TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2021 TUESDAY BEFORE THANKSGIVING

 TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2021 TUESDAY BEFORE THANKSGIVING

Yesterday I wrote about gratitude - what are you grateful for? I suggested that being grateful for things isn’t necessarily the right choice.  Things get broken, lose their luster, and over time become less valuable.

*****

And, I haven’t had much humor lately - so time for a joke.  

A family had two twin girls.  One was always a pessimist, and one was always an optimist.  The parents had one stall in their barn with a pony.  They said to the pessimist “This pony is for you”. The pessimist saw the pony and started to cry.  The parents asked her why she was crying -her answer was that someday the pony will be old and would die.

The second stall in their barn was full of manure.  The parents said to the optimistic girl “this stall is for you”.  The girl jumped up and down with joy and enthusiasm.  “THANK YOU, THANK YOU”, she said.  The parents asked why she was so excited, and the girl answered “Because, with all this manure, there had to be a pony in there!”.

*****

MONEY

We all like money.  We take jobs - sometimes more for the money than for anything else.  Money buys us housing, food, clothes, cars, and all the things of life.  Biblically, 1 Timothy 6:10 says, “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil”.  Money is a necessity - but it is greed - the LOVE of money that can corrupt people.  Scrooge in A Christmas Carol lost his perspective on life - and found that he wanted money, more money - until the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future visited him.  

How much is enough in terms of money?  “Just a little more”.  If you could have a million dollars would you be happy?  If you had ten million would that be better?  A billion?

There is the story that you never see a hearse on the way to the cemetery pulling a U-Haul trailer full of stuff.  “You can’t take it with you.”  

*****

I like the concept of Andrew Carnegie - steel magnate. 

“After retiring in 1901 at the age of 66 as the world's richest man, Andrew Carnegie wanted to become a philanthropist, a person who gives money to good causes. He believed in the "Gospel of Wealth," which meant that wealthy people were morally obligated to give their money back to others in society. Carnegie had made some charitable donations before 1901, but after that time, giving his money away became his new occupation.”

He did give away his money after retirement.  Here are a few Carnegie quotes:

“The man who dies rich dies disgraced.”

“No man becomes rich unless he enriches others.”

“There is little success where there is little laughter.”

“A sunny disposition is worth more than fortune. Young people should know that it can be cultivated; that the mind, like the body, can be moved from the shade into sunshine.”

I intend to die with very little left in my bank accounts - and then with directions to give what is left to my favorite charities.  

*****

Yes, I set aside money for retirement (and the government made me do so as well).  (I guess the government didn’t want all the old people begging on street corners).  I don’t know my ending date.  If I run out of money and I still am of good health and a good mind, I will trust God to provide my needs (Philippines 4:19).  (Note - God provides my needs, not my wants)

Our money says “In God we Trust” - but do we really? 

In approaching Thanksgiving, yes, we can be grateful for sufficient funds for our needs.  Success is a mindset; happiness is a mindset.  

*****

Let us be grateful for the blessings in our lives!!!

LOVE WINS

Karen

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2021 GRATITUDE

 MONDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2021 GRATITUDE

Hey all.  In the United States, this is Thanksgiving week. (My Canadian friends had their Thanksgiving on the Second Monday in October).

And, the obvious question is:  What are you Thankful for?

Let’s skip the option of “I’m thankful for my ‘things’”.  Things break, things overtime wear out, things lose their luster.  

So, gratitude (without talking about things).  How about “I’m grateful for my nice safe house?” The same discussion - houses can burn down and lose their luster over time. "My new car is so sweet" - the same thing!! (a friend got a new luxury car about six weeks ago, hasn't even made the first payment on it, and it got totaled five days ago!!!)

*****

I’m GRATEFUL FOR MY FAMILY

Okay - I’ll take that for a good point. (Okay, people are ‘things’ and people are breakable, grow old, and maybe lose their luster).  

But, families have lasting power - memories.  Do you remember the time that <scenario>?  

Maybe it was the trip my son and I took to the Black Hills for a weekend.  It was a long drive from Eastern South Dakota - about five hours - taken after I got off work at 5:00 pm from my summer job at Citibank.  We pitched our tent in the light of my car’s headlights.  We hiked and really didn’t do much, but we bonded.

Maybe it was that Thanksgiving day when the roads were impassable outside of town and we gathered with friends for an impromptu Thanksgiving.  Maybe it was the time our daughter won the state extemporaneous speaking contest. And, placed in the state debate tournament.

Maybe it was the camping trip with the whole family in the Black Hills.  (I’m remembering that I had to make a recruiting phone call from a payphone).  

Maybe it was the time we were so cold watching the Festival of Bands at Howard Wood Field in Sioux Falls. (Brrr)

Maybe it was the time we all were together in Tralee Ireland.

Memories do make for grateful times.

(Or, maybe it was the happy tears streaming down my face when I held my twin granddaughters at the same time - hey one in each arm).

*****'

I'm GRATEFUL FOR MY FRIENDS

I have been blessed by some awesome friends. LOVE WINS!!

I’M GRATEFUL FOR MY BELIEFS

I do have a spiritual bent in my life.  But, I also realize my experiences are unique in that matter (and I don’t like to preach). (God's ways and not my ways - God is so infinite).

Matthew 6:19-21 says

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

Maybe as I age and get closer to death, that spiritual thoughts are growing in my life.  

The last line of that verse says “where your treasure is, there your heart will be.’.  

*****

SO

So, yes, it is Thanksgiving week.  Where is my treasure?  Am I spending enough time on that treasure or am I spending more time on myself?  Am I “investing” in myself or putting my “investments” in a safe place?  

I like the adage “Love is spelled T I M E”.  This week, maybe “Thanksgiving and gratitude are spelled “T I M E”.  

I took a new part-time job. That facility is a 24/7/365 living community.  They need staff available to help their residents. Yet, before I started I told them, that I was having Thanksgiving with my sister in Arizona.  So, instead of helping these senior citizens (all of whom are in their 90s), I’m being selfish and visiting my sister (and two days of driving to visit her and my brother-in-law and two days of driving home).  Where is my treasure this week?  

It is with my family, and my friends, and my attitude/faith/belief.

*****

And, where are your gratitude and your treasures this week?  Is it in your new 86 inch Smart TV (on sale at Best Buy for $1,500)?  You could use that to connect to your family in faraway places, you could use that for bringing up your photos and videos of your time with your family.  

*****

An attitude of gratitude.  

LOVE WINS!!!

Karen

SUNDAY FUNDAY - NOVEMBER, 21, 2021

 SUNDAY FUNDAY

NOVEMBER 21, 2021

FOUR DAYS TO THANKSGIVING!!

Over the river and through the woods,

To grandmother's house, we go;

The horse knows the way to carry the sleigh,

Through (the) white and drifted snow!

Over the river and through the woods,

Oh, how the wind does blow!

It stings the toes and bites the nose,

As over the ground we go.

Over the river and through the woods,

Now Grandmother's cap I spy!

Hurrah for the fun! Is the pudding done?

Hurrah for the pumpkin pie!

*****

I learned this as a child for Thanksgiving.  Of course, I was up north where there was sometimes “white and drifted snow”.  No, I never went to my grandmother’s house in a sleigh!!  And, my grandmother (maternal grandparents) was in the same town about 3 to 4 miles away.  

Our Thanksgiving was at our house.  My grandparents would come and occasionally other relatives.  It really was family time.  Yes, we ate too much and yes, my dad did fall asleep watching NFL football games.  

It was a time of peace in a world of tumult.  

May it be so for us this year as well.

*****

NATIONAL DAYS

*****

TRANSGENDER DAY OF REMEMBRANCE - November 20, 2021 - National Today

The link says:

“For generations, transgender people have suffered various forms of abuse (and even death) for challenging the views, notions, and stereotypes around “male” and “female” identity. Every year we set aside November 20 as a Transgender Day of Remembrance. This holiday is meant to honor, commemorate, and memorialize those who face discrimination and stigma (often daily) across the nation. This holiday is also meant to focus on the persistent struggles transgender people face in their everyday lives, and how others can share their love, support, and hope.”

*****

NATIONAL STUFFING DAY - November 21, 2021 - National Today

Yes, coming soon to a house near you (and maybe even YOUR house) - stuffing or dressing.  How you do stuffing may say a lot about your and your heritage.  Do you use sausage?  Giblets? Stuffing mix?  

*****

NATIONAL CRANBERRY RELISH DAY - November 22, 2021 - National Today

Do you have cranberries for Thanksgiving?  

I loved my mother’s cranberries dish.  She had an ancient food grinder that rarely came out.  She tightened the screws on it on the (old) kitchen table (not the good dining room table).  Then I turned the handle and fed cranberries and orange slices (I think with the rind on them).  There was a steady drip (and a bucket) as the juicy berries got “chewed” up.  And … NEVER - buy already done cranberry relish!!  

****

NATIONAL CASHEW DAY - November 23, 2021 - National Today

I like cashews (although I don’t buy them frequently).  They are a little softer than peanuts and maybe more tasty.

*****

CELEBRATE YOUR UNIQUE TALENT DAY - November 24, 2021 - National Today

We are all unique - and we all have talents (even Henry).  Celebrate Your Unique Talent Day is celebrated on November 24 nationwide. It is a day to accept and celebrate individual talents. Beauty lies in being different. We’re not made to all fit in one box. Celebrate Your Unique Talent Day is a day to accept these differences and to love what each of us has to offer. Can you stand on your hands, curl your tongue, do uncanny impressions? Are you a prolific whistler, graffiti artist, or double-jointed? Whatever it may be, celebrate your talent today.

*****

Thanksgiving - When is it this year? Everything you need to know | National Today

Here we are - THANKSGIVING.  

Will you have the International dinner - that is “Turkey” cooked in “Greece”, and served on “China”??

I do give thanks IN EVERYTHING!!!  (1 Thessalonians 5:19 In Everything Give Thanks)

***************

THANKSGIVING LOGIC PROBLEM:

Connor, Emma, Russell, and Taylor are celebrating Thanksgiving together. To save money, each of them is bringing a different side dish (cranberry sauce, green beans, mashed potatoes, or yams). Each of them is also bringing a different dessert (apple pie, chocolate cream pie, pumpkin pie, or sugar cookies). With the help of the clues below, can you puzzle out who brought which side dish and which dessert?

1. Emma didn’t bring the green beans, but she did bring pumpkin pie.

2. Connor brought the cranberry sauce, but he didn’t bring a chocolate cream pie or apple pie.

3. The person who brought the yams also brought the chocolate cream pie.

4. Taylor brought the green beans.

*****

JOKES

1. Why was the turkey late for Thanksgiving? He ran out of thyme.

2. What's a pumpkin's favorite game? Squash

3. What instrument does the turkey play in the band?  The drums because he already has the drumsticks. 

4. Who comes to Thanksgiving dinner but is not hungry? The turkey because he's already stuffed! 

5. What side of the turkey has the most feathers?  The outside.

6. Why did the turkey cross the road?  The chicken was on vacation. 

7. What did one plate say to the other plate? Dinner is on me!

8. How do you fix a cracked pumpkin pie?  With a pumpkin patch. 

9. What do you get if you cross a pie and a snake?  A pie-thon. 

10. What's the best thing to put in pumpkin pie?  Your teeth. 

************

WRAP-UP

Thanksgiving was a Pilgrim’s way of giving thanks to God for their ability to worship as they thought fit.  I’m sure it was been embellished a little over the years - inviting the Indians, turkeys, and other foods.  Many of the original Pilgrims died in the first year.  It was tough living in a new country with limited resources and poor infrastructure.

As we go into the next week, let us have “an attitude of gratitude”.  We have been blessed.  

*****

Karen

*****

ANSWERS TO LOGIC PROBLEM

Conner brought cranberries and sugar cookies

Emma brought potatoes and pumpkin pie

Russell brought the yams (aka sweet potatoes) and chocolate cream pie.

Taylor  brought the green bean casserole and apple pie

SATURDAY STORY - NOVEMBER 20, 2011

 SATURDAY STORY - NOVEMBER 20, 2021

This is a work of fiction.

*****

Leon Wolff relaxed in his daughter’s recliner chair.  The television had a football game - somebody playing the Dallas Cowboys.  He could hear the grandchildren playing football outside on a beautiful fall day in Gretna Nebraska.  Although his eyes were closed, he wasn’t asleep.  He was thinking of all of his blessings.

*****

Leon remembered being a freshman at Chadron State College (now Chadron State University) in Chadron Nebraska.  He had been recruited by Chadron State to play football for the Eagles.  It was 1950, and Leon was eighteen years old.  Recruited is too good of a word thought Leon.  Yes, he had played football at Valentine High School in Valentine Nebraska, and had been all-conference.  He had gotten a letter after being named all-conference from Willis Summer, the head football coach at Chadron State.  Leon was a good student in high school and was planning on college and didn’t want to go to the University of Nebraska.  Being from a small Nebraska town, he fretted that he would be lost at such a large university.  So, he was thinking of Wayne State, Peru State, Kearney State, or Chadron State - the smaller state colleges in Nebraska.  

He grew up on a farm just outside Valentine.  It was the family farm and his dad and uncle now ran the farm as his grandfather had retired to town.  His dad had volunteered for the Army and had seen some action in Europe.  His uncle Roy managed the farm.  Leon was nine when the war started and much too young for the military and also young to be a farmhand, but he learned enough farming to help out on the farm.  His older brother Orville was already primed to be a farmer and rancher.

Leon wanted to go to college.  He thought he would be a math teacher and maybe a coach.  The offer to play football at Chadron State also brought him an offer of a $100 athletic scholarship.  As Leon remembered, he was impressed that somebody wanted him enough to give him a scholarship.  

Football had been okay, other than maybe the long bus rides.  Chadron, he realized, was not the center of the universe.  But, it was a nice school and he was enjoying his classes.

He didn’t have a car on campus but could walk anyplace he needed to in Chadron.  When Thanksgiving came so did a blizzard and nobody he knew was driving in that storm to Valentine.  

Oh well, Leon thought, I can study and get ahead of my final tests.  

But, in the campus mail on Tuesday, November 21st, he received an invitation to have Thanksgiving dinner at Dr. Schaeffer’s house.  Dr. Schaeffer was Leon’s economics professor.  Leon used the phone on the floor of Edna Work Hall, his dormitory to call in his RSVP.  

Maybe there was some good in this blizzard after all.

*****

The invitation said 1:00 at Dr. Schaeffer’s house at the northwest corner of Mears and west 8th street.  That was about four blocks away from his dorm.  But, Leon was anxious.  What should he wear to a Thanksgiving dinner at a professor’s house? The invitation said “casual attire”, what did that mean?  Could he wear jeans?  He would, of course, have his boots and parka.  Maybe he’d wear that good sweater he got from his grandmother last year for Christmas and nice slacks.  

He was ready at 10:00 on Thursday, November 23rd, 1950.  With the extra time, he tried to study, but his brain wasn’t quite into studying.  He read and reread his economics book in case Dr. Schaeffer wanted to talk economics, but his heart wasn't in it.

His parents called him about 11:00.  There was one old phone in the hallway.  Leon’s room was halfway down the hall and the phone would ring and ring until somebody answered it.  And, since it rarely was for that person, whoever answered the phone would have to trudge down the hall and knock on the door of the person who was wanted on the call.  Today, Steve Barton answered the phone and got Leon.

Mom told Leon they missed him and wished he was home for Thanksgiving.  Dad asked how classes were going.  They asked about his Thanksgiving plans, but he had called them after accepting the invitation from Dr. Schaeffer they knew.  Mom asked what he was going to wear.  His younger sister, Beth, said she missed him.  (It was good to be loved and missed on his first Thanksgiving away from home).

He went back to his room and ended up finding Steve Barton and playing a game of chess.  Steve wasn’t that good of a player, so Leon backed off his offense and with his brain more concerned about his dinner at the Schaeffer’s ended up losing the chess match.  

****

At 12:30, he bundled up and started walking the four blocks to Dr. Schaeffer’s house.  Fighting against the wind, it took him fifteen minutes.  He was early.  Should he walk around more?  But then he saw a girl, Dorothy Knapp from his econ class and greeted her and they went in together.

The Schaeffers had a very nice house.  There were ten students plus the Schaeffer family, a daughter in high school, a son in junior high school, and a younger daughter who was in elementary school.  Most of the students knew at least five of the other students and Leon recognized several from his econ class.  

Dinner was wonderful.  It seemed to Leon that he must have had a hollow leg to get two servings of turkey, three servings of mashed potatoes, and of green bean casserole.  Mrs. Schaeffer had pumpkin, apple, and mincemeat pies for dessert.  Leon hadn’t ever had mincemeat and found that he really liked it.

He sat next to Dorothy Knapp at the table.  Dorothy was from Kearney and opted for Chadron State instead of Kearney State College to get away from home.  She was going to be a teacher.  

One by one they left about 5:00, but Dorothy and Leon kept talking like old friends.  

Leon was outgoing but very shy around girls, but Dorothy was easy to be with.  

*****

Back in the present at his daughter’s house, Leon’s wife of 63 years, the former Dorothy Knapp said next to him on the sofa and gently held her husband’s hand.  He soon covered up her hand with his hand and squeezed it three times (their private code for “I love you”)

It had been an awesome life together.  With two children Mary and Howard, six grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren on their way, Leon had been blessed.

Dorothy watched her husband knowing that he was reminiscing and he was happy with a grin on his face.  And, she could guess why!!

Thanksgiving had special memories for both of them!!

*****

While I embellished this, I did have an Uncle Leon who was a professor of Economics at Chadron State University, and an aunt Dorothy.  Uncle Leon was the first real professor I ever knew.  I’m not sure that affected my own career choices, but possibly it did.  

My friends, Thanksgiving is a magical time of the year. 

Let us truly GIVE THANKS for our blessings - which are always more than our troubles.  

*****

Happy Thanksgiving!!

Karen

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2021 AN ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE

 FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19,2021 AN ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE

Psalm 136:1 says, “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever.”

You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing to you and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give you thanks forever” (Psalm 30:1-12).

“Praise be to the Lord, for he has heard my cry for mercy. The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy, and I will give thanks to him in song” (Psalm 28:6-7)

 First Thessalonians 5:16-18 says, “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

*****

WHY HAVE THANKSGIVING?

Brings Families Together

One of the most fundamental reasons why Thanksgiving is so crucial is families are brought together. For many families, incredibly extended ones, this is one of the days that brings all of them together.

Important Part Of Our History

Thanksgiving day is an essential part of our history as it allows us to reflect a lot. We can reflect on our blessings - as the Pilgrims (who had a tough time in the new world did().

Encourages Gratitude

Sometimes we can be negatively looking at life from all the injustices that are happening. We can be so bitter about the shootings, crime, and even policies that discriminate against us.

*****
Back to 1 Thessalonians 5:18 “In everything gives thanks”!!!  (EVERYTHING!!!0  A few months ago I took my foot off the brake for a second to reach for something behind the seat.  Bam.  Even at that slow speed on a slight hill, my car rolled into a car in front of me.  I wanted to yell and scream.  That was so dumb. But I got out of my car giving thanks tog God.  I had a car, it was driveable.  I wasn’t homeless or in trouble.  

That was an attitude of gratitude.  

This type of gratitude is like the LOVE WINS I’ve been writing about. Love wins, God is in the right place in the world.  There is a “perfect peace” when I am grateful.  There is a “perfect peace” when I am loving.  

****
Short story:

The other night, as I was working one of my residents in the Senior Independent Living facility that I was helping, was getting frustrated, and … he took it out on me (not badly).  That hurt.  I was doing my job - how dare he became negative.

(I was not very loving or grateful at that time!!)

It wasn’t until the drive home that I let LOVE WIN, and I tried to align my heart with God and with His Love.  I try to keep an even keel, I try to be positive - and here I was letting a little thing of a senior resident who has health issues get to me.

I am to help him, be cheerful to him and love him. And, while outwardly I was putting up the positive vibes, inwardly I was letting his negativity reach me.

*****

Hmmm . . . I remember reading of people spitting in the face of my favorite Jewish Rabbi of the first century. 

Mother Teresa was once living in a small house in Calcutta along with some orphans. One day it so happened that there was nothing for the children to eat.  Mother Teresa did not know what to do. 

Mother Teresa called all the children and said, “Come children today we have nothing to eat in the house.  But, if we pray to God he will surely give.” After ten minutes of prayer, Mother Teresa said to the children “Come, now let us go and beg."  So they all went to beg. 

In the neighborhood of Mother Theresa, there was one shopkeeper who hated Mother Teresa. Mother went to him and said, “Please, give us something to eat.”

The person looked at Mother Teresa with anger and spit saliva on Mother Teresa's hand.  Mother gently wiped the saliva to her sari and said, “Thank you for what you have given for me. Will you give something for my children?”

The shopkeeper was shocked at the humility of Mother Teresa asked pardon from Mother Teresa. Then on he began to help the orphan children

Turn the other cheek - be thankful in ALL circumstances!!!

LOVE WINS, GOD WINS!!

Happy Thanksgiving!!

Karen

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2021 THE SPICE OF LIFE

 THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2021 THE SPICE OF LIFE

ONE WEEK TO THANKSGIVING (and for me, three days to Friendsgiving!!!)

First a word on calories and overeating in the Holiday season.  “It is not what you eat between Thanksgiving through New Year, it is what you eat between New Year and Thanksgiving that makes you fat”.  (I’m not sure if that implies that I can eat anything this time of year!!!)

*****

The is the adage “Variety is the spice of life”.  That is to mean that “new and exciting experiences make life more interesting.” 

Next week, I am driving to the Phoenix area (really Surprize Arizona) from my Central Texas home.  On a whim, I searched for the high point in Texas - it is in the Guadalupe Mountains National Park - which I can reach without going too far out of my way on my trip.  So, I am planning on at least seeing the high point in Texas.  (“new and exciting experiences make life more interesting”).  

My sister warned me to be careful on my drive - so I’m planning out gas stops and rest stops.  The Guadalupe Mountains National Park looks like it is in a pretty remote part of Texas.  The road across southern New Mexico is also pretty remote.  I have seen the signs “Next gas - 125 miles” in the past, and I don’t want to run out of gas on a lonely stretch of road.  (Most of the trip will be on Interstate 10 - so I think gas and services will be available).  

*****

This week I have written about Friendsgiving as a new concept to me, about artwork, about the millions of hues of colors.  “Variety is the Spice of Life”.  

I do need to keep variety in my life.  I do need to get out of my comfort zone occasionally.  

*****

I’m keeping it short and sweet today.  What are you going to do for variety in this Thanksgiving season?  What are you going to do today to add some spice to your life?

LOVE WINS!!

Karen

(Spices - about six weeks ago, I decided I needed more fiber in my life so I am generally eating oatmeal for breakfast.  But, not just oatmeal.  No, I make my oatmeal with raisins, then add several of the following: ground clove, ground nutmeg, ground allspice, vanilla, ground ginger, and even a little maple syrup or honey on some days.  How exotic is that?)

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2021 COLORS GALORE

  WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2021 COLORS GALORE

Okay, look at this list:

"Purple Rain," Prince

"Blackbird," The Beatles

"Tangled Up in Blue," Bob Dylan

"Back in Black," AC/DC

"Mellow Yellow," Donovan

"Behind Blue Eyes," The Who

"Paint It Black," The Rolling Stones

"Lady in Red," Chris de Burgh

"Almost Blue," Elvis Costello

"White Rabbit," Jefferson Airplane

"Purple Haze," Jimi Hendrix

"Mr. Blue Sky," Electric Light Orchestra

"White Wedding," Billy Idol

"Brown Eyed Girl," Van Morrison

"A Whiter Shade of Pale," Procol Harum

"Blue Velvet," Bobby Vinton

"Big Yellow Taxi," Joni Mitchell

"Pale Blue Eyes," The Velvet Underground

"Little Red Corvette," Prince

"Fields of Gold," Sting

"Red Rain," Peter Gabriel

"Black Magic Woman," Santana

"Goodbye, Yellow Brick Road," Elton John

"Band of Gold," Freda Payne

(Okay, some of these I know well but not all).

Now look at this list:

Turquoise blue

Powder blue

 Sky Blue

Electric Blue

Air Force

Baby Blue

Tiffany

Steel Blue

Carolina Blue

Turkish Blue

Pigeon Blue

Maya Blue

Teal Blue

Independence Blue

Cornflower Blue

Olympic Blue

Sapphire Blue

Azure Blue

Egyptian Blue

Yale Blue

Navy Blue

Prussian Blue

Space Blue

Royal Blue

(and more)

(And, of course, the list could have been done with any of the colors - green has so many hues - especially in nature and in spring).

*****

And, okay - so there are oodles of songs with colors in the titles and oodles of tints and tones and hues of all the colors.  Yep.  And, what again is your point Karen?

I’ve been around artists recently (like at the Bent Tree Art Gallery in Wimberley Texas).  I worked with my friend Kathleen on a project where she mixed a base color with red and brown to get an appropriate hue.  And, she mixed it about four times until we agreed on a proper tint.

*****

I think I grew up with the standard eight box of Crayolas.  Red, Yellow, Green, Brown, Blue, Black, White, and Purple. I have a box of 72 colored pencils.  Amazing - 72 varieties of colored pencils!!!  WOW!!  I have been coloring some Halloween and Thanksgiving pages off the internet.  Do you know how many shades of brown you can use on a turkey or a cornucopia? Even as I write, I picture the brown-black of skin on the outside of a done turkey.  Roasted to perfection, with the aroma filling the room.  Can just thinking of such a color awaken my olfactory senses (smell)?, can I taste the moist turkey meat (don’t let it dry out friends), is Friendsgiving and Thanksgiving as much about long-beloved colors, aromas, and tastes in our brains?

***** 

There is a HUGE amount of variety in the world.  This source says about 10 million colors!!!

“There are approximately 10,000,000 (10 million) colors in the world.

Careful measurements of our visual system’s best performance have been made by psychophysicists (people who study human responses, like seeing color, to things in the world, like light). They have shown that we can see about 1000 levels of light-dark, 100 levels of red-green, and 100 levels of yellow-blue for a single viewing condition in a laboratory. This means that the total number of colors we can see is about 1000 x 100 x 100 = 10,000,000 (10 million). A computer displays about 16.8 million colors to create full-color pictures, really more than necessary for most situations. However, the answer is not quite so simple. What color looks like is greatly affected by the viewing conditions.”

How about that concept with people - millions (really billions) of people in the world - all of whom are unique.  YOU are unique.  You are more than the 72 colored pencils in my box.  You are more than the tantalizing aromas from a kitchen on Thanksgiving.  You are more than you can imagine.  YOU are unique.

In the book “The Shack”, God (pictured as a large black lady) says about every person “I’m terribly fond of you”.  God is terribly fond of each of us - each of us unique people.  Even the good and the bad.  Judeo-Christians have the verse “Made in the image and likeness of God”.  That hopeless dude on the street corner is in the image and likeness of God!!!  That obnoxious neighbor is in the image and likeness of God, and that dear, dear friend is definitely in the image and likeness of God!!

*****

And, you, my readers - are also very special, and very fond in God’s eyes, and very unique and wonderful in my eyes!!!  LOVE DOES WIN!!!!

Karen