Real and Presentable

The REAL Us:

The PRESENTABLE Us:

What a weekend. What a good weekend. What a good, good weekend.

BEAT

Photo Friday: Bestie Edition, Part 2

BEAT and Megs of Red Cottage Life

Nashville, TN

October 2007

Megs is here for her annual visit! And this one is going to be the best...and last...in Nashville.

Here's to laughing, eating, and watching Lifetime.

BEAT

Old Ladies Club

When the first of the Nine turned 25 I started the Old Ladies Club. I know, I know. We are not old. It was a joke. Kinda. So many life changes made us feel old. Well, older. The changes made me feel old. Well, older. But I had my friends. Good friends who just happen to be hitting the same age milestone. Celebration was in order. So, at every birthday I would write, call, or sing something about entry into the Old Ladies Club. Yay? Yep, yay! For being 25.

The last one of us turned 25 last week. "Welcome to the Old Ladies Club!" That's how she was greeted in her emails. It is sorta like the Pink Hat Society, the entry level or precursor to the Red Hat Society. I don't like pink. Never have, so I want us to have our own rules. Renegades. Rebels. Nonconformists. Something our own where we create the standards and expectations.

Things like...

1. No pink. Or no forcing of pink.

2. Little to no make up is required.

3. Laughter. Lots of laughter.

4. Yearly gathering. (Try your hardest to be there.)

5. Submit a Grateful List weekly. (Try your hardest to create.)

The list will continue to grow. Explicitly and implicitly. Written and on our hearts. We do most of these things without thinking. Nothing too new. And my goodness, like we need another name for our group. Like discussed, "best friends" is such a fine title.

I am a member of the Old Ladies Club. There are eight other members. Dues are cheap! Just regular increments of love, kindness, support, and understanding.

It is a fun group. Everybody knows my name.

Growing old(er) isn't that bad.

BEAT

Just one?

Growing up I would always say, "But you can only have one best friend." I meant it. From an early age, I would only allow myself to have one best friend. And I made that clear to others. I would declare, "No, This is my best friend. You are not."

The word "best" denotes special, extraordinary, better. Most think of that in a singular form. One best friend. One.

What a fool. I'm talking about myself. Unless of course you hold the same notion. Foolish.

I went to college and the world changed. I changed. I brought along Amber. Well, not really brought along. But we were roommates for four years, yet we've known each other since sixth grade. Amber and I, attached at the hip for those first days at LaGrange, met some folks. It started on our hall, Hawkes 3. Our neighbors would be the first contacts; then quickly followed a curly haired girl down the hall. By the end of that year I was connected to Amber, the neighbors, a curly haired girl down the hall, a girl the floor below who loved turtles, another red head the floor above, and then another set of roommates who just happened to live in the next dorm over. Count it up, that makes nine.*

The next three years created a bond that has lasted. It has not been easy. We moved away. Some got married. Some didn't. Some are still in school. Some work 50 hour weeks. Different stages. Different steps. Different.

But there is a bond. I call these ladies my BFFs. And I mean it. Forever. Always. I know, I know. Sounds even more foolish to say forever than just having one best friend. But I have a feeling. It's okay; call me a fool. Even crazy.

I have some other BFFs. Good BFFs. One recently visited. I'm lucky. I might even call her my sister before my best friend. Her family is my family. My family is her family. Yep, we'll go with sister. And still there are more.

As you can see, I've been pondering this whole BFF thing for awhile. One person in particular has been on my mind. We've been friends since my birth. (Literally.) Our history is deep and wide. We fall a part from one another, but we always find the paths that lead back to the rhythms and patterns of friendship. We'll find our way back. I've got this thing called hope.

The moral of the story, don't be a fool. Have a whole gaggle of best friends. It makes life special, extraordinary, better. And tell'em if you have them. Tell'em you love them. And if you don't have them, well then, I will be praying for you.

Not just one,

BEAT

*There were a few that ebbed and flowed in and out of the circle, but they did not stick around. I mean it, they made the decision to quit us. We can be a hand full but well worth it. Something you want to hold on tight to and never let go. Promise.

Reunited...

...sorta. Megs is being replaced by Marg. JM made the big move across the pond!  

Bristol, Bath, and maybe even London. Just another summer traveling to and with the BFFs.

Conquering the world 1/3 at a time,

BEAT

Dogs, Cats, and Creation

Dear Mommy Park,

Thank you for inquiring about whether dogs, cats, and all other animals go to heaven. As I told Megs, I am less concerned with the future understanding of heaven. I think we need to be talking about heaven and hell on earth. Because let me tell you, these are realities now. Anytime someone experiences love, kindness, and forgiveness it is heaven. And anytime someone knows of despair or poverty or deep loss, it is hell. No one can change my mind on those facts. 

So, are animals experiencing heaven and hell on earth? Yes. Let's look at the increased number of puppy mills that are being shut down because of lack of food, health care, and...well, love. Then I remember pet adoption, and this is mercy and justice for animals. 

I could talk about humane ways of killing animals for food. I don't know if you want me to address this. I am not a vegetarian for these reasons, but I think it is something we need to consider. Not just how we end their lives for our nourishment, but we must be critical about what we feed them and inject them with. Eggs are not meant to be this big. Chickens are not meant to be so bulky. And cows are maturing too fast for my comfort. 

My tradition, as a Methodist, calls for me to go on toward perfection. That is a big concept with lots of baggage. Nevertheless, it call me to perfectly love God, neighbor, and creation. Creation is an addition to the normal equation. It is an addition that we must examine because we need it to sustain us...and our crazy lifestyles that we are accustomed to. So, I am going on toward perfection. However you want to understand that. But it does call me radically love God, neighbor, and creation in the most life giving ways. That includes animals. That most defiantly includes animals. And if we can't give them heaven on earth, what does the future matter? The after life? Nothing. 

I am not a fan of calling myself an overseer or a caretaker like the normal Genesis model. We are equal creations in the plan of God. And as creatures, we must respect and love one another equally. We are neighbors on this earth. Neighbors, I say. Does your dog provide you nourishment? Do you provide your dog nourishment? Body, mind, and heart. Heaven in a new way. Heaven in an important way. Heaven on earth, too. 

Every (good) argument requires evidence. So I offer these reflections from others:

1. Words from the thoughtful theologian, John Wesley on the restoration of nature:

The whole brute of creation will then, undoubtedly, be restored, not only to the vigour, strength, and swiftness which they had at their creation, but to a far higher degree of each than they ever enjoyed. They will be restored, not only to that measure of understanding which they had in paradise, but to a degree of it as much higher than that, as the understanding of an elephant is beyond that of a worm. And whatever affections they had in the garden of God, will be restored with vast increase; being exalted and refined in a manner which we ourselves are not able to comprehend. The liberty they then had will be completely restored, and they will be free in all their motions.

2. The words of honest hymns: 

All Creatures of Our God and King

Let all things their Creator bless,

and worship him in humbleness,

O praise him, Alleluia!

Praise, praise the Father, praise the Son,

and praise the Spirit, Three in One

All God’s Critters Got a Place in the Choir

Some sing low, some sing higher 

Some sing out loud on the telephone wire 

And some just clap their hands, or paws, 

or anything they got.

Listen to the bass, it's the one on the bottom
Where the bullfrog croaks and the hippopotamus
Moans and groans with a big to-do
The old cow just goes MOOOOO

The dog and the cat pick up the middle
While the honey bee hums and the cricket fiddles
The donkey brays and the pony neighs
And the old coyote howls

It's a simple song of livin' sung everywhere
By the ox and the fox and the grizzly bear
Grumpy alligator and the hawks above
Sly raccoon and the turtle dove.

3. In the Tradition of St. Francis of Assisi: 

A Litany and Blessing of All Creatures

Gracious God, you created the heavens and the earth, the sea and all that is in them.  You love the whole world – the sunshine and the rain that refresh the weary earth, the outgoings of the morning and the evening, the changing seasons, the plants that grace the earth and the animals that inhabit it. You have given us responsibility both to love and keep the earth clean and fresh that it might rightly reflect your grandeur.  We confess that we often fail to see your purpose and are blinded by selfish pursuits.  We mar this planet by our indifference and insensitivity.  Forgive us, we pray, and help us to change our destructive habits that we may be channels of your goodness. We give thanks to you, O God, for the life and witness of all those who have nurtured the earth – for prophets who remind us of our responsibility, for those who with tenderness minister to all things living, for those who bring their healing touch to the creatures of your hand. Just as God planted a garden in Eden full of blessings, the very Garden of God grows around us here, in other tended green spaces, in farms and gardens which are the source of our sustenance, in forests and in fields.  These plants speak to us in worship and live in God’s Word and world. Release your blessing today on all who stop here and rest.  May they hear you calling deep in their hearts.  Pour out your life to all of the plants and microbes, insects, and worms, and gardeners who together with you weave a tapestry of life in this space and throughout creation. We give thanks to you, O God, for animals who live in our homes, on farms, in the wild and in havens of refuge.  Make us ever aware of our responsibility to these, your creatures, who in so many ways bless us.  Help us to be faithful in caring for them.We remember before you in the silent and deep places of our hearts those animals that have died, but have been special and dear to us.  At this time, may we also remember the animals that are lost, or somehow separated from their owners.  We pray for animals that are in captivity, are pursued, hunted, deserted, abused or exploited.  Make us sensitive to their needs, to protect and guard these creatures that they may sleep in peace and know the joy of loving care. Open our eyes to see any suffering that befalls a part of your creation, open our ears to hear their cry.  Open our hearts to their cause and our hands to their need.  Open our mouths to their defense, and above all, O God, open our lives to your ways.

O God, maker of all, we ask your blessing on every creature gathered here today. May they live peacefully in praise of you. Bless us all to love your creation, and revere its sacredness. We ask this blessing in the name of the one who was, is, and will always be, our Creator, to whom every creature belongs.  AMEN.  

On earth, as in heaven...

BEAT

Tea Time

Various images from my summer trip.

The perfect Sunday afternoon treat. 

A cup of tea please, with one cube of sugar and splash of milk. 

BEAT

Road Trip

Megs is my best traveling buddy. Even when I asked if I could take out my contacts and switch to my glasses while driving, she politely agreed. No worries, I pulled off at the next exit to change them out. 

I wish I had pictures to share, but that will probably not happen. The weather was mostly rainy and cold, so nothing special to look at. Unless you count the man in uniform that shared Sunday brunch with us. Talking about hot stuff. 

Megs and I spend many moments planning our next trip. Especially on the drive or flight back. We figure we are going to be single for, well, a long time. And just so you don't worry, we are a-ok with this reality. A-ok. Some may call it independence. Others feminism at its best. Still some, something about being picky. Whatever, I am single. We are single. (Megs doesn't mind me speaking for her. Right, Megs?)

I love road trips. Tough this one did me in for a while. I did about 24 hours of driving over a five/six day period. I enjoy just talking and catching up. I even like the getting lost part. Bad words and all. Bad, bad words. It makes Megs laugh. And we are never bringing that damn GPS. 

I like the moments of silence when the conversation lingers and then trails off. Creating an easy silence. 

Then there is that moment when the silence breaks. Usually by a question. In this case, Rush Limbaugh. Before Megs could even finish the question, I let out the exaggerated sigh. Come on, do you blame me? But I listened. She did repeat the question. And then again. Repeated her concerns over the media's betrayal of his "fail" comment. She made me listen. Take note of the other side. And be more attentive to the whole story. And I didn't want to. But this what we do. Ask the hard questions. Be honest. Listen. Share openly. Dialogue. Curbside conference. Holy conferencing. (FYI: I have a bigger bone to pick with Mr. Limbaugh. Not so much about what he says but more about the enormous contract he recently signed.) 

The silence was broken. And thank God. We've got to do this more. Agree or disagree. Heated or mellow. The questions must be asked. The silence is comfortable. Easy. Safe. Unremarkable. 

The silence must be broken. At some point we have to ask the burning questions. The questions of yesterday, today, and tomorrow. The questions that change us. The world. To create and maintain relationships. 

The problem, I can't wait for another road trip. We can't wait for the next road trip. 

BEAT

Vacay!

Dearest blogging buddies, 

1. I am in Charleston. 

2. I am not going to post again until Thursday or so.

3. Megs doesn't think it will happen. She says my fans will miss me. Is that true?

4. No worries, my loves. I will return. 

5. I need this vacay. I need some rest. I need to laugh. I need to not think about Nashville. Or Vandy. Or the future. 

6. Send me funny stories. Please.

7. Until then, ponder the greatness of this. Because it is so damn amazing. And hilarious. And crazy. And most of all, scary. (It is a little...well...graphic? Please look, but just know it will be a...surprise?)

Sleep, eat, and be merry!

BEAT

Photo Friday

England

June 2008

Photo Friday

Endinburgh, Scotland

June 2008

Photo Friday

Meghan's sweet House.

My second home. 

LaGrange, GA

did I ever tell you I am an aunt? (part 2)

Meet GIRL! She is my brother's lovely and lovable beagle.  She loves my brother. And when I say love, I mean it. Girl follows Andrew around everywhere. The sound of her paws on a wood floor is one of my most favorite sounds ever. She comes to the parents house for Christmas every year, where she has her own stocking and presents.  

I am glad to be her aunt.  She will put her cute head in my lap and sleep for hours. I am so happy my brother has a good woman in

 his life. 

Meet FAITH ANNE! She is Meg's lively and gorgeous doggy. Faith knows how to write a good letter and talk on the phone pretty darn eloquently. She is so grown up these days, following directions to the best of her ability.  (The dog hair really bothers me, hence why she so lovingly stays out of my room.) 

I am so fortunate to have Faith in m life. (Even if I don't always show it.) Thanks for letting me be her aunt, Megs. I am darn lucky.

Joy upon joy, especially since I am finally feeling better

Aunt BEAT

Photo Friday

London, England