Turkey Day!

Happy Thanksgiving!

How else to celebrate this holiday than a walk in a cemetery?  That's what I did. After a leisurely morning of coffee and reading, I took a walk to work off the calories from the slices of nut and poppyseed rolls my mom had sent. (They tasted great with hot coffee).

Naturally, I overdressed for the walk and ended up carrying my pullover "R" jacket (from my sister, Amy -whose birthday is today) for much of the walk. Thankfully, I had a sweatshirt on (or perhaps that's why I got too sweaty). Anyways, the weather was very mild, with very pleasant temperatures (no jacket required) and a fair amount of clouds.

One of the nice aspects of cell phones is being able to walk and talk long distance at the same time. I had a nice chat with my Mom (in Ohio) while I walked.

I hadn't been to my local cemetery since Memorial Day. In addition to chatting with my mom, I also said a rosary (but not at the same time) as I strolled around the various sections of the cemetery.

Ironically, shortly after I arrived at the cemetery, I noticed a headstone with an unusual graphic which turned out to be the General Society of Mayflower Descendants. As you may recall, the Pilgrims sailed in 1621 on the ship Mayflower from England to Plymouth (located in present day Massachusetts) seeking religious freedom. The celebration of their first Thanksgiving was an inspiration for what came be a national holiday in the USA.

Engraving on tombstone. Compare to logo below.

Logo for General Society of Mayflower Descendants.

Earlier this morning, I read several essays on the history of Thanksgiving. One piece that I read was President George Washington's Thanksgiving Proclamation (1789), the first national celebration of Thanksgiving. In today's secular age, it is stunning to see reference to Almighty God, the great and glorious Being, Beneficent author of all the good, etc. and of the "duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favor...."

Sundial on gravestone. "Tempus Fugit" is Latin for "time flies"

Celtic cross

After walking for two (2) hours, I had worked up an appetite to justify eating a turkey feast. Being alone and not practical to cook a turkey ans fixings for one, I purchased my feast from our local Boston Market restaurant. Although it was open on Thanksgiving, I purchased it the afternoon before so as not to encourage being open on a holiday. I merely reheated via the modern miracle of the microwave oven.

My dinner plate.

I had turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, sweet potatoes, and creamed spinach. I washed it down with a glass of wine (Toasted Head 2014 Chardonay-California). I forgot to make the corn.

For dessert, I had a slice of no-sugar apple pie with a "scoop" of ice cream. I had wanted vanilla frozen yogurt but the closest I could find was cookie dough frozen yogurt.

Dessert

With all those calories, I did not want to spend the rest of the evening sitting around the house. So it was out for another walk. As I walked in the dark, I received several text messages from a few of my siblings. These were mass distribution texts rather than a personal text to me. In light of the solemnity of the day it seemed sacrilegious to communicate so impersonally. So I (attempted) replied with my own text to sarcastically suggest that they include Christmas greetings so they don't have to bother texting again in a month! (I'm sure that didn't go over well if I transmitted it correctly. I don't really know how to send mass texts-because it is such a grossly impersonal way to communicate).

Although it was chilly during my evening stroll, the weather was mild. I reflected on how calm things were today as compared to last year. I wonder what happened to the woman who crashed into the pole? I hope she is okay and had a better Thanksgiving this year.

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Links:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thanksgiving
http://ricketwrite.blogspot.com/2015/05/planting-flags.html
https://www.themayflowersociety.org
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thanksgiving_(United_States)
http://lcweb2.loc.gov/ammem/GW/gw004.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sundial
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tempus_fugit
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Celtic_cross
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dessert
http://ricketwrite.blogspot.com/2014/11/thanksgivingcrash.html
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Written Thursday 24 December 2015 (at least I finally got it done).

Africa, Here I Come?

"Letter" from Fr. Hattie received via e-mail on Saturday 21 November 2015.

As usual, below is my transcription of Fr. Hattie's latest "letter." However, due to its brevity a transcription may not be necessary.

As usual, the "letter" arrived as an attachment to an email. It arrived on Saturday November 21, 2015. In Father's previous email (of October 9th) he mentioned that he planned to seek permission to return to Africa.  By Sunday November 15th my curiosity got the best of me, so I sent a quick email to inquire the status of plans. The above letter is his reply.

For a list of other letters from Fr. Hattie that I have posted, see my Fr. Hattie page. In addition to a list of letters, there is information on how you can contact Fr Hattie yourself and/or donate to support his orphans in Nsumba, Uganda.
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Dear Rick:          Peace of Christ!

     I received my Passport and will apply for a Visa on Monday.*
     Hope to fly on Jan. 4. Prayers, please.

                                         Fr. Gene, S.J.                                  

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* Presumably, Monday November 23rd.

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Links:

http://ricketwrite.blogspot.com/2015/10/back-to-africa-please.html

http://ricketwrite.blogspot.com/p/letters-from-fr-hattie.html

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Written Thursday 26 November 2015 (Thanksgiving)

"Roll up for the....History Tour"

(Courtesy of WH Historical Society) 

Roll up, roll up for the Mystery Tour.
Roll up, roll up for the Mystery Tour.
Roll up, we've got everything you need, roll up for the Mystery Tour.
Roll up, Satisfaction guaranteed, roll up for the Mystery Tour.
The Magical Mystery Tour is waiting to take you away.
Waiting to take you away.
-"Magical Mystery Tour" (Lennon & McCartney).

"Roll up for the Magical History Tour."

The newspaper article describing a bus tour of historical sites around town, made me think of the Beatles' Magical Mystery Tour. It promised a 90 minute bus tour to showcase the "hidden history" of our town. Hmmm. I thought it might be interesting to learn something new and perhaps meet some new people.

By the time I signed up (i.e., made a reservation), the original tour was sold out. Fortunately, a second tour was added for a 3 pm departure and I was in! The price was $20 for members (which I got through my Let's GO Arts! membership) otherwise $25. I was kinda surprised of so much interest since the tour was scheduled for the same day (Saturday November 21, 2015) and time as the penultimate high school football game between both of our town's high schools. 

"Climb aboard"

Glen was the name of the bus driver; tour guide and narrator was Sarah. There were about 25 people on the bus. We were provided with handouts showing the tour route (similar to the picture above) along with pictures of the structures and places that once were at each spot. 

The tour was called "History Drives Us." They had given several of these tours as part of a history class or lecture series offered at a nearby University (why?). There were 22 locations on the map but we skipped a couple due to traffic conditions (plus Sarah was suffering from a migraine - the first tour group must have been quite a bunch!).

Stop #3: Sarah Whitman Hooker House.

Several of the sites, I was familiar with but others were new to me. Unfortunately, there was no time to get out and look at each place. Some places we could only drive past. Some were still private houses not open to the public.

"Stop" #6 Charter Oak Driving Park/Luna Park

My son, Richard, would've been interested in hearing more about the defunct amusement park (Luna Park) which was near the present location of Colt Arms Manufacturing & Home Depot.

Stop #7 Quaker Burial Yard

Stop #11 Wadsworth Tavern (now a private home)

"Stop" #20 Four Mile Marker

Near the end of the tour we drove past "Four Mile Marker." This is a stone marker has " H IV M" on it signifying 4 miles to Hartford (at today's Old State House). One of the people on the bus said that they measured it and the distance is pretty accurate. Since I live within walking distance of the marker, I came back later and took a closer look and shot the picture above.

When we finished the tour (in about 75 minutes instead of 90), I realized there are a lot of historic and interesting sites in West Hartford. There are enough places to have several bus tours. Although I didn't really meet any new people, my curiosity about the history of my town has increased. It is something I hope to learn more about in the future, especially since the Historical Society is located within walking distance of my apartment.

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Links:

https://www.noahwebsterhouse.org

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magical_Mystery_Tour_(film)

https://www.letsgoarts.org

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sarah_Whitman_Hooker_House

http://connecticuthistory.org/luna-park-a-20th-century-story-of-amusement-and-morality/

http://www.hartfordquakers.org

http://www.courant.com/real-estate/property-line/hc-wadsworth-tavern-hartford-connecticut-sold-20141203-story.html

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Written Thursday 31 December 2015.

Shenandoah

Advertising  poster for the 1965 movie"Shenandoah."

Recently (F11/20), I pulled out my DVD for the 1965 movie, Shenandoah starring (among others) Jimmy Stewart. Although I had not watched it for a long time, I have seen the movie many times and it is a favorite as well as an influence.

I don't exactly remember when I first saw Shenandoah. I am pretty sure that I saw it at a Drive-in, probably during the summer. That was a popular entertainment event for our family at that time (especially in pre-Air Conditioner days). I remember seeing it multiple times on TV, probably during the 70s (probably with my dad at my side).

DVD cover

You can click the link above (and referenced below) to find out about the plot, etc. Essentially, it is an anti-war, Civil War movie. Some have described it as Libertarian. I wasn't thinking about that (i.e., politics) during early viewings. Rather, it was the story and adventure and ideals that got my attention.

• It is anti-war. Jimmy Stewart as Charlie Anderson firmly is avoiding participating in the Civil War (aka "War of Northern Aggression") even though his family lives in the Shenandoah Valley in Virginia. The slogan on the poster above referencing "the Fighting Virginians" is a misnomer because the only real fighting that the family does in this movie is to fight to stay out of the war.
• It has a strong father figure with respectful and loving children. The father has his views but encourages his children to express their perspectives and defend them.
• Although the family lives in a "slave" state, they do not own slaves.
• Jimmy/Charlie is loyal to his marriage even though he is a widower. There are multiple scenes where he "talks" to his wife (Martha) at her grave.
• Jimmy/Charlie is the "Good Shepherd." When one of his sons is captured by soldiers, the family goes after them to get them back.
• Marriage is taken seriously. The scene where Doug McClure's character confronts Charlie to ask for permission to marry Charlie's daughter is a sermon on the difference between "like" and "love." We use the word "love" so lightly and yet there is a profound difference. While it might be rather silly to debate the difference in use, contemplation about what it means to love someone is a worthwhile result of this scene. One blogger summed it with noting that 'love is a choice, not a feeling.' Oh, that would make such a difference today if more understood that.
• The horrors of war. This is not a graphic movie that realistically shows wounded flesh but it shows enough to get the point across. There is a battle scene where a Confederate is shot in the forehead. The horror of that has remained with me as a sudden and awful aspect of combat. Another scene involves a group of  Confederate scavengers who attack those left at the farm. The horror of these scenes are imprinted in my memory despite the lack of graphic depiction.
• Family loyalty. A unity is expressed in various ways throughout the movie. There is also the contrast between death/past (e.g., wife/mother/Martha), the trials of today, the future (marriage and grandchildren). Despite some dreadful losses, the family survives and continues on.
• Religion. I noticed this this time. There is tension between Jimmy/Charlie and the preacher. Charlie is not religious (and is somewhat skeptical) but promised his late wife he would bring the children up in the church. And so, he keeps his word.

There is probably more I could write and I could/should do it better. However, this movie really touches me and I wanted to share that at this time. Shenandoah is a very good film that is worth viewing and contemplating.

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Links:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shenandoah_(film)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Stewart
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drive-in_theater
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Libertarianism
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Civil_War
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shenandoah_Valley
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Good_Shepherd
http://kindredgrace.com/journal/wisdom-on-marriage-from-jimmy-stewart
http://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/title/19069/Shenandoah
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Written Wednesday 23 December 2015.

Spong Lecture-Can You Believe It?

Advertisement for Spong lecture

"Biblical Scholar & Author Bishop John Shelby Spong To Speak at First Church" was the title of the post I saw on a local news website. I've heard of Bishop Spong. Anyone who has taken a college bible course in recent times as well as anyone who has done bible study has likely heard of his books and liberal (unorthodox) Christian perspectives. The FREE program was scheduled for a Saturday afternoon (1 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.).

I was intrigued about attending since I am reading/studying the Gospel of John and Spong's most recent book is about the Fourth Gospel. First Church is also within walking distance of where I live and I've never been inside (although have gone past many many times). Also, in the interest of exploring new places and possibly meeting people who have similar interests.

Sign in front of Church.

First Church-location of the lecture.

Naturally, as I entered the church I was greeted enthusiastically by a greeter (ala pretty typical nowadays)-similar to what you'd encounter when going to a automobile dealer to buy a car. I sat towards the front in a position where I hoped I could see and hear. I noticed that most of the attendees appeared older than me (i.e., nursing home crowd) with only a smattering of young adults and no teenagers. I guess that should be expected given the title of the lecture (see above).

At the front of the church was a music combo playing jazzy versions of standard Christian hymns. After a short introduction by a female host/moderator, Bishop Spong was introduced. The format was:

1 - 2 pm: Lecture
2 - 2:30 pm: Q&A
2:30-3 pm: Intermission/Break
3-3:45 pm: Lecture
3:45-4:15 pm: Q&A
4:15 pm: Book signing.

Bishop Spong at First Church (Courtesy of First Church FB)

I wish I had taken notes or recorded the lecture and questions so that I could have studied it more thoroughly. However, I was more curious and less serious. So my thoughts below are more random and jumbled impressions rather than a cohesive summary or analysis.

Apparently the 84-year old Bishop is extremely hard of hearing. He had a lot of difficulty understanding the questions during Q&A. Despite a universalist  portrayal, he insisted that a woman ask the first question and then alternate male and female questioners. That was to demonstrate his support of feminism. Thank God he didn't throw a racial quota in because almost all attendees were white.

Question & Answer at First Church (Courtesy of First Church FB)

At the start of Intermission, I turned around and was surprised and delighted to see someone I know. It was a female colleague from a professional society that I belong to. Roberta was accompanied by her RC friend Mary Sue (with a bad knee). We retired downstairs to a large room where cookies and apple cider were provided (and the musical combo was providing hymnal sounds that made it difficult to chat - why must there be a musical soundtrack for everything?).

Here are some of the points I remember from Bishop's Spong's presentation:

• The world has changed and what worked in the past religiously no longer works (thanks in large part to evolution).
• Life begins when a fertilized cell splits into two cells. He related that as something scientists use as the basis for determining if life exists on other planets. This supervised me  because it would be a strong argument against abortion (and abortion is a feminist right).
• Our behavior is largely driven by our desire for survival (surprise!) which apparently is not a good thing per Spong's religion because it is self-oriented.
• Self-consciousness is something akin to sinfulness and being human. We really become human when we become self-aware.
• He is fond of his wife and is blessed by their marriage.
• Love is all you need. Love wins, etc.
• He doesn't like fundamentalists. No fundamentals anymore (except as he defines).
• He doesn't believe in creeds although he has no reservation saying them every Sunday during church services.
• Sin doesn't make sense. The Fall (Adam & Eve) is an obsolete, inaccurate myth.
• Apparently there is no Hell or Devil (although he worked hard to avoid answering a pretty specific question. Deafness comes in handy sometimes).
• He likes RC Pope Francis and the direction the Pope is taking the RC Church. However, he is still perturbed about the RC church not having women priests and being against birth control, abortion, etc.

And what was Spong's answer to the question posed by the title of the lecture (see above)? I think the answer is "sort of." He apparently doesn't see the afterlife as any sort of continuation of human life, certainly not a risen body and spirit. It seems like he perceives the afterlife as not really life but rather being absorbed into God. I probably agree with the general sense of this position. However, I think the gist of the question was really to question the value of religion in modern society.

Surprisingly, he still considers himself a Christian. I was fortunate to ask the final question. So I asked (I forget the exact words) if Christianity was still a viable concept. I was thinking along the lines of how so much prejudice against Christians exists today. Bishop Spong firmly claimed Christianity and called for people to redefine Christianity (from those pesky fundamentalists and traditionalists).

After the program was finished, I stayed and bought a soft bound copy of his recent book on the Gospel of John (see picture below) and got him to autograph it. The only other time I stood in line to get an autographed book was for The Cat Who Went to Paris. I plan to write a separate post about Spong's book when I am done reading it.

Spong's recent book (2013)

So did I accomplish my goals for this lecture? Well, I did get to see a bit of the inside of First Church; I did get an autographed copy of the Fourth Gospel book I wanted to read; I did meet people. On the other hand, First Church is too radical for me (too left) and I don't think I would be comfortable there. My beliefs don't align with what is proclaimed by First Church. So I don't see myself returning on a regular basis. However, if a program is interesting, I would return for the program. Spong's lecture was sponsored by a library they have. This might be worth exploring more. I looked through their upcoming calendar and didn't see anything worthwhile to me. Like most modern churches, there  is no sign of Bible study but plenty of "progressive" oriented activities.

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Links:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Shelby_Spong
http://www.whfirstchurch.org
https://www.christiancourier.com/articles/735-john-shelby-spong-anglican-nightmare
http://www.harpercollins.com/9780062011305/the-fourth-gospel-tales-of-a-jewish-mystic

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Cat_Who_Went_to_Paris

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Written: Tuesday 8 December 2015.