Favorite floats

I can't begin the holiday season, or turkey day for that matter, without watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. It's the child in me that keeps me glued to the tube all morning long.

Sometimes I'm too lazy to get out of pajamas, but often, I get up early enough to primp for the day and settle in with a cup of coffee and some kind of breakfast pastry, as opposed to my usual breakfast of bran cereal. Yum.

Prior to moving to Michigan, I could watch the parade on NBC, but since moving here, the local affiliate insists on covering Detroit's crappy attempt at a replica: America's Thanksgiving Day Parade. So, that leaves me to watch CBS' coverage of the Macy's event, which is TERRIBLE.They spend more time with the camera on the two hosts — who talk up visiting soap opera stars — than on the floats themselves, and often pan over to some park for a Broadway song. I meant to write them last year, but never did. And now I'm frantically trying to figure out if NBC will be streaming the parade.

These are some floats that I cannot miss — they're too nostalgic.

If I knew someone with an apartment that looked down upon the parade route, I'd want to watch it from the window, with the play-by-play from the TV on in the background — kind of like my favorite Christmas movie, "Miracle on 34th Street."

The 82-year-old parade originally featured animals from the local zoo. When they added helium floats in 1927 and released them as part of the grand finale, they all burst over the Manhattan skyline. The following year, they designed balloons with safety valves that allowed them to float for days. They even stuck return labels on the characters in case they got away, and offered a reward for the return.

I think it's safe to say that most of the balloons have improved over time ...

... while some have remained parade classics.

To the beach

We're off for a few days to Myrtle Beach ... I am relieved to get away from the stress of work and the chilly temperatures, and spend some time with some special people.

Our condo is right on the ocean, and I'm looking forward to the breakfasts we'll make, the laughs we'll share, the encouragement and hope we'll offer one another, and the renewal we'll receive!

Ciao!

Thankless Thanksgiving

I must say, I feel a little sorry for the turkey, even though I'm sure he isn't minding that so many have completely sidestepped the holiday on which we eat him.

Thanksgiving is a little over a week away, but there's no sign of it anywhere, save for the few cans of pumpkin pie filling near the ReddiWip. I feel sad, frustrated ... maybe even a little irritated with a society that jumps immediately from trick-or-treating to gift gathering with no thought in between. I am irritated that there is already Christmas music on the radio, that lampposts have already been wrapped with festive garland, that shopping malls are already decked out in red and green, and that some homeowners already have decorated trees in their front windows and colorful lights carving their house out of the dark of night.

Don't misunderstand my rant. I love Christmastime ... the actual meaning behind it and the pretty accents thrown in: glittery decorations, ornamented trees and twinkling lights. When that first snow falls in November, it's hard not to think about curling up with a cup of hot chocolate beneath a glowing tree or popping in your favorite holiday movie. But I think Thanksgiving deserves a day not overshadowed by one glamorized by the retail world. Especially this year.

For some reason, I have become much more aware of my blessings this season. And I'm realizing I haven't been doing enough to help others less fortunate. I get so wrapped up in making sure my traditions return every year that the idea of giving up my parade-watching, coffee cake-eating Thanksgiving morning to serve in a soup kitchen or delivering baskets of goodies to needy families makes me uncomfortable. And yet the concept of serving was never intended to benefit the person doing good, but rather the person in need. Otherwise, it would be a completely self-centered act. I think the gratification that usually follows a good deed is in feeling that you are somehow being Jesus' hands and feet.

This past weekend, I attended the open house of an office building-turned-remodeled 14-bedroom transitional residence. Each of the rooms — they range from baby to teen to adult — is cutely and cozily decorated by dedicated volunteers who spent months pouring out funding, time and creativity. My parents and some friends put together one of the rooms and they could hardly hold back the tears Friday evening.

On the day I visited, it was particularly cold, filled with periodic snow squalls. It was a cruel reminder of how many are out there without a place to take refuge. I heard that there's already a waiting list for the shelter, which is aimed at getting people back on their feet by helping them find a job and put away savings. One elderly woman who could hardly walk came calling days earlier to find out if it had opened yet — only to hear she could only put her name on the list.

I'm sure there are thousands of stories out there like this one that will break your heart into pieces. It gives me quite the perspective when I'm staring into a packed closet each morning, worrying about what to wear, or trying to keep the cupboard and refrigerator stocked, or really disliking my job.

I know God has bestowed blessings upon me and my family for some reason and I'll be sure to thank him for them next Thursday — and each day, for that matter — as I'm watching my favorite pre-Christmas shows (Miracle on 34th Street and A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving) on the floor near my parents' fireplace with my husband and a cup of hot chocolate.

And I'll be sure to really listen when I ask what I can do for others.

Quote of the Day

Love wholeheartedly, be surprised, give thanks and praise — then you will discover the fullness of your life.

—Brother David Steindl-Rast

Cake head

I have a secret pastime: cooking shows. My mom always had them on in the background when she was baking or cleaning or decorating for whatever season we were in.

Unfortunately, neither her influences nor the half-hour culinary program had any effect on me ... just ask my husband. I pretend they have, however, and each time I bring out my mixing bowls, carton of eggs and cups of sugar and flour, I imagine that I am the expert giving the instructions. Cameras and all.

My husband and I haven't had cable since we got married and moved into our apartment almost a year- and-a-half ago. So, I've been void of those cooking shows. Until now. We got a great deal until our lease is up, and so I get to tune in to a few of my favorites, like Barefoot Contessa and Everyday Italian. I even like to watch Paula Dean, betting against myself how many sticks of butter she'll use throughout the episode. I sometimes stare in awe at how they can come up with new ideas, new twists on the old ... I can't fathom their creativity. But I do admire it — any every other kitchen conqueror.

One night, I was skimming channels and landed on something amazing ... something like I'd never seen on Food Network: Ace of Cakes. The owner of Charm City Cakes in Baltimore, Chef Duff, creates masterpieces with drill saws and blowtorches with the help of fellow rock musicians. Duff is one of the most sought-after decorative cake makers in the country. And it's easy to see why:









































I'm not quite certain if people actually eat the cakes they order — they seem too spectacular to cut into and all the sugary details and fondant don't seem very appetizing. Actually, I'm sure they want to get their money's worth.

Anyway, check out the show if you haven't. It's amazing, if not inspiring.

Something funny for Thursday

It gets funnier toward the end.

A salute ...

... to all those veterans come and gone, and those around to receive thanks and gratitude — my late grandfather (Korean War) and my dad (first Gulf War) included.

Work in progress

I'm trying to figure out how to fix this ... bear with me!

Dream job

If I could do anything, career-wise, I would own my own independent stationary store. I've always loved buying boxes of cards, browsing rolls of wrapping paper and picking out yards of ribbon, whether I used them or not. I enjoy walking around Papyrus — but there are 400,000 reasons why I couldn't open my own — and recently, while walking around downtown Birmingham, spotted the sweetest shop and thought, "I could do this."

It would be so worthwhile to help people celebrate all of life's special moments. I think I would actually enjoy getting up and going to work each morning ... so much more than I do now. And I'd always be surrounded by pretty, elegant things.

Here's hoping one day, I'll have the capital and capability to follow this particular dream.

Per$onal $hopper

I have had the most difficult time finding clothes for the around-the-corner winter season. I've never had such a problem. I've been to different malls and stores for the past three weekends, dragging along my very patient and generous husband. I even enlisted the assistance and opinions of a personal shopper who found me a new suit and a pretty purple purse ... but still no everyday outfits. So until I stumble upon a new wardrobe, I'm going to daydream about what I wish I could find and afford, especially in the dress arena. I'd live in them if I could— and if my job was glamorous enough.

Hurting

In the tiny corner of the world I keep watch on each week, a certain evil is about to come lurking. I've heard about it, read about it and even seen pictures of it. But I never thought I'd have to come face-to-face with it.

In my years as a reporter, I've (thankfully) covered stories that have had no real controversy, due in part to the small, quiet communities I've been assigned to. Most articles are about fund-raisers for admirable causes, student accomplishments, school programs, city improvements and individuals' adventures. I have had the occasional tear-jerker and a few years back, covered the first murder in a community in 60 years. That was interesting — and tragic.

But today, I embarked upon a story that was both controversial and emotional.

In a few weeks, one of the school theater groups will be putting on "The Laramie Project," the story surrounding the death of Matthew Shepard and how his Wyoming town reacted. Shepard, a gay college student, was left to die after being brutally beaten by two men, who tied him to a post. Bicyclists 18 hours later found him and initially thought the 21-year-old was a scarecrow. He died a few days later from complications. I remember hearing about it when I was in high school, but never knew any details. I looked into what happened for my interviews with the student actors and it made my heart hurt and my stomach ache. I couldn't get the picture out of my mind for hours.

But here's the kicker: there is a protest coming, one that I can only describe as completely hateful -- and its sign-holders are coming in the name of God. You may have heard of this group. I don't want to mention them here so not to give them any more attention, but most recently, this so-called church has been showing up at the funerals of fallen soldiers, yelling that God is punishing them for the country's acceptance of homosexuality. Their Web site screams deception from someone other than Christ -- and they are completely deaf of it. There are Bible verses all over the page, ones that talk about God's condemnation of sin ... one in particular. The signs they bring with them yell "God hates America" and "God bless AIDS" and "God hates the World." I couldn't read much more. They are leaving out SO many hundreds of other verses about God's redeeming love, about His mercy and grace through Christ, about the fruits of the Spirit: LOVE, joy, PEACE, patience, KINDESS, goodness and SELF CONTROL. It's shameful.

So, my editor asked me to do a short piece on their impending visit -- and I admit I wanted no part of it. But, I got a comment from the school principal and then I found an email for the church. And about an hour later, I got a response. You can imagine my hesitancy opening the note. The woman is, for no better description, a nutcase. Here is an excerpt from her novel (I like how she addressed me, by the way): "Your evil parents taught you that God is a liar, and for that, the wrath ofGod is abiding upon this nation! When God said that homosexuality is an abomination they taught their children that God is a big fat liar, that it is in fact okay to be gay."

And one more: ""The Laramie Project" is just one more way to get the people to focus on worshiping and serving the creature instead of their creator who is God Blessed, forever. If you present a maudlin, sentimental sloppy agape, then you can cause people to trust in a lie. It is a strategy of his Majesty theDevil."

She is delusional. And she had two opportunities to 'preach' her hate to me because I had to re-email her after she ignored my initial question. GRRR.

Though I don't condone homosexuality, I have learned to extend the same grace and love that God pours out on all His people. His love completely covers my multitude of sins. I can't imagine being the target of such hate and my heart so aches for the gay community for it. What these people are doing is nothing of God. It is nothing of His character, and I really hope that non-Christians don't think all who follow Christ are the same way, out there with a deafening bullhorn. We're not. We're really not.

Sorry, but I have to say this: there's a special place in Hell for these protesters.

Quote of the Day

Just felt like I needed to put this up today ... I honestly don't know why. This is one of my favorite songs, by Sara Groves, one of my favorite singers:

Loving a person just the way they are, it's no small thing
It takes some time to see things through
Sometimes things change, sometimes we're waiting
We need grace either way

Hold on to me
I'll hold on to you
Let's find out the beauty of seeing things through

There's a lot of pain in reaching out and trying
It's a vulnerable place to be
Love and pride can't occupy the same spaces baby
Only one makes you free
Hold on to me
I'll hold on to you
Let's find out the beauty of seeing things through

If we go looking for offense
We're going to find it
If we go looking for real love
We're going to find it

Loving a person just the way, it's no small thing
that's the whole thing ...

It takes some time, takes some time, takes some time...

Quote of the Day

"I have seen something else under the sun: the race is not to the swift, or the battle to the strong, nor does food come to the wise, or wealth to the brilliant, or favor to the learned; but time and chance happen to them all."

~Ecclesiastes 9:11


"Whatever our differences, we are fellow Americans. And please believe me when I say no association has ever meant more to me than that.

It is natural. It's natural, tonight, to feel some disappointment. But tomorrow, we must move beyond it and work together to get our country moving again."

~John McCain, Nov. 4, 2008

Thinking thoughts

I don't claim to understand the will of God. I can't see the bigger picture. But somehow, today, I am able to realize something: change is coming. It's historic, yes. And it's life-changing. But it's not something that the new president-elect is bringing about ... not knowingly, anyway. Rather, it's what been spoken of since creation's earliest days.

I've felt for the past month something stirring. Last night confirmed it. I really believe that we're on the cusp of the country we know, the world we know, even the church we know. I believe that in this election, God is pulling people closer to Him, and in the coming months and even years, we're going to feel that same desire that made the apostles risk so much. I think we're going to understand what it really means to be persecuted. Circumstances are going to rise — if they haven't in the last 15 hours — that are going to drive many of us to really strive to reach others for Christ ... to be (lovingly) bold, passionate, non-damning or oppressive, maybe even slightly urgent in offering true hope, real change and progress of the heart.

Last night, I saw something dramatic: humanity poured their passions into one unperfect man, one man they think will solve the problems of the entire world, rather than the perfect man who came to save the entire human race. I'm not discounting the glass ceiling Obama broke and what it means to African Americans. I do, however, think it's being slightly overplayed and discounting the accomplishments of those in this country who have already risen to such great heights: Oprah, Condoleezza Rice, Colin Powell, Thurgood Marshall, Bill Cosby, Halle Berry, Morgan Freeman ... the list goes on. People have become mesmerized with the words of someone they hardly know much about, save for radical associations and an extreme voting history they have somehow ignored.

I teared up as the evening wrapped up. Not because I didn't appreciate a dream that had been realized for some, but because I believe we're staring at the beginning of the end. I know with Christ, we shouldn't fear what's ahead, but walk with faith. Still I can't help but be afraid of some things: a country about to let its guard down to terrorists; an unbalanced Congress; the already spoken endorsements from Al-Qaida, Ahmadinejad, Castro and Chavez; universal health care (maybe we should have a baby now before we'll either be waiting in line to deliver or unable to pay our bills); radical Supreme Court justices; and the gradual disappearance of the presence of God on money and in our national songs because we don't want to "offend."

I'm going to end this now ... praying for healing, understanding, patience and trust. I refuse to fall in step with those marching with and for Obama, but rather will continue to seek the call of Christ, to change for him and find change in him, to serve the poor and hungry — even those in spirit — in his name and for his cause, and to place my hope only in him.