TheraP's Blog tag:tpmcafe.talkingpointsmemo.com,2010:/talk/blogs/therap//1622 2010-09-15T17:49:01Z Movable Type Pro 4.21-en What the heck? tag:tpmcafe.talkingpointsmemo.com,2010:/talk/blogs/therap//1622.351656 2010-09-15T17:42:18Z 2010-09-15T17:49:01Z TheraP http://wisdom4nothing.blogspot.com/ about this article:

Pope adviser calls the UK a 'Third World country'


I've tried to remove the link.  (But this is one stubborn link.)  If you find the blog(s), as a prize, you too can be called Third World - just like citizens of the UK.



]]> Selling the Pope tag:tpmcafe.talkingpointsmemo.com,2010:/talk/blogs/therap//1622.351369 2010-09-14T00:35:38Z 2010-09-14T00:36:24Z TheraP http://wisdom4nothing.blogspot.com/ Empty Nest - A timely repost tag:tpmcafe.talkingpointsmemo.com,2010:/talk/blogs/therap//1622.351283 2010-09-13T16:06:10Z 2010-09-13T16:07:45Z TheraP http://wisdom4nothing.blogspot.com/ Here's a cheerful repost... which seems to fit the circumstances:

One of the greatest gifts that came my way recently was a gift of nature.  A couple of robins who built a nest, just outside my kitchen window.  Where vines had twined up a trellis we put on the outside wall many years back.  And the twining vines had just left a perfect spot for these robins to build a nest. 

When they built it, the leaves weren't even out.  Just the twisting strands of vines from years and years.  A perfect spot.  In a little corner where the dining room juts out just a bit from the house.  A place safe from the north and west winds.  Where the morning sun would hit the nest and shine most all day long onto the stone walls, that would warm beneath the sun, radiating heat long after sunset. 

We watched them bring nest material for a week or so.  The female nestling into her space, moving her body to smooth it out, making sure it was safe and snug for herself.  And for the eggs she would soon be laying. 

We never saw the eggs.  The nest was just above the height of the kitchen window.  We even lowered the shade a bit, when she was nesting, so she wouldn't be frightened by two people wandering around the kitchen.  She was very watchful.  And skittish at times.  But once she began to sit, she was faithful to her nest.  A touching sight to see.

All of this began about a month or so ago.  Just about the time I wrote some very painful blogs about torture.  I took it as a blessing that nature brought me these two birds, just when I needed a sign from heaven.   A comforting sign from Mother Nature in my time of painful writing

I watched as she would get up and seemed to turn the eggs.  And poke around in the nest.  Making sure everything was just as she wanted it to be.  I kept watching in fascination.  We've had other birds nest nearby.  But in bird houses, where you see them come and go, but don't see much except the coming and going.  But this was different.  The nest was open - and it was right outside my window.  Just feet away!

One weekend, a couple weeks back, I could see the female looking down.  And then, at a certain point, I saw her feathers move from beneath her.  And a tiny beak poked out.  Still, there was no way to know how many.  Or much at all.  For may days, at least a week or more, even when it was clear the birds were feeding their young, the female continued to nestle over her chicks, keeping them warm, making sure no predator could find them or get at them.  Indeed, the nest being protected by two sides of the house, she had chosen well.

And then, finally, little heads were visible.  I was sure of one.  Then two.  Then three.  Then four!

Eventually, they grew so big, last week, that the four of them were literally jostling one another for space.  I can see now how easily one can fall from the nest.  But not these!  The vines had leaved and the leaves and vines were so protective I was beginning to wonder if the birds might have difficulty flying from the nest.  The parents came more and more often.  It really was amazing.  Even though I know this happens all the time, everywhere, year after year.  This time was my time.  I could hardly tear myself away. 

So Saturday, when I spent all day writing up a long blog, I set up my computer at the kitchen table.  Where I could write and watch.  I tried not to miss a thing.  But at one point in the afternoon, right about the time I was finally ready to post, one bird had somehow flown.

I had watched them stretch their wings and practice sitting on the edge of the nest, practice stretching their legs, even napping like that.  By Saturday they were so alert.  Hardly napping any more.  Looking around at everything.  Looking at me.  They looked at me quite a lot.  No fear.  Just interest.  It's kind of amazing to see a baby bird, watching you from its nest.

So one had flown.  I later located it because a parent had gone to feed it in the hedge.  I redoubled my efforts to watch.  Because I wanted to see one fly from the nest.  A second managed to elude my vigilance.  But now I knew what would happen first.  Now I could see that the little birds, far from starting off right from the nest, would jump/fly to a tiny vine near the nest.  And fly from there. 

Finally, chick number three flew when I was watching.  It was really a thrilling sight!  A parent robin was waiting on the tree-swing.  And flew directly to feed her chick.  (I'm guessing it was "her" but really, I don't know.)  The little chick fell off its branch in an effort to get the worm.  But she quickly flew down and fed it in the ground cover; it didn't fall more than a couple of feet.  And it later managed to get back on a branch.

That was yesterday morning.  By the time I got back in the afternoon, the nest was empty.

It's empty still.  Though I expect Mrs. Robin will soon show up and lay more eggs and go through the same routine again.  I'll still be fascinated.  This time I'll know more what to expect.  But something tells me it never be the same - as the very first time.

Eventually, when the robins get bigger, I expect I'll see Mr. Robin leading them around the back yard, once they're big enough to look for food themselves.  I'll think of them as "my robins" and feel a certain sense of pride in having seen them through from the very start of their lives.

I've read that only 25% of eggs laid and hatched survive by the end of summer.  That makes me sad.  But that is nature's way.  I hope these have a good chance to make it!
]]> A new post still works? tag:tpmcafe.talkingpointsmemo.com,2010:/talk/blogs/therap//1622.351172 2010-09-12T02:26:49Z 2010-09-12T02:27:19Z Just wondering...... TheraP http://wisdom4nothing.blogspot.com/ Just wondering... Guard Duty tag:tpmcafe.talkingpointsmemo.com,2010:/talk/blogs/therap//1622.351120 2010-09-11T03:19:56Z 2010-09-11T03:22:52Z TheraP http://wisdom4nothing.blogspot.com/ say that... but I didn't really mean it.)

However, this is a GUARD BLOG!  bark!  bark!!!

The Guard Blog does not sleep.... It will protect the Cafe when the lights go out!

G'night!
]]> G'Night! tag:tpmcafe.talkingpointsmemo.com,2010:/talk/blogs/therap//1622.350980 2010-09-10T04:16:43Z 2010-09-10T04:17:56Z Pulls on chain.Closes door.Blows kiss........ TheraP http://wisdom4nothing.blogspot.com/
Closes door.

Blows kiss.....
]]> More Public Service tag:tpmcafe.talkingpointsmemo.com,2010:/talk/blogs/therap//1622.350962 2010-09-09T23:13:50Z 2010-09-10T00:38:17Z TheraP http://wisdom4nothing.blogspot.com/ personal blog digest.

It's called 9/9/10 Blogs.  (it will always be just under the title)

I apologize that I won't be able to save every last blog.  But in addition to some blogs, I've also saved them with their comments.  And I'll go back later and try to copy the additional comments.

So if you have something to say... for posterity, you can either comment right here or at one of the blogs I've copied already.  The one by Larry, the one by wendy, and I've got Zip's there but have to ask his permission after the fact... so I can't promise that one will stay up.  Also looking to see if Obey grants permission.

And, if possible, I'd like to transfer the blogs where AA gives info about setting up a disqus dashboard.  (I've gone ahead and saved that blog including the comments.)  If AA has a problem with that, I'll delete it there.  (I think she'll agree it's worth saving.) 

I have to make supper now for Mr. TheraP - but I'll be back later to copy what more I can before all this goes dark.

Rather than simply offer heartfelt wishes to all, please accept them via this opportunity to save what I can for you of these last moments.  To a place you can visit, if you like, for info on where to find people or to get a feel for your friends and this place.

Peace to all.  My blessing upon you.  May  the road open before you.  And may you find the companions of your heart's desire.
]]> OGD's List - Expanding it tag:tpmcafe.talkingpointsmemo.com,2010:/talk/blogs/therap//1622.350506 2010-09-07T14:45:17Z 2010-09-07T18:25:13Z TheraP http://wisdom4nothing.blogspot.com/ Dedicated to Erica, who asked for this.]

Each of us has our own list.  If you click on your followers or those you follow, you'll see a list.  Here's mine.  And Erica is on it!

If you want to be on the list: 

Check OGD's list.  Then check mine.  If you are one either list, you will soon be on the list of TPM Folk.  (I can copy other lists - for example, DD's list.)  If you are not on the list, please just leave a comment here.  And I will do my best to transfer you to there.  (before all this goes away...).  I'll also cull duplicates when I can.  But first things first!

To get on the list, just leave a comment for me below.  (I'll do my best.) 

.....................................................

P.S.  To save time searching for yourself, just use your "find" function in your Browser (mine is under "edit" at the top of the Firefox screen).
Also, if you need to get on the list at a later date (or to reach me), leave me a comment at my private blog - realize that comments are moderated and thus that gives me access to your email (which I will not divulge - but IT IS ANOTHER WAY TO REACH ME!)

P.P.S.  If you ever want me NOT to publish a message, but you're trying just to reach me, then put that in the message.  Thus I'll read it but it will never become public.

Here's my list - which I will transfer now. 


Here's DD's list:


]]>
  • sangsue / sangsue
  • jdf15 / Jamie Friedland
  • salaha / salaha
  • Red Planet / Red Planet
  • Obama1st / Progressive Party
  • coatesd / David Coates
  • RLAdlof / Richard L. Adlof
  • Syd / Syd
  • CherStoleMyFace / CherStoleMyFace
  • Eric_Ward / Eric_Ward
  • Packerfanchick / Packerfanchick
  • amike / amike
  • AdAbsurdum / AdAbsurdum
  • drhassaballa / Hesham A. Hassaballa
  • KingDzBWS / MSNY
  • luciustpm / leadersgoner
  • Cerullo / Cerullo
  • weezie.jefferson / weezie.jefferson
  • anna am / anna am
  • Denni / Denni
  • Leon Titche / gregor samsa
  • Teramis / Teramis
  • rmrd0000 / rmrd0000
  • Steve Everett / Steve Everett
  • williamray55 / William V. Ray
  • suited / mixalot
  • maxineudall / Maxine Udall (girl economist)
  • NobleCommentDecider / NobleCommentDecider
  • Ds4 / Daniel
  • ConsideredOpinion / ConsideredOpinion
  • chthonic / chthonic
  • longbongsilver / Fried Chicken Lover
  • kevbo / kevbo
  • Amanda Lang / Impishparrot
  • eric.rotzoll / Nemo Doe
  • Larry Dobie / LND
  • bdwesq1 / Barry Wingard
  • Kaneblues / Kaneblues
  • Chris- thefold / Chris
  • WindyCity / WindyCity
  • barefoot / barefooted
  • ricchase / ricchase
  • Stephenson / manyamile
  • Cujo359 / Cujo359
  • socraticgadfly / socraticgadfly
  • Watt Childress / Watt Childress
  • Matthew Saroff / Matthew Saroff
  • Pangaea / Pangaea
  • MrSmith1 / MrSmith1
  • rumpole / rumpole
  • Backcountry / Backcountry
  • DemNamedRNC / DemNamedRNC
  • hwickline / hwickline
  • CharlesBrown / CharlesBrown
  • Lynn Dee / Lynn Dee
  • Tankard2 / Tankard2
  • ryoma / ryoma
  • Magister / Magister
  • cmaukonen / cmaukonen
  • tao / tao
  • Angellight / Angellight
  • Bearlegdairy / Bearlegdairy
  • The Media Consortium / The Media Consortium
  • zfishman / the true enduring majority
  • warbaby / warbaby
  • jwalk559 / jwalk559
  • avsimmons / Cal Soldier
  • bluecanary / bluecanary
  • jschless / Joe S
  • fgdesign / igotmyreasons
  • Griboedov / Parvus
  • Lulu Strauss / A Guy Called Lulu
  • dintofinley / DF
  • svjim / svjim
  • Steevo / some dude named steevo
  • bmohin@gmail.com / aireball
  • Kenneth Thomas / Kenneth Thomas
  • jlapidus / Jay Lapidus
  • wheelslip / chucktrotter
  • kfreed / kfreed
  • Joe Henderson / JoeTheMechanic
  • khin / khin
  • LarryHayes / muddywaters
  • SocialJustice / SocialJustice
  • David Seaton / David Seaton
  • dedelste / dedelste
  • LBS / LBS
  • esaslaw / barth
  • David Sloane / David Sloane
  • trblmkr / trblmkr
  • Star Mason / Kali Star
  • Elizabeth2 / Elizabeth2
  • humphrj / John
  • nickgrossman2000 / nickgrossman2000
  • dearlyinaz / medicareblogger
  • nemokc / nemokc
  • wvbiker / wvbiker
  • spiegelman / Eric Spiegelman
  • careyshoufler / twoviragos
  • paulrest / Paul Rest
  • erica / erica
  • Ickyma / Ickyma
  • JEP07 / JEP07
  • Carol Gee / Carol Gee
  • Joseph Chez / Joseph Chez
  • diachronic / diachronic
  • ashaw / Al Shaw
  • Larry H / LarryH
  • observer2 / AnswerFrog
  • saulgoodman / saulgoodman
  • clandesdun / clandesdun
  • Lucky Strykur / Strykur
  • destor23 / destor23
  • Norseman86 / Norseman86
  • M. Paul / M.Paul
  • Garry Owen / Garry Owen
  • azpaull / azpaull
  • Devin Burghart / Devin Burghart
  • 1of10000things / 1 of 10,000 things
  • msa3 / msa3
  • ArmChairPol / ArmChairPol
  • PaulC37943 / PaulC37943
  • Liberty Hill Homie / Liberty Hill Homie
  • sweetmolly / sweetmolly
  • boo_lala / boo_lala
  • Thabo Mda / Thabo Mda
  • johntully / Tullycast
  • Doc Magnus / Doc Magnus
  • Dogtail / Dogtail
  • leary.chris / Training Day
  • ChrisOtt / Chris Ott
  • artwrite / artwrite
  • ttarleton / ttarleton
  • Deep Brain Diarist / Deep Brain Diarist
  • Doctor Cleveland / Doctor Cleveland
  • Cheesemoose / Cheesemoose
  • jcd / jcd
  • barthanderson / barthanderson
  • OrffSpc07 / Cindy Etal
  • Bertha Lewis / Bertha Lewis
  • John Terzano - The Justice Project / John Terzano - The Justice Project
  • Mare Nostrum / Overreach THIS!
  • carey_rowland / Carey Rowland
  • burtg / burtg
  • jonwisby / Jon Wisby
  • Clay Allison / The Decider
  • anon2008 / anon2008
  • cjames / deleted
  • Williamkwolfrum / William K. Wolfrum
  • oceankat / oceankat
  • mrnola / mrnola
  • Jan Tessier / Jan Tessier
  • Kevin Cassidy / Kevin Cassidy
  • CarlBentham / CarlBentham
  • Candide / Candide
  • petemartinnyc / Pete Martin
  • John Hempton / John Hempton
  • Richardxx / Richardxx
  • Dr. Goldstein / Dr. Goldstein
  • acamus / acamus
  • 1849 / 1849
  • neoboho / neoboho
  • BuckminsterX / BuckminsterX
  • dmihm1 / DickTater
  • Kris Broughton / Kris Broughton
  • let freedom ring / let freedom ring
  • AmericanDad / AmericanDad
  • saharag / Leonce Gaiter
  • econmavin / econmavin
  • dsurkin / Dean L. Surkin
  • MaggieM / Maggie
  • Sluggahjells / sluggahjells
  • mftalbot / mftalbot
  • AmericanDreamer / AmericanDreamer
  • thomasjasen / thomasjasen
  • kgb999 / kgb999
  • eades / eades
  • flavius / flavius
  • tomgnh / tomgnh
  • CVille Dem / CVille Dem
  • versharma / Versha Sharma
  • wendy davis / wendy davis
  • blunderdick / Blunderdick
  • Desidero / Desidero
  • billyshake / billyshake
  • kstone / kstone
  • gs62 / gs62
  • Fredmoolten / Fred Moolten
  • frustum / frustum
  • Hugh Bartling / Hugh Bartling
  • wmaney / wmaney
  • joypog / joypog
  • JohnAH / JohnAH
  • Joe Pettit / Joe Pettit
  • icetree / icetree
  • DiogenesJr / DiogenesJr
  • mk3872 / mk3872
  • roo_P / Karl the Marxist
  • tmccarthy0 / tmccarthy0
  • pjwhite530 / pjwhite530
  • scottymac / Scotty Mac
  • coonsey / coonsey
  • here / here
  • staleync / staleync
  • Caro / Caro
  • cnic / cnic
  • PoliticalTruths / PoliticalTruths
  • ElisaMassiminoHRF / ElisaMassiminoHRF
  • Cal Damage / Cal Damage
  • montcalm / montcalm
  • Dani Rodrik / Dani Rodrik
  • Shelley Tatum / shelleyq
  • Saladin / Saladin
  • corpiscator / Corpiscator
  • mardod1 / mardod
  • Joan Pieterick / joaneliz
  • Doc Nebula / Doc Nebula
  • geminiwench / rain on the plain again
  • Tony Sanchez / TonySanchez
  • Xpostfactoid / Xpostfactoid
  • w00dy / WOODY
  • Dan K / Dan K
  • Jane Blevins / Jane Blevins
  • Joe Wood / Joe Wood
  • matyra / matyra
  • Zack Schenkkan / eateneye
  • Ken Carman / Ken Carman
  • crazedandconfused / The Insolent Braggart
  • Jennie Maria / Jennie Maria
  • Jason Echols / Chino Blanco
  • wademorris / yug doog
  • leoklein / leoklein
  • tonebobb / tonebobb
  • Melissa D. / Melissa D.
  • lbrillante / synchronicity
  • thepeoplechoose / thepeoplechoose
  • Bar Kafka / Bar Kafka
  • iconfess / itwasmenomaybenot
  • wanderwolf / wanderwolf
  • new10 / new10
  • derekyoung / Derek Young
  • Prudent1 / Leo Emmanuel Lochard
  • pinson / pinson
  • Harper53 / Hud
  • Ron Powell / RonP
  • wfb812 / Bill Bowman
  • Zipperupus / Zipperupus
  • Augustino / Daddy-O
  • Jim Benton / Prup (aka Jim Benton)
  • rainkeep / DonDi
  • Joe Mitchell / Indiana Oracle
  • witlist / witlist
  • Dan Grant / Doomer252
  • Professorbalgus / ProfessorB
  • worthlesscitizen / worthlesscitizen
  • satyagraha / MBH
  • twayn / twayn
  • Ramona / Ramona
  • ClipsNChips / J. Clarence
  • gettex / FDRdog
  • Tom Wright / Tom Wright
  • Ellen / Ellen
  • havethoughtwilltravel / havethoughtwilltravel
  • Anne Crumpton / Anne933
  • tpmgary / tpmgary
  • Connecticut Man1 / Connecticut Man1
  • Zeno_of_Citium / Zeno_of_Citium
  • lostboy / redneck
  • panningforhope / panningforhope
  • CremeDeMenthe / CremeDeMenthe
  • bodypolitic / bodypolitic
  • Libertine / Libertine
  • DKC / DKC/Feral Cat
  • judyannh / JudyAnn
  • rowanwolf / rowanwolf
  • ezekiel / Josh Marshall
  • Ecclesiastes / Ecclesiastes
  • Viper 123 / Viper 123
  • Obey / Obey
    • There are more.  See tag:tpmcafe.talkingpointsmemo.com,2010:/talk/blogs/therap//1622.350501 2010-09-07T14:24:28Z 2010-09-07T16:52:17Z TheraP http://wisdom4nothing.blogspot.com/
    Before copying your blogs, start a private blog.  Decide which free blogger system you want to use, choose on a name for your blog, and then just follow directions for beginning a blog.  Doesn't matter if you later want to copy or transfer them elsewhere.  Just set something up now.  ASAP.

    It's really a snap to copy a blog. 
    1. First, in your new blog, find where it lets you "create a post".  (You'll be doing a new post for each blog you copy.)
    2. Next, decide what you want to copy.  (Copy from the published version!)
    3. Then simply highlight the blog (and include the "permalink" below it - as that will link to comments - depending on whether TPM keeps the urls).
    4. Once you've highlighted what you want to copy, click "copy".
    5. Believe it or not, when you copy, it will actually transfer all html code and your links.
    6. Then, you can preview and you might find that paragraphs need a bit of tinkering.
    7. Then click publish.  (For myself, I added the original date of the blog to its title, but you could also do that below the blog if you prefer.)
    8. This process does not really take long, once you get going with it.  If you take a look at my blog, you'll see that sometimes it took me 10-15 minutes between posts of the blogs I copied.  (I copied them all in a single, very busy, day.)
    9. Don't worry too much about tinkering.  You can always return and "edit" to your heart's content.
    I hope you all have fun copying your blogs!  It will do your heart good to see how much you've written.  And it will allow any of us to return there.

    Peace.  Love.  And Sanity!  To all.
    ]]>     OGD's List: Now has a Page! tag:tpmcafe.talkingpointsmemo.com,2010:/talk/blogs/therap//1622.350439 2010-09-07T01:21:01Z 2010-09-07T01:26:13Z TheraP http://wisdom4nothing.blogspot.com/ TPM Folk.   To add to the "pages" on Lux Umbra Dei and one by DD.

    So if you lose your list, just google "TheraP's Blog from TPM" and you'll find it under the blog title, between "Home" and "Lux Umbra Dei".  (Oh, and it links back to OGD's blog, of course!)

    Still not sure if I'll bother to get an account here under the new system.  May wait till things settle down.  If they do!  (keep me posted!)  Meanwhile, I'm busy doing other things....

    Peace and good will to all.
    ]]>     Public Service Announcement (archiving Lux) tag:tpmcafe.talkingpointsmemo.com,2010:/talk/blogs/therap//1622.350304 2010-09-04T18:29:23Z 2010-09-05T00:17:55Z TheraP http://wisdom4nothing.blogspot.com/ Lux Umbra Dei, two of them complete with comments.  They are accessible via a tab at my own archived digest blog:  TheraP's Blog From TPM.    (The Lux tab there says, of course:  Lux Umbra Dei.  It's right next to the tab that says "Home".)

    I plan another page of commentary by Lux - assuming your help.  As well as one that includes DD's blog on Nothingness (assuming DD approves, of course) and the comments below it - several of which are very important comments by Lux - that I love.  It's up now:  DD, TheraP, Lux & Nothingness.  (thank you, dd!)

    Which brings me to the reason for this post.  For a page on Favorite Comments by Lux, I'm inviting your input.  If you have favorite comments by Lux that you'd like archived, please place a link in a comment below this blog.  Or if you believe there's an additional blog of his that needs saving, please indicate below.  And I'll do my best to see that it becomes part of the "Lux Archive" there.  (All these pages will be available in Tabs, right under the blog title, with each tab representing only one long page.)

    I'm currently keeping track of developments here at the Cafe.  And recommending some blogs.   But not bothering to drive myself nuts trying to log in.  (If aMike does start a group blog, I expect to sign on - though I'm not sure how prolific I might be there...)

    Peace to all.  Looks like the handwriting is on the wall...  (or not!)

    ]]>     TheraP's Blog - Redux tag:tpmcafe.talkingpointsmemo.com,2010:/talk/blogs/therap//1622.349904 2010-09-01T14:59:51Z 2010-09-02T23:36:55Z TheraP http://wisdom4nothing.blogspot.com/ TheraP's Blog - From TPM.  Just blogs. Not the comments.  (Comments can be accessed via permalink - see end of any blog.)  To find a blog, check right sidebar at the new blog site.  Blogs posted there were all transferred on a single day (9.1.10) and are posted in the order in which they were originally written, most recent on top.  Blog title includes date it appeared on TPM.   The task is done!  (Except I hope to add a page of timeless posts by Lux Umbra Dei.)

    Comments there will be moderated.  (Registered ID only:  your choice. )

    In addition to the digest of TPM Cafe blogs, I will continue to maintain Nothingness (on blogger) as well as the two new blogs (on WordPress):  Casting Words to the Wind and Heart Streams in Dry Land.  (Plus whatever it is that amike, in comments below, has in mind.)

    Once again, I wish everyone well.  You'll notice that the new blog has birds in flight - which seems to me to be a fitting epitaph to our Cafe exodus. May we all fly free and find safe harbor.

    Namaste.


    ]]>     Public Notice tag:tpmcafe.talkingpointsmemo.com,2010:/talk/blogs/therap//1622.349595 2010-08-30T15:07:16Z 2010-08-30T15:26:08Z TheraP http://wisdom4nothing.blogspot.com/ here, here, and here.

    To all at TPM Cafe I bid you good bye and godspeed.  Many know how to reach me via email.   (Most of those would be well known to all.)  Time speeds on.  Life changes.  We must all follow PCA one day.  And we need to learn to let go of passing things.  And hang onto what is timeless.

    Peace to all.  No need to recommend this.  I know you and you know me.  It's been a good run. 

    The grace note will never die!
    ]]>     On sabbatical tag:tpmcafe.talkingpointsmemo.com,2010:/talk/blogs/therap//1622.345450 2010-07-26T15:59:48Z 2010-08-27T13:55:31Z TheraP http://wisdom4nothing.blogspot.com/
    Blessings upon those who may happen upon this brief message.
    ]]>     One Foot - Stuck in the Muck tag:tpmcafe.talkingpointsmemo.com,2010:/talk/blogs/therap//1622.331937 2010-04-25T18:17:12Z 2010-04-26T04:57:58Z TheraP http://wisdom4nothing.blogspot.com/ Public schoolers got bussed!

    I remember one day, walking home, having to cross what seemed like a field of mud.  Probably it wasn't that big, but neither was I.  And one foot got stuck!  One boot rather.  I couldn't pull my foot out without also pulling the shoe.  But to do that would have meant having to put that foot - plus shoe - smack into the same mud.  Not a workable solution.  Not if I wanted to wear that shoe tomorrow. 

    Plus, once one boot is stuck, it's so easy to get the other one stuck too.  Now, to be honest, I am truly not certain how this story ended.  I just recall the dilemma of being maybe 8 years old.  Learning what I'm just now telling you.  With one foot stuck in the muck, trying to pull it out, trying to figure out what to do.  I suspect I learned not to take a short-cut, not if it meant crossing a muddy field, cuz Catholics had to walk...

    Or I thought I'd learned that.

    But just yesterday I realized that even though I have "left" the Catholic Church with one foot, I am still stuck in Catholic Church muck with the trailing foot.  Thankfully, I didn't just leave - without first finding an island of sanity and spiritual sustenance (a church "for all people").  So at least I'm not stuck in mud with both feet!  Nevertheless the catholic muck seems to have such a hold over this one foot, like the boot like I had as a child (I think it was a red boot).  A foot which is very stuck.  Because there is just so much muck.

    I'm pretty sure I'm not the only person, who has left what we were taught in childhood was the Church - only to find in this current crisis which is shaking the RCC to its very foundations, a big ache in one's heart, a breaking heart really, for all the innocent victims, all the other good people who are collateral damage to a hierarchy more bent on self-protection than vigilance to protect the innocent.  The reason I'm pretty sure is that right here at TPM some people have admitted as much.  And many who profess no adherence to any church are suddenly admitting they are upset at what's going on in "their" church.  It actually reminds me of people I've known who don't believe in god - till they find themselves in a jam, needing to pray hard!  This situation is the opposite, of course, or maybe not.

    Maybe the concern of people like myself, who no longer identify as catholic, for the church of their youth or their schooling, has to do with a genuine desire to see a wayward institution find its way home - to the values they were taught, values they still believe in.  Values they feel are too often missing in today's world.  Values they need to see in people - leaders, especially.

    So if some wonder how come I'm stuck in the RC muck, it's not because I'm sitting at home full of personal rage - just looking for a target, and having found one, continuing to rage and rage.  It's because I believe this institution, the Roman Catholic Church, is part of something larger and is failing to live up to its high calling.  And I'm just counting all the ways....

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