A note of love from all the goosies.
Being a writer means being simultaneously thrilled and terrified—thrilled at the prospect of creating something out of nothing, and terrified at the prospect of creating something out of nothing; thrilled when you lay your hand on a stack of papers which signifies completion, and terrified that you must now show that stack of papers to someone.
A quote from the Talmud states: “Every blade of grass has its Angel that bends over it and whispers, ‘”Grow, grow.’”
Just such an angel for LDS writers is Kerry Blair.
She inspires us with her own writing which is always well-crafted and insightful. Her writing carries aplomb for the English language, and a sensibility about the human soul. Especially in her essay work she is a keen observer of human nature, and can easily take us from gaiety to contemplation.
Kerry is a “giver” She believes not only in the power of the written word, but that that the creative gift to fashion those words into uplifting and engaging stories is a gift from God. She gives to all of us a sense that—We can do it! That this work is important! To never stop trying to find an outlet for our voices! She is one of those wondrous Storymaker cheerleaders.
On a personal note, Kerry took me under her wing when I was a fledgling terrified writer—giving me encouragement and guidance—cheering me on.
I am so grateful to have this opportunity to thank Kerry Blair for being an angel—for whispering to me and to all of us, “Grow, grow.”
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Ice Castles
We came upon it by accident, but when we drove up to the forty foot ice castle, we couldn’t believe our eyes.
Last Monday my family and I decided to take a drive up to Heber valley to visit an ailing aunt. When we found she wasn’t home, but rather had gone to stay with her son, we decided to go for a drive around the area.
Near the Homestead in Midway, there is a hotel called the Zermatt Resort. There in the front of the resort are the most incredible ice formations I have ever seen.
We immediately parked the car to get a closer look. If you pay $2.00 a person, you can walk on a path that winds around eighteen ice castles or towers and two hot springs.
What’s even more amazing is that the castles are made entirely out of icicles which were harvested with a sprinkler system and PVC pipe. There is no supporting structure. The detail of each castle is unbelievable when they light up the massive structures at night. Brilliant shiny colors are illuminated through the icy walls giving it a beautiful, almost surreal look. It’s most impressive.
Each castle grows 10-12 tons per day and their sculptor, a man by the name of Brent Christensen hopes that each one reaches between 30-40 feet in height. The largest, known as tower No.7 is one that you can walk through. When the weather is just right, the castles can grow up to three feet in a day. Brent works mainly at night sculpting away at the castles and working to keep the paths safe.
This is the last week the Zermatt Resort will offer us the opportunity to see the Ice Castles. With warmer weather coming, the path through the castles will no longer be safe. If you have the chance and you are in the area, I highly recommend stopping by to see it.
The older I get, the less I like the cold. But with something this beautiful to look at, I’m actually looking forward to seeing what creations Mr. Christensen comes up with next year.
(Picture courtesy of Deseret News)
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Two bags and a Poem
by Anna Jones Buttimore
I have a shelf in my wardrobe which holds two bags. I always love reaching to this shelf, because it means that I am in for a treat and some wonderful relaxation and joy. Both bags are packed so that I can grab one and run when the opportunity arises.
The bigger bag is my gym holdall. I actually enjoy going to the gym, not because I am a super-fit type (I'm about 3 stone overweight, for one thing) but because I enjoy spending the "me" time listening to my favourite music (Heavy Metal) while challenging myself to run that little bit further, cycle that little bit faster, lift that little bit heavier, or stay in the Spa that little bit longer. (That last one is usually a breeze.)
The second bag is my Temple Tote. I waited a long time to get to the Temple, not because I wasn't worthy but because of my family situation. It has made me very aware of what a privilege and honour it is to be able to do sacred Temple work. I'm lucky enough to live only an hour from the London England Temple, and I enjoy my monthly visits. I can almost feel the tension drain from my shoulders as I walk through the doors. I find a Temple session even more relaxing than an hour in the Spa.
During those long years of longing to go to the Temple and being unable to do so, I wrote a poem. Since Cheri shared her poem with us yesterday I thought it appropriate to share this - perhaps this will turn into "poetry week" on the blog. I can't claim to be the poet Cheri is, but this does put into words my feelings about the Temple. Which is impressive really, since when I wrote it I had only been to the Preston Temple Open House. The last line in each stanza is a promise given to me in my patriarchal blessing regarding my feelings about Temple work.
As yet, I haven't written a poem about how much I enjoy going to the gym...
Within Holy Walls
I cast my troubles to the floor
As I pass through the golden door;
Forgetting every trial and fear
For there is only comfort here.
Wearing white, and within clean
My spirit soaring, my heart serene,
I here rejoice in all I do.
“And this shall be a joy to you.”
Silence sweet around me falls.
My quiet feet the saviour calls
And to his side I hasty tread.
Arms open wide, he offers bread
Of life, and hungry I partake,
One among those blessed who make
Covenants and promises true.
“And this shall be a joy to you.”
Humbly in this sacred place
Where heaven and earth in joy embrace
I serve dear ones that we may be
United in eternity.
My father’s house, this Temple pure
Is where I find His blessings sure
And where I feel His love anew.
“And this shall be a joy to you.”
I have a shelf in my wardrobe which holds two bags. I always love reaching to this shelf, because it means that I am in for a treat and some wonderful relaxation and joy. Both bags are packed so that I can grab one and run when the opportunity arises.
The bigger bag is my gym holdall. I actually enjoy going to the gym, not because I am a super-fit type (I'm about 3 stone overweight, for one thing) but because I enjoy spending the "me" time listening to my favourite music (Heavy Metal) while challenging myself to run that little bit further, cycle that little bit faster, lift that little bit heavier, or stay in the Spa that little bit longer. (That last one is usually a breeze.)
The second bag is my Temple Tote. I waited a long time to get to the Temple, not because I wasn't worthy but because of my family situation. It has made me very aware of what a privilege and honour it is to be able to do sacred Temple work. I'm lucky enough to live only an hour from the London England Temple, and I enjoy my monthly visits. I can almost feel the tension drain from my shoulders as I walk through the doors. I find a Temple session even more relaxing than an hour in the Spa.
During those long years of longing to go to the Temple and being unable to do so, I wrote a poem. Since Cheri shared her poem with us yesterday I thought it appropriate to share this - perhaps this will turn into "poetry week" on the blog. I can't claim to be the poet Cheri is, but this does put into words my feelings about the Temple. Which is impressive really, since when I wrote it I had only been to the Preston Temple Open House. The last line in each stanza is a promise given to me in my patriarchal blessing regarding my feelings about Temple work.
As yet, I haven't written a poem about how much I enjoy going to the gym...
Within Holy Walls
I cast my troubles to the floor
As I pass through the golden door;
Forgetting every trial and fear
For there is only comfort here.
Wearing white, and within clean
My spirit soaring, my heart serene,
I here rejoice in all I do.
“And this shall be a joy to you.”
Silence sweet around me falls.
My quiet feet the saviour calls
And to his side I hasty tread.
Arms open wide, he offers bread
Of life, and hungry I partake,
One among those blessed who make
Covenants and promises true.
“And this shall be a joy to you.”
Humbly in this sacred place
Where heaven and earth in joy embrace
I serve dear ones that we may be
United in eternity.
My father’s house, this Temple pure
Is where I find His blessings sure
And where I feel His love anew.
“And this shall be a joy to you.”
Monday, February 22, 2010
"Are The Stars Still There?"
This past month has been one adventure after another as I've struggled to help several friends and neighbors who are enduring the Refiner's Fire. One friend just lost her father---6 months after her mother passed away. Her oldest son was robbed last week on the way home from his grandfather's funeral. I'm still shaking my head over that one.
Another friend is enduring a difficult divorce. Following a prompting, I swung by her home the other day and found her in an emotional heap. I spent a goodly share of that afternoon trying to piece her back together.
My husband is still recovering from his oldest brother's suicide death, something that took place nearly 2 years ago. He is learning to take each day as it comes, but some days are still very hard.
Earlier today, I visited the local hospital to check on a friend who is facing the loss of yet another loved one. So far this past year, she has buried her father, and her brother. Now it's looking like her mother will soon be leaving mortal mode. A brain tumor surfaced on a recent scan, and it's not looking good at all. I felt so helpless as I embraced this good friend while she cried, heartbroken. We both understand the plan of salvation, but heartache still pierces through when a loved one's life hangs in the balance.
Yet another friend is bravely facing a battle of gargantuan proportions. (Insert: David going against Goliath) It tears my heart out, knowing how much she has suffered, and all she will be enduring.
And I'm still haunted by images of the destruction that took place in Haiti. I know it's not the end of the destruction predicted for our time, and I'm not happy about that.
How do we survive these troubled latter days? I've been thinking today about an experience I had a few years ago. Then, as now, there were numerous challenges taking place all around me. I finally walked out onto the front porch, and sat quietly one night, staring up at the star-filled sky. Silently I prayed to understand why things were so difficult.
When I opened my eyes, I felt an inner nudge to focus again on the sky. It was one of those nights when heaven seemed very close. There wasn't a cloud in the sky, and it was filled with thousands of stars. Then suddenly, without warning, clouds moved in. Within in a couple of minutes, the entire sky was filled with clouds; the stars were no longer visible.
A question then filled my heart and mind: "Are the stars still there?" With that thought, came others: "Are you a beloved daughter of God? Does God still love you, despite the heartache of this time? Are you here on this earth for a purpose? Are the stars still there?"
I wrote a song not long after this experience, based on what I had felt that night. It continues to bring me comfort during difficult times. It is a gentle reminder that we are indeed watched over far more than we realize. A witness that despite the trials of our day, we will survive if we'll cling to the Light of Christ.
Are the Stars Still There?
1st: Dark were my thoughts, all around were storms of heartache and strife
All those tests that sometimes just go with life,
Mountains that seemed too steep to climb.
I walked outside--to clear my head and ask my Father, "Why?"
My inner peace had dissolved for a time
Where was the faith that was mine?
Chorus: Staring at the star-filled sky--my heart revealed its inner cry
"Father, if You're listening help me know the reason why."
A thousand tiny twinkling lights were covered, hidden from my sight
Grey clouds veiling light that once had shone so bright.
Darkness seemed to fill the night as every star was veiled from sight,
Yet peace crept in my heart and comfort eased the black despair
As the question came, "My child, my child--Are the stars still there?"
2nd: Now when dark thoughts come and some nights seem too long
I remember the words of this song
When everything seems to go wrong
The answer to my prayer, the night I struggled with despair
The night my Father heard my silent prayer
And reminded me the stars are always there.
Chorus: Our Father's love is always there--through layers of grief and care
Hope is shining brightly through the clouds of dark despair
A thousand tiny twinkling lights---though covered, hidden from our sight
Grey clouds veiling light that once had shone so bright
Though darkness seems to fill the night--and every star is veiled from sight
Peace and love seep through to ease the black despair
Remember the question--"My child, are the stars still there?"
Cheri J. Crane
1996
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
REWRITE TIME
Hmm! I had tentative plans to spend this two weeks that the temple is closed getting my house in shape. I had the carpets cleaned yesterday. Then I was going to call the salon where I get my hair done and arrange for Kristy to do my hair. Watching the Olympics was on my schedule too--and at least two hours a day working on my new manuscript. A little shopping was planned since I have two grandsons and a brother with birthdays during this time period. There are also four books in my "to read" stack I didn't get to in time for this month's Meridian column. Then late yesterday I got an email from my editor with a message asking why I hadn't responded to his last ten e-mails.
Yikes! What e-mails? It seems he sent instructions for some rewrites on what I hope will be my next book months ago and I never got that message. He's been patiently waiting, knowing I had a house full of company and two close family members going through cancer treatment. As near as I can tell I lost many, many emails about the time my previous computer took a nose dive and I purchased a new one. (If I've ignored any of you and the matter is still important, please email me again.) So, change of plans. I'm doing rewrites. And glad to be doing them. I'd almost given up that anything was ever going to happen with this story.
It's always a little strange going through a manuscript after being away from it for six months or more. I can see a lot of unnecessary stuff, you know, that research I worked so hard on I couldn't bear not to use it, but now I can see it just bogs the story down. Why is it so much easier to see that sort of thing in someone else's work than in our own?
My apologies, but this blog is going to be a little short this time. You see, I've got a teenage crush to nip in the bud, a few outlaws that need to be taught some manners, a few too realistic expletives to delete, some points that need to be explained better, and, well, you get the idea.
Monday, February 15, 2010
Old Friends
I just came back from a short "getaway" with an old friend who has a standing invitation out to me (and no doubt other friends) to come stay, get fed and pampered, and just relax. Nancy and I were roommates while I was at BYU working on my masters. Up to that point I'd had maybe 60 roommates (I'd been in school a LONG time--plus I include here about 10 mission companions). How can anyone have so many roommates, you ask. I lived in houses and apartments with up to 5 roommates at times and moved every year or so, so those roommates tend to add up. Nancy was my last roommate, except for my mom and brother, and in fact, it was because both of our moms got sick and moved in with us about the same time that I finally moved (her mom had my mom terrorized--my mom was a sweet soul and Nancy's mom was...hmmm...how about the word "curmudgeon"?).
We both cared for our moms until their respective deaths and then we both got divorced brothers for roommates. And now, after a few years with brothers, she has two more housemates (homeless guys invited by her brother) and I have my brother and his wife (who sadly lost their home when my brother lost his job). Round-the-clock houseguests do tend to take a certain toll, as many of my friends here on the VFormation no doubt realize since I expect they've had their share of houseguests.
Nancy and I also share a lot of cats and animals. When we were roommates she had the sweetest little Toto-dog named Sophie, an amazing dog. When Sophie died Nancy knew she could never have another dog like Sophie, so she gradually adopted stray cats who saw that psychic sign over her house--nice lady here feeds animals.
And feeds guests. Nancy is one of these people who love to cook for people and make them feel welcome and loved. Summer holidays you can plan on barbecue, winter holidays--well, today I learned that by missing her Christmas and New Year's dinner I missed some fabulous prime rib and au jus.
Of course, it's not just about the food. It's about friendship. And about having someone looking out for you, knowing your needs and wanting to help make your life just a little easier.
Friends. God bless them.
We both cared for our moms until their respective deaths and then we both got divorced brothers for roommates. And now, after a few years with brothers, she has two more housemates (homeless guys invited by her brother) and I have my brother and his wife (who sadly lost their home when my brother lost his job). Round-the-clock houseguests do tend to take a certain toll, as many of my friends here on the VFormation no doubt realize since I expect they've had their share of houseguests.
Nancy and I also share a lot of cats and animals. When we were roommates she had the sweetest little Toto-dog named Sophie, an amazing dog. When Sophie died Nancy knew she could never have another dog like Sophie, so she gradually adopted stray cats who saw that psychic sign over her house--nice lady here feeds animals.
And feeds guests. Nancy is one of these people who love to cook for people and make them feel welcome and loved. Summer holidays you can plan on barbecue, winter holidays--well, today I learned that by missing her Christmas and New Year's dinner I missed some fabulous prime rib and au jus.
Of course, it's not just about the food. It's about friendship. And about having someone looking out for you, knowing your needs and wanting to help make your life just a little easier.
Friends. God bless them.
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Inner Peace
I'm sorting and cleaning out what feels like a hundred years worth of family history. There's also "stuff" that was too good to toss, but I didn't know what to do with so it got stuck in a file that outgrew its capacity. I ran across a bit called "Symptoms of Inner Peace" and decided to save it for my next blog. Little did I know how appropriate it would be today. Then again, I'm a believer that there are times things come into our hands when we really need them. Here's the list:
Symptoms of Inner Peace
1. Tendency to act spontaneously rather than from fears based on experiences from the past.
2. The ability to enjoy each moment.
3. Loss of interest in judging self.
4. Loss of interest in judging other people.
5. Loss of interest in conflict.
6. Disinterest in interpreting actions of others.
7. Loss of ability to worry.
8 Frequent episodes of appreciation.
9. Contented feelings of connectedness with others and nature.
10. Frequent attacks of smiling through eyes of heart.
11. Increasing susceptibility to love extended by others as well as the uncontrollable urge to extend it.
12. Increasing tendency to let things happen rather than trying to make them happen.
Note: Persons exhibiting most or all of these symptoms may be in such advanced state of peace as to be untreatable. The verse following may be the reason:
Isaiah26:3-4 "Thou will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength."
This is something I'm definitely working on. Some I've attained; some may take another 20 years, if I've really got that many left. :) Number three was a problem this week. I've been very good to get up at 4:00, do prayers, scripture study, journal, e-mail, then do my Wii Fit for 45 minutes, then start my day. By that time, it's 7:00 and I feel three hours behind on starting on the long list of things to do. I even put all those things on my list so I could check them off (is that called compulsive behavior??) but that didn't help too much with the frustration.
So I just threw it all over yesterday and slept in until 4:30, did my body test so my WiiFit wouldn't scold me for not showing up and skipped the exercise. I'd given blood the day before and she said no exercising for 24 hours. Used that as my excuse. It was actually fun to just not even look at my list and spend the morning cleaning and straightening my office where all my projects always pile up. I did do laundry and things that really had to be done, like writing a note to my sister who doesn't do e-mail.
Before I knew it, my husband was home from golfing and ready for lunch - and I still had a long list of things I needed to do. You know what I did? I tossed the list and spent two hours with Glenn putting a puzzle together because he couldn't work out in the yard. Then felt guilty because I'd played. So number three needs lots of work. (I've just broken every one of the things on Anna's list of how not to write! But I'm not really writing - I'm thinking out loud!)
We should never feel guilty for just enjoying time with our spouse or friends or family. How do we get over being so accomplishment oriented? Mmm. Does that mean number one is also a problem? I'm good in the appreciation department, pretty good in the spontaneous area, okay in judging others and conflict. I did enjoy the moment even if later I felt guilty so does the guilt cancel out the joy? And if I continue to try to grade me, will I disrupt what inner peace I may already have? Too much introspection may not be good for that.
Guess I'd better keep the list handy and work on some of my hang-ups so I can experience Inner Peace more often. Hope I've given you cause for some, instead of disrupting what you may already have had!
Symptoms of Inner Peace
1. Tendency to act spontaneously rather than from fears based on experiences from the past.
2. The ability to enjoy each moment.
3. Loss of interest in judging self.
4. Loss of interest in judging other people.
5. Loss of interest in conflict.
6. Disinterest in interpreting actions of others.
7. Loss of ability to worry.
8 Frequent episodes of appreciation.
9. Contented feelings of connectedness with others and nature.
10. Frequent attacks of smiling through eyes of heart.
11. Increasing susceptibility to love extended by others as well as the uncontrollable urge to extend it.
12. Increasing tendency to let things happen rather than trying to make them happen.
Note: Persons exhibiting most or all of these symptoms may be in such advanced state of peace as to be untreatable. The verse following may be the reason:
Isaiah26:3-4 "Thou will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength."
This is something I'm definitely working on. Some I've attained; some may take another 20 years, if I've really got that many left. :) Number three was a problem this week. I've been very good to get up at 4:00, do prayers, scripture study, journal, e-mail, then do my Wii Fit for 45 minutes, then start my day. By that time, it's 7:00 and I feel three hours behind on starting on the long list of things to do. I even put all those things on my list so I could check them off (is that called compulsive behavior??) but that didn't help too much with the frustration.
So I just threw it all over yesterday and slept in until 4:30, did my body test so my WiiFit wouldn't scold me for not showing up and skipped the exercise. I'd given blood the day before and she said no exercising for 24 hours. Used that as my excuse. It was actually fun to just not even look at my list and spend the morning cleaning and straightening my office where all my projects always pile up. I did do laundry and things that really had to be done, like writing a note to my sister who doesn't do e-mail.
Before I knew it, my husband was home from golfing and ready for lunch - and I still had a long list of things I needed to do. You know what I did? I tossed the list and spent two hours with Glenn putting a puzzle together because he couldn't work out in the yard. Then felt guilty because I'd played. So number three needs lots of work. (I've just broken every one of the things on Anna's list of how not to write! But I'm not really writing - I'm thinking out loud!)
We should never feel guilty for just enjoying time with our spouse or friends or family. How do we get over being so accomplishment oriented? Mmm. Does that mean number one is also a problem? I'm good in the appreciation department, pretty good in the spontaneous area, okay in judging others and conflict. I did enjoy the moment even if later I felt guilty so does the guilt cancel out the joy? And if I continue to try to grade me, will I disrupt what inner peace I may already have? Too much introspection may not be good for that.
Guess I'd better keep the list handy and work on some of my hang-ups so I can experience Inner Peace more often. Hope I've given you cause for some, instead of disrupting what you may already have had!
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