Life List

So, I think I added something to my life list today: Being a part of something like this...


Not necessarily dancing, though - just something that is unexpected, but brings people together, puts a smile on people's faces, brightens their day and gives them a great story to tell... How fun!! (Thanks for showing me this, Shauna!)

Here's another example:


Of course, it could also be a lot simpler...

Peripheral Visions

I'm reading a book that a friend lent to me. She gave it to me a few years ago - I think probably while I was doing my certificate in Adult Ed. At the time, I was pretty overwhelmed with the other reading I had to do, and when I started reading this book, called "Peripheral Visions: learning along the way," by Mary Catherine Bateson, it was, quite frankly, too cerebral for "extra-curricular reading" - at least for my taste.

But I picked it up again a week or two ago, and it really is quite fascinating. Among many other really cool insights about how learning happens, and cultural differences, etc, here are a couple of my favorite nuggets so far:

"Insight, I believe, refers to that depth of understanding that comes by setting experiences, yours and mine, familiar and exotic, new and old, side by side, learning by letting them speak to one another." (page14)

"Community, like the sacred, is an idea that becomes reality because we believe in it, not vice versa." (page 42)

I also just finished reading a really interesting chapter about change and continuity. Basically, the idea is that depending on how you look at your life, you can focus on everything that's changed or on everything that stays the same:

"Everything I have ever done has been heading me for where I am today" is one version of the truth, but most adults can say as well, "It is only after many surprises and choices, interruptions and disappointments, that I have arrived somewhere I could never have anticipated." (pages 83-84)

I'm not even half done the book yet, so maybe I'll be back with more. :-)

Games night

What a fun time I had last night! I took my Little Sister to a games night at my church that the Fellowship and Outreach committee (of which I'm a member) was hosting. The timing of the evening was bad, with curling and parent teacher interviews taking up a large portion of potential participants, but those of us that were there (all 8 of us!) didn't let that stop us!

We ranged in age from 14 to... I would guess 70-something. My Little Sister didn't know anyone there but me. But the other people there did a great job of making her feel right at home. We laughed, we snacked, we took turns kicking each others' butts at the games we were playing, and then we laughed some more.

The magic in it for me, I think, was partly in watching my Little Sister interact with these older folks (and them with her). I'm pretty sure that the vast majority of older people in her life are very no-nonsense, strict, traditional people. Those are not words I would use to describe the people we spent time with last night. In fact I think I would describe them as kind, open, and fun-loving.

So thanks again to my church community for reminding me of what it really means to be "in community" with others. It's a night I'll not soon forget!

Angel Neighbour

I'm sure my across-the-street neighbour will never read my blog, but I just want to tell the world how much I appreciate him. At random times throughout the last 3 winters (all the time I've lived in this house), he has cleared the snow from my driveway in winter. He has almost always done this while I was away from home, or sleeping, so it wasn't until a few weeks ago that I finally confirmed who this everyday angel was.

Since I didn't know who was doing it for sure, I have tried instead to "pay it forward" in other ways to other people who need a hand. But now I can pay it back - I got a gift certificate for a local restaurant so he and his wife can go on a date. :-) I just can't describe what a pleasant surprise it is to come home from work and find a nice clean driveway. Here's to the angels in our lives who never ask for anything in return, but work to make their little corner of the world a better place to be.

simplicity

Church yesterday was short and sweet, being during summer. There were about a dozen people there, and I was definitely the youngest! Admittedly, I would have probably skipped out if I hadn't had to play piano this week. But I'm glad I didn't.

There is something so refreshing about worshipping with such a small group of people. These are the ones who are truly dedicated - why else would they show up at all on a Sunday morning in July?

There were 4 hymns, a couple of prayers, and a sermon offered by a member of the congregation (not in that order, you understand). Very little of the usual rituals. Very informal. (The worship leader didn't even use a microphone even though the whole "crowd" was at the back of our little church!)

Normally I'm all for a little ritual - within reason. Candlelighting, sung responses, etc... It often helps us focus, get centred, be present in the moment. It also reminds us of where we've come from - the wider church - and the fact that we are a part of something bigger... But sometimes it also allows me to zone out - it becomes such a mindless thing, one of those things I've done so often I don't need to think about it. I often wonder how many people really *think* about The Lord's Prayer as they rattle it off in hushed tones, for example.

Don't get me wrong; I try to make sure my worship is meaningful and that I remember I'm there to connect with God. But often, as the person behind the piano, I get easily distracted with making sure I don't miss my cue and that I'm on the right page. Yesterday was a very nice change of pace. A chance to pay attention. To answer the question, "What *really* counts in worship?" I wouldn't want it like that *every* week (I'd miss the ritual!), but once every month or two might be nice. :-)

I've been waiting for this

I thought I had posted about Sheena Grobb before but apparently not... I have become one of her biggest fans over the past year (helps that she grew up in my hometown and we used to sing in choir together), and I really think she's the next big thing.

I saw her in concert last month and was once again blown away. I was very tired, and tired often equals emotional for me, but I was crying/teary-eyed through about half the concert. She announced that night that she would be releasing a free download of one of her songs and I've been anxiously waiting because it was my favorite song from the night. She's asking people to spread the word so she can get some more publicity about her upcoming album, so check it out!! www.sheenagrobb.com (click on the graphic) Enjoy!

*Names changed to protect identities

Here's an email a colleague sent at work today... A little background info first though: "Jane" and "Mary" are both women in their late 20s, who have attended our learning centre for a few years, and overcome great obstacles, including not speaking English at first, to do so. We have supported them along the way, and they have worked very hard to acheive their current level of success. Both are still financially in tight spots, but it's not quite as bad as it used to be. "Kate" is a 17-year-old mom who started attending in fall when she was a few months pregnant. She returned to school as soon as "Maggie" was old enough (3 months) to be in the daycare, and has also worked very hard all along. All 3 women are going to be attending a student dress rehearsal performance of Dream Girls at MTC next week with a small group from our school. What follows is a brilliant example of the community we work so hard at building within our school...

And now, finally, the email:

"I'm feeling all warm and fuzzy, and I thought I'd pass it on.

This morning, I witnessed the loveliest "pay it forward" from our wonderful students.

Yesterday, I chatted with Kate and Jane about the Dreamgirls production. Kate expressed a combination of interest in going along with concern about what to do with Maggie.

Jane called Mary about this, and they came up with a solution to the child care issue - Mary has a friend who would be willing to watch the baby!

Then...this morning...Jane came to pay for her ticket, and decided to also pay for Kate's because, Jane noted, "she will already have to pay for a babysitter, and I would like to do this."

Try to measure that in any curriculum!!!

Have I mentioned lately how much I love this place????"

I couldn't agree more!! What a great way to end off my week! :-)

on getting involved

I had secretly been regretting my recent decision to join the Fellowship & Outreach committee at my church, mostly because, by coincidence, May and June (the first couple of months I've been on the committee) have turned out to be very busy for our committee, and I was hoping for a little less of a time commitment. I had also been secretly dreading tonight's event - a supper to celebrate the seniors in our church, and the first event put on by this committee since I joined up. I had been dreading it for a number of reasons that I won't get into, but primarily, I just wasn't nuts about giving up "my" Friday night. But tonight I changed my tune.

I haven't laughed that hard in a really long time. Although I was part of the group doing all the "work," I think I had more fun than some of our guests! I was both part of the entertainment, and I was entertained. And as our work crew joked around in the kitchen while we cleaned up afterwards, I realized that I knew exactly what I was signing up for when I signed up, and that I'm glad I did. I'm just sorry I lost sight of it for a bit there.

The F&O committee is about reaching out and including everyone in our church family. Our minister aside, I was the youngest person there by a good 20 years, but I felt completely at home with these warm, welcoming people. I actually felt like I was preparing a meal with all my aunts and uncles. We weren't out to raise money tonight, but just to provide a chance for people to connect, have fun,and enjoy an evening out with good food and good fun. And that's what we did. All of us. And once again I was very proud to be a part of this little community I call home. What a great way to spend "my" Friday night! :-)