April 15, 2009

For most people, April 15th brings cold sweats and high blood pressure. The date screams, "TAXES!" But for me, first and foremost, it reminds me of my grandfather as it is his birth date.

Today would have been my grandfather's 99th birthday. That just floors me. He was such a wonderful man, full of insight and wisdom with a wonderful sense of humor. Happy Birthday.

Being Trite

I have decided to surface from the depths and aim for the superficial. I love movies. I will watch pretty much anything within reason. I am a movie snob. I can generally give a brief history or bit of trivia about any movie made prior to 1990. If you have ever seen High Fidelity with John Cusack (one of my favorite actors), just think of his character but with movies.

This is a list of my favorite comfort movies. They are in no particular order or number. Some are indie. Some are more commercial. I can watch them over and over again and never grow tired of them.

Committed
Double Happiness
You've Got Mail
When Harry Met Sally
Sleepless In Seattle
While You Were Sleeping
Chocolat
Die Hard (yes, I do find this comforting - hey, it has part of Beethoven's - that makes it cultural, right? :)
Love Actually
Keeping Mum (new addition)
Death At A Funeral (more recent addition to my list)
Grosse Point Blank

To this list can be added any Hitchcock movie and just about anything with Jimmy Stewart or Cary Grant!

What To Write About...

I have drawn an absolute blank. I have pondered posting quotes from notable authors, Top 10 Lists, and even expounding poetically about some great idea, but then...Nothing.

Top 10 lists seem trite. Posting quotes and ideas from others is fine but impersonal - almost as if I cannot think for myself. (This reminds me of a scene in Good Will Hunting). All that is left is for me to post my own thoughts and ideas. But what if nothing is on my mind?

Generally, my mind is spinning continuously, contemplating and postulating about ideas and what ifs and such. Maybe it was the trip to California or just the vacation in general, but the spinning has stopped. The stress has disappeared. Now I am home. The rain has gently watered the landscape while the clouds drape over the frosted mountain peaks.

The Empty Tomb

He is alive! He has reconciled us to Him!
He still heals! He still works miracles!
We serve a Risen Savior!
Praise You, Lord!

I Am In Southern California...

The place that I would choose to call home. I have hit all of my old stomping grounds, and everything feels wonderfully familiar, fresh, and green. During my trek around town I stopped at a Christian bookstore to browse the selections. I do not live near a Christian bookstore, so this was a treat for me. I began to browse and check out this entity which I used to frequent. The same authors were being promoted. I had to search for those who are now my favorites, and after circling the store a couple of times I finally found them.

There were four books that I have had on my "books to read" list, and I had them all in my hands trying to decide which one to purchase with what little money I had left. Then an epiphany came to me. What new information would I garner from these books? Would I be asked to challenge myself or were these ones that would just stroke my ego and reinforce what I already think, thereby validating my ideas? I decided the latter, and so I happily walked out of the store without the books and walked into the sunlight.