This one's for Kirstin... I'll keep working on it, but in the meantime...
All of a sudden
It's become difficult to
write a new haiku
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Writer's Block
This one's for Kirstin... I'll keep working on it, but in the meantime...
All of a sudden
It's become difficult to
write a new haiku
Soldier Mail
We got Dan's mailing address this week, and I sent it out to some of you. I know he'd love to get some contact from friends and family and friends of family. A few of you have had good ideas like cleaning house and sending him all of your boy-interest related magazines, or hitting the toiletry samples section of Target to send him necessities. Anyhow, if you'd like to drop him a line or send him anything, let me know and I'll email you his address right away.
I'm not gonna let no stinkin' volcano get me down
So part of the reason that JMT and I are so enthralled with the idea of visiting the Big Island of HI is the active volcano on the island. We've had romantic notions of sunset hikes along the coast to see the red lava oozing into the ocean, the unbelievable looking B&B in the rainforest near the volcano that we've booked at the Volcano Village Lodge. Check out this room:
http://www.volcanovillagelodge.com/mauna_kea.shtml
Anyhow, the news has been carrying stories lately about new activity on Kilauea. It's been spewing thousand foot high plumes of ash and smoke at times. So far, the winds have kept the situation safe, but that could change at any time and screw with our trip. Here's the latest CNN story I've seen on the drama:
http://www.cnn.com/2008/TRAVEL/getaways/03/28/kilauea.eruption.ap/index.html
So for those of you who are Hawaii locals (and I have two readers in HI now!), can you keep me posted? Is this really the big deal that the national media is making it into?
http://www.volcanovillagelodge.com/mauna_kea.shtml
Anyhow, the news has been carrying stories lately about new activity on Kilauea. It's been spewing thousand foot high plumes of ash and smoke at times. So far, the winds have kept the situation safe, but that could change at any time and screw with our trip. Here's the latest CNN story I've seen on the drama:
http://www.cnn.com/2008/TRAVEL/getaways/03/28/kilauea.eruption.ap/index.html
So for those of you who are Hawaii locals (and I have two readers in HI now!), can you keep me posted? Is this really the big deal that the national media is making it into?
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Sage
I read this this morning in a daily email I receive from the Union for Reform Judaism. I thought it was interesting and beautiful.
*************
Galilee Diary
by Marc Rosenstein
Sage
It used to be that the burial of the dead was harder for the family than the actual death [because of the cost]; it reached the point where they would put down the body and run away – but then Rabban Gamaliel came and set an example by having himself buried in a linen garment, and all the people followed him and were buried in linen garments.
-Babylonian Talmud, Mo’ed Katan 27b
The other day I was walking the dog early in the morning, when I encountered a pickup truck parked on the shoulder of the road up to our new neighborhood. The road runs past a patch of rocky hillside covered with wild flowers, wild herbs, and thistles. An Arab man and a teenage boy were wading through the greenery, bringing to the truck armloads of wild sage plants they had pulled out. Trifoliate sage is one of the most common wild herbs in this area – it grows everywhere, sturdy, fragrant, waist-high evergreen bushes which at this season are covered with stalks of little pink-to-white flowers. It is used not only as a seasoning and as a tea herb, but has a long list of reputed medicinal uses, from settling an upset stomach to soothing mouth sores, lowering blood sugar, and improving memory.
The villagers around us often go out to collect rarer herbs at this season – and their uprooting of marjoram (za'atar) plants is an issue, as it is a protected species and is highly valued, like sage, as a seasoning and as a medicine. Sometimes the conflict even escalates to shouting matches or a call to the police by a zealous citizen. But I'd never seen anyone collecting sage here before, and right there along the main road at a busy time of day. So I asked. "Oh," the man answered, "We have a funeral. We need this for a funeral." "Ah, I see," I said, and kept walking. And hurried home to look it up…
Sure enough, trifoliate sage is an important element in Moslem funeral ceremonies. (I have visited a mourning tent, and seen a funeral from the distance, but never actually participated in one close up). Sometimes the body is laid on a bed of it; it is also used to make garlands and to strew over the grave. Its main appeal is its fragrance, which simply makes the funeral and the cemetery more esthetic, but also is believed to attract angels and repel demons. Moreover, since sage is also used in ceremonies at the birth of a baby, it is seen as symbolizing the whole life cycle. As it happened, the next day was a meeting the study group of imams that I help facilitate, and they confirmed exactly what I had learned from the internet. Who knew?
Having been brought up knowing that Jews don't use flowers at funerals, I was quite taken aback at my first Jewish funeral here to discover that it is customary to bring wreathes and bouquets and pile them on the newly filled-in grave before leaving the cemetery. Later I found out that what I thought I knew was indeed correct, and at strictly Orthodox funerals, flowers are not brought. Most funerals in Israel are conducted under the supervision of the local religious council and presided over by the local Orthodox rabbi, but attended by people who assume that piling flowers on the grave is normative. And no one tells them it is not. So I guess that means that it is.
Whether beautified by sage from the neighbors' field, or by expensive wreathes from the florist shop, or none of the above, one thing common to Jewish and Moslem funerals in all communities here is the fundamental simplicity. The infamous funeral "industry" of North America has not yet found its way here. Most people in Israel, Jewish and Moslem, are buried as soon as possible after death (sometimes the same day) in a white shroud (no coffin); or if in a coffin, then in a plain wooden box.
And afterwards, I guess, we all go to the same place.
*************
Galilee Diary
by Marc Rosenstein
Sage
It used to be that the burial of the dead was harder for the family than the actual death [because of the cost]; it reached the point where they would put down the body and run away – but then Rabban Gamaliel came and set an example by having himself buried in a linen garment, and all the people followed him and were buried in linen garments.
-Babylonian Talmud, Mo’ed Katan 27b
The other day I was walking the dog early in the morning, when I encountered a pickup truck parked on the shoulder of the road up to our new neighborhood. The road runs past a patch of rocky hillside covered with wild flowers, wild herbs, and thistles. An Arab man and a teenage boy were wading through the greenery, bringing to the truck armloads of wild sage plants they had pulled out. Trifoliate sage is one of the most common wild herbs in this area – it grows everywhere, sturdy, fragrant, waist-high evergreen bushes which at this season are covered with stalks of little pink-to-white flowers. It is used not only as a seasoning and as a tea herb, but has a long list of reputed medicinal uses, from settling an upset stomach to soothing mouth sores, lowering blood sugar, and improving memory.
The villagers around us often go out to collect rarer herbs at this season – and their uprooting of marjoram (za'atar) plants is an issue, as it is a protected species and is highly valued, like sage, as a seasoning and as a medicine. Sometimes the conflict even escalates to shouting matches or a call to the police by a zealous citizen. But I'd never seen anyone collecting sage here before, and right there along the main road at a busy time of day. So I asked. "Oh," the man answered, "We have a funeral. We need this for a funeral." "Ah, I see," I said, and kept walking. And hurried home to look it up…
Sure enough, trifoliate sage is an important element in Moslem funeral ceremonies. (I have visited a mourning tent, and seen a funeral from the distance, but never actually participated in one close up). Sometimes the body is laid on a bed of it; it is also used to make garlands and to strew over the grave. Its main appeal is its fragrance, which simply makes the funeral and the cemetery more esthetic, but also is believed to attract angels and repel demons. Moreover, since sage is also used in ceremonies at the birth of a baby, it is seen as symbolizing the whole life cycle. As it happened, the next day was a meeting the study group of imams that I help facilitate, and they confirmed exactly what I had learned from the internet. Who knew?
Having been brought up knowing that Jews don't use flowers at funerals, I was quite taken aback at my first Jewish funeral here to discover that it is customary to bring wreathes and bouquets and pile them on the newly filled-in grave before leaving the cemetery. Later I found out that what I thought I knew was indeed correct, and at strictly Orthodox funerals, flowers are not brought. Most funerals in Israel are conducted under the supervision of the local religious council and presided over by the local Orthodox rabbi, but attended by people who assume that piling flowers on the grave is normative. And no one tells them it is not. So I guess that means that it is.
Whether beautified by sage from the neighbors' field, or by expensive wreathes from the florist shop, or none of the above, one thing common to Jewish and Moslem funerals in all communities here is the fundamental simplicity. The infamous funeral "industry" of North America has not yet found its way here. Most people in Israel, Jewish and Moslem, are buried as soon as possible after death (sometimes the same day) in a white shroud (no coffin); or if in a coffin, then in a plain wooden box.
And afterwards, I guess, we all go to the same place.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Monday, March 24, 2008
Updates
I’m *finally* starting to feel human again after three weeks with the flu and residual cough. Unfortunately, I passed it along to JMT, and he spent some time suffering as well. Overall though, we’re starting to get better. With the illness and the weather, not much has been going on lately. JMT's gala a few weekends back was nice, but the coughing and laryngitis put a damper on the evening. JMT and I forgot to have someone take a couple photo while we were there, so we took these of each other when we got home. Isn’t he so handsome in his tux?!?
Now that it’s spring break here for our teacher friends, I’m counting down the days till my Vegas weekend with Rachel (11 days) and our trip to Hawaii (24 days). Just enough time before them both to start looking for a new bathing suit and some breezy sundresses.
I heard from Dan through Mom & Dad the other day. He’d been working on a joint project with a British unit and says it’s the most important and rewarding work he’s ever done. He was also named Sailor of the Quarter for the winter quarter, and he’s hopeful this will translate into a promotion next go around.
Friday, March 21, 2008
Queen Esther for President
Yesterday was the Purim celebration at my Temple, and a few weeks ago, the Rabbi called me and asked if I'd like to participate in the purim spiel. Purim is an annual celebration of salvation of the Jews from the wicked Haman, through the leadership of Queen Esther and her cousin Mordecai in ancient Persia. Most congregations celebrate Purim raucously, and include play (or spiel) that touches on some of the highlights of the holiday and a tradition of getting so schnockered that one can't differentiate between the good guy and the bad guy.
This year's play was to be a candidate's debate, with Queen Esther, Haman and Mordecai all running for President of Shushan. We were each to prepare a stump speech, and be prepared for debate and questions. Unfortunately, the moderator led the group down a different path, so I never got to give my speech. So, here it is for posterity.
*******
When I was first nominated to run for President of Shushan, I’ll admit that I was rather taken aback. Similar to when I was chosen to be a candidate for becoming the new Queen, I originally hoped that if I didn’t call much attention to myself, that this might go away, and I could go back to my normal life.
But since the recent events that have transpired in Shushan, I realize that there is a need for a person like me, someone who is honest and modest and willing to make sacrifices for what is right, to step up and work to improve our community.
I believe that my track record in saving my people from destruction should speak for itself, but let me outline a few facets of that story that demonstrate the type of President that I will be.
For starters, when the King began to search for a new queen, and brought forward maidens from all over his lands, finery and cosmetics were offered to each of us to make ourselves over before meeting the King. I was the only lady to refuse these items, and met the King with no adornments. Instead of being seduced by the material wealth and glory associated with becoming queen, I focused on my spiritual heritage. As President of Shushan, I will not be swayed by riches, power and glory, and instead, will focus on what is right for the people.
When I learned about Haman’s plot to kill the Jews, I realized that outing myself as a Jew may well put my life in peril. However, my commitment to my people, and desire to do what is right overruled those fears—and I did step forward. As President of Shushan, this ability and willingness to understand when it is important to make sacrifices for a greater cause will help me to make measured and meaningful decisions for our community.
Finally, when I did devise a plan for alerting the King to Haman’s plot against the Jews, I took a very measured approach to telling him. I understood the King’s whims and devices, and slowly warmed him up to the issue by holding sumptuous banquets in his honor. What this should show you is that I am no newcomer to Shushan politics. I understand the power structure in this community, and how to work within it to accomplish all manner of objectives.
To close, you have a varied slate of candidates in front of you tonight. As you are casting your vote for President, think about what you are looking for in a leader. If you are looking for an individual with a track record of positive change, someone who will not be swayed by pride or riches, someone who understands the nature of sacrifice for a greater good, and someone who has the experience to understand Shushan politics, then cast your vote for me.
This year's play was to be a candidate's debate, with Queen Esther, Haman and Mordecai all running for President of Shushan. We were each to prepare a stump speech, and be prepared for debate and questions. Unfortunately, the moderator led the group down a different path, so I never got to give my speech. So, here it is for posterity.
*******
When I was first nominated to run for President of Shushan, I’ll admit that I was rather taken aback. Similar to when I was chosen to be a candidate for becoming the new Queen, I originally hoped that if I didn’t call much attention to myself, that this might go away, and I could go back to my normal life.
But since the recent events that have transpired in Shushan, I realize that there is a need for a person like me, someone who is honest and modest and willing to make sacrifices for what is right, to step up and work to improve our community.
I believe that my track record in saving my people from destruction should speak for itself, but let me outline a few facets of that story that demonstrate the type of President that I will be.
For starters, when the King began to search for a new queen, and brought forward maidens from all over his lands, finery and cosmetics were offered to each of us to make ourselves over before meeting the King. I was the only lady to refuse these items, and met the King with no adornments. Instead of being seduced by the material wealth and glory associated with becoming queen, I focused on my spiritual heritage. As President of Shushan, I will not be swayed by riches, power and glory, and instead, will focus on what is right for the people.
When I learned about Haman’s plot to kill the Jews, I realized that outing myself as a Jew may well put my life in peril. However, my commitment to my people, and desire to do what is right overruled those fears—and I did step forward. As President of Shushan, this ability and willingness to understand when it is important to make sacrifices for a greater cause will help me to make measured and meaningful decisions for our community.
Finally, when I did devise a plan for alerting the King to Haman’s plot against the Jews, I took a very measured approach to telling him. I understood the King’s whims and devices, and slowly warmed him up to the issue by holding sumptuous banquets in his honor. What this should show you is that I am no newcomer to Shushan politics. I understand the power structure in this community, and how to work within it to accomplish all manner of objectives.
To close, you have a varied slate of candidates in front of you tonight. As you are casting your vote for President, think about what you are looking for in a leader. If you are looking for an individual with a track record of positive change, someone who will not be swayed by pride or riches, someone who understands the nature of sacrifice for a greater good, and someone who has the experience to understand Shushan politics, then cast your vote for me.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Haiku for an Old Friend
As requested...
same birthday, same horn
it was fate that we'd be friends
then you moved away
same birthday, same horn
it was fate that we'd be friends
then you moved away
Friday, March 7, 2008
I will live to fight another day
I'm feeling a lot better today, though when I cough it still sounds like I'm about to kick it. My sunday-schoolers are participating in the service tonight, so I have to rally in a few hours here, get dressed in something other than sweats for the first time since Tuesday, and go to Temple. We have a potluck Shabbat dinner before services and I made some butternut squash and pear puree. Its so good! I can barely stop myself from devouring it before dinner tonight.
We had some excitement this afternoon. I went to open up the storage shed under the house, and a big raccoon was sitting there on top of the camping supplies. This means two things: 1)HOLY CRAP! and 2) THERE IS A RACCOON LIVING IN MY HOUSE! I know it's not technically in my house, but there are openings between the storage area and the bike room, so if he were wiley enough, that raccoon could be in my bedroom if he wanted to.
Enough of that. Hope all (two) of you readers have a lovely weekend. Tomorrow night is JMT's corporate gala. I have a super posh dress. If any of the photos are tolerable, I'll post them next week.
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Oh No!
This is the evil monster that is living in my throat!
On Monday I felt pretty icky, but I didn't think much of it until this morning. I had a sore throat and other assorted symptoms. I don't know what prompted me to look at my throat in the mirror with a flashlight, but when I did I got concerned about the weird inflammation. Anyhow, I went to the doctor today and tested positive for the flu. Ironic, since I'm a stickler for flu shots, but the doc thinks that the mono likely lowered my resistance, and they've been having problems with the flu shot not being as effective this year.
So, if I've coughed near you in the past few days, I'm sorry! The doc prescribed the rest of the week at home so I don't infect anyone else. Here's hoping that JMT doesn't get it!
When I was looking for weekend ideas, Rachel suggested watching Weeds. Any other ideas? It's going to be a loooong week!
Monday, March 3, 2008
How I spent my weekend
Sunday was a cold, blustery day... so JMT and I spent the better part of the day on the couch today with an old friend.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)