Shaowlands

Yesterday was my birthday. My boyfriend took me to dinner with friends and then to the great Guthrie Theater to see Shadowlands, the love story of C. S. Lewis and Joy Gresham.

It's a very familiar story to me.

Most people know that C. S. Lewis was one of the brightest academics ever, having written The Lion,the Witch and the Wardrobe, Surprised by Joy, Mere Christianity, The Screwtape Letters and countless other books.

He lived at Oxford with his brother and hung out with four other really smart people - like J. R. R. Tolkien. They called themselves the Inklings. At these meetings they shared some of their most famous writings for the first time. Works like Tolkien's Lord of the Rings.

Over the years, I've had people tell me that Lewis' late in life love affair was with some young, American floozy.

Nothing could be further from the truth. Joyce Gresham was an accomplished writer and activist and was his equal on many levels.

They had a short, tragic time together. As it turned out she was suffering from bone cancer when they met.

What's remarkable to me is the softness she brought to this genius who lived almost totally in his head.

Following are some C. S. Lewis quotes from after the time Joy died...Ones that have helped me.

Grief is quite unlike what I imagined. I thought of it as a state, but it is really a process.

Indeed, the situation is not easy to describe. My heart is breaking and I was never so happy before; at any rate there is more to life than I knew about.

You never know how much you really believe anything until its truth or falsehood becomes a matter of life and death to you.

I pray because I can't help myself. I pray because I'm helpless. I pray because the need flows out of me all the time, waking and sleeping. It doesn't change God. It changes me.


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Hanging Chads

Everybody in the world knows that Floridians can't vote properly. I've personally been held responsible a couple of times for electing the current occupier of the White House.

Believe me, that's a stretch!

Now I'm kinda enjoying the daily news regarding the Minnesota senate race. If you'll remember, they voted on November 6th with the rest of us.

The votes are still being counted - with no end in sight.

The big race is between Al Franken, the perennial (but former) writer and performer on Saturday Night Live and Norm Coleman, the current senator.

The average person might think "What's the big deal? Just count the votes." But the first count was very close and each additional count brings up a different total.

And there are the problem ballots. We Americans really do know how to mangle a ballot, not to mention the votes cast for Mickey Mouse and other animated rodents.

But it's the American way. The democratic process is messy - at best.

I have every confidence that, eventually, the best man will win.


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Baby, It's Cold Outside

I now understand more why Sarah Palin is such a hearty person.

The temperature here has hovered between ten below and ten above zero for several days. I have great admiration for the people who choose to live here. But you can't imagine the beauty of this winter wonderland.

Today's observations:

A few blocks from home we saw four fire trucks in a residential neighborhood. House fires are still not uncommon.

We had lunch today with a friend of my boyfriend's. He's lived here all of his long life. I asked him how it was growing up. He said his mother hung the sheets on the clothes line and the kids brought them in - frozen solid.

I'm amazed that by 10:00 A.M. the roads have been cleared by the big snow plows. Even my boyfriend's short dead end street. But it's a given that there will be some days when people can't leave their homes.

The other evening we went out for a sandwich in minus 8 degree weather. I couldn't imagine anybody else being this brave. A young woman came into the restaurant with her baby. It took a full ten minutes to unwrap the baby and herself. She acted like it was no big deal.

My boyfriend lives on a creek. Up a ways the children have swept the snow off a large portion of the creek and added a hockey cage and white molded plastic chairs for spectators. I can't imagine sitting out there for long.

Years ago for one of my boyfriend's family's New Year's eve parties, they invited guests to bring ice skates. At midnight they all went skating on the creek.

We hardly ever do that at my house.

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The Day the Earth Stood Still

I loved this 1951 movie - staring Michael Rennie and Patricia Neal - about an alien arriving in Washington D.C. in one of those comical flying saucers. Rennie, playing a very kind and gentle space being named Klaatu, was sent to earth by an intergalactic council to tell us humans to get a clue regarding our war like ways or we are all gonna be toast.

Naturally, the rest of this sweet quiet movie was spent showing Klaatu being sweet and quiet with Patricia Neal and her adorable little boy while we earthlings tried to kill him. However, his gigantic sidekick and enforcer, Gort, held us at bay.

As I said, I loved this movie so it was with a little trepidation that I ventured out with my boyfriend into the sub zero weather to see the multi million dollar remake staring Keanu Reeves in the Michael Rennie part and Jennifer Connelly playing an entirely different part from Patricia Neal.

But I liked it.

Reeves' character's name is still Klaatu but he could very well have used his other creature from outer space name, Keanu. Of course the 2008 style special effects are way over the top. The story is similar but not quite the same. Of course, we humans are still made to look like violent idiots but the alien has come, not to address our lack of peace in the universe issues but more to address our lack of paying attention to the environment, i.e., Al Goreish issues. Apparently we have the ability to polute the universe.

Yes, he's bought along Gort to subdue us but it doesn't keep us from refusing to listen to his message and, instead, trying to blow him up.

Look for Monty Python's John Cleese, in a small but representational role. (Representing the few of us humans who actually DO have a clue.)

I had a couple of problems with the new movie. First, in the original, Klaatu actually did make the earth stand still. Hence the name. This didn't happen quite the same way in this version. Second, I didn't get what the whole first part of the movie was about. The part that takes place in the artic. If you understand it, let me know.

My boyfriend tells me that I liked Klaatu because he's a Christlike figure.

Could be.

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No Room at the Inn - And That's a Good Thing

Florida has a tourist based economy - and, like most every other place, we're suffering.

But in Bethlehem things are hopping. They're having a great Christmas season. Hotels are full, restaurants are full and businesses are expanding, creating 12,000 new jobs in the city.

Israeli and Palestine forces are working together to make this happen. It's interesting how the economy can sometimes help us see that we need each other.

I was once in Bethlehem during the Christmas season. It was quite a moving and spiritual experience, especially the Church of the Nativity.

Thinking about Bethlehem and what happened there makes me Deliriously Hopeful.


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Obsessed With the Weather

Everybody knows that old people are obsessed with the weather. I try not to be but it's hard because my area for temperature comfort is very narrow - and changes quite unexpectedly. (It's called a hot flash.)

On the other hand, I see young people out freezing in bare arms and backless dresses because they didn't check the weather. But I try not to give them advice because of the stereotyping thing.

Now, here I am in the far North where EVERYBODY obsesses over the weather.

This morning I woke up to the beautiful snowfall that was here when I arrived. It warmed up to the 30s and rained so, sadly, many people stayed home from church and missed the magnificent Christmas music. Now the temperature is dropping rapidly and heavy snow is expected over the frozen rain.

Apparently this is hard to drive in - because the TV guys are telling us to stay home. We've cancelled our plans for the evening. It's just as well because it's supposed to be below zero tonight.

I always sleep with my window open when I'm here. Now I'm not sure.

I'm obsessed.


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A Wedding at Last!

Imagine my pride and happiness to see my governor's picture, along with his new bride, on page two of the Sunday Minneapolis/St. Paul Star Tribune!

Not one Floridian that I know, or know of, thought they'd actually pull it off.

There are a number of reasons for this. While our governor loves the spotlight, he's kept his marriage plans quiet.

Remember, a few short weeks ago when he thought he might be our new vice president? Some people thought the engagement was a prerequisite. After Mr. McCain picked someone else (I can't remember her name) those in the know told us that the marriage would be quietly called off. Talk show hosts offered odds on whether or not he'd tie the knot.

But they did it.

Our governor, who's been a bachelor for almost all of his 52 years has married a beautiful and wealthy young woman.

I sincerely hope they have a long and happy life together.


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Oh, The Weather Outside is Frightful

Early tomorrow morning I'm flying off to see my Boyfriend in the frozen North. Yesterday the high here was 82 degrees. Yesterday the high there was 14 degrees. And snowing hard.

Will I freeze to death? We don't know. But I'm willin' to chance it.

Just as we did last year, after a few days at his house, we'll start on a rambling two week road trip South, stopping to visit friends and family. And, we'll separate for a few days while he spends Christmas with his kids and I spend Christmas with mine. Just as it should be. This will all necessitate my boarding three planes.

By the way, the airlines have changed all three of my flights since booking. I hope they're still in business when I need them.

And, just as last year, I'm taking only a carry-on. So if you see what looks like a bag lady in the airport, wearing several layers of clothing -

Say hi. It's me.


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Let's keep It In Perspective

Yesterday a person was commenting to me about the new "Rainbow Coalition" Obama is assembling. One part especially bothered him.

This will be the third woman in a row to be secretary of state. You should be happy, Cess.

I'm not happy yet.

As Ellen Goodman said in her column the other day:

- Three-fifths of the world's poorest people are women and girls.

- Seventy percent of the children not in school are girls.

- Half a million women die every year in childbirth.

- One in three women will suffer from the pandemic of violence - rape, honor killings and genital mutilation.

Only about fifteen percent of our legislators are women so no need for my friend to feel like we're taking over. Besides, it's been proven over and over that when women are healthy, educated and free, we all win.


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Beware of the Mini Bar

Our governor, Charlie Crist, is experiencing a little bad press (but nothing like the governor of Illinois) due to an expensive trip to Europe he made last summer.

Even though the trip cost us Floridians hundreds of thousands of dollars, the biggest flack is over the mini bar expense.

Over 1,300 dollars.

Receipts show that somebody in the governor's suite visited the mini bar 14 times in one day.

Come on! Everybody knows to stay clear of the mini bar. If you want a Red Bull (our governor's favorite drink) or a package of peanut butter crackers, go down the hall to the snack machines.

This would give one of his 90 body guards, all told, who traveled with him, something to do.

I've never used the mini bar. On the rare occasion that we had children with us in a hotel, the last thing we said to them before leaving the room for any reason was:

"Don't go near the mini bar!"


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Tortoise Tips

What are the chances that a small group of women having a delightful Christmas lunch in a beautiful country club would discuss tortoises?

Today I told my Power Rangers that my daughter has a 125 pound, 65 year old tortoise. Yes, they live that long and get that big.

This reminded another one of us of the following story.

Did you know tortoises pee when you pick them up?

Last week one of my PRs pulled into the driveway of another and spied a big tortoise in the yard. It needed to be taken back to the lake.

Neither wanted to pick it up because one of them knew about the pee thing.

Just then some nursery guys pulled up to inquire about yard work. No, they didn't need yard work done but "would you guys please carry this tortoise back to the lake?"

Sure enough, when one of the guys picked it up "you know what" happened. Big time.

So you have now been forewarned.


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Personal Care

I've noticed that the people I do business with are being extra nice to the public in these hard times. It makes a difference.

Years ago the hospital where I did some contract work had an excellent "new hire" video. Every new person, no matter what level, had to watch the video.

It depicted a man and his dog having a little accident. It then followed them through the medical process. The man had all kinds of trouble from grumpy nurses to rude housekeepers.

The dog had an entirely different experience at the vet's office. The staff loved him and showed it. After he left they sent him a card.

The video made a great point of showing "new hires" the importance of personal care.

Last week I had a little eye irritation. I'd never have gone to my doctor with it. For one thing it would be well (or my eye would fall out) before I could get even an appointment.

I went to my favorite little clinic in my grocery store. In and out in 15 minutes.

This morning Melissa, the nurse practitioner who runs the place, called to see how my eye is doing.

I appreciated it. I'll go back.


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Age Has It's Privilege

I'm a creature of habit. Every Saturday morning I have breakfast with my Oldies. But the situation gets complicated because of the constant celebrations on the street.

There are art shows and car shows and any number of events that require blocking off the street. This morning it was the Christmas parade.

I arrived early knowing parking would be a nightmare. By the time my Oldies arrived the line for coffee and breakfast was out the door. I told Mr. Oldie that I'd wait in his place while they guarded our table. But he went right up to the cashier and placed his order. The hoards of customers standing in line didn't seem to mind a bit. Most of them smiled.

Later, when it was time for Mrs. Oldie's hair appointment, I worried about how they'd get across the street. The parade had started. By the way, this is the longest parade imaginable. Hours and hours. It's delightful but it's extremely inconvenient if you have business on the other side of the avenue.

Hundreds of people lined the parade route. Police, both on foot and on horses, controlled the crowd. Mr. Oldie, with Mrs. Oldie in his one hand and her purse in his other, told the policewoman in front of Panera's they needed to cross.

She stopped the parade!


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Relief

I'm feeling a little stress in my life right now - most of it good. It's the time of year when feelings are running high.

But one of the things I do to calm myself is to read recipes. I have a bunch of "Bon Appetite" magazines that I thumb through when I'm stressed.

Not that I make any of this stuff. Sometimes I don't even know what the ingredients are. Like the Spice-Rubbed Butterflied Leg of Lamb recipe calls for fresh marjoram leaves. What are marjoram leaves?

But in my "Indianapolis Monthly" issue that arrived today there was a beautiful picture of a cheeseburger with all the fixin's. But with a difference. The bun had been replaced with DONUTS!

Now that would be an instant stress reliever.


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A Business Plan

Most of us know about business plans. I love them. I'm always amazed at people who don't have them. I think we should have them for everything. Lots of times we set out to do something with no road map and no way of measuring how we're doing.

I have two very cool friends who've spent some time in Rwanda. On their last trip their goal was to help the people in their poor village change their economic lives. How would they do this? By providing loans. They had $5,000 to lend.

First they got to know the people.

Then they asked the ones who wanted loans to write up business plans. Forty of them did.

Examples: One man sells milk in the village. He travels on his bicycle so he has to make many trips back and forth. He wanted a loan in order to buy a scooter.

A woman makes coffee every morning in a crude pot on an open fire. She puts the coffee into a relatively small container, then walks around the village selling cups of coffee. She wanted a loan to buy one of those 40 pound tanks you can strap on your back that has a spicket on it. Then she could serve lots of cups of coffee before refilling her tank.

These sound like excellent business plans to me.


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Have You Heard About This Casey Anthony Thing?

Most of us will be happy to see the new year arrive. What with the World Wide Recession and all. Not to mention fires, storms and what not.

So, what's been the #1 story of 2008? You guessed it, CASEY/CAYLEE ANTHONY.

I'll have to admit I was a bit out of the loop while I was up north all summer but upon arriving home to Florida the story hit me like a ton of bricks. Even with my ignorance, this was a national story even last summer. Now it's an intergalactic story.

Nancy Grace will soon be so rich and famous she can retire and have more twin babies.

Google rates Casey Anthony, with 7,540,000 hits, as the second most popular story. With "hurricanes" #1.

A couple of silly, short videos on You-Tube have had more than 20,000 hits.

This story is reported on hourly in my city. Even though, since the child went missing, almost nothing has happened.

I would like to explain this phenomenon to you but I don't get it. What with millions of dead and dying children across the world.

But it does have those popular ingredients. A missing baby and an attractive parent/suspect. (Think Scott Pettersen, JonBenet Ramsey, etc.)

A couple of weeks ago I rented a car from Hertz. As the young woman behind the counter and I I chatted this blog came up. All at once excited. she said,

"It's about Caylee isn't it?"


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