Tattoo Tuesdays: Open to Interpretation

Perhaps you have heard the scripture, "Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,"*. We live in an increasingly curious, some would say nosey, world. We live in an age of TMI to the extreme, but still there are some things we should always be willing and ready to share. Faith is a huge can of worms, but it is as essential as air in my opinion. The older I get the more I realize how important it is to have an answer for just about any curious/nosey question that comes my way. (insert schoolmarm voice) "Decorum Madelyne!"

I am not saying that your life and your choices have to be an open book, but I am saying don't be caught unaware. The times I have been caught off guard by a line of questioning usually set my hackles off and I go into defensive mode. "Why do you want to know? Are you judging me? You are just a gossiping busybody." That is not always true, though. Einstein said, "The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing." Some folks are masters of curiosity and have an eager desire to constantly be learning about the people living their lives day to day around them.

Honesty can be refreshing.

Recently my older sister's boyfriend "put me through the ringer" of questioning about the bookstore and other "life line 'me' things". Among one of his questions, "So why the wolves?" At first I thought he was referring to some of the cheap cards we are desperately trying to sell at the shop (bye bye old less desirable inventory). Then I figured out he was referring to my Mudlove band featuring a howling wolf. I suppose it never occurred to me (hence this post) to have an explanation for my love of wolves. Needless to say I was little fluster because my love of wolves is not just "my love wolves". Wolves are Rilke. Wolves are Werewolves. Wolves are Maggie Stiefvater. Wolves are mighty, like I wish to be. Wolves are loners...like me. (insert wink) So explaining all that and not feeling like someone peeled back the flesh covering your heart to see your secrets, someone you just met, is the sort of moment you start word fumbling. Be ready with an answer, remember? When you set yourself up in life, whether it be Faith, your style choices, your bracelets, your gauges, your tattoos...be ready for the curious seekers to come knocking.

So wolves... I could spend hours researching the symbolism behind wolves in various cultures, etc., but that would not be why I like wolves. In 2010 (thank you Goodreads for keeping track for quick reference) I read a book by an upcoming author, Maggie Stiefvater, called Shiver. Shiver (spoiler) is about werewolves (queue the "Ohhhh so not wolves, werewolves" reaction). It is one of the most refreshing takes on werewolves I have ever read. The myth is made poetically scientific...believable. Maggie is an enormous source of inspiration to me. In Shiver she name drops often and among the pages of Shiver I met my long since dead lover...Rilke. Are you keeping up here? Wolves -- Maggie Stiefvater -- Rilke -- Inspired. I feel strongly that God blessed Rilke with words and earthly wisdom to write about this "affliction" we call life. I believe God can speak to you through the words of others (hello the Bible). I need to wrap this up because it is far longer than I intended, my apologies.

Rilke's words, with my own interpretation/take, will be among the first to grace this canvas known as my flesh. "So why the wolves?" (insert smile) Here's another reason for the wolves.

Sometimes you let people make their own way in the mystery of why you do what you do too.

Today's Features:

Pinterest Find

 

While I love the placement of this tattoo (and the guy of course is not half bad looking), what I love is the meaning behind it. I don't know what his intended meaning of this piece of art ink was, but my mind has already named it 'Oil of my heart'.

 

 



 

Pinterest Find

 

There are so many reasons to like this tattoo. Reminiscent of Howard Pyle's pen and ink art style. I am a big believer of the "weight" our hands hold in the decisions we make. Also speaking as someone who has a difficulty forgetting the things that need to be forgotten...this! This tattoo speaks to that dilemma for me.

 

 

 

Pinterest Find

 

Any tattoo that tempts me with notions of grandeur in the realm of "Get a tattoo with color...lots and lots of glorious bright colors!" is an awesome tattoo in my book. Plus squids, octopuses, cthulhu, and anything of the Cephalopoda class (and yes I had to look that up) is a safe bet for an eye catching inking.

 

 

 

I won't end with a quote because I have name dropped enough in this post and it is closing time and this has been quite the wordy post. Are you ready?

 

 

Follow me on Pinterest

 

 

 

 

Foot-tastic Notes (TOM's One Day Without Shoes Day...Holla!):

 

• *1 Peter 3:15
• Tuned into Mumford & Sons' Pandora today
• I was reading a portion of my post out loud, as I often do to check grammar, etc., and didn't realize a customer had come in. Insert token embarrassing moment for the day. (insert smile)

 



Thrive Thursdays: Finding Your Sixty Seconds

I will be honest with you about two things. One, I didn't think I would be writing a post today for a number of reasons, but one being I wasn't feeling very thrive worthy. Two, I am an extremely negative person; more often than not I find the glass half empty. However, we shall thank Pinterest for a quote and numerous other people for their curiosity. It was the motivation I needed for a short (hahaha who are we kidding, I nearly never write short blogs) blog post.

“For every minute you are angry you lose sixty seconds of happiness.”
~Ralph Waldo Emerson

 

 

I waste so much time and energy when it comes to anger; not only anger with other people, but a vast amount of anger with myself. I realize and fully stand behind the notion that as a believer, life is not necessarily written to be happy go lucky for me. There will be trials and many tribulations, but somewhere here I believe there is happiness. I want to be happy, but I let the dregs of the day or hour continue to drag me down. How many more seconds of happiness could I have each and everyday if I decided to forget my anger? I don't have a special remedy for you forgetting your anger. I'm not even sure how I will go about this, hopefully, new attitude, but I encourage you give up the anger. Happiness fuels so many things, creativity especially! Look up Lamentations 3:22-23 and feel free to "throw it in my face" every now and then. I can use reminders too.




 Many times, over the course my 6 year blogging career*, I have mentioned the 365 project. Yet I still have people in the everyday world asking, "What is a 365 project? What is it all about?" There is truly nothing complicated about a 365 Project...well except for motivation and inspiration. I have days when I'd rather throw my camera at a wall for kicks and giggles than think up something new, fresh, and exciting. Most definitely work is involved, but it can be fun to see what will come of the days inspirations.

 

A 365 Project is a photo-a-day challenge. Many photographers upload self-portraits each day, in some form or another. I have done such a 365 before; when I was an extreme novice photographer (though I still categorize myself as such) and with a much cheaper camera. At one time I even attempted a 365 Project of different hands everyday. I didn't have many enthusiastic takers for that project and it was soon abandoned. Another 365, which had nothing to do with photography, I attempted to write a letter to someone different each day. Wow was that too much to take on!

 

My current 365 Project is "simply" a photograph each day with my thoughts. I love writing and this gives me an opportunity each day to "pour a little of my heart out" with a photograph as my inspiration. Some days are pictures of me and other days are photographs of random still-life or at times other people I come into contact with that day.

 

I realize there is a huge stigmatism with "selfies", but I've discussed this before on other sites. There is a fine line between the narcissistic everyday "selfie" and the learning to realize you are beautiful self-portrait project. My first 365 project helped me learn to like pictures of myself. I still have my days, but for the most part I've learned to take what I got and make it great. I credit much of this to the 365 Project.

 

The 365 Project is not for everyone, but I would challenge you to try it and see it where it takes you. You may discover things about yourself and about your creative skills you didn't know before.

 

 

 

 

Thriving Moments: Flickr (again) and learning to kill my anger with happiness!

 

 

Tweet with me. | Snap some shots. | Listen to the music. | Get to pinning | Up, Up, and Plus

  

 

Did anyone take notes? (Footnotes):

• *Oh my Atlanta! I can't believe it has been 6 years since I started With a Flower! ?!?
• The computer shutdown twice and I took a break for a painting party in the midst of writing this...busy frustrated lady.
• If you are on Flickr leave me a line and I will follow you!

Tattoo Tuesdays: If you give a girl a brick...can she make it bleed?

Life so often is about the courage to keep going no matter your circumstances. It is the strength to endure the hardships day in and day out with the knowledge that around the corner things could be better or things could be worse, but knowing that ultimately God is in control. This. Is. Beyond. Difficult.

In the span of a day I may whisper a thousand times, "Remember my frame," and I have to muster the hope that my whispers are heard. Let's collect courage and hope in jars to battle these "days of woe". There is no sense hiding away. You can't, I can't, we can't waste what we have been given. In these moments of courage seeking for another step, another day, I always desire to live my life out loud. Harder than you think with trust issues and a jumper judging world.

Love me or leave me... I'm a tattoo loving gal. I can't help acting like a kid in a candy shop when it comes to ink gazing.


Today's Features:

Tattoo via Pinterest and a new blog (Click. Wow! I'm now a follower.)

Sleeves! I wish we had a better view of this gorgeous man's ink. Sleeves are best, in my opinion, when the concept ebbs and flows to make a grand impression. Random is good too, but I "like me some cohesiveness". (insert wink) Honest moment: His tattoos are great, but I really like this shoot from a photography standpoint...hello eyes!

 

Via Pinterest

 

Face and Neck tattoos equal brave to me. There's a definite risk the tattoo could turn out looking so "hello I just got of prison" and truly only a select few can pull it off. I'm not a flower tattoo kind of gal, but I like this placement, glad that the tattoo isn't "eating her face" either. I hadn't noticed her gauge before, first being drawn to the ink and then her hair (jealous!), but I'm even liking it too!

 

Via Pinterest

 

Sleeves are almost always a winner for me. Either this girl is wanting to do some filling in later or for her someday children to have coloring time on her arm...I'm good either way; even left to its outline glory, this flower has my vote!

 

 

 

 

My life and all it has to offer (i.e. in other news):

• Via Facebook - Anna arrived safely today in Korea at 5:30 AM Indiana time!
• Via Snail Mail - Anna made me cry ... all in love and goodness.
• Since it's upload (17, Feb, 2014) 'Resilience' has become my third most viewed photograph on Flickr. So. Blessed.
• Keep an eye out on RC's Facebook page because I may be having a giveaway soon.

 

 

Find me on Pinterest

 

 

 

 

What went on (i.e. Footnotes)

• Tunes for today, Mumford & Sons' Pandora
• Pondering the need to Skype with Anna when I get my tattoo...excited and scared for that day.
• Scripture on my mind (something I want in my life): Because he bends down to listen, I will pray as long as I have breath! - Psalm 116:2

Thrive Thursdays: Shoveling and Baristas

There's something to be said about best laid plans and tricking the universe with spontaneity. I'm starting to believe had I not planned my morning out earlier this week my "best laid plans" might have been in my favor. However, that's assuming my life choices have anything to do with the weather patterns. I shouldn't give myself too much that much credit.

My Thriving Thursday plans? I had planned to hang out with my sister and Calvin (my camera) at the local nature reserve. Earlier this year I visited it for the first time, since living in this area, for a senior photo session. I should not have waited so long to greet the greater outdoors, it is only a 15 minute country drive from where I live. Calvin has been weighing heavy on my conscience. He and I haven't been on speaking terms much lately. I was ready to take my Thursday and make it all about Calvin.

Rain. I love it, but today it forced an unwanted plot twist. I have been at the shop all day since cancelling. My Mum was begged upon to cover, but then the weather, as it is in the Mid-west, saw fit to change. Temperamental (sheesh).

Unexpected shop days can often be lazy days. I've read. I've knitted. I've watched some Amazon Prime. I've been thinking. I've been thinking "Damn this post isn't going to be very inspiring or thought provoking." Hold on, wait a minute...put a little love in it. (insert smile)

Yesterday was spent canning and cooking. How quaint? Exhausting is more like it, but so worth it! This got me thinking. I love a task. The hard work, effort, time and even the late night exhaustion are what make a dull Maddie so many things. Most of all? Happy.

The thinking reminded me of a story my Mum once told me. She read a book about Henry Ward Beecher and while I'm not a huge fan of his, I can appreciate his work ethic. Henry would often struggle with dark thoughts and moody times. During these 'episodes' it was to the basement with him! He would begin shoveling a pile of sand he had stored there from one end of the basement to the other. Upon finishing he felt his mind freed of his earlier conflicts.

This is why I love tasks. They keep the demons at bay. They don't leave room for the nonsense of this world to take up your time with would be cripplers. Find your shoveling task and have at it! I know it might sound funny, but laundry. Summer time and a laundry line are an I.V. of happy to my lil' ole heart.

Even though I felt a tad lazy today I did learn how to make espresso (say it with an accent and it tastes so good on your tongue). At the shop we are considering staying open late one night for shoppers and another night for knitters. I asked the owner of the coffee shop next door, he is also my landlord, if we could keep his shop open for him. This means learning new drinks. I already know how to make chai, but give me more, give me more! He said yes, so now we just have to drum up some interest. Who doesn't love books, caffeine, knitting, late nights or a combination thereof?

My baristas name? Pete Brew Babe

 

 

Thriving Moments: The mechanics of coffee :) and how to greet a blah day. Perhaps thriving can't be planned...it just happens.

 

 

Tweet with me. | Snap some shots. | Listen to the music. | Get to pinning | Up, Up and Plus

 

 

This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.

Psalm 118:24 

 

All words are pegs to hang ideas on.
~Henry Ward Beecher

 

Footnotes (Bells on her fingers and rings on her toes. Has anybody seen my...toe rings ;)?)

• Today my music of choice, while writing, has been my The Glitch Mob Pandora station.
• Knitters can also find me on Ravelry
• Guess whose going home to listen to the Lorde album?!? Oh yeah me, me, me...

Tattoo Tuesdays: Don't Give In

“Don't give in to your fears. If you do, you won't be able to talk to your heart.”
~Paulo Coelho

 

 

I'm sure I've written about fear here on my blog before. As I was contemplating the direction of today's post I let my emotions play the part of compass. I have heard it said and even told myself that fear is a good motivator, but I find more often than not, fear is a prison. It is the hitch in your chest as a thought causes your next breath to stop midway on its escape. It is the excuse to stay put where you are, even though you want to jump over that hurdle and blast it to kingdom come while you’re at it. Fear is a poison that can and will continue to corrupt, if you allow it. I know because frequently I allow fear to 'motivate' me into inaction.

 

 

Thanks to Jeff Vinson for posting this tattoo on his Google+. Hopefully he doesn't
mind me featuring it on today's Tattoo Tuesday.

 

I have no easy answer for you. If I did I would follow the advice myself. Heck I'd bottle and sell it if I did! Some of you might not like me spouting scripture and band-aid like platitudes, but I have an answer nonetheless; one I even struggle to apply to my own life. Trust. It's not a four letter word, but it is just as hard to swallow. I feel like a hypocrite writing this because I can't follow this at times, but trust; trust that the Lord can and will get you through these times of fear. As the tattoo simply states: Fear IS a LIAR.

 

Quote this to yourself:

 

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things.

~Philippians 4:8

 

I can't see fear falling into any of those categories, can you?

 

 

Other Features for today:

 





Tattoo and Photo credit goes to Deanna Wardin on Flickr here.

I want to destroy something beautiful. ~Fight Club

 

Awesome detail (clean and simple), typography and a heart, what more could I ask for? I like the flying paper planes too. (insert smile)

 

 

 

Cut me lose and let me live . . . no strings attached please!

 

 

 

She is a rare breed, matter fact,

she's an endangered species.

her heart’s been broken and just

like mine it remains in pieces.

But every time we’re near each

other smile is all we can do,

Our shattered souls intertwine,

I know I’ve felt the same agonizing

pain that she’s been through.

I find comfort in her grasp

so I reach out with both arms…

 

 

If you can tell me where this poem originated (you must back it up with sources folks) I will kiss you! Okay I will not kiss you, but you will get a prize of some sort. (insert smile)

 

I like the tattoo because of the poem, but I'm not sure I like the placement. I realize you are limited when the poem or words are this long. However, I couldn't walk around with a backless shirt all the time (or ever really) and how else are people going to see my tattoo?





Tattoo Tuesdays: Consider it pure joy...

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.
James 1:2-3

Today's tattoo reminded me of the scripture above from the Bible. Not very often do I take the time to look at the struggles in my life as things to learn from and/or grow from as a person. In fact I usual throw spritiual tantrums or real ones, depending on my surroundings (oh that's why my knees were so dirty the other day). Maybe if I would take the time to 'love' these periods in my life I might realize they are serving to grow me and bring me closer to my Lord. If He didn't love me, would he stop 'paying attention' to me and just let me have it easy?

You can choose to interpret this tattoo however you like. I tend to write what strikes me the moment I see something. The scripture came to mind mere seconds after seeing the tattoo. I'm strongly considering this tattoo now for that very reason...perhaps with a byline referencing the above scripture. Brillant font by the way, very 'typewriterish' meets 'Poe-ish'.

Thanks to Pinterest for today's Tattoo Tuesdays!

To Wait or Not to Wait. . .That is Not My Favorite Question

Originally written February 8, just now getting around to posting it.

In a world run on the need for pleasure, it becomes an ever present friend. This desire to sustain this part of us is nearly more important than life itself. We are not even required or asked to prolong our suffering by waiting. Everything comes at the speed of now or seconds. When we suddenly are forced into the uncomfortable or “unbearable” prospect of waiting, we become younger versions of ourselves: cranky, selfish, tantrum throwing children. The world is overrun with “Now! people,” “Now! people” who when made to wait are people you and I want to run from.

Wait, is a difficult word to take in. It is rare for it to have good connotations. The word creeps up your spine leaving fear and loathing in its wake. This word has been on my mind for some time and I’ve thought I should write about waiting. I guess it is time to give up on waiting for it to leave my mind (Okay that was cheesy).

Last week I looked up waiting in the Thesaurus. I was only looking for negative synonyms. Suffering. Can having to wait be suffering? Heck yes! To put up with. Nothing like waiting to automatically put us in this state of mind. I can just imagine someone huffing and stomping their foot.

I have to be fair and give waiting a chance (cheesy again?). I found great comfort in these positive synonyms: Rest. Prepare for. Hope. Do you feel the blossom of content in your heart when you hear those words. I have to admit I do. A sweet and simple sigh of relief it brings me.

Waiting is often tied to the thought that we are wasting time if we are forced to wait. As a world also obsessed with time, we never like to be stopped or even slowed. It seems unfair to view waiting in the light of it being a waste. Don’t they always say “Good things come to those who wait”? I speak from a little experience and can’t sit on my pedestal bemoaning others for their lack of respect for waiting. I am no better than you or anyone else in this. It has been a thorn in my side for a long time. I’m right there with you throwing my own good old fashion tantrum.

What happens, though, when you pause to consider what good things waiting can accomplish? In my situation I have this feeling in my heart that this is what the Lord is calling me to. Does it make me want to cry? Yes most definitely. Does it make me put one hand on my hip, the other out snapping my fingers and I’m tapping my foot saying, “No siree. I’m not waiting. I’ll have mine now”? Sure, but that attitude isn’t right. Somewhat empowering yes, but self empowerment means nothing in the scheme of what the Lord has for me. I’m striving to look at the good waiting can do for me. It does feel like I’ve waited long enough, but I’ve known others who’ve waited longer. I’m sure others after me we’ll endure the same struggle. Think back to those words; Rest. Prepare for. Hope. If tomorrow, next week, next month or even in the next hour what I’m waiting for comes don’t I want to be prepared? I can’t expect or even hope that I”m ready for the battle if I keep digging, what I call, my waiting hole.

I know I sound like, perhaps, I have it all figured out. Don’t be fooled. This attitude doesn’t come over night and certainly is hard to maintain. I sometimes lay in bed complaining to the Lord or in the morning looking in the mirror having to convince myself all over again. The one thing that really has me convinced and coming back for more, though, is prayer. I think waiting is darn near impossible without it. Prayer has always been a struggle for me. The Lord already knows all my thoughts, but to be obedient I’m called to bring things before Him. Pouring things out to him seems private and pitiful. It sometimes feels as though all I pray about are the bad things. Makes the world seem more unbearable than it was before. However, deep down I know the Lord wants to hear from me, no matter what.

I’m reading (book being mentioned!) George Muller’s autobiography right now. He had such an awesome prayer life. It makes me feel small in comparison. I will let you in on a secret, though. Since I’ve started reading it the waiting has seemed a better idea and I want to pray more. Today I’m sitting in the shop thinking I would really like to sit and “talk with God” all day. I’ve never had that feeling and if you knew more about the past couple of years, you’d be staring at me with your mouth opened in astonishment.

Everyday has its ups and downs, its own personal set of struggles. I know today I sound, well convinced and encouraged. I also know tomorrow might not be like that. I sound fatalistic I know, but I’m learning if today is good and tomorrow is bad, I praise the Lord for both and lean on him that much more on the bad days.

Last note after this accidentally very long blog post. I looked up lots of scripture about waiting. I know waiting also makes people cringe because it makes them think of patience (Oh the horror), but I only looked up waiting verses. I will give the references for all and post my favorite (even though they are all good).

Psalm 27:14
Wait for the Lord, be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.

Job 14:14; Psalm 33:20 & 21; Psalm 130:5 & 6; Isaiah 30:18; Romans 8:23 & 25

It Sung the Song of my heart....Music

(Note: I wrote this Saturday night, January 15, and am just now getting around to posting it....sorry)

It is easy, common place, to find your area of expertise in writing and stick to it. Branching out and embracing subjects that aren't necessarily your forte is the true challenge. At times I shrink away from these unfamiliar territories and other times I look forward to a new subject. I typically write about books and movies. I've written about music in the past and tried to sound as though I knew what I was talking about. I don't think it worked out too well for me. I'm up to trying again though.

Music has been on my mind lately. I've always liked it. Whether it be listening or dancing, it literally feels as though it flows through my veins. That is a great feeling. Music has long been about the beat, the sound, the feeling it gives me. My friend always would go on and on about this or that song having amazing lyrics. I would just look at her like she was smoking something. Sure I would sing along with the words, but paying close attention to what was actually being said wasn't important to me. Music after all is about the sound, right, not the words?

However, I have started to really listen and appreciate what is being said in the music I listen to. When you stop to process what is being sung you connect on a new level with the music. Certain songs you play more because now their lyrics touch on what you're feeling, what you're going through at that very moment. Some songs feel like they were written with my life situations in mind. I have a strong desire to claim them as my own, royalty check perhaps?

Stumbled across this gem about a month ago and I can't stop playing it. The song is simple, but it puts my feelings out there so much better than I could.

Sleepless by Until June
(excerpt)

Did you ever love someone
So much you couldn't bear the thought of losing them
Well I remember the sleepless nights
When I'd lie awake
If only I could tell you how I feel
....
Well I would walk around the earth
To have another chance with you
Spend the evening, painting thoughts of all you do
Well I remember the sleepless nights
When I'd lie awake
If only I could tell you how I feel

I'm already humming the song, pondering what it means to me.

When you gain this new perspective of music your ears are on constant alert. Listening, learning and even frightening yourself at times to what you never took the time to hear. A good beat is just that good, but we get too wrapped up with that, that the music continues to lose its flair (Hence the downward spiral of music today.) Words are powerful.

Safe to Say by Vanna
(excerpt)

I'll leave my heart there by your bedside
If you swear that your eyes won't stray
To be honest, I've been hoping
To find the words to say

I'll leave my heart there by your bedside
If you swear that your eyes won't stray
And honestly, honestly
I only let go for the sake of you

Ask anyone close to me, I abhor modern poetry. There is a yucky taste it leaves in my mouth, to say nothing about the writing style. "I can't like it." However, the more I listen, really listen, to music I realize that these musicians out there are the next wave of poets. I don't know if they know it, but they are.

A hundred years ago lovers would exchange verse with one another. They would even quote famous poets in letters or memorize lines to capture the attention of their lucky man or woman. What do we do today? Another friend told me recently she used to spend hours making mix tapes (CDs) for guys. These collections are work. Thoughts and heart are poured into what is being put out there for another person to hear. Yes you aren't the writer of these "modern poems," but you're putting a piece of you into it. The songs meant something to you and you're hoping and praying the lucky receiver realizes what it means. Wake up! The songs, music, lyrics are this generations whispered love poem.

If I'm James Dean, You're Audrey Hepburn by Sleeping with Sirens
(excerpt)

They say that love is forever
Your forever is all that I need
Please stay as long as you need
Can't promise that things won't be broken
But I swear that I will never leave
Please stay forever with me

I feel like there was more I wanted to say. It is late, after 12, and my mind is on shut down. I'm almost tempted to get online and gobble up some more lyrics. I am becoming a lyric junky and to make matters worse my iPod is full. I even discovered how to put lyrics on my iPod so I can read and listen. This may end up being bad just because it takes up space, but I can't help myself.

A quick playlist I've thrown together for this post (the lyrics are great of course):

- Mariella by Kate Nash
- These Walls by Trapt
- The Funeral by Band of Horses
- Jolene by Ray LaMontagne
- Rise & Fall by Carlotta
- Eyes on Fire by Blue Foundation
- Safe to Say by Vanna
- 9 Crimes by Damien Rice
- Innocent Tears by David Thornton
- CrushCrushCrush by Paramore
- Cough Syrup by Young the Giant
- Sleepless by Until June
- Winter Winds by Mumford & Sons
- Audience by Cold War Kids

Oh I could add so many more! :)

One last recommendation before I let you off to LISTEN to music. The Bible has beautiful poetry (and wisdom) all throughout. I have recently read the book of Ecclesiastes twice. It is becoming my favorite book of the Bible. I may even be reading it again soon. Read it, ponder some and be prepared for perhaps not the most encouraging read, but certainly thought provoking.

Ecclesiastes 7:29
This only have I found: God made mankind upright, but men have gone in search of many schemes.

Yes...You Heard Me Right

I’m told I enjoy shocking others when I do or say things, in other words I like shock value. Part of me does an evil chuckle to myself, the kind you hear evil dictators bent on taking over the world make. The other part of me is upset and confused, a little of the “who me?”going on. I’m here to shock you today or some could say get your blood a ‘boilin. Did you know that many people (nearly everyone), yourself included, are voyeurs? The silence comes now. Can you hear the pen drop in the background? I came to this thought after recently watching the TV mini series The Pillars of the Earth based on the book by Ken Follett.

A few things drew me to watch this; One, Rufus Sewell is a great actor and very handsome. Two, I had heard the book was really good. Three, History. Kings and Queens fighting for the crown, the ever enduring “entertainment” of the monarchy, is a period I like reading about and watching. While The Pillars of the Earth was amazing in the context of paying attention to historical detail and a great cast there was a turn-off. Can you guess it? No? Come on yes you can! Oh fine, still upset about the voyeur slam? Sex. It had lots of sex in it. The scenes were not done in good taste. They were so graphic that I had to minimize the screen and take my headphones off (watching movies online, I can’t fast forward).

What was the point of these scenes, hmm...? Why must I and everyone be subjected to such lustful ignitors? There are always the “behind closed doors” romance scenes where they pan away from the couple kissing to waves crashing against the shore. Hello movie maker’s (and authors) we know what’s happening you don’t need to show our imaginations what to imagine! These types of scenes are wrong for us to have playing over and over in our heads and even appearing later on to “haunt” us.

What am I getting at, you might be asking? You the movie watcher or book reader to some degree (you hate to admit it) enjoy and are even fascinated by such scenes. I’ll be honest I can’t claim to be completely guilt free myself. Have you ever looked up voyeur in the dictionary? I hadn’t either before today. Voyeur means: One who is sexually gratified by looking at sexual objects or acts. That definition is from a 1985 edition. When I looked it up in an older dictionary (my beloved 1942 edition) the definition read; One who obtains gratification from seeing sexual objects, acts, or scenes. This definition seems more fitting. Hmm... Then I looked up the synonyms in a 2003 Thesaurus (I’ve yet to find an older edition). Synonyms: Pervert, Spy, Peeping Tom, Watcher. Wow! Pervert? Spy? Watcher? Peeping Tom? Wait though, I then looked up synonyms for pervert. Nouns: Sex Freak, Sadist, Masochist. Verbs: Corrupt, Misuse. Adverbs: Depraved, Twisted, Unnatural. Sex Freak? Corrupt? Misuse? Twisted? Unnatural?

Once we break voyeur down it makes more sense. We tend to chuckle when we hear of someone being a Peeping Tom, a harmless nickname for a truly depraved action. We don’t even begin to think that we are ourselves are guilty of such corrupt things. When we watch a movie or read a book with sexual scenes in them, what are we doing then? What goes on in the bedroom, between a man and a woman, is scared, holy even (in the right context). We tarnish this by gaining our own gratification for the sake of entertainment by watching such things. We become enthralled and can’t take our eyes away. We become voyeurs. We can always point the finger at others when they’re caught with pornography and think of them with disgust, but how much worse are we when what we do is already socially accepted? I’ve had it described to me like this: When we see a train wreak, we just can’t help watching it. Our minds are drawn to the unnatural, to the so called excitement of a horrific act. I’m not sure why, except maybe because we always need the adrenaline rush that these things bring. Maybe we are trying to fill a void that becomes bigger the more we try to fill it with such twisted forms of entertainment. These entertainments unfortunately are becoming increasingly acceptable and thrown at us more. We are becoming, no we are already desensitized. Stop, turn you eyes from the train wreck. Do you want someone watching your death? Worse yet do you want someone watching you in the act of a sacred and private moment? Then why is it okay for you to be a voyeur, whether you’d admit it or not?

People may view me as trying to ram Christianity down their throats and while that prospect is somewhat enticing (evil smile), I’m not. I’ll leave you with this scripture not to bash you over the head, ram down your throat, or some other form of Christian brutality, but to encourage you with wisdom from God's word:

James 1:14 (KJV)
But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.

Matthew 15:19 (KJV)
For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander.

1 Thessalonians 4:7-8 (KJV)
For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness. He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath also given unto us his holy Spirit.

Quick Blurb

Last night I was up until 11:30, which is way past my bedtime. I know that is not very late, but because I get up early sleep unfortunately is precious. I was up late finishing the last book for the month of September. Did I make it to 15 books? Sadly no I did not, however I was close. I read 4 more books since the last list I posted, making for a total 12 books read for the month! This means next month I have to read 18 instead of only 15. Any quick good reads you want to recommend are very welcome. Last 4 books for the month listed below.

9. Better Than Life by Daniel Pennac
10. The Night Dance by Suzanne Weyn
11. Before Midnight by Cameron Dokey
12. Beauty Sleep by Cameron Dokey

The book Better Than Life was a great read for book lovers. It might even inspire a love of books where there was none before. I want to read it again, but I need to buy it first.

I can’t say the same for 10-12. I didn’t really like any of them. It may have had to do with the fact my mind was so set on finishing them fast that I didn’t take time to really enjoy reading them. I’m not sure. These 3 books were also part of the Once Upon A Time Series I mentioned previously.

How is this for a short post?

No quote of the day, instead scripture that was encouraging to me today.

Scripture of the day:

2 Timothy 1:12 (NIV)
That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day.