Leisure: The Basis of Culture
Chapter II

Imagining myself in the audience of the annual meeting of German Philosophers' Society is the only way I've been able to digest this chunk of the essay. (Still pretending here) I sit near the front of the auditorium in order to hear better the key-note-speaker, Josef Pieper.

Despite his calm demeanor and clear speech, I get the feeling that he intends to wave a red flag.


Pieper starts by describing the current state of affairs within the field of philosophy, mentioning two Ernsts: Niekisch and Junger. Then he goes back to the ancients and medieval in order to explain *how we know* and ties that in with the moderns, specifically Kant. As the essay continues, it is obvious that Pieper is trying to change the paradigm that is driving the architects designing 5-year plans for the rebuilding of Germany after WWII.

With reference to Cardinal Newman and his The Idea of the University, I believe Dr Pieper is defending the type of institutions of higher learning he would like to see characterize the new Germany. He doesnt want the professors (philosophers) to be functionaries. Furthermore, I think there's a good chance that Pieper thought that all of us should be philosophers to some extent. It makes us better workers.

It took several readings, both Dru's and Malsbary's, but I think I could explain ratio, intellectus, and why a third component (spiritual vision) should not be overlooked. If I had to, I could list the elements of intellectual labor. But none of those are on to-do list for lesson or curriculum planning.

In fact, I focused on some of Ruth Bell Graham's advice for preparing my charges. Take a course in dog training (obedience)! Those principles served me better in my homeschooling (parenting). My college career was not diminished by overlooking the classes in developmental psychology, introductory philosophy, or educational methodology.

In contemplating Pieper's ideas, seeking insight and wisdom, I can point to three applications for in my own life.

One, I am a product of a liberal arts education. My parents understood the value of this type of schooling: whoever is educated knows how the world as a whole behaves and made it possible for me to pursue a college degree. Here's a link to a teeny story about how I felt the day I graduated from college.

Hillsdale is one of the few private colleges remaining independent today, preserving the integrity of their professors from government-worker status. Lord willing by 2012, we will have graduated four daughters from there. That's what I call *putting your money where your mouth is*.

Second, within the field of medicine and healthcare rages a huge battle. If I follow Pieper's example of examining the history of philosophy and apply it to my own research of national health insurance, universal care, or government medicine, I find myself in the position of swimming against the current as he was. Doctors should NOT be functionaries.

Again following our convictions, DH and I will be attending the annual meeting of an organization which is fighting the battle against further government intrusion into our private lives. Here's a link to a short article with proper perspective. Dont be fooled by what you hear from politicians.

Third, Pieper was rare in his field, a theologically-grounded philosopher: Catholic-Christian, even presuppositional (I suspect). He prized the meaning of words and decried their misuse. Consider reading another of his fine essays published as Abuse of Language: Abuse of Power. It motivated me to improve my vocabulary and pay more attention to etymology.

For example, be aware that when doctrinaire planners want to implement their vision, there may well be a change in the definition of terms. I'm thinking specifically of the abortion debate where babies are referred to as POCs (products of conception). How about organ transplantation and how the definition of death was redefined in order to accomplish the end. Here's one more controversial yet applicable topic. Examine the arguments of the New Perspectives on Paul or the Federal Visionists. There appear to be new definitions for old words.

This book is a real brain exercise. This second section was long and thought-provoking. There is much to be discussed. Check out the thoughts of others and join me in cheering on our leader, Cindy.

In a *world of total work*, I know that I am not legitimized by my social function. God gave me the gift of knowledge. I know Him. His Son died for me. That makes me valuable. That gives me understanding. That makes me bound to Him.

Time to get on with my craft. :)


Then I was beside Him as a master craftsman;
And I was daily His delight,
Rejoicing always before Him,
Rejoicing in His inhabited world.
Proverbs 8:30

Eliot Introduces Leisure

After the first week of book club where we're focused on Josef Pieper's Basis of Culture, I felt the need to step back and re-read. Roger Scruton introduces my 1998 edition (translated by Malsbary).

Fortunately I discovered an online copy of the book and read T. S. Eliot's (pictured above) 1948 assessment.

BTW Happy Birthday, dear sir!



Basically, we book club participants are off and running with our insightful comments and words of wisdom, making us modern-day philosophers. Yeah, right?! Joking aside, I feel compelled to find my roots and confirm that my philosophical thoughts are growing in the right direction.

That confirmation came in Mr. Eliot's introduction to Leisure: The Basis of Culture.

He decries the 20th century divorce of philosophy from theology and hails Josef Pieper's clear attempt to restore this right relation in the two essays which make up the book. Furthermore, Eliot recognizes that Pieper's arguments contribute to the restoration of the importance of philosophy for every educated person.

By affirming the dependence of philosophy upon revelation, and a proper respect for the wisdom of the ancients, Pieper's philosophical influence has the potential to avert two dangers:
1)that philosophy would imitate exact science and
2)that one-man philosophies (worldviews) would abound.

In much the same way that every Christian must be a theologian, every educated person must be a philosopher. That gives me two reasons to finish reading Leisure.

The third is no less important.

As a mother rearing those in charge of the next generation, I aim to apprehend Pieper's insight and wisdom for rebuilding our house (culture), thereby fulfilling my role in the ritual of public sacrifice.

Sounds lofty?

Perhaps.

But it's necessary.

So, read with us..... Josef Pieper's Leisure: The Basis of Culture.

It's refreshing!

Fashion Friday:Statement Color

Honey-colored Satchel -Meet #9 & #10



on the Top Ten List of Items to Look For in my closet as I'm organizing the Fall/Winter Wardrobe.







#9 = Something Glittery/Shiney :)

#10 = Statement Color


Choosing statement color over statement jewelry is the way I tailor fashion to my own predilections.

Granted this over-sized pocketbook was not already in the closet, but as I was *weeding*the closet, I began to see the colors in a different way.

Leonardo came to mind.... da Vinci, not Caprio.

There are three classes of people:

those who see, those who see when they are shown, those who do not see.

This fashion report is teaching me to see.

A warmer, more subdued Honey Yellow carries the 2009
color of the year, PANTONE 14-0848 Mimosa, through to
fall and winter with its golden tones. Pairing Honey Yellow
with its color wheel opposite, Purple Heart, will surely add
a surprising flair. Or, for a more typical fall combination,
group Honey Yellow with Burnt Sienna and Iron.

I was amazed at the number of times I kept seeing this color in my closet.

Here's the satchel in her work environment.

Notice the grey electronics?

That's close to *Iron*, right?






I'm thinking a gray-colored dress is in my future.







Seasonal Color - that's the ticket!

What's yours?

Fall/Winter 2009

Top Ten Clothing Items:
1) Feminine Blouse
2) Boho Skirt
3) Jean Vest
4) Chunky Sweater
5) Novelty Jacket
6) Fashionable Dress
7) Sweater Set
8) Anything with Ruffles
9) Something Glittery or Shiney
10)Pantone Color Palette

So, you've read this far and dont feel inspired?Okay, here's the best fashion advice I've ever received. It was from the owner of an upscale accessory shop.If you cant do anything else, Dana, pay attention to your lips and your ears.

Top Five Accessories:
1) Lipstick
2) Earrings
3) Watch
4) Pocketbook
5) Sunglasses

Leisure: The Basis of Culture

Long before I'd heard the term *worldview* (weltanschauung for Pieper) I knew I was philosophically driven.

In my teenaged-mind, I defined that as knowing AND applying my principles and convictions.

In fact, I used to quip that *thinking* got me into trouble.

I think it still does.




But I'm a slow (life-long) learner, determined to examine my contemplations and measure them up against standards.


That's why I'm reading Leisure: The Basis of Culture with others and discussing it online at Cindy's blog.


After WWII, Josef Pieper, a 20th-century, German, Catholic, Professor of Philosophic Anthropology, published his answer to the ills of the evil age. So very well-received was this slim volume, that it's been republished (different translators and introducers) several times, and continues to be reviewed and lauded by others.

Also, it's interesting to note here that the two previous books* reviewed by this book club (Ideas Have Consequences and Economics in One Lesson) were published mid-century (1948 and 1946, respectively.) Both were proposing remedies for stemming the demise of Western culture/civilization.


Right away, I can agree with Pieper's premise that rest/leisure (what we do when we're not working) is inextricably interwined with culture. Which is tied to worship. I grasp the connection.

But I'm a little bogged down with following all the references to philosophers, their theories and approaches. I mix them up as readily as I do the Greek/Roman gods/goddesses, their life stories and children. It's soap-opera-ish.

Inherently, I know that understanding these fundamental issues and problems will serve me well as I worship God: serving my husband, rearing a family, and ministering in my community. Here's a link to one application: Sundays.

So, I'm donning my thinking cap and ready-ing my brain cells for a nice, long, explore in the philosophical woods.

Join me?

I dont want to get lost.




*Temporarily forgot about All God's Children and Blue Suede Shoes.

Leisure: The Basis of Culture

Towards the end of the apology on leisure, Josef Pieper imagines that someone may well ask -

What are we to do about it?

Well, the considerations put forward in this essay were NOT designed to give advice and draw up a line of action; they were meant to make men think.

In that sense, with me, he accomplished the goal.

But I also want to talk about it...... I think because I'm dedicated to hope.

bearing in mind your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the presence of our God and Father, I Thess 1:3

Hope inspires me to action. My moving and being each and every day are nothing but preparation for that day of leisure, in which I consciously remove myself from the world of work, means, and industry.

I focus on faith, festival, and feasting.

Specifically, I've learned the language and vocabulary of my faith. Words like regeneration, justification, sanctification, and glorification.

Those words inspire me to order my six days in anticipation of that seventh one, which is the highlight - a festival celebrated weekly.

Last but not least, I feast on Sundays, not just by partaking in the Lord's Supper, but by sharing a meal afterwards with fellow believers.

These are just a few of my thoughts about redeeming the time, recapturing culture, and breinging all thoughts captive to the Savior.

It's not that difficult.

It's as straightforward as getting ready for church.

See you there.

Fashion Fridays: Boho Skirt

Planning my work

and

working my plan...

in this fine example of

boho*!

#2 & #3 on the list :)






Just three weeks ago, I started thinking *Fall* - time to turn over a new leaf, rustle the wardrobe, and basically position myself for autumnal audacity.

I just feel better when *dressed*

That means, my countenance is refreshed and my outlook is positive.

I accomplish more.

I'm ready for *leisure*




















Don't just do something: stand there!



How about you?











*Truth in blogging: all items already in the closet (vest purchased in 1993!) except skirt which was recently acquired from TJMaxx.

Red Velvet Cake

1/2 cup shortening (butter)                               1 cup buttermilk
1 1/2 cups sugar                                               2 1/4 cups cake flour
2 eggs                                                               1 tsp soda
2 oz red food coloring                                      1 tsp salt
1 tsp vinegar                                                     2 Tbs cocoa

Cream together the butter and sugar.  Add eggs one at the time, mixing after each.   Make a paste of the red food coloring and cocoa powder.  Then add to butter/sugar mixture.  Add the cake flour (and salt) alternately with the buttermilk (and vanilla), all the while blending gently.  Lastly add the soda and then vinegar.

Divide equally into two prepared 9-in cake pans.  Bake for 30 minutes at 350 degrees, checking for doneness at 25 minutes.

Cool and frost.


Frosting

Blend together 5 Tbs flour with 1 cup whole milk and cook over low heat until thick.  Cool completely.

Cream 1 cup granulated white sugar with 1 cup real butter until light.  Add 1 tsp vanilla.  Blend in cooled flour mixture, beating until it resembles whipped cream.

Makes enough to frost one two-layer cake.

The Snow Goose

Illustrator Beth Peck's reputation drew my attention to The Snow Goose,

but it was author Paul Gallico's touching story of sacrificial love that captured my heart.









Set during the early 1940s, the narrative establishes the friendship of two unlikely characters in the small coastal town of Dunkirk.

Philip, the misfit artist and nature lover befriends Frith, a teenaged girl who brings an injured bird to his isolated doorstep. While this storyline develops and resolves, another is happening in the world at large - wartime.

At this point, the plot becomes both historical and spiritual. Philip is departing in his boat to help stranded soldiers.

Frith stared at Philip. He had changed so. For the first time she saw that he was no longer ugly mis-shapen or grotesque, but very beautiful. Things were turmoiling in her own soul, crying to be said, and she did not know how to say them.

The Snow Goose rates high on my list of gift books. The writing is descriptive, the plot instructive, and the illustrations enchanting.

I am not sure who will be the beneficiary of my copy.

Inaugural Address of the President
Fulton County (GA) Medical Society


The following is only one paragraph from a speech given by my maternal grandfather as he took the helm of his local medical society in 1950. More of the address will be posted (for the sake of posterity) when I have time to type it up, or when I figure out how to work my scanner, whichever comes first :) In another post I reference to these remarks.

America today stands at the cross-roads, and there seems to be a tremendous urge to go down the road of least resistance, which leads to chaos and ruin. If what I say smacks of non-medical politics, let those that are burned make the most of it. America must have a change in the way of thinking of our men in high political places or our way of living will surely collapse. Justice Brandeis warned, "The greatest dangers to liberty lurk in insidious encroachment by men of zeal, well-meaning, but without understanding." We are borrowing from the future and robbing the purses of our children and grandchildren by continuing the deficit operation of our government. It behooves us to fight in every way possible those who would torpedo the medical profession and scuttle American freedom to satisfy the whims and political aspirations of these demagogs. I plead with you to support your political leaders who are interested in free enterprise and in the economic operation of your government.




by A O Linch, MD
January 1950

Labor Day

Federally legislated after its first celebration in 1882, Labor Day seems to have strayed far from course, not much celebrated for its original intent of protecting the laborers. However, I've never been a member of a labor union, so perhaps it is still alive and well in those brotherhoods.

Most of the weekend's activities center around recreation and rest. In our local newspaper, I found one article touting the *true* meaning of Labor Day.

From Wikipedia:

The form for the celebration of Labor Day was outlined in the first proposal of the holiday: A street parade to exhibit to the public "the strength and esprit de corps of the trade and labor organizations," followed by a festival for the workers and their families.

I dont think I've ever attended a Labor Day Parade. Have you?

I will admit to attending a political rally around this time of year (in my youth), but now I fall clearly into the camp that this holiday represents the end-of-the-summer-beginning-of-football-season camp.


Fashion-wise, it is an important day, too.

No more white shoes!

I switched to these!









However, there are others who are trying to capture attention by renaming the day to Vocation Day.

Here's a link to Gene Veith's proposal, which is really a thinly-veiled advertisement for his book, God at Work. I like his opinions, but dont own many of his books.

Blogging buddy, Cindy, created an interesting discussion about Motherhood and Vocation, which I hope she will continue because she raised some good questions. We workers at home clearly have the best job of all, enjoying the rewards of the most important career known to man.

That's why it is so important to know who we are and our nature.

I think an integral part of seeing myself (my vocation AND my avocation) accurately must include an understanding of how others view me and how I fit into the overall situation (society).

So, today I'm starting with this Valley of Vision prayer entitled Vocation. It's helping me be faithful.



Now it's time to fix a couple of side dishes for tonight's dinner of BBQ ribs.



How are you marking this special day?

Vocation

Heavenly Father,
Thou hast placed me in the church
which thy Son purchased by his own blood.
Add grace to grace that I may live worthy of my vocation.

I am a voyager across life's ocean;
Safe in heaven's ark, may I pass through a troubled world
into the harbour of eternal rest.

I am a tree of the vineyard thou has planted.
Grant me not to be barren, with worthless leaves and wild grapes;
Prune me of useless branches;
Water me with dews of blessing.
I am part of the Lamb's bride, the church.
Help me to be true, faithful, chaste, loving, pure, devoted;
let no strong affection wantonly dally with the world.
May I live high above a love of things temporal,
sanctified, cleansed, unblemished, hallowed by grace,
thy love my fullness,
thy love my joy,
thy precepts my pathway,
thy cross my resting place.
My heart is not always a flame of adoring love,
But, resting in thy Son's redemption,
I look forward to the days of heaven,
where no langour shall oppress,
no iniquities, chill,
no mists of unbelief dim the eye,
no zeal ever tires.

Father, these thoughts are the stay, prop, and comfort of my soul.

The Valley of Vision: A Collection of Puritan Prayers & Devotions

Fashion on Fridays

Time to get dressed!!

Last week I made a list of items to look for in my closet as I transition my wardrobe from summer to fall to winter.






And here's my first accomplishment: #7 on the list is *sweater set*.




Found in the dresser drawer, this two-piece, light-weight, celery-colored top is perfect for this time of year. I've paired it with a basic jean skirt and updated the outfit by wearing a long multi-colored scarf. Shoes will be comfortable since I'm the sensible type :)

Here's the link to my list.

If you havent looked at any of it, I'm hoping I can at least pique your interest in reading the Pantone report and choosing a color to highlight this season.

I've got my eye on one (TBA).

What about you?

September 1, 1939

It was a Friday.

by W. H. Auden
Anglo-American poet
(1907-1973)

I sit in one of the dives
On Fifty-second Street
Uncertain and afraid
As the clever hopes expire
Of a low dishonest decade:
Waves of anger and fear
Circulate over the bright
And darkened lands of the earth,
Obsessing our private lives;
The unmentionable odour of death
Offends the September night.

Accurate scholarship can
Unearth the whole offence
From Luther until now
That has driven a culture mad,
Find what occurred at Linz,
What huge imago made
A psychopathic god:
I and the public know
What all schoolchildren learn,
Those to whom evil is done
Do evil in return.

Exiled Thucydides knew
All that a speech can say
About Democracy,
And what dictators do,
The elderly rubbish they talk
To an apathetic grave;
Analysed all in his book,
The enlightenment driven away,
The habit-forming pain,
Mismanagement and grief:
We must suffer them all again.

Into this neutral air
Where blind skyscrapers use
Their full height to proclaim
The strength of Collective Man,
Each language pours its vain
Competitive excuse:
But who can live for long
In an euphoric dream;
Out of the mirror they stare,
Imperialism's face
And the international wrong.

Faces along the bar
Cling to their average day:
The lights must never go out,
The music must always play,
All the conventions conspire
To make this fort assume
The furniture of home;
Lest we should see where we are,
Lost in a haunted wood,
Children afraid of the night
Who have never been happy or good.

The windiest militant trash
Important Persons shout
Is not so crude as our wish:
What mad Nijinsky wrote
About Diaghilev
Is true of the normal heart;
For the error bred in the bone
Of each woman and each man
Craves what it cannot have,
Not universal love
But to be loved alone.

From the conservative dark
Into the ethical life
The dense commuters come,
Repeating their morning vow;
"I will be true to the wife,
I'll concentrate more on my work,"
And helpless governors wake
To resume their compulsory game:
Who can release them now,
Who can reach the deaf,
Who can speak for the dumb?

All I have is a voice
To undo the folded lie,
The romantic lie in the brain
Of the sensual man-in-the-street
And the lie of Authority
Whose buildings grope the sky:
There is no such thing as the State
And no one exists alone;
Hunger allows no choice
To the citizen or the police;
We must love one another or (and) die.

Defenceless under the night
Our world in stupor lies;
Yet, dotted everywhere,
Ironic points of light
Flash out wherever the Just
Exchange their messages:
May I, composed like them
Of Eros and of dust,
Beleaguered by the same
Negation and despair,
Show an affirming flame.



Have you ever read that poem before?

I hadnt, although I'm vaguely familiar with the italicized phrase. So, these verses will jump-start today's lessons for a life-long learner.

What's memorable about September 1st for you?

Christian Funerals

Roman Catholic liturgy defined my first funeral experience. Those memories spoke loudly while I watched Senator Kennedy's service on Saturday. I cried.

Strange, since there's not a lot about Mr. Kennedy's politics (or person) that I appreciated.

When I was 13 years old, my great aunt died. It made me feel grown up that I was allowed to attend her memorial mass.

It was at The Cathedral of Christ the King here in Atlanta.

There are not a lot of specifics that I remember, except about her husband (when he broke down and cried) and the incense.

Weird though,

that I didnt cry then.



Furthermore, having grown up (baptized and confirmed) in the Anglican-Episcopal church, I continue to have a strong appreciation for the ritual and splendor of high-church ceremonies.


After all, my Lord is the one and only true King:  Ruler of All.

But now I eschew too much pomp and circumstance and look for a simpler funeral. The components are a worship service, burial in a cemetary (no cremation), and a fellowship meal. Here's what I'm thinking today:

First, I want the gospel preached. The minister can start with John 17:3

And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus
Christ, whom thou hast sent .

Second, I want the congregation to sing a lot. I'll make a list suggesting some hymns. My blogging buddy, Carol, has already started her selections. If possible, I'd love to have a soloist sing Swing Low, Sweet Chariot.


Third, I dont want much said about me.

I want the focus to be on Christ and what He did for me (and what He wants to do for the lost).

I want the message to be clear that when God looked down on me and changed my heart, that from that point onward whenever He glanced in my direction, He saw the finished work of His Precious Son.

So, dont talk about my deeds. Or lack thereof.


Talk about Christ.


Horatius Bonar, one of my favorite hymn writers. said it very well with these verses from Not What My Hands Have Done, sung to the tune Leominster.



PS You can talk about me at dinner
or in the circle.

Not What My Hands Have Done


Not what my hands have done can save my guilty soul;

Not what my toiling flesh has borne can make my spirit whole.

Not what I feel or do can give me peace with God;

Not all my prayers and sighs and tears can bear my awful load.



Your voice alone, O Lord, can speak to me of grace;
Your power alone, O Son of God, can all my sin erase.
No other work but Yours, no other blood will do;
No strength but that which is divine can bear me safely through.

Thy work alone, O Christ, can ease this weight of sin;
Thy blood alone, O Lamb of God, can give me peace within.
Thy love to me, O God, not mine, O Lord, to Thee,
Can rid me of this dark unrest, And set my spirit free.

I bless the Christ of God; I rest on love divine;
And with unfaltering lip and heart I call this Savior mine.
His cross dispels each doubt; I bury in His tomb
Each thought of unbelief and fear, each lingering shade of gloom.

I praise the God of grace; I trust His truth and might;
He calls me His, I call Him mine, My God, my joy and light.
’Tis He Who saveth me, and freely pardon gives;
I love because He loveth me, I live because He lives.

By Horatius Bonar
Scottish churchman and poet
1808 - 1889

Fashion on Fridays

Hello

from my writing desk
in the living room,

where Matthew Henry's Commentaries

grace the desktop;

and a pencil drawing after Harnett

makes me ponder
what I'd choose for a still-life

composition.



It's that time of year again.

What?, you say, what time of year?

Time to compose, I say.

Perhaps you think I'm referring to the *back-to-school* season. And I am, but not in the sense of curriculum choices.

Nope, today's essay topic is what-not-to-wear.

Hopefully, I can inspire you to take a second look at your wardrobe. Whether you stay at home all day or leave the house early for a day of errands, I'm challenging you to pay attention to what you wear - from the top of your head to the bottom of your feet.

So, skipping over all the details and rationale for wardrobe composition (see Chpt 12 of Edith Schaeffer's Hidden Art of Homemaking), I'm posting a list of items to identify in your closet. No shopping necessary, just look to see what's there.

Then, make a plan.

Top Ten Clothing Items:

1) Feminine Blouse
2) Boho Skirt
3) Jean Vest
4) Chunky Sweater
5) Novelty Jacket
6) Fashionable Dress
7) Sweater Set
8) Anything with Ruffles
9) Something Glittery or Shiney
10)Pantone Color Palette


So, you've read this far and dont feel inspired?

Okay, here's the best fashion advice I've ever received. It was from the owner of an upscale accessory shop.

If you cant do anything else, Dana, pay attention to your lips and your ears.


Top Five Accessories

1) Lipstick
2) Earrings
3) Watch
4) Pocketbook
5) Sunglasses


So, after making sure that my hair is clean and coiffed and ignoring that I'm wearing an *old* skirt,

I color my lips and clip on my ears, thereby framing my countenance.


Likewise, I want women to adorn themselves with proper clothing, modestly and discreetly, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly garments,
I Timothy 2:9

Manhattan: Vermeer 's Allegory of Faith


Sunday seems like a fine day to highlight this particular Vermeer which was new to me.

I dont think of this Dutchman as a painter of religious works, but apparently he painted one.

Here's a link to the gallery label to help you locate all the meaningful items.


I love that Faith is using the world as her footstool!

Isaiah 66:1


Here's word of explanation copied from humanitiesweb:

You'd never know it from looking at his work, but Vermeer lived during turbulent times in Holland. Political and religious strife between Protestants
and Catholics in Holland was at a peak during the mid-1600s. Vermeer was born
and raised a staunch Protestant. But, much to the consternation of his parents
and friends, he fell in love with a Catholic girl, converted, and married her.
Even today, the saying goes that, "There is no more devout Catholic than a
Catholic convert." This was probably even more the case in Vermeer's troubled
time. His faith was important to him. That's why, when he was asked by his
church to paint an allegory of faith, he could neither refuse nor resist the
challenge, even though such a work was completely foreign to his artistic
background. This also accounts for the fact that his Allegory of the Faith,
painted in 1670, is easily his least satisfying, least successful work.

In many Protestant churches, pictures of Christ are forbidden (as graven images). Yet they abound as decoration and teaching tools. An enormous part of art history is church-related. So, while I fall squarely on the side against icons, I am not offended by Vermeer's rendition of the cruxification depicted in Allegory of Faith.



Side Note follows:

In my very short visit of Manhattan I am pleased to report that I regarded eight original Vermeers. I repeat: eight. There are only 35, all together.

So, three at the Frick.

And,  five at the Met.

Plus I've seen the ones at the National Gallery in Washington, DC.

That's six more.

I am especially fond of the one with the woman holding the balance.

According to my travel diary, I visited the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, Holland, on June 18th 1978.

There are four there. That brings me up to 18!

I must have seen *The Milkmaid* because she's there.

(FYI she's visiting the Met in September.)

Then in Vienna at the Kunsthistoriches Museum around 4 July 1978, I could have seen The Artist's Studio.

Earlier that summer in London, I recorded visiting the National Gallery in London, which boasts two: Women at Virginals.

Now I can count having seen 21 of the 35.

Do you seek out artists/paintings like that?

Thankful Thursdays

Counting my blessings by categories, here's what comes to mind on this particular day:

Faith - the gift of it - Ephesians 2:8-9

Health - restful sleep














Husband - the way he can tell a good joke

Home - A good laugh and a long sleep are the best cures in the doctor's book. Irish Proverb

Family - dinnertable conversation over BLTs and corn on the cob

Church - for the election and installation of three new elders who are committed to shepherding God's flock.

Employment - for the short-term summer jobs DD#3 & 4 enjoyed this summer

Country - the privilege of voting in local, state, and federal elections, unlike some around the globe. I thinking specifically of the recent Afghan elections.



Photo Credit: Getty images FYI -I really did try for a long time to scan my own, but will have to post it later, as the machine would not cooperate :)

Manhattan: Alice's Tea Cup

Early Monday morning we joined the bustle of the morning commuters,

but broke off from the throng in order to enjoy a quiet breakfast at this stellar tea room.





After looking around the restaurant,

















we settled on this sunny spot near the window.















ordered a pot of Orange Spice Tea









and Eggs Benedict













And didnt eat again until dinner (link).



Is there a tea room in your town?

Manhattan: Redeemer Pres

Hunter College
Auditorium








Last Sunday evening I worshipped on the upper East Side with about 500 Christians who make up part of the larger Redeemer Presbyterian Church. It was a delightful service with jazz band accompaniment, a strong female vocalist, a confident worship leader, and a teaching elder who entered the sanctuary moments before delivering the sermon. He also exited immediately afterwards and the service was closed by the unnamed worship leader.

When I left I asked an usher the name of the minister; it was Rev Matthew Paul Buccheri. The usher explained that they never know in advance who will be delivering the message because the session wants to decrease the chances of congregants' attendance based on the teacher.

While the music was definitely more contemporary than what I'm used to or what I prefer, it was well-done and I enjoyed the singing (7 songs all together!), even if I couldnt do it as lustily as I would have like (due to lack of familiarity).

The sermon was expositional: both basic and forthright and followed along in their series about King David (2 Sam 7:1-17).

Visiting churches is not one of my favorite things to do, but I'm definitely glad I went and would attend again.

What about you?

Do you attend church while on vacation (or traveling)?

Manahatta

(because I'll be there in a few days)

I was asking for something specific and perfect for my city,


Whereupon lo! upsprang the aboriginal name.








Now I see what there is in a name, a word, liquid, sane,
unruly, musical, self-sufficient,
I see that the word of my city is that word from of old,
Because I see that word nested in nests of water-bays,
superb,
Rich, hemm'd thick all around with sailships and
steamships, an island sixteen miles long, solid-founded,
Numberless crowded streets, high growths of iron, slender,
strong, light, splendidly uprising toward clear skies,
Tides swift and ample, well-loved by me, toward sundown,
The flowing sea-currents, the little islands, larger adjoining
islands, the heights, the villas,
The countless masts, the white shore-steamers, the lighters,
the ferry-boats, the black sea-steamers well-model'd,
The down-town streets, the jobbers' houses of business, the
houses of business of the ship-merchants and money-
brokers, the river-streets,
Immigrants arriving, fifteen or twenty thousand in a week,
The carts hauling goods, the manly race of drivers of horses,
the brown-faced sailors,
The summer air, the bright sun shining, and the sailing
clouds aloft,
The winter snows, the sleigh-bells, the broken ice in the
river, passing along up or down with the flood-tide or
ebb-tide,
The mechanics of the city, the masters, well-form'd,
beautiful-faced, looking you straight in the eyes,
Trottoirs throng'd, vehicles, Broadway, the women, the
shops and shows,
A million people--manners free and superb--open voices--
hospitality--the most courageous and friendly young
men,
City of hurried and sparkling waters! city of spires and masts!
City nested in bays! my city!

by Walt Whitman



Link to American Experience: Walt Whitman

TGIF-Lake Lanier

Fabulous Friends

Wonderful Weather

Delicious Dinners




Simple Summers

Gazpacho

First introduced to this summer soup, I was a teenager and we didnt use air conditioning.

We ate later in the evenings, enjoying cold soups (cucumber or spinach) and other vegetarian fare, i.e. flat rocks.

Then in 1995, I made gazpacho for the first time myself. It's the perfect hot weather meal!

Start with 6 cups V-8 juice and 6 cups ordinary tomato juice in a very large stock pot. Add the following veggies. Chill well before serving. Top with croutons, if desired.

8 cloves garlic, crushed
8 Tbs olive oil
12 Tbs wine vinegar
4 tsp salt
4 tsp worcestershire sauce
1 tsp black pepper, ground
24 drops tabasco

10 tomatoes, peeled and diced
6 ribs celery, diced
3 cucumber, peeled and diced
6 spring onions, chopped
1 green pepper, diced
some chives, chopped
some parsley, chopped

Makes one gallon.

Store in glass container.

Keeps up to a week, refrigerated.

CWAC 2009 Recap:Thursday

Cousins' Week at Callaway is just not complete without a handwritten note to declare thanks for hosting such a wonderful week in the lives of our families.












There is added enjoyment to such gatherings for several reasons.

First, the anticipation is great as we all look forward to this gathering all.year.long.

Second, having plain, old-fashioned fun creates more and more memories to share not only with my own children, but with my siblings' children, and special cousins.

And last but not least, reflecting on the long-lasting ripple effects of building strong families this way inspires me.



Thank you for the bottom of my heart for continuing this terrific tradition.

CWAC 2009 Recap:Wednesday

Attendance was up this year.

In fact, I think it was our highest count to date. Here's the basic breakdown from our Family Calendar:


2 Parents
6 Children
5 Spouses
29 Grands







Nuclearly speaking, we're talking 42 people. While we didnt have quite that many when we first started years ago, the numbers have increased steadily to the point that we're adding to Gen Four aka great-grandchildren at a rapid rate.

So, add the spouses of grands (4) and two great-grands (2) and we're topping out at 48!!


It all started with the classic sofa picture.

This one was taken in the summer, 1985.



Click on the link for 23 years worth of snapshots.





Here's one of the earliest reunion photos, summer 1987.

















We've always had close friends join us as well. From childhood family friends, schoolmates and colleagues, to the proverbial *special* friends, who end up marrying into the family, we enjoy increasing the size of our circle.

There were close to 60 at our Friday night Leftovers Picnic because we had an influx of cousins at the latter part of the week.

We just keep growing!

CWAC 2009 Recap:Tuesday

Walking the 10-mile Discovery Bike Trail is one of my vacation goals while at Callaway. It takes me almost 3 1/2 hours, which calculates out to a rate of 3 mph - just the right pace to enjoy my surroundings and get my heartrate up into a fat-burning range.










It's a good thing I left early Tuesday morning or I would have missed this fine luncheon with my 83 yo aunt who came down from Atlanta for the day. Her son and husband are sitting around the table, too.

Starting with the blue shirt (grinning fella) and proceeding clockwise:

1st cousin=Dan
My father=Dan
Me=Dana - trend here?
Uncle=Ed
Aunt=Jane
Sister=Noel
Cousin=Ron
Aunt=Mary (back of her head)






But this picture takes family photo albums to a new level.

My father, mother and aunt are identifying people on the computer screen.










My cousin, Dan, had scanned a bunch of old photos (late '50s, early 60s) and burned a disk for everyone. This is the new *scrapbooking* skill.

We had a fine time.

CWAC 2009 Recap:Monday

Here's our home away from home while we're at Callaway Gardens. The cottages are very nice: especially spacious, and comfortably furnished.

When we're not eating at this large dining table, we're playing cards, reading, or planning our next outing.



Climbing back into bed and reading in the early morning is something I reserve for vacation. There's also a nice screened-in porch on the back of the cottage - perfect for these pasttimes of reading and playing cards.

In an time where most families dont own any land or have a large enough home to accomodate everyone for a week-long vacation, we're happy to claim Callaway Gardens as our *family farm*, if you will.

I think this is what the Callaway Family had in mind when they opened their land to others. Here's what Cason said:

Take nothing from the Gardens except
nourishment for the soul
consolation for the heart,
and inspiration for the mind.

CWAC 2009 Recap:Sunday

After attending the interdenominational worship service at the Callaway Chapel, we headed back to Sparkleberry Lane for the all-important photo shoot. The pictures taken this morning are the basis for our family calendar which my parents produce and give to us for Christmas each year.

Family members need to be available for the better part of the morning because there are several obligatory sessions:

Individual head shots













Family portraits



















Birthday months











With over 29 grandchildren, and now 2 great-grands, it's a challenge to make sure everyone's photos are taken.

My father helps keep track.

















Usually we're finished with this process around noon, just in time to enjoy our first picnic of the week.

I'm all about fried chicken at Southern picnics. So, it should come as no surprise that Krispy's in Pine Mountain has become a tradition.


















We serve our plates and head back outside to eat together, finishing the meal with a giant chocolate chip cookie cake.

Are you having a family reunion this summer?

Special Cakes

This past Sunday we celebrated DH's birthday with this fancy dessert.










I myself love to cook and bake. But this year I'd just returned from a week-long family reunion at Callaway Gardens and didn't have enough time to *do it all*. Thank goodness I believe that outsourcing is an integral part of being an efficient homemaker :)

That's how Jill's Cakes and Bakes comes into play.

While I was busy in the kitchen preparing this menu:

Roasted Turkey
Mashed Potatoes
Gravy
Steamed Broccoli
Beet Salad (actually Sis-in-law prepared this family favorite)
Pickle Tray complete with peaches, okra, and olives
Garlic Bread

Plantation Tea
Coffee

Jill had already done her part.

It just seemed *smart* take care of this detail before I left for vacation. The holiday weekend dictated the timetable and the shop was closed on Saturday. So, the cake had to be picked up on Thursday; sat boxed in the 'fridge for three days; and still was maximally moist for Sunday evening's party.

Jill also prepared the cake for DD#2's wedding last August.

I really hope her shop continues to grow.

If you live nearby, I highly recommend her cakes.












What about you?

Who helps you out in a pinch?

Is there a special bakery you recommend?

Fashion on Fridays

Lime Green has surfaced as my fashion accent this summer.


I bought these inexpensive sandals on a whim at Target in late May, not really sure how they were going to fit into my wardrobe.




But low and behold, they were a perfect match for these green print capris that I wore for the family reunion photo.



That's me with my siblings (and spouses).







Then I remembered this green striped blouse from a few years ago and paired it with some stone colored capris.

Voila!





This snapshot with my niece is more flattering, although I need lipstick.











Plus there's this mosaic scarf which I'm wearing today with a jean dress.

Last week I wore it as a belt with a white skirt and lime green T-shirt.








Wait! There's more!

See this light-weight summer dress?

It was already in the back of the closet.

And it blossomed with this sweater.





All on account of those lime green sandals.



What's keeping your wardrobe fresh this summer?