I have been off the academic merry-go-round now for six or so weeks, we’ve thrown our big party and things are finally winding down around here.
This poem by the seventeenth poet Henry Vaughan (1621-95) seems appropriate to the mood.
Retirement
Fresh fields and woods! the Earth’s fair face,
God’s foot-stool, and man’s dwelling-place.
I ask not why the first Believer
Did love to be a country liver?
Who to secure pious content
Did pitch by groves and wells his tent;
Where he might view the boundless sky,
And all those glorious lights on high;
With flying meteors, mists and show’rs,
Subjected hills, trees, meads and flow’rs;
And ev’ry minute bless the King
And wise Creator of each thing.
I ask not why he did remove
To happy Mamre’s holy grove,
Leaving the cities of the plain
To Lot and his successless train?
All various lusts in cities still
Are found; they are the thrones of ill;
The dismal sinks, where blood is spill’d,
Cages with much uncleanness fill’d.
But rural shades are the sweet fense
Of piety and innocence.
They are the Meek’s calm region, where
Angels descend and rule the sphere,
Where heaven lies leiger, and the dove
Duly as dew, comes from above.
If Eden be on Earth at all,
‘Tis that, which we the country call.
*The painting is by John Constable. The cities of the plain are the five cities—Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah, Zeboiim, and Zoar—thought to be located near the southern end of the Dead Sea. The narrative of Genesis 14:1associates these five cities and locates them in the Valley of Siddim, the Dead Sea.
We had another huge thunderstorm with high winds on Thursday night. Once again we were reminded that weather is something we have no control over. No matter how closely we monitor the news, we don’t know what’s coming (and neither do the TV weather gurus.) Our electricity was out for five hours! But half of our town had no electricity for several days, so we were lucky. There was an enormous amount of detritus in the yard and some big limbs too. The chain saws were going non-stop this weekend.
(from a Post Dispatch story)
We all tend to be philosophical at times like this.
Anyway, the heat wave broke and on Saturday afternoon the OM and I decided to venture down to Ted Drewes again. We hadn’t been in a long time since several failed attempts when he got into arguments with other patrons related to social distancing, line etiquette etc. and we had to leave to avoid scuffles. (The OM not me.)
Trouble in a face mask.
This time it went okay and we enjoyed our concretes so much that we took a detour home and went to Lone Elk Park. However, the action at the park was minimal. We only saw one bison and it was a long distance away. C’est la vie.
That was about the limit of excitement for us this weekend.
This is a very interesting article that daughter #1 shared with me. Bob is most definitely a convicted Christian and anyone who doubts that does not really know Bob. Remember when he said this? And wrote this?
This is an interesting article on disappointment: “Jehovah’s will is done, and man’s will frets and raves in vain. God’s Anointed is appointed, and shall not be disappointed.” (Spurgeon)
Well, hang in there! May the Lord bless and keep you this week.
Just a week ago, I was getting ready for my son’s wedding — and now it’s all over and everyone has gone home, the bride and groom included! We had a wonderful, wonderful time despite Covid-forced absences, but I still feel a little breathless, as if I’d been standing outside in a gale or someone came up behind me and dumped a big bucket of water over my head. My feet hurt and my voice feels worn out; I haven’t done that much talking, laughing or standing in ages. Like my DP, I have flowers stashed all around the house. I made the eight centerpieces for the rehearsal dinner and I think they turned out pretty well, although by the time I took pictures some of the flowers were getting a little droopy.
Here’s another one. I sent a couple home with Tim and Abbie and gave one to a neighbor, but that left me with five. I love having flowers in the house!
The dinner went well, but of course I took few photos. Here’s one of yours truly looking slightly frazzled while talking to Foster and Abbie. (I think the DH took the photo). In the background on the right, you can see James deep in conversation with Ellen and Rebecca.
I’m afraid I don’t have any photos from the wedding itself, but I did take a couple earlier that morning, when my brother and his family stopped in for breakfast.
By the time I thought of taking pictures at the reception, everyone had changed into casual clothes, eaten dinner and started to unwind, and even though I was using my new phone, the only decent picture I took was of these guys using hula-hoops. Who’d have thought they shared a talent for hip-swiveling?
Finally, I managed to take a good photo of the bride and groom right before we said our goodbyes. They (and we) are very, very happy!
When I get some actual wedding photos, I’ll share them. Until then, picture the ceremony like this 😊
One of the nice side effects of having a party, is all the leftover flowers…
(We also have a lot of leftover food!) But we miss seeing our loved ones and that “and then we were all in one place” feeling. Sigh.
Well, moving along, I read Redhead by the Side of the Road, Anne Tyler’s latest novel. NPR said that it “is heartwarming balm for jangled nerves.” Well, maybe. It is an easy read, but there just isn’t much there. Tyler wrote a few masterful books back in the 1980s and some good ones followed, but she is yet another example of someone whose editor keeps goading her to write one more novel because the publisher knows it will make some money. Anne, you’re 79 years old, it’s okay to retire.
Now I am reading The Only Woman in the Room, a fictionalized telling of real life “glamour icon and scientist” Hedy Lamarr’s escape from Nazi Austria and transformation in Hollywood. She was, no doubt, quite a woman, but in the hands of this author, it’s all pretty dull, re-hashed material. The book was a gift, so I will read the whole thing and hope that it picks up.
To celebrate the 200th birthday of the state of Missouri, I watched Across the Wide Missouri (1951).
(This photo must be of lunch break on the set, because look at that cowboy in the background!)
Directed by William Wellman, the film stars Clark Gable as a fur trapper and mountain man in the 1830s. Gable is a bit old for his part (typical for Hollywood) but I enjoyed it. Beautifully shot in Technicolor in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, there is a lot of action and nary a dull moment in this movie. Gable’s stunt double Jack N. Young was particularly impressive. The final action scene where our hero’s baby son, attached as a papoose to a horse that bolts, is quite exciting. The supporting cast is excellent and includes the usually suave Adolphe Menjou playing against type as a French trapper as well as Russell Simpson and James Whittemore.
Although romanticized, the plot and the depiction of the Blackfeet Indians seem fair. There are plenty of “good” Indians to balance Ricardo Montalban’s “bad” Indian. According to Wikipedia, the 31-year old Montalban was seriously injured during the making of this movie and had back problems for the rest of his life. I don’t doubt it. (You can rent it on Amazon Prime.)
Well, I hope everyone is keeping cool. We are experiencing a typical August heat wave.
Things could be worse.
I was happy to see this. You go, Isaac. You were always a favorite of mine.
Prevent us, O Lord, in all our doings with thy most gracious favor, and further us with thy continual help; that in all our works, begun, continued, and ended in thee, we may glorify thy holy name, and finally by thy mercy obtain everlasting life; through Jesus Christ Our Lord.
The morning dawned hot and muggy but a cool breeze was blowing in from the river for the Bicentennial festivities. Sorry I’m a big dork and think events like this are cool. I stood in the sun until I felt my right shoulder warming up and fearing an even blotchier tan/sunburn situation, I moved to the shade off to the side.
Later, inside, there was a naturalization ceremony where 33 lucky people became United States citizens. They were all really excited and I found the whole thing very moving. There was one of those All-State choirs there and they sang the National Anthem beautifully.
In other, unrelated, news, this amused me. I am always the bear.
This is pretty much me to myself every night. I didn’t even have a terrible day–but lately it seems like there is all this existential stress and dread looming over us all the time that it feels like a terrible day, even when it isn’t!
Usually when this happens, it’s a good time to turn to your Bible and flip it open and start reading. Unless you land on one of those pages that’s just so-and-so beget so-and-so, you’re sure to find something useful.
I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress,
Today is the actual 200th anniversary of the day Missouri was admitted as the 24th state. Part of the 1803 Louisiana Purchase by the United States, Missouri earned the nickname Gateway to the West because it served as a significant departure point for expeditions and settlers heading to the West during the 19th century.
In case you were wondering, the Great Seal was designed by Judge Robert William Wells and adopted by the Missouri General Assembly on January 11, 1822.
The center of the state seal is composed of two parts. On the right is the United States coat-of-arms containing the bald eagle. In its claws are arrows and olive branches, signifying that the power of war and peace lies with the U.S. federal government. On the left side of the shield, the state side, are a grizzly bear and a silver crescent moon. The crescent symbolizes Missouri at the time of the state seal’s creation, a state of small population and wealth which would increase like the new or crescent moon; it also symbolizes the “second son,” meaning Missouri was the second state formed out of the Louisiana Territory.
This shield is encircled by a belt inscribed with the motto, “United we stand, divided we fall,” which indicates Missouri’s advantage as a member of the United States. The two grizzlies on either side of the shield symbolize the state’s strength and its citizens’ bravery. The bears stand atop a scroll bearing the state motto, “Salus Populi Suprema Lex Esto,” which means, “Let the welfare of the people be the supreme law.” Below this scroll are the Roman numerals for 1820, the year Missouri began its functions as a state.
The helmet above the shield represents state sovereignty, and the large star atop the helmet surrounded by 23 smaller stars signified Missouri’s status as the 24th state. The cloud around the large star indicates the problems Missouri had in becoming a state. The whole state seal is enclosed by a scroll bearing the words, “The Great Seal of the State of Missouri.” (RSMo.10.060)
You have to admit that our state flag is one of the coolest.
Trivia question: What other state flag features a bear? (Yes, California, but we have two bears–technically three bears–and California only has one.)
Also note that Missouri 2021 is encouraging communities across the state to commemorate Statehood Day with an ice cream social, which is a most appropriate way to celebrate Missouri, since the ice cream cone is the official state dessert. In my flyover town the historical society is inviting all members to bring their families to Mudd’s Grove for ice cream and I am planning to go, of course.
The Missouri State Fair is coming up in a few days and I am sorry I won’t be able to attend. However, daughter #1 will and she’ll report back. Gee, I hope she gets to see The Missourians who will be performing on August 21-22.
Let’s all just take a moment. And maybe make a toast to the great state of Missouri.
The following are the toasts raised at the grand dinner and ball in St. Louis celebrating the return of Lewis and Clark on September 23, 1806:
The president of the United States—The friend of science, the polar star of discovery, the philosopher and the patriot.
The Heads of Department—The pillars that support the world’s best hope.
The Missouri expedition—May the knowledge of the newly explored regions of the West, be the least benefit that we may derive from this painful and perilous expedition.
The hardy followers of Captains Lewis and Clark—May they be rewarded by the esteem of their fellow citizens.
The United States—Whilst they tolerate a spirit of enquiry, may never forget, that united they stand – but divided they fall.
The Territory of Louisiana—Freedom without bloodshed, may her actions duly appreciate the blessing.
The memory of Christopher Columbus—May those who imitate his hardihood, perseverence [sic] and merit, never have, like him, to encounter public ingratitude.
The Federal Constitution—may the Eagle of America convey it to the remotest regions of the globe; and whilst they read they cannot but admire.
The memory of the illustrious Washington, the father of America—May his guardian spirit still watch over us, and prove a terror to the engines of despotism.
The Capitol of the United States—May the goddess of liberty, never cease to preside there.
Peace with all nations; but submission to none.
The Commerce of the United States—The basis for the political elevation of America.
Agriculture and Industry—The farmer is the best support of government.
Our fathers who shed their blood and laid down their lives to purchase our independence—May we emulate their actions, and inherit their virtues.
The Missouri—Under the auspices of America, may it prove a vehicle of wealth to all the nations of the world.
Our National Council—May the baneful influence of private ambition and political intrigue, be ever expelled thence by the genuine spirit of republicanism.
The fair daughters of Louisiana—May they ever bestow their smiles on hardihood and virtuous valor.
18. Captains Lewis and Clark—Their perilous services endear them to every American heart.
We had a super fun long weekend with daughter #2, DN and Katiebelle visiting.
We got the cousins together for a backyard splash party…
I got this cute sprinkler for the wee babes…
…but, of course, their aunt in Texas had just bought them this sprinkler…
(which do you think they preferred?)
C’est la vie…we hung out…
and looked out the window (better than TV)…
…and we prepared for our big party celebrating the 200th birthday of Missouri statehood on Saturday…
We had a party tent!
..where our friends Gary and Don played…
We were living in the moment and no one took many pictures, but it was fun and no one passed out from the heat. (We were glad the the big thunderstorm held off until the next night.) Someone showed the wee laddie how to use the party pump on the keg of beer and he spent a long time filling up cups and passing them out to guests (whether they wanted one or not) after playing with his surprisingly anti-social sister got old.
My oldest friend came in from Virginia for the festivities (but no one took a picture of us!) and that was wonderful. We had a nice visit after everyone went home.
Family and old friends…that’s what it’s all about, right?
Daughter #2, DN and sweet Katie made it out of town before the big storm hit, but daughter #1 decided to wait to drive back to JC until Monday morning. We tried to watch the closing ceremony of the Tokyo Olympics, but we didn’t make it very long.
Gee, where can I get one of those caftans?
Grace and peace to you today and in the week ahead.
This morning I am going to the airport to pick up daughter #2, DN and Katiebelle! They will be here for the weekend and will attend our 200th Birthday of Missouri Statehood party on Saturday. Also on Saturday is my DP’s second son’s re-scheduled wedding. How did this scheduling snafu happen you ask? Long story…but c’est la vie! This weekend is party central for both DPs.
This was an interesting article about raising children by Episcopalian Sam Bush. “God does not aim to quell our anxiety by offering us helpful tips or boosting our self-esteem.” Yes, but I do get tired of articles that go on about how hard everything is, including child-rearing. Everything is an excuse for anxiety. Of course, raising children is hard, especially in this iPhone-addicted age. But your children do not ultimately belong to you; they belong to God. Turn your worry and your cares over to Him. A lot of our modern problems are due to our trying to go it alone, with only “science” to help. Good luck with that. Be sure to watch the Parks and Recreation video–priceless Ron Swanson (who I have no doubt is a Calvinist.)
Happy birthday to Wendell Berry, who turns 87 today. It is also the birthday of Guy de Maupassant, the master of the short story. He wrote his own epitaph: “I have coveted everything and taken pleasure in nothing,” which should be a warning to us all. A toast to them both!
“Grace is the celebration of life, relentlessly hounding all the non-celebrants in the world. It is a floating, cosmic bash shouting its way through the streets of the universe, flinging the sweetness of its cassations to every window, pounding at every door in a hilarity beyond all liking and happening, until the prodigals come out at last and dance, and the elder brothers finally take their fingers out of their ears.”
Hello, readers. Daughter #1 here. Back from a conference in Utah. Thank you Daughter #2 for covering for me. Yes, I travelled to Utah for 3 1/2 days of talking to people I don’t know and wearing a very large nametag, even in public. I had not flown in over a year and a half and it’s just as hellish but now with a mask! At least if I sat at a bar nursing a diet coke, I could remove it. A warning–the Salt Lake City airport, though brand new and featuring a security set up that looks as if it were designed and implemented by Chick Fil A employees, has a walk that must be at least two miles long from the pick up/drop off to the Southwest gates. At one point, half-way through, there is a sign that literally says “7 Minute Walk to B Gates” OKAY.
Anyway, the first night, I braved an enclosed tram full of 50 people to ride up a mountain for this view. I can’t imagine skiing down! The conference itself was interesting and I am I glad I went. But I was also glad to get home.
We also got to see the Utah State Capitol–and while it was pretty, I like Missouri’s more.
Our tour guide told us that the seagulls you can just glimpse at the top of the rotunda have a wingspan of six feet when you are up close. From the floor, obviously, they look quite small. My mother, of course, knew the the significance of seagulls to the Mormons–read more here.
Beehives are also of importance to Utahans and their State Capitol is full of them. Beehives are a favorite of mine–and I enjoyed spotting them throughout (much like visitors to the Missouri State Capitol can go on a scavenger hunt for bears).
And lest you think I would travel to Salt Lake City and not go see the LDS temple, never fear, I went. But! It is closed for four years as they totally retrofit it and raise it to put it on shock absorbers to protect it in the event of an earthquake. They did the same thing to the State Capitol in 2004. Wild stuff.
Anyway, it all makes me glad to be back in Missouri–even if I did overschedule myself this week and try to cram two weeks of work and travel into three days! This made me laugh:
And I thought it was interesting that my mother included a link to an article about the power of singing on Monday’s post because I had planned to include the song below after hearing it for the first time on my drive back to Mid-MO on Saturday.
Life, as we continually discuss on this blog, is more than we know.
dual personalities 