*Terri Schiavo*

Aol news flash had the absolute poor taste of carrying this AP story about the military trial of a U.S. Captain after Terri died, instead of Terri's story. Yeah, I'm sure they just didn't get the press release, yet. Riiiiggghhhtttt.

This IS war…on multiple fronts. It is a spiritual battle, a battle of worldviews, and a battle against deception.

In the past two weeks, I have not written about Terri Schiavo, as so many people have done an eloquent job of informing the public of the facts that weren’t being shared in the msm. I realize that by not commenting at all, I could be seen as being absorbed in my own world. Though quiet here on the web, I have not been ignoring the travesty of the situation, but have been praying.

I am now officially, over-the-top upset at the multiple ironies and double standards of the “justifications by certain powers that be” of pulling the feeding tube from Terri Schiavo.

Let me back up just a step. I have been in the process of switching ISP’s, but still have access to AOL. On yahoo I just noticed (around 10:00 a.m. central time on March 31st) that Terri has died. Imagine the ire that swelled out of me when aol’s top stories were: American Idol cast-off, Kobe Bryant and the one that MOST steamed me:

Military Court Convicts U.S. Soldier for Shooting Iraqi
Captain Had Testified Killing Wounded, Unarmed Man Was 'Honorable'

Doctors, just as in the Terri Schiavo case, were consulted regarding their opinions of the Iraqi driver’s health status. Wow, surprise surprise the conclusions they came to about the "health" and viability of the Iraqi Insurgent.


I cannot even write. I think the headlines and the stupid, contadictory, stories and biased conclusions speak for themselves.
Patricia Heaton, TV mom and actress on “Everybody Loves Raymond” had the guts to stand up for Terri’s rights to life…citing the other doctors consulted in her case, believing that she did have the capacity to sense joy and pain on a human level.

The *least* I can do is continue to pray…and stick by my switch away from AOL’s poor-taste, biased news flashes. I may add more later, as I come upon more links. Check out rushlimbaugh.com. If you don't like my conservative stance on this, or my sources, too bad. Get over it. I was a vegetarian, home-birthing hippie at one time, but that doesn't mean I can't also be a conservative...with some libertarian leanings.

p.s. Breakpoint with Chuck Colson just published an article on similar irony, and states it much better than I have.

Pianist Leon Fleisher

Mozart's Concerto No. 12 in A Major for Piano and Orchestra played by pianist Leon Fleisher was on the playbill for the last symphony date hubby and I attended. Fleisher, now aged 77, has a fascinating story which testifies to perserverence in the face of adversity over one's lifetime.

Maestro Fleisher noticed problems with the pinky of his right hand even as early as the age of 16. His diagnosis of dystonia, which flared and raged most at the pinnacle of his career, at age 35, and the loss of movement not only affected his performance career but also proved to be a serious impediment on everyday tasks -- from combing his hair and brushing his teeth to writing. It had a detrimental affect on his mental state and his familylife. He was only 37 years old when he was forced to retire from the stage.

Maestro Fleisher was already one of the greatest pianists of the time. Over the 30 years after he left the stage in 1965, he tried seemingly every medical and psychiatric treatment that held a glimmer of hope. Fleisher devoted himself to his teaching and conducting and shied away from the word “comeback”. He issued two new recordings of works for the left hand in 1994, both of which received Grammy nominations. Then in 1995, after 30 years of trying everything and anything that might allow him to perform again two-handed (including accupuncture and Rolfing, which finally worked) with the Cleveland Orchestra. He played the Mozart Concerto in A Major, K. 414. He now continues to perform his famous "left-hand repertoire" and select works for two hands.

I was inspried by this man's story and of his persistence. He played the Mozart concerto deliberately...purposefully, with an air of peaceful confidence, as only a *master* of the piano could do. One can tell that he doesn't have the same reach of hand or flair over the length of the ivories as other famous pianists who are more poised, even cocky with their craft. Maerstro Fleisher showed a calm confidence and certainty of his years with the piano. Others tend to rush through a piece; flaunting their talent passionately, even flailing their arms about. Not so with Maestro Fleisher.

~ The Lord's Protection ~

The most important, heart-stopping incident of our spring break camping trip was the moment that our little Androcles (as I am fond of calling him) fell face-first into the campfire, which overflowed with white-hot and golden embers of several days’ camping under three or four large logs, fully aflame.

How he came off that pile with not even a singed hair on his head or face, nor any blister on his hand, with which he tried in vain to catch himself, only God and A’s guardian angel know. He had fallen face-first, near the middle of the flames, and his head bounced off of the logs.

I pray that he learned a valuable lesson that night, not that he is invincible and can continue to be a clown, but that the Lord had His hand of protection on him for a reason…a reason that only the Lord is privy to right now.

He *was* horsing around with his older brother. He was not paying careful attention to the slippery rocks at the edge of the fire pit.

I was held still and calm in that moment of shock; a strong sense of "delay" came over me, which prompted me to choose not to lecture him on and on after realizing he was perfectly safe. I withheld extraneous comments, loved on him, and told him that it is a miracle that he had not melted a significant portion of his body in the accident.

I stand amazed, am humbled and grateful.

I sing a song that I sang in church a couple of times when my children were smaller:

I'm Amazed

I'm amazed at all You've done for me,
Who am I, that You'd bless me so?
I stand in awe of all your wondrous deeds,
You've dealt with me so graciously.

Broken by all the times I've failed,
and the days I've hung my head in shame,
Time and again, I'm driven to my knees,
And I've found Your true compassion there for me.

I'm amazed at all You've done for me,
Who am I, that You'd bless me so?
I stand in awe of all Your wondrous deeds,
You've dealt with me...so graciously,

You've dealt with me...so graciously....

Rainy Day Redbud

Courtesy of our own Ansel Adams son, who really prefers taking B&W photos

Camping!

The first day and a half were lovely; perfect camping, hiking, and canoeing weather. My friend Judy and I were able to sit in hammocks and swing for a while, then sit near the campfire and read, while our husbands made dinner. All the children helped set up their own tents, then wandered down by the river to go exploring.



Our second day was reserved for canoeing on the river, the edge of Broken Bow Lake. If you look closely enough at the above picture, you can see the redbuds blooming. We journeyed up one quiet tributary near the end of the floating path, where lots of old water turtles have lived for years. The water was so clear, I could see the turtles, and one trout, in the water's depths. Up the ridge above the turtle area, there is a small waterfall that our older boys explored.



Minutes after leaving "Turtles' Cove," as we dubbed it, smoke poured our way from the direction of the Lake, which is not directly visible from the canoeing and kayaking area. Our son and I both got some tremendous pictures of what seemed to be a large forest fire.



Within minutes, the whole river was clouded over by smoke. We found out later that the park authorities were doing a controlled burn but were caught quite off guard when the wind suddenly shifted, causing visibility on the lake to go down to almost zero. It traveled quicly through the little valley, where we were canoeing on the river. It was only a little alarming.






The smoke spread quickly



Here are some of the beautiful cliffs near the end of the float trip. Eagles are said to nest here, but most of them move out toward the end of February. We were pretty sure we saw one eagle flying about on our last day.

The last day and a half of our trip was spent trying to stay dry and warm. We bought an extra large tarp to string up above our site, giving us a large area to sit and eat under, in dryness. The guys kept our fire going throughout all of Saturday, in spite of the rain. By Saturday night, we had a gorgeous, warm, roaring fire which kept us warm. The rain had subsided briefly at that point. Once we went to sleep, the showers picked up again. We had a special time of worship around the campfire all planned out, but were unable to go through with it.

The conclusion we came to the next day was that it was time to pack up and go home. We decided to wait and see if the downpour would stop before attempting to break camp, by going into town for breakfast. We stumbled onto an internet cafe', surprisingly enough, where a nice lady made us capuccinos and let us spend some time on two computers. There were games and places to sit in a nice sitting/reading room area. Hubby played yatzee with his friend, JB, and the boys played chess.

The rain let up, we all packed up and stopped at Applebee's for dinner, before returning home. Loads of laundry later, it is sunny back here at home, and I think I am rested and ready to begin spring cleaning!

Spring Break

After a busy week of comp exams, dh is about to graduate with his Masters in English. So much studying behind him, we are embarking on a mini-trip for Easter.

Welcome to my new visitors! I look forward to chatting when I get back to my computer after Easter, about books, homeschooling, nature study, photography, what have you.

Until then, have a blessed Resurrection Sunday...He is risen!

Jesus said, "I am the resurrection and the life.."

Journals, anyone?

Before blogging, we had the old-fashioned way of journaling with pen and ink. I've had books on the brain all week, making hand-cut-and-sewn journals to sell at a bazaar this weekend, all funds going to missions efforts through our church.

Recase of a sentimental favorite

Completed Recase of a sentimental favorite

A favorite book from childhood, up in the right corner, you might see evidence (#27) of my third-grade numbering system for my personal library! The original spine was lost somewhere along the way, so after trying to remove all of the old adhesive, which had changed chemically and become solid concrete by being stored in an old, un-airconditioned house. I created a completely new spine.

~ Elder Poets ~

Next step

I got the tinted spine lining (of special Japanese tissue) pasted into the cover, and one layer of reinforcement on the spine of the text block. First session of classes this year has finished, and second session begins after Easter. At that time, I hope to get the cover and text block put back together, again!

You might be able to notice the slight "watermarking" on the back of the cover. This is the place, the size of an orange or so, where old water damage had removed the color from the bookcloth. I rematched and recolored the spot last year. Not too bad for my first attempt!

Twice in one week?

Dd and I were out buying beads and paper supplies at our not-so-local crafts store today, and nearly ran out of gas. I was already filling up the tank when I realized that the price of a gallon of gas was a nickel cheaper across the street. All I could do was shrug my shoulders. Then I realized a TV cameraman was headed my way.
That is the second time in less than a week! Golly. At least the other day I was dressed for a funeral, and the newsman was keeping a distance while filming.

I completely dodged the news cameraman today, who was seeking people to interview about high gas prices or the population growth in our area and the need for widening of the streets, and future tollways. I don't know that all the double-income folks moving out our way would be too happy with my one-income, simplicity-seeking opinion. Besides, I really did look rather like a 21st century hippy today with my long hair pulled up into a pony tail, no make-up, hip huggers and slip-on shoes. It was too chilly for Birkenstocks :-), and I'd left my jacket at home. I jumped into the car while filling up with regular and successfully avoided an interview. Hehehhe. Dd said, "Let's go, mom, drive!" She didn't realize that the gas was still pumping. He left just as my tank filled to the top...almost $30 later. Then I came to my senses...What about drilling in Alaska's ANWR? Let's see about bringing more of the oil business back home. Hey, maybe I am a good Republican, after all! Mr. Cameraman? Where are you?