Time to Crack the Whip!

Yesterday I stopped by Chani’s blog, Finding My Way Home. She had an excellent post on New Year’s resolutions. Instead of the usual list of promises to be kept in the upcoming year, Chani opted for a “Word of the Year” plan.  She chose a word that would set a theme for the upcoming year.

I thought it a most admirable idea especially for those of us who are chronically bad at following through long term on resolutions. While I don’t see why you can’t do both, some will undoubtedly find this a more promising exercise than “I resolve to lose 40 pounds by June 1.” May 15 arrives and we begin scrambling to fulfill the resolution, which was soon forgotten after about two weeks in the gym in January.

Anyway, I spent some time thinking about what my word theme would be for the new year, and came up with my choice. At first blush it seems a bit negative and mean, but really it speaks more clearly my need than other words like “perseverance” might. The word is discipline.

Yes, I know that sounds jack boots and whips, but really it doesn’t have to be so sinister. My problem, plain and simple is a lack of stick-to-it-tiveness. I can start lots of things, but I have a badly demented lack of interest quite soon in, and little by little, I slide into inactivity. I’m usually on to another project with the same initial gusto, only to, you guessed it, lay it aside after a few weeks.

This means I have lots of afghans that have been started, and none finished. I have yarn for a new sweater, and have had it for about 6 weeks, but have not done more than cast on the initial stitches. I have paint, brushes and the like, but still have not started painting the office. The list could go on, but I won’t bore you with my procrastinations.

Either I have a very poor attention span, or I’m flat lazy. In either case, it doesn’t bode well for getting a lot of things done. As some of you know, I did manage to stick with it and clean my house from top to bottom this spring. It took a long time, but I did finish. What I need is that same kind of determination to finish other things.

I’ve been very devoted in my spiritual practice, praying the Office daily, morning and night. The only failing I had there was during the recent flu illness. But I’m back at it and truly have made it a part of my day. I’ve also been a bit more successful with knitting by setting aside a specific time when I engage in the pursuit. I’m well on my way to completely a second scarf, though  again, the flu slowed this process for a couple of weeks.

My main concern now is the treadmill. The Contrarian spent weeks checking Craig’s list every night, looking for that lovely person who just wanted to get rid of a treadmill and didn’t care to make much money. I got a fine one for $75 that was nearly brand new, and measures distance, speed and heart rate and a variety of other things. Of course the flu stopped that too, but I am back at it, into my second day. I find it boring, sadly, but I have my CD’s and headphones and I manage.

So, I chose the word discipline as a way of reminding me that I must follow through on things I start. It will be the theme of my year. I will apply it here and there to various projects I start. I’m grateful for Chani’s idea, and think that it will be worth more to me than the usual list of resolutions.

So, if you find resolutions just depressing, think about designating the year with a theme word. You can incorporate it into your devotionals each day as a reflection on how you are doing.  Use a sticky note on the bathroom mirror or in some other convenient place you visit every day. Think about ways you can give action to your theme.

Discipline is a good thing. Too much is not. But too little makes life chaotic and well, it makes you feel unaccomplished over time. So get some discipline and choose that word! LOL. Happy New Years to all of you!

Serious Opposition Continues

I guess I am surprised at the anger still being expressed over the choice of Rick Warren to give the invocation at Obama’s inauguration. I left a comment over at Elizabeth Keaton’s blog, Telling Secrets a few days ago. It represented my belief that although I despise a good deal of the garbage that Warren spouts, I thought it was a valuable lesson in Obama’s determination to reach out to those we disagree with vehemently and seek cooperation in areas where we are not so torn.

In all, my argument was that although we don’t like Warren and his venomous crap, it was important to reach out to the evangelical right which he represents. Hopefully some of the more moderate voices would be suitably affected.

Apparently, I have seriously misjudged the level of anger this decision has caused. I say that because I was just at American Street and found out that our very own Quaker Agitator has started a new site for alternative invocations! It is called the Alternative Invocation, and welcomes anyone who wishes to write their own invocation in place of that of Mr. Warren’s.

I’ll be excited to see what is produced by the progressive blogosphere to counter the rhetoric of Mr. Warren. As I said, I still don’t feel the anger that is being expressed here. Perhaps I am not being sensitive enough, I’m not sure.

One of the issues that is present in much of the interfaith ecumenical movement is the insistence by some that they cannot work with folks whose theology they don’t agree with. To them, that is “condoning” beliefs and behaviors they deem sinful. I argue rather severely that this is not the case. One need not condone any belief that another has simply by working with them on other issues which in and of themselves are worthwhile and not controversial.

Additionally, it is this kind of interaction which can lead to learning and listening to other points of view which can in the end lead to real changes in thinking. I often think that the reason why some are so vociferous in their objection to this, is the very fear that their notions won’t hold water in the ensuing discussions. My response would be that if you are scared of that, your beliefs are pretty flimsy in the first place. All truth stands the test of time and debate it seems to me.

I feel bad in some sense that I seem to be at some difference of opinion with some of you. But I feel that that is not a bad thing. We should not always agree with everyone else who is in the general group progressive. We should have differences. And the joy of blogging is that we can disagree and discuss without great animus being expressed. I certainly welcome your thoughts and opinions, and I respect our differences in thinking. We are, after all, after the same basic ends, though we may not always agree on the most useful means of achieving them.

I, for one, will be eager to read the invocations that are posted. I may even offer one myself if I feel so moved. My deepest respect to Dave for pushing us to think again on this subject, and more deeply. My only concern is that anyone might think that I don’t care as deeply as I actually do about GLBT issues. That is simply not true. I am simply unsure that Mr. Obama has erred here. I am more convinced that, like a good teacher, he is pushing us beyond our comfort zone and asking us to examine what it really means to love one’s enemies.

I know that I am thinking again, and questioning my conclusions. Whether I come to a different result this time around, remains to be seen. I wish all of you well in this endeavor of re-examination.

If it Only Worked!

Durex Condom Ad

On more than one occasion, I’ve spoken out about the futility of abstinence only programs.  And it seems that my conclusions are once more born out.

Recent studies show that those who take the virginity pledge are just as likely to violate said oath and engage in premarital sex as any other group of teenagers.

Worse, and the study is not sure why, those virginity pledgers are less likely to use any form of protection when they do fall off the abstinence wagon. This means that in the end, abstinence only programs must contribute to more pregnancies, abortions, and STD’s than those who receive comprehensive sex education.

This is sad indeed. Worse, it is, it would seem most immoral to withhold information to teens when so much is a stake in terms of health and the consequences of unwanted pregnancy. Fully a dozen states have opted out of the federal based program, for just this reason. The fact is that states that promote full sex education report that their incidence of STD’s and teen pregnancy are down.

Thanks to Bush and his band of wrong headed religious airheads, teen pregnancy is up for the first time in 15 years.  We are told that the Obama administration plans to revisit the federal funding issue and hopefully make some changes. It would seem the obvious thing to do.

This is just one example of government at it’s worst. There are studies upon studies that show that abstinence only doesn’t work. And yet, Congress dutifully passes legislation funding such programs. They do this in the face of the studies which are essentially ignored. The agenda of the right is being pursued even when it is clearly erroneous. In a time of economic disaster, can we afford to spend money, even so much as a dime on programs that are demonstrably not working?

It’s time to wake up and face reality. Those who really want their children protected will hear the warning and make sure that their states school systems promote a full and complete sex education program.

Atheists Take Heart!

Once again, we are reminded that we are better most of the time than our religions. Or at least some of them. It seems that researchers at the Pew Institute can again report that Americans by and large believe that good folks go to heaven without regard to their religious affiliation. And even the non-believer, stands a good chance of getting the shock of a lifetime, or deathtime as the case may be and meeting his Maker in the heavens.

Evangelists, those right wing cuties, were in a tither over this result, and so Pew did it again, being even more careful not to mislead the thoughtless public. Again, the same result. And, people did not limit their largess in hope to just the major or minor Christian faiths. They said that folks who are goodly in behavior regardless of their affiliation were so blessed. Yep, and even those ungodly folks the nonbelievers stood a good chance as well.

While many of our mainline faiths tend to point out that they are probably the exclusive venue for transport to heavenly paradise, we the actual congregation, seem to think otherwise. This is good news to God no doubt, who reads these polls with a tad of cynicism no doubt. Jesus, is slapping hands among the saints and saying “I told ya so, these folks are a damn sight smarter than expected.”

It seems that people who meet nice people tend to think that it would be, well criminal if not unfair if God let such silly things as denominations and liturgical differences define who would suffer in the sulfur and brimstone and those who won’t. I mean if Gandhi can’t make it into heaven, what hope is there for me? American’s are generous like that.

Better yet, 61% think that the Bible is something other than the “literal” word of God. Most have kinda figured that God could write way better than the bible if he were so inclined. They can see it as inspired maybe, but definitely the work of human hands. That’s a good thing too in my estimation.

It all goes to show you that in religion, as in most things, people are way smarter than the folks who tend to want to lead them. It is food for thought, and might convince you that your voice is valuable out there in whatever arena you care to join. You may know more than you think!

Dick and Jane and Spot

Karl Rove says it’s true, and well, that ought to be enough for anybody right? I mean, if he says so, it’s so. The fact that this Bushonian universe is about to wink out of existence on January 20, is of no consequence. The law is the law until the 20th, and truth is relative as they all say.

You wonder just what in the hell I mean doncha? Well, okay. Peruse the Internet journalism far and wide and all the talk is about Karl’s article in the Wall Street Journal yesterday. As if we ever thought otherwise! It seems he needed to remind us that Chimpy our impish almost gone Prez is a real reader. But you knew that no doubt.

It seems that our boy genius Karl, chief architect of winning elections, now debunked, tells us that he and created wonder boy Georgie Porgie have been engaged in a yearly reading contest. Karl of course, wins them, but chimpy doesn’t do badly at all, reading upwards of 95 real bound books in the last year of the game. Yeppers, real books I say, written by real writers.

Now if that has set your mind to reeling, I shouldn’t wonder. We were under the impression that said Bush in charge was not a reader per se, but rather enjoyed having the bulk of his information handed to him verbally. We are told that parades of aides and others sycophants sauntered into the egg shaped womb of Bush decision and daily regurgitated their “news” much as a mother bird sticks her beak down the throat of her chatty kiddoes belching up the tasty morsels of whatever bug or worm was recently ingested.

Not so, not so says our Rovian explainer. Bush can read right well all by his self, and can, without a great deal of help, actually figure out the meaning of said sentences and learn a thing or two all, as I said, by his self without even Cliff notes. Yes, you heard it here, and I only report the truth as, well as is given me!

I hazard to say, this must be taken with a grain of salt, but only  a grain as it were. We are, even by Bushonian definition, deep in the tar pits of revisionist history now, with plenty of Bush hangers on pounding the pavement attempting to prove their worth to kith and kin as they seek new employment. It is to their benefit to make the bumbling primate appear erudite as it were.

“Is it not true, sir, that you willingly spent eight years working for a person (and I use that term ever so loosely) who is wont to use books as doorstops and kindling for the White House fireplace?” “Nay, nay, tis a lie, ” they screech, “I remember distinctly seeing him with a book in hand, and one or two close by on a table. I snuck a peek once, and indeed, embossed on the inside cover was “To George, from Mother.”

“What kind of book was it, sir?” “Why Dick was on the cover, and I recall a dog. It must no doubt been a biography of Nixon featuring Checkers the friendly dog. Hmmm, I don’t know who Jane was, but I’m sure she was on the cover too. Indeed, I think I get the picture.

If it pleases the prince of dull to think he’s a reader, by all means, let the delusion go on. Nobody cares Georgie, we just are counting down the last days. Perhaps you might contact the NYTimes Sunday Magazine. They might have an opening for a book reviewer.  Seein’ as how you, ya know, read all the time. Pity you took up the hobby so late in life.

Rutting in the Brain

photograph by William Corey

I tend to see myself at times as a study in contrasts. I find the Japanese garden soothing in its perfection and simplicity, yet so very orderly, and then again, the wild unkempt rambling of the English cottage garden also calls to me. It’s a confusing thing sometimes to try to figure out.

I’m engaged in these last days of 2008 in some sort of retrospective analysis. It is depressing in many respects since I found the year mostly a waste of good time. The weather was atrocious almost entirely along the seasons. Our garden was an abysmal failure for the most part, barely giving us food for a few meals. I can look to precious little around our home that I made that brightens the walls or furniture.

We enduring another sorrowful year of Bush, war and all it’s sundry accouterments. The economy tanked and sent millions of people into a whirlwind of agony. Various natural disasters struck both locally, nationally and internationally as well. Tens of thousands died needlessly through war, genocide, starvation and disease.

On the plus we elected a brilliant man as our next president and we all are living off the hope that things will improve worldwide because of it. I cleaned my house from top to bottom and have kept up with it adequately throughout the year. I did a lot of good cooking over the year, have lots of new recipes in my repertoire.

My most glaring success if a renewal of my spiritual life in league with finding the Episcopal Church. I feel saved in a real sense from the depression that so hacked at me. I have plans to do a lot this upcoming year in terms of service and in education.

I’m not a person who does well with resolutions. I fail most of the time. Yet I will make some to be sure. Hopefully not general enough not to be subject to real evaluation, and not so very specific that I get bogged down in minutia. I want to read a big book I have on art history. I want read more in general, yet hesitate to set goals of X number of books per month.

I want to create more, more beauty for my environs, more useful things. Draperies and things like that. A sweater, socks, useful things that I can point to as time well spent.

I want to finally get my recipes in order. At least I have recently devised a better plan and will start to do that hopefully within the next couple of weeks.

I want to start some seeds indoors this year again. Especially broccoli rabe which we can’t get locally and I just love. The only solution is to grow my own.

I want to increase and improve my flower garden, and I want to get more exercise. That’s very general, suffice it to say, I want to use my treadmill most day, and work up to a couple miles a day within a reasonable time frame. I want to transplant some hosta this spring, and grow a rose bush or two.

I’d like to get back into photography a bit more. A new camera and a telephoto lens are essential. We’ll see how it goes from there.

Mostly I want to exist in more internal peace. I want to be in the moment more and daydream less. I want to clean the mats from our dogs and let them feel comfortable in their own skin for a change instead of trying to scratch through mats and dig them out themselves. (This requires the dogs to get over their aversion to all things grooming!)

I want my beloved Contrarian to be as healthy as a horse for a change. We both have gotten used to various chronic conditions that we have learned to live with. I’d like it a lot of we simply got over them.

I’d love high speed internet service at last!

Many of those aren’t resolutions of course, but are nothing but wishes. Some I can achieve however, and I hope I do. I’d hate to be at this point next year and feel as badly as I do about the year past as I do now about 2008.

I hope your year was better and I definitely hope 2009 will be better.

I’ll be back at the usual blog creeping in a few days. I’m wondering though, are we doing each other much good with this tit for tat visiting and commenting? Are we just doing it for the reciprocity of the thing? Many of my comments I know are just filler, and well, you know what I mean, “nice idea” “nice picture” are filler comments, and we all make them, so as to see attentive when we don’t have much time.

I’m having a bit of crisis in blogging again. I visit blogs that never visit mine. Do I stop? Am I visiting for the reciprocity only? Should I stop? Does my readership fall off dramatically when I don’t get around to others blogs? Are we doing this out of guilt? Ego? Are we making any difference in the world? LOL. Okay, I’m having a crisis as I said. A full post on this perhaps when it filters out a bit better.

Happy Happy Holidays!

May each and every one of you have a blessed and safe holiday. May you be with those you love, eat well, and enjoy the day! Let us all pray for all those who suffer and have little to celebrate, and let us all reaffirm our commitment to doing all we can to help all those in want in the upcoming year. Whether you are a believer or not, good will and justice for all spring from the breast of every human and we recognize instantly our brother and sister hood. God Bless us one and all!