Visuals

Trying again for pictures. The first is a typical sign outside a shop. And the famous St. Stephen's Cathedral in Passau, where we were treated to the organ concert. Finally, the wonderful Marksburg Castle. We were able to tour inside! How do I even choose what to show you? We only took 1400 photographs...

The Trip

Several people have asked me what was my favorite part of our trip. I don't know how to answer that, simply. How does one isolate one glory from another? The whole thing was a series of spectacular things to see and experience. I felt my roots wake up and wave at me in the Netherlands. I wept with joy during the organ concert at St. Stephan's Cathedral in Passau. And the incredible feast of castles, villages, and vineyard vistas along the Rhine and Danube rivers was something out of a dream. History is so old in Europe. That flavors everything. And making new friends was rather a special bonus. (For some reason, I can't get this post to accept pictures. So I'll try to post them later. Meanwhile, check my facebook entries.)

Summer Art

One of the things I love most about summer is the chance to teach watercolor classes to kids. I divide up by age group and model the methods for the kids to create a complete project in each class. The kids love it. It's so satisfying to see them light up with the pride of accomplishment. Their parents are always impressed. I had some first-time participants this year, that were so enthused that their parents rearranged birthday parties in order for the kids to come back the next week. This nest image was done with a group of 9-11 yr olds. the southern Utah landscape I did "one-on-one" with a 13-yr old girl that has been a repeat student for several years. That I may produce a marketable painting is a bonus to the project. Everybody wins. And this year I also am working with a couple of adults who discovered the chance to develop their talents. Great fun! Art is so therapeutic, for any age.

Death Penalty

I'm going out on an unusual limb, here, and stating my view of capital punishment.
1. If guilty of rape or murder, and guilt is proven beyond a doubt, I believe the criminal should pay with his own life.
2. I don't approve of years of prison, appeals, and other nonsense that cost the taxpayer thousands of dollars and only mocks justice. Even when the perpetrator has "learned his lesson" or "changed his ways," justice demands retribution. When life is taken or forever altered, the only way to compensate is to give a life in return. If repentant, the person is in a better position to meet his maker, but not in a position to skip the consequences of past choices.
3. Death should be humanely delivered. But the criminal has forfeited his rights by the choices made, and is not qualified to balk at the methods or timing. And the timing should be "the sooner the better" once absolute guilt is established.
The End.

Magic

Yup, there's something magic about a new baby. These pictures are worth a thousand words. Look how eloquent!

Megan Makes Her Move

She's beautiful (we can tell by looking at her). She's smart (we can tell by the way she has her brothers already in total subjection). She's clever (we can tell because she came after 3 older brothers were in place to spoil her). She's wonderful (we can tell by the way her grandmas grin when she looks at them). She's a Paulsen (we can tell by her gorgeous dark hair and expressive eyebrows). And she's loved.

Special is the Right Word

I spent some time this week at the state Special Olympics. Our Taylor was competing in several events, which is reason enough to rejoice. But I had some sideline experiences that I hadn't anticipated.
Taylor is pretty mobile, and has a happy, normal life. Her passions can be pretty focused sometimes, and that stubbornness not always accommodating; but she is generally a delight. And when she wins a race or tosses the tennis ball further than the rest of her peers, her joy is breathtaking. It was important to be there with her for her own triumphs. But the surprise was to experience the spiritual high that this group of athletes brought to that stadium. Their combined attitude was palatable, inspiring, and incredibly touching. The trick is finding the word for it. Grit, maybe. Pure, determined, unadorned will-power. No strings attached, except maybe the ones that connect them to heaven. It rained all over Provo, Fri. But not on that stadium. It was close enough to smell. But that place stayed dry.
Dozens of volunteers assist in this event. And I can see why. It's heady stuff to be among these remarkable people. It's simply a blessing to be their friend. And I am one lucky girl to have one call me Grandma.