Dinner with the Parson

My new minister and his family had me over for dinner last night and I had such a great time. They have purchased a farmhouse out in Walton, Kansas, about 10 miles north of Newton. It reminded me so much of my sister's farm in Eudora that I was instantly comfortable there. They have some horses, goats and chickens and two large furry dogs. We spent most of the dinner talking about UCC and where they met and how they came to Kansas and how I managed to find my way to UCC and tons of other important topics. I left there feeling even more confident that our congregation is in very capable, caring hands and that the difficult changes that lie ahead will be met with concern and compassion and we'll get by just fine. Not bad for a meal of spaghetti and fresh bread!

Pax

A chilly Saturday

So....I finally have a Saturday without a rehearsal, training session or other required thing...and what do I do? I go to the office to work on something else! At this point in my life, my job has a nice central point--and for those of you worried about balance, don't worry, I assure that if the sun were shining and the weather any warmer, I would be on my bike and nowhere near WATC! Tomorrow I am watching the Oscars with some friends--it seems that I have put a self-imposed embargo on watching these for the past few years, (I used to have an annual party at the house on Coe Drive) and it is time to stop punishing myself!

PAX!

Why Every Atom?

Someone asked me why I chose that specific Walt Whitman line for the title of my blog. Well, Uncle Walt and I have a long history--my father used to read me selections from "Song of Myself" when I would visit from college, so it has that connection. But there is something eternal in the poet's line. I have a concrete love of the sciences that I balance as best I can with my philosophy and theology. Whitman's line to me captures the inherent science of our natural world, that the atoms that make up matter (and eventually life) are indeed basic materials belonging to all who abide on this planet. But then he hints at broader issues here, does he not? Socialism? As in a shared society and resources. Parity? As in we each get the atoms needed to sustain life (or at least those of us fortunate to be born in cultures where such substance is made possible). So the poet blends science and philosophy and art into one lovely little stanza, which means a lot to me. I mean, look at all of the energy and time I put into this post--when the Great Uncle said is with such economy and beauty--For Every Atom Belonging to Me as Good Belongs to You.

Friendship

So my friend Q called me yesterday with a problem that he needed help with and I was more than happy to assist him. And this led me to ponder why I have no trouble getting up at 2:45 am to pick up a friend at the bus station. I suppose it's because I know that these people would do the exact same thing for me. My friends (and family) have supported me in numerous ways these past three years...there is no way I could have come as far as I have come without their love, support and deep concern for me. Last night we had the second dress rehearsal of Cotton Patch Gospel and it dawned on me that Karen Robu and I have a terrific partnership in producing shows out at UCC--and that my friends at church are just as important to me as my tribe. (You KNOW who you are!) Four years ago we were producing Godspell and I was in the middle of a failing relationship and losing just about everything in my life. In June of that year I was out of the house on Coe drive and into my little Riverside apartment (where I still am). Three years ago Karen and I were producing JC Superstar and I was just making the most important decision in my life--and it has stuck! Last year we produced Children of Eden and that brings us to this year's Cotton Patch Gospel. What a terrific two years it has been--professionally, spiritually, emotionally and personally--I am a better person because of the OTHER people in my life who have chosen our relationship to be worthy of the time and energy and love it takes to maintain. I love you all!

Caucus

What a delightful time Shanna and I had tonight at the Democratic Caucus. We arrived at 6:30 (as we were instructed) to find a line all the way around the courthouse! Lucky for us, we stepped into line behind two delightful gentlemen (Soloman and Matt) and the four of us (plus assorted other fun folk) proceeded to make the most of our FRIGID circumstances. It was sooooo exciting to see the thousands of people out to change--out with hope for our country!!! At 8:15 we finally signed in and caucused and left. As we were driving away, NPR had just called Kansas for Obama. What a memorable night! OH--What made it even more memorable was that Soloman was participating in his first American vote. He just earned his citizenship two months ago and it was an honor to be in line with him. We take our freedoms for granted in this country and it was nice to be reminded that not everyone in the world has the same freedoms we enjoy. Thanks Soloman!

Monday Morning

I just got to the office, looked at my calendar and really can't believe that Janauary is already gone. Life moves way too fast.....

Pax!