WWWebb

A Quick Note on the Restoration

2010-10-20T14:40:00.006-06:00

A while ago I read a book for a class on the crusades that has stuck with me. This is somewhat noteworthy, since I read two books a week (or just one if it's not in English) for that class, so ideas tend to dissolve fairly quickly after the review is written and turned in. A book on Baldwin IV, the "leper" King of Jerusalem, however, struck me in a very unanticipated way. (I'm not advocating going out and buying the book, or even reading it, I'm just presenting a single thought provoked by it.)

Baldwin lived less than 25 years, and reigned for even fewer, but his bravery in the face of inevitability is tragic and inspiring. Just one example of this: as the leprosy progressed he lost sensitivity and mobility in his extremities, so he learned to ride a horse (in full armor) using only his knees to grip, steer, and otherwise direct his horse - not only that but if the primary sources can be believed, he was one of the best horsemen in the kingdom.

There is one quote that particularly stands out, and it is this that has haunted me, since. Writing to the king of France, he stated, "If I could be cured of the disease of Naaman, I would wash seven times in Jordan, but I have found in the present age no Elisha who can heal me."

Even writing this now, it is a powerful statement of yearning and loss that drives its message deep into my callused soul.

How often to I take my life and blessings for granted? Too many to count - in fact, it's probably nearly constant. I'm glad I get (painfully) reminded, on occasion.

Johnson's Shut-Ins

2010-09-09T07:07:00.006-06:00

The term "shut-ins" is an Ozark noun used to describe the geological formation caused when a river's path cuts through large-scale bedrock. The rock, meanwhile, splits the river into multiple stream-beds, surrenders itself to erosion, and forms hoodoo-like spires, potholes, slides, plunge pools, etc. As Pulcheria described it: "it's kind of like Goblin Valley, but with running water." Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park is one of Missouri's finest locales. We camped there a couple days ago, after the Labor Day crowds had abated, and had a fantastic time. Anyone wishing to book a trip with us may contact Pulcheria. We'll love to share it.

Below: An all-too-typical Missouri trail.
Below: A classic Missouri destination.

Above: My souvenir - I bet you can't tell how far I can reach down my back/shoulders when applying my own sun-screen.

You'll Want to Sprint to the Finish

2010-05-19T07:40:00.005-06:00

Born to Run: A Hidden Tribe, Superathletes, and the Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen by Christopher McDougall

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Born to Run is quite possibly the best new book I've read in over a year. McDougall is an engaging writer with a sharp sense of humor. As the author seeks out answers to what makes injury-free running, he discovers unbelievable - though perfectly real - cultures where running (not walking or sitting) is the norm. The individual characters in his book jump off the pages in full 3D - appropriate, though rare, in a book about running. The bottom line of the book: 1) humans evolved/were designed to run; 2) running makes us better, more compassionate people. The story and storytelling are educational, hilarious, heartbreaking and consummately inspirational. Those who do not run will want to start. Those who do will find themselves questioning the mentally self-imposed limitations we put on ourselves, both in running and in all aspects of our lives. Highly recommended.

[The book contains a tiny bit of non-family-friendly-language and adult content which may make a young audience uncomfortable. Read it first before deciding to whom to recommend it.:]

View all my reviews >>

Vanity (Eccl 1:2)

2010-02-26T22:25:00.002-07:00

So, being somewhat vain, I googled myself. Turns out I'm a lawyer, an actor, a singer, and several criminals.

To be honest, this is nothing new. I've done it a few times before, with similar results.

It also turns out, though, that the real me is starting to show up in all the right places for my career. If you google "[my name] crusades saint louis university," then suddenly a few conference papers I've delivered (and will soon deliver) come to light. Yes, I'm vain: no, there's no real justification for my overt vanity... yet. Still, it makes me smile. :)

Monarchy and Dynastic Inheritance

2009-11-07T15:24:00.009-07:00

A few months ago (back in the high days of summer) Beemer was playing in the back yard as I grilled some burgers. Sometime during the process where raw ground cow metamorphoses into caramelized juicy goodness, Beemer shouted "Daddy, Daddy! I found a cocoon!" I was busy flipping the meat, or something, and so to distract her/postpone any direct involvement I said, "Cool. What kind of cocoon is it?" There was a pause of maybe 15 seconds, then she declared, "It's a Monarch!" "How do you know that?" Without missing a beat she came back with, "Because it's green. With gold dots. And there's orange and black wings inside it."

I had been telling her a few weeks prior about how her grandma (my mother) and I used to collect a few monarch caterpillars, feed them and raise them into chrysalides (chrysalises, if you prefer), hatch them and release them. I was impressed with her memory. I was more impressed, though, when I finished grilling and found this:

So, we continued the dynastic tradition (thanks again, mom) and brought it inside. This was the result.

We released it later that day. Tender mercies, indeed.

Proud Daddy Moment

2009-09-06T19:41:00.004-06:00

A few months before we abandoned the comforts of hearth, home, kith and kin, Beemer & I had spent quite a lot of time outdoors. I had taken her to a couple Audubon events, and she loved birds. Once, when we were driving through Hyrum to the proverbial nest (i.e., my folk’s house), I spotted an American Kestrel on a power-line. I said, “Beemer! What’s that bird?” She looked at it and said, “A kestrel!” It was a proud moment.

Of course, if it had been a robin or magpie she would probably still have called it a kestrel. She knew that I loved kestrels and was eager to make me happy.

Well, a couple days ago Beemer came up to me with this feather in her fingers.

I asked her what bird she thought it came from and she replied that “it’s mostly red, but with some brown, so it’s from a female cardinal.” Honest. Entirely her own logic & her own words. My eyes misted over. That’s my girl.

Saturday is a Special Day

2009-07-25T16:48:00.004-06:00

it's the day we get ready for Sunday:

I don't know how this could be more cliché.

At Bat, on Deck, and in the Hole

2009-03-07T14:54:00.006-07:00

In an attempt to change our dating routine a bit, Pulcheria and I decided to forgo our usual eateries and go mini-golfing, last night, instead. We finished quickly – she beat me by two strokes – and still had time before picking the girls up. We tried the batting cages at the same place. It’s been so long, I thought softball was just the ticket. I hit every one, with only one foul ball, then Jan was up. She got in a few solid hits (one good one got a piece of her finger), too.

We took Beemer back, today, and she loved golfing. I tried fast-pitch baseball and very thoroughly and completely sucked (I’ll go back and try the slow-pitched machine, though I’ll have to wait for all those talented six-year-olds to go first)! Bree wasn’t ready to go in, so we snapped this shot instead.

Solipsism

2008-08-11T09:05:00.008-06:00

Eyes closed, he moves in,
squeezes tight,
prepares lips -
and kisses.

Then she kisses.

One thousand three hundred fourteen miles
between them,
discrete pillows
soak up their owners’ saliva,
indifferent.

-11 August 2008

Wall-E

2008-07-12T14:24:00.005-06:00

Just saw Wall-E. Loved it. Chris & Lish are right about the short: their best yet. But, I must say, I thought the film itself was great, and contained a full, complete story.

The subliminal (though not subtle) commentary on today's consumer-society wishing to return to the protection of the womb/infant state was provoking - but that wasn't the story. The message about being good stewards over the earth was timely - but that wasn't the story.

At heart it was a LOVE STORY explaining how one person/thing relates to someone/something s/he loves. The love story is complex, and illustrates the dangers of loving someone/something more beautiful/powerful than yourself; how media affects the way affection is shown; how a united loving unit (i.e. family) can overcome nearly insurmountable odds. Indeed, I thought it well worth my time (though a bit expensive). Everything not directly related to this main plot-line is merely the canvas upon this work was painted.

To be sure, it doesn't beat out The Incredibles for the #1 Pixar movie, in my book. Even so, it's still a great show. Any flick that can go - what was it? like 20 minutes? - without dialog (and I don't even notice it) has got to have something special going on.

So: what’s your prime directive? Do you control it, or does it control you?

Paternal Passion

2008-06-15T07:07:00.004-06:00

In my family there was no clear line between education and athletics. My father is a teacher and a ball-player who plays his own sports and teaches others.

I’ve spent much of my “adult” (quotation marks used conscientiously) life trying to distance myself from my youthful escapades, and nowhere is that more obvious than in the realm of sports. As a kid, I played soccer, basketball, baseball, and even golfed a couple of times. This was largely due to the fact that my dad is a sports fan extraordinaire. Behind every one of these forays into the world of athletics, my father was my guide. Quite literally. He never hesitated to sign up as coach, if one was needed. In fact, I can’t think of a time that he has ever hesitated to step up and take the lead.

Given that I’ve spent the last 1.5 decades of my life studiously avoiding all things athletic, I was shocked when I found my mouth agreeing to a departmental softball game [Is that my voice? Is that my voice? Oh, well.] about a month ago. I’m glad, now, that my mouth was so agreeable. Not only was it a great time, but I also found myself remembering lessons my dad had taught me. That, and the fabled love-of-the-game actually resurrected itself in me. I ended up hitting 3 homers, and fielding pretty decently too. The result: the grad students squashed the faculty.

It is one of life’s quiet victories to realize that lessons, once despised, are, in fact, invaluable and irreplaceable. My two left-hand-only gloves (the softball mitt and the falconer’s gauntlet) are now peaceably reconciled.

I am grateful my dad taught me how to break-in a mitt. I am more grateful he taught me how to play a few of his most prized games. But most of all I’m grateful for his example of fatherhood: lovingly passing along his passions and teaching something much, much more than sports to the next generation.

Thanks for teaching me to throw and catch;
Thanks for showing me how to overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges, from a severe stroke to (heaven help us) raising two red-heads;
Thanks for being such a worthy hero, pops: I’ll try to teach my young’ns as well as you taught me;
Thanks for still being my teacher.

Local Locomotion

2008-05-19T08:03:00.005-06:00

Pulcheria posted that the morning of St. Louis' big quake, I was on the train to Chicago.

Well, the girls went for their first train ride on Saturday, and it was generally conceded to be a big hit. Bree especially loved it. Amtrak, in their usual practice of dys-ficiency, was running nearly two hours behind schedule. They tried to make up time, though, so the scheduled 48 minute trip into downtown Saint Louis took 26 minutes. Bree loved how fast the train went! Adria was not impressed, but bore it in silence.

Ode on January

2008-05-17T08:46:00.008-06:00

the month freezes streets
harnesses arctic winds
the person warms hearts, heats my bed’s covers
looks wonderful
hot

the month is harbinger of deep dark nights
the person’s brilliance illuminates desire

the month fights survivors
fosters brittle frigidity
the person encourages life
causes to thrive

the month drags-on
all that grows is frigid
frost
the person changes always
increases in beauty, strength, wisdom
grace

the month is on every calendar
printed paper
gone with turn of the page
the person dwells with me and mine
merged
with my soul

the month sucks happiness like a dementor
the person nourishes joy –
alma sponsa, alma mater

Thank you for nine wonderful years, Pulcheria.

Need a Map?

2008-05-13T19:11:00.007-06:00

Okay, here's a real update. I'll make it quick since I'm still working on final projects.

So, on 2 May 2008 I ordered a T-shirt. It was funny and I value humor as a proper exchange of monetary equivalency. Especially if I can wear it. Anyway, I had ordered from the site before, so I knew it was quality.

Here's the tracking information.

Keep in mind that Earth City, MO is only a 25 minute drive from my doorstep. Can you figure out this delivery-path? Grrr. Frustration.

Update

2008-04-21T20:02:00.001-06:00

Pulcheria said I needed a new post.

something's afoot

2008-03-25T13:20:00.001-06:00

Photo by WildBound ©

Pop-Quiz

2008-03-20T22:39:00.000-06:00

As the proud father of two gorgeous girls, I thought I’d use this post to see if you can identify which one of these little ones is not, in fact, my offspring. Any guesses?

Prizes for the Fam

2008-02-19T17:45:00.005-07:00

Sometimes inspiration comes at the most unexpected times… and is twice blessed for it. My friend and colleague, Erin (a PhD student focusing on medieval Ireland), brought presents for my family today. Pulcheria’s comment tells the story: “you can tell she’s a mom!” She gave us diapers (sooo necessary - and nice not to have to buy myself) and a device to capture Adria’s size (figuratively speaking). But, she also got Beemer a prize: mess-less markers and finger-paints! She was so excited she insisted upon opening and using them immediately. Here she is showing Grandma how to use the paints.

Thanks again, Erin!

Nomen Ultimum

2008-02-15T00:02:00.008-07:00

It turns out that, after I told Beemer her "very own baby sister's" name, she had two comments – one about the first name and one about the middle:

a) Bruno? Like the doggie in Cinderella?

b) Borga? Like the Proletariat and the Bourgeoisie? We're Bourgeois, right Daddy?

Not wishing to encourage too much Marxist/Disney indoctrination (at least not before she is able to explain how both Marx and Rand are opposite sides of the same-exact-erroneous coin), Pulcheria and I now have an official name, and it’s too late to change because the paperwork has already been submitted. This time it’s for real – the post below was merely a joke, and I got some great reactions to it, too!

The name of Beemer’s “very own baby sister” is officially: Adriana Zoe. Pulcheria and I are still working out whether to nick-name her Adri (Aid – ree) or Adria. Beemer, however, has it all figured out: “I’ll call her Anna Montana.”

Grandma, who graciously flew in to supplement my efforts, agrees that she's beautiful, and loves the name (it's Adria, BTW).

B. I. Webb

2008-02-13T07:08:00.006-07:00

I’ve decided that 6:00 in the morning, after being up for almost 24 hours, is not the most ideal time to make a decision on a new baby’s name. Pulcheria and I really hope they’ll let us change it. I’m about to go back to the hospital to see if they’ve already filed the paperwork with the notary public. If, for some horrible reason, the Missouri bureaucracy is more efficient than the Utah, then we’ll be stuck. That, or we’ll have to pay to change it. At any rate, in case we’re stuck with the name allow me introduce you to the new daughter of Pulcheria and me – Beemer's “very own baby sister:”

Brunhilde Ingeborg Webb.

Leaving on a Jet Plane

2007-12-17T21:28:00.000-07:00

With the notable exception of making the bed (which I can't do until morning, anyway), my to-do list is a has-been-done list. My first semester of graduate work is done. Only nine more to go... Well, hopefully it'll only be nine more.

But, that's all in the future. For now, I'll simply relish the fact that there are no assignments hanging over my head, I get to see my family again, and I can relax for a while. [Breathe deeply - Smile]

World Bird Sanctuary

2007-11-23T15:40:00.000-07:00

As per requests and promises, on Friday I took a couple photos of where I volunteer. The Turkey Vulture’s name is Turk, and she really likes to bite. You can tell she's a bigger bird by how far I'm leaning back to counter-balance. The Great Horned Owl’s name is Coal, and he’s a sweetie who likes to hoot. Coal is, quite possibly, the messiest bird at the Sanctuary, frequently dirtying up his furniture, and thus my hands when I handle him.

Ozark Initiation

2007-11-22T16:04:00.000-07:00

I came to a realization a few nights ago. Although I really wanted to pig-out on comfort food, I didn’t need it. Although I was offered several places in which said pigging-out could be carried out, I decided to turn them down. What I really miss is my family and friends and wilderness. I could celebrate Thanksgiving with relative strangers, and thus strengthen budding friendships (and thus have more time to work), OR I could celebrate with established friends & family (fun, but leaving no time to work), OR I could get off my butt and find some wilderness. I opted for the latter. I had a hasty breakfast at 5:30, then drove for about an hour and a half and found myself at the trailhead for a section of the Ozark Trail.

It was lightly snowing, and the stream sang for me. All for me, since I alone owned the trail today. The creek greeted me very closely, as I slipped in my crossing. Fortunately I brought a couple extra pairs of socks, so even that trial has turned into a great memory (on the way back, I took off foot gear and crossed it “North Fork,” style, ala WM). My good camera is in Utah, enjoying the family that I miss, so I had to make do with my cell-phone. Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! See you soon.

How to Waterproof a Thumb-Drive

2007-11-13T15:46:00.003-07:00

Here's my one-hour Saturday afternoon (while Bree napped) project. Yes, this was work avoidance, inspired by Z.1) acquire a (cheap) USB flash-drive

2) carefully extract the innards
3) apply thin layer of waterproof (i.e., non-permeable) epoxy, taking special care to coat the four terminals going into the metal sheath, NB do not epoxy more than a mm. or two onto the metal sheath [no pics here - sorry, my hands were full]
4) wait 20-30 minutes, then apply second layer [again, no pics] 5) (OPTIONAL, BUT RECOMMENDED) wait another 20-30 minutes, then superglue a key-ring (or other such attaching device) and ID-tag6) Final coat over electronics, ID-tag and ring (if you waste too much, like me, this should finish up your syringe of epoxy)
7) Let cure for at least 24 hours before complete submersion

8) Enjoy. If it gets accidentally washed, or soaked in soda, it should still work for you.

The Return of the Prodigals

2007-10-22T00:01:00.000-06:00

Let it be known that the exiles have announced that their diaspora will receive a temporary respite. The Webb family, expatriates of the state of Utah, July 28 – present, will return to their fatherland. Ahenobarbus, Pulcheria and Beemer will all stand on Deseret’s sacred soil on December 18, 2007.

“It’s a mixed bag. Going back behind the Zion Curtain fills me at once with both excitement and anxiety,” said Ahenobarbus, the paterfamilias. “I want to play with Landon and Oakley,” Beemer has been found saying, followed occasionally by “is it Christmas, yet?” Merrily foreseeing babysitters, Pulcheria simply smiles with glee at the prospect.

See you all then… Hey, who wants to volunteer for airport pick-up duty? I may ask Tristano to haul me down to his place for the night so I can hit Diamond Fork (aka. Fifth Water) Springs! Who wants to come with?

Fun with Books

2007-10-21T22:23:00.000-06:00

Last Monday, for FHE, we went to the local library. We read books with Beemer for about a half hour, then she picked out some for us to take home. She grabbed Frog and Toad are Friends and Pizza Fun. Pulcheria has liked Toad and Frog for a long time. I don’t remember reading it, but am a fan, now. Superb beginning reader. We were both skeptical, however, about the pizza book, and tried to talk her out of it, seeing as how it didn't have what we perceived as "staying power."

That silly pizza book has also proven a surprising find. Not only were we pleased to find that Beemer continues to look at its pages, but we actually tried a couple of the recipes today. Delicious looking tigers ensued (as you can tell from Bree's territorial roar, below)!

The Formal Flower of Academe

2007-10-14T06:46:00.000-06:00

golden flowers stand in formation
at attention on a faded blue field
ever they face the rostrum of knowledge

erudition penetrates
gently the ears, violently the mind

scholars sit slouched in chairs
hunched over notepads
feet shuffle on floral carpet
pens pretend to scribble

the air charges with cerebral energy
synapse fires
neurons flash

fact and invention infuse
fill already overflowing brains
condense on aural canals

drips sink in, streams retreat
shower down information
on the fleurs-de-lis
as they, rigid, attend the speaker

Ex Am In Nation

2007-10-01T21:47:00.000-06:00

Secretly, I’m glad that Pulcheria asked me to post this information up. It’s a great pretext to letting you all know, not only what’s going on in my life lately, but also that I’m starting to get my bearings. It’s about time, too.

For me, one of the greatest feelings in the world is to set a goal, then work my tail off to achieve it. This is how I lost 70 pounds in roughly 8 months. It's also, coincidentally, how I got into my MA program here in Missouri (my top choice of schools). Complementary to that great feeling is the panicked frustration when I am in over my head. I was feeling fairly pathetic here, questioning my ability, my intelligence, and my sanity. Things are starting to change - slowly - but that's enough for now. So, every MA history student at SLU must pass a foreign language competency exam before receiving their degree. This is usually taken the last semester before graduating. For students of medieval history, this test must be in Latin, and has a surprisingly high failure rate. Well, as I mentioned, I was feeling fairly inadequate to the program since my knowledge of medieval Europe isn’t nearly as strong as everyone else’s (my BA was primarily in Classics) but I needed to feel like I was actually working toward something: moving toward a goal. Therefore, in order to feel like I was making some form of progress I took the test on my second Friday here.

So, today I’m sitting in class and I ask my advisor how soon I would hear back about my test, and he said, “Oh, you aced it. Sorry, I forgot to tell you. I graded it that weekend.” Nearly two years ahead of schedule, too. So, I guess that’s one thing I can check off my list, right?

On that euphoric high, I went on to present my research into the obscure little event I’m looking into and my thoughts and interpretations of the primary documents. The class seems more interested than they have been, probably because I finally feel that I have some sort of rudimentary grip on the material, now. My advisor even said that it sounds like I’ve put my finger on something that could change the way historians of the fourth crusade view my event (i.e. the “crusade” of Walter of Brienne), which is high praise, indeed, seeing as he’s generally recognized as the authority on the fourth crusade.

So, all in all, a pretty darn good day in graduate school for me. Hopefully this meteoric trajectory will continue.

30 Years

2007-09-21T12:01:00.000-06:00

As an indulgent present to myself I gave myself a lunch hour with my gorgeous family. I really miss the time with them I used to enjoy. It was great eating and hanging out with them, even if only for a little while. I’m thinking of taking a few off tomorrow, too, to go to the zoo. If that ends up happening, I’m sure y’all will be subjected to photos.

A Reader's Guide to Me

2007-08-28T10:33:00.000-06:00

Quick update on school. Wow. Tons of work - easily the hardest work I've had to do, ever. I'm starting to get excited about the challenge, though. Okay, update over. Now, onto the real post. (Thanks, Muad'Dib, for the rating link!)

This is not a list of books I’ve read recently, since I’m pretty sure that nobody other than me would really get into those (at least, out of those who read this blog). In fact, I'm pretty sure not even I was into all of them. This is a list of books that have been highly influential in my life, for various reasons. Any listed as “first book only” does not mean that I didn’t enjoy the other volumes – it just means that the volume listed tells a story that either was more influential OR it tells the whole story that the other books elaborate upon (OR, it means I haven’t taken the time to read the other umpteen volumes, since life is short and I have too much else to read.) I’m sure that this list isn’t all inclusive, but it’s close enough.

Links take you to Amazon. I'm not encouraging you to buy them as opposed to checking them out from the library (though, in case, I did pick links to the less expensive copies and better translations), but Amazon's got synopses and reviews to help you decide whether it's the book for you at this time. Titles arranged by genre then by alpha for your convenience. Hope you enjoy.

Non-Fiction:
Last Chance to See (Douglas Adams)
The Mother Tongue (Bill Bryson) *
How the Irish Saved Civilization [first book only] (Thomas Cahill)
Into the Wild (Jon Krakauer)
The Fourth Crusade (Thomas Madden)
A River Runs Through It (Norman Maclean) *
The Deer on the Bicycle (Patrick McManus)

Historical Fiction:
Baudolino (Umberto Eco)
The Name of the Rose (Umberto Eco)
The Source (James Michener) *
An Instance of the Fingerpost (Iain Pears)
The Crystal Cave [first book only] (Mary Stewart)
The Once and Future King (T. H. White) *

Classics:
Beowolf (Anonymous)
Gilgamesh (Anonymous) *
Bacchae (Euripides)
Ars Amatoria (Ovid)
Antigone (Sophocles)
Eunuchus (Terence) *
Aeneid (Vergil)

Other:
Watership Down (Richard Adams)
Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency (Douglas Adams)
Ender’s Game [first book only] (Orson Card)
My Side of the Mountain [first book only] (Jean Craighead George)
The Moon is a Harsh Mistress (Robert Heinlein) *
Dune [first book only] (Frank Herbert)
The Chronicles of Narnia (C. S. Lewis)
Atlas Shrugged (Ayn Rand) *
The Lord of the Rings (J. R. R. Tolkien) *
The Silmarillion (J. R. R. Tolkien)

Update I decided to put asterisks (*) after those I suggest reading first. This was extremely painful – like picking a favorite child. I asked myself: which of these are most likely to be influential to just me, and which have the potential to be highly influential (and enjoyable, of course) to the widest audience of my friends and family. The results are above.

Updated 8/31/07 – 8:40am CST

Ahem! A Hem!

2007-08-26T22:52:00.000-06:00

My free time is almost at an end. Tomorrow, August 27, I begin my MA in Medieval History at SLU. I’m excited, scared, and all types of anxious. But, I’ll post more about school later.

Since there’s no telling how long it may be before I update again, here’s a little longer post to keep you busy/bored. I spoke in sacrament meeting today, and the following is an epiphany I tried to work into the talk, but it never quite felt right there. So, I post it here for your terror/amusement/insight. It’s still in early rough draft form (I need to edit it so it feels a little bit less like I’m showing off), but you’ll get the idea.

A Little Lesson on Fashion: the Hem
I want to talk about clothes, and how clothes relate to faith. The very clothes I wear are symbols of my faith – not the clothes visible to you – for you know I’m wearing those – but the clothes underneath that you must merely believe I’m currently wearing. Of course, clothes have been representative of the holy priesthood for some time. I am a big fan of ancient history, so please pardon a little historical background to the tradition and symbolism of “The Hem,” in the Bible. The Law of Moses stipulated what all the holders of the priesthood, while in the tabernacle or temple, should [Ex. 28] wear. Among other vestments, priests were told to wear a blue robe and a blue mitre, connected to the robe at the “hem” or “tassel” with a blue string or cord. A mitre is a cap with a flat top: one which is worn by millions of graduates every year – but anciently, the reason for the flat top was to help support the weight of a crown. The symbolism is quite striking: in Hebrew tradition blue is the color of the heavens and represents God’s dominion. The tying of the blue thread to the robes symbolized the connection between the crown that God gives his anointed and the power of the priesthood. In other words, through covenant, the robes of the holy priesthood are inseparably connected to the power of heaven, and keeping that connection where it should be entitles us to the crown of righteousness for which we’ve been anointed (cf. D&C 121:36). In other words, it is nothing less than the right of celestial government: the right to rule and reign in the House of Israel, forever [side note: Israel translates = those who prevail with God]. It may be much more, besides, but that lies outside the scope of this talk.

Centuries after the Law was given, we read (1 Sam 24:4-5) that the young David snuck into the apostate king’s camp in the middle of the night, and cut off the “hem” or “tassel” of Saul – symbolizing that Saul’s divine sanctioned authority to rule and reign in the House of Israel was severed. In Isaiah (22:21-23) the sacred vestments are referred to as the “key of the house of David,” which will be laid on the shoulder – giving him power to open, and none [else] shall shut; and shut and none [else] shall open. The one who wears this connection – this key – upon his shoulder will be fastened “as a nail in a sure place; and he shall be for a glorious throne to his father’s house.” [aside: can you think of any robes with a symbolic hem or tassel at the shoulder? those who have ears to hear, let them hear.]

Okay, so right about now (or maybe right after I started talking) you’re probably all thinking, “Okay, so bring it on home! What’s this got to do with faith?” I would answer you, “much.” The prototype and role-model of him who is fastened “as a nail in a sure place” is, as in all other symbols of ultimate righteousness, the Savior, Jesus Christ who had all the authority of his godhood, kept the principles of righteousness, and exercised his priesthood perfectly. The woman with the issue of blood (Matt 9:20. cf, also, Matt 14:36)had faith, not just in the Lord’s anointed – the Messiah; the Christos – but in the authority of the priesthood that was his by divine right, symbolized by the hem ["kraspedon" G2899 κράσπεδον (edge, border, hem, fringe or tassel)] of the Messiah’s robe. Her trust in Christ’s priesthood – manifested by her touching the symbolic garment of the holy priesthood he wore – made her whole. “[Unto] you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings,” wrote Malachi. The Hebrew word for wings, [H3671 פנף] “kānāp,” is exactly the same word used for “hem.” I think it fitting that one possible way to interpret this verse is to say that the Sun of righteousness (i.e., Jesus) will arise with healing in his priesthood authority - and that is something worth having faith in.

Gravois Creek

2007-08-25T07:56:00.000-06:00

Ovid may have been a great fan of artifice, at the expense of raw nature, but I’m afraid that’s a position where our preferences part. As a new adventure, Bree and I decided to explore the creek that runs behind our place. Gravois Creek, one of the tributaries to River Des Peres (itself a tributary to the Mighty Mississippi), at this time of year is fairly wide and slow moving. In Northern Utah it might even be named a river, but here it’s pretty insignificant.

Fish galore swim in its shallow shoals. Given its geographical make-up, the warm weather made its waters very pleasant until we got to the swimming hole. Yup, that’s right: it’s got a real, honest-to-goodness, Tom & Huck style swimming hole. Complete with preadolescent boys splashing around, occasionally glancing back to the shore where their fishing poles still stood straight, devoid of the hoped-for fish. We were unprepared to find this unexpected treasure in this particular Creek so Bree and I didn’t swim. We will. On our way back Bree played while I caught a little crayfish (since re-released). Good times.

Suson Park

2007-08-18T16:41:00.000-06:00

Bree and I took a mid-morning excursion to Suson Park (ca. 15 minutes away) to play with animals. It made a nice break from the usual swing/slide/run around type park play we've been doing in the hot, hot weather. Because the temperature was far more congenial than it has been, the trip was great!

Below is a great little gadget introduced to me by friends and fellow bloggers. Use your mouse to manipulate the cube. It's fun, don't be shy.

bright red playground slide
scorches thighs in summer’s height –
play must wait a while

Turtle Park Trip

2007-08-17T15:06:00.000-06:00

Here's a little flicker of parentheses that encapsulates a trip that Bree and I took to St. Louis's Turtle Park. For some reason, the music won't play, so you're stuck with an audioless flick. I'll fix it, if I can. Well, if I can, and if I remember... My textbooks are beginning to arrive, and that might divert my attention. But, for now, my intention is to fix the soundtrack. Buon Appetito.

Welcome to Saint Louis II

2007-08-14T20:55:00.000-06:00

Thank the gods, Pulcheria's sisters came this weekend and helped get the house in livable condition. Below is a documentary tour of the final product. I hope you enjoy it. It's not a small flick, so you may want to click and then (if you have high-speed internet) make yourself a sandwich or (if you are still on dial-up) take a weeklong vacation.

Home-court Advantage

2007-08-08T22:52:00.000-06:00

Muad’Dib and I have been having a little discussion over on his weblog, and I’ve decided to change the venue. I've also decided to change the tone and style so it makes me look better (in my own eyes.) Therefore, I write: I heartily concur with his interpretation of Acts 4-5, and have written up a little to say why. If you like what’s discussed, leave a note explaining why. If you find it too dull, Talmudic, or overly focused on the minutiae, leave a note explaining that too. In other words, I like hearing from everyone who reads my posts. Please let me know that you’re out there reading. Anyway, on with the show.

I agree with Muad’Dib’s assessment of the translation. I love the KJV, and find it, by far, the most pleasant to listen to and to recite. One the one hand, the Ol’ 1611 is fine enough for church meetings and regular discussions, but on the other hand, if we’re analyzing the text, I’d stick with the NRSV. Wait! What’s that? Ah yes, if any of you have read through my Amazon Wishlist, you’ll see that I don’t own a copy of the NRSV. Fine. Chicken Little will do it herself.

In 4:32, exempli gratia, “ought” is an anachronistic hold-over spelling of “aught” (“anything.”) In Middle English the two spellings were perfectly compatible versions of the same word, but in Early Modern English “ought” began to assume powers of obligation and debt and the twain were cloven by the softest laws made: the laws of linguistics. The only reason this text – and the whole of the NT – is not eternally ambiguous is that it is possible to look it up in the original Greek. The word used is a simple ti (no accent), meaning “some” or “any” – an egal word befitting an egal people.

All that work for one little word. Ouch. I guess I don’t have time to analyze ‘υπαρχόντων, ’έλεγεν, or ‘άπαντα (aside from saying that I very much doubt that ‘άπαντα was referring only to “trials, persecutions, a feeling of unity with common problems.” In this context I can’t force myself to think it doesn’t mean “all things” including the ‘υπαρχόντων “possessions” that they will all sell.)

If I had to translate this passage on my own, I’d do it far more literally, just so there’s no confusion as to what words mean, as sometimes happens with the KJV. As a matter of fact, I think I will. My interlineary Greek-English NT is still submerged in one of the manifold black holes innocently disguised as cardboard boxes, currently adorning my living room. Poor décor, indeed. They still infest my domicile. I will empty them yet. “Hear ye! All ye corregated fiends! Your days are numbered! I will strike thee with the rod of my sister-in-laws and thou shalt spill thy bowels each upon their rightful place in mine house!” (Book of Daniel [Webb], Vol. 29, 8:8). But I digress. As I was saying, without my interlineary I’ll have to do it the hard way, with Lexicon and Strong’s Strongest at my side. But, I’ll only focus on the verses I mentioned above (4:32, 34-35). That’ll be more than enough work for me - several hours, I expect - but this conversation is worth the effort.

4:32) The quantity [i.e. the whole group] of those trusting [i.e. those who believed] was one in heart and soul, and not one [of those believing ppl] claimed some/any of the possessions to be his own for him, but, for them [i.e. for the believing ones], all was common.
4:34) For, there was not some/any impoverished among them; for as many as were possessing acquisitions of small-fields or houses – selling [the acquisitions], they were bringing the values of those things having been being sold.
4:35) And they were setting [the values] alongside the feet of the delegates [i.e. the apostles] and it was thoroughly given to each according to some/any need he had

Alright, so it only took me 50 minutes. Don’t laugh, that’s a pretty good speed for me these days, I’m so out of practice. For those who wish to mock me for my slowness of mind, I stand with Billy Madison, who spoke thus:

‘Now, I know a lot of you are saying, “Big deal! Any idiot can [do that]!” Well, it was hard for me, so BACK OFF!”

Character Construction

2007-08-07T00:34:00.000-06:00

I recently updated my "about me" section in my Facebook account. In case any are interested, here is what I wrote:

The Veneer:
I was an actor and singer in high school, and got into college with an arts scholarship. I served a religious mission in Southern California (the heathens) in 1996-1998. I was married in 1999, and had a daughter in 2004. I graduated from USU, having studied History and Classics. I'm now working toward an MA in Medieval European History at SLU.

The Plywood:
Like most, I've slowly worked at building my persona. I didn't start out this way.

As a child I loved to be by myself as much as with a small group of close friends.

I loved spending time out-of-doors, and wished to become a scientist; particularly an entomologist. I remember this from a very early age.

I am an introvert who has worked very hard to develop the persona of an extravert. Discovering my talent for theatre was one of the turning points in my transformation. Most of the time my persona works well, since my theatrical experience has given me many memorized lines to draw upon. My exercises in improvisation have aided me, also. When my persona falls, and I am exposed as the imposter I am, it is nearly always because it is a scenario I haven't rehearsed in my mind. I spend the next days/weeks/months replaying the situation - not to relive the emotional pain again, and again - rather, to develop witty repartee and dialogue which I will utilize next time a similar scenario arises.

The Frame:
I am discovering more about myself now, and have been for the last few years, than ever before in my life. I've been reaching into my more stage-shy memories to see why I act and think the way I do. I usually find myself revealed as a happy, anxious, semi-fearful child who's developed a very sophisticated and complicated persona in order to combat my anxiety and fear.

The Hinge:
Perhaps this is universal to all, and I will realize in time that my story is simply the story of growing up; a universal tale, applicable to all. When that realization solidifies, I will thank the gods that it took so long for me to be sure. For now, I'm glad I can experience the process of discovering myself.

Welcome to Saint Louis

2007-08-06T14:29:00.000-06:00

It’s been long enough. I shall wait no longer for the great insightful message that you all will marvel at. Instead I shall simply post my undiluted emotion. My blather begins:

I’m here. Sometimes I can hardly believe it. Other times I believe it all too well. The drive was tortuous, the unloading was rapid, the unpacking continues. The landscape is bland, the weather is horrible (hot and humid), the skies are bereft of my beloved redtails. Even as I wrote that last comment, I could feel the tingling in my chest, the lump in my throat, the fuzzy vision.
Worst of all, my friends are far away.
Real tears now.
Panic.
Pause.
Breathe breath.
Again.
Calming down.

I have my wife and child. The main joys of my life. Pulcheria is bedridden with morning sickness (surprise and congratulations are, indeed, in order) 23.2 hours a day. Bree is solely my responsibility. The unpacking is a monumental task that I try to avoid thinking about. Pulcheria is bedridden. The love of my life, and my respite from constant childcare is inaccessible. A mess of emotion fills me, now. Freedom-deprivation depresses me more than anything. Loneliness. What a feeling. I haven’t felt lonely in quite some time. I usually relish my alone time. But now, it’s more than mere loneliness; it’s the loneliness of the single mother in a strange new city with no local friends. Of one who wants to pick up job applications, but knows that it will hurt her chances to go in with a child at her hip. Of one who knows that her babysitter lives right next door, and is home, but is unable to help watch for more than a half hour. And there are thousands of these people. Probably hundreds within 50 miles of me. And, now, I am one of them.

Now comes the guilt. What a horrible person am I to be thinking of myself and my poor lot in life at a time when Pulcheria is sick because she is making a child for me. Self-absorbed bastard. It is her body being tortured, not mine. She wants to feel better and participate a thousand times more than I want her to. Bree wants to play more. To see her friends, too. Bree suffers from a father who feels depressed because he has to perform his fatherly duties with more intensity than usual. Poor me. What a schmuck I am.

Oh! Great. What is this new feeling? Survivor’s guilt, now? COME ON! Please get a hold of yourself, dude.
Breathe.
Fine.

And now, I go back to my life. Thanks for your attentiveness. Know that within five minutes, I won’t feel this bad, anymore. It’ll come back, but it’ll also go away again.

For now, though, I must feel.
And breathe.

Video Test Post

2007-07-09T01:13:00.000-06:00

I thought I'd give video-blogging a shot since so many of my friends have such awesome clips on their sites.

So, I got laid off from my job on Sunday. Here's a short clip of my victory celebration. I deeply and sincerely apologize for the lack of decorum found in the (uninvited) commenting female voice.

Introduction to Pulcheria

2007-06-10T15:18:00.000-06:00

Greeting to all and sundry. It is my proud pleasure to introduce Pulcheria's blog to the world of cyber-personas. Enjoy, for it is enjoyable.

Mid-West

2007-05-21T17:45:00.000-06:00

Well, it's official. I have been accepted to Saint Louis University's History program. Later this summer Jan, Bree and I will leave Utah for approximately 5 years to complete my Ph.D. in Medieval European History. SLU has one of the world's preeminent medieval scholars, specializing in the Crusades (what I am planning on emphasizing), and Dr. Madden and I hit it off immediately when we met last month.

This will be the longest time any of us have lived outside the Zion Curtain. As of right now, the probable date of departure has been set for Monday, July 23.

8 wonderful years

2007-05-15T23:51:00.000-06:00

Thank you for everything, Jan. It's been an amazing journey, and you're the best partner I could ask for.

Little Wild Horse

2007-05-08T18:08:00.000-06:00

Stage three of our whirlwind tour of southern San Raphael began on the morning of April 30 when we packed our goods, deconstructed our shelter and drove out of the Valley of the Goblins. Turning North then West we sought the trailhead for Little Wild Horse Canyon, which we found after the road crossed through a recently flooded wash/arroyo/wadi (presumably Little Wild Horse Creek), arrived at the parking lot and threw on our packs.
It was Bree’s first real slot canyon. I think it was also Jan’s, but she’s done it a couple times before. Though I’ve done other slots, it was my first time through it. What a fun little canyon it was! Quite a variety of wall texture – from the long flat sided sections to the majorly twisty-bendy-convoluted.
Bree, of course, paused quite often to play in the sand. That’s okay. This trip was for her. Her parents, however, found unexpected relief when we met Jasper and his dog Boo-boo, with parents in tow. They were from Colorado and were out enjoying the beautiful day. For Bree, lacking N.A.M. as motivation to keep moving, Jasper became a very competent substitute and next thing I knew, Bree and he were walking hand in hand while Jasper “taught” her how to hike, run, jump, et cetera. It was very cute. He shared his treats and toys at our break, just like a pure little gentleman.

We parted ways after the narrowest of the narrows as they went back, and we finished the hike. Bree didn’t last long. I had to carry her back most of the way because she was drifting in and out of consciousness (late nap-time for her). I didn’t mind a bit. She’s still light enough not to be too much of a burden, and I enjoyed her little head on my shoulder. Very cute. Very enjoyable hike.

From Li’l Wild Horse we went pretty much straight home, pausing only at Mom’s Café (Salina) and REI (SLC). An amusing, whirlwind-tour of a trip. Goblin Valley - not to mention it’s juxtaposed environs - is highly recommended, especially if you’ve got a child, or a rambunctious inner-child, who loves trackless, pathless running, rambling and reveling.

Valley of the Goblins

2007-05-06T01:30:00.000-06:00

Our new home (we were only renting). The view was great.

Pulcheria thinks: Hm. I wonder where Bree's hiding.

Bree thinks: Now! now! now! Quick! While her back is turned! Freedom! Woot!!

'Say "cheese," Bree!'

Stage Two of our adventure began when we arrived at our camp (still Sunday, Apr. 29). We tented among the goblinesque hoodoos of Goblin Valley State Park. After pitching our home we headed out to play. Bree had such fun running around and leading Pulcheria from hoodoo to sand heap, sand heap to hoodoo. She climbed, clambered, slid and generally had a fantastic time there, sans trail, sans schedule. Pulcheria very patiently allowed her to run and play pretty much wherever she wanted. Meanwhile, I went off exploring the outer valleys, in which I had never before been. I got reasonably (and pleasantly) lost in the labyrinthine system drainages and spires (generally much bigger and more impressive than Valley #1), and finally ended up climbing a ridge to get my bearings. An hour and a half later I rejoined my family (still led by Bree), got some last minute playing taken care of, then back to camp for dinner and bed.

"Daddy! Look - I see a IZARD!!"

Pulcheria poses, looking particularly pulchritudinous.

One of Bree's favorite activities was to "ride" the myriad Entrada fashioned "camels."

Meadow Hot Springs

2007-05-01T12:56:00.000-06:00

For stage one of our mini-vacation, we arrived at Meadow Hot Springs at approximately 11:30am on April 29. Now this pool has a lot of charm to offer the soaker. First, the pool itself is completely natural. Unlike the commercialized Crystal Hot Springs or even the rustic, rudimentarily improved Ogden Hot Springs, the only two alterations in this place are the wooden fence surrounding the pool and a thick rope encased by heavy PVC pipe running across the pool at its deepest level. Second, although there is only one pool accessible, it is just about the right temperature to suit everybody’s needs. I’d guess it was somewhere between 95 and 100 degrees [so, a tad cooler (5-10 degrees) than Ogden]. The water is amazingly clear and beautiful. There is no detectible sulfuric smell surrounding or surmounting the spring. The travertine deposits about a foot under the surface (perfect benches) and all around the pool make it seem like an exquisitely built set for a multimillion dollar film. Truly an amazing piece of nature. Its many attractive features draw bigger crowds than the less picturesque springs I've visited, but we enjoyed the company. Pulcheria and I had a good long soak. Bree, in and out frequently, also had a great time.

For those interested in going themselves:

N38* 51.876
W112* 30.198

Further directions to be acquired upon request and/or bribes.

The Bound Pilgrim

2007-04-16T15:09:00.000-06:00

the sky seems full of falcons
they soar and dive, drive heavenward
check, swerve round, stoop, hurtle to earth
thunder whispers through their feathers
yearning bursts my heart
my feet cling to the soil
my talons refuse to release
watching them, I await my turn
my soul has wings but cannot rise

1/25/07

Enlightenment

2007-04-09T15:43:00.000-06:00

in quiet footsteps and birds’ song
plays
voiceless speeches
millennia’s memories
music

cairns stand vigil
ageless guides

cold sandstone
waiting for dawn
whispers
like a cat’s tongue
abrasive
across naked feet
wears away the callus of the sole

around a corner
revelation
delicate window into heaven
perched on the edge
solitary guardian
strength
greeting day’s first light

illuminated by the sun
it is what it is
Ahyeh-Asher-Ahyeh
I become what I am
and ever will be

4/09/07

Sandstone Sandbox

2007-03-28T16:51:00.000-06:00

Enough insightful/personal posts for now. It’s time for some more plain, old-fashioned showing off. Above, on the trail to Tower Arch, Bree has found a "hiding place," from which she proved difficult to extricate.

Bree was a little trooper the whole trip. She hiked a good 60-70% of every trail she went on. Only at the end of Fiery Furnace did she get tired enough to ask to be carried. The more common complaint she had was that her parents were just too goal oriented to let her play in her own privately fashioned sand-box for hours on end. I know: we're slave drivers.

She hiked the entirety of the Mesa Arch Loop Trail, and is shown here taking a much deserved mini-break, basking in the sun like the lizards she has learned to love.

Cheeky grin (due primarily to chipmunk-like storage of pretzels) and all, here's Bree cheesing it up in front of the camera. She had so much fun on this trip, but still wants to "play in the sand." To that end, we have therefore already booked a tent-spot in Goblin Valley for the weekend after Easter. Post comment for information about said trip, including propositions concerning possible multi-familial conventions.

Mountain Goat

2007-03-23T01:48:00.000-06:00

In many ways, this trip was a kind of test-run of the capabilities of my new body. I was running and jumping – easily, I might add - around places that, just six months ago, I would literally have been heaving my hefty self, feeling weighed down and depressed.

I felt/feel more agile than I have since I was a kid. I've rediscovered a physical confidence and capability that have been missing since early adolescence. It’s been a "rebirth" experience for me, creating this new-self. As we journeyed through the Fiery Furnace, Pulcheria described my movements as "graceful." Graceful. I like that.

Just after Pulcheria took this shot (I couldn’t help but grab a couple virtual caches while I was down there) I ran the Windows Primitive Loop Trail. Ran it. Ran! Okay, so I only ran 2/3 – ¾ of the 1.25 mile trail: but, still, it’s me – running. Here's to constant progression!

Biological Nomenclature in Landscapes

2007-03-22T11:22:00.000-06:00

It has been pointed out by numerous nature writers that earth and her forms are often described in terms of feminine anatomy. The desert of the Colorado Plateau is one of the few places on earth, in my opinion, where masculine nomenclature is equally applicable. From the spires of Bryce to the towers of Monument Valley, the dominant anatomical symbol is not the mound of the breast, dimple of the small of the back, or gentle curve of the hip. Rather, it is the phallus.

To be sure, the breast, back, hip and even the (insert bodily part here) of the slot canyon is still most prominent. But what really strikes me is the conjugal mixture of spire next to mound, boulders against valley, tower within canyon, turret seen through arch.

The whole plateau is charged with sexual metaphor:

The paucity of plant life yearns for wetness
Heat presses sky and land
Breezes sigh
Tension builds
Cloud and stone await the kiss of rain

Drops, gentle, caress desperate soil
Lightning jabs back and forth
Rain grows intense
Hail surges
Wind groans

Tension breaks
Climax floods through slot canyon
Humid heat remains
Dusk's afterglow soothes
Sleep descends
Fresh life emerges

(Or, alternatively, maybe I'm too Freudian about the whole experience...)

Dead Horse Point

2007-03-21T23:00:00.000-06:00

My adorable little family just got back from a great, if brief, break down in Ed Abbey country. We went with the Wild Bounders and had a fantastic time camping, hiking, scrambling, climbing, and generally having a superb time of it all. What's more, most of the highlights have been digitally captured, giving me ample posting material for the next few days.

This shot, taken during the last few hours of desert roving, features Pulcheria and Bree looking very cute in front of a bend in the Colorado River from the vantage of Dead Horse Point.

Showing Off

2007-03-15T00:08:00.000-06:00

Someday I hope to own my very own scanner. Until then, you'll have to make do with these small jpegs. Here we are showing off (Bree's not the one showing off. She could care less about posing for silly photographs) our gorgeous daughter in her new Easter dress.

Some of you may have seen these already, and we beg your forgiveness - not that we are at all apologetic, but it's probably the socially proper thing to do. For those who have seen them here for the first time: please feel free to offer feedback if you so desire.

Lost Investment

2007-03-14T17:26:00.000-06:00

Since the photo below has a headshot (en passant) of Bree, it barely squeaks in.

So, imagine you’ve been slowly investing. Everyone needs a certain amount to survive, but say you’ve managed over the last 12 years to take what you bring and pack a little extra away. Say you’ve done remarkably well, and have saved about 30% of what you needed to use. Now that’s a remarkable investment. Impressive, huh? Wouldn’t you feel great if that were you? Wouldn’t you feel terrible if you suddenly lost it all? Well… That’s what happened to me. And I did it on purpose.

The unfortunate part of my savings is that it wasn’t money which I hoarded. It was excess calories. So, to date, I've lost 30% of my body weight over the last ~4 months and am feeling fantastic. At the risk of arrogance, I would even say that I look slightly less terrible. Look at the photo and judge for yourself.

Yes, I am sucking in - but only a very little bit. ;)

Nix Fiat

2007-02-22T21:29:00.000-07:00

It is a strange phenomenon that we, as a society, should enjoy eating compacted balls of solidified water crystals with cores of pure pollution. Stranger still that we should also encourage our children to throw themselves to the mercy of gravity and slide down steep hills of the stuff, merrily clicking away with our cameras. Nevertheless, herein are nestled some of the great joys of winter. I venture to postulate that these are some of the only joys of winter. There. I've said it.

But, Daddy! What big eyes you have!

2007-02-21T17:19:00.000-07:00

So, yesterday, I get this crazy idea that I want to learn to sew. Pulcheria, being the kind, supportive philanthropist she is, said she’d help me learn. I don’t choose a simple pillowcase or hat. No way, not me. For my first sewing project since what has to be the seventh grade, I choose a cape and hood for Bree. Poor Pulcheria. Bless her heart. She patiently guided me along from 9:00pm to 3:30am (in a project that would have taken her only a couple hours). I am very, very happy with the results, though. It should fit her until she’s in third grade, too.

Floored

2007-01-12T20:46:00.000-07:00

Okay, so a couple weeks ago Pulcheria put Bree to sleep (i.e. into Bree’s actual bed, not euthanized) and was enjoying the somniferous lethargy that immediately precedes soporific catalepsy, when she was startled back to semi-consciousness by a small voice saying, “mommy.” It wasn’t a shout. It wasn’t a cry. It was just a soft call that quickly went silent.

After giving the little voice enough time to disappear into its own dreams, Pulcheria quietly crept out of bed to go check on Bree. It just so happens that the easiest path to Bree’s room is through the bathroom. What she found there elicited great sympathy, love and a little bit of humor. Turns out Bree simply wanted to be close to her mommy.

The Wilkster

2006-12-31T18:02:00.000-07:00

This link is to a video of a great friend who consistantly beats the odds and inspires all within his circle of influence. Be patient. It'll load.

http://web.mac.com/bradboyle/iWeb/Site/Ben%20and%20Tyler%20KSL.html

Where's Phil?

2006-12-19T16:00:00.000-07:00

So, one of these ornaments is not like the others. Which one is your guess?

Footnote Source

2006-12-18T22:32:00.000-07:00

See above photographs to reference with the footnote in this year's Christmas Letter.

Merry Christmas to All

2006-12-18T22:17:00.000-07:00

Seasons Greetings!

It is once again the time for snow angels, Christmas carols, and hot chocolate. We can hardly believe how fast time is passing. For some reason having Brielle in our family and watching her grow seems to have put our lives on fast forward. [Please do not compare this paragraph to last year’s introduction.]

Danny finished his baccalaureate degree in May, took a fishing trip to the Uintas in July, took the GRE in November, and his plans are (to quote him) to “go to grad school somewhere or work or, like, whatever.” Such decisive focus should be an inspiration to us all. He works on the weekends and during the week Bree keeps him busy with her requests to color and walk outside. He is such a great dad. Bree adores him with full reciprocity received.

January splits her time between work and Bree. She excitedly moved her office to a building with a real-live mailing address and spent two days painting and arranging her office the way she has wanted it for ten years…just in time to enjoy it for one year before we move away. She also took a trip to Jacksonville in October for a conference. The conference was remarkable, but her favorite part was an impromptu trip to the beach to collect sea shells! While excited to move on with Danny’s graduate school this summer, she is sad to leave her staff, residents (well, most of them), and the opportunities her job has given her.

Brielle is now two and gets more adorable every day![1] Her accomplishments this year include: Jan. 6 – learned how to whistle; Feb. 18 – learned to walk; Feb. 19 – learned to run; May 25 – fostered 5 kittens; June 3 – fell in love with her swing; July 4 – hiked the Limber Pine with Mom & Dad; July 20 – forgot how to whistle; Sept 7 – saw the Kokanee Run; Sept 15 – learned to distinguish raptors from other types of birds (very cute little shouts of “hawk” from her carseat); Sept 23 – swam in her first hot spring; Oct. 5 – hiked the Wind Caves with Landon & Oakley; Oct 31 – first poetry recitation (dressed as a kitty); Nov 9 – finished her 1,168,000,000th mile (circumsolar track); Nov 24 – learned (from Talen) to jump on her bed like a monkey. Whistling aside, she’s had a very successful year.

This has been a year of miracles and laughter. We wish you a very happy holiday season and send you love and hugs wherever you may be. Have a wonderful 2007!

Δόξα εν υψίστοις θεώi καί επί γής ειρήνη εν ανθρώποις ευδοκίας.

Merry Christmas!

[1] cf. above photographs for conclusive proof of Bree’s sparkling and charismatic appearance

Ah, Subway

2006-12-11T23:20:00.000-07:00

How I miss the desert. Soon, perhaps...

Jacob's Ladder

2006-12-06T19:38:00.000-07:00

Occasionally, my pillows have also been stone (Gen. 28:11). I miss the warm, long days already, so it may be time to take a trip down south sometime soon. The last time I went to the desert was with my cute little family in Spring Semester of last year! S.A.D. may soon leave me little choice but to bail out on inversion-land. [For those of you who want Bree pics, you can check them out from the last trip south by looking at the March and April archives. Thank you.]

Taking it Easy

2006-11-27T23:35:00.000-07:00

Just a quick update for those of you who, like me, need a frequent fix of Beemer to keep you going. A couple days ago Bree seemed to be strangely low-energy. We thought she might be getting sick - if so, it has yet to show. After we had satisfied ourselves that she seemed to be perfectly fine, we just let her go about her daily business. Just watching TV sitting upright was not doing it for her, so she disappeared for a few seconds then returned with her pink pillow and Nemo blanket, snuggled down and enjoyed the Doodle-Bops in comfort.

Beemer's Birthday - II

2006-11-09T23:34:00.000-07:00

She made it yet another revolution around Sol, for a grand total of two. That means that so far Bree has traveled approximately 1,168,000,000 miles. She's quite the little trekker!

She loves her new jacket, by the way - just not as much as we do.

Kudos go to Pulcheria for fixing up Bree's hair. She looked adorable in those little pink curlers, and was very conscientious about leaving them alone until she arrived at her party.

Miss Chievous

2006-11-01T14:31:00.000-07:00

In between sessions in an exhausting day full of Trick-or-Treating, Pulcheria decided it was time for a photo-op. The stars of this shooting are (from left to right):

Talen, the skeleton giggling with suppressed anxiety; Ray, his father looking bemusedly resigned; Torin, the bear looking definitely bored; Bree, the kitten delightedly looking for somewhere to cause some mischief.

I've noted before that Bree has an occasional uncanny resemblance to Max in "Where the Wild Things Are," and this observation deserves reiteration, especially seeing that roguish light in her eyes. Comments?

Hello Kitty

2006-10-30T19:04:00.000-07:00

As has been well documented, Bree loves her feline friends. So, Pulcheria and I decided that she should share this love with all around her this Samhein. Pulcheria did the costume and I did the make-up (yes, I know I got the easy job, but I can't sew... I'm going to learn how, though!) The adorable result of our efforts is shown here for all to see and admire.

Frightful Fruit

2006-10-24T22:02:00.000-06:00

We got a message from the Wild-Bounders that they had grown a few extra pumpkins and wanted us to share in their bounty. We came, we carved, we cackled. When our vehicle deposited us at our domicile, we played with matches and took pictures inspired by Adventures in Iowa and posted them here for all to see.

The Jack-o-Lanterns seen here were captured on digital film thanks to the long exposure setting (I think I over-exposed it a bit - it's my first attempt at such a shot) on our mid-level-point-and-click. They are arranged in the following order from left to right:

Mine (Ahenobarbus's), Pulcheria's, and Bree's.

In Loco Parentis (Nullius)

2006-10-20T20:59:00.000-06:00

This last one is just so Talen can ask his golden question: "Where are Bree Maia's Mommy and Daddy?"

Wind Caves (Revisited)

2006-10-19T21:10:00.000-06:00

A couple weeks ago (Oct 5th, I think... I know it was a Thursday!) I hiked up to the windcaves with some splendid friends and Bree on my back. It was great fun. Teisha took the pictures (well, most of them) and I was just there for moral support. Not that she needs it anymore. She's come a long way since her accident. At any rate, here are a few precious photogenic gems from the hike.

Here's Bree contentedly munching on a carrot while the mule trudges along the trail. Kindly observe the head-gear she began with, as it will change throughout the course of the trek. This particular bandana is known to Bree as the "happy-hat."

Just a little stop to admire the view of the China Wall formation to the south, across the canyon, while surrounded by an explosion of fall leaves.

Once we arrived at the destination we snacked on some apples, fruit rolls and more carrots (I don't know what precise combination contributed to the war-paint around Bree's mouth). I've discovered that Bree looks decidedly more dashing in my hat than I do.

Here is the whole troup, sans photographer, in a great shot out of the East Cave. Notice Bree's third hat of the day, this time borrowed from Landon, who doesn't look like he minds too much.

Punkin' Shoes

2006-10-17T12:38:00.000-06:00

I got contacted yesterday by a good friend, Emily, who lives in Iowa. One of our main sources of contact since she moved has been through Blogger. She wrote me, concerned that I had fallen into a very deep, dark, deadly dangerous pit and couldn't possibly escape, and had been left for dead. Guess that's what happens when you establish a pattern of fairly frequent posts, then drop the ball for a couple weeks. Never fear. All is well, and to prove it, I took these pictures of Bree just this morning.

I thought Sophie would be happy to see that her Pumpkin Slippers are being very happily used back here in Logan, and that Bree's toes love to be in them, although this is probably the last month those little feet can fit comfortably in them. The time to pass them on to the next little munchkin is rapidly approaching. Until then, though, the Jack-o-Lanterns will swing to the rhythm of whatever tune Bree dances to.

Postscript: our hearts and prayers are with Teisha's dad. Hope he has a full and speedy recovery.

Elimination of Repetition

2006-09-28T21:20:00.000-06:00

It is well known to those who baby-sit Bree that she's got her favorite movies and likes to watch them while she eats. While this ritual is soothing and enjoyable to her, it must be said that watching "Jonah: A Veggie Tales Movie" every day for months on end is intensely irritating to me. Fortunately an epiphany occurred, and with a little help from a DVD-Rom drive and some airline headphones, lunchtime is nice, even for me, now. Only time will tell whether the songs that have been painfully burned into my cranial cavities will ever heal, but at least now I have a fighting chance of recapturing a few of those cerebral convolutions hijacked then hidden in the belly of a whale.

Return of the Kokanee

2006-09-07T13:48:00.000-06:00

Well, I was right when I said we went a week too early. Yesterday we went back up to the East Fork of the Little Bear River and the Kokanee were fully red and running. It was Teisha's first excursion since her equestrian accident and she did great; the hills were steep but she navigated them expertly (Teisha is a great photographer whose shots have shown up in this blog several times - look in the archives to see some of her work). I'll try to get back up there before my birthday for some better pictures, since the light was fading by the time we got there yesterday. As expected and hoped, Bree loved the "fishies."

Finally Worn Down

2006-09-05T15:34:00.000-06:00

Over the weekend Jan changed Bree's bed over to the "big girl" style (took off the front bars of her convertible crib). She loved it and didn't shown any sleeping problems after the adjustment. Well, today was an exception. She went down for her nap at around 12:30p.m., and was quiet for about 20 minutes. Then she started knocking on her door. Upon opening it the reason was quite obvious. So, I put her down again after changing her dirty diaper, but she just didn't go to sleep. I had the monitor on, and she didn't cry, she just played, talked and tore her room apart in jocund jubilee. At 2:15 she started complaining in earnest, and I let her out, feeling frustrated at her lack of nap but, having been a child myself, I knew it was less than helpful to try to force a nap. So, we played for a while, and at 3 I gave her a banana to snack on while watching Animal Planet, while I hopped on the computer. at 3:15, having noticed the lack of singing/talking, I turned around to see the back of a little Bree head hanging sideways over the side of her highchair. I couldn't resist a snapshot to document the moment.

Bree's First Trip to a Bar

2006-08-30T20:39:00.000-06:00

A Sandbar, that is. We went up to Porcupine Dam to see the Kokanee run, but missed it. We're probably a week too early. Bree still had fun throwing sticks, sand and rocks into East Fork, though.

Queen of the Martians

2006-08-28T18:55:00.000-06:00

Maimee gave it to Beemer, Beemer gave it to Grammy, Grammy filled it with snacks and gave it back to Beemer. Beemer emptied the crown and placed it on her regal head. Ahenobarbus and Pulcheria proclaimed her Regina Marsianorum per omnia saecula saeculorum, Amen.

Gray Cliff Springs (revisited)

2006-08-24T22:24:00.000-06:00

Last June my cute little family drove up to Gray Cliff Springs and hung out. We decided that today would be a good time to repeat that activity. Bree liked it much more this time around.

She splashed in the shallows, walked in the stream, threw rocks and generally enjoyed herself.

She even convinced Pulcheria to get her feet wet and walk down the streambed with her.

It's one of my favorite places in the valley, and I'm glad I'm not the only one in my family to think that it's pretty darn cool.

Corny Girl

2006-08-24T12:14:00.000-06:00

This is one of my favorite times of year. The temperature is starting to ease its way down to tolerable levels again; Jan will once again rejoin our family life; and it's less than a day between growing on a vine or stalk to being masticated and digested. As you can see, Bree loves her corn. She liked it before, but has now discovered that this South American grass-fruit is most fun while still connected to it's pod.

Bree with a Bug

2006-08-03T23:05:00.000-06:00

A Travel Bug, that is. Travel Bugs are GeoCaching items that travel from cache to cache and are tracked through the GeoCaching website. I've talked about caching before on my Jeep Blog, and am still at it, slowly but surely. On average I find about 50 caches a year (which is a snail's pace compared to a lot of other cachers), and yesterday Bree and I found one just up the hill by our house. We grabbed this Bug from out of it at Bree's request.

Backpackin' Bree (Revisited)

2006-07-11T23:04:00.000-06:00

Here's another shot of Bree taken while she was getting the Cadilac treatment on our little walk last week. She's so darn cute. Every stage she goes through I think: wow! This is it; I'd better enjoy it, because it won't last, and it's all downhill from here. Then - to my utter astonishment - she keeps getting cuter, smarter, sweeter, braver, et cetera. If you happen to be interested, here's a shot of Bree riding in the Carrier taken a little over a year ago. What a difference a year makes, don't you think?

Independence Day

2006-07-06T08:31:00.000-06:00

SPOILER: The picture immediately below is a photograph of our destination.

These pictures are from the Limber Pine Trail.

For this year's July 4th celebration, we thought we'd enjoy one of Logan Canyon's splendid (but easy) hikes.

This is the way life was meant to be.

One of the most important ways that I feel the greatness of this country is the freedom I feel when I'm outside of cube-land.

Bree's been hiking before, and she loves it. She's learning, however, that it's more fun to be moving about than it is to be posing for a picture, so if we want her to stay still, the environs must not be dull

Here's the little trekker, enjoying being free of the child carrier. She's like her dad and loves to stop and look at bugs.

And here she is taking a much needed break.

That big old knot makes a great seat. Pulcheria is the perfect adornment.

Bree liked it too, of course, once she saw mommy climbing around on it.

The trek out was a bit speedy, because of the thunder. I was disappointed we didn't get a little rained on, but it was probably better this way. After all, it could have ended up like our last trip to Zion.

Feline Update

2006-05-28T00:58:00.000-06:00

Apparently the kittens have received new names (albeit, temporary ones, seeing that whoever ends up adopting them will give them their own cognomens). Here they are in no particular order:

John;
Paul;
George;
Ringo;
Sergeant Pepper (bet you can't guess which one that one is!)

I've been told that this is Ringo that Bree is holding. Who am I to argue?

Quintuplets

2006-05-25T22:15:00.000-06:00

Pulcheria and I have become foster parents to an adorable little litter. These guys were rescued from a ranch by one of my co-workers, and Pulcheria and a couple very good friends have been team-parenting them. Aren't they adorable?

Some Room for a View

2006-05-24T22:40:00.000-06:00

You may remember my sis from our trip to the wind caves last year. Well, I talked her into going on another little walk with me (this one much shorter) and took this picture along the way. Here's the list of points of interest in geographical order (closest first):

Becca;
First Dam;
Golf Course;
USU;
Logan LDS Temple;
Snow-capped Wellsville Mountains.

Bubble-licious

2006-05-22T21:05:00.000-06:00

What a cutie, huh? She's always enjoyed her bath-time, and her hair's long enough now for us to have fun with, when it's soggy and sudsy.

I like the little rubber-duckie in the background. Makes me want to sing that Bert & Ernie song.

All in one Basket

2006-05-19T19:04:00.000-06:00

What a little scamp.

For those who might complain that this site has metamorphosed into a celebratory hagiography of Bree I have two things to say:

1) It's my website to do with as I wish;

2) The site has emerged from the chrysalis more beautiful than ever.

Ps. At least I'm posting again!

Happy Estrogen Day

2006-05-18T09:23:00.000-06:00

Well, it’s been a long time since I’ve posted, and it’s about time y’all got an update on just how cute little Bree is becoming. Look at the picture. I have nothing to add.

This Is Only a Test

2005-12-19T14:08:00.000-07:00

This is a test. I have been experimenting and researching how to post a video to my blog, and I think I have it all figured out. You'll have to let me know how it works. Either click on the picture (or just click here) to view the video.

So, what this is (hopefully) is a video of Bree when she was just four months old, learning how to say "mama," with a bit of help from Pulcheria, who had a vested interest in this event. Enjoy.

I Wish

2005-12-19T09:54:00.000-07:00

Here are some pathetic random ramblings, regurgitated from my vegetative mental peregrinations:

1) I really need to learn why, as soon as I have time to enjoy myself, I get sick. It’s been happening since elementary school, when I had perfect attendance to the actual school days, but as soon as a long weekend or other break rolled around – Bam! – I got sick. The pattern still holds. Last Friday (Dec. 16) I finished the last of my work for the semester, went to a friend’s wedding, and went to work that night (I only work weekends while I’m going to school.) Yesterday at about 2 in the afternoon, having just returned from work, I started getting a stuffy nose and sore throat. I have two weeks of holiday (except for the weekends) and I get sick. Something must be done.

2) At any rate, those of you who know my schedule are asking, “Ahenobarbus, why aren’t you at the dentist right now?” Good question with a lame answer. I was so tired after my 14 hour workday (worknight?) that I left my lights on. As a result, when I went to start up the faithful XJ this morning, nothing happened. Oh, well. I wasn’t terribly broken-hearted when I had to reschedule.

3) So here I am, doing nothing but feeling slightly sick, wishing Pulcheria and Bree hadn’t been snowed in down south last night, wishing I hadn’t left my lights on yesterday afternoon, and wishing I hadn’t done whatever it is I continually do to get myself sick. Those are my current pre-Christmas wishes.

4) I know: I’m impossible.

Where the Wild Things Are

2005-12-05T14:12:00.000-07:00

For those who know the great children's book Where the Wild Things Are, don't you think that, in this picture, Bree looks a bit like Max when he's all dressed up? This is what happens when we take out her antennae-like-poly-tails after they've been in all day.

Hippo Birdie Two Ewes

2005-11-13T17:14:00.000-07:00

Inconceivable. It has been a full year since this little bundle popped out into the wide world. It has been a wonderful/scary/frustrating/fantastic/beautiful year. She gets more personality (i.e. attitude) every week, and it only adds more luster to her smile, and more twinkle to her eyes. Here she is on her actual birthday after enjoying a bit of cake.

Queen of Egypt

2005-11-08T21:18:00.000-07:00

Here she is in costume #2 (i.e. Cleopatra) that we picked up at Caesar's Palace this last May. She wore it to the Ludi Romani too (see how she's grown in just a few months!)

Concentration

2005-11-07T09:09:00.000-07:00

Energizer Beemer

2005-11-06T14:22:00.001-07:00

Okay, okay, so... Yes. I have been known to let her suck on on-the-floor-items and that makes me a bad parent. I, however, have no intention of stopping, since she's in no danger of electrocution from old and used-up batteries. Energizer Bunny, eat your heart out. Here's our little cheerleader in costume #1. Go USU Aggies!

Bree in the Tree

2005-11-05T13:40:00.000-07:00

The title and picture need no more explanation.

Spooky

2005-11-05T13:39:00.000-07:00

Oh yeah! I forgot to include some Halloween pics. Although this one isn't of Bree in costume, it is, however, of Bree playing with my keychain light (red, so it affects night vision the least). She really liked it.

Birthday Girl 1

2005-11-04T10:01:00.000-07:00

Alright, so, it's been a few days (i.e. months) since I've posted. However, very little has happened in that time. My life is a bit like that of Bill Murray's on Groundhog Day - you know, every day feels like the same old routine. Anyway, Little Beemer's birthday is a-comin' 'round the corner, so I figure a couple of cute shots of her wouldn't hurt anyone. This is another of those fantastic shots taken by Teisha, with Bree playin' in the leaves. I love the reflection of the tree covered sky in her eyes.

Strange Slumber

2005-09-05T08:21:00.000-06:00

No need to worry, folks, Phil is not dead. Have you ever fallen asleep in a really strange position that, for some inexplicable reason, was the only one that felt comfortable to you? Well, I think that Phil's soporific life has been permanently set to that mode. He's been in this position for about an hour now, and hasn't moved much more than to shield his eyes from the light which I turned on in order to take this picture. What a guy. You gotta love him.

(Chrono)Logical Progressions

2005-09-04T18:12:00.000-06:00

There are two items of interest that need to be documented in the memoirs of our crescent family. First of all, our little Bree has found a new favorite food: Newtons. She tends toward strawberry, but likes raspberry as well. Secondly, she has progressed from the ubiquitous Utah-baby-Spike (a.k.a. Unicorn) hair-style, to the Insectoid-Antennae style (I find it much preferable). The above picture demonstrably captures both events.

Brown-tone Family

2005-08-13T12:23:00.000-06:00

Here is one of my favorite shots from a trip our family made up to Mt Logan back in July. I've always liked the Sepia look, so I thought I'd put one in here for the enjoyment of all. We took the Cherokee up, of course. And speaking of the Cherokee, I've got a new site dedicated to the celebration of my Jeepin' adventures: check out Jeepus Inventus for more details.

Fan Fan

2005-08-08T18:05:00.000-06:00

Kids get into the strangest places. Here is our little Beemer after having crawled under the step-ladder into the corner of the room where we keep our hamper (as you can plainly see in the background). Luckily the fan was unplugged, so I didn't worry about her playing with it. She loves fans. She stares at the ceiling fans, plays with the oscillating fan (turned off, of course) on her changing table, and would play with this one too, if she were only a tad taller. All too soon, she will be.