Writing Prompts

Saw a book at Barnes and Noble today chock full of writing prompts. I have got to remember to refer to my "Writer's Block" for ideas when I can't think of anything to write about. I put the aforementioned book on my Wish List at Amazon so I could remember it. One of the prompts was, "You're a father taking you're daughter to buy her first bra." Hysterical. I may have to tackle that one. All in all, this entry is to remind myself to write more. Debbie gave me the idea to write about the things I draw. What a great idea! I'm an idiot for not thinking about it. Instead of trying to create interesting cartoon characters by writing them, draw some interesting characters and then assign a personality to them.

Online Graffiti

Cool site. Let's you create your own graffiti. Go forth and be rebellious!

http://thewall.msn.com/?wallid=11&GT1=7480

King of the Hill Quote

Don't you just love it when pop culture makes fun of religion. They get it. Why don't we?

HANK: Can't you see you're not making Christianity better, you're just making rock n' roll worse.
PASTOR K: You people are all alike. You look at us and think we're freaks. Come on, even Jesus had long hair.
HANK: Only because I wasn't his dad.

KT's Family

Here's a recent photo of Kathy with her sons Jesse and Jeremy and her niece and nephew.

I've Got Gas!

Just filled up for $1.99 a gallon. How long has it been since it's been below $2? I can't remember.

Booklist

Dance of Death by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child - Yet another Preston/Child novel chronicling the adventures of persnickety FBI Agent Aloysius Pendergast. This is the second in a supposed trilogy (beginning with "Brimstone") dealing with Pendergast's criminally insane brother Diogenes. Diogenes is pretty ticked at Aloysius for something and is looking to kill all of his brothers friends. Along for the ride are a few characters from previous novels.
This one was pretty good. It does make me want to read the third. In my opinion, however, it's been a long time since Preston/Child have written a satisfying novel. I'm a bit tired of Agent Pendergast. I wish they'd kill him off and start with something fresh. None of the Pendergast novels have been outstanding...only so-so. I wish they would return to the days of books like "Thunderhead, Riptide, The Ice Limit, and Relic." Those were outstanding books. I haven't given up on them completely but they have slipped down on my popularity list. None of my faves are writing as well as they used to. Crichton slipped a while back. Rollins is trying to be Dan Brown. Reilly's still doing okay but I haven't read his latest. Jim Butcher is still kicking butt and taking names although "Dead Beat" wasn't his best.
Oh well, I'll shut up now. Guess I'll just have to keep hunting for new writers who will satisfy my thirst for adventure. If you have any suggestions, let me know.

Christmas Sarah

Thought this was a great picture of my beautiful bride-to-be standing next to one of two trees in the apartment. She and her family do Christmas in a big way. Her mom and dad have up to 7 trees up at a time, all with a different theme. One is all flamingoes. Scary! Anyway, grab some Christmas spirit from this wonderful photo and have a Happy Holiday!

Thanksgiving Day

Here we are at Adam and Heather's house for Thanksgiving. It was a great day of food, fun and fellowship with friends. (dig the alliteration)

Kitty Paws!

Once again, Mickey being himself. He loves to cuddle under the covers next to his Mommy. (That's Sarah)

Mickey the Christmas Cat

We started a fire in the fireplace the other night (unaware of the burn ban due to pollution) and Mickey found himself transfixed. He is a constant source of entertainment, this gray and white Maine Coon of a cat. This picture is priceless.

My Favorite Guitar Players

In no particular order:

Steve Lukather
Eddie Van Halen
Neal Morse
Phil Keaggy
Steve Vai
Joe Satriani
Andy Timmons
Eric Johnson
Stevie Ray Vaughan
Ty Tabor
John Petrucci
Alex Lifeson
Larry LaLonde
Vernon Reid
Robin Trower
Pat Travers
Jimmy Page
Jimi Hendrix
John Frusciante
Tom Morello
David Gilmour
Neal Schon
Steve Morse
Lindsey Buckingham
Trevor Rabin
Frank Marino
Michael Roe
Derri Daugherty
Dann Huff

Where Have All The Guitar Gods Gone?

Excuse an old man for pining for the good old days of rock and roll. This morning, I am struck by the realities of the postmodern generation. The guitar players that they revere and try to immulate just don't play as well as the guitar gods of old. In the old days we had Eddie Van Halen, Robin Trower, Pat Travers, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Steve Lukather, and many, many more. Nowadays, we have the acoustic meanderings of Dave Matthews, Trey Anastasio and their ilk. These guys are good in their own way but it's a far cry from the Jimmy's (Jimi's) Page and Hendrix from our glorious past. It's great that some of the old guys are still around kickin' it old school style. Steve Lukather continues to blaze with Toto. Steve Vai has created a guitar players venue with his Favored Nations label. John Petrucci kills as the lead guitarist for Dream Theatre. Joe Satriani, Eric Johnson, Andy Timmons and the like are still out there shredding the fret board like it's going out of style. (which it is) The worst thing about this is that since the new guitarists are listening to wimpy licks, their licks are wimpy as well. There's not a single new metal band out there now that has a guitar player that can actually play a decent lead. It just doesn't exist anymore. There's some hard driving stuff like Korn, Creed, Disturbed and that whole genre but you won't find a good lead guitar part anywhere on any of their recordings. Why? Because the guys are power chord jockeys and they can't play lead. They have no one to look up to these days. It really makes me sad and it makes it difficult to find good music to listen to. I'll keep searching and hoping that the guitar gods of old will awaken once more in hearts of the young. Someone needs to carry that torch into the future. Don't let it die, man!

Art News

HUGE HENRY MOORE SCULPTURE STOLEN IN BRITAIN
LONDON (Reuters) - British police hunted for three men on Saturday who stole a huge bronze Henry Moore sculpture worth up to 3 million pounds ($5.30 million) and a spokesman said they feared the piece would be destroyed for scrap.
Police said the 3.5 meter long (11 ft 5.8 in) sculpture, "A Reclining Figure," was stolen from the Henry Moore Foundation in Hertfordshire, north of London, on Thursday night by three men who drove it away.
"This is a very valuable statue and we are working closely with the Henry Moore Foundation to ensure its safe return," Detective Sergeant Graeme Smith said, adding that the Foundation was offering "a substantial reward."
"We're keeping an open mind at the moment," he told Reuters. "It could be anything from an organized theft for persons in the art world, down to an opportunist theft for the scrap value of the bronze.
"It would be extremely difficult to sell it on as it is ... (and) that is what the people at the foundation fear."
British sculptor Moore, who died in 1986, is renowned for his large-scale, abstract work.
Moore made the sculpture in 1969/70. It was acquired by the Foundation in 1987.

To steal a painting is one thing. To steal something of this size takes lots of hutzpah. What do they think they're gonna do...sell it on Ebay? Postage and handling alone will bankrupt someone.

Finding Monique: The Zoo

Sarah and I spent this frosty morning at the zoo with Monique and her son Alex. It was so great to see Monique again after over 10 years. Alex is quite the animal expert. He's only three and yet he knows his way around the zoo better than we do and he expertly identifies animals so quickly that you would swear he's channeling Marlon Perkins. To me, they are just monkeys. (if it swings from a tree and eats bananas...it's a monkey) Alex corrected me on this mistake. He showed me gorillas and maquacs and I don't know what else. It was quite educational. The weather was a bit nippy. Some of the ponds were frozen over and much to Alex's chagrin, many of the animals were no shows. (his favorites, the leaping lemurs, were nowhere to be seen) A fun time was had by all and hopefully there will be many more since Monique and her family live in Bellevue. I know she and her husband are going to try to see the show at Taproot the week after Christmas. I can't tell you how wonderful it is to have old friends nearby. It gives me a sense that I'm not really that far away from home.

Stephen King on Reading

"A friend of mine sold her first novel this fall. She said the good part was finally being allowed into the playground where the big kids play. The bad part, she said, was that her book was tentatively scheduled for publication in 2007. She asked me if I thought people would even be reading novels in 2007, with so many other entertainment options available. I had to laugh, because novels are still the best entertainment option. Even a hardcover is cheaper than two tickets to the local multiplex, especially once you throw in gas, parking, and babysitting. Also, a book lasts longer and there are no ads. Need more? No tiresome ratings system to keep you out if you're under 17, the special effects are always primo (because you make 'em up yourself), and although I read nearly 80 books this year, I never ran across the Olsen twins a single time."

Welcome Home

I can’t stay.
I won’t stay.
You don’t know what I want
What I need.
I disown you.
I don’t love you anymore.
I hate you.
...Don’t go.

See, I told you.
I’m doing fine.
Things are working out for me.
I have new friends.
I’m having fun.
I told you.
...Come home.

I’m lonely.
My friends are gone.
I’m sick.
I’m hungry.
I don’t have any money.
I’m scared.
...Come home.

I told you
That I disown you.
That I don’t love you anymore.
That I hate you.
I was wrong.
I miss you.
...Come home.

I see you.
You waited for me.
I’ve done you wrong.
You forgive me?
I fall into your arms.
You love me.
...Welcome home.

Copyright 2005 Marty Gordon

Tell Me

Tell me;
Did you ever leave the only home you’ve ever known?
Did you ever say goodbye to a loved one for a little while?
Did you ever cry like a baby?

Tell me;
Did you ever grow up poor, having to work with your hands to make ends meet?
Did you ever alienate those around you because you were different?
Did you ever almost get killed by the people you grew up with?

Tell me;
Did you ever get tempted to be rich and famous?
Did you ever go hungry?
Did you ever feel like the Devil was breathing down your neck?

Tell me;
Did you ever laugh at a wedding and cry at a funeral?
Did you ever trace a child’s cheek with your finger?
Did you ever hug a friend?

Tell me;
Did you ever embrace a man with an infectious disease?
Did you ever see a dead man rise?
Did you ever forgive a whore?

Tell me;
Did you ever share a meal with someone you love?
Did you ever pray for an escape from death?
Did you ever get betrayed?

Tell me;
Did you ever get put on trial for something you didn’t do?
Did you ever get beaten within an inch of your life?
Did you ever die?

Tell me;
Did you ever feel the coldness of a grave?
Did you ever descend into the depths of hell?
Did you ever see a dead man rise?

Tell me;
Did you ever see hope in the eyes of the hopeless?
Did you ever help a doubter believe?
Did you ever promise someone that you would return?

I did. For you.

Copyright 2005 Marty Gordon

Journal Woman

Back in my seminary days, I kept a journal pretty religiously. (Thanks alot Dennis) This page came out of those years. When you compare Sarah with what I was looking for...it's almost an identical match. Mostly the physical things are a bit different. The pic I drew looks a bit like Lindsey Lohan. (before she went blonde) This was obviously back before I outgrew my "dirty old man" phase.
It's cool to look back on this (done sometime between '93 and '95) and see what's the same and what's different. I almost wish I hadn't drawn the little picture because without that, it is a 99% accurate description of Sarah. Pretty cool, huh?

Truth in Advertising

Art Quotes

"What is the life expectancy of an art product? Ten years? Twenty, thirty? Certainly never longer. I’m for clean sweeps. After each meal, brush away all the crumbs and set the table afresh. Are you really going to hang three-hundred-year-old steaks and muttons in your dining-room? Bon appetit!"- Jean Dubuffet

"Art, by it’s very essence, is of the new. And views on art must also be of the new. There is only one healthy diet for artistic creation: permanent revolution."- Jean Dubuffet

"Art is man determined to die sane." - Bernard DeVoto

"A painting is never finished - it simply stops in interesting places." - Paul Gardner

"No great artist ever sees things as they really are. If he did, he would cease to be an artist." --Oscar Wilde

"Through art we express our conception of what nature is not." --Pablo Picasso

"Art doesn't transform. It just plain forms." --Roy Lichtenstein

"Art does not reproduce the visible; rather, it makes visible." --Paul Klee

"Art washes from the soul the dust of everyday life." --Pablo Picasso

"We have art in order not to die of life." --Albert Camus

"Art is not a study of positive reality, it is the seeking for ideal truth." --George

"Art is the demonstration that the ordinary is extraordinary." --Amedee Ozenfant

"There is no must in art because art is free." --Wassily Kandinsky

"Art evokes the mystery without which the world would not exist." --Rene-Francois-Ghislain Magritte

"No amount of skillful invention can replace the essential element of imagination." --Edward Hopper

Aslan Is On The Move!

Sarah and I saw the new "Chronicles of Narnia" movie yesterday. It's very good. Very much a children's movie (although the battle at the end is kinda rough for the young ones) but good nonetheless. The one thing that I left the movie with is that the Aslan/Christ comparisons are very much intact. Knowing all that I know, I was moved during the scene of Aslan's sacrifice. It made me think of Christ. I wasn't as happy with the resurrection scene. They moved too quickly and totally left out the part when Lucy, Susan and Aslan rejoice together in play after the great lion comes back to life. It's a great moment in the book. I was also a little miffed that Aslan didn't "leap" during the run to the battle. In the book it describes him as almost flying. I would have liked to have seen that. These changes compare with the changes Peter Jackson made to the "Lord of the Rings" movies. Some are major, some are minor but none take anything away from the enjoyment of watching a good movie.

Finding Monique

Well, after many months of searching, I finally found my friend Monique. Marty Melvin (the other white meat and my good twin) told me she lived in Bellevue but couldn't provide any contact info. I emailed every Company member I could but no one knew how to contact her. Finally, when I sent out my wedding announcement, Amy (Fullington) Walterman answered so I inquired if she and Monique remained in contact. They did, I got her number and called her. She's still the same "goofy-in-a-good-way" Monique. Sarah and I are going to meet her at the zoo on Friday. I'm so glad I found her. Thanks for the assist, Amy!

Feed Your Head

The pastor at the church we visited today said one thing I agreed with. He mentioned the fact that he was an avid reader and that it was a lost art in today's culture. (true enough) Then he stressed the fact that one must read to feed your head so that one can truly approach creativity. (very true) I've taught this concept for many years. I call it "Filling the Creative Well." But in my book, it extends beyond reading. To be truly creative, one must be able to draw something from the Creative Well inside them. If the well is dry, nothing will come from it. If the well is full, the possibilities are limitless. So "Feed Your Head" with books, theatre, movies, dance, games, art, comic books, nature, etc. Julia Cameron (in her book "The Artist's Way") tells us to take "Artist's Dates." That is, time for ourselves to play and be artistic and feed our head. It can be as simple as cutting up magazines for a collage or as elaborate as a painting that keeps you occupied for weeks and weeks. Whatever it is, whatever it's called...feed your head or it will remain empty and useless.

The Church of Conformity

"Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." - Romans 12: 1-2

Ah, the postmodern, emerging Christian church. Crusaders of Non-Conformity and Creativity. And yet, the most conforming, least creative animals that wander this mighty globe of ours. Case in point...I've attended services at 2 separate churches on separate coasts but they are part of the same overall movement. Not much of a difference. People dressed the same. The music was the same. The language was the same. The messages were the same. This mighty church movement has spawned countless churches all over the globe but apparently they are little clones of themselves.
And this movement is certainly not the only place it's happening. Take Willow Creek. Many years ago, Willow Creek was at the cutting edge of doing church. So naturally, most new churches popping up copied Willow Creek. But after a while, the Willow Creek way became stale and old fashioned. Willow Creek is savvy enough to change with the times but these copycat churches are just plugging along using the same old models, same old songs, same old dramas, same old everything. Try as they might, the church of today cannot be called creative or non-conforming. What they can be called are copycats.
We (meaning leadership) need to be more concerned with training the new church to be independently creative. They can go to conferences and buy material to help them do church but do any of these resources train them to be creative on their own? I don't think so. If we were properly training these folks we wouldn't be seeing the same things over and over again. What I long to see is a truly creative move of God among the church. People who love God but can think for themselves and not conform to the church culture that is provided for them.
So, do not conform any longer to the pattern of a particular church but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to be creative.

David Newton Revisited

Hooked up with David the other night. We couldn't remember when the last time it was we saw each other. Doesn't matter really...we had a great visit. He and Sarah got to meet. They got along marvelously. There's a chance he may be out this way again in March. Hope so...it would be nice to visit again. Although, I think I could skip the chick flick this time. I don't know how David and his compadres chose to want to see "Pride and Prejudice" but Sarah didn't mind and so we went. I'll just say, Jane Austen ain't my cup of tea. Speaking of tea, we had to go get coffee after the movie because...well...it's David Newton, the coffee junkie! Anywho...great time with an old friend. Send more of them out here. I love visitors.

Scrooge Review

Another review mentioning Sarah's work.

Bar Humbug - A Dickens of a 'Trial' at Taproot
By Nancy Worssam
Every year about this time, old Ebenezer Scrooge drops by to dampen our Christmas spirits. I'm here to tell you that he's back yet again. But this year, that crusty old curmudgeon has had the audacity to bring charges against Marley and the Christmas ghosts, those well-meaning individuals who showed him the error of his ways and brought joy into his heart.The crotchety old man is here to participate in a trial that is being held at Taproot Theatre.
Audience members sit as spectators in the courtroom as Judge Steve Manning presides over this somewhat out-of-control hearing. Scrooge, played ably by Nolan Palmer, represents himself with muttered asides, antagonistic postures and unacceptable outbursts. Solomon Rothschild, lawyer for the accused, is a gentleman through and through. Those against whom Scrooge has brought charges of kidnapping, assault and battery are well served by Rothschild as played by Kevin Brady. He is both gracious and friendly and treats all witnesses with respect. His conduct is in sharp contrast to that of the unpleasant Mr. Scrooge.One after another, the witnesses are brought forward. First, of course, is Bob Cratchit, a modest Mr. Peepers sort of guy who, though overworked and underpaid by the firm of Marley & Scrooge, doesn't complain. He tells the truth about his boss, and that is damning enough. Cratchit has been living on a salary of 15 shillings a week for 10 years, no raises, no opportunity to become a partner in the firm. Somehow, he's supporting a family of six children on that paltry sum. More damning evidence against Scrooge comes from his nephew, who every year invited Uncle Ebenezer to Christmas festivities only to be greeted by a dismissive "Bah! Humbug!" When Marley and the Christmas spirits testify, they make it clear that their visit to Scrooge last year was motivated by the best of intentions. They were only trying to save the man from himself.One would think that there's nothing in this case to favor Ebenezer Scrooge. Yet other witnesses attest to his sad childhood and forlorn love life with such fervor that the old man is reduced to tears. Maybe there's a reason for his penurious and mean ways. You'll have to attend the trial to find out whether Scrooge is successful in his lawsuit. I will, however, tell you that it's a disorderly courtroom, which eventually turns into a cacophonous melee. The bailiff is a buffoon. The witnesses can be quite unruly. One of them doesn't even show up. Others arrive with clanking, howling, flashing lights, or puffs of smoke.Although the play itself is only modestly funny and in need of a little tightening, director Scott Nolte has pulled out all the stops to turn it into a festive seasonal frolic suitable for the whole family (except for really tiny tots). He's assembled a clever company, which makes it all work.In a cast of good actors, the standout is Lindsay Christianson. As the Ghost of Christmas Past she's a winsome coquette. She also plays a sweet, naïve sister and a gracious lady. She's terrific in each role. Keep your eye out for this young lady, who's a senior in the University of Washington School of Drama and an intern at Taproot. She has the makings of a rising star. Sarah Jane Burch's costumes are charming evocations of 19th-century England. Men wear caped cloaks and long scarves, top hats and spats. The women carry furry muffs and wear poke bonnets and voluminous skirts. Mark Lund transforms the theater successfully into an English courtroom. His sound design and Jody Briggs' lighting work well in replicating the harsh brightness of a municipal building and then transforming the scene to create the creepy atmosphere needed for the apparitions of the ghost of Christmas Future and the dead Mr. Marley.This is not the traditional "Christmas Carol," but it's a refreshing take on an old standard. And it certainly captures the essence of the Dickens' story: the spirit of Christmas is about caring and generosity, and it should be in our hearts all year long.

Purveyors of Stupidity

Well, the Christians are at it again. Our poor president is under fire for sending out Christmas cards with no Christ on it. Good Lord! People are dying, starving, homeless, etc. and all the Christians can do is wail because our so-called Christian president didn't have a manger scene on his Christmas card. Grab a clue, people! Is there no limit to your stupidity? You're making the rest of us look bad.

Blue Like Jazz: Another Take

Jeff Berryman comments on "Blue Like Jazz" by Donald Miller. I love what he has to say:

"I told a friend of mine yesterday, I feel like I'm in the process of leaving the Old Country headed for the new, but there is a long dark journey to be made inbetween. I wonder how many people decide to stay on the shores of the Old Country even though they know there is no real life there anymore. They stand longingly at the banks of an ocean they have to cross. God is calling them to cross that ocean, even providing a boat that He says would rival the ark of Noah. Problem is, he's making no promises about the weather, or about just who will survive the journey.
But it's pretty sure the old you won't.
Donald Miller's Blue Like Jazz is a message from a man at sea. But by God, he makes me think there's a New World out there after all.
Anybody wanna go?......"

Angela's Baby Update

Seems little Colton is doing much better now and may get to go home as soon as Saturday. He does not have meningitis and that is good news. Thanks for all the prayers. Keep them up for Colton and his parents. I know Brandon and Angela could use some rest.

The Trial of Ebenezer Scrooge

Would Judge Judy be on Scrooge's side?
By Jeff Shannon
Special to The Seattle Times

Like any good sequel, "The Trial of Ebenezer Scrooge" offers a fresh spin on beloved characters, revealing new facets of their personalities while honoring familiar source material. As an inspired continuation of Charles Dickens' 1843 classic "A Christmas Carol," Mark Brown's holiday comedy is a welcomed companion to ACT's annual performance of the Dickens original: It's a sequel worthy of Dickens' approval.
Getting its West Coast premiere at Greenwood's Taproot Theatre, Brown's well-written "Trial" opens exactly one year after that miserly curmudgeon, Scrooge, had his Christmas cheer so joyously revitalized in Dickens' timeless tale of holiday redemption. As it turns out, Scrooge's yuletide spirit was in short supply after all; now he's grouchier than ever, filing charges of kidnapping, assault and battery against the chain-laden spirit of Jacob Marley and the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future.
"The Trial of Ebenezer Scrooge," by Mark Brown, runs Wednesdays-Saturdays through Dec. 17 and Tuesdays-Fridays Dec. 20-30, at Taproot Theatre, 204 N. 85th St., Seattle; $23-$30.
The clever conceit of Brown's play is that Scrooge (defying the adage that anyone who represents himself in court has a fool for a client), has built a pretty strong case: With a litany of grievances against his spectral tormentors, he holds his own against Solomon Rothschild, the defense attorney who calls a host of Scrooge's relatives and associates to the witness stand.
Mark Lund's handsomely appointed courtroom provides a perfect one-set showcase for the ensuing parade of lunacy, brought to life by a dream cast of skillfully comedic players under the direction of Taproot veteran Scott Nolte, whose attention to detail results in big laughs enhanced by small but important bits of business.
As legal rivals Scrooge and Rothschild, Nolan Palmer and Kevin Brady preside over chaos with an abundance of flair. Lindsay Christianson and Sabrina Prada play three roles apiece with impressive versatility. But it's pointless to single anyone out in a uniformly excellent cast — suffice it to say the ghosts are a highlight (both Marley and "Christmas Future" have their voices delightfully amplified), and Sarah Jane Burch's costumes are sheer perfection.
What's the final verdict? We wouldn't dare spoil the fun. Let's just say that Brown's play, and Taproot's entertaining ensemble, inspire good will that goes well beyond the holidays. God bless 'em, every one.

What a great mention for Sarah. The costumes are stunning. By the way, I am running sound for the show.

Antjuan's Show

Forgot to write about Antjuan's show down at the Alibi Room. Sarah and I wandered around aimlessly for a while trying to find this place. It's in an alley in Pike Place Market. (Right across from the gum wall...don't ask) We finally arrived and found Antjuan and company sitting in the corner. Man, it was fantastic to see him again after all these years and the new artwork is phenomenal. Our visit was shortlived but I'm hoping he'll be back up this way soon and we can get together then for some quality time together.

David Newton

Mark informed me (via email) that David was in Seattle at this very moment so I called him this afternoon. Really great to talk to him after all this time. We are going to try and hook up tomorrow afternoon. Really hope it happens.

Andrea's Mishap

Chuck sent me this pic of Andrea's mishap with the garage door. We had a good laugh about it outside the Seattle Aquarium one day. You really gotta watch out for those garage doors. They'll jump right in front of you.

Angela's Baby: Charles Colton Candee

I call him "Triple C" for short. And it sounds cool. Seems the little guy is having some trouble. He has amniotic pneumonia, jaundice and the doctors suspect he may have spinal menengitis. If you read this, say a little prayer for Colton and remember his mom and dad, Angela and Brandon.

Booklist

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C. S. Lewis - This book needs no introduction. I just read that it is the number 2 selling children's series after Harry Potter. This is a re-read in preparation for the upcoming Disney film. Fingers are crossed that it will be a great adaptation. I also read that C. S. Lewis was opposed to a "live-action" version of his books. He didn't believe it could do it justice. Well, Mr. Lewis...obviously you didn't predict the development of CGI. If it can bring Lord of the Rings and King Kong to life, surely Narnia will be no challenge.

Going to the Chapel!

Well, Sarah and I have set a wedding date. Feb. 19th is the fateful day. We've asked Randy Rowland (the voice of the Seattle Seahawks and our pastor) to officiate the ceremony. We are in the process of gathering addresses for invitations. Sarah is frantically looking for a dress. Me? I'm doing nothing. I don't know nothin' 'bout birthin' no weddin'!

Snow in Seattle

Yes, we had a bit of the white stuff today. Snowed pretty good all day. I kept blinds pulled back from the sliding glass door so I could watch it as I collaged at the dining room table. Snow has a way of covering up our flawed environments and making it all beautiful.