"Never be in a hurry; do everything quietly and in a calm spirit. Do not lose your inner peace for anything whatsoever, even if your whole world seems upset." Saint Francis De Sales

Friday, April 25, 2014

My Slow Takes About The Blues Brothers, Steve Givens, Bees and Cursillo Weekend

1. On April 22, 1978, Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi made their world premier as the “Blues Brothers.” 


Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi 
2. Steve Givens has been writing about, what may have been, the thoughts of Jesus during Lent. His blog on, “Between the Lines: Holy Week, Washing Feet,” enhanced the experience of having my feet washed last week.

“They had no idea — could not comprehend at first — what I was trying to teach them. And even when they figured it, they wanted nothing to do with it. “No, no,” Peter said, “Let me do it to you.” His time would come, but this was my time.”

“I saw the lights go on in their eyes, like children learning something that is obvious to the rest of us for the first time. They got it: If you love me, serve others and put them first. Do for them what you would really rather not do. Wash their feet. Gently pour water over their hardened soles and get the dirt out from between their toes. Feel their callouses and blisters. Nurse their open wounds. Pat them dry and put their sandals back on so they can continue their journey. This is the kind of servant I need you to be. The first shall be last and the last, first. Be last. And I will draw you to myself in the fullness of time. I will never forget those who forget themselves for the sake of others.”

The powerful yet simple act of having your own feet washed, puts us where we do not want to be. But once you experience this, the uncomfortable feeling becomes one of humbleness and joy. There is an opening of the eyes and a better understanding of what being a servant of Jesus is suppose to be.

3. The allergy season is here and as always my eyes itch and my nose runs. I enjoy the spring weather and still spend time outside. When doing yard work I use an allergy mask which helps. However I don’t wear it when I’m just out walking or getting involved in Easter Egg hunts. I figure that I have the tools to deal with it and continue to enjoy the spring weather.


Here 4. This is an unusual vacation home located on Lake Erie. Details about it are from the blog, “Life - it is - humor, thought provoking, amazing.”


5. My friend Kevin is a beekeeper. He received a shipment of bees and invited me to watch the setup. The bees are shipped in a box cage which includes a separate, smaller box, for the queen. The first photo shows Kevin unpacking the bees. His next step is to prepare the queen bee for placing into the hive. The queen box has a small cork in one end that has to be removed. Behind the cork is a wax-like substance that the queen will eat through and then enter the hive. The rest of the bees are “shaken” into the hive. Kevin then covers the hive and will check back later to make sure the queen is out of her box. 

Inside the hive are ten frames. The bees make the honey on these frames. Once they have filled all the frames Kevin will start adding smaller boxes containing more frames. The honey from these smaller boxes is what he will harvest. The main hive box contains honey for the bee hive itself.  



The orange tag is where the queen is located.

6. I took the photos using my iPhone while wearing a bee veil that Kevin provided. It’s not too flattering, especially with my face mask on.


7. The Central Virginia 465th Cursillo Women's Weekend is April 24th through April 27th. Please pray for the team members and candidates.

Team members: Cathy, Jeannette, Deacon Bob, Diane Young, Deacon Charlie, Eydie, Ruth, Julie, Mary, Trisha, Brenda, Lynn, Debbie, Susan, Cindy, and Donna.

Candidates: Liz, Sara, Gail B., Theresa, Gail C., Pat, Nancie, Arline, Lisa, Cena, Nancy, JoLinda and Tesa

There are also four women’s weekends going on at this time in the following cities. Kingston, Jamaica; Seoul, Korea; Shawsville, VA and
Providence, RI. Please pray for those attending.



Read other "Takes" at Conversion Diary.

Friday, April 18, 2014

My Slow Takes about our Dogwood, Matt Maher, Granddaughters and Holy Thursday.




1. Our Virginia Dogwood tree in it’s beautiful spring bloom. It is small but the white flowers brighten up the front yard. It was a gift from our son Todd and his wife Lauren. 


2. This song, “My Only Love,” is written and performed by Matt Maher. It is on his album, “The Love In Between.” When he wrote this he was thinking about what a man would sing to his wife after being married for many years. This is my song to my wife Dee. Next month we will be celebrating 43 years of marriage. 


3. This is another song, “Christ Is Risen’” written and performed by Matt Maher. From the album. “Alive Again.” 


4. We had a Grandma Dee sleep over with three of our granddaughters this week. It is always interesting for us as we raised three boys. Dee and Isabelle, the 14 year old, went to pick up dinner and a couple of movies. Isabelle selected “The Swan Princes” and “The Book Thief.” The first one we watched with the whole crew and then when the two younger girls went to bed we watched the second one. Both were good movies and I was impressed at Isabelle’s selections.
The next morning Dee made her famous French Bread. Afterward Hailey and Eryn setup the kitchen table as an office. I was a customer coming in to get my car repaired. Hailey took all my information and gave me my repair estimate. I was then sent to Eryn who scheduled my repair date and sent me on my way. 
Dee took the girls visiting our neighbor’s newborn grandson and Great Grandma Lucy. It was a full day of activity.
  
5. I showed how to tie a “four-in-hand” tie knot on my Slow Takes, March 14. This week I present how to make a “palm cross.”


Directions
6. April 18, 1775 two men rode into history. Well, actually only one them is remembered, Paul Revere. The other fellow, William Dawes, is not well known and did not have any poems written about him. He was just as important as Paul Revere, and completed his mission warning of the marching of the British soldiers.

The first part of Mr. Longfellow's poem.

“Listen, my children, and you shall hear
Of the midnight ride of Paul Revere,
On the eighteenth of April, in Seventy-Five: 
Hardly a man is now alive
Who remembers that famous day and year.”

My attempt at a poem.

“William Dawes made a daring ride
To warn of soldiers on the morning tide,
His horse was swift and galloped true,
Allowing him before the night was through,
To bring the message to the Lexington side”

7. Holy Thursday at the Church of the Epiphany. Dee and I were on the "Hospitality Team." We were also chosen to have our feet washed. We are Blessed to have been involved this emotional and spiritual experience.




There are no "Takes" at Conversion Diary this week, but Jen has a beautiful Holy Week song.

Friday, April 11, 2014

My Slow Takes About Playing For Change, Pine Trees, an Inspiring Painting and Attic Treasurers





1. “Stand by Me,” was performed by Ben E. King in 1961. This video is the same song performed by various artists, through “Playing For Change.”


2. This is an interesting story about pine trees and Easter. I enjoy stories like these that parents can share with their children. It is one that Dee and I will share with our grandchildren.

3. An inspiring painting by Ron DiCianni. Having the artist explain it adds to the importance to our belief in the Resurrection.

4. Nick Phillips auctioned off his “Woodie” collection a couple of years ago. Check out his collection.


5. Bob Dylan’s first “gig” was performed on April 11, 1961. It was in New York City at Gerde’s. 

6. Dee and I were cleaning out the attic and discovered some treasurers. This one is the wedding invitation form my Mom and Dad's wedding, May 11, 1946.


7. Our second discovery was my Confirmation certificate from 1984. Tom Hall was my sponsor. He was also a friend and humble guide during this part of my spiritual journey.






Read other "Takes" at Conversion Diary.

Friday, April 4, 2014

My Slow Takes about Fred Neil, Yard Work, Arachnids and Wayne Gretzky

1. Fred Neil was an American folk singer in the the 1960s. He was born March 16, 1936 and died of cancer on July 7,2001. This is one of the songs he wrote and performed.

2. The weather has been beautiful which has allowed me to work in the yard. I finished cleaning up the leaves and loose tree branches blown about by Njord, a Norse god who loves to create yard work. My spring fertilizer and weed control has been laid out. Next should come those famous April showers.
3. Johannes Stötter is a talented body-painting artist. The picture below is one of latest creations.


4. I was working at my computer the other evening, a little later than usual, when out of the corner of my eye something moved. Glancing to my right I watched a spider crawl up the wall and go behind my picture of the University of Richmond. I know he isn’t as big as I think he is. He’s not venomous, merely a nuisance. His yellowish brown color makes him seem worse than he is. Still, there is a chance I could get him. So, with tissue in hand I slowly moved the picture. The little bugger jumped back down behind the desk. Spider 1 - Paul 0.

5. There is a story about the shortage of grapes in the State of Virginia. This fine blue and white fruit is used to make an extraordinary elixir called wine. My preference being the reds. The result of this impending disaster is that the price of Virginia wines will rise. An example of the simple economic equation of supply and demand. Fortunately for me there are other wines to choose from. California, Argentina, Italy, France and Australia are just a few. 


6. Neil Diamond wrote and recorded “Red Red Wine” back in 1968.


7. On April 4, 1982 Wayne Gretzky finished the NFL hockey season with 212 goals. He was the first and only player to break the 200-point barrier. Joe Pelletier’s Greatest Hockey Legends has details about this great legend.



Read other "Takes" at Conversion Diary.