I read a chapter in "the ragamuffin gospel" this morning while I was enjoying the coolness of the breeze blowing through my open window, and I came across this (read below) written on a piece of paper, being used as a bookmark. I believe I wrote it (read below) in response to something in the book. Religion can be understood herein as an institution of laws and regulations. Here you go:
Religion can be a crutch when it is something to be at home and secure in. When we find confidence and seek solace in the religion of Christianity, we don't need grace.
Finding our home in Christ is much more bare and exposed--we must know ourselves in complete honesty, and knowing how secure His love is for us. We get to see ourselves as He does, and in that perfect love is home. But it's a leap into vulnerability.
It's unnatural to put that much faith in love, because we don't believe we are deserving of it.
31.5.03
30.5.03
I just thought I'd share with you all a particularily brilliant excerpt from Bill Bryson's, "I'm A Stranger Here Myself."
This is from an article about Christmas decorating.
"...It is at this point that you realize you have no idea where the Christmas tree stand is. So, sighing, you hike up to town to the hardware store to buy another, knowing that for the next three weeks all the Christmas tree stands you have ever purchased--twenty five in all, one for each Christmas of your adulthood--will spontaneously reappear, mostly by dropping onto your head from a high shelf when you are rooting in the bottom of a closet, but occasionally taking up positions in the middle of darkened rooms or near the top of the hall stairs. If you don't know it already, know it now: Christmas tree stands are the work of the devil and they want you dead."
Well, it had me laughing out loud.
HA ah ha ahaa AH ha ahaha ahaa!
(lol)
This is from an article about Christmas decorating.
"...It is at this point that you realize you have no idea where the Christmas tree stand is. So, sighing, you hike up to town to the hardware store to buy another, knowing that for the next three weeks all the Christmas tree stands you have ever purchased--twenty five in all, one for each Christmas of your adulthood--will spontaneously reappear, mostly by dropping onto your head from a high shelf when you are rooting in the bottom of a closet, but occasionally taking up positions in the middle of darkened rooms or near the top of the hall stairs. If you don't know it already, know it now: Christmas tree stands are the work of the devil and they want you dead."
Well, it had me laughing out loud.
HA ah ha ahaa AH ha ahaha ahaa!
(lol)
further notes on sasquatch:
::HONEY BUCKETS RULE!!!!
::running out of T.P. does not.
::T.P. REFILLER GUY RULES!
::So do the ladies who watch out for their own kind.
::Gratuitous bikini wearage does NOT rule.
::Wearing clothing does.
::Jo! takes great photos.
::Nakedness (but not really) is funny.
::James painted blue makes my day. And he looks damn fine!
::Water is good.
::Friendship is better than Flaming Lips.
::Coldplay wins.
::HONEY BUCKETS RULE!!!!
::running out of T.P. does not.
::T.P. REFILLER GUY RULES!
::So do the ladies who watch out for their own kind.
::Gratuitous bikini wearage does NOT rule.
::Wearing clothing does.
::Jo! takes great photos.
::Nakedness (but not really) is funny.
::James painted blue makes my day. And he looks damn fine!
::Water is good.
::Friendship is better than Flaming Lips.
::Coldplay wins.
On my dts there was a married couple from Alaska. Today, via email, I received 2 pictures of them and the incredible results of a recent fishing trip.
They are so hardcore.
On another note, sad daycare kid, it turns out, had an absessed (?) tooth! So he wasn't sad, so much as in pain. He missed school yesterday, but was back today. We sat in the field together for 20 mins or so, and he just talked to me. It was great.
Funny how during the course of my average day, a good percentage of the quality conversation and fun times I have are with persons 9 years old and under.
They are so hardcore.
On another note, sad daycare kid, it turns out, had an absessed (?) tooth! So he wasn't sad, so much as in pain. He missed school yesterday, but was back today. We sat in the field together for 20 mins or so, and he just talked to me. It was great.
Funny how during the course of my average day, a good percentage of the quality conversation and fun times I have are with persons 9 years old and under.
28.5.03
I always sign in, all psyched and ready to relate to you the events of my day, and then they all slip my mind, and I'm left with NOTHING!
Oh man.
well...today a daycare kid tried to beat me up. And he could've, because he's an angry little sucker. But he didn't. HEh heh.
One of my favourite kids, a boy who is just awesome, was on the verge of tears all afternoon. He is such a small child, but when he was looking sad, but trying to be strong, he just looked tiny. And I wished I could give him a hug and hold him, but I don't know that he'd appreciate that so much. So I just sat with him, asked some questions, and tried to be a generally calming presence. He said he'd tell his mom and dad what was bugging him, and that was good to hear.
But it was really sad.
On an up note, God forgives me for stuff that I do that's wrong. So that's cool.
And I bought some white stretch jeans @ old navy. And a little pink shirt. The jeans came with a blue cloth belt. I like it.
Oh man.
well...today a daycare kid tried to beat me up. And he could've, because he's an angry little sucker. But he didn't. HEh heh.
One of my favourite kids, a boy who is just awesome, was on the verge of tears all afternoon. He is such a small child, but when he was looking sad, but trying to be strong, he just looked tiny. And I wished I could give him a hug and hold him, but I don't know that he'd appreciate that so much. So I just sat with him, asked some questions, and tried to be a generally calming presence. He said he'd tell his mom and dad what was bugging him, and that was good to hear.
But it was really sad.
On an up note, God forgives me for stuff that I do that's wrong. So that's cool.
And I bought some white stretch jeans @ old navy. And a little pink shirt. The jeans came with a blue cloth belt. I like it.
26.5.03
Speaking of the Motel Inn in San Luis Obispo, California:
"Built in 1925 in the Spanish colonial style much beloved by restaurant owners, Zorro, and almost no one else..."
I'll give you the rest of that sentence later. But this part you've just read, it took me about 6 or 7 read-throughs to get it...and then one more, just now as I was typing it, brought about the true understanding.
Here's the rest of the sentence...
"...it sits in the shadow of a busy elevated freeway amid a cluster of gas stations, fast-food outlets, and other, more modern motor inns."
Please do let me know if you experienced any similar troubles.
And before you mock too much, I am rather sleepy...
"Built in 1925 in the Spanish colonial style much beloved by restaurant owners, Zorro, and almost no one else..."
I'll give you the rest of that sentence later. But this part you've just read, it took me about 6 or 7 read-throughs to get it...and then one more, just now as I was typing it, brought about the true understanding.
Here's the rest of the sentence...
"...it sits in the shadow of a busy elevated freeway amid a cluster of gas stations, fast-food outlets, and other, more modern motor inns."
Please do let me know if you experienced any similar troubles.
And before you mock too much, I am rather sleepy...
25.5.03
22.5.03
Hey hey hey!
Just a quick welcome to those linking up from the new busted hearts site...
Go here yes, here! to check it out!
Happy reading! Check out maplewood lane @ the Railway club tonight @ 9:45pm as part of new music west.
WORD!
Just a quick welcome to those linking up from the new busted hearts site...
Go here yes, here! to check it out!
Happy reading! Check out maplewood lane @ the Railway club tonight @ 9:45pm as part of new music west.
WORD!
21.5.03
Sorry about the lack of blogging, yo. Life is busy.
I'm putting together "the Melinda Appenheimer EP"...a 5 song disc of tracks from "Life Worth Living" to give away @ new music west, and sasquatch. Of course I can only afford to burn about 60...but that's okay. Why? Because I am exhausted so everything is okay.
Well...g'nite.
I'm putting together "the Melinda Appenheimer EP"...a 5 song disc of tracks from "Life Worth Living" to give away @ new music west, and sasquatch. Of course I can only afford to burn about 60...but that's okay. Why? Because I am exhausted so everything is okay.
Well...g'nite.
18.5.03
Today's blog title..."This Girl Thinks"
Not too shabby.
Well...Happy Birthday to me! I'm 21 now...yikes. Yay...hmm.
And my littlest sister just turned 13!!! WOW!!! She's a teen now. No more baby sister stuff. Yikes. Yay...hmm.
Today I made plans for "life worth living...the EP", to be given out @ New Music West. I just need to choose the 5 songs, and get the graphics from Jo!
Scary stuff, this. I'm thinking though...if I want to get "somewhere" with my music career, I'd best get over this paralyzing shyness/awkardness. I don't think it helps much.
Got any tips?
Not too shabby.
Well...Happy Birthday to me! I'm 21 now...yikes. Yay...hmm.
And my littlest sister just turned 13!!! WOW!!! She's a teen now. No more baby sister stuff. Yikes. Yay...hmm.
Today I made plans for "life worth living...the EP", to be given out @ New Music West. I just need to choose the 5 songs, and get the graphics from Jo!
Scary stuff, this. I'm thinking though...if I want to get "somewhere" with my music career, I'd best get over this paralyzing shyness/awkardness. I don't think it helps much.
Got any tips?
15.5.03
13.5.03
I was watching a movie called, "Welcome to Collinwood" (bizarre, but so funny...especially with Ash, Roger, Kirstin, Jo and Ben[my brother]) last night. And there was a certain line which has sent my heart spiralling into turmoil. Summer is coming, as are memories of last, which sometimes seems like yesterday. The coolness of a basement when you enter from the glare of the hot sun, the smell of sunscreen, the carefree feeling of driving down and open road, sunroof open, talking away as Jo listens like only she can.
The line was, "I like you." Simple, straightforward, but it's killing me. As it did, way back when...last July.
On another note, RACHAEL IS HOME!!!! YAY!!!! Party Party Party for her @ Jericho Beach tomorrow night. Come on down!
Party Party Party Party Party Party for me on Friday night. Comment and leave an email for info. Especially J-Sun. And Ben.
From Proverbs...somewhere..
"The heart is foolish above all things; who can understand it?"
The line was, "I like you." Simple, straightforward, but it's killing me. As it did, way back when...last July.
On another note, RACHAEL IS HOME!!!! YAY!!!! Party Party Party for her @ Jericho Beach tomorrow night. Come on down!
Party Party Party Party Party Party for me on Friday night. Comment and leave an email for info. Especially J-Sun. And Ben.
From Proverbs...somewhere..
"The heart is foolish above all things; who can understand it?"
11.5.03
this weekend...
- i got a speeding ticket to the tune of $173 (not my favourite song).
- saturday it was really, really sunny.
- got my mum a cool present.
- Sunday morning, james and chris didn't show up. Guitar and bass, respectively.
- my bro played bass; liz and larry played violin.
- i got to play my gretsch. i had fun fiddling with the buttons to find the sound i wanted.
- i came home, ate hot dogs, and listenened to imr. Song 10...I forget the title...is my current favourite. I wish I could write like that.
The eNd.
p.s. ben's jazz band plays @ 'the hot jazz club' (now called 'mainstream' i believe) on main @ about 8pm. Come on out, yo. It's $5, all ages...blah blah blah.
- i got a speeding ticket to the tune of $173 (not my favourite song).
- saturday it was really, really sunny.
- got my mum a cool present.
- Sunday morning, james and chris didn't show up. Guitar and bass, respectively.
- my bro played bass; liz and larry played violin.
- i got to play my gretsch. i had fun fiddling with the buttons to find the sound i wanted.
- i came home, ate hot dogs, and listenened to imr. Song 10...I forget the title...is my current favourite. I wish I could write like that.
The eNd.
p.s. ben's jazz band plays @ 'the hot jazz club' (now called 'mainstream' i believe) on main @ about 8pm. Come on out, yo. It's $5, all ages...blah blah blah.
8.5.03
wow.
'of what was' is one of the most beautiful albums I've ever heard.
I fell asleep to it last night, close to tears.
Music is my language. I think it's so much a part of me, I don't even notice it sometimes. But it's a big part of how I see, experience, and live in the world. It's the universal language, apparently. That's what they tell me. It has power, for good or evil, depending. But for some it's a life force.
That's the sense I get in listening to imr's album.
Having heard the songs on crappy sound systems in venues with bad acoustics, and on good sound systems in better venues, but never getting the clarity a studio can produce, the album is awesome. It's beautiful.
Add all that onto being so proud of ash, andwer, steve and ryan, just as their friend--watching them work and practice and run after this thing they want, using the gifts they've been given--put it all together, and you've got me close to tears.
And so, I cry, with joy streaming down the creases made by time. Perhaps a heart jaded, through times of darkness faded, brought to light by grace...and hand held out in rescue.
And a few good tunes to keep the beat along the way.
'of what was' is one of the most beautiful albums I've ever heard.
I fell asleep to it last night, close to tears.
Music is my language. I think it's so much a part of me, I don't even notice it sometimes. But it's a big part of how I see, experience, and live in the world. It's the universal language, apparently. That's what they tell me. It has power, for good or evil, depending. But for some it's a life force.
That's the sense I get in listening to imr's album.
Having heard the songs on crappy sound systems in venues with bad acoustics, and on good sound systems in better venues, but never getting the clarity a studio can produce, the album is awesome. It's beautiful.
Add all that onto being so proud of ash, andwer, steve and ryan, just as their friend--watching them work and practice and run after this thing they want, using the gifts they've been given--put it all together, and you've got me close to tears.
And so, I cry, with joy streaming down the creases made by time. Perhaps a heart jaded, through times of darkness faded, brought to light by grace...and hand held out in rescue.
And a few good tunes to keep the beat along the way.
7.5.03
It was one of those moments you'll never forget. Or I'll never forget. Like seeing the Beatles on Ed Sullivan.
Hearing In Medias Res on the Fox.
11pm, May 6, 2003.
The DJ totally said their name wrong.
"This band is releasing their album tomorrow night @ Mesa Luna's...blah blah blah...'in madeas res'...phonetically it's 'in medias res', but pronounced 'in madeas res'. It's a latin term, too much for my caveman brain to handle. Anyway, from their upcoming release 'Of What Was', here is 'Wise Investor'...."
*strangely enough, this song was once titled 'radio friendly'*.
OH WoW!
It was so good! It IS so good!
And I'll remember I heard it with Pete (Grizzly Pete, that is), Laura Brook, Chris and Justin Nichols (farting like there was no tomorrow...eww....), and Chonger. In Pete's big, black Ford truck, outside Timmy Ho's, Marine Drive, North Van.
That's all folks.
P.S...to Ash, Andwer, STeve, Ryan (and all who helped you with this album too!) ... WOW! AMAZING! THe passion and intensity of the live, with the perfection possible only in studio.
I am so proud of you. I really am.
Hearing In Medias Res on the Fox.
11pm, May 6, 2003.
The DJ totally said their name wrong.
"This band is releasing their album tomorrow night @ Mesa Luna's...blah blah blah...'in madeas res'...phonetically it's 'in medias res', but pronounced 'in madeas res'. It's a latin term, too much for my caveman brain to handle. Anyway, from their upcoming release 'Of What Was', here is 'Wise Investor'...."
*strangely enough, this song was once titled 'radio friendly'*.
OH WoW!
It was so good! It IS so good!
And I'll remember I heard it with Pete (Grizzly Pete, that is), Laura Brook, Chris and Justin Nichols (farting like there was no tomorrow...eww....), and Chonger. In Pete's big, black Ford truck, outside Timmy Ho's, Marine Drive, North Van.
That's all folks.
P.S...to Ash, Andwer, STeve, Ryan (and all who helped you with this album too!) ... WOW! AMAZING! THe passion and intensity of the live, with the perfection possible only in studio.
I am so proud of you. I really am.
5.5.03
The Epic Weekend of May 3-5, 2003.
...As it was becoming Friday morning, I sat in Cafe Deux Soleils listening to the amazing Mark Berube, with Mike Liston on bass, and Mike Simpson on drums.
...Friday evening, Neal and I headed to Langley to get Nicole, speaking of our upcoming summer of Deckhand directing all the way.
...NICOLE!
...Back to my house to fill out her dts application.
...An insanely misguided search for the Sugar Refinery. We get there to hear Familly Man(n?) and the Parlour Steps (who were blowing the sound system to bits). Huzzah for the nachos!!!
...Saturday morning "sleep-in". I remember once during the night I rolled over and put my arm out...only to realize I'd hit Nicole in the head. Whooops.
...Bussing FOREVER to Granville, and then shopping!! HERE'S THE COOL PART!
me: 1 pair baby blue converse high tops (camouflage), 1 baby blue 3-row studded belt (the rock shop).
wallet: zero $$
stores: one happy customer.
...I took the skytrain for the 1st time in YEARS! Just from Granville to Waterfront Station.
...Richmond Center Mall for...banking and shopping for Joanna. But then...
...Old Navy SUCKED me in and got me to buy a green shirt...and then my mom bought me clamdiggers (blue) and a shirt (white and blue striped).
...Onto Transit where the score became...
me: 1 denim/leather bag 1/2 price!, 3 headbands (buy 2 get 1 free).
wallet: zero $$ (I'd refilled).
store: one VERY happy, fool...I mean customer.
...Sunday morning I led worship and had a great day driving the "new" 1984 hatchback, 2 door, "Hondamatic" Honda Civic belonging to ME...my dad, Joanna, Mum, and Ben. *sighs*. But I got to drive it!
OKAY that's all. imr CD release on Wednesday @ Mesa Luna's. Be there...or be...somewhere lame.
...As it was becoming Friday morning, I sat in Cafe Deux Soleils listening to the amazing Mark Berube, with Mike Liston on bass, and Mike Simpson on drums.
...Friday evening, Neal and I headed to Langley to get Nicole, speaking of our upcoming summer of Deckhand directing all the way.
...NICOLE!
...Back to my house to fill out her dts application.
...An insanely misguided search for the Sugar Refinery. We get there to hear Familly Man(n?) and the Parlour Steps (who were blowing the sound system to bits). Huzzah for the nachos!!!
...Saturday morning "sleep-in". I remember once during the night I rolled over and put my arm out...only to realize I'd hit Nicole in the head. Whooops.
...Bussing FOREVER to Granville, and then shopping!! HERE'S THE COOL PART!
me: 1 pair baby blue converse high tops (camouflage), 1 baby blue 3-row studded belt (the rock shop).
wallet: zero $$
stores: one happy customer.
...I took the skytrain for the 1st time in YEARS! Just from Granville to Waterfront Station.
...Richmond Center Mall for...banking and shopping for Joanna. But then...
...Old Navy SUCKED me in and got me to buy a green shirt...and then my mom bought me clamdiggers (blue) and a shirt (white and blue striped).
...Onto Transit where the score became...
me: 1 denim/leather bag 1/2 price!, 3 headbands (buy 2 get 1 free).
wallet: zero $$ (I'd refilled).
store: one VERY happy, fool...I mean customer.
...Sunday morning I led worship and had a great day driving the "new" 1984 hatchback, 2 door, "Hondamatic" Honda Civic belonging to ME...my dad, Joanna, Mum, and Ben. *sighs*. But I got to drive it!
OKAY that's all. imr CD release on Wednesday @ Mesa Luna's. Be there...or be...somewhere lame.
SASQUATCH Artists!
*Main Stage*
Coldplay
Flaming Lips
Jurassic 5
Modest Mouse
Neko Case
Death Cab For Cutie
Liz Phair
Jason Mraz
Maktub
Eisley
DJ Cherry Canoe
El Vez (master of ceremonies)
Circus Contraption
*Plaza Stage*
The Music
Calexico
My Morning Jacket
Joseph Arthur
Pedro the Lion
Sam Roberts
Kathleen Edwards
Ron Sexsmith
Minus the Bear
The Thermals
*Front Gate Stage*
Patrick Park
Reclinerland
Brandi Carlile
Audio Learning Center
The Pale
Damien Rice
*Main Stage*
Coldplay
Flaming Lips
Jurassic 5
Modest Mouse
Neko Case
Death Cab For Cutie
Liz Phair
Jason Mraz
Maktub
Eisley
DJ Cherry Canoe
El Vez (master of ceremonies)
Circus Contraption
*Plaza Stage*
The Music
Calexico
My Morning Jacket
Joseph Arthur
Pedro the Lion
Sam Roberts
Kathleen Edwards
Ron Sexsmith
Minus the Bear
The Thermals
*Front Gate Stage*
Patrick Park
Reclinerland
Brandi Carlile
Audio Learning Center
The Pale
Damien Rice
2.5.03
"Wookified musings" and "riting on the wall".
Not so brilliant, but they stuck out.
Where do people get the inspiration (or non inspiration) for their blog titles?
Last night I went to choir after work. It was fun. We're doing this Benjamin Britten song called "Jubilate Deo", and it's really good. @ rehearsal, Mr.Pullan (or perhaps he's Dr.Pullan?) went through the theory of the piece, key changes and such. That was cool.
Then I went to Kits for cereal (mm...dinner) and Bible study with Mikael and Megan. We went to Chapters to find a new Bible study...nada!
I realized I really wanted to hang with Liz and Mikael, so we went and got Liz, then drove to English Bay, found FREE parking BOOYAH! and watched the dwindling twilight.
*ring, ring*
Jo is calling! Mark Berube @ Cafe Deux Soleils...OKAY!
We go...it's awesome. Mark with Mike Liston on bass (RAH!!!), and Mike Simpson on drums (really good, but I don't know him).
I had a chai tea latte, and the really cute server guy seemed annoyed that I paid with a $20. It was all I had! Come ooon!
Anyway, I need to go.
Neal is calling.
Why!?
BECAUSE WE'RE DECKHAND DIRECTING TOGETHER THIS SUMMER!!!
ha ha ha ha ha...wow.
Not so brilliant, but they stuck out.
Where do people get the inspiration (or non inspiration) for their blog titles?
Last night I went to choir after work. It was fun. We're doing this Benjamin Britten song called "Jubilate Deo", and it's really good. @ rehearsal, Mr.Pullan (or perhaps he's Dr.Pullan?) went through the theory of the piece, key changes and such. That was cool.
Then I went to Kits for cereal (mm...dinner) and Bible study with Mikael and Megan. We went to Chapters to find a new Bible study...nada!
I realized I really wanted to hang with Liz and Mikael, so we went and got Liz, then drove to English Bay, found FREE parking BOOYAH! and watched the dwindling twilight.
*ring, ring*
Jo is calling! Mark Berube @ Cafe Deux Soleils...OKAY!
We go...it's awesome. Mark with Mike Liston on bass (RAH!!!), and Mike Simpson on drums (really good, but I don't know him).
I had a chai tea latte, and the really cute server guy seemed annoyed that I paid with a $20. It was all I had! Come ooon!
Anyway, I need to go.
Neal is calling.
Why!?
BECAUSE WE'RE DECKHAND DIRECTING TOGETHER THIS SUMMER!!!
ha ha ha ha ha...wow.
