Birthday Celebration















The Menu

Baked Pork Chops w/Brown Rice
Turnip Greens
Butternut Squash

Bread Ring

Iced Tea

Banana Pudding

Margaret Ann






















Baby picture of my mother whose birthday is today.

I figured out how to scan the picture, but have run out of discretionary time as far as figuring out how to photoshop it.

Better call Donna for help.

Update: After treating DM to Sunday lunch, she kindly shared with me the secrets of cropping a scanned picture :)

History and Hope

A passage from the writings of Robert E Lee, first made public by Colonel Charles Marshall in 1887, in Southern Historical Papers published in 1889, and used as an example in Richard Weaver's essay on the Christian warrior, found in The Southern Tradition at Bay, pg 209.

My experience of men has neither disposed me to think worse of them, nor
indisposed me to serve them; nor, in spite of failures, which I lament, of
errors, which I now see and acknowledge, or, of the present state of affairs, do
I despair of the future.

The march of providence is so slow, and our desires so impatient, the work
of progress is so immense, and our means of aiding it so feeble, the life
of humanity is so long, and that of the individual so brief, that we often see
only the ebb of the advancing wave, and are thus discouraged.

It is history that teaches us to hope.

Happy Fall Y'all
















Cutest jack-o-lantern I have ever seen.

Such creativity! I never would have thought to use the stem for the nose. I probably wouldnt have even bought that pumpkin because it looks like it would not sit up straight. Oh well.

Kudos to the artist.

See some of her photography here.

Fall is an identifiable season in my neck of the woods and I always enjoy it: the colors, the leaves, the food. Except I don't like it when it gets dark really early. And so, that's why I think I'll say I like Spring better.

Halloween can put a damper on the season, too. Without being a total stick-in-the-mud, I tried assiduously to avoid celebrating this holiday. When my children were very small, they were truly frightened by the constant doorbell ringing and the people dressed up in costumes. Because they attended a Christian elementary school, we didnt have too much trouble avoiding trick or treating. There were Fall Festivals or Reformation Day Fairs which provided good alternate activities.

But in the neighborhood if we were at home, I would buy candy and hand it out to the few visitors who came by. Mostly I would try and schedule a night away from home. It became traditional to see a movie, nothing scary. And horror is totally off limits. Something historical like Luther or Cromwell.

Here's the whole pumpkin family...on Fall Break.

Ideas Have Consequences

Chapter One : The Unsentimental Sentiment

Quoting Scottish essayist, Thomas Carlyle (1795-1881) at the outset, Mr. Weaver frames the ensuing essay with these words:

“the thing a man believes determines the rest.”

I distilled the 66-word quote from the book into the above eight-word one and not only does the title to the book become obvious, but also the treasure of chapter one. If you use this phrase as a filter when reading the wealth of information presented in this 15-page chapter, there will be less confusion.


Weaver launches immediately into a deductive-reasoning style of writing using “words as hard as canonballs” in order to prove his point. First, he defines sentiment, then unsentimental, discussing the pros and cons of both only to declare that the correct approach to all of life is espousing this catch-phrase “the unsentimental sentiment.”

Rational faculty will be in the service of a vision which can preserve sentiment from sentimentality. Pg 20

While Weaver never uses the term “presuppositional thinking,” it appears to me that that is what he is describing when he talks about the metaphysical dream binding man to the spiritual community. Neither does he use the currently popular word “worldview” but he plainly recognizes its value when he tells us that of paramount importance is “one’s attitude toward the world.”

Common answers to the “big” questions of life (religious or metaphysical) have the power to integrate and makes ones sentiments toward the world rational. Pg 22 This is called refinement, when our sentiments pass from feelings to illumined concepts (of what one ought to feel) and man is relieved to become “self-controlled” through this wisdom.

Weaver continues debating the pros and cons of his arguement by comparing and contrasting of the self-controlled man (man of correct sentiments last seen in the 18th century) with the barbarian or Philistine (exemplified in the American frontiersman). Finally, he laments that

“Today over the entire world there are dangerous signs that culture, as such, is marked for attack because its formal requirements stand in the way of expression of the natural man.” Pg 25

At so many things/objects am I (who is “cultural” in Weaver’s sense only by the grace of God) speechless and embarassed when forms and conventions are torn aside, trampled, and mocked by the emancipated libertines. Weaver explains to me with a quote from Burke (pg 27) why the French Revolution and its results are so indicting and incriminatory of our moderns.

Here is the crux of the matter and why I perceive that Cindy is so up in arms about the state of the world and desperate to rear/educate her children with the correct sentiment.

Weaver states:

No education is worthy of the name which fails to make the point that the world is best understood from a certain distance or that the most elementary understanding requires a degree of abstraction. “ pg 27

Only one who understands Burke’s comment on the French Revolution and Weaver's worldview can teach history properly. (You go, Cindy!) Never mind the fact that it is our privilege and duty before God to do so.

Faithful to his logical approach in an effort to persuade others, Weaver does not blatantly mention God, but that is what is meant by “understood from a distance” or “requiring a degree of abstraction”. These are phrases which signify a worldview or a lens or presuppositions which we (Christians) know must be applied consistently to the teaching of our offspring in order to achieve the most profitable results.

Weaver winds down his pummeling by giving four examples of the ravages of the barbarians (those seeking immediacy, i.e. the “real thing”) on our current society (1948):

1) the failure of the modern mind to recognize obscenity;
2) the deterioration of human relationships;
3) the decline of the belief in the hero;
4) and the growth of commericalism.

These obviously hold true for today, 2007.

By the way, I cant help but draw attention to Weaver's implicit plug for the teaching of vocabulary, derivations, and ancient theater when he intends the original sense of the word *obscenity* to make his point. As Magsitramater would say, "I get the reference."

In conclusion, Weaver pleads with us to reclaim the dream or vision that will save us from the sins/consequences of sentimentality and brutality.

He proposes “restraint imposed by idea.”

Ideas Have Consequences

The Introduction

Broadly painted brushstrokes paint the introductory canvas to Richard Weaver's masterpiece, Ideas Have Consequences, as the author/artist jumps feet first into the cold water of post war society. He readily states that he wants to talk about the decline of the West and propose a solution.


Sounds depressing as looks this 1966 Renee Radell painting, The Tide.

Weaver rapidly covers the philosophical landscapes of six centuries by describing nominalism (14th), then the new doctrine of nature (science vs unintelligibility); then rationalism (deism and materialism); Darwinism; pyschological behaviorism; and finally the abysmality of the 20th century. To wit, he lists the various the methods of education where logic was grammaticized (from vere loqui to recte loqui); definitions (denotations) were assaulted; and the Renaissance pattern was developed, adapting the course of study to produce a successful man. With amazing insight Weaver covers the 17th, 18th, 19th, and 20th century educational disciplines and cites the dominant type of leader from each of these epochs as proofs of the changes.

Declaring that there is a split in the 20th century camps, Mr Weaver labels one sentimental humanitarians and the other remorseless theorists.

"Nothing is more disturbing to modern men of the West than the logical clarity with which the Communists face all problems."

Yet Mr Weaver feels that it is extremely difficult to get people in any number to admit that our society is decadent.

Yet my blogging buddy Cindy is ready to tackle the world's problems and that's why we're all reading IHC.

Modern man has fallen prey to hysterical optimism, becoming insensible and apathetic. Stuck in that position until ready to distinguish between good and evil again, society will continue to spiral downward.

Nevertheless Richard Weaver plods along


laying the groundwork for his argument,

indicting society, making comments,

asking questions, and demanding answers.






He's searching for intellectual integrity.


Name his companion with the lantern.

Ideas Have Consequences

By the time I was 17 yrs old I had a solid grip on what I believed about the world/people/things because my parents had done a good job. I understood even then that I was *philosophically-driven*, but I wasnt good at explaining to others why I believed what I did. Somehow the explanation *that's what my father says* didnt seem like the proper way to defend my positions. Pursuing a college degree filled in those gaps for me.



At Hillsdale College I was exposed to leaders/thinkers/writers who explained the reasons behind what my parents had taught me to be true and right. I read their books, listened to their lectures, and conversed personally with movers and shakers of Conservatism. That was my first introduction to Weaver's Ideas Have Consequences and a host of other authors and their books. Weaver had had an enormous influence on the post-war Intellectual Right and Hillsdale was a bastion of those young conservative intellectuals who were trying to champion freedom and tradition.



The edition of IHC in my library was printed in 1971, and published by The University of Chicago Press. I probably bought it at Hillsdale College (bookstore), where I attended from 1975 to 1978, graduating with a BA in History with French and German minors.

This morning I've re-read the Forward which Mr Weaver wrote over a decade after the initial publication in 1948. He does not feel compelled to make revisions, which I think is a good sign. I find it interesting that Mr Weaver was an English professor since the book is classified as *philosophy.* He does not feel that it is such.

It is an intuition of a situation.

He intended to challenge the forces which threaten civilization.

Sounds revolutionary, huh?

For those of you who are following our internet discussion, I post the Table of Contents. And because it's something I pay attention to.

Introduction (never, ever skip reading the introduction, forward, preface, or such)
I. The Unsentimental Sentiment
II. Distinction and Hierarchy
III. Fragmentation and Obession
IV. Egotism in Work and Art
V. The Great Steropticon
VI. The Spoiled-Child Psychology
VII. The Last Metaphysical Right
VIII.The Power of the Word
IX. Piety and Justice
Acknowledgments

How do you know about Ideas Have Consequences?

Richard Weaver













1910-1963

This is what Kirk says about Weaver whom he knew well.

According to Ambrose of Milan, it has not pleased God that man should be saved through logic. Richard Weaver would have assented to this, knowing as he did the nature of the average sensual man and the limits of pure rationality. Yet with a high logical power, Weaver undertook an intellectual defense of culture and did what he might to rescue order, justice, and freedom from the perverters of language



Among philosophers, Plato was Weaver's mentor; and among statesmen Lincoln. (Although a declared Southerner, in politics Weaver was a conservative Republican.)



Some of his closer Chicago friends - their number was not legion - might not see him during the course of an entire year. He never travelled; he endured stoically the ferocious Chicago winters, often wearing two overcoats, one over the other. Once a year he attended a church, and then a high Episcopalian service; the solemnity and mystery of the ritual, strongly though he was attracted by them, overwhelmed his soul: such a feast would last for months. The frugality woven into his character extended even to his very private religion.

pg 39-40
The Essential Russell Kirk

Addendum on 10/24/07

I emailed Mrs. Kirk to inquire about the details of Mr. Weaver's death at such a young age. She referred me to one of ISI's (Intercollegiate Studies Institute) managing directors. Mr. Vella's email indicated that while no official autopsy had been performed, Weaver's sister (whose husband was Weaver's literary executor) believes he died of a cerebral hemmorhage.

Ten Exemplary Conservatives

1) Marcus Tullius Cicero, Roman orator

2) Marcus Aurelius Antonius, Roman emperor

3) Samuel Johnson, English moralist

4) Sir Walter Scott, Scottish romancer

5) John Randolphe, Virginia politician

6) Nathaniel Hawthorne, New England novelist, short story writer

7) Theodore Roosevelt, American President, writer and fighter

8) Joseph Conrad, Polish sea captain novelist

9) Richard Weaver, college professor and recluse

10)Freya Stark, English wanderer in antique lands

This list is from Russell Kirk's essay,"Ten Exemplary Conservatives", originally published in his The Politics of Prudence (1993), but which I have from The Essential Kirk, George Panichas, editor.

Kirk chose these ten because they influenced his opinions. Burke and Eliot are not listed because even though they both greatly influenced Kirk's perspective, he has written extensively about them elsewhere.

I am posting the list because I am embarking upon the reading of Ideas Have Consequences AND Richard Weaver is on the list.

Booga Bag


















Perfect Fall colors, right?

Discovered in the mailbox last Friday, I opened the package carefully with scissors. In it was this fun pocketbook from my sister! Hand-knit and felted by her from leftover yarns.

I feel special.

Thank you, Noel!

Movies

Choosing movies to watch is a task I usually leave up to DH. He does it well. I enjoy watching what he chooses. When he's not around, I don't usually watch movies. Too much else to do.

But in this case, two of my blogging buddies had recommended this film and I had some free time over the weekend. It was delightfully well-spent viewing this charming film. The story is a testimony to many things - the obvious being the power of love. However, the most remarkable to me was the power of non-verbal communication.

Have you seen Sweet Land?


Here's a link to a Minnesota Monthly article.

Slow Roasted Turkey















Preheat oven to 300 degrees. This takes at least ten minutes.

In the meantime, remove neck and innards from defrosted turkey. Run cold water over bird and rinse inside cavity. Pat dry. Place on a rack in a large roasting pan, breast side down.

Place in preheated oven for one hour. Set a timer :)

At the end of the first hour, without opening the door to the oven, reduce the heat to 190 degrees (warm on my thermostat dial) and continuing roasting for the same number of hours as the weight of the turkey in pounds. I mean if the turkey weighs 13 lbs, roast the turkey for 13 hours, AFTER the first hour.

The nicest thing about this method is the fact that the turkey can roast all night, when you dont usually need the oven. Or for smaller roasts, during the day while you are at work or running errands.

The down side is lack of oven space for baking other things, if you you have only one oven. I have taken my turkey out at noon, for example, pulled it apart and arranged it on a platter; covered it with wax paper; and not served dinner until 5 o'clock.

For detailed instructions about slow roasting, I refer to Adelle Davis's book, Let's Cook it Right.

I have successfuly slow-roasted beef roasts, legs of lamb, pork (fresh hams), and chicken. I do not recommend this method for small, boneless cuts of meat, although it works well for the Boston Butt cut of pork.

Assurance

Assurance of my salvation is not something that I have struggled with, but I did hear a phrase in this past week's sermon that would be good to use when explaining assurance to someone else. We're studying Thessalonians.

In the spirit of foreknowledge or predestination, which is so offensive to many, I know that God chose me. And while it did reduce me to tears when I realized this and queried *Why me?*, it was not the moment that I was saved. The two were years apart. He was continuing to draw me. John 3:44

At any rate, if I were to explain assurance to another I would focus on the fact that God made the decision to save me. I did not decide to save myself.

Because God is great, all-powerful, all-knowing, immutable (all those perfections), He does not made bad decisions. And He does not change His mind. He chose me once at for all. Two thousand years ago, Christ knew my name. Long before I was born physically on earth.

That means I dont have to worry.

It also means that I am His bond-servant.

May I be faithful witness.

Garlicky Spinach

2 - 20 oz bags Spinach
1 Tbs Oil
2 Tbs Butter
2 cloves garlic, pressed

In large frying pan or deep stock pot, melt butter with oil and saute garlic until the flavors blend (approx 1 min). Add spinach and cover. Steam until tender, stirring occasionally. This takes less than five minutes. Serve immediately.

Serves 6.

Company Menu

Grilled Rib-Eyes
Garlicky Spinach
Mushroom-Onion Saute
Baked Potato

Cabernet
Iced Tea

Brownie Pie w/
Coffee Ice Cream



Posting this in an effort to get my shopping list in order. There will be six adults for a Saturday evening dinner party. After 20 years of faithful service, the downstairs A/C is defunct....but only because we're having company.

Was there a mishap at your last dinner party?

Docent of Glory

Witnessing for Christ isnt as difficult as I make it out to be, as indicated in this well-written article by T M Moore, Can I Get A Witness. The imagery, language, and Scriptural references are powerful. I commend it to your attention.

A few weeks ago, Carmon entreated us to talk about our faith and I embarked upon an entry entitled Testimony on Tuesdays. But I quickly got bogged down because I didnt want to talk about myself.

This article stimulates my perspective.

I can picture myself as a *docent of glory*.

My homework is to reflect on His Glory and come up with some testimony for next week's Witness on Wednesday.

Penne Pasta with Shrimp

24 oz Shrimp (medium, frozen, no shell, deveined)
16 oz penne pasta, cooked and drained

1 large clove garlic, pressed
1 large red onion, chopped
1 large green pepper, chopped

1 cup spaghetti sauce
1/2 cup sweet red wine
2/3 cup heavy cream


In a large frying pan, melt one tablespoon butter with one tablespoon safflower oil over high heat. Add shrimp stirring constantly to cook quickly without overcooking. This takes only minutes. Remove from pan to large serving bowl.

Then in the same pan over medium high flame, melt another tablespoon butter with one tablespoon safflower oil. Add garlic and stir, add onion and stir, then green pepper. Saute veggies until tender.

Add spaghetti sauce and simmer for 2 mins over medium heat. Add wine and cook a few minutes in order to blend flavors. Slowly add heavy cream, stirring constantly over medium heat. It's probably safer to remove 1 cup of sauce from the pan, and add the cream to that. Then return mixture to the pan. This will avoid the mishap of curdling the (cool) cream by adding it to a hot mixture.

Finally, add the cooked shrimp to veggie sauce. Simmer for a couple of minutes. Then toss together with penne pasta. Return to large serving bowl.

Serves eight.

Enjoy!

Proof Positive

Here I am at the end of my two day hike.

I had a wonderful time.

Here are a few things I want to remember.

1) Boots would have been better. The soil was very rocky and tree roots were exposed, making it easy to trip over them.

2) Take an long-acting antihistamine BEFORE you leave. I remembered the Ibruprofen :)

3) Study the map more, especially ahead of time.

It's not that I didnt know where I was going, although that may be true. We did not get lost. I dont quite grasp abstractly the topographical differences. In the end, it was perfectly clear that I was going up, up, and up. And only then on the way out did I go down, down, down. Even then going down takes a lot of muscle control. Going up takes good lung capacity. Can you say aerobic?

4) Eat a snack and drink water on the trail whether you think you are hungry/thirsty or not.

5) DH's walking stick was indispensible, as was the rainjacket he gave me as a parting gift.

Ok, who's going with me next time?

Manners on Monday Update:

Link to Trail Etiquette on Emily Post Institute Website :)

Hike-Inn


Ready?

Set.


Go!!












In just a few short hours, I will set out on this trail and walk five miles to reach a cabin/lodge in the woods. Read more about the Len Foot Hike-Inn at this link.

I expect to see vistas like this one and take lots of pictures.

The weather is beautiful here.


See ya later!

Personal Commitment

40 Days for Life, an anti-abortion campaign starts today and I'm committed to supporting it in my area through 1) prayer and fasting and 2) community support (crisis pregnancy center in my county).

Check out their website.

Here are links to groups I support.

Hope Center, Woodstock GA
Whispering Hope, Cumming GA
Cherokee Co Chpt, GA Right to Life