Writing Prompt: What Does Love Sound Like?

What does Love sound like?

 

 

Gentle waterfalls pouring down on polished rocks?  Passionate moans in a foreign tongue?  Accolades from those you respect?  An Alleluia Choirs?  Children laughing?  The voice of your mother comforting you when you were sick?  The rush of the wind and the roar of the Harley?  The welcome home bark from your faithful friend at the door?  The sizzle of a smoky grill with a fat juicy stake being charred?  The Wedding March performed by a string quartet?  The ring of a cash register?  The clang of the roulette wheel spinning?  The silence of midnight in the garden?

 

 

While all are very lovely sounds and I am sure some will agree with one or two things from that list, I will have to say no to all of them.  For me what true love sounds like is simply the TRUTH spoken.  When you really love someone, if you are really a friend or a lover, the best sound is the Truth.  While at times the Truth can hurt and not seem like it is given in love, still it is better than lies that keep you in the DARK groping for the LIGHT.  When you hear and know the Truth and respond to it.. that is what Love Sounds like.

 

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Trying to get back into a creative groove and exercise that all important muscle the brain. (National  Novel Writing Month will be upon us before we know it!)  A new site I found with helpful ideas to get the juices flowing is JournalSparks.com, a sister site to CreativeWrit.com.

Public Service Announcment: HPV.. don't ignore this one!

It seems these days we are inundated with causes and campaigns to raise awareness for this or that. There are all sorts of bracelet, t-shirts, commercials, billboards and mass e-mails employed to get our short attention span.  Unless we have been personally effected I think we often just over look such things as part of a growing fad. (or is that just me?)

When I first saw on tv the actresses asking you to tell some one about cervical cancer and the connection to it with HPV I honestly just shrugged.. and after the fifth time started rolling my eyes.  I don't know why.. indifference.. laziness.. boardum.. frankly it just didn't click with me that I actually knew some one effected by HPV.  Then yesterday I got an e-mail asking you to pass it on with a link to get a free bracelet kit.. I was slightly annoyed for some reason... don't know why..maybe I am sick of all the fwds I have been getting or the junk flooding my e-mail or the thought of ANOTHER bracelet.. that idea has been so over played right, but before I clicked delete  my mother came to my memory and what she had told me a few years ago.  I felt a prompting to reply to this e-mal the facts about HPV that I knew of second hand, that HPV is preventable.. it is spread threw sexual contact.  I started to get a bit upset that fact was not stated directly in the commercial or the e-mail going around.

My mother had been married to my father since she was 19 and only had one previous sexual partner (that's what she told me and I tend to believe her).  They had been married over 20 yrs when my father died of lung cancer.  During the course of their marriage my mother had had problems with cysts and cervical cancer and a few miscarriages that I don't really know much about.  At the time the doctors didn't know about HPV or had a dianossies for it.  I know my father had at least one affair and my mother attributes her later dianossies of HPV from him.  My mother eventually had to have a full hysterectomy and is still dealing with her anger towards my dead father for what she feels he indirectly caused.

Here are some facts:

Genital HPV infection is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) that is caused by human papillomavirus (HPV).

The types of HPV that infect the genital area are spread primarily through genital contact. Most HPV infections have no signs or symptoms; therefore, most infected personsare unaware they are infected, yet they can transmit the virus to a sex partner.

Most women are diagnosed with HPV on the basis of abnormal Pap tests. A Pap test is the primary cancer-screening tool for cervical cancer or pre-cancerous changes in the cervix, many of which are related to HPV.   (The pisser is there is No test developed for MEN to see if they have it and if they are potently spreading it)

There is no "cure" for HPV infection, although in most women the infection goes away on its own.

The surest way to eliminate risk for genital HPV infection is to refrain from any genital contact with another individual.  HPV infection can occur in both male and female genital areas that are covered or protected by a latex condom, as well as in areas that are not covered. While the effect of condoms in preventing HPV infection is unknown, condom use has been associated with a lower rate of cervical cancer, an HPV-associated disease.

And here is something to chew on the next time you think of "hooking up" with that hottie:

Approximately 20 million people are currently infected with HPV. At least 50 percent of sexually active men and women acquire genital HPV infection at some point in their lives. By age 50, at least 80 percent of women will have acquired genital HPV infection. About 6.2 million Americans get a new genital HPV infection each year.

Chances are that I may have HPV, even though I have been married for 10 yrs.. both my husband and I had previous sexual partners and my mother fears my sister and I could of been infected by our own father since he abused us. (Boy he is really sounding like a bastard huh).

What it all boils down to.. reduce your sexual partners.. ie.. wait for marriage and stay faithful to that covenant.. because if you don't you could be risking your life or the life of your future mate.  And that goes with out saying for all STDS.. this one is just on the "get the word out list" this week.

Ladies get regular check ups and pap tests, even if you have been making healthy choices.  I am the first to admit guilt in this area.  I have not had one since I had Sophia (who is almost 5yrs old).  Believe me.. it is on the top of my to-do list today, find a doctor and make an appointment.

And men.. if you love your wife or future wife, stay faithful NOW.  Don't be the bastard that contributes to her getting cervical cancer and possibly contributing to her death.

CDC Fact sheet on HPV

https://www.maketheconnection.org

 

I'll take WINNERS for 500 Alex

Remember last month when I was talking about my boy genius and his chance to audition for Kids Jeopardy? Well, today was the big day. 

You would of thought he would be reading dictionaries and encyclopedias like crazy and reading endless books with useless information in preparation.. but no, not my son.  He was more concerned over the model of the repository system that he was making for a school project and how he was going to drill for the tubing he wanted to connect. And I know if it was me going to try out for something so big, I would be a nervous wreck the week leading up to it.. but not Zane.  He was excited sure, but other then saying it's nice to get out of school early ,that was all the anxiety he showed over the whole thing.  It must be nice to be that cool under pressure! lol.  I tried very hard not telling EVERYONE I know about the audition.. just in case he didn't pass the test.. I admit.. I was a bit nervous that he would be pitted up against some BIG FAT brain child with supper DNA and he may be physiqued out... but I have told him the whole time.. just have fun, making  it about having fun baby.

Josh took Zane downtown to the appointment but I got to pick him up from school first.  I gave him a pep talk and told him how proud I was of him just for trying.  He was too funny when he said he thought he was going to see Alex Trebec there.  I tried not to laugh at his naiveté and told him that he is just the host on the Show.. they have assistants that scout for the contestants.  We filled out the informal information sheet about his interests and school activities and what he wanted to be when he grew up(writer/director btw).  I made sure his collar was straight and that he brushed his teeth and washed his face and hands and then kissed him good bye and waited for the news.

The suspense is killer lol  Josh called me twice.  First time he called while Zane was in taking the the test.  He said there were LOTS of kids there and from ALL OVER, some came from as far as Texas and Indiana.  He retold me some of the info the guy told him about the process and all that.  Then MORE waiting by the phone.  I am glad Josh was there and not me.  I would of been pacing the floors and probably making Zane more nervous than anything lol.  Josh called me again saying that Zane passed the test and was going on to the interview and the mock game with the other kids who passed.  He said out of all those kids who took the test only 10 passed!!  Also a news crew was there taping for channel 5.. so there may be a story about them on tonight!

So it is official.. my son is in the pool of potential conestances to be on Kids Jeopardy!  We won't know if he is going to be ask to be on until August.  I know there may be a large group for the show to choose from since they are holding auditions in 10 cities.. so it is a wait and see sort of thing.  But still, just the thought is exciting!  Keep Zane in your prayers and who knows, you may see him on TV one day.

Also.. speaking of winning.  He just told us yesterday about his D.A.R.E. graduation.  To graduate everyone had to write an essay (I remember him hemming and hawing about it).  The graduation ceremony is tomorrow.  As a bonus they choose from each class one essay that was the best..... and you guessed it.. Zane' won!

Yes I am one proud mother over here!

Christ The Lord, Out Of Egypt by Anne Rice. My Review

Last week when I was preparing for my get away vist to Josh on the road, I picked up this book.  You may remember the entry I posted in January about my past love for Anne Rice and my joy that she had decided to write now for the Glory of God but also my hesitation to read this book.  I was at Best Buy buying a new vacuum cleaner before I left town and choose to get a book from there because I was in a hurry to get on the road but knew I would have free time at the hotel while Josh was working.  I choose this one because there was not much of a selection and it was marked down. 

I have mixed feelings about this book but over all I would recommend it as a good light historical read keeping in mind that I do not agree with some of the themes told from Jesus childhood perspective.  The best thing to do is read Notes From The Author at the back of the book first (I didn't until the end of the story).  Anne gives her thoughts and sights her sources and offers a suggested reading list and gives details on how her journey lead her to writing this particular book.  I do look forward to her next book when ever she may finish it and am glad I can enjoy her work again that encourages me to think on spiritual matters instead of things that are opposite to Phil 4:8.

What I liked about this book was it could give you the feel of Jesus Christ's human side.  At first I was perplexed on why Anne would portray him as frightened and scared in some of the passages but upon thinking about it, it made sense that she would.. that Jesus would actually feel fear, and cry, and have all the human feelings we all do and seek comfort and understanding.  That was partly why he came from heaven to earth.. God in the flesh, to share in all the human experience, to know all the same emotions, sorrows, and situations we go threw.. to relate to us on an even deeper level.  It is a comfort to know that when I am hurting and when I cry that Jesus went threw the same feelings, he knows just how I feel because he felt it too.

I also really liked all the historical info and time line relevance in this book.  She puts in context the governing bodies and how the people of Israel related and felt about them. I could really understand threw the eyes of the charters what it may of been like to be alive in those years of history. The tug and pull between the Roman rulers and the Jewish Monarchy that was in place, The Priests and Rabbi,the different sects and the weariness of the people and seeing just how turbulent that time period was.  It was a perspective I have never really considered before.

What I totally loved about this book was reading and learning about the Jewish culture and traditions in those times.  I have a  respect for Jewish traditions and always have enjoyed learning more about it because after all Jesus was Jewish and when you can grasp the deeper meaning of some of the customs you can put into context and see the scriptures in a different light, how it all fits perfectly together.  Anne describes The Temple beautifully and I longed to really see it and be there and walk threw those gates too.  All the details she gives about the sacrifices and priests and the worshipers and the meaning for Passover and the importance of Jerusalem and The Temple to the Identity of Israel were so abundant and wonderful.  ( I'd love it if Lori read this book and gave her thoughts about those parts in it).

About the only thing I DID NOT like about this book was some of the doctrinal things that I have conflict with.  But I knew that going in she was Catholic and adhere to those traditions taught.. Mary remained a virgin after Jesus's birth and that James was Jesus's older brother by Joseph from a previous marriage.. and the miracles that Jesus performed as a child.  Other then that it was a good story about what it may of been like when Jesus and his family came back from Egypt to their small village, what their life may of been like and how Jesus may of learned or discovered the details of his birth and starting to realize just who he is.

Worried Sick??

Did you every worry yourself so much that it manifested into a physical ailment???  Now.. I don't tend to think of myself as a "worry wort" or tend to let the cares of daily life get to me..and I like to think I can trust God with it all and NOT have to worry but it seems I may have let stress catch up with me.. maybe.  I have been sick with some funky cold since Tuesday or so and it is just now lifting.  At first I atdributied the crappy aching feelings to my period (and thanking God it came Monday morning and not over the weekend).  And when chills and that fuzzy head started to come on I fought the good fight and demanded that I will not get sick.. but then I got a fever and just had no strength.. I pretty much have been a slug since Wednesday.  Yesterday I woke up and finally drained all that nice fleam and fluid that had built up, very gross lung cookies and nose glue overflow (as if you needed an illustration lol).  I can't think where I picked it up.. haven't been around anyone who has been sick and I'm the only one who has been effected in the house.

Thankfully Josh has been home all week to pitch in with the kids but you know how men are lol.  Women are the care givers for a reason.. but I still couldn't help being a tad bit resentful.. why can't I be babied and waited on like I did for him when he was sick last month? but I got over it.. he just isn't build like that.. he tired in his own ways so I will give him some credit.  He did do major grocery shopping and he did make me some chicken broth for lunch once.. and let me hawg the bed while he slept on the couch so he would not be infected too.  But now the house .. that was almost immaculate when we got home Sunday (Audra is a saint and a clean freak) is a wreck and the dishwasher could be ran a few times and the laundry is back to mt. impossible.

So what was I all worried about.. what was/is mulling around my brain and soul.. lots and lots but since most of it is nothing I can do anything about I won't keep kicking it around and playing with it.. I'll give it over to the one who can and will and does have the power to see to it that all will work out as it should.  So what no one has RSVP for that AT HOME party I am throwing next week, it's just my first party in my new house. And God knows how life is on the road for my husband and the fellows he has to work with.. I'll let him take care of those situations andwork on his walk with him.. and he knows the timing of my first daughter's passage into womanhood... if it is time for her first period or just her body getting ready.. so be it.. as if I can do anything about that (BUT DANG IT.. SHE IS ONLY 9YRS OLD!!) And he will bring to justice the ones who have hurt my friend and made him sick over that whole drama.. he is the one who convicts hearts and minds and heals what is broken.  And that D- my Brilliant son brought home on his midterm report in Science (one of his fav subjects!!), Well Lord you are just going to have to give us wisdom on how to deal with that see what is really going on there.  And I just have to remember.. everyone's spiritual health and life does not rest on my shoulders nor by my example(thank God!).  We all make our own choices, we all have our own failings..it does no good to cast pearls before swine but it is prudent to be wise as a serpent and innocent as a dove.

Well.. at least my health has improved and I can focus on one thing at a time again.

"I'v Got To.. Get A Way!"

Ladies Retreat seems like a far off time and place.  Oh it was so wonderful, uplifting and fun.. everything a women's retreat should be.  I even got to get away to a winery or two (still need to post pics of them and give all the yummy details) But the stress I have been under since the very day I got home had me saying "OH! When can I go back?!!"

Josh has been out of town working, and even before he left we were somewhat in a tiff and he was working long hours.  We haven't had  a real meaningful conversation for about two weeks.  Dealing with the kids, the bills, the house, the dog and cat, friend's drama's and on and on.. everyone is ME ME ME... take take take.. needless to say I have a very low "love bank" right now!!

Awww but God is good.. all the time!  He has sent me a wonderful blessing in the form of my friend Audra.  I am going on an adventure this weekend.  Going on the 4 hour drive to Evansville IN to see Josh for the weekend!!! Just ME!  The kids will be staying here with my brave friend.

Josh will be working this weekend but ahaa.. the nights are mine.  So I will get some good alone time with myself while he is at work and then some real good make up time with my hubby after work.

I'll be singing: "Thank The Lord For The Night Time" Neil Diamond

So I need to hurry up and get done what I need to get done so I can leave.  Today is pay day so the bills are in first order and then shopping... I am getting a new vacuum cleaner and pricing a carpet cleaner.. also there is this white (white is the new pink this season if you didn't know) dress at Old Navy that I have had my eye on : ) 

I am soooo... OUT-A HEEEERRRRRRREEEE!!!!!!!!!

Finnaly.. recent pictuers and my thoughts on my new hair.

 B.C. (Before Cut..hair cut) My best friend Audra and Me at Ladies retreat.  Ya, we like that lime green color wayy too much lol

  The girls in their Easter outfits and sporting their new hair cuts too.  Really loving the head scarfs on Sophia and Lilly.. will have to find some more of those.

  My handsome boy Zane.

DRUM ROLL.........................................................

 

THE NEW SASSY..HIP.. WAY COOLER... ME!

I KNOW.. SHOCKING ISN'T IT! 

It is a very big change and takes some getting used to.  But it is growing on me I think. 

The positives are.. shower time is cut in half, don't have to worry about my hair blowing in the wind, and wayy cooler in the summer.  I have been thinking about it and how people perceive women with short hair.  I see them, for the most part, as strong, progressive, braining women.. lol so  maybe that is how others will see me now??  The pitfalls.. I receive alot of attention from those who see it for the first time and remember my long locks, can't hide behind my hair anymore..it was one of my vanity spots, can't wear a bandanna because it looks like I had cancer.. can't tickle my husband with my hair, until it grows out a bit it looks just a wee bit butch (so not me.. going to make extra efforts to wear more pink lol jk) when it dries it sticks up (but I found some great hair products the helps with that)

Would I do it again?? Well.. ya.. because I did it for love.  As some of my friends know my girls have been dealing with lice on and off ..mega frustration.. we have done everything in the book to get rid of them but they kept getting re-infected at school. So Josh convinced me to allow him to use the hair clippers on them and just get it all over with.  I didn't have them but I knew the girls were going to feel weird about their hair being so short.   Yes, I cried as I heard the hum of the clippers and the vibration on my head as my hair fell to the floor but it was well worth it so the girls could say.. "my mom has the same hair cut as me.. so there.. girls have short hair too.. not just boys" if ever teased about it.