Molly Mormon rides again

I helped at a funeral this week. The assigned sisters arrived at about 9am to put paper on the tables (already set up the night before), to roll the plasticware into napkins, put out the cups, etc. By 9:30 the food started to arrive. The fridge filled up with jello salads (not one was green), tossed salads (those were) and dressings. The ovens were full of "funeral potatoes" and roast beef that had been left over from a stake High Priest's social the week before. The counters had stacks of dish cloths and ziplock bags among the cakes and rolls. While the sisters waited for the funeral to finish, they cleaned out the cupboards and sorted through homeless dishes. I led the music at the funeral. When the family returned from the cemetery, they were quickly able to sit down to a lovely meal. This scene is typical of Relief Society service. It's been perfected over time and practice. Peggy, the octogenarian chairperson, has been doing this for many years. Even though she's suffering with kidney failure, she wouldn't allow anyone else to take over her job. We tried to ease her workload where we could. Even so, it was nearing 3:30 when I escorted her and her pile of dirty towels etc. to her car. It made me think about the way people truly care for each other in the Kingdom. Peggy and I are visiting teaching partners. The lady who died was one of ours. "I'm showing her my love by my actions," Peggy told me. "It is my final service to her." Just because it's incredibly common, we should never take for granted the sweet loving service of good women. Have you thanked those who serve you, lately?

Stress

I was thinking about the different tactics I use to combat stress. (I just got called into the ward RS presidency, there's tons of activities, events, assignments and demands on me this month anyhow. Even before the call) So, that's the whyfore. It's a goofy list:
1. I cut my hair
2. I pretend there is nothing to do and read a book
3. I eat too much (that must be a fairly common strategy)
4. I exercise
5. I clean house
6. I sing
Obviously, some of these strategies are wiser than others. What do you do? What do you recommend?
I know people who
shop
sleep
yell at somebody
literally make themselves sick thus escaping the stressful responsibility
write rude letters
Surely one can choose to be wiser once one identifies one's personal list?

The "Twilight" Books

First, I admit to being very skeptical about any book featuring vampires being acceptable reading. But, since Shannon, who is just as persnickety as I, virtually insisted (she bought me the book as a gift), I gave in and read. I was surprised. Now that the series is completed, I will do a book review on the set:
These are the modern equivalent of the gothic novel, the "Wuthering Heights" of our time, if you will. The heroine is likable, flawed, and develops through the book into strength, beauty and maturity. The hero is dangerous, mysterious, and handsome beyond the value of our mousy narrator. But somehow, he loves her. He "saves" her, from all threats and from her own insecurities. There is a moral theme. Like the Bronte books, or Daphne du Maurier, Victoria Holt, etc., girls eat it up. Guys tolerate it at best.
That said, what about the other stuff? I categorize it as fantasy, rather than occult. It never offended me. However, I did find the violence a bit graphic. This is not appropriate reading for the young. The sensuality is intoxicating to the romantic female, but, again, stops short of being offensive because it never crosses the line--sex doesn't happen till after the wedding, and the details are carefully controlled.
Personally, I liked the story. I'm a first class Romantic. But it doesn't thrall me like the younger women I know. Much like the still younger girl obsesses over Disney princesses, their hearts are still vulnerable to the "dream come true" story. And this one is well done. I would not go so far as to "recommend" it; but I allow it in my home library. Frankly, I like Harry Potter better.

Yard sale mania

I would be stupid not to recognize a good opportunity. People love to "Yard Sale." It's a popular sport. But usually, the participants are not the same group as those who buy fine art. I'm hoping to create a cross-breed this weekend. I'm having a yard sale for fine art. Yup, putting paintings and prints out in the front yard with sale stickers meant to entice the bargain shopper. We're also selling some books--duplicate titles and lesser greats.

I used to do this once a year in Rock Springs. Certain "collectors" came every time. I knew if I painted up some ornaments with snowmen, they would all sell. Here, I've only done something like that in a group, with the Artist Guild. So... you ought to tell your neighbors. Come on over yourselves (relatives get treats and free books). I'm getting rid of older stuff--truly fabulous deals--up to 75% off wholesale prices. It will be interesting to see what happens.

Plucking a Primeval Chord?

There's something about the arts that draws people in, like moths to light. I finally identified this yesterday when our Artist Guild went on a painting expedition in Rock Canyon together. This place gets loads of hikers, climbers and families looking for outdoor fun. So when we set up a half-dozen easels and started to paint beside the traffic path, the traffic took detours to view and talk about our art. Even before I had put one stroke of paint onto the canvas, there were 6-8 young BYU types eagerly chatting and milling about my table. And there was nothing to see! In fact, the chatting really slowed me down. Took me forever to get started on the painting, since I'm not as good at doing 2 things at once, any more.

I think people are fascinated by creative process. Deep down people respond to beauty, and there is a pull towards anything that celebrates Heavenly Father's glory. At least that's my interpretation. It can't just be curiosity. That causes a pause, but not a full stop. These passersby were ENGAGED in our art. They wanted to be part of the story.

Second Childhood

I love toy castles and stuffed animals, dolls and tiny furniture. I prefer children's literature. I like swings and sidewalk art. I take out my wand and do "magic." I dress up--even when grandkids aren't around. I went out in the front yard last Sunday evening and invited the little neighbor boy to come over and toss ladybug-beanbags at the painted sunflower board with me. (Pretty soon his 3 other brothers had joined us). When we travel, I like to visit toy stores. In Portland, I bought a stuffed bush baby and a hedgehog. I spend hours every few weeks changing the outfits on all my dolls. The only thing that worries me about this is that I have apparently passed on this eternal childhood syndrome to certain of my kids. I'm not sure their spouses completely appreciate it. But one thing for sure, I know how to have fun with nothing more than a big box (I just need a bigger box than I used to). Surely that's not all bad?

Summertime Stuff

I love Summer. I love the sounds of lawnmowers and kids squealing while they run through the sprinklers. I love summer sunsets and sunrises and twilights. I love all the holidays and picnics and hikings and vacations. But most of all, I love to be warm. Yes, even hot. It's what says "summer" loudest of all. I love to feel dangerously close to being sunburned. I love to be so hot that my scalp itches. I love to take off my shoes and and all but the barest layer to nearly nude and still be warm enough. It IS summer!
Steve says, this is what will tell people that I am crazy. Now they only suspect it. Now they'll know. Am I?