Religion

I've been having a lot of interesting discussions about religion recently, and this is a recent message that I sent to someone. I think I'm somewhere between being an agnostic, a deist, and a gnostic christian. Just thought I'd post it and hopefully see some comments:

Ok, here are my religious views....and I'll warn you that they've changed and shifted based on events in my life....and they'll probably change again. I'm agnostic because I think that most religion is guess work. You see signs, you get signals, you hear the voice of something spiritual, and then you do your best to interpret those messages. The reason why there are so many different religions, divisions amongst the religions, and divisions in those divisions, is that everyone interprets these messages in a different way. Just try having a group of people write down their descriptions of the exact same event and notice how differently they remember it.
So, God, who is unknowable, sends messages to us. They might be misunderstood, but the really important messages come in huge events, from people that can't be ignored. An angel is considered a messenger...but the word "angel" actually means "message." So angels are themselves messages. Jesus was a message to humanity..."This is how you should live your life." "Love is more important than all of these rules and regulations." Love to the point where you would sacrifice yourself to save other people. And if you look at the heart of most religions, the golden rule is at the center...although many religious fanatics like to ignore it....they think it's too obvious to pay attention to, saying "Well, of course you should love thy neighbor, but what about gays in the military?" But, loving your neighbor is the same as saying "love everyone." That's a lot more difficult than it sounds. If more churches focused on themselves and asked "am I doing my best to love everyone?" rather than saying "are THEY following the rules?!" our world would be in much better shape. As soon as Jesus died, everyone split into different factions.....that's the whole reason why Saul/Paul had to write so many letters....to try to unify the church. They were still arguing over whether you had to be a Jew....or if you had to be circumsized.
I think that there have been other messengers from God....Ghandi, Martin Luther King Jr., and countless others that we may never hear about....because they aren't out seeking attention. I think it's hard enough to focus on loving thy neighbor. So, my plans for eternity are to believe in the power of love and the potential for good in other human beings. That's my faith. That, and I believe that God can figure out where to put me after I die. I hope : ) Whether it's heaven, hell, or just a nice beach with internet access...

I love talking about this stuff. I almost went to get a master's in religious studies instead of library science...

The Wolves in the Walls

Neil Gaiman has outdone himself again. I asked the library to order one of his children's books called "The Wolves in the Walls." It finally came in, so I checked it out and took it home to read to Gracie. I was a little worried at first because the artwork is very dark, especially paired with the story...

Gracie, who will be 4 in September, was completely engrossed by the book. She made me read it twice in a row to her. At first, she didn't quite understand everything that was happening, so the second time around, she asked me to explain everything that was happening in the pictures. Since then, she's been talking about it nonstop. We read it to her a total of 3 times that first night...and she made Jenn read it to her 3 times the next day as well. In addition, it's a story I love to read...there's plenty of subtle jokes for adults.

If you have a little 'un, or if you're ever around kids, try reading this book to them...

Not Sure I Understand

While watching "John From Cincinnati" the other night, I wondered something.

You see, there is a character with a facial defect. His female counterpart on the show refers to him as "The Hairlip."

My question is: How do they cast for such things?

Casting advertisement example:

WANTED:
Person who is not afraid of being made fun of for their hairlip.

Kudos to those who take the cash and are comfortable with their "issues."

Two-part Tuesday Wrap-Up

Part One: Tumble Bugs

Gracie and a dozen other 3- to 5-year-olds performed their tumbling exercises in 100-degree heat yesterday at the Ross County Fair. Of course, she was wonderful (the best there, if you ask me). Here are some pics of the cutie's first public performance.



Part Two: Nickel Creek and Fiona Apple

So, most of you know that Nick and I went to see Fiona Apple in concert last night. We were intrigued as to how the show would be set up, because it was billed as, "Nickel Creek with Fiona Apple." We assumed she was opening for them, although we didn't agree with the order of things.

Our expectations of the show were very wrong. I had read previously that Fiona would be singing with the "newgrass" band, but we were in for a surprise. ALL of Fiona's songs were sung with Nickel Creek performing the instrumentals and providing back-up vocals. And Nick and I both agree that we would have preferred to see more of Fiona. Fiona with a piano and no Nickel Creek, preferably. But Fiona had no piano last night. She didn't really perform many songs. We heard "Extraordinary Machine," "Paper Bag," "Limp," and a few others, but the only song off of the first album was a bluegrass rendition of "Criminal." Not my cup of tea.

The concert was very heavy with the Nickel Creek. I definitely enjoyed seeing who our good friend Tim calls the world's best mandolin player. Man, that boy could jam. And the girl on the fiddle was amazing, as well.

But, Fiona was beautiful.

All in all, it was more than worth the trip to Columbus. We had a very pleasant drive up, even though we took the car with no air conditioning. We slept like babies last night after suffering through the heat wave.

Next on our concert list...Arcade Fire!

This beautiful Tuesday...

Today is an exciting one.

At 4 p.m., I'm taking Gracie to the Ross County Fair, where she'll be performing with her fellow Tumble Bugs. She's got a new tumbling outfit, dark blue and streaked with silver, and she's excited as all get out. She's staying at the fair to go on the rides with her Daddy afterwards, and Nick and I....

ARE GOING TO SEE FIONA!!!!

I'm very excited to see this phenomenal artist. She's gorgeous, and she has by far one of the best female voices I've ever heard. I'll be in heaven tonight! She's actually opening for Nickel Creek, who, admittedly, I've never really listened to. Of course, we've checked them out since receiving the tickets for the concert, but I'm eager to hear them live. Apparently, Fiona will be collaborating with them on certain songs as well. That should be interesting.

AND...

I finished Lemony Snicket's "A Series of Unfortunate Events."

This is my favorite work ever. Each of the thirteen books in the series was delightful. Snicket (Daniel Handler) created a world of fascination and intellect, while weaving a mystery, full of misery and sadness, for his readers. But I must say, as "unfortunate" the events in the tale were, happiness abounds in this tragic tale. I laughed, I cried, and I lost sleep over many of the books.

For me, Snicket's message was that no one is perfect. The world is full of good and evil, security and fear, and each and every person is comprised of both. And there are mysteries in this world we aren't supposed to solve, questions we're not supposed to be able to answer.

I'm no where near the end of this tragic tale, though. I plan on reading Snicket's "The Beatrice Letters," which further delves into a separate, underlying mystery that he weaves through the series of unfortunate events. He's also published "The Unauthorized Autobiography of Lemony Snicket," and "Horseradish: Bitter Truths You Can't Avoid." I must read all three of these books, in addition to the series, before I close the book on this work of art.

My recommendation for the week? HBO's "John From Cincinnati." It's most likely only going to run one season, due to the fact that it has such a small fan base, but I could be wrong. Next Sunday will bring the season finale, with the season bearing only ten episodes. I can't even begin to explain the show, which is a religious, psychological, supernatural drama. If you have the time to spare on ten episodes, though, it's entirely worth it.

Good day.

The Arcade Fire Coming to C-Bus!!!

Where: LC Pavillion, Columbus
When: Friday, October 5, 6:30 p.m.
Tickets: $40 through Ticketmaster
Seating: Outdoor - standing room only

:)))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))

Finished Coraline

I just finished reading Neil Gaiman's "Coraline" this morning. It's another terrific work of ficition from Gaiman. He continues to delight and entertain me. I haven't yet read one of his works that disappointed me.

I first heard about his work from my friend, Josh. He was then taking a religion and mythology class--I think for his Tier III class, before graduating. The class had to write an essay about a popular work that dealt with mythology. Josh found "American Gods," a novel that has probably garnered the most widespread praise for Gaiman. I read it...and LOVED it.

During the class, Josh also informed me that another student presented a report on "The Sandman" series of graphic novels. My interest was significantly piqued, as I've always been a "comic book fan" without actually reading that many comic books. I've since tried to read whatever I can find....of Gaiman and of the best graphic novels I can get my hands on. I welcome any recommendations...

Gaiman's also involved with some film projects that have me excited. In about a week or so, the film version of "Stardust" will be released, based on the novel by the same name. I think a movie version of "Coraline" is also in the works. Finally, he has co-written the screenplay for the upcoming version of "Beowulf" to be released. Yes....with Angelina Jolie as Grendel's mother.

Holy shit...

School Daze

I'm heading back to college, folks. Finally. If you're not familiar with my post-high school education, then here it is:

I began college at Ohio University - Chillicothe the winter of 2000, after I graduated from Piketon High School. I was majoring in English and loving it. A year into my college career, however, I became pregnant with Gracie and was promoted to editor of the News Watchman, simultaneously. Very quickly, my life became overwhelming. Something had to go, and college was it. I dropped all of my courses, and didn't look back, until now.

I left the News Watchman this April with the intent to return to college to finish my English degree, although I'm not too sure what I want to do with it just yet. Once I get back to the university setting, I expect my eyes to be opened to all sorts of tracks I can take, either with the bachelor's degree, or by pursuing higher education.

So, Wednesday, I met with Dennis Bothel at OU-C to file an appeal, and he thinks I should be accepted back at the school in time for me to attend fall quarter.

Going back to college is a dream I've had ever since I left. During my last marriage, my dreams were placed on the back burner (although I've already obtained a degree in criminal justice ... it just doesn't have my name on it), and now, I have the opportunity to fulfill my dream.

I'm so excited. I'm excited about reading assignments and taking notes and being organized. I'm excited about meeting new and interesting professors who will hopefully inspire me in ways I never imagined. And I'm excited to see how well I'll do.

I have to admit, during my first college stint, I don't feel that I was smart or mature enough to handle it. I've grown so much and learned so much since that time, I know I'll be unbelievably receptive to everything that's thrown my way. I want to learn.

'Tis a time to celebrate!

In other news:

• Gracie the Tumble Bug will be in her first public live performance Tuesday at the Ross County Fair. I'm so excited to see her show off her stuff. Tumble Bugs is a gymnastics program for 3-to-5 year-olds, and the tots are taught the basics of the sport. Gracie is becoming quite skilled at somersaults, straddles, bear crawls and walking on the balance beam. I always knew I was raising a little monkey. Now she's just validating my suspicions. :)

• I've just finished "The Grim Grotto," the 11th book in Lemony Snicket's "A Series of Unfortunate Events." Yes, Nick finished the entire series this week ... I'm slowly catching up. I'll be sure to have my synopsis following "The End." The books are fabulous. They've definitely renewed my interest in reading.

• I'll soon be searching for a part-time job. Once I get my fall quarter schedule figured out, I'm going on the hunt for a simple, enjoyable job to bring in some extra income. Now, when I say "simple, enjoyable," I don't mean just mindlessly bagging groceries or pumping gas. I'd like to do something challenging, therefore exciting, but something that won't take up an ungodly amount of time or be too stressful. Something that has a schedule I can count on. If I'm going to be going to school full-time, time and stress management are going to be necessary. So, I'm thinking video store clerk (where I can make recommendations), office assistant (where I can be organized), ANY non-profit organizational position, Jolly Pirate donut server (speaks for itself) ... something like that.

• And finally, I'd like to say that Yous and Wikis are taking over the world ... And I love it.
  

Fiona Apple Concert

Apparently, we're going to see Fiona Apple on Tuesday!! A friend hooked me up with some free tickets...now we just need to scrape together some gas money. She's opening for Nickel Creek...even though it should be the other way around. Don't get me wrong, I think they're wonderful musicians, and I recently heard their kick-ass live version of Radiohead's "Just", but that doesn't mean that they should get top billing over Fiona.

If you stop over at my last.fm page, I'm sure you'll notice plenty of both being scrobbled in the next few days.

Oh yeah, check out the Wikipedia entry I made for my library....I heart Wikipedia : )

Now, it's time to channel my inner angst-ridden, angry, skinny girl-rocker...

At the end of another book...

Today, I finished "Everything is Miscellaneous: The Power of the New Digital Disorder" by David Weinberger. The author's style is remarkably readable for someone with a doctoral degree from Harvard. I haven't met many philosophy students that weren't good for conversation, though.

If you're interested in the science and theory of information and the internet, you'll love this book. The dedication of the book even goes out "To the librarians." I think it should be required reading for library schools. I also really like this review:

"The world is messy, like it or not, and it's only going to get messier as the Web destroys rules and the rule makers. You can either complain about the chaos and wish for the good old days of order, or you can read this book and understand why delirious disorder will soon make us all smarter."
--Chris Anderson, author of "The Long Tail"

"The Long Tail" is a term that was tossed around a lot at the libraries and technology conference I attended about 6 weeks ago. I think I'm going to hunt down a copy of the book...which was apparently based on an article in Wired magazine.