WORLDS ARE FORMING

Flightplan: If I could have curled up into a ball, I would have...

Seriously.  I was almost in fetal position, but I didn't fit.  Hannah came down for the afternoon, we grabbed lunch at Whole Foods, I bought a new tie, and we went to Flightplan  on a whim. 

Jodie Foster.  Sometimes I love her, sometimes she annoys me to no end.  In this movie, I love her.  She is intense.  If I needed a mom (and I don't, I have a great one already), I'd want good ole' Jode on my side.  Seriously.  This movie is a thriller and plays with your mind.  If you need your mind played with, or if you just need some good, fun, mindless entertainment, go see Flightplan.  It's not going to win any awards, not going to change  your life, but it is a fun one to watch.  (P.S.  That flight would have been horrible.)

Rilke's AUTUMN DAY.

Lord: it is time.  The summer was immense,
 Lay your shadow on the sundials
 and let loose the wind in the fields.
 
Bid the last fruits to be full;
 give them another two more southerly days,
 press them to ripeness, and chase
 the last sweetness into the heavy wine.

Whoever has no house now will not build one anymore.
 Whoever is alone now will remain so for a long time,
 will stay up, read, write long letters,
 and wander the avenues, up and down,
 restlessly, while the leaves are blowing.
                      :: Rilke, Paris, September 21, 1902

Spider in residence. Part III. Via e-mail. A sister's plight.

To: Josh          From: Stefanie          September 27, 2005       11:42am
Subject: you want to see a real spider??  

Hey there. 

So as you already know, I don't care for spiders.  Not sure why but I just don't.  I've actually gotten better, and can handle "getting rid of them"..................Until this morning that is. 

After spending some time downstairs with Chase while Elisabeth was still sleeping, I went to open up the blinds and let some beautiful sunlight into the house.  As I walked into the living room I noticed a BIG, BLACK spot on the wall above the shoe rack!  Big doesn't even begin to explain it.  My heart starts racing and I have to go back to the family room to compose myself. 

After a few seconds I decide it can't be that bad, or big, and decide to take care of things.  YEAH RIGHT! As I peer around the corner I see it in 3-D and I'm back into panic mode. I try to think of what to do.  This spider HAS to go.....soon!   So I sink to a certain low and...........call my neighbor.  Yes, I had to call Jen. She comes over and sweeps it out before killing it.  She was
afraid of blood splatter.  Love thy neighbor? Yes I do! 


I'm still a little nervous wondering if there will be another one around the house.  I can hardly look at the picture without complete PANIC. 

So that's been my morning.   Hope you have a wonderful day.

Love,

Stefanie

****
(A brother's note: As far as spiders go...SHE WINS.  I could not stop laughing...I had to call.  It's even better when she tells it on the phone.  However, I can't help but wonder...how she was able to take TWO pictures, even in her fearful state!  Good times.  Cleveland's and their spiders, I guess...)

A prayer for the day.

Dear Father, take this day into Your own keeping.  Control all my thoughts and feelings.  Direct all my energies.  Instruct my mind. Sustain my will. Take my hands and make them skillful to serve You.  Take my feet and make them swift to do Your bidding.  Take my eyes and keep them fixed upon Your everlasting beauty.  Take my mouth and make it eloquent in testimony to Your love.  Make this day a day of obedience, a day of spiritual joy and peace.  Make this day's work a little part of the work of the Kingdom of my Lord Christ.  Amen.
                              :: Baillie, Morning 9, A Diary of Private Prayer.

Unashamed. My tattoo.

What??  You don't believe me?  Hott, isn't it?  I AM A NERD.  Sorry to disappoint.  Found this website this weekend after a friend got a tattoo...I was thinking about all the bad tattoos out there in the world.  Bad Tattoos.  (I don't endorse all of the content of said website.  But, you have to admit, some of those tattoos are ridiculous.  And sad.  And funny.)  So, guys.  Glad I piqued your curiosity.  But, no tattoo for J.Cleve for now.

Finally. I did it.

I've wanted to do this for some time, but the time never seemed right.  Then, a few friends got one, and that was enough to push me over the edge...I'll never be the same...

Check back later today to see exactly what I did.

Which is "worse"?

a. Using a political venue to promote religious ideologies...

OR

b. Using a religious venue to promote political ideologies?

I wanted to vomit in Chapel today, I left shaking with frustration.  I understood his point, but feel as though it was the wrong venue.  He was doing the same thing he was condemning.  I think I would feel the same if someone on the "other side" of the fence were extolling his/her beliefs in such a way.  Ugh.

New Music: "In The Reins" from Iron & Wine and Calexico

It is good. It is good.  It is good.

(Great art, too.)

Did I mention?  It is good.

(Good sound.  And then some.)

IRON & WINE and CALEXICO: In The Reins.

Spider in residence. Part II: Before (left) and after (right).

Problem. You know that spider I wrote about the other day?  He must have read my post.  Becaaaause, he is nowhere to be found.  I think he figured that because I hadn't kicked him out after a few weeks, he felt like he was a welcomed guest or something.  I was sure that he tucked himself into my bed last night.  Every time my sheets touched my face last night, I woke up, sure it was said spider sucking the very life from my being. Next time I see him...he's mine.

Not bad music.

Was given a recommendation to check Mat Kearney's music out.  I haven't found much good Christan music in recent months, so this is a good find.   A few great tracks on his CD, Bullet.  Check him out on iTunes.  (Some of the songs are odd, skip those.)  Could compare him to the voices in Blue Merle or Coldplay.  Two enjoyable songs: Call Me and Won't Back Down.