History of the Trap: May Shadows Part 2

SYNOPSIS:  After being visited in prison by Morgan LaDona Tigh, Lance Martin has agreed to Dr. Duncan's request to detail what happened in the time that Lance is calling "the Trap."  Lance begins his journal by describing the morning before the trap fell, where we learn his father was the Principal of Loren High, that Lance is a Junior, and has a sister named Diane who is a sophomore.  After a couple hours at school that morning, where we see how different is relationship with Morgan is, we also meet Lance's best friend, Artie Pentler, and their gang. Just as Lance is ready to ask Ginny Estill out, the Trap falls, and they witness the horrible death of two P. E. students as they are caught in some kind of electrical storm.  The students soon realize, as April marches on, that the so-called storm is something more, and that they may be trapped at the school and it's grounds for a very long time.  As May starts up, a grizzly murder is discovered.  Mr. Franks, the substitute math teacher is found dead in a janitorial closet. Lance and his friends gather for breakfast in the school cafetorium, within sight of the crime scene.  

2

It wasn't long before pretty much everybody knew about the murder.  I discovered it at breakfast, coming in to see the crime scene, an area around the janitorial closet nearest the kitchen serving entrance.  We had to detour around it just to get our scrambled eggs (made from powder) and our oatmeal.  Mr. Tate was there, along with several other teachers.  Mr. Tate was whispering something to Mr. Bruchow, the biology teacher.  Maybe they were discussing the evidence.  I'm not sure.  There seemed to be not much mystery as to whose blood it was, and that Mr. Franks was killed.  But we didn't really have any cops.  Mr. Tate, our vice-principal in charge of discipline, was as close as we had to a policeman, and Mr. Bruchow was probably best equipped as a crime scene investigator.

I sat down with Artie, Ginny and the whole gang.  Robert Bond asked me as I started to attack my powdered eggs, "So, Lance, what happened?  Your Dad got any ideas?"

Again with everyone thinking I was an insider because of my Dad being the school principal.  This time from my own friends.  "I haven't seen my Dad this morning, Robert.  I have no idea what they're thinking about this."

"I saw him this morning when I first came in," Jim Kurrash said.  He was our early riser.  He had already finished breakfast and was just hanging out with us.  "He was talking with Mr. Tate.  He looked like he was getting a little green around the gills."  Like most of us, the last couple of weeks had been the most violence my Dad had ever seen.  The only difference for him was, he felt responsible for every incident, and was trying to figure out a way to keep a lid on things, to keep us as positive as we could be given the horrible circumstances.  I felt for him, how heavy everything must be hanging on him.

"I feel sorry for the guy," added Tom Bodell.  "I mean, he was just a substitute teacher, for crying out loud.  It was just misfortune that he was even here that day."

Ginny, sitting next, looked sad and worried.  She was also still beautiful, in blue jeans and a red peasant blouse.  The girls were starting to run out of makeup, but it didn't affect Ginny that much.  She never did wear much makeup, and the natural beauty of her clear, creamy skin came shining through.  "It's hard to believe that someone would do something like that," she said.

Artie put his arm around her.  "I know.  It's surprise you what some people are capable of."  Was Ginny leaning into him?  No, I must be just seeing things.  "Hey, the Jeopardy contest last night...does anybody remember a disagreement so nasty that Mr. Franks was almost overwhelmed.  Where Mr. Bowtin had to step in?"

"Yeah, sure.  Why?" I asked.

"Well, I just wondered who they were he was arguing with." Artie said.

"You think they coulda done it?" asked Robert.

"I don't know.  But I think they're worth checking into," said Artie.

I thought for a minute.  "They were freshman, I think.  I...one of them was Kevin Geller, I'm pretty sure.  The other was....I don't know.  I can picture him but I can't remember his name.  Big red-headed kid, lots of freckles.  Anybody got any ideas?"

"Jess Marlin."  That was quietly spoken by Jerry Mack, whom we had kind of forgotten had been sitting with us.  Small and sickly, very shy, we were still happy to have him for a friend.  I hadn't thought he would be the one to know the boy's name, but maybe Jerry was more observant than we thought.  Sometimes the quiet ones see more than you think.

At that time Phil Irman, my friend from the TV studio came by with his tray of food.  "Yeah, I just heard.  They found Kevin and are talking to him, but nobody can find the other guy, what did you say his name was?"

What did Jerry just say?  "Hush," I tried to think.  "It was...what did you say, Jerry?"

"Jess Marlin," Jerry repeated.

"Yeah," Phil exclaimed.  "That's the one!  Well, if y'all see him, let a teacher know, okay?"

We all agreed that's what we'll do.  "And Lance," Phil continued, "got about ten minutes to finish up.  We're going on air in thirty!"

"OK, Phil.  Can do!"  I answered.  Rather just sit and stare at Ginny, but can't have everything you want, I guess.

Then came Mr. Mood Killer himself, Wilbur Jones, my illustrious fellow Student council member.  He leaned down to my ear and whispered, "Special called meeting today at 2.  Try to be there.  If you're Dad lets you know what's going on, be sure to tell me so I don't go into the meeting in the dark,"

Yeah, Wilbur.  If my Dad tells me something, you're the first on my list to blab to.  What a great start to the month of May.

Goliath and the Golf Ball

I didn't know much about golf.  I had probably seen glimpses on TV, some tournament where there was a lot of whispering, or a Disney cartoon with goofy or some such.  My Dad didn't golf, or really do any other sport.  So when the neighbor boy, David Quick, suggested we try some golf, I was all for it, but I had no idea what he really meant.

I must have been only eight or nine years old.  David's father, unlike mine, participated in sports.  He indeed was the coach of the football team at a nearby high school.  He had a set of golf clubs that David got out that day

He took the clubs out and we went to a vacant field behind his house.  We were soon joined by David's dog, Goliath.  And as big as that name sounds, Goliath was much bigger.  He was some kind of cross between St. Bernard, Mastiff and Chewbacca.  But for all his size, he was gentle, friendly and none too bright.  So wagging his massive tail, Goliath joined us on our golfing excursion.

David decided that I should be the caddy.  I wasn't quite sure what that was, but I found myself holding the golf club bag.  David got out a ball and selected a club.  I don't know how he picked because they all looked basically the same to me.  Goliath was excited.  He knew something he could chase might be coming up.

David put the golf ball down on the ground.  I stood dutifully behind him, not sure what I was supposed to be doing.  David aimed his club on the ground, sizing up just how to smack the ball.  Then he said, "Fore!", drawing his club back with great gusto, hitting me hard square in the head.  Right above my eye, right on the brow of my forehead,, right into my eyebrow.

David had hit the ball, but I really wasn't too aware of that.  I was in pain and bleeding profusely.  I was in shock and did not cry out, but it hurt like you wouldn't believe.  I was about to lose it all together when that dog came up, emerging from the field.  Goliath had the golf ball in his mouth, wagging, pleased with himself at his retrieval service.  Then Goliath looked up at me and saw me standing there, blood spewing from my forehead, my vision blurred but still enough to see that big dog.  Goliath stopped wagging his tail and looked at me.  And then I saw him swallow the golf ball.  Whole.  In one great, big gulp.

I couldn't help it.  It was just such a funny, cartoony sight, I started to laugh.  The dog just looked at me, puzzled.  My parents came and took me to the hospital, where they put a number of stitches in.  But all the time this was going on, I wasn't crying or thinking of the pain.  I was thinking of that big, dumb dog swallowing that golf ball whole.

If you look closely enough, you will see a break in my left eyebrow where the hit was made. And when I see it, I am not reminded of the pain, or my ignorance at whatever the heck "Fore!" meant.  I think of that dog, Goliath, who was none the worse for wear for swallowing that golf ball.  He presumably passed it whole sometime later, I would think.

That is my one true, great memory about golf.  Wait until I tell my basketball story!

Until next time,

T. M. Strait

Ladies and Gentleman, Start Your Christmas Engines!

When does Christmas season start?

I mean, I know when advent starts,  and I'm aware of the religious calender of the events leading to Christmas.  I also know when the commercial holiday starts up (used to be after Thanksgiving, but now has creeped towards just after Halloween or even earlier).   I mean my own mind and sense of spirit.  When does it flip over to Christmas mode?

Even though it has been literally decades since I could do this, my brain is partly set on the Christmas break. When I would get out of school, college or my teaching career, it was at the beginning of that break that I would finally flip over to Christmas mode.  That would still leave me as much as a week to prepare for the holidays.  Now if I wait for Christmas break to get in the holiday mood, that would mean doing so most often sometime on the afternoon of....Christmas Eve.  Our official work holiday is half day Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.  Period.

It has not helped my Christmas mood as because of our impending move we have not gotten out any Christmas decorations. Hard to do so when we'll be changing where we live in mid-month.

It does not help my Christmas mood that there is no significant change of seasons here.  Certainly no snow.  Having grown up in Michigan, the lack of snow here in South Georgia messes with my time clock in all sorts of ways.

So I will get there.  Slowly, in my own way.  I probably won't get into high gear until about January 2nd.  Along about the time that everyone else is putting it behind and shaking off the holiday spirit is when I go, "Wha happened?  The party just started!"

So get ready, Strait Line fans!  It'll be like election deja vu!  You'll be wondering why is that Strait fellow still talking about Christmas?  More out of sync madness and fun to come!

So not quite wishing you Merry Christmas yet,

T. M. Strait

Children's Theater Opportunities Abound!

Opportunities for children participating in theater are bigger and better than ever!

Wizard of Ox tryouts start tonight at 6 PM at the flying Dragon Arts Center at 405 Tebeau next to the Downtown Sandwich Shoppe.  This will be the third year that Flying Dragon has done this community favorite, and the first time in their facility.

Willy Wonka will be done by WACT, a cast featuring numerous children, and it's tryouts will be this Monday and Tuesday.They preform at the Ritz Theater in Waycross, on Pendleton Street near my church Grace Episcopal.

Many schools will be doing productions this fall and spring as well.  Patterson Elementary will be doing Alice In Wonderland, and Benjamin's school, Pierce County Middle School will be doing Into the Woods, Jr.  Benjamin will be trying out for that one this afternoon!

It is exciting to see this area offer so many theatrical opportunities to it's young people.

Cyber Shock Monday and other Monday Musings

Our internet is slowing.

It could be something needs to be cleaned out, although whatever is happening is happening on all our devices.  It could be our satellite dish is getting old and maybe part of it is not working, although I don't know what could happen that would make it slow and not eliminate it altogether.  It may be just clouds or sunspots.  Or maybe a tree has grown to a size that it now interferes with our coverage.

Whatever it is, soon we will move and switch to high-speed cable internet   We were at Alison's father's house at Thanksgiving, which is in the neighborhood we will be moving to.  I brought my Kindle Fire to test their wireless.  I requested to see from Amazon Prime the movie Thor.  It ran almost instantaneously and was without interruption.  I only ran the first half hour (without sound so as not to disrupt our other activities), and tried to resume the movie at our house.  Our interent  could not restart it, and I finally just gave up.

So, you see, that is a part of the move that I'm looking forward to.Electronically, we can move from the 90s into the 21st century.

We are starting to slowly pack.  Tough decisions have to be made as we slog through the artifacts of our lives.  It is tough on me on comics and books as I try to bring them to a more manageable size.  That means taking some comics to Goodwill that I have hung onto for a very long time.  I have tried selling some comics on eBay  and it is often a depressing thing, as you have to sell substantially below guide value, pay unexpected shipping costs, and deal with strange and irrational customer requests and complaints.  I have come to the reluctant conclusion that it is better just to take the comics to Goodwill and take the tax deduction.  Which, by the way, is completely new to me.  I have never tried to claim a deduction for donated items to groups like Goodwill.  It's hard for me to let go of the comics, and it is way for me to rationalize letting them go.

Except for the Atlanta Falcons, sports has been kind of heart breaking lately.  It is hard to wartch the Detriot Lions fall back yet again.  The Detroit Tigers had a great season overall, but there's no denying that the World Series was a great let down.  And the Michigan Wolverines...well, I still like their coach very much, and hope things will improve for them next season.  And I should be more excited for the Georgia Bulldogs than I am, but I'm afraid they may have fallen inadvertent victim to my funk about the SEC.  Anyways, I would love to see Georgia in a national championship game with Notre Dame.

We continue to try to empty the DVR.  I'm still of the opinion that the best show on regular prime-time network television is Fringe.  The best show on basic cable is The Walking Dead.  Never knew a zombie show could be so character rich and get us so emotionally involved.

Now that Young Robin hood is over, I feel the familiar tug of shyness and withdrawal pulling at me again.  I just want to hibernate, feel inadequate in dealing with people.  This is a difficult time to get this feeling.  Still have to make our home move, which seems like three dimensional chess at this point.  And it's hard to pull back during the Christmas season.  Then tax season will start, and it won't matter whether I want to withdraw or not.  I will be in the submarine until past mid-April.  Sigh.

Until next time,

T.M. Strait

Ripping Good Yarns: Bond, James Bond, Is Back

Ir started with a fever of about 103.

The summer between my fourth and fifth grade years we rented a cottage for an extended period of time in a rural area near Traverse City, Michigan.  It was the only summer I remember us doing that.  After that we got a travel trailer and didn't mess with cabins anymore.

I remember swimming in the lake.  I remember that the central office of the campground had a little library where I could pick up old science fiction magazines.  And I remember getting very, very sick.

When the fever first hit me, my parents were a little slow to respond.  They went to an old country doctor who said I'd be fine in a day or so.  My fever would come and go, but at the time we wanted to go see a movie, I wanted to see it so bad, I put on a front of feeling better.

We went to a small thaetre that bragged that it had the world's largest indoor theater mural.  I have no idea whaether that was true or not, and I don't really remember what it was.  But I do remember the movie we saw.  As my fever went back up, the movie was burned forever into me.  It was...Goldfinger.

I had never seen anything like it.  Sean Connery's brutish cool, the amazing gadgets, the quirky villains  - everything was glorious, as I shivered in a feverish delight.  Bond would become an essential part of my life. I would always thrill to the opening of another Bond movie.

Yes, Bond and his movies had it's ups and downs.  Often I would be disappointed or worried that the magic was dissipating   But the thrill never left me, and I have a higher tolerance for a weak Bond movie than I do for almost any other kind of film.

Overall, Daniel Craig has been a very good James Bond.  He has given the part the similar passion and cool swagger that Sean Connery did.  The current film, Skyfall, brings Bond into full flush glory again.  Exciting and clever without being cartoony, it contains great action sequences with clever humor and one of the best Bond villains in quite a long time.  Javier Badam is extraordinary as Silva, the ex-agent with a single-minded determination to confront M ( played with fierce steeliness by Judi Dench).  All in all, a very worthy addition to the Bond canon.

Of course, I didn't see it in a fevered state.  A day or so after Goldfinger, I was in the hospital with pneumonia.  But I must admit, that even though not ill, I still get a little sweaty, a little dizzy  a little flush, just sitting in the theater waiting for the start of another Bond.  James Bond!

Politics Are Not Seasonal Saturday Political Soap Box 45

I'm so sorry to break this to some of my friends.

Politics is not seasonal.

Just because an election cycle is over, politics are not simply set aside.  Whether you're paying attention or not, the never-ending battle goes on.  And I will be continuing to comment on it.

I understand the desire to get away from the constant barrage of ads.  There is quite a bit of senseless nattering that goes on.  And the incidents that the media deems important are not often the real issues in an election.

It is also difficult to live in an area that is at such odds with the outcome of the election.  Much of the rhetoric on my Facebook page was to complain that people were still talking about politics.  There was far much more of that than there was people talking about politics.

Some were from apolitical people who were never interested much in political discussion to begin.  Some was from people who were bitter and stunned at the results, and only wanted to move on - at least until the next opportunity to diss Obama and liberals.

Meanwhile, whatever the local reaction, movement and positioning in Washington did not stop.  Obama-care, although likely to survive, is still under siege in the most radically reactionary states.  Mideast conflicts ans problems do not take a break.  Secession talk weirdly moves to the center of discussion.  Climate change issues will wait on no one.  Budgetary and tax issues must be considered.

So the Saturday Political Soap Box will continue to roll on, hopefully encouraging lively but helpful discussions along the way.  Next week, I hope to get back to one issue focuses.  If you have any suggestions, please let me know.  Yes, it's true - I'm an unapologetic liberal   But I do welcome discussion and comments from all corners.

So, as Superman would say, let's fight the never-ending battle - for truth, justice and the American Way!

Black Friday: The Dark Madness Descends

Like it or not, it has reached the level of "holiday."  It is a day that many keep track of, look forward to (?), and "celebrate." If it is not the equivalent to Thanksgiving or Christmas  it is at least the equal to the start of deer hunting season.

I understand the necessity to kick start the retail season.  Our economy, for better or worse, is based on consumption and spending.  When money circulates, everyone does better.  It just isn't pleasant to look at up close.

There is just such an unfortunate juxtaposition with Thanksgiving   Here we have a holiday designed to put us in a reflective mood, appreciative,  thankful for those blessings that we do have, only to be followed by a mass orgy of greed and coveting.  One where you seek out so-called bargains with such intensity that you are willing to trample others and push them aside.  It is like the inverse of mardi gras and lent.

And what's even worse is that Black Friday is creeping into Thanksgiving.  Stores anxious to be the first to get the mad rush of shoppers have moved their start time to Thursday evening.  I read an article that was treating Best Buy as a model of restraint because they were going to wait until open until midnight.  Insane!

Some of the retail workers are starting to raise objections to this madness, and other poor working conditions and low wages they suffer through.  There are even signs that in some places, Wal-Mart workers may strike.  I say more power to them!  This economy won't truly turn around until service workers are given dignity and living wages!  I support every effort of service/retail workers to improve themselves.

I cannot tell you personal stories of Black Friday.  We don't go.  We are content to stay at home (or, at some points in our lives - had to work) and enjoy less hectic things.  Alison and I went once a long time ago, pre-Benjamin, to a Wal-Mart Black Friday opening.  It was such a fight just to get in the store and even get a shopping cart, that we just left empty-handed.  I'm not a huge fan of blind, rabid crowds.

This year I did have a friend whose young son was having his birthday on Thanksgiving day, and she wanted to get him a Nintendo Dsi XL.  She went to Wal-mart on Wednesday night in hopes of finding him one.  There were none on the shelves.  She asked a clerk to check the back for her.  After a very long time, she finally realized that that clerk was never coming back.  She found another clerk who did go back to check.  When he came back he told her there were a hundred DSi's back there!  Only thing was they were all designated for Black Friday and that he could not bring her one.  Even if she was willing to pay regular price.  Even it was a special gift for a little boy whose birthday was Thanksgiving.  INSANE!

We need to come up with a different plan.  Cyber shop. at least during this period of insanity.  Concentrate on local merchants instead of big box retailers.  Anything but this!

So next Black Friday I hope to be doing the same thing I am this Black Friday.  Relaxing in my pajamas, enjoying my family, and venting on my blog.  Ain't life grand?

The Twelve Walk With Me

The twelve walk with me.
The journey has begun.
But one cannot keep up to see.
So I dismiss them from our fun.

Eleven carry forward.
Past the silent curve.
But one speaks untoward.
So they have to be left in the lurve.

Ten still bear witness
They still bear the truth.
Until one starts to confess
And I cannot abide their cruth.

Nine left to travel with me clear.
Into a golden morrow.
But away from me I feel one steer.
So I banish them with sorrow.

Eight remain to aide my cause
Devoted to my purpose
But one's snap answers gives me pause
And so they must leave from my surface,

Seven to see my mission through
By my side they will not leave
Except for one whose look makes me stew
And they must go before I peeve.

Six stay but my confidence soars
They are the best half by far
But one offends me yet and my anger pours
And out they go which is my par.

Five of the loyal brood cling
Their smiles are like a golden ring
But one of them is defiant when they sing
So out of the group I do sling

Four are left to carry on
It should be enough to do the job
Until one more makes me feel put upon
I send them out with a bored lob

Three best amigos are by side
Surely they will not break up the ride
But yet another says something I cannot abide
And they must go out with the tide.

Two best friends I will not part
Nothing cam make me send them away
But then comes an impolite fart
And I will not let that one stay.

One remains for me to hold onto
The one shivers in fear of my rejection
I cannot stand such melancholy blue
So reluctantly I must give the last ejection.

I come to the end ready to make a stand.
I turn to those who were to be my stone.
But I find myself in an empty land.
No one by my side....I am alone.

31 Minutes of Thankfulness

Happy Thanksgiving Day!

I hope everyone gets to celebrate with family and friends!

I have about 31 minutes before I start to prepare for our Thanksgiving with Alison's father and family.

So that's how much time I have to do my version of the 31 days of Thankfulness I see so many of my friends doing on the Facebook machine.

So here goes!

1)  I am thankful for Alison and Benjamin.  We have a wonderful family, and it so comforting to be loved and supported.  Benjamin is very smart, polite, and a great young thespian.  Alison is beautiful and patient, practical and loving.

2) I am thankful for my two older boys, Douglas and Gregory.  Douglas just got married, and so I now finally have a daughter - the beautiful, intelligent and caring Ramya.  Gregory is living the family dream, working in Hollywood in the movie industry.  I couldn't be prouder of both of them.

3) I am thankful for my loving parents.  My mother, who passed in October 2008, taught me the power of unconditional love.  My father, who is 90, taught me more about responsibility and hard work, and about the true meaning of Christianity than anyone else I've ever known.  Even though he is in Michigan, I am thankful to get the opportunity to talk to him every Sunday afternoon, and to visit him at least twice a year.

4) I am thankful I have a loving, caring sister.  Carol and her family have always been supportive and kind to me.  It was a great pleasure to see them at Doug's wedding a couple of weeks ago.

5) I am thankful for my church family.  Grace Episcopal has been very important in the spiritual and social life of our family, and I am appreciative of the connections we have made and all the support and Christian fellowship they have given us.

6) I am thankful for my work.  I'm not going to pretend that accounting is something I love to do.  But my employers and co-workers have made it to be as pleasant an experience as it can be.

7) I am thankful that I have the ability to act, at least well enough to participate in community theatre.  Getting onstage and feeling the response of the audience has been one of the great pleasures of my life.

8) I am thankful that I have found a way to contribute to the betterment of the community and children, by contributing my talents and time to children's theatre.  I am particularly thankful to the Jeffords for all that have done to make the Flying Dragons Art Center such an important part of our area.

9) I am thankful for the friends I have developed through theater, especially the Becks and the Cooks.  Both Kimberly and Karissa have been invaluable in helping me with productions, and our families love spending time together.  And the children, Emily and Elizabeth Beck, Noah and Eli Cook, have been wonderful friends to us and to Benjamin.

10) I am thankful that I have taken the time to develop this blog, The Strait Line.  It is named after a school newsletter my father had as school principal, and whether it is good or bad, it has been a tremendous joy to me to get back in the habit of writing.

11)  I am thankful that Barack Obama was reelected President of the United States.  There are many tremendous problems facing the world, and I cannot imagine how they would be handled had the opposition won.

12) I am thankful that Obamacare has survived it's challenges and will become the law of the land.  Is it perfect?  Of course not!  But it is a vital step forward to universal health care and towards a more equitable, fiscally sound, and morally decent system.

13) I am thankful that at long last the gravest threat facing our planet, climate change/global warming will finally start to be addressed.

14) I am thankful that even though the progressive agenda may not be moving as fast as I want, at least the reactionary forces wanting to move us backwards have been held in check.

15) I am thankful that even in this radically conservative area, I still can seek out and find liberal friends to talk to.

16) I am thankful that I can read, and enjoy the pleasures of the printed page.

17) I am thankful for the DVR, that lets me watch the programs I want when I want to watch them.  And that I got to fast forward through most of the political commercials.

18) I am thankful for pets.  We have two wonderful dogs, Dachshund mixes who are loving and have long, waggy tails.  We also have a cat who is on rare occasion sweet, and two dumbo rats that are fun and smart.

19) I am thankful for movies.  I love storytelling of all kinds, and there is still nothing like going to the movie theatre.

20) I am thankful for continuing medical advances that help extend and improve the quality of life.

21) I am thankful that communities still come together sometimes to support neighbors in crisis, like with sick children, or suffering a fire, or other tragedy.

22) I am thankful that diabetes doesn't run in my family, because I like sweets so damn much.

23) I am thankful for the great joy comic books have brought to my life.  I have been a fan and collector since I have been 5 years old.

24) I am thankful for Christmas, and the opportunity to express such joy and love to others.

25) I am thankful for the peacemakers, all the diplomats and others who spend so much time and efforts to make the world a better place to live.

26) I am thankful for first responders, who often put their lives on the line for us.

27)  I am thankful for ketchup, the condiment of the gods.

28)  I am thankful for Cherry Coke, the nectar of the gods.

29)  I am thankful for colder weather, so I can go out sometimes without having to worry about the gnats.

30) I am thankful for God, and for love.

31) I am thankful for Jesus Christ, who resides in my heart, and  urges me to love god, my neighbors and do everything I can to make this a better world.

Time's up!  On to Thanksgiving festivities!

Rescuing Princess Charlotte

He carried the Sword of Strength, and rode on his trusty steed, Perzona.  He would not stop until he rescued her, no matter what it took, no matter what he had to endure.

He came from nearby Farentin.  He was the oldest son of the King of Farentin.  He was golden handsome, tall and strong, with chiseled chin and passionate blue eyes.  And he loved the Princess Charlotte, with all his heart and soul,  They had neighboring kingdoms, and they would often play in the castle gardens of Tyvale.  As they grew older, there would be hand holding and stolen kisses.  The fathers dreamed of a kingdom united once more.

But then the night of Princess Charlotte's 16th birthday, she vanished from the castle.  No one could find her anywhere.  The rumors became strong that she was taken away by Iitiful pirates, or perhaps an evil witch from Zanzibar.  Search parties went out, always led by the young Farentin Prince, always ending in failure.

Six months later, a message from a carrier pigeon was received, saying that the Princess had been seen far to the south, in the land of Rodan, in the company of the most foul witch on the planet. Esmerda the Evil, she was known throughout all the kingdoms.

With this information, the young Farentin prince, Martin, left out to find the Princess and bring her safely back.  The way ahead was treacherous, but Martin was determined to see it through.

The journey was distant and perilous, but that did not deter Prince Martin.  He rode across the Rider's Plain, defeating a herd of pursuing beasts, including a ten-foot tall great white land shark.

He lost part of a tooth, as he was jostled by eager shoppers in the land of Mysterling.  

He crossed the desert of Lambia, losing his precious horse, Perzona.  When he came out the other side, he was met by swords surrounding him.  He battled back with all his might, visions of the Princess kept him anchored.  No matter what the odds, he would not fail her.

He was scarred.  His beautiful sword was nicked.  His chain mail clothing was torn, and he was bleeding from a thousand cuts. But still he pressed on.

He was attacked by flying monkeys in the forests of Myceia. He slayed a dragon hiding in the mountains of Pazoria.  He was bone weary, and hurt in so many places.  But he could not shake the need to rescue her, of her falling into his arms, and then to begin their married life as they ruled the kingdoms together.

He finally came to the castle steps where it  was guarded by a band of Ogres.  And after getting through it all, he came to the kitchen of the witch's castle,

The evil witch is right in the kitchen, standing at the oven.  "OOO...company!, " she proclaimed.  "Would you like a fresh, hot, apple pie, right straight from the oven?"  She was older but not ancient, a little wrinkled but not pruny.  And she was a rich shade of sky green!

"Unhand her this instant, you hag!.  I've come to take Princess Charlotte home again."

"Charley!!!" she shouted.  "Prince Martin is hear to rescue you! "

From the room next door emerged the good Princess Charlotte.  She was now wearing jeans and a peasant shirt, and looked, well, annoyed.  She saw that it was the Prince.  A faint flicker of a smile crossed her lips.  "What are you doing here, Martin?  Are they still sending people out after me?"

He bowed before her.  "Princess, I have come to take you home, where you can become a great queen and pursue many womanly interests."

"Rescue?"  she scoffed.  "Who said I want to be rescued?  I am learning all the great spells and basic skills needed to wield the most powerful magics on the planet."

Confused, he said, "Charlotte, I have come so far, gone through so much, just to bring you back and to betroth you."

"Yuck!"  Charlotte said.  "I mean, I like you Martin, but that is the last thing I want to think about now.  I'm not her hostage.  I'm her student!" Charlotte and Esmerda smiled at each other. "So, begone, foolish man!"

Prince Martin left, dejected and defeated, never to see Princess Charlotte again.

Bringing In The Tithe

I am sure there is justification for the biblical concept of the tithe being 10%.

There is also justification for the tithe being more than 10%.  Some of the Gospels indicate that Jesus thinks it should be 100% - that there is no limit to what you should give and share and devote yourself to others.

Real life interferes with that.  But I think it is a good goal to have in mind.  Whether it is 1% or 99%, it is the striving to do more that is the important thing.

Giving money is the easy part.  You learn to budget accordingly, and give what you can.  The hard part is the giving of yourself.  And that has been very difficult for me.

I'm not a builder of things.  It is hard for me to do much for groups like Habitat for Humanity, or mission trips designed to build or restore buildings.  I have no gift for construction or putting things together.  Most of the times I wind up on the sidelines, completely baffled as what to do.  I was for awhile a treasurer for the local Habitat for Humanity, but that was so much like the accounting that I already spent so much time doing, it was difficult for me to extend my accounting day to do more.

I'm very shy, and it is difficult for me to meet people unscripted and engage with them, particularly in meeting people for the first time.  That limits my effectiveness as a fundraiser, or in dealing directly with people.  This may seem odd to people who've seen me on stage, but there I have lines learned and I know what I'm going to say.

In struggling to come up with charitable activities that take advantage of my strengths but minimize my weaknesses, I have finally stumbled across a place where I can make a strong positive contribution.  Where I can make a difference in the lives of children and our community.  And that is by continuing to support and benefit children's theater.  It is not as dramatic as building houses or healing the sick, but it is something that is positive and improving in the lives that are affected.  Especially in a theater like Flying Dragon Arts Center, that is doing plays with positive themes (like our anti-bully message in Young Robin Hood), and has a policy of casting every child that trys out.  And gives as many kids as possible exposure to what it's like to be on stage and shine.

It's a long time coming for me to finally realize where I can make my contribution.  And it feels good to be doing so.  Sometimes, it can be very frustrating, this children's theater.  Lack of rehearsal attendance, difficult children, occasional lack of parental involvement, all can make you wonder if it's worthwhile.  But then you put the play on, and you see the happy, self-confident children and the joy in the audience, and you know that it's all been worth it!

I still will give to the church, support other causes that help make this a better world, strive to be generous to those who have been disadvantaged and exploited.  But it is good to know that there is a place I can go and use my talents to contribute to a world that's a little bit brighter, children a bit more happy and self-confident, and a community that enjoys what it's young people can do.

The Morning After the Play is Over

Party time!  The cast of Young Robin Hood Celebrate a great run.  Pictured in the top frame is Young Robin Hood himself, Blake Barnhill.  Below partying heartily are Benjamin Strait, Kayla Peacock, David Bazemore and Jabari Howard.

Behind the iPhone was our great behind the scenes director, Karissa Cook.  Bottom left is Benjamin Strait, and bottom right is Noah Cook.

Top is some of our satisfied theater patrons, and below are some happy cast members - Tassie Jeffords, Emily Beck, Kayla Peacock and Blake Barnhill.

The day after a big production is always the hardest for me.  I still have a theater mindset and it is hard to realize that is over, that many of the people who participated in it I will no longer see regularly, and that warmth of an audience and the laughter and applause will become increasingly distant.  All the hard work that consumed your life is also through, and you know have a blank slate you may not know immediately what to do with.

In this case, I do have the satisfaction of knowing it was a huge success.  I actually did get to write a complete a full length script, and with the generous assistance of Karissa Cook help bring our vision to life.  The kids worked hard, and we got the help of many parents, and the support of the Jeffords family in so many ways.  The story had an important anti-bullying message, and the kids had fun in their parts, and the audience loved it.  At the cast party they were reliving and singing all the songs from the show.  I was so humbled and happy, it was everything to hold my emotions in check yesterday.

But now that is over and the gloomy world of accounting awaits me.  But at least I have the memories of this, and the sense of satisfaction of seeing happy children, a pleased audience and a job well done!

Young Robin Hood Last Chance This Sunday at 3!!!

Young Robin Hood (Blake Barnhill) listens to Maid Marian (Emily Back).  Crystal Pheil is in the background as Ariel.

The great and powerful Big John Eli ( Eli Cook) prepares to defend Sherwood forest.

Johnny (Benjamin Strait)  shows the one thing the bullies did not take for their lunch - a pack of Nerds!

I was very happy that my newly married son, Doug, was here to see the show this weekend.

Aidan Jeffords as True B door, our enchanting storyteller.

Don't miss this great show!  One last chance to see it at 3 PM today!  Sunday November 18th.  405 Tebeau Street in Downtown Waycross next to the Downtown Sandwich Shoppe.  Admission $6, 5 and under free.

See Young Robin Hood This Weekend!!!

Enum Hyers as the Sheriff of Nottingham, Blake Barnhill as Young  Robin Hood, and Emily Beck as Maid Marian, in the pose that epitomizes the whole play.

A scene form last night's fun rehearsal for Young Robin Hood.  I don't think little Madison Bazemore tackling Sammi Jo Kuhbander is an actual part of the script.  But in this play, you never know what's going to happen next!

Benjamin Strait as Little John, preparing to defend Sherwood Forest.  Or his living room.  Whichever comes first.

Flying Dragon Arts Center is bringing Sherwood Forest to Waycross in November! Kids from ages 2 - 18 are gearing up, dressing up and bringing the Merry back to Merry Men or uh... Merry Kids! Waycross’s children’s theater’s next show will be “YOUNG ROBIN HOOD” and will showcase the talents of 35 youngsters from Ware, Pierce and Brantley Counties. There’s a little Modern times mixed with Medieval. A

...story of Robin Hood told like no other but with some VERY familiar song tunes. The story’s writers, T.M. Strait and K.D. Cook are directing the band of Merry Kids, the Sheriff and his Henchmen, Maid Marian, a fine group of Villagers and of course, Robin Hood, Little John and his unique crew of supporters as he stands up to the Bully Sheriff of Nottingham. The play has it's final weekend: Friday, November 16th, Saturday, November 17th and Sunday, November 18th. Friday and Saturday shows start at 7:00 pm and Sunday shows are at 3:00 pm. Concessions sold before show, intermission break and end of play. Tickets will be $6.00 for ages 6 and up. Ages 5 & under are free. Season Tickets on sale now at Flying Dragon Theater’s NEW LOCATION, 405 Tebeau St, Waycross beside Downtown Sandwich Shoppe. Above written by K.D. Cook.

Spectral Horizons

Across the bridge to another universe
A distant white tower looms.
A guard stands so very terse
To get past him there was no rooms.

Won't you let me pass?
May I not journey free?
By the tower is a lass
And to her I must see.

The guard is not moving
And I stand frustrated.
The spectral horizon behooving
Against my heart is grated.

There is nothing left but to challenge him.
I lift my sword to strike a blow
And he moves to the bridge's rim
Where nothing is left to stow.

I lunge and miss
He steps and trips
And with a hiss
He sinks and slips.

The bridge is open to me.
I can see her, gown waving near the trees.
The spectral horizon lies before me.
Across the bridge I move with the breeze.

Ripping Good Yarns: Book Before the Horse?

What comes first?  The movie or the book?

Ah, yes, reading, my old friend!  Certainly one of the things that has been difficult for me to fit in.  Normally I have several books to report that I am reading on.  Today, there are only two that I am reading, and those very slowly. there are

One is The Promise by Jonathan Alter, covering Barack Obama's first year in office.  The book is pro-Obama, but not in a fawning or blind to flaws sense.  It has been very illuminating in showing the character of the administration and how policy was shaped.  We are very fortunate to have this calm, rational pragmatist at our helm at this rocky time in our country.  I started the book before the election, and wondered what it would be like to read if the election were decided against him.  Fortunately, that scenario did not occur.

The other book is The Revisionists by Thomas Mullen.  It centers on an agent from the future who is trying to preserve his present.  They prevent others from coming back and changing the past.  But what they preserve are often events of great horror, such as making sure 9/11 DOES happen.  They want the same crisis's to develop that leads to the Great Conflagration that leads to their present time, which they call the Perfect Present.  Only the agent gradually realizes that the present may not be so perfect after all.  I'm early on, but it's one of those kind of books that make you think, "Hay, this might make a great movie!"

So, should you read the book or see the movie first?

It's a dilemma, and I don't know if there is an easy, simple answer.  A book allows you to paint the picture of the words in a way that might be very individual to you.  This may not fit the vision of a particular director or Hollywood studio.  There is invariably disappointment in the way a character looks or how a landscape or city or house look.  There are things from the book left out and other things inexplicably altered.  It can be very frustrating.

On the other hand, I find that if I've read the book, I still want to see the movie.  If I've seen the movie, I often don't go back to read the book.  So, for me, yes, the book comes first, or it often doesn't come at all.

I have read the entire Harry Potter series.  I've only seen the first three movies because that is as far as Benjamin has read, and we didn't want to see the movies until he had read the books that they were based on.  Benjamin is reading more, in fact accelerating very well with Rick Riordan's Percy Jackson series.  I may have to rethink this as I have waited a long time to see those movies.

It's discouraging sometimes to see where Hollywood takes things, and sometimes I feel I am too familiar with the story and not able to be taken by surprise, but iIcannot imagine having seen much of what I've seen without the backdrop of the book first.

So, I guess, for me, it's book first.  Or no book at all.  Just the way I roll.

Emerging From My Hidey Hole

Yesterday I was laid low.  Stomach virus and/or food poisoning kept me home.  And it wasn't like when I fantasize about getting to stay home.  No television, no catching up on reading, no computer.  I couldn't hardly get out of bed.

I don't miss much work due to illness.  I don't say this with pride.  You should stay home if you're sick. And lord only knows I have a lazy streak a mile wide.  And I have many, many hours of accumulated personal/sick time.  I just find it very, very hard to use.

My father was the high school principal, and he did not broach us laying out.  We had to have a raging fever in order to stay home.  I've often gone to work feeling awful, not able to get much done, and Alison would ask, "Why don't you come home?"  and I would tell her, "Because my fever isn't high enough."

I feel much better today, so it's back to work I go.  Assignments and deadlines await me.  It's enough to make one's stomach queasy.

Oh.  That might still be the lingering effects of yesterday's illness.  Never mind.

Big John Eli Takes the Stage!

Big John Eli takes the stage in Young Robin Hood!  Eli Cook will be four next week, but it is already on his way to being a fine young actor,  /Here he prepares to defend the pass and stand against the Sheriff of Nottingham.

Here is a glimpse of the fine set built by the Jeffords for our performances of Young Robin Hood.  To see more of this set and Eli and our other fine actors, please come to The Flying Dragon Arts Center this Friday and Saturday at 7 PM or Sunday at 3.  The Flying Dragon is located in downtown Waycross at 405 Tebeau Street, right next to the Downtown Sandwich Shoppe, and is located in the old bus depot.  Admission is only $6 with children 5 and under free.  Come enter Sherwood Forest this weekend!

The Racket of November and Other Monday Musings

A busy November continues to rumble through.  Events pass, but with other events still on the horizon.

The wedding is past.  Two beautiful ceremonies and my middle son Doug is now a married man.  There's not many people who get to see their son married in both a Hindu Temple ceremony and a beach wedding.

Ramya, Doug's wife and my new daughter-in-law, has gone back to California to resume her job with a prominent computer company near San Francisco (well, Northern California).  Doug has resumed his work on a Master's degree at Georgia Tech.  Hopefully, by May, Doug will be able to join Ramya in California,  Then I will have two sons in that great state.

We are halfway through the run of Young Robin Hood.  The kids involved have really stepped up to the plate and delivered a great show.  Opening night was very good, with a very enthusiastic opening crowd.  Saturday night was another good sized audience, but they were somewhat less responsive.  Sunday's crowd was appreciative, but smaller and quieter. I hope that this wonderful show will get the large, responsive audiences it deserves next weekend.

The election is over, and the results were very good.  The President won reelection, and although I would have preferred even greater margins, it was an undeniably decisive win.  We may have finally put the death knell to the politics of conservative hatred (the politics based on the fear of the other). The Affordable Care Act will survive and become the law of the land.  It is an important building block towards true universal health care, which is what we really need,  The Senate remained in Democratic hands, with many exciting victories by women, including one of my favorite politicians, Elizabeth Warren. The most important thing for Republicans can learn is that for the most part, tea party extremists cannot win Senate seats,  Finally in the house, we were treated to the spectacle of the Republicans retaining control even though they did not win the majority of vote nationwide.  This was in large part due to the aggressive  partisan redistricting that was done by Republican controlled state legislatures.

Our moving plans are being stymied by a lack of being able to find a good place to rent, one that will allow month to month leases AND will take pets.  The home we purchased may not be move-in ready for several months, so we are feeling the stress of trying to figure that out.

My blog has suffered considerably.  Although I still post, I am not as able to monitor and repost strategically, and my page-view numbers suffer accordingly.  I am looking forward to writing on a regular basis, and maybe have some more time to write a little bit more fiction.

Of course, that presumes we move someplace where I have Internet access.  At this point, I am not sure.  Heck, we may be moving to a van down by the river.

Until next time,

T. M. Strait

Young Robin Hood Brings Sherwood Forest To Tebeau!

Benjamin Strait, Noah Cook, Devin Biyrch, Hannah Hitt, Emma Jacobs, Elizabeth Beck and Crystal Pheil rehearse a scene where they play the "nerd pack".  We also see the back of the head of our busy co-director, Karissa Cook.

In the upper left corner are two of the Young Merry Children's Association, Jabari Howard and Marin Jeffords.  In the upper right hand corner are Crystal Pheil, emma Jacobs and Amara Grace Jeffords.  The picture below that has a number of our fine thespains getting ready for an important scene.

Rbin Hood meets the villagers of Nottingham.  We have Amara Grace Jeffords, Blake Barnhill, Michael Jarrad, Cash Stewart, Devin Burch, Crystal Pheil and Sammi Jo Kuhbander.

Our young Robby Hoodley, played by Blake Barnhill, prepares for a special song solo.

Robin Hoodle finds himself back in the past as Young Robin Hood.  Blake Barnhill, Amara Grace Jeffords, Michael Jarad and Cash Stewart.

Here come the Merry Men in Wizard disguises!  Blake Barnhill, Banjamin Strait and Emma Jacobs.

Our royalty!  Nawin Hyers as Sir Reginald and Elizabeth Beck as  Lady Jane.

Karissa Cook practices her Director's speech for the beginning of the show.  Without he energy and devotion, this show simply would not have happened.

True B Door, played by Aidan Jeffords, introduces himself to Robby Hoodley played by Blake Barnhill,


Flying Dragon Arts Center is bringing Sherwood Forest to Waycross in November! Kids from ages 2 - 18 are gearing up, dressing up and bringing the Merry back to Merry Men or uh... Merry Kids! Waycross’s children’s theater’s next show will be “YOUNG ROBIN HOOD” and will showcase the talents of 35 youngsters from Ware, Pierce and Brantley Counties. There’s a little Modern times mixed with Medieval. A

...story of Robin Hood told like no other but with some VERY familiar song tunes. The story’s writers, T.M. Strait and K.D. Cook are directing the band of Merry Kids, the Sheriff and his Henchmen, Maid Marian, a fine group of Villagers and of course, Robin Hood, Little John and his unique crew of supporters as he stands up to the Bully Sheriff of Nottingham. The play will show for 2 weekends: Friday, November 9th, Saturday, November 10th and Sunday, November 11th. Then Friday, November 16th, Saturday, November 17th and Sunday, November 18th. Friday and Saturday shows start at 7:00 pm and Sunday shows are at 3:00 pm. Concessions sold before show, intermission break and end of play. Tickets will be $6.00 for ages 6 and up. Ages 5 & under are free. Pre-Sale tickets available at theater. Season Tickets on sale now at Flying Dragon Theater’s NEW LOCATION, 405 Tebeau St, Waycross beside Downtown Sandwich Shoppe. Above written by K.D. Cook.

Intermission Is Through

The lights blink once.
I wonder if I have time to get my drink.
It is signing only once.
No need to raise a stink.

The drink cannot be taken back to the seat.
It's not that kind of a theater.
No drinking there, surely no bare feet.
Just a show to see within the theater.

The lights blink twice.
I cannot finish my refreshment.
The call is only twice.
 I'm sure that's what it meant.

I return to my seat, right next to LuWanda,
The show is about to start Act 2.
In my seat I begin to wondah
If I will still be awake in a few.

The stage is lit.
The cast is in place.
The crew is fit,
The audience carries mace.

A story recommences.
A fly lands on my knee.
I'll need no recompenses.
I think the script is about me.

The girl onstage looks out at us
She removes a belt with a buckle of tin
Her eyes meet mine without a fuss
Act Two is now set to really begin

Ripping Good Yarns: Drawing A Blank

It's no secret that I'm a media/storytelling buff.  I like fiction stories in all their forms.  Television, movies, books, theatre, anything that has a plot line and characters.  Not everything fascinates me, but I do like a pretty broad range of genres and types.

So I would love to tell you about some great stories.  But it's very difficult right now.  My DVR is stacked up, I haven't been to the theatre in quite a while, reading books and comics has slowed to a crawl.  Even when I'm been very busy in the past, it seems like I've made some time for these things.

But the impending switch in homes, the wedding activities that ended this last weekend, and most importantly, the play that I've been working on at Flying Dragon, have made my time and my focus very limited.

If you are anywhere near the vicinity of Waycross, I would love for you to be able to come to see Young Robin Hood.  It is a play that I wrote, along with my co-writer and co-director, Karissa Cook, and it is a very interesting script if I do say so myself.  It is a great mix of kid-friendly themes and fun, with send ups of familiar songs and lots of popular movie references.  It centers on standing up to bullies, and has some interesting cast variations from the norm.  Except for a few fleeting seconds that I am on to play King Richard and then the Principal, it is an entirely children's cast, ranging in age from 3 to 15.  It starts this Friday in Waycross at the Flying Dragon Arts Center at 405 Tebeau Street next to the Downtown Sandwich Shoppe.  That's Friday Nov 9th and Saturday Nov 10 at 7 PM, and Sunday at 3 PM, and then the same times the next weekend.

So, my fellow Rippers, let me know what exciting things are going on, and I will do my best to catch up in a couple of weeks.

Until next time,

T.M. Strait

A New and Glorious Post-Election Morn

It's like finishing the second Harry Potter novel.  You're grateful that the forces of Voldemort have been defeated but you get the feeling that they'll be back.  In the never-ending skirmishes of American politics  I am so relieved for the victories that were received, but I know the battle is hardly over.

The President's victory was remarkable, and I am so grateful for it.  His margin of victory was not quite what  it was versus McCain, but it was decisive enough, and exceeded the expectations of most pundits.Honestly, I cannot picture what would have happened had Romney/Ryan been elected, but at least now I can confine that to the speculative annals of alternative history.

The Affordable Care Act has now survived it's last great challenge, and will hopefully be a gateway to even greater reform in the future.  The Supreme Court may now eventually be wrested from the hands of those who favor the wealthy and big business over average folk.  We are less likely to have a Supreme Court that will try to reverse social engineer us.  We are less likely now to be drawn into foreign conflicts.  We can proceed with green energy, which I still see as the bedrock foundation of building a 21st century economy.

The Senate held for the Democrats, which was my prediction. As of writing this, they may have gained three seats.  It was a great election for women, as we gained Elizabeth Warren and Tammy Baldwin in the Senate (just to name two).  Elizabeth Warren is a progressive superstar, and I greatly look forward to her debating the likes of Mitch McConnell and James Inhofe.  On the dark side, Republicans still hold more than forty seats, and under current Senate rules, they will continue to filibuster and run roughshod over the public will.

The House had very modest gains for the Democrats, but these numbers are still in flux.  Regardless, the Republicans maintain control of this body, which will further slow the progress we are able to make.  The congressional districts are heavily gerrymandered in favor of the Republicans, but as demographics shift, I predict this will be harder and harder to sustain.

I know very little of local races.  My guess is that most Democrats in this area lost.  I heard that Amendment One, an effort to promote private schools over funding public schools won, and I find that result completely baffling.  Even conservative extremists in our area opposed this one.  The bottom line is, that for us small group of progressives in this area, life will continue to be uncomfortable and unpleasant.  I imagine my son and other Obama kids will continue to be bullied and harassed.  I had hoped that some people around here would be slowly waking up, but I see little sign of that happening.

I extend an olive branch to those who have so bitterly opposed this President, and a desire that we can work together to solve the many problems we face.  But if I offer that olive branch, and you instead start to chew my arm off, don't expect me to be quiet about it.

Young Robin Hood Starts This Friday!

Once again, here is the great cast of Robin hood!

Flying Dragon Arts Center is bringing Sherwood Forest to Waycross in November! Kids from ages 2 - 18 are gearing up, dressing up and bringing the Merry back to Merry Men or uh... Merry Kids! Waycross’s children’s theater’s next show will be “YOUNG ROBIN HOOD” and will showcase the talents of 35 youngsters from Ware, Pierce and Brantley Counties. There’s a little Modern times mixed with Medieval. A

...story of Robin Hood told like no other but with some VERY familiar song tunes. The story’s writers, T.M. Strait and K.D. Cook are directing the band of Merry Kids, the Sheriff and his Henchmen, Maid Marian, a fine group of Villagers and of course, Robin Hood, Little John and his unique crew of supporters as he stands up to the Bully Sheriff of Nottingham. The play will show for 2 weekends: Friday, November 9th, Saturday, November 10th and Sunday, November 11th. Then Friday, November 16th, Saturday, November 17th and Sunday, November 18th. Friday and Saturday shows start at 7:00 pm and Sunday shows are at 3:00 pm. Concessions sold before show, intermission break and end of play. Tickets will be $6.00 for ages 6 and up. Ages 5 & under are free. Pre-Sale tickets available at theater. Season Tickets on sale now at Flying Dragon Theater’s NEW LOCATION, 405 Tebeau St, Waycross beside Downtown Sandwich Shoppe. Above written by K.D. Cook.

Stones Into the Ocean and Other Monday Musings

Doug & Ramya's special wedding at the beach on St. Simons.  It was perfect weather, a beautiful day, and a very sweet and memorable ceremony.

Benjamin is able to take advantage of his dance skills learned at Cotillion by dancing with a very special young lady at the wedding reception.

What a beautiful weekend!  I now have a married son, with a beautiful daughter-in-law.  Both ceremonies, the one at the Hindu temple in Atlanta, and the one at the beach at St. Simons, were very special and meaningful.  I'm not sure any other couple will have as many great  memories to cherish.  There were moments of stress, to be sure, but they were quickly set aside and replaced with the overwhelming joy everyone was experiencing.

On the beach, everyone was given a stone at the start of the ceremony.  Then, after the vows were read, all the guests went down to the edge of the ocean and together threw their stone into the waters.  It symbolized the letting go of the old and the beginning of the new.  It was an awe-inspiring sight to behold.  so awe-inspiring that I forgot to take any pictures.  But when I see them from others, I will post them here.

I had to take my foot off Young Robin Hood for a bit during the wedding, but now that that is over, I have it back down again.  My co-director, Karissa Cook, has done an excellent job of keeping things moving forward, but now we have to dedicate the next week to making this the best show we can.  So for any cast members who have read to this point in the post, I have a special message:  DON'T MISS PRACTICES and LEARN YOUR LINES!!!

Our plans to move are continuing forward.  Our house is sold, and we have purchased a new one.  Unfortunately, the new one will need three to six months of work, and we will have nowhere to live in the meantime,  So somehow, we have to solve that problem in the next few weeks.

The election is almost finally past us, and what an unpleasant election season it has been.  My long standing prediction has been that the President wins by the same margin or greater than he did against McCain, the Democrats hold the Senate, and make gains in the House but do not take control of it.  

It looks like the Presidential race may be closer than I expected.  The margin in the South is higher for Romney than the margin for Obama in other sections in the country, so the election may appear to be closer than it actually is.  I still believe firmly that Obama will win fairly decisively in the electoral college and more narrowly in the popular vote.  And just like in 2010, on the Senate level, most of the tea party whackjobs should go down to defeat.  When all is said and done, though, there will probably still be 40 plus Republican Senators who are willing to use the filibuster to stop any progressive agenda.  Oh, well.  Can't have everything, I guess.

But now I can have a married son and a beautiful daughter-in-law!  Yay!

Bible Verses Important to Me 10

                       Now the whole group of those who believed was of one heart and soul, and no one claimed private ownership of any possessions, but everything they owned was held in common.  With great power the apostles gave their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all.  There was not a needy person among them, for as many as owned lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold.  They laid it at the apostle’s feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need.

From Acts 4:32-35

I find it absolutely fascinating that, if taken literally, after spending forty days with the resurrected Jesus, experiencing Pentecost, and then coming together to form a community, this is the first thing they do!  Could it be that this is where they knew they were supposed to wind up?  If so, it appears from the next passages, concerning Ananias and the withheld property, that they had discovered they had severely jumped the gun.  But I think they revealed where the Holy Spirit was taking us, if only our belief in the resurrected Jesus was strong enough.

                 

For myself, I try to think of a creed of practice to complement and support our creed of belief (Nicene and/or Apostle’s Creed).  The following are elements I think it could contain;

Love God.

Love your neighbor.

Feed the hungry.

Clothe and shelter the needy.

Heal the sick.

Those who have should give to those who haven’t.