It’s been a while since we’ve had any birthdays! Today will make up for it as we celebrate THREE! (we’ll go in age order!)
My Papa Quitadamo is celebrating his 80th Birthday today. The fam will all get together on Sunday to party hearty!
ppp|
|ppp
And my beloved twin cousins are turning two! Can you believe it?
ppp|
|ppp
On Sunday evening a very good friend of mine passed away. He was my first sunday school teacher, my first ‘date’, a practical joker and a strong man of God.
Charlie and I were born on the same day, January 10th… 58 years apart. We spent 15 of our birthdays together…having dinner at the Riverside Restaurant in Milford, New Hampshire.
This January we didn’t get to have dinner. Charlie was in the hospital and it was becoming clearer that although he had been ill for a while, this was much more serious.
I think that most people who knew him would tell you that his suffering was now over and that death came as a respite from a long disease. He was a wonderfully humble man who’s concern for others went far beyond his concern for himself. Now, upon his death, his wife has passed along the message that he did not want calling hours or a funeral service. Humble even in death.
Over the years Charlie has taught me much about life and love and faith. He is continuing to teach me lessons. I am learning how to react and go on when a loved one dies. I’m learning that there isn’t always a convenient opportunity to say goodbye.
*edited to add link*
Here’s the ***article|http://www.townsendtimes.com/Stories/0,1413,112~6019~2701051,00.html*** in the Townsend Times.
If the title describes your age then you should see ***Hotel Rwanda|http://www.mgm.com/ua/hotelrwanda/intro.html***.
I wasn’t sure what to expect when we walked into the theater. The movie has been receiving good reviews and ***Don Cheadle|http://imdb.com/name/nm0000332/*** and ***Sophie Okonedo|http://imdb.com/name/nm0645683/*** have been nominated for several awards for their performances, but I was still skeptical. I think that I was worried that the film was being revered for its topic instead of its virtues as a movie.
What I discovered, was a movie that held its own. The story of Paul Rusesabagina and his Oskar Schindler-like harboring of Hutu and Tutsi refugees in Kigali, Rwanda in 1994 was more than poignant, it touched me to the core.
I was 15 in 1994 and I remember hearing about the genocide in Rwanda. I remember thinking that it was horrible that no one was interveining in the chaos. I was not however as ashamed to be an American as I was last night watching this movie. The blatent disregard for human life by the West was shocking and shameful. Yet, even while surrounded by hate, Rusesabagina was able to keep a brave face for his family and the 900 guests at his hotel.
I wonder, if faced with the life or death situation that Rusesabagina was in, if I could muster the courage to save so many lives?
The tears flowed several times during this movie, and while I walked though the theater lobby, and during the car ride home… and even after I was tucked into bed. Even now, 24 hours later, thinking about it, tears come to my eyes.
Despite the emotional distress that the movie sparked in me, I wouldn’t hesitate to see it again. This emotional journey should be taken by everyone. Seeing a number of true heros stand up for what they believe in is simply inspiring. If anything was going to inspire you to charity work, public service, or to join the Peace Corps, this is it.
“Don’t you think that Daisies are the friendliest flowers?” -Meg Ryan as Kathleen Kelly in “You’ve Got Mail”
Ever have one of those days when Fate tells you not to get out of bed… only to kick you in the shins once you do get up? That’s today. I can’t say that anything particularly horrible has happened, just a string of annoying little things that add up to one crummy-feeling me. Why oh why did I get out of bed this morning?
Because he loves me, my Peter decided to cheer me up by sending a lovely little basket of daisies to my workplace. They make me smile. I only wish I had been at the door when the delivery man came. I always miss the exciting moments here at work!
A co-worker from upstairs inquired about the flowers and, upon hearing they were from my husband, said, “clone him!”
Sometimes when a movie, book, band or clothing store is very popular I have a hard time liking it. I hate the feeling that I might be liking something just because it is popular.
Reading aaa|Anna Karinena|067978330X|aaa brought up some of those feelings for me. Was I reading it because “anyone who considers themselves an avid reader should read it?” Was I enjoying it because other people I know have liked it? Was I reading it so that I could show off on the train…”can’t you see the book I’m holding? It’s Anna Karenina for goodness sake! aren’t you impressed?”
I hope not.
Regardless of the reason (mainly that I’ve just always wanted to read it!) I have finally finished this 800 page Russian masterpiece. Suffice it to say that it was right up my alley. I have a soft spot for long, multiple plotted, history infused novels. This was the kind of book that I was very sorry to see end. It was like I was transported to nineteenth century Russia every day during my train commute.
There is so much to the story itself that it would be impossible for me to even summerize here. The characters are vulnerable and determined and stoic and sensitive. They wrestle with the huge issues of love and religion and politics. They wrestle with how to deal with the events of marriage, birth and death. They wrestle with who they are, who they will be and how they fit into their society.
So, not to different from how we live our lives today. Have you read it? Let me know what you thought? Want to read it? Please do, and we can talk about it!
..but it won my heart. (awwww!)
Peter and I went to see ***In Good Company|http://www.ingoodcompanymovie.com*** last night. I was pleasantly surprised by the film. I had a feeling that I would enjoy it, but it turned out much differently than I had expected.
The movie parallels the lives of a 51 year old Ad Sales Exec and his 26 year old new boss. (Peter leaned over and said, “that would be like if I became your Dad’s new boss!!”) Though they are in different places in their lives, they are both struggling with carreer decisions, money, life choices, etc.
The pace of the movie was often excruciatingly slow, and that only made the picture better. The soundtrack was slow and soothing and sometimes non-existant. I found myself noticing the sound of the Movie Reel Machine in the projection room. Still, if it had been loud and fast, it would not have been the heart wrenching film that it was.
One of the things that I liked best in this movie was that the main characters are good, honest people. And they make the right choices in their lives. Not necessarily the choices that would make them happiest, or the richest, but the decisions that make sense. I left the theater feeling as if a huge population (the honest, hard working, moral sort) of people had finally been represented in a movie.
This film won’t win any awards. Dennis Quaid won’t be recognized for his portrayal of a deeply emotional character. This may just be a stepping stone for a very classic looking Topher Grace. In any case, it was a great film, uplifting and funny,
Of all the TV shows I watch one of my favorites is ***The Amazing Race|http://www.cbs.com/primetime/amazing_race6/***. I especially like to see the interesting places that the teams get to visit all over the world.
Last week the teams were in Ethiopia and were instructed to go to ***St. George’s Church|http://taipei.tzuchi.org.tw/tzquart/2000fa/qf3.htm***. The church was hewn from solid rock and all that is visible from ‘ground level’ is the very tip of the roof. You must climb down through the cliff to enter the building. Very Cool.
ppp|
|ppp
***The link|http://taipei.tzuchi.org.tw/tzquart/2000fa/qf3.htm*** above has some interesting information about Ethiopia, especially the country’s Christian heritage. You should ***check it out|http://taipei.tzuchi.org.tw/tzquart/2000fa/qf3.htm***.
Have you ever been to a party where you know the host and maybe one or two other people, but not the majority of the other guests? It can be uncomfortable trying to strike up conversations with folks you don’t know anything about. Sometimes a little information can make it alot easier.
Maybe the “friends” links on the left side of this site are like party-goers that you don’t know. Maybe you might click on a name if you knew a little bit about them. I’m here to provide that information today.
***Amy|http://waltondammerunprwdot.org/g/*** is a high school friend of Peter’s from Mount Vernon, Ohio. Since attending Hillsdale College she has resided, with her husband Josh, in Rancho Cucomonga, CA.
Peter has known ***Arthur|http://kizoku.blogspot.com/*** since he had really long hair. They have been roomates, classmates and co-workers. He plays guitar and drums and lives a few blocks away here in Beverly.
***Bob|http://bobgolding.blogspot.com/*** falls into the catagory “Friend of a Friend”. He attended Hillsdale with ***Will|http://pulchersentio.prwdot.org*** and is now in Law School. He has given us some helpful car advice in the past.
Somewhere on the World Wide Web Peter ran into ***Chad|http://jayseae.cxliv.org/***. He shares Peter’s love of the computer. His site gives us a glimpse into Charlotte, NC life. Peter’s note: I first ran into Chad when I started using the ***Bloglines Toolkit|http://jayseae.cxliv.org/bloglines_toolkit/index.html*** Firefox extension.
I met ***Corey|http://corey.prwdot.org/*** about 24 years ago… in the Maternity Ward. He’s been my baby brother ever since. He’s into skiing, biking, and his new Mini. He doesn’t have a blog, but the site has pics and stuff on it. Check it out.
I haven’t yet had the opportunity to meet ***Hope|http://www.hopenatalie.com/***. I’ll have time, though, she isn’t even a month old yet. Her daddy, Chris, works with Peter and is a Gordon Grad. Find more of their story ***here|http://prwdot.org/?p=archives/002293***.
***Jackie|http://jway.blogspot.com/*** has blogged on both the left and right coasts of this great nation. She is a family friend from years past and is back in the area studying at Suffolk University in Boston.
I don’t know much about ***James|http://drjames.blogspot.com/*** and ***Jeff|http://gentry13.blogspot.com/***. They both work at CBD and live in Beverly. It is nice to read other reports from others in our fair city.
***Jennifer|http://junefourteenth.blogspot.com/*** is one of my closest friends from my college days. Before I met her I used to see her around campus wishing that she was my friend. I thought she was so cool. Then, our sophmore year, luck was with me and we ended up living on the same floor. We met, and have been bosom buddies ever since. She teaches Music in New Jersey.
***Jenny|http://www.ljcfyi.com/*** is a gal who’s site I came across on the web. I don’t know her and she doesn’t know me, but her blog fascinates me. She has a fantastic sense of style and keeps herself busy with crafts and taking care of her husband, house and pet pug, Oscar.
***Jenny R|http://www.livejournal.com/users/raingirl3179/*** is another pal from Gordon. Peter and I both knew here individually before we knew each other…but Peter was closer to her. She’s an English teacher in New Hampshire and is into LoTR and she writes fan fiction. Peter’s note: Jenny was one of my crazy friends from Ferrin Hall at Gordon. We spent many hours watching ***Neon Genesis Evangelion|http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neon_Genesis_Evangelion*** and other Japanese anime, as well as playing cards and hanging out with other members of the close-knit Ferrin crew (***pictured here|http://gallery.prwdot.org/our_reception/DSCN1071***)
***Jeremy and Angela|http://www.thebiggspicture.org/*** are our close friends who live on Cape Cod. Jeremy and Peter were roomates at Gordon and in Woburn and they were in each other’s weddings. The happy couple are currently planning their escape from the Cape while being entertained by their two cats.
Jill and I have known each other for seven and a half years now!! She and I met during Freshman Orientation at Gordon and have been friends and roomates over the years. ***Jill and Ben|http://www.theholtsite.com/*** are currently revamping their website, but you can look forward to stories of their life in Bolton very soon.
Another Mount Vernon native, ***Jon|http://www.xanga.com/home.aspx?user=thevalk*** is currently preparing for a new job in Columbus. He’s a Mount Vernon Nazarene University grad and likes to write poetry, song lyrics and dinosaur comics.
***Kathleen|http://www.rmfo-blogs.com/kathleen/*** is another friend of a friend. Our link is Gordon College. Her website offeres a peek into her married life and stories of her puppy Seamus.
***Laura and Johnny|http://www.xanga.com/home.aspx?user=DimbyRVin*** are driving around the country in an RV. Laura and I were childhood friends who have recently reconnected. Their site fills us in on their journey and their search for the right place to settle down together.
Another friend of a friend, ***Megan|http://mego.blogspot.com/*** is a blogger from New Mexico. She likes riding horses, traveling to China and writing. She used to live in Massachusetts but traded up for a warmer climate!
***Michelle|http://mikao.blogspot.com/*** is a vetran blogger who’s site I found via Kathleen’s blog. If she didn’t live in Canada, and if I had ever met her in real life, I think we’d be good friends. I love having eyes and ears in another country and her posts are often entertaining and interesting. She’s always a good read.
I don’t know ***Mike|http://mike.refugeisland.net/*** but his website often has great links and interesting stories. Peter has chatted with him online, but we don’t know him in real life.
***Nikkiana|http://everytomorrow.org/*** is a prolific blogger who writes about technology, life, religion and everything else on her mind. I’ve met her once and Peter spent a day with her and her boyfriend in Boston. She’s a New Hampshire native who attends technical college there.
Last, but certainly not least, we have ***Will|http://pulchersentio.prwdot.org/***. Another Mount Vernon friend of Peter’s and brother to Amy (See above). Currently he is in Japan with the JET program. His site keeps us updated on his adventures there.
phew! That was harder than I expected it to be! I hope it gave you a little insight into the folks we link here at World Wide Wood. Questions? Comments? We’d love to hear them.
Our good friends, Jeremy and Angela, now have a blog of their very own! They have been tending it for a month or so now, cleaning it up and making it look nice, and now they are ready to be linked!
So, we’ve added them to our links list. Feel free to hop on over there sometimes and check out their site. They have a great photo gallery, cute entries and a whole lot of puns! Enjoy!
In other news, I’d like to point out all of the ‘Js’ that we have listed in our Links List. With the addition of Jeremy and Angela the total comes up to 11. I really shouldn’t be surprised. While in college most of my closest friends had names that started with J: Jennifer, Jill, Joanna, Joylene… Strange Coincidence, no?
**note** This post is dedicated to Kristina Wilson. And if she ever reads this blog entry she’ll know exactly why!**
There is a man who rides the same train in to Boston that I do. Frequently he wears a pair of bright red Converse All*Star sneakers. I’ve noticed them because of their redness, the fact that I love wearing my Converse sneaks, and because they are a sharp contrast to his otherwise “corporate casual” attire. He seems pretty comfortable with looking a bit different.
Today, I was in for a shock as I noticed that on his left foot he was wearing his usual red sneaker and on his right foot…an identical sneaker, only in BRIGHT BLUE!
This has led me to wonder, “Did he do that on purpose?” Well, his feet did look very patriotic, so it could have been a concious choice. Or, “Did he put his shoes on in the dark?” A logical answer to the mis-matched shoe phenomena.
As neither shoe particularly “coordinated” wtih his outfit, I am led to believe that either choice above could be considered the ‘right’ choice. This will probably continue to baffle me until something more interesting comes along 🙂