why should the devil have all the good music?

I learned this afternoon that one of the fathers of Christian rock, Larry Norman, passed away on Sunday, February 24th. I grew up on his music. Some of today's CCM artists may not even realize they are standing on his shoulders. He had been in poor health for several years and was considered something of an outsider. However, best I could tell, he was always true to himself and just wanted to sing about Jesus. So, I don't think he minded. He was just 60 years old. But, we're only visiting this planet.

A statment Larry posted on his website the day before he died:
I feel like a prize in a box of cracker jacks with God's hand reaching down to pick me up. I have been under medical care for months. My wounds are getting bigger. I have trouble breathing. I am ready to fly home. I won't be here much longer. I can't do anything about it. My heart is too weak. I want to say goodbye to everyone. In the past you have generously supported me with prayer and finance and we will probably still need financial help. My plan is to be buried in a simple pine box with some flowers inside. I'd like to push back the darkness with my bravest effort. There will be funeral information posted on my website, in case some of you want to attend. We are not sure of the date when I will die. Goodbye, farewell, we will meet again.

larrynorman.com
CCM Magazine article
Listen to the NPR story.

wow. i needed that.

i still knit

New yarn.
Cascade 220.
Wool.
Gonna be a hat.
For my brother.
The pattern, I found on Ravelry.
I learned a cable cast-on.
It's my new favorite.
Neat, clean edge.

10 on tuesday: 10 movies i've intended to watch, but haven't

It is my goal to eventually have watched every film that has won Best Picture at the Academy Awards. I guess this would be a start…

10 Movies That You've Intended to Watch, but Haven't
1. Schindler’s List
2. The Godfather 1, 2, & 3
3. Lawrence of Arabia
4. The Graduate
5. On the Waterfront
6. Sunset Blvd.
7. Chinatown
8. The Apartment
9. The Deer Hunter
10. Superbad

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equal time

I don't care what anybody says, the guy is funny.

Huck's Chuck Facts

(If you don't get it reference this.)

Mike Huckabee on SNL's Weekend Update

seriously

I remember when I was a freshman or sophmore Up With People came to my high school. Nice to see those fun loving people are still keeping busy. I apologize to you now that this song will get stuck in your head after one listen and you're going to walk around all day singing it. But it's kind of worth it, no really. Someone somewhere thought this was a good idea...

HILLARY4U&ME

THIS IS BY NO MEANS A POLITICAL ENDORSEMENT

wow, it happened. it really happened.

Indy Racing League founder and CEO Tony George and owners of the Champ Car World Series have completed an agreement in principle that will unify the sport for 2008. (read more)

IRL + CHAMP CAR =

And actual phone conversation from this afternoon:

ME: John. It’s done. Have you checked your email?
JOHN: Yes. About the merger?
ME: Yes. Look at IndyCar.com!!!!
JOHN: It must be really busy. It won’t come up.
ME: John, the merger happened. It actually happened. Why are you not excited?
[He didn’t really give me a reason. And he’s the one who got me into this sport and was around when The Divide happened over a decade ago. ]
ME: It’s now The IndyCar Series.
JOHN: They’ve changed the name? It’s like they gave in.
ME: No, it’s really not. When you see the logo you’ll see what I mean. It’s like some a minor name change and a slight change to the logo. It’s like…it’s like…when we became The United Methodist Church. Nobody knows what the “United” is for. Nobody remembers the EUB Church [Evangelical United Brethren Church] since the merger. Most of the time we’re just called Methodists. [No offense EUB. By “nobody” I don’t mean NO-body. Just most-bodies.]
JOHN: laughter
ME: John, be more excited.
JOHN: Well, well, well.

whatchoo talkin' about willis?

10 on tuesday: 10 things i love

1) Real popcorn.

I’m talking the real deal, popped in a pan on the stove. My family has used the same pan for popping corn for years. It’s an old pressure cooker. I’m not sure how long my parents have had had. It may have been one of their wedding presents. Over the weekend I wanted popcorn and Mom mentioned that she had some “real” popcorn in the pantry. We got out the old pressure cooker and enjoyed the best popcorn. I had forgotten just how good it can be. Microwave just cannot compare! Before the end of the weekend we had finished off the rest of the “real” popcorn.

2) Knitting Vintage Socks: New Twists on Classic Patterns by Nancy Bush
I have really been enjoying this book that is based on sock patterns from late 1800’s-early 1900’s issues of the British publication Weldon’s Practical Needlework. There are 24 patterns that range from everyday-practical (Gentleman’s Shooting Stockings with Fluted Pattern) to heirloom (Baby Bootikin) to fun (Heelless Sleeping socks). Several times I’ve found myself just looking through the book at the photos and illustrations without a needle or yarn in hand. Just looking …

3) Philosophy Candy Cane lipshine.
I tend to stay away from minty flavored lip balms. But this one is really nice. The flavor is somehow kind of creamy. Yummy. I wish it weren’t a seasonal scent!

4) The Travel Channel’s annual President’s Day marathon of Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations.
This show really makes me want a) ethnic foods b) to travel. And I always learn something. Did you know that nachos were created in the 1940’s by a border-town Mexican restaurateur trying to feed American military officer’s wives in a pinch? They loved it = nachos were born. It reminded me of the story of the Kentucky Hot Brown.

5) Divine moments that come to those who wait. And get punchy and brainstorm.
For months now our Crossroads leadership team at church has attempted to find a way to define our group. We kept resisting. But church leadership kept saying, “you need to define”. We kept saying, “we don’t wanna”. We relented. Creativity hit. Divine inspiration. And… “The Boombox to iPod Generation” landed in the room. Brilliant.

6) University of Louisville men’s basketball (thus far) 21-6 season.

(Point of reference: Kentucky is 13-10)

7) Yael Naim’s cover of Britney Spears “Toxic”.

8) The Bistro.

I had a great meal with Lee and Laura over the weekend.

9) When it’s the end of the day and my low back is hurting and Derby snuggles up against the small of my back like a furry little heating pad.

10) Making lists.

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happy president's day

If you've been there you know what I mean.

10 on tuesday: 10 things i dislike about politics

'10 Things You Dislike About Politics'

I guess I have always felt like politics were important. But, for a long time I didn’t understand a lot of it. However, the more I learn and the more I understand the process the more I enjoy it and the more I am convinced that it is a very important thing that each American should devote some time and thought to (and prayer, if you’re a praying American). So, for this list of 10 things I dislike about American politics I could list at least 10 things more that I like.

1) The amount of money spent on campaigning. When figures like $3,000,000 in one month are thrown around it makes me feel a little queasy.

2) That someone, who might be a really great candidate, doesn’t get anywhere for lack of funds.

3) Mudslinging. When will candidates realize that we, The People, don’t care for it?

4) Politics' polarizing effects.

5) Labels

6) I really regret that we often get very emotional about political issues. But why shouldn’t we? It makes sense that we would become passionate about such things-very important things. But I lament that we don’t always remain reasonable enough to take the emotion out of it and hear another person’s viewpoint. Keeping in mind the values and the world view that shapes them. This doesn’t mean that we have to agree with that person. It doesn’t mean we have to change their mind. But if we stopped to hear one another I think we might actually get somewhere instead of feeling like the other side is the bad guy.

7) I am frustrated that there are so many Americans who don’t take the time to get involved. Yes, it takes some energy and effort. But please study up. Figure out what you believe and find the candidate whom you can support. I don’t care if you’re voting differently than me. Make an informed decision and vote. Keep in mind there were times in America when people were denied the right to vote because of their gender or their race. That Women, Blacks, and Native Americans were once unable to vote in this country. And in honor of those people… VOTE! I’d prefer you’d do so with some knowledge to support your decision. But sometimes you just have to make that first step and show-up at the polls.

8) That we often forget that candidates are real people with families. With spouses and children and parents and close friends. And that the candidates and their family and friends are making some big sacrifices. (Can you tell I’m rooting this on my experiences as a P.K.?)

9) The digging up of dirt. Sometimes it’s irrelevant dirt. Sometimes it’s forgettable dirt. Sometimes it’s dirt that’s just no longer dirty.

10) “Don’t taz me, bro!” (Sorry, for a second I thought I was David Letterman)

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happy birthday to my dad and uncle

Uncle Harold and Dad

charlie bit me.

10 on tuesday: 10 things i can do instead of watching tv

10 Things You Can Do Instead of Watching TV

I was tempted to put sleep on this list. But watching tv is usually something I do when I can't sleep.

1) Read

2) Paint

3) Volunteer

4) Take a walk/Take Derby to the dog park

5) Sew

6) Knit something with a complex pattern that requires my full attention

7) Bake/Cook

8) Sing/Practice guitar or piano. Or sit and just listen to music-something I don't do enough of anymore.

9) Write

10) Work a crossword or jigsaw puzzle

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the winningest coach in college basketball

Dear Bobby,

You are a bit of a hot head. Well, that's stretchin' the blanket. You are cantankerous, short-fused, and nothing if not excitabile. Oh, and foul-mouthed. Your photo would never be on Wikipedia with an entry about good sportsmanship. But, but but but, I'll miss you. I really will. When I was growing up you gave us a reason to have a rivalry with IU. The only reason we told those corny jokes like, "Why do all the trees in Kentucky point north? Because Indiana sucks." is because you were a worthy opponet. Oh Bobby, I am a bag of mixed emotions when it comes to you. I was on your side when you gave your Texas Tech player a love tap out on the court. And though the Bobby Knight in the Minute Maid commercial is more to my taste, than the reality (see below), the game will never be the same without you.

*i am the girl you know, so sick i cannot try

Just when I publicly declare my intentions of more regular blog posts my mind and body get derailed by a ridiculous series of migraines. Since the second week of January I have had more days with migraines than without. And that is just, well, stupid. It makes it difficult to be at all productive. Let me tell ya, I am so glad that I am living at home with my family right now and there are other people who can make sure things get done. Like taking out the trash and the dogs, doing laundry, cleaning the bathtub, and preparing food. Otherwise I would be living in filth, wearing dirty socks, and eating nothing but dry Special K and Cheerios.

Today’s Playlist: Hits from the 80’s, 90’s, and Today

*Miss World – Hole
The Tide is High – Blondie
Can’t Fight This Feeling – REO Speedwagon
Keep On Loving You – REO Speedwagon
Don’t Stop Believin’ – Journey
Wonderwall – Oasis
Apologize – OneRepublic and Timbaland
The First Taste – Fiona Apple
Why - Annie Lennox