God Loves All People - Gay, Black and Unbelieving - And the Christians Who Ignore the Bible

Source: thingstoknowaboutlife.blogspot.com via Patsy on Pinterest

People sometimes use God to justify their personal dislike of one person or another. The God I believe in loves all people. He does not pick and choose like a high school clique gone wrong. He loves black people. He loves gay people. He loves unbelieving people.

I will not accept a Biblical argument or explanation for anything unless that person is living by ALL of the Bible. I've always wondered how the flag-waving, constitution-thumping, conservative Christians reconcile that some of what the Bible teaches is unconstitutional. Personally, I'm anti-slavery, so this isn't an issue for me.

I'm also intelligent enough to understand that the Bible has been translated multiple times, and was written by mere men, and should not be taken literally. But, if you want to use it literally for argument's sake, you must live by all of it, not just the parts you happen to like. If that's not the case, you are being dishonest. I think there are a few words about that in the Bible, too.

The Bible has some wonderful teachings in it. What could possibly be wrong with the Golden Rule? "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you" shows up in most cultures and religions in one form or another. It's a basic truth - something we all know inherently - but something we all have trouble doing.

But the Bible teaches much, much more that isn't so clear cut. Only people who are living by ALL of it can use it as a yardstick by which to measure others. It seems like there's something about not judging people, too, but I digress.

If you are a woman who braids your hair and adorns yourself with gold or pearls - or if you lay with such a woman - you have no right to make any argument based on scripture. You are blatantly ignoring it. How dare you presume to use some other part of the Bible to justify your own hatred. Do your own dirty work and leave God out of it.

I am no one's idea of what a "good Christian" should be. But I do know the Bible tells us to be wise. I think it wise to not align myself with any person or group who hides behind God as a way to spread hatred.

That said, I know God loves all his children - even those who have lost their ways. I have certainly been blessed by forgiveness. My own foibles are too numerous to list. I would hope those who are quick to say something is right or wrong based on the Bible will take a moment to consider if they are truly living by all of the Bible before they use some part of it to justify judging another.

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Houses in Our Times

I've been doing a little research today - on a house my parents lived in during the 40s, when my brothers were small. It's a house I never lived in, in a city I never lived in, and yet I'm curious about it. I remember my mother talking about a bakery being nearby and smelling the bread cooking, and about my brothers walking down the street to get ice cream.

I had no idea what the address was, but then I remembered a telegram my mother saved from when she lived there. It was a telegram from her sister, Eva, about her son's death. It said, "Donnie is dead. Body will arrive Monday. Funeral Tuesday." Today I went and looked, and sure enough there was an address on the top of the Western Union Telegram.

So, I found the street on Google maps, and zoomed down the street, looking for the correct address. Before I found it, I spotted a bakery. And there, right across the street, are two houses, one of which has the address from the telegram on the front of it.

There's no telling how many people have lived in that house since July 1, 1944, when that telegram arrived. It's a duplex. I wonder which door received that knock. And how many knocks since.

I believe we always leave behind some energy, wherever we may go. So, although there's probably no one in the neighborhood who remembers a young couple with young children who lived there in 1944, something of them lingers.

Maybe that's why it holds a fascination for me although I have no first hand knowledge of it.

These are amazing times in which we live. I can sit in my office in Hutchinson, Kansas and zoom down a street a few states north, to take a look at the house my parents called home, the neighborhood my brothers played in, and the bakery that is still putting out the smell of fresh bread.

Amazing times, indeed.

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Use Me

This admonition to "Use Me" can be read multiple ways. Stitched on a tea towel, I assume it was designed to be a clever kitchen adornment. But, I think it has far deeper meaning. It says, "Use Me," in bright multi-colored thread, and yet the only stains on it are from storage, not use. Why do we deny ourselves the pleasure of enjoying things like this?

We save china until it gets chipped in storage, set back stationery until it yellows with age, and miss the chance to use things like this to brighten our daily lives. At the flea market yesterday I saw a tablecloth and napkins with the tag still on them - never used, but ruined simply by long term storage.

This tea towel represents creativity and hard work. Someone went to the trouble to conceive of it, design it and stitch it. Then folded it carefully and stored it away, without ever using it.

I bought it at the MCC Sale a few weeks ago. It has been washed and now it will be used. I'm not certain if I'll use it in the kitchen or elsewhere, but it will be used.

To not use things deprives them of their purpose. I'm sure that is not the right order of the universe. It also limits us. We don't enjoy them, then discover that while we've been saving them, they've been ruined.

Fortunately, this still has some life in it. And I will enjoy living with it.

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Questions, questions, questions

Today I had reason to write down some of the questions floating around in my mind. These are geared toward Kansans, about pretty general topics. But I thought it might be interesting for people to see a little peek at a few of the things rattling around in my brain at any given moment. Answers to any of them are most welcome, of course!

These are just the first ones that came to mind this morning. They are not in any particular order - more stream of consciousness. I could have gone on for a few more pages, but I had to get to other things. Is there a job where one can just pose questions all day? Oh yeah... journalist... already been there and done that. 

I do love a good question/discussion topic!

• How can we create systems that encourage creativity instead of squelching it? Can creativity exist within a system?
• Is it really a "back to basics" movement if the internet is included?
• How could Kansas demonstrate it's not homophobic to the rest of the world? Or is it?
• What do you know for sure? 
• What motto do you live by?
• Do you have Rules for Living?
• The energy we create with words.
• The energy we create with intention.
• Is life formed by intention, hard work or just luck?
• Do you create your life or just roll with what comes your way?
• We often hear people talk about the value of "hard work" and how that equates to money. Is that really how it works?
• How are jobs really created? Can we find a new model for that?
• Why do we not value main street the same way we value a big corporation moving in, who's statistically likely to leave in a very few years?
• Would Kansas be different if we had 10 minutes of quiet time every morning - at school, work, home - for prayer, meditation, thought or whatever people preferred? A time we all engaged in stillness - however that manifested for the individual?
• Are there any lessons to be learned from Fred Phelps' group? It's quite extraordinary that a pretty small group is known around the world, has been the catalyst for considerable legislation, and has mobilized other groups. How did they do that? Are there lessons to learn from that?
• What do travelers expect when they come to Kansas? What do we give them? Are they coming "to" or "through?"
• Why do we pay less to people who care for our children and our elderly (teachers, CNAs, etc.) than we do to those who entertain us?
• Why do poets struggle while pop stars flourish? Why do we not value true creativity?
• How did we create a world where pro-football players make far more than businesses on main street who form the structure of a community? Is that the way we want it? If not, how can we do it differently?
• What role do events play as a way for people to gather?
• Social Media Clubs - why would such a thing exist - aren't these people who are already talking to each other?
• What will retail look like in 20 years? Will we still shop or will we order online and have it shipped? If we have things shipped, why do we need the middle man - the shipper who moves products to the stores, or the FedEx guy who brings it to us? Why not just buy direct from the manufacturer?
• What businesses will exist in 20 years? Will there be eyeglass stores? Clothing stores?
• What things cannot be automated or outsourced?
• How much of creativity is inspiration and how much is just hard work?
• Can we create a world where everyone has enough? Do we want to?
• What things of today, or the past, are worth preserving?

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Happy Cinco de Mayo

Hutchinson, where I live, has a big Cinco de Mayo celebration. Part of today's celebration included a contest of chihuahuas in costumes. I have no idea what this has to do with Cinco de Mayo, but since this holiday is largely an American creation, I'll just roll with it. It's fun, so that's enough.

Amazingly enough, this doggie dressed as a fairy - please note the pink toenails - did not win. I didn't even get photos of the winners. There was such a crowd I couldn't get close enough for photos.



Another thing I learned today, "Lil' bit" is apparently a common name for this breed of dog. The above doggie, as well as another one in the contest, shared that name. Of course, this is completely unscientific, but in this sample of fewer than 20 dogs, two of them had that name. Statistically this seems significant.



I've decided it is enough fun to have dogs dressed up that this should be the norm. Of course, I'm not a dog owner, and therefore wouldn't have to purchase and maintain a doggie wardrobe. Nonetheless, it seems it would add a fun element to daily life.

Think of the themes... holiday clothing, everyday clothing, Sunday best... the possibilities are nearly endless.

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Five Years Later - Greensburg's Lessons

It's the five year anniversary of the Greensburg tornado. I was in Greensburg a few days after it hit to do some stories for a radio show, and saw the destruction first hand. At the time I couldn't imagine anything like it ever happening again. Then the Joplin tornado hit last year.

Prior to Greensburg, I had seen tornado damage, but nothing on that scale. I guess there hadn't been anything on that scale, so there's no way I could have seen it. As I watched people sift through the remains of their material lives, I was reminded of just how tenuous things are for all of us.

People often say, "Things don't matter." And, compared to people we love, of course that's right. But, you and I both know, things do matter. The things we can't replace, the gifts from people we love, the items once held and used by loved ones now gone, the things that hold some of our memory energy. Those things do matter.

In Greensburg, and then in Joplin, I watched people sort through the flotsam and jetsam of life - the brightly colored plastic toys that can easily be replaced and such; but also through the things that do matter - like photos of children playing with those toys. My heart broke for them. I could not put myself in their shoes. I understand it's a choice you don't have when faced with the situation. You simply do what you need to do. And people rise, in ways you can't imagine, to face the challenge.

But I realized something more than that - something that shocked me about myself. I couldn't even put myself in the place of the volunteers. People came from all over the country to help people sort through the remains of their materials lives, to salvage what was possible, to remove what wasn't, to offer comfort. I couldn't put myself there mentally.

I understand this does not make me look like a caring person. But, it is true nonetheless. The strength those volunteers have, much less those affected, is something that doesn't live in me. I admire it in others. I pray I never have to search for it in myself.

I'm so thankful others arrived in Greensburg, Joplin and other cities when needed. They astonish me with their ability to stare down the destruction, to help people start to rebuild lives. People who willingly walk into that pain, and gently lessen it, are gifted with abilities I don't have. Such crises demonstrate the best of our human natures. At least for many people. For some of us, our natures are lacking. We marvel at what others can do as we stand on the sidelines, trying to hold tightly to things we know can slip through our hands at any moment.

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My Social Media Day

I spent the day in a series of presentations about social media and best practices for using it. Although there's usually very little actual new information for me at such things, it's great to hear how other people define concepts. And, people always have new approaches to things, which they're generally happy to share.

There are folks at these events who are playing on a major field - like Jake, who represents Garmin. They have insight to share because they're experiencing things on a larger scale.

Meeting and connecting with other social media people at these events is always great. This was organized by Social: IRL, which does a fabulous job.

This was designed for non-profits, although there was terrific information for businesses too. Representatives from non-profits could attend for free. Ben, the organizer, really has a good heart, and wanted to give people a chance to come and learn without being limited by budget.

I was shocked at how many people left early. I realize sometimes people have conflicts they just have to work around, but when someone provides an opportunity like this for you, try to take advantage of it. I suppose it's the age-old conundrum, that people don't always value things they don't have to pay for. It's a pity, because this was really wonderful information and an event that would have easily cost $150 to attend.

It was held at the Kansas Humane Society, and some of my fellow attendees took home some new friends. Yes, some kitties and doggies got new homes today. Naomi took home two kittens.

How can you not love that kind of a day?

  

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Man Seeks God by Eric Weiner

Tonight was our book club discussion of "Man Seeks God," by Eric Weiner. You may recognize his name from NPR. He was a correspondent for years.

I loved his previous book, "Geography of Bliss." He has such an amazing way of using language.

This book is also wonderful - so well-written you just want to keep reading long after you've finished. He's funny, which is ironic, because his battle with depression is a secondary character in all his work.

In this book he travels to different places to explore various religions after he ends up in the ER and a nurse asks him, "Have you found your God." His ER visit turned out to be a "brush with gas," instead of a heart issue. Nonetheless, that question sent him on a journey spanning continents to find his God.

He explores a multitude of faiths, and devotes a chapter to each. I found something interesting about each. I love to see into other people's brains.
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Kansas Underground Salt Museum Celebrates 5 Years

The Kansas Underground Salt Museum (KUSM) is celebrating five years open tomorrow. It opened the doors May 1, 2007. Tonight they had an event with some of the folks who have made it possible over the years - from board members and volunteers to people who had the vision to make it happen.

The KUSM is a marvel on many levels. In a nutshell, it's the only place in the western hemisphere where you can go 650 feet underground and visit a salt mine. There is nothing about the experience that's not cool. What else needs be said?

But, of course, these things do not happen by accident. Tonight was a recognition of the effort it took to get to this point.



Jay Smith, who was the director of the museum, who spearheaded the effort that resulted in the tourist attraction we have today, was visiting. He spoke and said, "It took courage" on the part of many people to make it happen. In his initial conversations with Underground Vaults and Storage and the mining company he said they told him all the reasons it would be difficult and the reasons not to do it, but they didn't say "no."

Because there was nothing like it, there was no precedent. They used the Space Needle in Seattle as an example, but this was something very different. He said something that kept him going was hearing people talk about visiting the Carey Salt Mine in the sixties. He knew being underground left an impression on people.



This wasn't the first attempt at finding a way to create an attraction like this - the conversation had come up now and then for decades. But, this time it came to fruition.

Smith left Hutchinson before KUSM opened. Linda Schmitt has been the director during the five years it has been open to the public. She told some funny stories about mishaps over the years - nothing major, just minor things - like a tram driver missing a turn the first day and getting a group "lost." What she realized was that none of the visitors were upset. It was just part of the adventure.



Linda summed things up with, "Our main mission will continue to be to share this magnificent, unique, wonderful, underground place. That will be our priority forever."



The program tonight had a timeline of the last five years. One of the challenges was something you might not think about - how to get bathrooms to work. Flushing up, 650 feet, is not something most people need to do. But, there have been flushing toilets underground since August of 2007. And, just recently, the main restrooms near the event center underground have opened. I couldn't resist a photo.



Yes, that's right - there's a salt wall in both the ladies and mens rooms. How can you not love that?

One of the things Linda did that I just loved was bought a train from the Hutchinson Zoo in 2009. Years ago, the salt was moved in the mine on train track, so it's appropriate there be a train underground.

Tonight Greg and I took a ride on the train, which goes through some of the mined out areas.



There's an adage that what goes to the mine, stays in the mine, and you can see evidence of that on this ride. Even the trash stayed down under.



Of course, things change over time. This "trash" is now considered artifacts. Included in this trash pile is a 1953 calendar



Ironically, the trash can found with it was empty.



Of course, you know how I love a train!



You may not know how much Greg loves a train, which is even more than me.



The Kansas Underground Salt Museum is amazingly cool. If you haven't been, come and visit. It's one of two world-class attractions we have in Hutchinson, and I absolutely love it. I look for pretty much any reason to go underground.

I was honored to be invited to attend tonight.

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Read my earlier stories about KUSM:
A story about the museum with great photos Greg took - http://www.blog.patsyterrell.com/2009/04/kansas-underground-salt-museum-in.html

Scientists and 250 Million Year old bacteria - www.blog.patsyterrell.com/2008/06/oldest-living-thing-on-earth.html

Dr. Vreeland at the Dillon Lecture - http://www.blog.patsyterrell.com/2009/04/scientist-dr-russell-vreeland-in.html

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Cowboy Junkies at Stiefel Theatre in Salina

Last weekend Greg, Wayne and I went to see Cowboy Junkies at the Stiefel Theatre in Salina. It's hard to describe their music, but it's alternative... blues/country/folk/rock and amazing. If you haven't heard them before, take a listen on youtube. Their rendition of Lou Reed's "Sweet Jane," is a fan favorite.



Margo is the lead singer, and her haunting voice has a real impact. She and two of her brothers are in the band. Her brother, Michael, who plays guitar, writes much f their material.



She always sings with flowers on stage that she arranges beforehand. She said in an interview it's a meditation for her, that helps her with stage fright. She also walks out with her cup of tea as an anchor as well.



This Canadian band in incredibly prolific. They record at a tremendous rate compared to most artists.



It was a great evening with great friends and great music.



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Bits of Beauty and Mysteries of LIfe

Every day has little bits of beauty in it. They're sometimes even brilliant orange and flying around right in front of us.

Yet, somehow we still miss them. It's hard to imagine, but we do.

How this is possible is the true mystery of life.

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Arlo Guthrie at Hutchinson's Fox Theater

Arlo Guthrie was at Hutchinson's Fox Theater tonight. Aside from the music, there was a lot of philosophy mixed in, which I really liked.



He talked about songwriting quite a bit, and used a fabulous metaphor. He said songwriting is a bit like fishing. He just sits and waits for the songs, and they come along. Sometimes he misses ones meant for him because he's doing something other than fishing - he's watching TV or something - and someone else catches them.

What he didn't say, but is understood, is that some bait is involved, too.

I love that metaphor for creative work.



He played four different guitars and a keyboard tonight. His son, Abe, played keyboard throughout the show. His grandson, Krishna, played bass. Long time friend Terry Hall played drums.



Guthrie also talked about how places people visit repeatedly because of what happened there are changed by that - how everyone leaves a little piece of themselves anywhere they go. I agree with that. Every house and place has an energy to it that is created from all that happened there in the past.



I enjoyed the music tonight, but the philosophy even more.


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My Day in Photos

I decided to wash some of my recent acquisitions today...



and hang them out in the sunshine...



of the 90 plus degree day... on April 25.

It's a heat wave. On April 25.

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The Chiropractor and Relief of A-fib

For the past few days I've been going in and out of A-fib - not major episodes, but enough to make me tired all the time and uncomfortable enough that I didn't want to do much other than sit around. While I do a lot of things from the computer, I also need to be mobile.

I decided over the weekend I was going to call the chiropractor. I've had good luck with this before, and hadn't been in months because of being occupied with other things. Fortunately, they could get me in at lunchtime today.

I'd been in a-fib pretty much constantly for a day and a half. He worked on me and my heart rate converted immediately. While I was on the table. Coincidence? Maybe. Regardless, I made another appointment for next week.

You can read more details in my earlier post at: http://www.blog.patsyterrell.com/2011/07/acupressure-and-fib.html

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National Festival Coming to Manhattan

This is really cool... If you love to bake bread, you should enter!

Here's the press release with info: 

National Festival of Breads to Land in the Little Apple

MANHATTAN, Kan. - America's only amateur bread baking contest will make its home in Manhattan, Kan. on June 22, 2013. The National Festival of Breads, sponsored by King Arthur Flour, Fleischmann's Yeast and the Kansas Wheat Commission, celebrates the relationship between farmer and consumer and highlights the art of baking bread at home.

The biennial competition, which seeks the best bread recipes from home bakers throughout the United States, is adding a Youth Category to this year's contest that is open to amateur youth bakers ages 12 to 17 from all over the nation. The adult competition is open to amateur home bakers ages 18 and up.

"Baking is an activity that can be used at all ages for positive experiences, learning and a feeling of accomplishment," says Cindy Falk, nutrition educator at the Kansas Wheat Commission, and contest coordinator.

Adult competition categories include Ethnic Breads, Rolls, Time-Saving Breads, and Whole Grain Breads. Judges will vet all entries and select eight adult finalists, each of whom will receive airfare to and accommodations in Manhattan, to participate in national competition events June 20-22, 2013.

In addition to the eight adult finalists' awards, four special awards will also be given for the best recipes using particular ingredients such as white whole wheat flour, cranberries and raisins. Each special award winner will receive a $500 cash prize.

Youth categories will include Rolls and Whole Grain Breads. One Youth Grand Prize Winner will be selected from the entries and will receive an invitation for them and a guardian to attend the National Festival of Breads to demonstrate their winning recipe.

"Inspiring youth to bake can foster future generations of home bakers," says Falk. "These youth bakers can then pass on their baking skills as a service to local schools, communities and clubs."

Contest finalists will bake their recipes on site in Manhattan on Saturday, June 22, 2013. Judging will be based on taste, originality, ease of preparation, healthfulness, and appearance. In addition, each finalist will receive a $500 cash award, as well as a Wheat Harvest Tour in the Heartland and a visit to a working Kansas wheat farm, flour mill and grain elevator on Friday, June 21.

One adult contestant will emerge as the 2013 National Festival of Breads champion and earn a prize package worth nearly $5,000, including cash, an expense paid trip to a King Arthur Flour Baking Education Center in Norwich, Vermont and a year's supply of Fleischmann's Yeast.

Beginning Sept. 1, 2012, amateur bakers can begin submitting original recipes towww.nationalfestivalofbreads.com. A secure, easy-to-use form is available for bakers to enter recipes online; submissions will not be accepted by mail, fax, e-mail or phone. Original bread recipes must be submitted using the online entry form by 11:59 p.m. (CT) on Thursday, January 31, 2013. No purchase is necessary to enter or win.

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What Are You Willing To Spend Yourself On

Each of us has only so much time, energy, money and other resources to spend. How we spread them around indicates what we truly value.

But, beyond these things, there's the idea of our self - our very core being - our essence. What are we willing to give that to?

I've been thinking about this a lot the last few weeks. What am I willing to spend myself on? I don't have a solid answer yet, but I suspect there are very few things that fall into this category. It's a high price to pay. However, the rewards can also be stellar.

Maybe I will surprise myself at the number of things I'm willing to spend myself on. Maybe I do it far more often than I realize. More thought and analysis is required.

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Farm Fresh Eggs

When one is gifted with farm fresh eggs, one must do something nice with them. I used some in making brownies for Creative Sisterhood. It seemed only right to share such a treasure.

Now I'm wondering if some should find their way into lemon curd. The mere thought of lemon curd with farm fresh eggs makes my mouth water.

Of course, then I won't be able to just admire them for their pretty colors.

All of life is a trade-off it seems.

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Decisions and Values

It's not hard to make decisions once you know what your values are.       

                 ---Roy E. Disney

I ran across this quote tonight and I'd never seen it before. It is so true. 

I have a reputation of being very decisive. Whenever people ask me how I can do that I reply that I have "Patsy's Top Ten Rules for Living," and they guide me on a subconscious - and conscious - level, so decision making is very straightforward.

For example, my number one rule for living is, "Seek. New people. New Places. New Ideas." So, when a friend called and asked if I wanted to go to Honduras, my answer was "yes, absolutely." I didn't need to mull it over. I knew the answer was yes. Only the details remained.

I always encourage people to come up with their own Rules for Living, those guiding principles that act as an internal compass. So far I don't think anyone has thought it a good enough idea to follow through on. But, I'm betting Mr. Disney would have agreed with me.

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Dr. Wayne Scott Anderson at Dillon Lecture Series

Dr. Wayne Scott Anderson spoke at the Dillon Lecture Series recently and he had some interesting things to say. He is associated with Medifast products, otherwise known as "Take Shape for Life." There are a number of people in Hutchinson who have done this diet, and some of those people are very evangelistic, which I find to be a big turnoff. My observation is that any diet involving meal replacements tends to work in the short term, and when people stop using the meal replacements they gain that weight back - plus some. It's the "plus some" that is the big problem in dieting.

Regardless, I went into the lecture with some "attitude" about the whole thing because people can be so pushy about it. And, it should be noted, that many of them are making money off convincing you about how wonderful it is, so I am suspicious of this.

But, I have to say, I was very impressed with Dr. Wayne Scott Anderson. He was not at all pushy about the product and just talked in general terms about health and weight loss. Frankly, I was surprised. I half-expected the lecture to be a "rah-rah" about this program, but it wasn't. He had some things to say that I thought were excellent points.

The main one that resonated with me is that he said for people to lose weight you have to help them overcome the psychological and logistical barriers of losing weight. He said one of the things about the meal replacements is that they remove the logistical barrier because people don't have to become nutritionists overnight. Frankly, he's the first doctor I've ever heard mention there's a psychological barrier to losing weight. I don't know that these things are the answer, but it was interesting to hear someone actually say that. And I can see that point about meal replacements. I just don't see how that works when you're not using them anymore.

I'm not on the bandwagon, but I had had some of the food from a friend who has used the diet, and it's not bad. I even ordered some to have for travel food. I have to say it's really great for when you're hungry and need a little something and don't have time to make something or find something. The first time I had it was before a concert with this friend and we didn't have time to eat. He produced some of the pretzels and although we were very hungry they held us for 2-3 hours. I was impressed with that.

I think Dr. Anderson may have also offered the secret in passing when he was speaking at the luncheon. He still uses the meal replacements - not that he needs to lose weight - but he uses them for convenience. Maybe that's key and people can keep using them indefinitely to keep the weight off. In the arena of making money off people, that's pretty darned convenient, too. But, of course, you have to eat anyway.

It was very impressive that he said during the luncheon that it didn't even have to be those meal replacements - that any would do that were nutritionally sounds. That is certainly not the attitude I hear from people who are pushing the diet locally. Of course, that wouldn't make them any money.

I've been paying careful attention to those in town who have done this diet and how their weight maintains over time. In general I'm seeing the same process as with any other diet - it comes back - perhaps more slowly than with other diets, but it seems to keep coming back.

Although I have no medical training, as a life-long fat person I could teach medicine a couple of things about weight loss, but no one wants to listen to the people living it. I've tried - with MDs and psychologists since I was in my early 20s - to explain it's not physical but mental. Every fat person you know can tell you the calorie count of any food off the top of their heads. It's not a lack of knowledge. It's not a lack of willpower. We understand the equations involved of calories in and calories out - fat does not make us stupid.

What we can't get you to understand is that all the solutions you're offering are not addressing the real issue, which is beyond "life style change" and "diet" and such. But, either you won't listen to us or - what I've come to believe is more likely - you don't care. No other medical advice is offered that has the tremendous fail rate of dieting. If 90% of the time when you set a bone the bone was still broken when the cast came off, we'd stop doing that.

It seems there would be a tremendous financial advantage in figuring out a real solution - and Medifast, Jenny Craig and the others - are taking their piece of that pie. But, unfortunately, real pie will most likely beckon people back to their old ways and weight. Until someone creates a real solution, the cycle is set. But we need someone with some medical training who actually cares about doing that, to find a real answer. So far that person hasn't been born, it seems.

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Tea in Newton on a Sunday Afternoon

Sunday I had a wonderful time speaking at a tea in Newton. It was hosted by the First Presbyterian Church. They invited ladies from some other churches, too, so they could have time to visit and enjoy time together.

This is the epitome of what tea should be - a time for conversation and enjoyment. That is what I love about tea - it's not the drink, it's the experience.



That said, I'm never unhappy to see scones on a table!



The ladies did a nice job of putting things together, and I loved speaking with their group. I was the program and did a talk about Food Traditions. I really enjoy that. I hope to do more presentations in the near future. A fun way to spend an afternoon.

Thanks to the ladies of the First Presbyterian Church of Newton for the invitation!

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Plants Will Grow... Something I Seem to Forget

Well, you knew I couldn't resist for too long. I bought some plants today, including this beautiful, delicate-looking little thing. I love it.

And, amazingly enough, it's already in the ground - not just sitting in a cardboard box on the porch where things sometimes remain for a day or two until I get them planted.




I bought a few things today - just a few.

I'm trying very hard to not overplant this year - like I do every year.

I seem to forget that plants grow, and I crowd them all in, too close together.

But, today I resisted.

See how there's lots of empty space between the plants. I'm on the right track.

However, this will fail.

And this is why...



Yes, I know I'm pathetic. You need not point it out.

Sigh...

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Taxes, taxes and more taxes

I'm always inspired to do taxes on about January 8. Of course, I have none of the materials then. By the time they arrive a few weeks later I have lost all interest in the process.

Unfortunately, here on April 17, the day they are due, none of that desire has yet returned. I have been buried in getting my taxes done. I'm almost there.

I have decided I hate doing taxes far more than paying taxes. I don't even really mind paying my share. But I sure don't like the paperwork of preparing them. I think I need to find a nice friendly accountant, although I suppose I would still need to have everything organized. And it's that process that is so difficult.

Oh well... I suppose I will manage.

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Storms

It has been a long day in Kansas, with tornadoes springing up all over the state. We have been very fortunate in Hutchinson, where I live. Although there have been storms to the north, south, east and west of us, it have been pretty calm here. In fact, we've barely had any rain. All around us people have been pummeled with hail, wind, tornadoes and other difficulties.

If you can spare some positive energy for those affected, that would be appreciated. So far there are no fatalities reported, which is amazing. I hope it remains that way.

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Thank You Notes

I received a lovely thank you note today from Guy, who was the Taste of Home Cooking Show host. It was such a nice surprise.

Thank you notes are so rare anymore. I still like to write them, but the last time I was inspired to write one I couldn't locate a physical address to send it to. Our world has definitely changed. I ended up having to send an email, which lacks the same thrill.

Getting real mail is something I miss. My mailbox generally holds bills and magazines these days. I'm annoyed by the bills because I pay everything online and they're wasting paper sending me statements. The magazines have piled up lately without me finding time to enjoy them fully.

So it was a real treat to pull an envelope out of the mailbox with my name handwritten on it, and find a handwritten card inside. I'm sure it takes him a considerable amount of time to write notes to everyone who helps him. He does multiple shows in a row, and has 5-6 helpers at each one. He even included a mention of something indicating he knew who I was. Very impressive.

Those things do still matter. In fact, they might matter even more these days.

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Vintage Hankies

The last couple of days multiple people told me about vintage hankies in the window of a thrift store in a neighboring town. This afternoon I finished a project earlier than I had expected and decided I could allow myself a treat. So, I headed out to the thrift store.

There were some difficulties - they didn't take debit cards and I didn't have enough cash with me. I was within walking distance of two banks - both were closed. Eventually I had to get in my car and drive around the block to go to a drive up ATM and then pay an extra $2.50 for the honor of getting my own money. I decided this was the cost of my lesson to carry some blank checks with me. As soon as I find some, I'll do that. (Who uses checks anymore? Who uses cash anymore for that matter?)

Anyway, I was motivated. And I got all my pretties.

In the process, I met someone who reads my column in Kansas Country Living. (It was nice to meet you, Annabeth!) I also found some other treasures including some orange carbon paper. That will be in an art project before long I'm sure.

It was a nice little break. Now I must get back to my projects. But, I had to share some of the pretties with you.

Often while I am holding hand fulls of hankies, doilies, dresser scarves or other vintage linens someone will ask me, "What do you do with them?"

The answer is, "I just love them."

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Ideas Swirling

Ideas are swirling in my brain these days. Meanwhile, projects that are due in the next few days are occupying my energy. That seems to be when ideas swirl the most. Why is that? It seems counter-productive.

In the midst of all of these things, I'm trying to get some projects around the house done. I'm never sure if that's because I'm motivated or because I'm avoiding. Either way, I now having a working garbage disposal in my kitchen - something I've not been able to say for awhile. This is my third one since I've lived here. I did not spring for the "best" one this time. It lasted about a week past its warranty, just like the "good" one. Apparently this is something I simply have to replace regularly so there's no point in spending extra money on it. Who knew disposals were disposable?

Did I mention my taxes are not yet begun?

I would just file an extension, but you need to pay what you owe when you do that, and I'm not sure how I could possibly know what I owe without doing my taxes, in which case I could just send the completed taxes instead of the extension form. I anticipate sleeping will not be something I do much of until after April 17.

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