Yesterday I worked in the yard for a little bit because it was too beautiful a day to stay inside. I paid for it though with the sneezing fit it set off. Curses, pollen strikes again!
Meanwhile the iris continue to be insane.
Well, I feel like some Walt Whitman poetry, don’t you? His birthday is a week from today…
Not from successful love alone,
Nor wealth, nor honor’d middle age, nor victories of politics or war;
But as life wanes, and all the turbulent passions calm,
As gorgeous, vapory, silent hues cover the evening sky,
As softness, fulness, rest, suffuse the frame, like freshier, balmier air,
As the days take on a mellower light, and the apple at last hangs
really finish’d and indolent-ripe on the tree,
Then for the teeming quietest, happiest days of all!
The brooding and blissful halcyon days!
“Halcyon Days”
And a toast to brother Bob Dylan, whose birthday is today.
And I will offer in His tent sacrifices with shouts of joy; I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the Lord.
Daughter #2 and petite famille left yesterday for Lexington and should arrive later today in our flyover city. We are beyond excited!
Meanwhile I have been readying the old manse for their arrival, stocking up on fruits and veggies for them, Pampers, etc. Daughter #1 arrived yesterday with a case of our house wine and handmade holiday outfits, so we are all set.
Earlier in the week, we heard the very sad news that our favorite local watering hole, Club Taco, was set to close on Sunday, so we dropped by for our last take-out margaritas. We tried so hard to support them through the pandemic, which threatened to close so many small businesses, but it turned out it wasn’t COVID that did them in. Their lease was not renewed. Heavy sigh.
Then we went home and settled in for a somewhat subdued happy hour of listening to music at home, culminating in a good ol’ Bob Dylan singalong.
And every one of them words rang true And glowed like burning coal Pouring off of every page Like it was written in my soul From me to you Tangled up in blue
In church on Sunday we were flying high with a full congregation and the choir back! Congregational singing was awesome. Add to that a solid sermon on the second half of Romans 6 (The wages of sin is death!) and it was all pretty great.
So although we mourn the demise of Club Taco, we are nevertheless off to a good start to our Thanksgiving week. Hope you all are too.
What are you reading? I just finished Blowing the Bloody Doors Off, a memoir by the actor Michael Caine.
I have to admit I enjoyed it a lot. He writes well and he is a very positive fellow who has enjoyed his life, from a happy, but what we might term, disadvantaged upbringing in London to international stardom. He is grateful and he is happy to share what he has learned. The book is full of practical advice for actors, but it is all applicable to the rest of us.
I remember Roger Moore, years ago, saying to me “Cheer up. You’d better have a good time because this is not a rehearsal, this is life. This is the show.”
Yes, indeed. He is all about hard work: know your lines, be on time, don’t fool around.
When you are prepared, you are able to subdue your fear, control your nerves, channel your energy, and enter that state of highly alert relaxation that is spontaneity’s best friend.
Don’t think you deserve anything.
Find something you want to do and learn how to do it really well. Take what you got and make the most of it. Learn how to do something, whatever it is, you would choose to do for nothing. Whatever it is, when you are doing it, it makes you feel amazing and most yourself. Throw yourself into it. Challenge yourself to be the best you can be. We can’t all be famous actors. But, if you can find something you love and if that something will also pay the bills, you will be on your way to your own personal paradise.
Anyway, now I am going to watch a lot of Michael Caine movies. He is the first to admit that he has made a lot of bad ones. (I watched Swarm recently and, despite its stellar cast, it is pretty terrible.) But I watched The Man Who Would be King (1975) the other night and enjoyed it.
Caine and his good friend Sean Connery are perfectly cast as the two British soldiers who set out to be kings of Kafiristan in the Rudyard Kipling story. “We meet upon the level, and part upon the square.”
Next up: Zulu (1964), The Italian Job (1969) and Alfie (1966).
We will also note the passing of “controversial” Episcopal Bishop John Shelby Spong–as Anne Kennedy describes him, “that famous Episcopal bishop who denied so many tenets of the Christian faith that eventually he ran out of stuff to deny. And yet, he remained a bishop.” Listen to her podcast to find out “why that’s not a good thing and how to avoid it.” She and her husband are right on target about actual heresy and how it takes over the church because everyone is too embarrassed to say anything. “The Episcopal bishop in Hell believes he has led a courageous life.”
Can you believe it has been 18 years since Johnny Cash died? Well, it has–September 12, 2003.
(Photo by Marty Stuart)
So a belated toast to Johnny and here’s Bob on Johnny’s show back in the good ol’ days.
“If, then, I were asked for the most important advice I could give, that which I considered to be the most useful to the men of our century, I should simply say: in the name of God, stop a moment, cease your work, look around you.”
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.
Tomorrow is the birthday of John Wayne (1907-1979), so I thought another Pop Quiz was in order. Can you name the movie from which each J.W. quotation below comes? List your answers in the Comments section and I’ll post the answers later today.
Well, I used to be a good cowhand. But, things happen.
You’re not quite “Army” yet, miss… or you’d know never to apologize… it’s a sign of weakness.
Pilgrim, hold it. I said you, Valance; *you* pick it up.
SADDLE UP.
Get a shovel and my Bible. I’ll read over him.
The Apaches, sir, are neither to the north nor the east. Nor are they in their encampment. But if you’da been watching the dust swirls to the south, like most of us, you’d see that they’re right there! [points to the Apaches coming over the rise]
–Always liked that poem too. Makes me wanna…
–Ride, boldly ride? Well, it don’t work out that way.
Listen Brick, for years I’ve been taking your fatherly advice, and it’s never been any good. So from now on, I’m strictly a one man band!
Injun will chase a thing till he thinks he’s chased it enough. Then he quits. Same way when he runs. Seems like he never learns there’s such a thing as a critter that’ll just keep comin’ on. So we’ll find ’em in the end, I promise you. We’ll find ’em. Just as sure as the turnin’ of the earth.
–You’re a rich man, Burdette… big ranch, pay a lot of people to do what you want ’em to do. And you got a brother. He’s no good but he’s your brother. He committed twenty murders you’d try and see he didn’t hang for ’em.
–I don’t like that kinda talk. Now you’re practically accusing me…
–Let’s get this straight. You don’t like? I don’t like a lot of things. I don’t like your men sittin’ on the road bottling up this town. I don’t like your men watching us, trying to catch us with our backs turned. And I don’t like it when a friend of mine offers to help and twenty minutes later he’s dead! And i don’t like you, Burdette, because you set it up.
If you say “three,” mister, you’ll never hear the man count “ten.”
Well, Perlie, you old hayshaker… looks like you got me…
I won’t be wronged, I won’t be insulted, and I won’t be laid a hand on. I don’t do these things to other people, and I require the same from them.
P.S. In other news, yesterday was the 80th birthday of one of my other heroes, Bob Dylan.
God loves you and I love you, Bob. Happy birthday! Did you know that there is an Institute for Bob Dylan Studies at the University of Tulsa? Neither did I. Anyway, I feel a good long BD sing-a-long coming on. I contain multitudes.
Today, by the way, is the birthday of Ralph Waldo Emerson (May 25, 1803 – April 27, 1882) and I will toast him tonight. Have a great day and “write it on your heart that every day is the best day of the year…”
Today we toast Theodore Roosevelt on his birthday.
Roosevelt in 1885, the year he moved to his ranch in the Dakotah Territory.
I think I will watch The Wind and the Lion (1975) in honor of our 26th president. This film, you will recall, is about an international incident being (almost) triggered when an Arab chieftain (Sean Connery) kidnaps an American widow and her children. President Theodore Roosevelt (Brian Keith) deals with it American style–He sends in the Marines.
It is also the anniversary of the day Rebel Without a Cause debuted in 1955, 65 years ago! James Dean had just died less than a month before in a car wreck at the age of 24. It is hard to imagine that this story of teenage angst and rebellion was viewed as being quite shocking back in the day, but it was. It seems quite innocent, even sweet, to our jaded eyes.
And, hello, how did I miss the fact that American golf legend Tiger Woods attended the grand opening of Payne’s Valley Golf Course at Big Cedar Lodge in Ridgedale, Missouri (near Branson) on Tuesday, September 22. Named after Ozarks native and fellow golf legend Payne Stewart, it is the first public-access golf course designed by Woods. The 19th hole at Payne’s Valley, we are told, is quickly becoming one of the most talked-about golf holes in the world (see below). “Nature golf” looks kind of like miniature golf for grown ups, but who am I to say.
Mid-MO makes the theBig Time.
Finally, here is a great version of the classic Townes Van Sant song “Pancho and Lefty” performed by Willie Nelson and Bob Dylan. (Also, I spy with my little eye a young Marty Stuart on mandolin.) Check it out.
‘Tis the season when new holiday outfits multiply…
Lottiebelle sets the standard for 3-year old fashion statements, complete with matching scarf. Ghoulishly chic, n’est-ce pas?
The rest of us just stay home and dress from the waist up for Zoom calls. Not that I’m complaining! And it is, after all, almost the weekend! Huzzah!
This article on “Things I Did My Kids Never Will”–i.e. “Be kind, please rewind.” Mixtapes. Dial-up internet–forces us once again to realize we’re getting old. However, it is written by someone who is closer to my children’s ages than to mine! My list would include much older things, such as having to wait and wait to see your favorite movies on tv because there was no such thing as a VCR! Remember those days?
Speaking of feeling old, the OM and I will be marking our 40th anniversary this weekend! Yikes. (I will just point you to last year’s post as not much has changed.) We’ll toast ourselves without much fanfare.
Earlier this week I opened a blogpost by a well-known blogger which began, “The other day, I was talking to my therapist about…” OMG, the privilege of this statement alone sent me into conniptions…but the gist of the post was about how to stay cheerful this winter. The suggestions ranged from gazing into a light therapy lamp to lighting “candles everywhere” to hosting a virtual soup group. Not to judge, but please. How about getting a spiritual life? Try being grateful for your privileged life and stop feeling sorry for yourself because winter is coming. Try saving the money you would spend on candles and give it to a real soup kitchen! There are plenty of real people in need in New York City these days.
Sorry–I am trying to quash my desire to rant…It will take a concerted effort this weekend and listening to Bob* on repeat.
Today the Episcopal Church remembers Hugh Latimer and Nicholas Ridley, Bishops and Martyrs, 1555. “Play the man, Master Ridley. Today we shall light such a fire in England as shall never be extinguished.” With these words Latimer and Ridley went to the stake and were burned to death on this day in 1555 at Oxford. Both were English bishops with strong protestant sympathies. Each was an exceptionally fine preacher in an age of great preachers. Both were Cambridge men. Both were social reformers. Their “protestantizing” sermons brought down upon their heads the wrath of Bloody Mary’s most unreconciliatory regime.
You will recall that the old lady in Fahrenheit 451 quotes Hugh Latimer when the firemen come to burn her books–“Play the man, Master Ridley.” She goes up in flames with them, a martyr as well.
We need to remember such historical events, lest we let them happen again. (Does anyone these days seeing this film, get the reference?)
The Oxford Martyrs monument
Keep us, O Lord, constant in faith and zealous in witness, that, like your servants William Latimer and Nicholas Ridley, we may live in your fear, die in your favor, and rest in your peace; for the sake of Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Happy Labor Day! I will be taking it easy today since the rest of my weekend was so busy. Daughter #1 and I did a lot of work in our basement, throwing away piles of stuff. Since we have new lights down there and can see what we’re doing, it’s been a lot easier to say the least.
We also had the wee babes over for a frolic and our first barbecue in a long, long time.
We FaceTimed with Miss Katiebelle and she modeled some new outfits.
And we supported our neighborhood Club Taco with take-out margaritas on our patio (when the wee babes were not over.)
A lot of fun, but I am recovering today! Here’s to a short work week and sunny days ahead.
Today is the 332th anniversary of the day the Immortal Seven issued the invitation to William of Orange which culminated in the Glorious Revolution in England in 1689. One of the Seven was, of course, the OM’s ancestor Henry Compton. Perhaps we should watch The Magnificent Seven (1960) in honor of the occasion.
Perhaps you think I have gone ’round the bend, but, no, that is always how my mind has worked.
Today is also the birthday of John Gay (1685-1732), British Poet and Playwright. He is best known for “The Beggar’s Opera,” a ballad opera upon which “The Threepenny Opera” is based. Laurence Olivier filmed his version of “The Beggar’s Opera” in 1953 (his only musical film), and I think I may have to find it and watch.
At the very least, we should listen to “Mack the Knife” on repeat.
It is also the birthday of singer-songwriter Dave Van Ronk (1936-2002) upon whose life the movie Inside Llewelyn Davis (2013) is loosely based (according to Rolling Stone Magazine.)
Bob, Susie and Dave back in the day
So here’s something for your listening pleasure in honor of Dave–can’t help thinking the wee babes would really enjoy this.
As you know, I am a great re-reader of books and poems and a re-watcher of movies.
The past and present wilt—I have fill’d them, emptied them.
And proceed to fill my next fold of the future.
Listener up there! what have you to confide to me?
Look in my face while I snuff the sidle of evening, (Talk honestly, no one else hears you, and I stay only a minute longer.)
Do I contradict myself?
Very well then I contradict myself,
(I am large, I contain multitudes.)
I concentrate toward them that are nigh, I wait on the door-slab.
Who has done his day’s work? who will soonest be through with his supper?
Who wishes to walk with me?
Will you speak before I am gone? will you prove already too late?
–Walt Whitman, Song of Myself, 51
When daughter #1 visits, we like to re-listen to music, even old LPs from my parents’ house. But listening to a new Bob album is quite a treat.
I sing the songs of experience like William Blake I have no apologies to make
Treat yourself.
I’ll keep the path open, the path in my mind I’ll see to it that there’s no love left behind I’ll play Beethoven’s sonatas, and Chopin’s preludes I contain multitudes
dual personalities 