Meet Me at the Fair

Whew! I haven't been since I can't remember (and don't want to) when ! It had been one of those days with a trickle down effect that threatened to dampen any effort of enjoyment. With a major sig alert, that way-laid an earlier rendezvous beginning a 'Series of Unfortunate Events' - I wondered whether and even doubted that we would make it to the fair. But in the midst of misfortunate, it is good to remember God's fortune, one of which for us was that we had some dear friends who were blessed with complimentary tickets to the fair with which they blessed us. And so, we did make it to the fair and we had a great time.

Growing up in the vicinity, the Los Angeles County Fair, everyone knows (whether they go or not) it is the crowning event that officially takes us from Summer to Fall in the most celebratory way. This was the last weekend which seemed to heighten things in and off itself. So off we went the husband and I, and our youngest to hook up with my ace boon coon (aka sista gyrlfriend), and her son. Oh my goodness, I cannot believe the parking! And we went late (5ish), so the options were limited to general, alleviating VIP and a middle range (sigh) - of course that meant we were in outer Siberia. And so the walking began.

We wandered through the fairgrounds assaulted with wonderful sights, sounds, and smells (from southern to petting zoos). We sampled cherry lemonade (and are now proud owners of fair cups), hot dogs on a stick, potato chips, and onion rings. That was reasonable fare - one could have such as a fish and chips dinner (and I mean one fish) in the range of $9 - oh no! I wonder what the BBQ cost. My ace, her son, and ours went down the huge slide. The husband captured the moment photographically while I held her son's blown up spider man. We did goofy things. We also trapsed through the home and garden section and other areas, and I'm sure (even though our aches and pains might argue) we missed a lot. The kids were troopers even on the long trek back to the car! It was a wonderful evening even though we were missing the husband of my Ace. Now, we are already planning how to optimize our experience next year, God willing, when we all will be able to go!

"Meet me in L.A., A.L. (St. Louis, Louis), meet me at the fair, don't tell me the lights are shining any place but there; ... If you will meet in L.A., A.L. (St. Louis, Louis), Meet me at the fair" - from the musical Meet Me at the Fair which included Scatman Crothers.

The fair helps you see the area it represents in a more expansive way. Looking outside the box of our mind is always a good thing.

2005 - Yikes, the year of Ike?

I oddly realized I had heard two Ike Turner references in movies I had recently watched. One was Diary of a Mad Black Woman - it is near the end - you almost miss it, even though it is one of the first ones. "C'mon Ike Turner, go on out there and get her". The other was the Wedding Crashers' "Wow, we're getting a great preview of what marriage is gonna be like with Ike Turner over here". Strangely enough both were released in 2005. So I wondered how common an occurrence Ike quotes were, and came across these others from imdb.com:

Oh, yeah. Hair like wool, skin like bronze. It's in your Bible. Jesus probably looked more like Ike Turner, but without that "I'm gonna beat ya, woman" look in his eyes.

Duck, Duck, Goose! (2005)

Where would Tina Turner be right now if she'd rolled over and said, "Hit me again, Ike, and put some stank on it!"? Rollin' on the river, that's where she'd be. But she's beyond Thunderdome, because she decided to send a message? [yells] Wake up, sisters! There is nooooooo such thing as a weaker sex! Liar Liar (1997)

Dionne and her boyfriend Murray are in this dramatic relationship. I think they've seen that Ike and Tina Turner movie too many times. Clueless (1995)

Question number three: Given Ted's obsession with colorizing things, is it possible he's the unwanted love child of Ike and Tina Turner? "Mystery Science Theater 3000" (1988).

I also found Ike Turner, Official web site for The Father of Rock and Roll. The movie What's Love Got to Do with It about Ike and Tina Turner was actually released in 1993. Okay I am going to try to return from the abstract. I'm rollin, rollin on the river...on out of here for now.

lost diaries

In this movie of touching romance with the african-american and christian circumstance, Diary of a Mad Black woman (Kimberly Elise, the Practice's Steve Harris, Shemar Moore, Tyler Perry) speaks deeply to restoration from brokenness for anyone - one of those things our God is about - this state of being lost manifests in many forms - hurt, our fault, God's rebuilding, fear, pride. The lost sometimes don't even know they are lost! I prefer the movie over the play - the story is more fully encompassing. It's a remarkable and wise glimpse into the process of recovery .

A conversation between the Kimberly's character and her mama (Cicely):

"You know I know this man put a hurtin' on you baby, but you've got to forgive him. No matter what he done, you've got to forgive him - not for him, but for you."
"Forgive him for me?"
"When some body hurts you they take power over you, if you don't forgive them then they keeps the power. Forgive him baby and after you forgive him, forgive youreself. "

Now ain't that the truth!

My hats off to Tyler Perry and his work. they can be a little earthy, but while keeping it funny (most often hilarious), he keeps it deeply and spiritually real with characters we all know in our own lives - c'mon, you know you know someone! And Cicely Tyson is always a joy to see perform. Adding to Reunion - don't get me started on that one - I cant wait to complete the Madea collection; I've got some work to do!

All in Love is Fair?

About.com did a bit about fighting fair in marriage - its worth a read. The bit also references a video that shows couples fighting - presumably were it a competition they would have been way over the penalty allotment.

mentor marriage

My blog mentor, herself, has been doing some thought-provoking exhortative pieces on marriage which definitely deserve a read - check them out - Truth and Marriage and Such! Add your prayers where needed.

The Sunday Scripture Report?

You ever have a moment when you see yourself in some other light? I, unusual for me, was at the Sunday morning Bible study recently, and so joined in the discussion class was having. The husband has been moderating the class in recent months, but I've stayed home to get the remaining household underway.

In the midst of the class discussions, I suddenly invisioned the husband and I as sounding like a news anchor team; it was very amusing, so I mentioned it to the class. We all had quite a laugh and as we headed over to Worship Service, in Huntley and Brinkley format, we said "Good night, Chet." "Good night, David"! You never know what the Lord is going to have you doing.

WEH2 Nicholas?

A friend of ours, in sista'diva class (another friend, wife, mother extraordinaire), is singing in a wedding this weekend. Lord she prays to bless the couple; please answer her pray. The song she is singing with a friend of our's brother is 'Dedicated'. In the christian realm of gospel music, the original astists, Nicholas, are known especially for beautiful wedding/marriage songs. My sista'diva friend blows (ssshhh don't tell her)! Another song that is off the charts is 'God's Woman' - every christian woman should make it her personal theme.

When I heard my friend was doing 'Dedicated', I wondered what ever happened to (WEH2) Nicholas - so many of their songs are ol' favorites of mine. Well they are still out there. I found their website - and it appears they sponsor a cruise, still make appearances - essentially are still serving God with encouraging marriage as an emphasis. What a blessing.

the jury is still out ...

Judging and perceiving who is right and who is wrong and ill feeling conversation brought this to mind. The one who judges will say they are right; while for the perceiver, it often seems the jury is still out, leaving the judger to conclude that the perceiver is blind to the obvious truth. But is that the case? Isn't Godly knowledge, wisdom, and discernment not so cut and dried?

For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; Col 1:9

Was Solomon's reasoning so simplistic when he decided over the two women claiming one live baby? Still the perceiver is considered the fool and the procrastinator. Kiersey and Briggs and Myers personality charts characterize these two traits - I see good and bad in both - hey, but then I am a perceiver... so l guess the jury is still out. A Kiersey verdict:

If I do not want what you want, please try not to tell me that my want is wrong. Or if I believe other than you, at least pause before you correct my view. Or if my emotion is less than yours, or more, given the same circumstances, try not to ask me to feel more strongly or weakly. Or yet if I act, or fail to act, in the manner of your design for action, let me be.
I do not, for the moment at least, ask you to understand me.That will come only when you are willing to give up changing me into a copy of you.I may be your spouse, your parent, your offsping, your friend, or your colleague. If you will allow me any of my own wants,or emotions, or beliefs, or actions, then you open yourself, so that some day these ways of mine might not seem so wrong, and might finally appear to you as right -- for me. To put up with me is the first step to understanding me. Not that you embrace my ways as right for you, but that you are no longer irritated or disappointed with me for my seeming waywardness. And in understanding me you might come to prize my differences from you, and, far from seeking to change me, preserve and even nurture those differences.

"Let's call this what it is ..."

There are a lot of movies out there from which one can draw thoughts about marriage, a favorite subject of mine. The one l have currently been watching over and over and over again - just ask my husband - is Mr. And Mrs. Smith (M&MS) with Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie - as an aside, the one celebrity couple l am presently caught up with (I Know, I know!). Vince Vaughn also adds much to the movie who, oddly enough, is currently rumored to be with Brad's former wife - Jennifer Aniston. Also did you know (I wasn't aware) there are other M&MS films - 1941, 1996 TV Series and TV-Series 2007-????

Anyways (my word, hmmmm... or maybe our eldest daughter's - who said this movie is more like War of the Roses) - again, anyways that being neither here nor there, the movie is a theatrical anatomy of a marriage relationship - you meet, you develop a set of assumptions from which you determine the basis of a relationship, the assumptions get tested and, God willing, you re-evaluate and make any needed adjustments.

"We are going to have to redo every conversation we ever had".

The chemistry between the couple makes the movie very much enjoyable for me - which is what caused me to be intrigued by the acting couple. I have read critics who didn't like the movie but I particularly found the banter delightful - check it out for yourself. Hope you enjoy!

doomed to dispar...?

I watch movies all of time - you may have already suspected this. Old, new: it doens't matter! Action, drama, comedy, romance, suspense, most any genre - it is my favorite means of escape. Movies I really enjoy, I generally watch more than once (with the exception of some that are so affecting that I don't think I can handle another viewing), but - there are many that I've watched countless numbers of times. One of my current binges is with Mr. and Mrs. Smith (M&MS) and also the Diary of a Mad Black Woman.

Now l just watched Armageddon for the umpteenth time and my mind took up that movie and M&MS. Here is where it went. We need to work together and be on the same page to do so or things don't go smoothly and problems are increasingly likely to be encountered - those very problems are not going to be resolved as best they could be.

Armageddon is a thoroughly suspenseful and enjoyable all-star (Bruce Willis, Ben Affleck, Liv Tyler, Billy Bob Thornton, among so many others ) action drama laced with romance. In Armageddon, two groups of people teamed together with the support of another group for the noble cause of saving the world from complete utter destruction. With this highest of motivations, and even calling upon God Himself, their efforts still self-destruct. Until they get on one accord instead of self-driven motivation, they are in a losing battle beaten mostly by themselves.

I plan to treat M&MS on its own merits, but in this comparison, you have a couple who have been co-existing with separate lives/agendas. They found themselves needing to together fight forces against them, but initially they were ineffective. As they band together, a symmetry develops between them, wondrously danced - watch closely - with which they were able to overcome overwhelming adversity.

Our church just recently went through a very painful destructive parting of the ways. Odd, huh? - since Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. Those of us who remain are moving into the dance of oneness as the Bride of Christ giving great effort to focusing on His lead. It is not the 'Rodney King' can't we all just get along? for doing God's will is at risk - and that is the very crux of the matter. Even 'co-laboring disciples of old, like Paul and Barnabas (who wrestled with this issue at some point and time and resolved to go in separate directions) weren't deep enough to overcome such disparity?

God help us! Keep us one, Christ-minded, in you! Thy kingdom come - Thy will be done.

"That's marriage isn't it?" from M&MS.

Lorenzo's Oil

Now here's a touching, educational, as well as based on a true story movie - Lorenzo's Oil, starring Susan Sarandon and Nick Nolte as parents of a boy with ALD - a little known disease in 1992 when the movie was released. These parents are heroes of gigantic and human proportion. I wouldn't have the resources they had which soon became enormously stressed, but what really shows here is the tenacity of a parent's heart to do all that can possibly be done for their child and the difficulties faced dealing with and by the medical community in situations such as theirs.

from the movie - "Do you know how many children die every year from choking on french fries? Many more than from Adrenoleukodistrophy. You see, ours is what is known as an orphan disease, too small to be noticed, too small to be funded, especially with the iron hand of "Reganomics"."

A kleenex factor film, it is definitely worth a watch. This site, The Myelin Project, deals with the story of the Odone's and where they and the medical progress is today. The disease the child, Lorenzo, developed essentially strips a protective covering which causes an increasing deterioration of brain functions. The site quite thoroughly speaks to the associated diseases and the Odone's story.

to Jubilee & the best that God has given me!

As the Ocean's (Julia Roberts and George Clooney) might say in the movie, Ocean's Twelve, sequel to Ocean's Eleven (2001) which was a retake on Ocean's Eleven (1960), we are celebrating our '2nd' 7th anniversary today - for entirely different circumstances ;-). To our two anniversaries - we went before the justice of the peace and, prior to it becoming an historic park, were the last couple to be married in the Old Orange County Court House on August 25th (the first) and three weeks later were wedded before God in a ceremony on September 18th (the second). Needless to say, I consider it all, and every other day of our lives, a reason to celebrate! Sometimes (this having nothing to do with the movies :-)), you look back over something - and you conclude this is the best! Well, I was looking at the face of my husband last night, seemingly finally settling into some restful sleep after a very long week, and I thanked God - so merciful, loving and kind! This man is the best! Thank you Lord for the blessing of him. Thank you, sweetheart, for eight wonderful years together (from whence we met). I love you!

For those into romantic fodder, as I, this is the abridged version - be careful, this material contains a kleenex rating factor.

The husband and I are celebrating today with a day off, restfully. Here's to all our tomorrows together!

Postal with Pearlz Comments

Some people thus far have had some problems posting comments on my blog. My friend sent me this in response to her experience:

Subject: Comments on your blog

I found this article and learned that in order for my comments on your blog to show up, I have to first preview my comment and then publish it. But it only has to be done once per account (not sure how that works for people that are posting anonymously or without a Blogger account). For instance, I posted a comment to "Colour me..." and I had to preview my comments before posting. But then I posted a comment to "To the Stephens!" and didn't have to preview it first. I don't know when Blogger will fix the problem but hopefully it will be soon. :) Have a great day!!! Nicole

Thanks Nicole! She's my blog mentor and an all around wonderful person!

Colour me ...

How far have we come? This, on the media that matters website, is extremely thought-provoking, if not disturbing and fraught with concerns. If "we've" come along way, baby, in actual measurements, exactly how far is that?

to the Stephens!

One thing about marriage is you have to put in the time; God willing that adds up to steadfast love! Here's to a couple that's been married since 1981 (I could by off by a year, depending on who you ask - Rita or Jeff :-)). Blessings to you Jeff and Rita! Happy Anniversary!

the artiste

so where did the drawing in yesterday's post come from? Well our son-in-law is quite the artiste as well. Of course I'm partial (don't tell him), but his work speaks for itself; enjoy!

In consideration that the theme of their wedding was based on the Harlem Renaissance period, he drew this piece of the two of them. I possess a gift of an original work of his myself, a beach-scape, (yes, autographed even) that someday I will post here too after it appears on his site.

Rosie (Mishelle)'s & John's Anniversary

Our eldest has been married 3 years now. They would equally be glad to tell you that tomorrow will be the anniversary of the beginning of their relationship - such symmetrical synchronism sigh. A year ago she and he moved out-of-state and now they almost have their hands on a house. They've had their struggles, isn't that the way of it; but they stick! They generally have a positive and humorous outlook on life as they rely upon the Lord to guide them.

Lord bless them that their stick always sticks and that they ever look to you as their all-in-all. As my husband often (and I mean often) recites

"And if a man prevail against him that is alone, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken."

Lord wrap yourself around them all the days of their lives.

Happy Anniversary Rosie and John!

a neighbor's homegoing

A precious lady, our neighbor's mother, Mrs. Bessie Rebecca Griffin, went to be with the Lord this morning. She had seen a century plus of living - the things that she must have known. She always delighted to see our youngest son. I wish he had been able to see her more. I pray for the family as they adjust to the loss, but I know she is happy to make it Home.

Claire Cleary

Wedding Crashers (Vince Vaughn, Owen Wilson as John below) is a movie that is quite funny for the most part, somewhat bawdy in places - definitely not for the strictly wholesome viewer. However, Vince once again evinces his own peculiar charm and Owen is endearing.

What I liked about the movie is a character (especially watching her expressions), played by Rachel McAdams also outstanding in The Notebook, that reminded me of a friend - the movie's winsome Claire Cleary is always good-natured, ready to laugh, giving the gift of a smile away as if she had an endless stash, always looking to the good. Here, quoted from imdb.com, is clearly a Claire moment:

Claire: What is true love?
John: True love is your soul's recognition of its counterpoint in another.
Claire : It's a little cheesy but I like it.
John: I read it on a bumper sticker!

I tend to gloat upon this friend of mine because she doesn't see the rare iridescent jewel that she really is - not just some useless bauble but something/someone who brings light to every life she touches and even brings life to the inanimate through her many many talents. She is a blessing from God - if you knew who she was, I would say ask anyone who knows her. Hopefully, she'll knows who she is!

'Where everyone knows my name'

Los Gringo's is a Cheers (remember the TV series?) for me - I've come here on my lunch hour nearly every Taco Tuesday for many years past; who wants to remember beyond that? I've come here with co-worker friends and even with my oldest daughter and oldest son. I'll have to get my husband here one day - he's heard so much about it. But what has capped off my oasis of each week is my mother. She, a diabetic with alzheimers disease at 80 years of age, came into my care a year ago April. She had lunch here with all her children - me and my sister (she's out of state) and brother (~about 75 miles away). It was the first time her children had gathered together with her or at all since her birthday-the month she arrived. At Los Gringos she was treated like family, as we all were and I always have been treated. It was a wonderful memory for each to have, as she left us for her final Home no more than a week later last December. They asked about her too when I next I came. Now, those Tuesdays when I come here alone or not, I know she meets me here 'where everyone knows my name'. My sister and brother continue to join me here when we all can be in town.