Wordle: A COOL APP!!

Hat tip to Molly What a great time waster!

waiting for the caffeine to work...

more graph humor and song chart memes

If you don't get it, you don't.

Oboe, snake and snow!

It is just too pretty out there. I am going to have to close the curtains. I mean, really. WHO wants to type when it's so lovely outside??

So instead of studying, let me do a quick photoblog of the last week. I can at least claim something productive from my procrastination!!

FIRST... Reedy Girl played her oboe in a concert and had a solo.

Reedy Girl (center) with compatriots...

...and playing away on her chosen WMD (weapon of musical description!)

THEN... Our long-spined friend has made himself at home.

As a necklace...

And as a hair scrunchie!

FINALLY... It is beautiful today.

The morning started watching a puffed up hawk size up our squirrel population. (I think she was wearing her down longjohns!!) Can you see her? She thought she was invisible!

And now we have a bit of snow falling, just decorative enough to make it really hard to write my paper. sigh...

And falling hard enough that I suspect there will be a bit of aerobic exercise this afternoon once it stops. It's no biggie. Only about 3-4 inches forecast, which means we will get half of that or twice as much!

But isn't it pretty???

OK. I'm back to work. sigh...

Deb

Should be...

...getting dinner ...studying ...practicing ...maybe even praying ...or practicing my French...

INSTEAD - I wandered over to The Gallery of Regrettable Food! and then clicked onward to find a recipe for the worst jello and food combination I could think of... who knew that someone had actually made Carrot Olive Lime Jello??
Oh my. How positively disgusting. I must be finding this humorous because I have spent too many hours in a Greek Lexicon today... or because I'm just warped.

While it could indeed be my lackadaisical cooking, this time it isn't. Click on over and enjoy... funny stuff!

Deb

TWEAKING!!

Sorry... I'm tweaking the template I want to use and it is not looking as nice as I wanted. SOooo I'm back to a generic Blogger one until I figure out what I'm doing wrong with my CSS...

deb
who really is procrastinating studying.... (but you knew that!)

quizzed

I scored an 11 out of 15 on "The Redneck Quiz" which is either pathetic or hilarious...

"You scored well (11 out of 15) this means you are one of 3 things.
1) You are exceptionally bright.
2) You used to be a redneck but have moved out of the south and are in remission.
3) You are a redneck but trying to hide it."

BTW - Just so you know... the Hebrew alphabet fits nicely to "GGG of GGGG" if you end it with "I've learned my Hebrew alphabet!"

I know you were staying up late worried about that one.

Deb

Things that aren't in the Bible...

OK, I admit it. I was off-task...

I was researching something ELSE for my Greek word study assignment on the BlueLetterBible.org site, and this link caught my eye:
Sayings Not Found In Scripture

...and then I found this book title as a "related link"... It's just too funny...

OK, OK, I'm back to studying before lunch!!!

Deb

Blue-ness

Here's a true one...

You are Ocean Blue

You're both warm and practical. You're very driven, but you're also very well rounded. You tend to see both sides to every issue, and people consider you a natural diplomat.

What Color Blue Are You?

Clutter: a problem of competing philosophies

Words of wisdom from somewhere ended up in my email today...

The Minimalist says: "We already have one, so out it goes!"

The Miser says: "What if the first item breaks? We are trying to save money, so we'd be wasting money if we had to replace it."
The Martha Stewart says: "We could do something really cute and creative with it!"

The Charitable side says: "Let's donate it to Goodwill!"

The Anxiety Side says: "What if we get rid of it and decide we needed it?"

The Organizer says: "We haven't used it and forgot we even had it."

The Procrastinator says: "Let's put this aside and think about it later."

The Chocoholic says: "Forget this whole project. I want chocolate."

Now just guess which one I am???

Deb

Dreaming big... The "Come Away" Edition

(This is what I get for procrastinating and surfing instead of studying...)

Gary Means wrote:
"If you could start any ministry, and have it fully funded by an anonymous source who did not want to be credited, what would you do? I guess I should limit the amount, otherwise everyone would just end world hunger, etc. So, let's say you were given a mere $5,000,000."

Oh. Dream big, huh. OK, here goes.

A retreat center. It would be called "Come Away."

There'd be several small cabins. With a huge used bookstore. With a brewpub. With a bunch of outdoor recreation specialists doing what they love to bring the love of God's creation back into the hearts of tired, weary, over-churched and exhausted lay and clergy visitors.

A place where you are able to fully "retreat" as much as you'd like. Or not. A part of the center would be a place for silence (that's for my beloved bearded spouse). Another part would be full of art, and music, and laughter, and creative tasks like an on-going quilt project. There'd be flowers and an organic garden. And people could weed, tend or just walk in the gardens, but no kibitzing unless you are on your knees getting your hands dirty, too!

A place to come worship in the outdoor chapel in the trees, or in a glassed-in (solar fueled) sanctuary. (It goes without saying that I would want it to be 'green' in terms of power and use of resources!) The sanctuary would double as a concert hall, dance hall, preaching practicum, meeting space for conferences.

There'd be a place for respite care of elderly parents. Or children. Or anyone for whom the caregiver wants to be with -- but not to do their physical care for 24/7. So yes, there'd be a medical clinic and professionals too.

There'd be a place for job training. In hospitality industry. In food service. In the arts. In pastoral care. In medical specialties. In education or childcare. In landscaping. In physical plant maintenance, construction, etc. In retail sales. In just about anything that is involved in running a retreat center!

But I see this need for people to come away. They spend themselves, pour themselves out for their Lord, for their love of serving. They do it gladly. But they become tired. Very tired.

Evan Earwicker's song is running through my mind...

I can see the river run, in the city of my God
And the people now they run to bring their offering of praise
But can I steal away for a moment here with You?
I hear a whisper from the throne, "let's get away and be alone"
You know I love it when you say
Come away, your invitation now has come
Come away, come away and fall in love
Come away, come away and be romanced
Come away, I am asking for this dance.

Yes. Even an extrovert, hyper-committed, over-achiever knows her need... to come away and be in God's Presence.
Fully.
Joyfully.

sigh...

OK - some day. No more dreaming... back to work!!

Deb

P.S. Your turn! Answer the question! ... and then link to it in the comments.

Useless Theology

After finishing three (count 'em - THREE) research papers on esoteric theological topics* in less than a month, I had a great laugh over this from Everything2.com:

What was once just a rhetorical illustration used to demonstrate the futility of out-of-touch theological debates is now a exciting science experiment you can conduct in your very own home!

What you will need:

• pencil and paper
• one pin
• a large number of angels (Note: Seraphim and cherubim are most desirable, but almost any angels will do. The garden Anaheim variety of angel should be avoided.)
• one copy of "The Song That Doesn't End (Extended Version)"

Instructions: Insert the pin upright into a sturdy surface, such as a pin cushion or Styrofoam block. Begin playing "The Song That Doesn't End (Extended Version)" and instruct the angels to step onto the pin and begin dancing. Count each angel, stopping only when no more angels can dance on the pin, and remembering to make sure all of the angels are dancing on the pin and not just hovering above it, so as to avoid a potential source of error. Repeat several times, removing all angels from the pin after each trial. From these trials, determine the average number of angels that can dance on the head of a pin.

Not being a math-oriented person, I could not come up with a good algebraic equation as an adequate basis for this "study" but perhaps one of you left-brained-math-types will.

And now... back to Present Active Indicative and other fun endings in Greek. (Procrastinating is fun while it lasts!)

Deb

* Topics - Biblical women of the post-exilic period; Missional Churches and the Lord's Supper; The Corruption of Wisdom in I Corinthians 2:6-16 (all great cures for insomnia!)

Friday Five: Whatcha Doin'?

Reverendmother writes:

Well friends, this is one of those weeks when I simply must work today, which is normally my day off. I know, I know. We may tut-tut all we want, but the fact is, some weeks are like that. So, this week's F5 is simple: Name five things you plan to do today.

Bonus: If today is about "have-to" for you as well, share up to five things you'd like to be doing today.

Sigh. Today is definitely a "work day" for me. And it's grey, raining and windy. A good day for a cat, a couch and a novel, and maybe a nap. But no... BBS made a fresh pot of coffee (he needed a caffeine jolt too) so that I can get revved up to study.

Today's list includes:

1. Finish an analysis of Nehemiah 4 (just have to proof and post it.)
   
2. Read and respond to critiques of my first sermon on-line. (classmates can be such snots.)
   
3. Read textbooks for my classes.
4. Work on my research papers. (Biblical women in the post-exilic period, The "sophia" motif in 1 Corinthians 2:6-16, Current trends in spiritual formation in the emergent church)
   
5. Chauffeur daughter and harp to music lesson after school.

Bonus: I'd rather be...

1. Napping.
2. Reading non-classwork books.
3. Quilting.
4. Playing one of my instruments.
5. Napping with the cats. (oops, already mentioned naps!)
   

Time to stop procrastinating and get to work!
Deb

connections

Or lack thereof...

I don't understand the reasons why I can have DSL working fine, but have no phone service... If it's physics please don't explain it to me. I'll just chalk it up to earthly knowledge that I don't really need. Or to Verizon and their continually bad website design and phone messaging service and no way to find out whassup.

Two papers to work on, dinner for the fam and maybe, just MAYBE I will get to play tomorrow if I work hard today.

It doesn't stop me from wondering if just maybe there's a deep philosophical meaning in phone and DSL connectivity and connections with God... but I can't go there...

NO NO NO!!! NOT LISTENING!!!

back to work...
Deb

Friday Five: American Idol Edition

Songbird of RevGalBlogPals writes:

Yes, it's true. I've been watching Season Six of American Idol with my daughter, our first time dipping into this particular well of pop culture. In the spirit of believing you can do anything, as the auditioners so clearly do, please fill in the following five blanks.

1) If I could sing like anyone, it would be ________.
This is a hard one. I've been told I sound like Stevie Nix (formerly of Fleetwood Mac fame, if you are old enough to remember...) Personally, I'd rather sing like Sarah McLachlan ("In the Arms of an Angel"). But hey, since we're going for all-out fantasy here, let's just be brave and say Denyce Graves!

2) I would love to sing the song _________________.
Going with my last fantasy and if I were singing like Denyce, I'll say "L'amour est un oiseau rebelle " from Carmen. But just for fun, I'd love to sing "Lovin' You" like Minnie Riperton!

3) It would be really cool to sing at ____________.
Well, let's go all out. Sing in the warm-up band for the Stones next concert tour. Hey, I'd even sing back-up.

4) If I could sing a dream duet it would be with ___________.
Hands down. Bono!

5) If I could sing on a TV or radio show, it would be __________________.
Must I? Well, fame has its price... I guess I'd sing on the Grammys. Care to join me?

DOOOooo-wah.... DOOOooo-wah!

Deb

My Aliases

My Aliases

Your movie star name: Peanut Butter Pretzels Jay Your fashion designer name is Deborah Munich Your socialite name is Debbie Grace D.C. Your fly girl / guy name is D Vau Your detective name is Cat North High Your barfly name is Peanut Butter Pretzels Hard Cider Your soap opera name is Grace Torrence Your rock star name is Peanut M&Ms Train Your Star Wars name is Debcly Vauken Your punk rock band name is The Happy Spoon

Check out your aliases at The Amazing Meganame Generator

I particularly like my "Star Wars" name and my "punk rock band name"...

OK, back to work....

Deb
aka
"Debcly Vauken"

I am unique... almost...

Quaker Pastor played, so I had to as well...

I am UNIQUE! (well, almost...)

OK, OK, back to work!!
Deb

HowManyOfMe.com

There are: 2 people with my name in the U.S.A. How many have your name?

You heard it here first!

Introducing...

Countess-Palatine Deb the Sheepish of Londinium-le-Thames

You heard it here first! Get your own title: (you know you want one)

http://www.masquerademaskarts.com/memes/peculiartitle.php

Graciously yours...

Deb

Seminarius inflictus?

I have discovered that some of my fellow seminarians have some rare diseases. It is apparently a common health risk for students like me. You may have heard of them (or experienced them yourself?) but here's a short list of the top five diseases of seminary students. The poster bears no responsibility if you become inflicted with these diseases by reading about them...

Guessticulitis: You are given an assignment by your prof. S/He wants you to respond to a discussion question with your opinion on a specific topic. You have no real clue what s/he is looking for when asking this question, but you give it your best shot. This is referred to in less holy settings as a "W.A.G" (Google it... it does NOT mean "Welsh Assembly Government"...)

Pontifica-trombonosis: This is the person who argues the loudest in class, with loud, high-sounding and convincing words. S/he does not give anyone else in class a chance to talk. One wonders how they breathe. You have this almost irresistible urge to tell them to -- um -- "mute it" but you don't. You are sisters and brothers in Christ, after all.

Smearsma: Least lovely of the diseases. The unfortunate patient wears a perpetual sneer and does his/her best to berate, embarrass or denigrate the unsuspecting student who holds a different viewpoint in a discussion. Usually a complication of pontifica-trombonosis.

PresbyBaptiWesleyphobia: An interesting affliction, success of treatment remains uncertain. Most notable symptom is a fear of mainline or denominationally affiliated churches which have existed for more than ten years. Appears to have surfaced most recently in students who were raised in rabidly "independent" or "nondenominational" churches.

Concordthesauritis: Usually a complication from first sermon preparation. The patient insists on including the twelve forms of a word and their variant meanings when exegeting the text. Vernacular terms are "Thesaurus mouth" or "Concordance Breath."

Unfortunately, these diseases are quite contagious. They spread onto blogs, into churches and some times into print media. Beware. Be warned. Be afraid... Be very afraid.

The previous post was brought to you as a service of seminarians everywhere who are punchy and maybe just a WEE bit tired of typing their papers...

Deb

I was tagged!

It seems to be the night for it. Sarah got me...

1. what’s the most fun work you’ve ever done, and why? (two sentences max) Clowning - because I am one. I can be anything I want or need to be and it's cool.

2. (a) Name one thing you did in the past that you no longer do but wish you did? (one sentence max) Write and arrange music.

(b) Name one thing you’ve always wanted to do but keep putting off? (one sentence max) I'll go with Sarah on the health club thang.

3. (a) What two things would you most like to learn or be better at, and why? (two sentences max) I'd like to be better at the whole housekeeping thang (because -- well, have you BEEN here lately?) And, I'd like to not panic at the theologi-techno-talk that some polysyllabic seminarians seem to need to throw around, because it makes me feel stupid and I am not.

(b) If you could take a class/workshop/apprentice from anyone in the world living or dead who would it be and what would you hope to learn? Einstein, give me some math skills, please.

4. (a) What three words might your best friends or family use to describe you?
- zany
- outgoing
- energetic
(b) now list two more words that you wish described you?
- peaceful
- graceful

5. What are your top 3 passions?
- family
- God
- music

6. Write and answer one more question that YOU would ask someone? (with answer in three sentences max)

Where would you go tomorrow if your commitments and cost were not a problem? Ireland!


If you have the time and want to play, let me know.

NOW I really can go to bed!
Deb

Now I know my ABCs...

Stolen from Cathy!

The Letter A
Are you available? Nope. Very married!
What is your age? probably older than you
What annoys you? Incorrect use of can/may, dogs who are allowed to poop on my front lawn without clean up and the neighbor's "car alarm symphony"

The Letter B
Do you live in a big house? Big enough that I can't clean it in a morning.
When is your birthday? June 12.
Who is your best friend? Oh my... hard one. Dana, probably.

The Letter C
What's your favorite candy? Hands DOWN - peanut M&Ms
Who's your crush? My Beloved Bearded Spouse (aka BBS)
When was the last time you cried? Sunday - worship and prayer did me in!

The Letter D
Do you daydream? Yes.
What's your favorite kind of dog? Stuffed. (sorry - I'm a cat person!)
What day of the week is it? Wednesday.

The Letter E
How do you like your eggs? In cakes, pies and cookies.
Have you ever been in the emergency room? For me - no. For others - yes.
What's the easiest thing ever to do? Body sounds (you know - the natural kind?)

The Letter F
Have you ever flown in a plane? Yes.
Do you use fly swatters? No.
Have you ever used a foghorn? To do what?

The Letter G
Do you chew gum? Yes. Occasionally
Are you a giver or a taker? Um... dunno. Probably both.
Do you like gummy candies? MMmmmmm Jelly Bellies...

The Letter H
How are you? Groovymus fantabulous!
What color is your hair? Brown, with natural - uh - "variations"!!

The Letter I
What's your favorite ice cream? Ben & Jerry's Chubby Hubby or Graeter's Peppermint Stick
Have you ever ice skated? As in, balancing and moving across the ice on the blades instead of my butt?? Marginally.
Do you play an instrument? yes, several.

The Letter J
What's your favorite jelly bean brand? Jelly Bellies!
Do you wear jewelry? Some. Not a lot of bling.

The Letter K
Who do you want to kill? Cockroaches. OK, I know that's a what. It's the best I can do!
Do you want kids? Yes and I love them both!
Where did you go for kindergarten? I didn't.

The Letter L
Are you laid back? HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA. No.
Do you lie? no never.

The Letter M
Whats your favorite movie? Princess Bride!
Do watch Disney movies? Not any more!
Do you like mangos? No. I'm allergic to them, actually.

The Letter N
Do you have a nickname? Yes but I am not telling.
What is your real name? Deborah
What's your favorite number? Ones that balance in my checking account.
Do you prefer night over day? Night!

The Letter O
What's your one wish? To have three more wishes! (HA)
Are you an only child? Nope!

The Letter P
What one fear are you most paranoid about? Driving in lousy road conditions because of all of the EEEjits out there.
What are your pet peeves? Actually all the peeves I have are not domesticated.
What's a personality trait you look for in people? Fun and honesty.

The Letter Q
What's your favorite quote? Several, but just to be whimsical: "Have you ever tried to get to your feet with a sprained dignity?" [Mrs. Whatsit in "A Wrinkle in Time"]
Are you quick to judge people? Yes. No. I don't know. Probably Yes.

The Letter R
Do you think you're always right? Of course!
Are you one to cry? When my eyes need to leak, yes.

The Letter S
Do you prefer sun or rain? Um... either.
Do you like snow? Yes.
What's your favorite season? Fall - football season, ya know?

The Letter T
What time is it? 10:37 pm
What time did you wake up? 5:50
When was the last time you slept in a tent? about 5 years ago.

The Letter U
Are you wearing underwear? Yes, I am. See the duckies?
Underwear or boxers? Underwear.

The Letter V
What's the worst veggie? Gag balls aka brussel sprouts!
Where do you want to go on vacation? Nova Scotia

The Letter W
What's your worst habit? That I have so many bad ones.
Where do you live? Maryland
What's your worst fear? Didn't we cover this in paranoia?

The Letter X
Have you ever had an x-ray? yes
Have you seen the x-games? once on TV
Do you own a xylophone? No.

The Letter Y
Do you like the color yellow? Depends on whether or not it's sunshine in-your-face yellow or a nice pastel
What's one thing you yearn for? peace - in me and in the world

The Letter Z
Whats your zodiac sign? Gemini
Do you believe in the zodiac? As much as I do in fortune cookies.
Favorite zoo animal? Tigers!

There. Now I can go to bed. :)

If you play, let me know. It was kinda fun! :)

from our home to yours,
Deb