"Disney" for Dogs

If you asked most kids where they'd like to go for fun, Disney Land or Disney World would probably be one of their top choices. It's just a fun, happy place. If you asked my dog where he'd most like to go, he would surely answer "the dog park" for the same reason.

Toby loves the dog park! We started going to Quincy Dog Park this past summer; Toby gets so excited that he starts whining even before we turn into the drive for the park. I love it because there's always other dogs for him to run and play with. I try to take Toby there a couple times each week and I'm starting to recognize some of the other "regulars" (both dogs and owners!). We stay for about 30 minutes, just enough time to tire him out. He usually follows the same routine: sniff around first (and find some trees) and then find some other dogs to run with. I'll follow him around on the paths, sometimes walking back and forth just to keep up with him as he races around. Whenever a new dog enters the park, Toby runs back to the entrance as part of the welcoming committee.

It's so much fun to watch Toby run. He loves being chased and can make a very sharp turn to bound away from the chaser. And fast! I had no idea how fast he could run until we came to the dog park.

Anyway, I started recording him when he was running and playing because it's just so much fun to watch. So - here's Toby enjoying himself at the dog park.

What I Did on my Summer Vacation: Kitchen Remodel (part 2)

I love my finished kitchen! I did all the painting and changed the cabinet hardware, but then the professionals took over and put in new stainless steel appliances, a new countertop, subway tiled backsplash, and a new sink. 

I love the color scheme my designer suggested; it feels like a completely new kitchen. Check it out - the After pictures are first!

Gray walls with white tiled backsplash and dark countertops gives it a more modern look. My traveling souvenirs can be easily seen above the cupboards. I'm so glad Maytag has a magnetic stainless refrigerator!

Before - 

Definitely more of a country feel with navy and cream colors. It looks so dark and busy.

 

Picture Perfect

I really didn't know what I was looking for. But I found it. And I love it; it's absolutely perfect!

When I decided to remodel my kitchen, I also decided to take down everything I had on the walls - my wonderful printer box filled with little objects (I wish I had taken a picture of it, but I had planned on putting it in another room - that plan has changed, so it's now in "storage" in the basement), a spoon rack, and a collage picture frame. They were all fine, but I was ready for a new look. I needed something special for the one full wall in the kitchen/dining area.

A friend and I went to several art galleries and browsed through the art work. I knew I wanted a landscape print, but wasn't certain of anything else (meadow, forest, countryside,?). Several pieces at the Lake Effect Gallery caught my eye; they were all by the same artist - Lois Rodgers. I was drawn to one piece in particular - it reminded me of the desert in the land of Israel, with little tufts of grass in the sand and a small tree (acacia?). I looked at several other prints but kept returning to this one. It reminded me of my trips to Israel and conveyed such a peaceful, serene mood. When I saw the title of the piece, I realized the artist hadn't painted the Israeli desert, but that was all right - I could see the desert in the painting. The piece gradually drew me in and I began to think of it as "my" painting and knew it was the right one.

I picked up the finished art work today and was able to meet the artist! How sweet of her to come to the gallery to talk with me; she was so nice. I love the fact that she is a former elementary art teacher.  

Melanie and Lois Rodgers (artist)

I love this piece for several reasons and can see so much symbolism in it:

- the landscape reminds me of the desert in Israel, my trips there, and all I learned about God in that land

- the tree bent by the sand and wind is still standing, reminding me that if I have deep roots I can withstand the winds of this life

- the tree's strength reminds me to find my strength in God

- the little tufts of grass remind me that God will provide me with just enough (my daily bread)

- the piece is actually a sand dune - I love that fact that you can't see what's on the other side from this vantage point. It reminds me of the hope I have in Christ, for eternity.

- I love the stillness and calm the painting gives. I hear the words: "Be still and know that I am God" when I look at it.

- I also love that my friend was with me when I found it, so it reminds me of friendship.

I have not taken any art classes and really know very little about art. I never understood what people were talking about when they discussed art. But this piece spoke to me (and still does, even though it's only been in my home for ten hours). I think it's so cool that I have these thoughts and feelings which are probably very different than what Lois was thinking/feeling when she was painting it. Maybe that's part of the definition of art.

And it's perfect in my kitchen.  

     

What I Did on my Summer Vacation: Kitchen Remodel (part 1)

It all started with the appliances. I've now lived in my house for twenty years (can that be possible???) and the appliances were not new when I moved in. The refrigerator had been making occasional little noises for quite a while, so I knew it was time to buy new ones. That was all I was going to do - spend my income tax refund and get new kitchen appliances: fridge, stove, dishwasher, and microwave.

My parents bought me this microwave back in 1988 when I was teaching in McBain, MI! It is one of my favorite gifts from them. It has been well used!

Then I started thinking. Maybe I should paint the kitchen walls as long as I was getting new appliances; update the look a little bit. And as long as I was updating, how about new countertops...and a new sink...and a new backsplash... Two months later, it's almost done - just waiting on some artwork and curtains to finish everything off. I ended up doubling my budget and then totally forgetting about a budget at all. But I love the finished room. And I don't plan on moving anytime soon, so I'll get to enjoy it.

For someone who doesn't do well with making decisions, I've come a long way - with a big thank you to some good friends who went shopping with me and gave me advice as well as a wonderful interior design consultant, Debbie Rooks, who told me what to get and where to get it! 

The kitchen remodel basically took on two different parts: what I did and what the experts did. This is what I did:

1. Paint the kitchen as well as the mudroom and hallway. Not a fun job!

Toby was definitely curious about the paint

2. Change the hardware on all the cupboards: 254 screws unscrewed and then 254 new screws put on. It seems like such a little thing, but it makes a huge difference in the finished kitchen. (Of course the holes didn't fit exactly with the new hinges.)

I did all the handles first and then started on the hinges

3. I decided this would be a good time to clean out and rearrange all the cupboards. Oh my - I found things in the back of cupboards I didn't even know I had! (The local mission resale store got several boxes of "collectables.") I reorganized everything and applied a few Pinterest ideas as well. 

 (in progress)

I bought new canisters, containers for boxes/mixes, and turntables for baking things. Every cupboard is now organized; we'll see how long it lasts!

This is what it looked like when my part was done; the painting, hardware change, and cupboard reorganization took about 2 weeks. Next post - the experts come.

Masks

We all have an image we project to others; how we want others to perceive us. This image usually relates to our beliefs, ethics, and way of life. Many times this “public” persona is similar to our “private” persona, although we tend to be more open and vulnerable with close friends and family than with strangers and acquaintances. But sometimes people wear a mask, with secrets that are held tight and shared with absolutely no one.

I’ve wrestled with this post for almost a month now, as I’ve struggled to process my thoughts and put them into words. Last month one of the morning DJs on the Christian radio station I listen to was arrested on sexual assault charges dealing with a minor. As details about the allegations came out and then an admission of guilt to at least some of the charges, reactions of shock and disbelief turned to condemnation (rightly so) and questions from his friends and colleagues, radio station listeners, and the west Michigan community. How can you know someone so well and yet not have a clue about his secret life?

As a longtime listener to the morning show, I felt I “knew” this DJ. Not as a close friend of course, but his public persona seemed very genuine and authentic. He spoke about his faith and prayed on-air for listeners. He went on mission trips advocating for orphans (which makes me cringe now) and promoted family-friendly activities. He seemed very transparent and open. I’ve talked with him several times at different events – just a normal guy. His “private” persona was apparently very similar, according to his friends and coworkers. In fact, they called him the “boy scout” at the radio station “because he was squeaky clean.” Maybe that’s why everyone was blindsided by the allegations; it didn’t fit the person everyone thought he was.

Feelings of confusion, betrayal, disgust, and anger have filled my mind during this month. With additional news reports coming out, it appears likely that this wasn’t a one-time event but a secret pattern of abuse with multiple victims. I wonder and wish I could ask him – how could you, how long has this gone on, did you ever think about your victims, did you ever repent or try to stop, did you ever try talking to someone about your addiction, do you really have a relationship with God, are you relieved you’ve been caught, do you realize how your actions have affected so many people?

My heart goes out to the victims; young children who have been traumatized. To take advantage of and hurt a child is inexcusable. I also pray for his wife (they had been married only seven weeks before his arrest) and her son, as their anticipation of a happy future has been shattered. 

This whole situation makes me sad. Sad for abused children. Sad for families, coworkers, and friends. Sad for fellow listeners. Sad for the Christian community. Sad for those who now have another target to criticize Christianity. Sad for the state of our world and the effects of sin. And, yes, sad for John too.

Amidst all the emotions and questions I’ve been sorting through, I’m finding the issue of trust keeps sneaking in. I love and support my radio station. But now, when I hear another DJ speak about God or pray on-air, for a split second I wonder – can I trust you, do you really believe what you’re saying before I catch myself and follow along.

It makes me think about people in general, though: who else is hiding behind a mask of secrets? Can we really truly know someone? What types of masks do others wear? Who can you really trust?

I'm pretty sure we all wear some type of mask. They don't all hide terrible secrets, but they do hide our inner sins. The only one who is totally transparent - with nothing to hide - is God. And He is the one we can always trust.

But I'm coming to the conclusion that I can't let this situation change my perception of people. I don't want to spend my life wondering if someone is wearing a mask that hides a terrible secret. I want to trust others and assume the best. While this event provides another reminder that this world is full of sinful people, there are many other instances where people are kind and helpful.  I don't want to be naive about the realities of sin, but I refuse to allow myself to distrust people because of it. 

As this case moves forward, I'm sure there will be more publicity (especially because he worked for a Christian radio station, associated with a Christian university) and conflicting emotions for many people to deal with. Because, eventually, all masks are removed. Secrets are exposed and truth comes out. And it's only when the truth is shown, that true growth and healing - for everyone affected - can begin.

You Are Now Entering ...

Yes, I can finally say that I've watched every episode of the original Twilight Zone series (1959-1964). Throughout the last several years I'd occasionally view an episode, but when the ScyFy channel had a Twilight Zone marathon this past New Year's Day I made a goal to see them all. It took six months, but I've done it and even created my own Top Episodes List. 

It's been interesting viewing the world from the early 1960s time period; an abundance of smoking, glorification of small town life, early computers, and the fascination with outer space. I've especially enjoyed the episodes which feature a unique ending twist, totalizing surprising the audience. Many episodes deal with controversial topics of the day, such as war, racial issues, fear, crowd mentality, moral choices, etc. Using a science fiction setting allowed the creator/writers to make social commentary in a non-threatening way. It's also been fun to see well-known actors in their early years perform in this series (Burt Reynolds, Robert Redford, Robert Duvall, Jack Klugman, among others).

So, here it is. After viewing all 156 episodes, this is my list of the best ones. Each focuses on some kind of philosophical or social issue; I chose them because they made me think. Find them on the SciFy channel or you can find them online here for your summer viewing pleasure.

Best Twilight Zone (original series) Episodes:

• Time Enough at Last  (season 1)
• Third From the Sun  (season 1)
• I Shot an Arrow into the Air  (season 1)
• People are Alike all Over  (season 1)
• The After Hours  (season 1)
• Eye of the Beholder  (season 2)
• The Invaders   (season 2)
• Five Characters in Search of an Exit  (season 3)
• The Midnight Sun   (season3)
• A Quality of Mercy  (season 3)
• To Serve Man   (season3)
• Stopover in a Quiet Town  (season 5)
• Number Twelve Looks Just Like You   (season 5)
• An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge   (season 5)

Tulip Time with Toby

It's May and in Holland, Michigan that means it's Tulip Time! I remember taking Tosca downtown for Tulip Time several times, adorned in her pink tulips bandana, and she always enjoyed it. It's Toby's first year with me during Tulip time, so I decided to bring him downtown too. I wasn't sure how he would do; I'm realizing I need to do some more socializing with him. He does well on walks by ourselves, but when a little girl wanted to pet him a few weeks ago he got scared. He enjoys playing with other dogs at the dog park and even (occasionally) will go up to other people there. But so far he tends to be a little skittish around people he doesn't know. So I decided to take him downtown early on Tuesday evening, when it's not real busy, and grab some supper at one of the vendors. It was interesting, to say the least.

My biggest mistake was going to get supper first. We walked about a block down the main street and I stopped to order a corn dog. I told Toby to sit and he did…for about 30 seconds. Then he got this panicked look on his face and started pulling away. I'm not sure if it was the vendor booth or the noise and smells, but he was terrified. I tried calming him down while paying for my food and grabbing the food container and drink (which took both hands). As I turned away Toby pulled harder and the corn dog flew out of the container and landed on the grass. Thankfully the pop didn't spill. I calmed the dog down, picked up the corn dog, and tried balancing food, drink, and leash until I could find a place to sit. The closest place was by the large fountain, which was spraying water - have I mentioned my dog is not fond of water? After a few minutes we moved farther away from the fountain and I finally ate my supper, sharing bits with Toby who was a little unsure with the whole setting.

He did better as we walked along 8th Street, still a little anxious but also curious about the sights and smells. Then we headed over to Centennial Park and the elephant ears (dessert). It was a little quieter there, so I found a picnic table to sit at. I hadn't noticed a row of outhouses nearby, but every time someone went in or out the door banged shut, which startled Toby who had just started to settle down in the grass. Enough for one night. I didn't even attempt to take any pictures.

Today is the final day of Tulip Time with the big music parade. The parade end is not far from my house, so I walked over there with Toby to catch some of it this afternoon. Toby did well, considering this is all new to him. He lasted 10-15 minutes. We sat back a ways on the grass, way at the end of the parade. He was not a fan of the bands and he definitely didn't care for the people walking by in wooden shoes - he's not at all ready to see the Dutch dancers! I was proud of him though, I just kept petting him and talking quietly to him and he would settle down for a bit. It was a perfect day for a walk, so we stopped to take a few photos by the tulips.

My goal is that by next year Toby will be calm and enjoy interacting with people as we walk downtown. We'll keep working on it, step by step. I'll have to schedule outdoor coffee meetings at JPs this summer so we can practice. Anyone interested?