simply not true. Original goodness- that is the truth. Maybe I had to be older to understand. To remember that we are created in God’s holy image.</p><p>I guess deep down I always believed that- certainly for other people (me I have always had my doubts about my own goodness!) but I do believe that we do the best we can with the information and strength we have at the time.</p><p>God walks with us, and loves us, all of us, all the way. And for that I am so grateful. </p>Inghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04372208526217552262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1886716852682917385.post-87803196239494414042021-01-28T06:46:00.000-08:002021-01-28T06:46:04.333-08:00Well...it happened<p>Yes. When people in hospitals are presenting with confusion, doctors all across America will ask, "Who is the President?" The answer is now President Joseph R. Biden. And I am so grateful. Indescribably grateful. The day was glorious. Already President Biden and his administration have begun the work (SO MUCH WORK) needed to undo the horrors of the previous administration. </p><p>But there is still so much division. There is still so much hate. There is still so much fear. </p><p>Church leaders MUST speak up. Again, those who were part of the terrorism that occurred in Washington a week prior to the inauguration claim to be people of faith. Church leaders and people of faith MUST respond. </p><p>Please, please if you attend a church were this is not being addressed, please have a talk with your pastor. Ask him or her to remember how churches in Germany failed to speak up. We are in crisis. </p><p>Please. </p>Inghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04372208526217552262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1886716852682917385.post-51433579329699704912021-01-07T07:02:00.001-08:002021-01-07T07:02:11.342-08:00We can be sad but we can't despair<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWJTQu5EZ2mcck4X317QnwgStA0zzx7cXqXi5y6J0mFjGGzUUrEakIX9tbX_B6Ps7pCLccbjRwLWsbW7qFdBpS79gvij97fzYbfZcYVdcKGgB32TXByQVaizY0rh9SIqzgx8q9AR0wtdg/s700/love-wins-always-canvas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="700" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWJTQu5EZ2mcck4X317QnwgStA0zzx7cXqXi5y6J0mFjGGzUUrEakIX9tbX_B6Ps7pCLccbjRwLWsbW7qFdBpS79gvij97fzYbfZcYVdcKGgB32TXByQVaizY0rh9SIqzgx8q9AR0wtdg/s320/love-wins-always-canvas.jpg" /></a></div><br />When my mom and I would get super sad in the last years of our living together, we would remind each other, "We can be sad, but we can't despair. We can be angry, but we can't despair. We can cry, but we can't despair."<p></p><p>Despair is the complete loss of hope. And we can't lose hope. Because there is no need to lose hope. Because love wins. It always wins. Love won. The truth is that everything will be okay in the end. And actually, everything will be okay NOW when we surrender to love.</p><p>Every decision, every action made in love is the right one. </p><p>I am horrified by the actions of 45 and so many leaders in our country. I am horrified by the man who lives two streets away from me, who had taken down his giant 45 sign about two weeks ago and put it up again last night. </p><p>I am more horrified by the silence from churches. These people who support 45 claim to be church-going, God-loving people. Where are the church leaders? My pastor put this out there yesterday:</p><p><b>The events unfolding in Washington D.C. challenge all people of faith to step forward for justice and stand down from any semblance of violence. The seditious mob action in our nation’s capital seeks to undermine both our democratic principles and our Christian values. It cannot and must not succeed.</b></p><p><b>Scripture is clear. Demagogues and false idols clinging to power have no place in Christ’s beloved community. Inciting mobs with lies and self-serving rhetoric has no place in the lexicon of prophetic faith. The actions of a misguided few shall not dissuade us from the larger work of Christian witness, healing and justice.</b></p><p><b>Let us pray together for peace - for our nation’s better angels to guide us in the days ahead - for the safety of elected officials and citizens - for an end to racist acts of division and discord - and for the true light of the Savior, who still breaks the bonds of all tombs of death and delusion, to shine brightly upon this nation and all people. May it be so. </b></p><p><b>- Rev. Randy Bush, pastor <a href="https://cathedralofhope.org/">East Liberty Presbyterian Church</a></b></p><p>Why didn't EVERY pastor say something similar? Why? I can only think fear kept them from doing it. Fear of making people upset. Fear of losing church members. I pray they will not fear. I pray they will do the right thing. </p><p>I am sickened that so many still see 45's actions as not okay okay but laudable. </p><p>BUT I WILL NOT DESPAIR. </p><p>I will not abandon hope. </p><p>There is no need.</p><p>Love wins.</p><p>Love is winning.</p><p>Love.</p><p>Love.</p><p>Love.</p><p>May the supporters of 45 and may 45 himself feel LOVE. May they remember and internalize the truth: they are created in the image of God (Love) and they can grow into that image by LOVING. </p><p>Love.</p><p>Love.</p><p>Love.</p><p>Speak up, pastors and leaders. </p><p>Speak up. </p>Inghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04372208526217552262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1886716852682917385.post-1629849143355391412021-01-05T06:41:00.002-08:002021-01-05T06:41:52.761-08:00Pressure<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM0iKLJjOXq7DAJH4S92w0gCsm8SAjt8uoVSUrqx8PJQpSaoB1xJkd-dxn024_ywtp-RtAKCSKdxifNLwQtFPl94eEX9S-vOaZ2_p7lDn_XUXh4W2AG-h0ynJgjGN6AhR1oc7iKOnzVcY/s1080/Copy+of+Copy+of+Simple+Signature+template.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM0iKLJjOXq7DAJH4S92w0gCsm8SAjt8uoVSUrqx8PJQpSaoB1xJkd-dxn024_ywtp-RtAKCSKdxifNLwQtFPl94eEX9S-vOaZ2_p7lDn_XUXh4W2AG-h0ynJgjGN6AhR1oc7iKOnzVcY/s320/Copy+of+Copy+of+Simple+Signature+template.jpg" /></a></div><br />We have all felt pressure. Internal, external, real, imagined, overblown, under shot, we have felt it. <p></p><p>But can you even begin to imagine what things are like in Calendar World for 2021? This poor dude...</p><p>We all couldn't wait for 2020 to end with the hope that 2021 would bring better health, better leadership, more love, more kindness. </p><p>So have a good thought for 2021. </p><p>He can't make it a good year by himself. He needs out help!</p><p><br /></p>Inghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04372208526217552262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1886716852682917385.post-7567354234826624962021-01-02T17:50:00.003-08:002021-01-02T17:53:40.710-08:00Running Outside <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZkeSaBIDOTmaLlG6da72_gMCx8w0LlhFVjrBtBPkIMI86SLuyaHOqJyKAMw9_6u2Psmx3KFE1Ax54JRJtVRM3oJ2ISRs0Vs-gIGN5Jn3jvS0STOqZ_5hhyphenhyphenAH7zMEfQBngu_kFh8_XiIM/s1400/9FD1CE9F-2581-4125-99DF-4EC97A9046C6.webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1400" data-original-width="1400" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZkeSaBIDOTmaLlG6da72_gMCx8w0LlhFVjrBtBPkIMI86SLuyaHOqJyKAMw9_6u2Psmx3KFE1Ax54JRJtVRM3oJ2ISRs0Vs-gIGN5Jn3jvS0STOqZ_5hhyphenhyphenAH7zMEfQBngu_kFh8_XiIM/s320/9FD1CE9F-2581-4125-99DF-4EC97A9046C6.webp" /></a></div><br />One of the best things I did last year was find a guy named Jake Lowe. <a href="https://runningwithjake.co.uk/running-with-jake-plodcast/">Running with Jake</a> is his podcast and I have learned so much from it, even though I am not a real runner. I call what I do lumbering, because I am so very slow. At least so far I am consistent though! I do 3.5 miles outside, six days a week and 4 miles indoors once a week. Been at it since last January, after missing almost 9 months of running because of a fall. Prior to my fall (which was not an injury- just a really public embarrassing fall!) I was five miles a day, outside, for two years. I can’t do five any more...I lost a lot of fitness and confidence in that time off, even though I treadmilled and ellipticaled...it just wasn’t the same...<p></p><p>Anyway..Running with Jake I can whole heartedly recommend for runners or lumberers or plodders of any speed.</p><p>Today I was able to run in the park and my phone battery was such that I had to turn off the podcast to which I was listening. And you know...it was lovely and peaceful and maybe I will try it again.</p><p>I guess I don’t often like to be alone with my thoughts, but today was okay.! </p>Inghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04372208526217552262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1886716852682917385.post-44079390576905351792020-12-31T21:53:00.000-08:002020-12-31T21:53:09.199-08:00Happy Blue Year!<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLlKvKhoy_8hKVRqT_m18iVQsFwsP9tXLN5HYy_cpY1U74D86G9hS2KGorOxacER4v27ALHLjCA6MJb-Qj6TXgAGuipFNn9F4hMIdyvxGHu58HEaCdTL2QR5jztIliAxUx1GmEry8SbrU/s225/B3AE24D5-FD9B-43B0-83AF-E71D533CAF09.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLlKvKhoy_8hKVRqT_m18iVQsFwsP9tXLN5HYy_cpY1U74D86G9hS2KGorOxacER4v27ALHLjCA6MJb-Qj6TXgAGuipFNn9F4hMIdyvxGHu58HEaCdTL2QR5jztIliAxUx1GmEry8SbrU/s0/B3AE24D5-FD9B-43B0-83AF-E71D533CAF09.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6GmCYRHZp-NwtkUEMtkKOiwaKJX5CsSfdbGxab-_NgtQElADpvSp1-gBVkIpjug6FABTA2n9-Y1oeUSHReKEP7mQsi-vunAzsFXQRbs1UJ9f6nr5VUnowpFxQsE-xfC_xzvSB1fSPrp8/s2048/857B0071-04AF-4BDA-A9EA-9D330063871F.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6GmCYRHZp-NwtkUEMtkKOiwaKJX5CsSfdbGxab-_NgtQElADpvSp1-gBVkIpjug6FABTA2n9-Y1oeUSHReKEP7mQsi-vunAzsFXQRbs1UJ9f6nr5VUnowpFxQsE-xfC_xzvSB1fSPrp8/s320/857B0071-04AF-4BDA-A9EA-9D330063871F.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br />2021 and we may really get our country back! A Blue White House! <p></p><p><br /></p>Inghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04372208526217552262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1886716852682917385.post-46977069779859536422020-12-30T10:44:00.002-08:002020-12-30T10:44:30.164-08:00EPIC FAIL!<p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBn0uFizQ_BnONjTN8lvWMxt69Z6HXr8qMDME9N-FHWBZqzcuFDBHQcsmcx02Zm2T7G0XNFDAhnuBmJVrmQ-nov2OHscPD0ZcLGsbIpRBdMCgK1UbCu4PRirrJJj5F-6c1qa-vA_JrmxQ/s500/41%252B1cfukRlL.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="360" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBn0uFizQ_BnONjTN8lvWMxt69Z6HXr8qMDME9N-FHWBZqzcuFDBHQcsmcx02Zm2T7G0XNFDAhnuBmJVrmQ-nov2OHscPD0ZcLGsbIpRBdMCgK1UbCu4PRirrJJj5F-6c1qa-vA_JrmxQ/s320/41%252B1cfukRlL.jpg" /></a></div><br />Oh I had such hopes for 2020! We all have high hopes when the new year begins, right? <a href="http://revingsblog.blogspot.com/2020/01/and-world-rejoices.html">I mean, I ever used an optimist image!</a> <p></p><p>But then...there was Covid. But even if there hadn't been Covid, how could I have been so optimistic when it was also an election year. And what a horrible mess that was. Yet what a wonderful result! Too good to be true! And I do worry that The Evil Cheeto will stop President-Elect Biden and Vice President-Elect Harris from taking office, but I am thankful that so many people turned away from evil, turned away from greed, turned away from hate and turned to love. SO many people! </p><p>My pastor, <a href="https://cathedralofhope.org/about-elpc/church-leadership/church-staff/">Rev. Dr. Randy Bush</a> at <a href="https://cathedralofhope.org/">East Liberty Presbyterian Church</a> gave a beautiful message on Christmas Eve. Here is one part that I found so moving:</p><p><b>Mary and Joseph, the shepherds, the magi—like us they walked in darkness. But they </b><b>were not destined to be defined by the darkness—and neither are we. In the words of </b><b>the Welsh poet Dylan Thomas, Do not go gentle into that good night. Rage, rage </b><b>against the dying of the light. Darkness is something we push back against. We let our </b><b>pupils widen and we accustom our eyes to the darkness so that we can still make out </b><b>shapes amid the shadows and find a way forward even when it’s difficult. Thankfully we </b><b>have not let the darkness of the past months defeat us. If you can hear my voice, you </b><b>have not withdrawn into the shadows but have chosen to stay connected—to be part of </b><b>the body of Christ worshiping and praying for a hurting world. You have seen the nobility </b><b>of spirit residing in those around us who serve the common good in thankless jobs—</b><b>who stock shelves, clean hospital floors, teach in schools, parent full-time and work fulltime from the same kitchen tables. Despite this year’s isolation, after the death of </b><b>George Floyd we broke the silence to cry out that Black Lives Matter and flooded the </b><b>streets in protest. Despite our political cynicism, we voted in numbers not seen in over </b><b>120 years. Despite prejudices that would despise the stranger and the migrant, the </b><b>global pandemic has shown us that borders are human chalk lines pretending to be </b><b>walls—for if one person, one child anywhere, is at risk, all our lives are touched. That is </b><b>why we have not gone quietly into that good night. By God’s grace, we know this world </b><b>holds more than darkness and disruption.</b></p><p>It reminded me of what I need to remember every moment of every day, even as hateful people still fly their Evil Cheeto flags and their All Lives Matter signs sit along side manger scenes on their lawns that have Back the Blue signs next to notices that their homes are protected by security. Hmm...black the Blue...but let me just protect my gun case and my autographed picture of Clint Eastwood. </p><p>Ah but here lies the problem that I still have...I have such anger in my heart for those who claim to follow Christ and yet support this man who is responsible for so much hate and destruction. And I don't know what to do with that. </p><p>But John Lewis had an idea: </p><p><b>Study the path of others to make your way easier and more abundant. Lean toward the whispers of your own heart, discover the universal truth, and follow its dictates. Know that the truth always leads to love and the perpetuation of peace. Its products are never bitterness and strife. Clothe yourself in the work of love, in the revolutionary work of nonviolent resistance against evil. Anchor the eternity of love in your own soul and embed this planet with goodness. Release the need to hate, to harbor division, and the enticement of revenge. Release all bitterness. Hold only love, only peace in your heart, knowing that the battle of good to overcome evil is already won. Choose confrontation wisely, but when it is your time don’t be afraid to stand up, speak up, and speak out against injustice. And if you follow your truth down the road to peace and the affirmation of love, if you shine like a beacon for all to see, then the poetry of all the great dreamers and philosophers is yours to manifest in a nation, a world community, and a Beloved Community that is finally at peace with itself. </b>from John Lewis with Brenda Jones, Across That Bridge: A Vision for Change and the Future of America (Hachette Books: 2017, ©2012), 208.</p><p>And so I will keep trying, trying to live in the love that I claim is so important to me. And I will stop raising my middle finger at the houses that are still decorated with signs that support the horrors we have experienced these past four years.</p><p>As for this blog...well, at this writing I have blogged about my reading through mid-June. I have read 198 books and some have been incredible. But I have not written about more than half of them.</p><p>And I can't pretend I will continue with any regularity. But I will be recording my reading on <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/3235807-reving">goodreads</a>, for what that is worth!</p><p>And so I leave you with this for now...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigiKtGSoOob4_qtAsdOEYOxXL-4wj-Lq8LQ5Bi-8B6G2X6zu0Tmadj3azwLs6apcCkqJ7lsAErZa-bYVBXGsrR8-Dcx2wcCRIy3v1vG5ByYSlo3U1ABeBRLsWuHHkGUa9-8UWOhAnbHsU/s472/judysnewyearswish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="385" data-original-width="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigiKtGSoOob4_qtAsdOEYOxXL-4wj-Lq8LQ5Bi-8B6G2X6zu0Tmadj3azwLs6apcCkqJ7lsAErZa-bYVBXGsrR8-Dcx2wcCRIy3v1vG5ByYSlo3U1ABeBRLsWuHHkGUa9-8UWOhAnbHsU/s320/judysnewyearswish.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Inghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04372208526217552262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1886716852682917385.post-46665107598280374832020-08-22T07:22:00.000-07:002020-08-22T07:22:08.624-07:00NeurodiverseAfter reading <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/52454063-tornado-brain">Tornado Brain</a> I found out about the term <a href="https://www.understood.org/en/friends-feelings/empowering-your-child/building-on-strengths/neurodiversity-what-you-need-to-know">neurodiverse</a>. Now I say right out that I am not <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdDuwAQL795K4EqvIERRJ2hXNzq1wPrBxOdM9vOQK_WwQWxs3Shm8BtAvUb8ASsbbU6HAOs1p8k70Ko3fQUL3Q6cjcm9FWf-QqnummDHbNpXoQDec3o3sQXEtr_qS9I7j-Xu8_w_Ixbzw/s499/52454063.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="331" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdDuwAQL795K4EqvIERRJ2hXNzq1wPrBxOdM9vOQK_WwQWxs3Shm8BtAvUb8ASsbbU6HAOs1p8k70Ko3fQUL3Q6cjcm9FWf-QqnummDHbNpXoQDec3o3sQXEtr_qS9I7j-Xu8_w_Ixbzw/w212-h319/52454063.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>neurodiverse. The main character of the book, Frankie a seventh grader, is and I do know people who would fall under the term, if it is applied in the way I have seen it defined. Saying that, I like the term, because it seems to negate the idea idea ADHD and autism aren't abnormal, they are just part of the spectrum of the diversity of human brain function. I think that any time we stand up and say, "You aren't weird, or your way isn't the 'different' way just because it is different from my way" we are on the way to recognizing our oneness. We are on the way to remembering that we are all created by the same Loving and All-Good Creator, the image of that Loving and All-Good Creator and therefore we are all good as well and then our job is grow in the likeness of our Loving Creator. We must affirm our own and one another's holy personhood, our place in the collective family of God.<div>For me as a Christian, I follow Jesus, Love in the flesh and see the way He lived in the world and try to act as He did. But now I am off on a tangent-- so let me get back.</div><div>When we stop saying "abnormal" when we stop "us" and "them"ing our siblings, we live are getting better. We are growing into the likeness of the Love that made us all. </div><div>And so for me, is a good term. </div>Inghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04372208526217552262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1886716852682917385.post-83674438027778146732020-07-26T08:53:00.000-07:002020-07-26T08:53:33.539-07:00Pretty Awesome!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOQ3AD8XoafQNa4E8JZyglil_JQ2yuNJL4jmWbuPRpuGc9zXrUB0oo10VYlVQYBysoKez2bFCqZHqZnZZdC3V8tBRBXDUUxD358kHH-uWJYmRHELngJCrWV-BTwu9jrhwiyYB7bonYhic/s1600/50808508._SY475_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="309" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOQ3AD8XoafQNa4E8JZyglil_JQ2yuNJL4jmWbuPRpuGc9zXrUB0oo10VYlVQYBysoKez2bFCqZHqZnZZdC3V8tBRBXDUUxD358kHH-uWJYmRHELngJCrWV-BTwu9jrhwiyYB7bonYhic/s320/50808508._SY475_.jpg" width="208" /></a></div>
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/50808508-in-the-role-of-brie-hutchens">In the Role of Brie Hutchens</a> was not only great because our hero Brie watches All My Children (reruns, the book the set in current times, I am pretty sure) and she uses <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DFjqNh8fbcs">Bianca's coming out to Erica as an audition monologue</a>, it is SO real and so faith-based and just lovely. And real and fresh.Inghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04372208526217552262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1886716852682917385.post-64246898598797371562020-07-26T08:45:00.000-07:002020-07-26T08:45:14.883-07:00Chick Lit Thrillers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghAhB8pFIYIfGDpaEYOWmjZ3GpJOFJbwzIBPt7na3emP-RCGmpTPYp7gH1E52HomDV_PmAYDRMZ0MmpiCbqwAKjttTJO_zHVYtnUc4nqnQBU366A3tjgIIc8LBNW_OP5T95YuakIXebQw/s1600/52253084._SX318_SY475_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="317" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghAhB8pFIYIfGDpaEYOWmjZ3GpJOFJbwzIBPt7na3emP-RCGmpTPYp7gH1E52HomDV_PmAYDRMZ0MmpiCbqwAKjttTJO_zHVYtnUc4nqnQBU366A3tjgIIc8LBNW_OP5T95YuakIXebQw/s320/52253084._SX318_SY475_.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
seem to be a dime a dozen as they say...and this one isn't bad but it just seems more "chick lit" to me than for my taste. <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/52253084-stranger-in-the-lake">Stranger in the Lake</a> was not a memorable read for me. Wasn't offensive though, either. Inghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04372208526217552262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1886716852682917385.post-32502815623489905892020-07-26T08:40:00.002-07:002020-07-26T08:40:40.011-07:00An American Summer Sadly Like Every Other American Summer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmwyLLkQCT7RnPFbXjqW7VKrPq9NA9kdDem_BIqK-TjQllfkGmYct0Kb_zTSfp4KOLehZZ4iCohAmcFn8siG62xnFQid7NJr_B2V3hwjGu9rVqn8B6M2LQCXpCzaPhMWPzF2iBjX3OW1s/s1600/40588301._SX318_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="288" data-original-width="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmwyLLkQCT7RnPFbXjqW7VKrPq9NA9kdDem_BIqK-TjQllfkGmYct0Kb_zTSfp4KOLehZZ4iCohAmcFn8siG62xnFQid7NJr_B2V3hwjGu9rVqn8B6M2LQCXpCzaPhMWPzF2iBjX3OW1s/s1600/40588301._SX318_.jpg" /></a></div>
although this one seems worse. Or maybe I am finally more aware. <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40588301-an-american-summer">An American Summer: Love and Death in Chicago</a> is written by the brilliant <a href="https://www.alexkotlowitz.com/">Alex Kotlowitz</a>. And if one hasn't read <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/41918.There_are_No_Children_Here?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=haV4nLcY78&rank=1">There are No Children Here</a>, it should be read today. And then this one. <br />
And we have to do something, right? But what do we do? How do we make things right? How do we, especially those of us who claim to follow the example of Jesus, and try to be Christ in the world, live out of faith so that we will live in a world where Black Lives will Matter?Inghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04372208526217552262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1886716852682917385.post-63547894331518656422020-07-26T08:32:00.001-07:002020-07-26T08:32:43.898-07:00Killed by the NarratorAnd the narrator was good.<br />
And the book was good.<br />
But...the book was set in the American South...at a college...the main character is a college student...so why a middle age British narrator.<br />
Just pretty much ruined the whole thing.<br />
I didn't have high hopes for <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/39965069-watching">Watching</a>, the first in the <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/series/232280-the-making-of-riley-paige">Making of Riley Paige series</a>. <br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14773558.Blake_Pierce">Blake Pierce</a> and the series and all of the others books and series written under the name Blake Pierce are one of those...what are they called...I can't remember the term...hang on..<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carolyn_Keene">.syndicate</a> is the word I found right now, but there is another word for it. Like Nancy Drew but for adults. But all of these books under this name are on hoopla and when there is nothing else to read, I have been tempted. But man...the British narrator? Just weird and maybe lazy. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKppDKe_FBy9zElPIE8ANCZx5ZB_jFD4ALDwO0mJvc7f6qz-UUEuZPaV9wt6zDZCMVTyMu72I-R9StnA1xVavDRCit4VeyRNO4nriZUnGz_YoKSk_0FZfnepqQDZgMSOM5CHVxi63kQLQ/s1600/39965069._SY475_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="316" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKppDKe_FBy9zElPIE8ANCZx5ZB_jFD4ALDwO0mJvc7f6qz-UUEuZPaV9wt6zDZCMVTyMu72I-R9StnA1xVavDRCit4VeyRNO4nriZUnGz_YoKSk_0FZfnepqQDZgMSOM5CHVxi63kQLQ/s320/39965069._SY475_.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
Inghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04372208526217552262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1886716852682917385.post-87632584435820363122020-07-05T14:18:00.000-07:002020-07-05T14:18:12.513-07:00Jack McEvoy kinda troubles me...(NOT!)<br />
Of course, one doesn't have to love a character to appreciate a book or series. And <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/series/40639-jack-mcevoy">Jack McEvoy </a>didn't trouble me until <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4527502-the-scarecrow">The Scarecrow</a>. I really did enjoy <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/32506.The_Poet">The Poet</a> but then I didn't like Scarecrow so much I was surprised by how much I really did enjoy <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/53071972-fair-warning">Fair Warning</a>. But FW was so good that I will read the book about Jack. Even though I do find him troubling...I don't remember why...but there were some things in Scarecrow that really made me raise my eyebrows...but maybe I am just being picky.<br />
<br />
NO NO NO WAIT!<br />
<br />
Dude while I didn't like Scarecrow, it wasn't Jack that bothered me...it was the guy from the other book by that woman who writes about a woman priest and a sheriff. And the sheriff guy is a HUGE Blame-the-Victim dude. BIG Time! <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/113002.In_the_Bleak_Midwinter">This one!</a> <br />
<br />
So I had to change my title of the "review." Jack is just a regular dude. I mean, do feel bad for him because he lacks a lot of self confidence, especially when it comes to love. But he isn't a creep like the law guy in that other series! Sorry! <br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfr4aJ1wwQegTwb-vX62CFSF8O-zzQt_LnM7ce7Z_50vBsBOEy_PwfF_E6yu5ysKDaKm1U3vvEZtKD-JnqPzGlfjgxVKmzLD9SsOvn1ILsi_r0a7GGppzH5mkKSQUW3gqMWxZdZNgQMPQ/s1600/53071972._SX318_SY475_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="305" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfr4aJ1wwQegTwb-vX62CFSF8O-zzQt_LnM7ce7Z_50vBsBOEy_PwfF_E6yu5ysKDaKm1U3vvEZtKD-JnqPzGlfjgxVKmzLD9SsOvn1ILsi_r0a7GGppzH5mkKSQUW3gqMWxZdZNgQMPQ/s320/53071972._SX318_SY475_.jpg" width="205" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikspGA40QQZHo8TvIz2AeW2mW1KgjzoqVnzvuPRnP_b6mwnkLKrm0ASWywaolmDeBU_qn4OvfvkAA3ATStcGn73D6A137D-H_tKYBDRAR_mgU294b7MrcolMkmvw9A7bYolcO3DvwIpxc/s1600/32506._SY475_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="314" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikspGA40QQZHo8TvIz2AeW2mW1KgjzoqVnzvuPRnP_b6mwnkLKrm0ASWywaolmDeBU_qn4OvfvkAA3ATStcGn73D6A137D-H_tKYBDRAR_mgU294b7MrcolMkmvw9A7bYolcO3DvwIpxc/s320/32506._SY475_.jpg" width="211" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghS0LYp-bf4HF4QKdvhs4nD8uNXcCf0HvZyuVpyqNXpcUzIa4MHh99i1ARde4Pgv4DLivo_9v8RHKj2H4Ua2mI1TM3dPQrl6pWLP_oG3heiJkt6wJ-uG9p2fpWGgJ4RRanJxbQizuLkOY/s1600/4527502.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="260" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghS0LYp-bf4HF4QKdvhs4nD8uNXcCf0HvZyuVpyqNXpcUzIa4MHh99i1ARde4Pgv4DLivo_9v8RHKj2H4Ua2mI1TM3dPQrl6pWLP_oG3heiJkt6wJ-uG9p2fpWGgJ4RRanJxbQizuLkOY/s320/4527502.jpg" width="208" /></a></div>
Inghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04372208526217552262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1886716852682917385.post-37434077378216271332020-07-04T14:35:00.001-07:002020-07-04T14:35:45.969-07:00My Eating<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1SVud9SL1t_vNwyeZqfU_Eioe5NmCtpyc4-LkUr8aX9PnIYVc2n-mCD0zP4u2b3r3keL0Wz5-4JVP42bRSl2ujAuTNP40zCjNw5AWvPHgTLsiEMzn9MseEUDBUUFWa5hWA3gl5Fz6qS0/s1600/7456264.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="393" data-original-width="318" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1SVud9SL1t_vNwyeZqfU_Eioe5NmCtpyc4-LkUr8aX9PnIYVc2n-mCD0zP4u2b3r3keL0Wz5-4JVP42bRSl2ujAuTNP40zCjNw5AWvPHgTLsiEMzn9MseEUDBUUFWa5hWA3gl5Fz6qS0/s320/7456264.jpg" width="258" /></a></div>
Eating has always been hard for me. Most often I have eaten too much. That is why <a href="http://revingsblog.blogspot.com/search/label/David%20Levithan">David Levithan</a> makes me so sad. Sometimes I have eaten too little, and with the help of therapy, I am trying to get a hold on that problem. <div>
About 18 months ago I started a new part-time job. I loved it, but it was a very stressful job for me. I gained 30 pounds. But the thing is, I am SUPER obsessive about weighing and measuring my food, counting my ounces of water, tracking my running and exercise and counting my steps. </div>
<div>
I hadn't made any changes in that time. I have it all tracked. </div>
<div>
For whatever reason, I gained 30 lbs. Three weeks ago I left my part-time job. It was hard to do, but new demands at my full-time (I love that, too! I am SO BLESSED work-wise and always have been and I am SO grateful) I knew I had to quit.</div>
<div>
Well, in three weeks I have lost 14.5 of those extra pounds. I can't explain it. I haven't done anything differently, except leave my part-time job.</div>
<div>
I did read <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7456264-the-mayo-clinic-diet">The Mayo Clinic Diet: Eat well. Enjoy life. Lose weight.</a> And I really think it is excellent. But I haven't applied it. But it is good to know that if I don't continue to lose weight, to get back to my pre-new-part-time-job weight, I can try this! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
And then maybe David Levithan will find me acceptable! <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLeIiW5K58edHwjv9qNsTvfl-vCulveg9oUo8JXQKnPc2AEC4-QYP_ZMTcsX4s1nFLRtLBKo7g57qLSKWZDX3ylx1zgNT3KzujnNCvjiCv4KW0PRHcj_XLXsKhF6YOtAG58MOl8u0mhNQ/s1600/b6c516ed95b49de9245b685841c728435a94.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="237" data-original-width="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLeIiW5K58edHwjv9qNsTvfl-vCulveg9oUo8JXQKnPc2AEC4-QYP_ZMTcsX4s1nFLRtLBKo7g57qLSKWZDX3ylx1zgNT3KzujnNCvjiCv4KW0PRHcj_XLXsKhF6YOtAG58MOl8u0mhNQ/s1600/b6c516ed95b49de9245b685841c728435a94.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I have 10 more pounds to go to get back to the weight I was when the photo on the right was taken. I am trying, Mr. Levithan!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
Inghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04372208526217552262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1886716852682917385.post-767513751350531732020-06-13T07:27:00.000-07:002020-06-13T07:27:18.335-07:00Hmmm<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAyjvaENbyCet4Kj53-MmSx3Q9wKlKXrEmjWhCJirXUhQvL-tZAEaKWxV6BnVTGDF6B6FmVVB3AnqqNVS8Y0QPHsJMlwLiCFK2xBBj7teixX1Q_eRyql33XsCA49yAttn2j7E7164IDgE/s1600/22400959.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="424" data-original-width="318" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAyjvaENbyCet4Kj53-MmSx3Q9wKlKXrEmjWhCJirXUhQvL-tZAEaKWxV6BnVTGDF6B6FmVVB3AnqqNVS8Y0QPHsJMlwLiCFK2xBBj7teixX1Q_eRyql33XsCA49yAttn2j7E7164IDgE/s320/22400959.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
For a long time I have been embarrassed to say that I had not seen <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0055031/">Judgement at Nuremberg</a>. Judy of course was nominated for Best Supporting Actress, but as we know, Oscar is political and usually wrong. <a href="http://revingsblog.blogspot.com/search/label/1954">1954</a>. Now may I say that even Judy would agree that Oscar was right in awarding <a href="https://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/rita-moreno-calls-trump-unhinged-urges-latinos-to-vote/">Rita Moreno</a> the win that year. 1962 was no 1954. Moreno's WSS role was the standout and Moreno is just one brilliant woman and actress, but I digress.<br />
Shocking.<br />
<br />
Anyway...I finally watched JAN and wow.<br />
Wow.<br />
Wow.<br />
Wow.<br />
What a movie.<br />
Yes, Judy is incredible. And the whole film is incredible. <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22400959-judgement-at-nuremberg">I also read the book form of the script written by Abby Mann</a> because, man. This is one powerful story. By the way, Mann grew up in <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/East_Pittsburgh,_Pennsylvania">East Pittsburgh</a>!<br />
One review I read of it asks the question, if the Axis powers had one the war, would the United States have been on trial for the bombings of Dresden and Tokyo and for the dropping of the atomic bombs. <br />
Other questions asked by the defense attorney:<br />
<br />
<b>Where is the responsibility of the Soviet Union...</b><br />
<b>who signed in the pact with Hitler...</b><br />
<b>enabled him to make war?</b><br />
<b>Are we now to find Russia guilty?</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Where is the responsibility of the Vatican...</b><br />
<b>who signed in the concordat with Hitler...</b><br />
<b>giving him his first tremendous prestige?</b><br />
<b>Are we now to find the Vatican guilty?</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Where is the responsibility of the world leader Winston Churchill...</b><br />
<b>who said in an open letter to the London Times in </b><br />
<b>'Were England to suffer a national disaster,</b><br />
<b>I should pray to God...</b><br />
<b>to send a man of the strength of mind</b><br />
<b>and will of an Adolf Hitler.'</b><br />
<b>Are we now to find Winston Churchill guilty?</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Where is the responsibility of those American industrialists...</b><br />
<b>who helped Hitler to rebuild his armaments,</b><br />
<b>and profited by that rebuilding?</b><br />
<b>Are we now to find the American industrialists guilty?</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>No, Your Honor.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Germany alone is not guilty.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>The whole world is as responsible for Hitler as Germany."</b><br />
<br />
<br />
This blew me away because SILENCE IS VIOLENCE as we see today in the murders of so many African Americans. Police remain silent. Politicians remain silent (at best, MANY speak hateful, vile lies). And most embarrassingly to me, pulpits remain silent. <br />
<br />
We all have the blood of 8 million Jews on our hands. We all have the neck of George Floyd under our boot. <br />
<br />
WE MUST ACT FOR JUSTICE AND LIFE! <br />
WE MUST STAND FOR LOVE AND BE PEACE MAKERS NOT PEACE KEEPERS! Because the "peace" we are protecting when we say "all lives matter" and "stop the looting" and "cant't we just be peaceful and kind" is not a peace. <a href="http://reichskonkordat/">It is signing a pact with evil like the Vatican did in 1933.</a><br />
<br />
We must wake up and remember we were ALL created in the image of God and the only way to grow into God's likeness is to act like Jesus did. Jesus was political. <br />
Jesus was killed by the state because He spoke out for the poor, the marginalized, the oppressed. Following Jesus does not mean "peace keeping" it means PEACE MAKING and that is dangerous, dangerous work. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Inghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04372208526217552262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1886716852682917385.post-38819251812931127232020-06-13T06:45:00.000-07:002020-06-13T06:45:32.506-07:00Dr. and Mr. = Dr. and Ms.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD2nhJ_WUJQWZ_O3sCp5DcJahqkpswIUB0QYcGuOdv2KIj8sEjBj2cXahe6EOMF7cqzEbVKsWnzf6UiULGeUe8rvgo6GiYUYVRi3PrED4Zh-v0S7dj4Y2FNPBCl9XwEBQa33HXy2np9bQ/s1600/43310728._SX318_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="318" data-original-width="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD2nhJ_WUJQWZ_O3sCp5DcJahqkpswIUB0QYcGuOdv2KIj8sEjBj2cXahe6EOMF7cqzEbVKsWnzf6UiULGeUe8rvgo6GiYUYVRi3PrED4Zh-v0S7dj4Y2FNPBCl9XwEBQa33HXy2np9bQ/s1600/43310728._SX318_.jpg" /></a></div>
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/43310728-henrietta-eleanor">Henrietta and Eleanor</a> is a new version of Jekyll and Hyde, adapted by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5345371.Libby_Spurrier">Libby Spurrier</a>, who has adapted a lot of books for audio. I like this. I like most audible originals. I have never read the real <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/288840.The_Strange_Case_of_Dr_Jekyll_and_Mr_Hyde_and_Other_Tales_of_Terror">Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Hyde</a>. Nor have I even been to <a href="https://www.jekyllisland.com/">Jekyll Island</a>. I loved this<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6377326-jekel-loves-hyde?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=IJ1hWcVGsS&rank=4"> J and H</a> book a lot...but this one just was decent for me anyway. Inghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04372208526217552262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1886716852682917385.post-82521358418921942722020-06-06T07:57:00.000-07:002020-06-06T07:57:33.082-07:00Years and Years and Years Ago<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtVpEtD5h8Gg2r6QOOYANjPuirrl2ILtZ2os2KuySzrjbqfuwu6rhMN3g4fbp5-VbicFerASzoIYznEcLOcswWGNJvEEQA3B-z619M_bv2zHqskZ2H_KgO_3pC4L3M2l7Vi4ETvOAbSpo/s1600/33810.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="297" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtVpEtD5h8Gg2r6QOOYANjPuirrl2ILtZ2os2KuySzrjbqfuwu6rhMN3g4fbp5-VbicFerASzoIYznEcLOcswWGNJvEEQA3B-z619M_bv2zHqskZ2H_KgO_3pC4L3M2l7Vi4ETvOAbSpo/s320/33810.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
I listened to <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1849.Wild_Fire">Wild Fire</a>. On a CD! At the <a href="https://www.dependabledrivein.com/">drive-in</a>! This was a LONG time ago! And I LOVED it! I just finished <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/33810.Plum_Island">Plum Island</a>, which is the first in the <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/series/52228-john-corey">John Corey</a> series and I loved it, too. Because John Corey is hilarious. <br />
<br />
Here is just one of my favorite quotes:<br />
She has clear, grey eyes, grey hair and a sort of interesting face with translucent skin. A face that reminded me of an old painting. Not any particular painting.<br />
Or artist.<br />
Or style.<br />
Just an old painting.<br />
<br />
I LOVED THAT!<br />
<br />
Anyway...fantastic cop. Fantastic book. Inghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04372208526217552262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1886716852682917385.post-92113680611228020482020-06-06T07:49:00.000-07:002020-06-06T07:49:35.993-07:00Some People<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmw0CnYpaEO8cl_8XdWiI2Sl5oDOJrqPjT6R5DLYgWcB08IIGahQmxuiPFQA3RBV8D9jcMp7zDqzc4oM98Ky6awL7WmM-roncz0K4YxMd3dgl4fiHURAZi9xCNjfvRSnV9tO-s8xTlp90/s1600/52000813.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="268" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmw0CnYpaEO8cl_8XdWiI2Sl5oDOJrqPjT6R5DLYgWcB08IIGahQmxuiPFQA3RBV8D9jcMp7zDqzc4oM98Ky6awL7WmM-roncz0K4YxMd3dgl4fiHURAZi9xCNjfvRSnV9tO-s8xTlp90/s320/52000813.jpg" width="214" /></a></div>
I am not sure if more people are like Maggie or not like Maggie. I think if we have the answer to that life would be a lot easier. This book just completely messed with my understanding of morality and how I think (or thought) people see right and wrong. <a href="http://-/">This is How I Lied</a> was pretty terrible regardless. Inghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04372208526217552262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1886716852682917385.post-71647191176297450582020-06-06T07:43:00.000-07:002020-06-06T07:44:46.685-07:00So...this is weird.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwOhzxg_BQW89u5wL5BttWs1_sS_bZ2B3YVNDsaI0TsaFIRMTZSfKRp9XqyUsuo1bq6OYTdTHqQ8J9M0d0HW0hIxHl2HrqH8CAJ2kU8OFrIoQKOzwxMCIPCaSs-Z3RHFo5Ys1VQqaGX0s/s1600/113002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="193" data-original-width="120" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwOhzxg_BQW89u5wL5BttWs1_sS_bZ2B3YVNDsaI0TsaFIRMTZSfKRp9XqyUsuo1bq6OYTdTHqQ8J9M0d0HW0hIxHl2HrqH8CAJ2kU8OFrIoQKOzwxMCIPCaSs-Z3RHFo5Ys1VQqaGX0s/s1600/113002.jpg" /></a></div>
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/"><span id="goog_686191698"></span>In the Bleak Midwinter<span id="goog_686191699"></span></a> is the first book in the <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/series/41301-the-rev-clare-fergusson-russ-van-alstyne-mysteries">Rev. Clare Fergusson, and </a><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14px;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/series/41301-the-rev-clare-fergusson-russ-van-alstyne-mysteries">Russ Van Alstyne</a> series. This was not a book that came highly recommended. In fact, when my friend told me about it she said, "These characters are terrible. They are such jerks. They are completely incompetent at what they do." But then she told me that she has read every one of the books in the series. And has every intention to read any forthcoming books in the series. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14px;">Well I had to read one, right?</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14px;">I am a pastor and so is Fergusson and so I figured that might be interesting. And I love detective fiction, so I figured that might be interesting. </span><br />
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">It was not interesting at all!</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">My friend was right! Neither Fergusson nor Val Alstyne are good at their jobs. They are not sympathetic characters either. But will I read the next one? Yes. I have already started it. Will I probably read the rest of the series. Probably. It is like not being able to look away from an accident I guess. I actually don't know. It is just so bizarre.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">Just. Yeah. I can't recommend this book either, but I will say if you read it, you might get hooked. </span></span>Inghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04372208526217552262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1886716852682917385.post-54313300619550723662020-06-02T08:24:00.001-07:002020-06-02T08:24:11.984-07:00Perfect for a Pandemic<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaIDA_CBMXFmEeE1dxQgd8GTjvCSer_-JmAE_vBAOx-4wwTvEDJPXt0t9-YI8X_0IL72d_Lt94SYpTKSYJfn2xeDRNavvTQScfIiqqg90pzURbWFzhUbF9QyBasA3QAnVqcPZC8gMTZjs/s1600/50023815._SX318_SY475_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="315" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaIDA_CBMXFmEeE1dxQgd8GTjvCSer_-JmAE_vBAOx-4wwTvEDJPXt0t9-YI8X_0IL72d_Lt94SYpTKSYJfn2xeDRNavvTQScfIiqqg90pzURbWFzhUbF9QyBasA3QAnVqcPZC8gMTZjs/s320/50023815._SX318_SY475_.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
I think it has been wonderful that <a href="https://www.stuartwoods.com/">Stuart Woods</a> (along with <a href="http://parnellhall.com/">Parnell Hall</a> in this case) has released two books in pandemic time. The world is in an awful place. The United States is in chaos, "led" by a hateful man. I feel helpless. What better way to take a break from the hell that is reality right now than to read about <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/series/41374-stone-barrington">Stone Barrington</a> and his rich and charmed friends and family. This is the fourth <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/series/183399-teddy-fay">Teddy Fay</a> book, <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/50023815-bombshell">Bombshell</a>. At was a great escape.<div>
Not that we can escape all the time. In fact, now more than ever we need to raise our voices and raise our hands and do all we can to protest the murder of African Americans, most recently<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Killing_of_George_Floyd"> George Floyd</a>. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A-YybsoiMuE">For the first time I preached what some might call a political sermon</a>. I was very afraid. The church at which I serve does not really address current circumstances in the world and country but I am trying to change that. And it was Pentecost. And if the Holy Spirit is with us well, we CANNOT be silent. We MUST speak up. <a href="http://cathedralofhope.org/event/vigil-for-justice/">Tomorrow I am going to my first protest vigil at my old church.</a> I am embarrassed and ashamed that it is just my first one. But I can't be silent anymore.</div>
<div>
I know I went off on a tangent. But an important one.<br />I just wanted to make sure that it didn't seem as though it was okay to just escape into a book. There is time for relaxing and reading, but there is also time (and the time is now) to stand up for what is right. </div>
Inghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04372208526217552262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1886716852682917385.post-90974543442773775232020-06-01T16:02:00.000-07:002020-06-01T16:02:58.442-07:00Both Sides<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-u2a9meYyFuQtEADmJ5nKt35-Tne6etSUxdREEyNrxmH0wib-K6M4oCrAsl5YCcxwBBfEoT14clV1Lzkio_eEReGZyvwNw9zdAzXSg7zeUU8w15dsaIA7GZUy4wokiof5NmXoM6rO-_Y/s1600/51307102.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1060" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-u2a9meYyFuQtEADmJ5nKt35-Tne6etSUxdREEyNrxmH0wib-K6M4oCrAsl5YCcxwBBfEoT14clV1Lzkio_eEReGZyvwNw9zdAzXSg7zeUU8w15dsaIA7GZUy4wokiof5NmXoM6rO-_Y/s320/51307102.jpg" width="211" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/51307102-on-the-horizon">On the Horizon</a> is a beautiful book. One that brought me to tears. <a href="http://loislowry.com/">Lois Lowry</a> really makes magic with her words. She recalls her childhood in Hawaii and her time in Japan and recounts the stories of lives lost at <a href="https://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/pearl-harbor">Pearl Harbor</a> and <a href="https://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/bombing-of-hiroshima-and-nagasaki">Hiroshima</a>. <br />
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bX7V6FAoTLc">War.</a><br />
What is it good for?<br />
They even wrote a song asking that question.<br />
The song's answer is "Absolutely nothing."<br />
I pray one day we will learn from that answer.<br />
Will there be a time, this side of heaven when we look at one another as children of God? Only then will it happen. Inghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04372208526217552262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1886716852682917385.post-22713663687547169882020-06-01T07:04:00.001-07:002020-06-01T07:04:37.584-07:00What a book...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib7WuicR2S18vFRq_PFUO4ucGc8RNAB8ToKTOwLVZ4wfRuAmc84M9_y8VMgN4GnTYsFRMVsm0Sn9XX_PrdUq8TGletG2BW6RSXM2_3k4gZGA2skDbg0M7NfJBkcSrRlA1VzWERNe3Bzbc/s1600/50825882._SX318_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="439" data-original-width="318" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib7WuicR2S18vFRq_PFUO4ucGc8RNAB8ToKTOwLVZ4wfRuAmc84M9_y8VMgN4GnTYsFRMVsm0Sn9XX_PrdUq8TGletG2BW6RSXM2_3k4gZGA2skDbg0M7NfJBkcSrRlA1VzWERNe3Bzbc/s320/50825882._SX318_.jpg" width="231" /></a>What a beautiful meditation. What a gift <a href="https://www.jesmynwardauthor.com/">Jesmyn Ward</a> is to the world. <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/50825882-navigate-your-stars">Navigate Your Stars</a> is a must-read for any graduate or soon to be graduate or someone who is breathing. This book is inspirational for everyone. EVERYONE.<br />
I felt especially blessed to have listened to it because she reads it. Just read or listen to this book right now. It is the <a href="https://commencement.tulane.edu/jesmyn-ward">commencement speech</a> that Ward gave to the students at <a href="https://tulane.edu/">Tulane</a> and I bet they never will forget it. I know I won't. <br />
Inghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04372208526217552262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1886716852682917385.post-12606595989236740642020-05-31T13:42:00.000-07:002020-05-31T13:42:20.819-07:00SwimmingI have a dear friend who has a dear daughter who is a competitive swimmer. She is quite good! She was headed to states this year before the pandemic hit and that is a real shame. I wonder how swimmers have been practicing, if they have been able to practice? <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/52172585-breath-like-water">Breath Like Water</a> is set in the world of competitive swimming. Anna Jarzab is a great author and I would have read it even if I wasn't already curious about swimming. She deals with mental health issues in such a real and honest way. I loved Harry and <span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14px;">Susannah so much. Great, great book. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3sqKBDN6fjYNAfdE54wIy5tum4CRDiGKIdhzbv37RL7A_mYgA2RELbOVWRyHyfthzt6zD7fGgt89Arw1XvXujgeRN4mfCY8XW-QlZNEbLOu-TRZvNp_SDtEjYGbJBPKve1x2edHd6ofo/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="318" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3sqKBDN6fjYNAfdE54wIy5tum4CRDiGKIdhzbv37RL7A_mYgA2RELbOVWRyHyfthzt6zD7fGgt89Arw1XvXujgeRN4mfCY8XW-QlZNEbLOu-TRZvNp_SDtEjYGbJBPKve1x2edHd6ofo/s320/52172585._SX318_SY475_+%25281%2529.jpg" /></a></div>
Inghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04372208526217552262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1886716852682917385.post-46726895798662761982020-05-31T05:43:00.000-07:002020-05-31T05:43:52.703-07:00The List of Authors Everyone Loves<a href="http://www.rebeccasteadbooks.com/">Rebecca Stead</a> is on that list! <a href=" Genesis 1:26-28 Common English Bible (CEB) 26 Then God said, “Let us make humanity in our image to resemble us so that they may take charge of the fish of the sea, the birds in the sky, the livestock, all the earth, and all the crawling things on earth.” 27 God created humanity in God’s own image, in the divine image God created them,[a] male and female God created them. 28 God blessed them and said to them, “Be fertile and multiply; fill the earth and master it. Take charge of the fish of the sea, the birds in the sky, and everything crawling on the ground.”">The List of Things that Will Not Change</a> is her latest. And I did like it. But for some reason I just can't really get into Stead. I loved the love. I heart-broken about Mission. I thought the relationship between the two main character and her soon to be sister was very real. I just thought the whole cousin thing wasn't needed. I am not sure why it just seemed so out of place for me. But the big secret surrounding Bea and her cousin...it just didn't fit for me and really did a lot of take away from my experience with the book. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFmDeY7sQ2f98lSDGjQcUBH8F4eOeovGjOb3OiEQnO7ZsXBykKotQ-GQJWYtqcyAtcyzgCo_Qau7Fxep7hWe0fuAc_MSA6tLr_xqTiWJWgeUgvLWY9ekAGxTVs1qtQkUTprsB8zIB32R0/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="262" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFmDeY7sQ2f98lSDGjQcUBH8F4eOeovGjOb3OiEQnO7ZsXBykKotQ-GQJWYtqcyAtcyzgCo_Qau7Fxep7hWe0fuAc_MSA6tLr_xqTiWJWgeUgvLWY9ekAGxTVs1qtQkUTprsB8zIB32R0/s320/44900082+%25281%2529.jpg" /></a></div>Inghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04372208526217552262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1886716852682917385.post-13081311409923198742020-05-28T06:33:00.000-07:002020-05-28T06:33:17.275-07:00I Do Love<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTJ1jKILHFn6Nx8U1BzbPkeKcfQD8ncRl-Tdko42fdqi89lGijvHTbWTEfQVT6xvF_r0ik7gVMR3RYSTKXXo3tZnakhGR17hI5AvVOOuu4TRy24_OfmEklpx6GU6i8DElADSNB5bi6E64/s1600/52909677._SX318_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="318" data-original-width="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTJ1jKILHFn6Nx8U1BzbPkeKcfQD8ncRl-Tdko42fdqi89lGijvHTbWTEfQVT6xvF_r0ik7gVMR3RYSTKXXo3tZnakhGR17hI5AvVOOuu4TRy24_OfmEklpx6GU6i8DElADSNB5bi6E64/s1600/52909677._SX318_.jpg" /></a>these audible originals. <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/52909677-second-skin">Second Skin</a> was QUITE good! It was sad and surprising and smart and keep me wanting to keep on listening. It most certainly was an original as far as a story goes, too. And I was surprised by the ending! Inghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04372208526217552262noreply@blogger.com0