Music, Lyrics, Movies
Monday, October 13, 2014
Saturday, October 11, 2014
Byron and Jane



A CHANGED HEART ~ It was the twenty second day of 1812 and sisters Jane and Cass were set upon celebrating a fresh year of promise. Together these exuberant siblings enjoyed a carriage ride through the woods from Chawton House, across the Avon gorge on a bridge that would fail all mathematical principals yet supported the weight of thundering horses. In a great measure their merriment was increased by their grand expectancy to reunite with sister Lydia. The sun piercing the crisp cold of January simply added to their delight in this long awaited return to Bath. With deliberate pursuit of what news, good or bad they would gather, the horses clopped down Lilliput Alley to arrive at their chosen destination. After departing Bath in 1805 when their father George, the retired Rector of Stevenson passed, the surviving family of mother and two spinster daughters moved into Brother Edward’s country estate nea





























Thursday, October 2, 2014
CS LEWIS
Clive Staples ("Jack") Lewis was born in Belfast, Northern Ireland on November 29, 1898. The library in his home seemed as tangible and meaningful to him as anything that transpired outside their doors. As teens, Lewis and his older brother, Warren, were more at home in the world of ideas and books of the past, than with the material, technological world of the 20th Century. When the tranquillity and sanctity of the Lewis home was shattered beyond repair by the death of his mother when he was ten, Lewis sought refuge in composing stories and excelling in scholastics. Soon thereafter he became precociously oriented toward the metaphysical and ultimate questions. A prolific and popular author, Lewis's fiction, and religious essays stay in print, and are continually reprinted. Since his death in 1963, Lewis may eventually be recognized as on of the world's deepest thinkers. Today his fiction and theological writings have been endlessly and hyper-critically explored. The essential viewpoints of Lewis and the facts about his life--are camoflauged and thus discourage even the most diligent student of Lewis. It must be said that Lewis's own works remain the most reliable source and insightful interpreter of his original deep thought. The rest of his saga and the particulars of his writing career might be seen as the melancholy search for the security he had took granted during the peace and grace of his childhood. By Lewis's testimony, this recovery was to be had only in the "joy" he discovered in an adult conversion to Christianity. Long-time friend and literary executor of the Lewis estate, Owen Barfield has suggested that there were, in fact, three "C. S. Lewises." That is to say, during his lifetime Lewis fulfilled three very different vocations-- and fulfilled them successfully. FIRST: Lewis the brilliant Oxbridge literary scholar and critic; SECOND: Lewis, the highly acclaimed author of science fiction and children's literature; THIRD: Lewis, the popular writer and broadcaster of Christian apologetics. The amazing thing is that those who may have known of Lewis in any single role may not have known that he performed in the other two. In a varied and comprehensive writing career, Lewis carved out a sterling reputation as a scholar, a novelist, and a theologian for three very different audiences. No brief summary can thus do justice to the many and varied works Lewis produced in his lifetime between 1919-1961. Indeed, more Lewis volumes--collection of essays, chiefly--have appeared after his death than during his lifetime. A sampling of the range and depth of his achievements in criticism, fiction, and apologetics might begin, however, with the first books Lewis published, two volumes of poetry: Spirits in Bondage, published in 1919 when Lewis was but 23, and his long narrative poem, Dymer, published in 1926. Neither were critical successes, convincing the classically trained Lewis that he would never become an accomplished poet given the rise of modernism; subsequently he turned his attention to literary history, specifically the field of medieval and renaissance literature. Lewis embraced Christianity, and in 1933, published his first theological work, The Pilgrim's Regress, a parody of John Bunyan's The Pilgrim's Progress, that details Lewis's flight from skepticism to faith in a lively allegory. In 1936, Lewis published the breakthrough work that earned him his reputation as a scholar, The Allegory of Love, a work of high-caliber, original scholarship that revolutionized literary understanding of the function of allegory in medieval literature. Between 1939 and 1954, Lewis continued to publish well-received works in criticism and theory. MIRACLES will challenge any scholar to believe in miracles! With a fading critical reputation of authors he revered, in 1942, his book "A Preface to Paradise Lost" attempted to rehabilitate the reputation of John Milton. In 1954, he offered a comprehensive overview of 16th-century British poetry and narrative in his English Literature in the Sixteenth Century. Lewis is best known, however, for his fiction and his Christian apologetic s. In 1936, Lewis completed the first book in a science-fiction space trilogy, Out of the Silent Planet, that introduced the hero, Edwin Ransom, a philologist modeled roughly on Lewis's friend, J. R. R. Tolkien. Lewis billed as "a fairy tale for adults," treating themes as novel ideas, Lewis had developed in his critique of modern education in The Abolition of Man, published two years earlier. Lewis's most notable critical and commercial success, however, is certainly his seven-volume Chronicles of Narnia, which he published in single volumes from 1950-56. These popular children's fantasies began with the 1950 volume, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, a tale centered around Aslan the lion, a Christ-figure who creates and rules the supernatural land of Narnia, and the improbable adventures of four undaunted British schoolchildren who stumble into Narnia through a clothes closet. Lewis's own favorite fictional work, Till We Have Faces, his last imaginative work, published in 1956, is a retelling of the Cupid/Psyche myth, but has never achieved the critical recognition he hoped it would. Lewis's reputation as a winsome, articulate proponent of Christian beliefs began with the publication of two important theological works: The Problem of Pain, a defense of pain--and the doctrine of hell-- as evidence of an ordered universe, published in 1940; and The Screwtape Letters, a "interception" of a senior devil's correspondence with a junior devil fighting with "the Enemy," Christ, over the soul of an unsuspecting believer, published in 1942. Lewis emerged during the war years as a religious broadcaster who became famous as "the apostle to skeptics," in Britain and abroad, especially in the United States. His wartime radio essays defending and explaining the Christian faith comforted the fearful and wounded, and were eventually collected and published in America as Mere Christianity in 1952. In the midst of this prolific output, Lewis took time to write his spiritual autobiography, Surprised by Joy, published in 1955. In the two decades before his death, Lewis published more than eight books that directly or indirectly served him in the task of apologetics and he is arguably the most important Christian writer of the 20th Century. MIRACLES is one great book to conjure conversations with those that feel secure in their intellect.
Wednesday, October 1, 2014
VINTAGE VALUES
Jane Austen strolled along the woods with a basket full of treasured visions that she shared with the world by her pen. She was afforded the luxury of time to stream the many delights of perhaps, a 17 year old who incessantly giggles with an imagined situation of a suitor. Without regret she catalogs scenes that go on ~ absent of any poor outcomes. A war is going on during her joyous time spent without a fetter of worry. Jane Austen lived within a space that prevented any sort of un invited worldly distraction. Inspirations beyond the grave condition of a City budget, Jane was therefore enabled to fancy thoughts that created a world that thrived inside a mind never dictated by the unwanted voice of progress or economic decline. She was a woman devoted to her faith, and in the pleasures that such a joy completed. Simplicity was her style and time was her extravagance. She wrote to poke us in a direction of the gaiety that life's bounty affords us. VINTAGE VALUES while increasing Home Values in Stockton: Like the annual AUSTEN FEST in Bath, England ~ Stocktonians rejoice in the simplicity and the diversity of the rich gold rush history within our beloved home town. Imagine Public Works hosting a booth to sell bricks that will replace broken sidewalks in front of City Hall, a grand ole landmark! Why must Bath have all the fun, fame and fortune that such an event brings? Indeed our pooled talents can attract a bubbling crowd of folks that enjoy the Value of this extraordinary Vintage era.
Emoting the high and lows with hope ~ Jane offers us a retreat from any grim reality. Attending balls while sporting a new ribbon of color in our bonnets, having a mind filled with lace to wrap around the experience of frivolity at its finest. The rich atmosphere of a culture reminiscent of the lush era of a civic gentry is what she gifted this generation. Imagine a gathering of Austen or literary fans at the Civic Auditorium in Stockton. Of families laughing while enjoying a game of croquet across from City Hall on the lawn. The grand entry of the Civic filled with tables that offer old library books and trinkets for sale that would profit the City. Women and men walking around in 1800's costumes ~ indoors and around Webers point. This would catch the attention of a world gone mundane ~ such a sight would refresh a passerby. Women walking along with parasols and men offering their arm for a stroll down the promenade. A Vintage Value Day that turns back the clock to the gentile 1800's wherein people delighted in social gatherings. Regardless of economic status, all are afforded the simple pleasure of a delightful afternoon along the waterfront ~The targeted audience would be history buffs which include minds from each generation ~ this day would grow in its attraction much like the Asparagus festival but without the cost or the crime of alcohol. The annual ball held at the Civic Auditorium would offer the Stockton Symphony a time to also attract new listeners. Local farmers could bring their fruits to sell at stands placed within Weber's Point. Horse and carriage rides would be a marvelous way to slow things down with Stockton police mounts that cheered the event. Captain Weber himself would be delighted by the atmosphere like Chawton Cottage being reborn upon the stage of his homeland. A regionally hosted event in Stockton for a society of people that attend various vintage events ~ that come together much like our community does on Easter morning, to celebrate the rising of HOPE that each sunrise offers. This would be an event that would be greatly anticipated each September, before kids went back to school. It would send a message to our youth, it could set a refreshed trend of interest in our history as a City, as a community that cares about the generations to come. Stockton is a place of history and such an event would take time to evolve, but I think it would bring a respect to the City of Stockton, and revenues for the hotels and cafes that are visible from the water front. Area merchants are invested in bringing such an event to our great City along the river! Imagine a parade of happy vintage car owners driving down El Dorado to be parked all around City Hall for a car show hosted by the City. Imagine the glorious Stockton Hotel decorated with flags that salute the State of California while the old trolley gave free rides from the Civic to Webers Point. One day of history shared with an audience that includes each generation. This would definetely help to transform the City image to one that supports a
culture of times gone by. The library would also be engaged in educating our youth with authors like Austen and Tolstoy who write of family values. We can build an atmoshere that brings back Captain Weber and his vision for the first planned community in California. Through a "living history" performed along the promenade, picture Captain Weber himself in his meritime costume sharing his vision under the tent at Weber's point with an old schooner anchored in the deep channel. We could effectively connect generational divides through the charm of Vintage Values and our cross generational desire to be a part of a City that is proud of its history. One day, much like Earth Day at Victory Park, the City comes together and celebrates Vintage Values of festive civility which honors past civic leaders while it welcomes future community offcials. Redeveloping our image as a waterfront City with Vintage Values would raise revenues while peaking interest in our waterways. Not a huge three day event with prohibitive set up and clean up costs, but a ONE DAY THEME EVENT that would be something that could not wear out or require hundreds of volunteers. HUBBA HUBBA antiques and other valley shops could supply the Civic Auditorium with a sampling of their collections. Before the ball begins a raffle would generate revenues to benefit the City budget. Galveston, Texas does such an event around Christmas each year, Old Sacramento hosts the jazz festival, and as Stockton is a community born during the gold rush, it would be appropriate and successful with a committee devoted to its rebirth. Unfortunately the City of Stockton had to file bankruptcy. Bob Deis, the City Manager did so much for Stockton, but alas he was never genuinely appreciated for his honest effort to reveal the truth of the City coffers. I personally wish Mr Deis and his family all the best in their next adventure!
Tuesday, September 30, 2014
Queen Victoria
Pour yourself a hot cup of tea and stream "The Young Victoria" a fabulous historical film which documents the happiest time of England's monarchy. A marriage made in heaven, Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. Available on Netflix, or purchase it for your library from Amazon. The Young Queen followed by the aged Queen performed by England's favorite Judi Dench. Both of these BBC productions are beautifully done with excellent costumes and tremendous acting. I give them both a THUMBS UP and on rainy days, these two are favorites to watch repeatedly. Hip Hip Hazaaaah for BBC! ( The Other Boylen Girls, Downton Abbey, and Foyles War, are BBC greats!) The BBC production of "Mrs Brown" reveals the grief of Queen Victoria after Albert's death. Judi the Queen dubs John Brown her best friend. This one loyal friend sacrificed his life to lift her up and keep her safe. John Brown was despised by parliament and her palace. When John Brown died his personal journal of their friendship was never recoverd. The wonderful benefit of blogging one's treasured experiences is that the written word will never be lost by the publisher, the fan or friend.
Monday, September 29, 2014
THE LAST STATION
The Last Train Station is a great film starring Helen Mirren, Christopher Plummer, and James McAvoy. This impeccable cast gets 2 Academy Award nominations in 2009. It is a sweet comedy-drama about the final days of the Russian novelist Tolstoy. The film focuses on the last few months of the writer Leo Tolstoy and his family disputes. The film is set in early 20th century Russia, before the harsh realities of the Russian Revolution occurred in 1917 and thereafter (Tolstoy died in 1910). It was a time in history when Socialism was still an untried idealized conceptual form of government, and Tolstoy in his final years became more "radical" in his political, religious, and social philosophies. It raises 2 universal questions: 1) What do you do when the love of your life is in conflict with your highest priority ideals? And how does your treatment or mistreatment of the people closest to you, who have loved and cared for you the most, reflect on the quality of your ideals? In the final months of Tolstoy's life, he abandoned his wife of 48 years to gain silence. Before Sophya and Leo married, Sophya knew of his many sexual escapades he shared with her in his diaries. She knew he had fathered a child with one of the servant girls in his household. Nevertheless, she loved him and married him, giving him 13 children, 5 of whom died in childhood. The movie implies the question: At what point does your life become more than a solitary pursuit? After how many years of good treatment and co-dependence with those close to you does your life necessarily and deservedly become considerate of more than just your own priorities? Where should your deference be? BIPOIC and riveting truth about LEO TOLSTOY a Christian man who struggles with his wife as he wishes to decline his wealth and help the needy. Nineteenth-century paparazzi lurk outside of Tolstoy's estate, hoping to snatch a picture of the rumored strife between the world-famous writer (Plummer), who's launched an anti materialist movement, and his aristocratic wife. Also lurking is Tolstoy's aide, Chertkov who despises Sophya and pushes to change Tolstoy's will to prevent the wife from inheriting the royalties from Tolstoy's books. Into this nest of conflict comes a young secretary, Valentin (McVoy) who idolizes Tolstoy and strives to live by the principles of abstinence and vegetarianism… only to find his purity tested by sensual temptations and an unexpected sympathy for Sophya. Moments of sly comedy keep The Last Station from becoming overly literary. The movie as a whole lacks the emotional punch it reaches for, but every scene is a polished jewel, expertly and passionately crafted by the actors this classic is rich with social detail. Mirren, of course, is superb, with a wonderful portrayal of a woman who can't help turning her genuine passions into a performance that repels her husband. The film "The Last Station" focuses on the last few months of the novelist and writer Leo Tolstoy's family and social life. Christopher Plummer as Tolstoy, Helen Mirren as his wife Sophya, James McAvoy as Tolstoy's new personal secretary Valentin, Kerry Condon as Valentin's charming and aggressive love interest, and Paul Giamatti as the leader of a group of "Tolstoyans" who wish to widely promote Tolstoy's ideals.
Friday, September 19, 2014
OSCAR WORTHY
IF a movie could be nominated for an OSCAR based on a message of TRUTH, or IF a movie was nominated for it's VALUE in society, then the MOVIE entitled "The Gospel of John" would win the BEST MOVIE for the century! The script was written by God. This 3 hour EPIC does not add one word to the Gospel of John. Enjoy perfection on screen. Purchase on AMAZON with commentary by the producers. Hear the Word and watch Father, Son, Holy Spirit love us --- even in our doubt, denial, rejection of the truth, He tells the truth, but do we listen? Do we accept that God is God and we are not? Allow His word to sink deep, be riveted, be undone....He is in pursuit, just surrender and REJOICE for He is glad and He runs to hug us and love us! Mary poured out all she had because she loved Jesus, He had just raised her brother Lazurus from the dead! VISUALIZE Jesus, the Holy Spirit telling us the Truth, and yet some still do NOT believe? Must we also see miracles in order to believe? "Sir they said, 'we would like to see Jesus'." John 12:21 Excitedly Andrew and Phillip raced to tell Jesus that even Greeks wished to see Him. Without restraint of their internal jubilation about their close friend Who would soon rule the world --- Jesus knew the motive of their hearts and He had already rebuked them for their pride --- Knowing all things, compassionately He said "The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified." John 12:23 --- He knew that they just did not get the agony He was about to suffer. In love Jesus then explains "I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds." John 12:24 --- One life changing lesson in this scripture: ONLY when we die to our selfish desires, can our life increase the harvest of souls for His kingdom. "His heart was touched and He was deeply moved. Where have you buried him. Jesus wept." For one seed to produce more grain, it MUST fall to the ground and die. The blessing of a broken heart, a broken pride, a demolished dream --- is death to ourself, to a life's meaning ~ as the world teaches is meaningless. In that moment we realize what Jesus demonstrated to us. On this side of the cross, His lesson is clear --- the TRUTH will set us free to love as we are loved. Like a grain of wheat, the mission of God complete, Jesus came down into the pit, into the world to be seen, die and rise that we might believe. His death and resurrection gives us hope as He returned as He promised, in the Person of the Holy Spirit to be within us forever. Jesus knew that He would send the Holy Spirit in His absence, and that in the future, generations of people would understand through the Counselor. So without explaining what was meant in words, Jesus said "The man who loves his life will lose it, while the man who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life." John 12:25 What did this mean? Disciples then and today are baffled because to choose to die to our ways---when in our education, in our world, this makes no SENSE ---the cross, the life and death of Jesus confounds the wise! Because it takes FAITH in the purpose of Jesus to crucify our desires for recognition and importance. To fully YIELD our lives to the purpose of God, is to understand what Paul said "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me." The power in a single seed, a single life... is in the portion we allow the Holy Spirit to rule. It is ONLY in our full surrender that He is glorified through us. That is when one is willing to hate this life on earth, to die to it's own: will, goals, dreams, desires, wants, needs, plans, rights and personal reputation. Jesus said "If anyone would come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me." Whose approval do we seek? Approval and blessings from the world or from Jesus, the Son of God? Who do we listen to? What voice calling out in the desert? "I am the Good Shepherd -- I know My sheep. The hired man runs away because he does not care about the sheep. I am willing to die for them. They will listen to My voice and become one flock" One church, one body united in Jesus Christ. Are we afraid of speaking about our faith in public because we will be laughed at? "Those who speak on their own authority are trying to gain glory for themselves. But He who wants glory for the One Who sent Him is honest. There is nothing false in Him." Then Jesus told the Pharisees, the highly regarded teachers of the law of Moses "Stop judging by external standards, and judge by true standards." Today, on this side of the cross, as per His promise, the Holy Spirit resides in our body which is the temple of God. As Jesus taught in the temple, He said in a loud voice "Do you really know Me, and know where I am from?" "A branch can only bear fruit if it remains in the Vine."
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)