From Sgt. Major Mitchell's memoirs
The japanese invasion of Burma in 1942 cut the supply routs to China. Myitkyina, Burma was a hugely important base for Japan. It had two airports or air fields, a rail and highway as well as river for boat traffic.
From the air fields, they were able to greatly curtail the flow of supplies by air between India and China. All land traffic was halted with the fall of Burma into Japanese hands.
The air supply route was much more dangerous because of weather conditions and it was a longer route, too. Because of these difficulties, ground troops were needed in Burma to cause confusion among the Japanese troops, and to capture the coveted Myitkyina.
Merrill's Marauders overran Myitkyina in mid-May, 1944. However, the strength of the unit was in sad disarray. They were weak from marching many miles through the jungles and over the mountains, from having lost many men to the enemy but more to the disease-carrying insects... fevers, malaria, typhus, dysentery and the like which debilitated the unit. The long march, the jungle and combat had taken a heavy toll on the men.
The airstrip was taken, but the city was not. The Unit did not have the strength to take the town. Two Chinese units were moved in to take the town, but ended up mistaking each other for the enemy and therefore battled each other, not taking the town. The enemy took advantage of the conditions and brought reinforcements into the battle, causing much concern.
Reinforcements were desparately needed, or lose the Myitkyina. Everything had to come in by air, because Myitkyina was hundreds of miles behind Japanese lines. This battle became the largest scale battle to be fought in Burma by the American troops, lasting three months during the monsoon weather. Losses were high on both sides of the line.
The first responsibility was to defend Myitkyina air strip and secondly to take the city. In Mitchell's Battalion, the losses were great. Company G, 2nd Battalion was caught in an ambush and more than 200 men were killed and only 17 escaped the ambush to report back what happened. One of the survivors had been shot through the face and left for dead. He managed to crawl back through the enemy to friendly territory, but he didn't look human. His face was covered in maggots. The medical officer said the maggots had saved his life by eating all the infection which would have killed him. The man did survive, and in fact was returned to the unit months later with his jaw wired with instructions to be fed soft diet. He was evacuated on the next transport to the rear area.
One of the worst things, other than the Company G ambush, was when some of the brass in the rear felt that the stalemat we were involved in could be broken by sending in B-25 bomber planes and bomb at high altitude, 5,000 feet, which they did. The bombs were dropped short and as many hit us as hit the enemy! We lost lots of men, over a hundred. It was a horrible experience trying to dig out men covered in their fox holes, blue from suffocation, body parts everywhere, wounded and dying everywhere. Several weeks later, the same planes came back again, gave us warning ahead of time, therefore, we could move our lines back 100 yards. The B-25 bombers came in again and hit our lines causing may more casualties. No one ever admitted responsibility or offered any reason or any "sorry about that". We never again had bombing by B-25s, thank goodness.
Our air support was by fighter bomber planes. The old P-r0s did an outstanding support job. They would fly in ver low dropping 250 pound bombs or the napome bombs, belly tanks which were filled with a liquid mixture that would ignite, covering a large area with flaming liquid, going into bunkers, fox holes and trenche, very frightening even to us. The P-40s also came in low, strafe the enemy positions with 50 caliber machine guns. We never lost any men from this type of air support.
Part 4 The Battle Rages is here.
Burma Campaign, 1944
Editor's note: This is taken directly from Ray Mitchell's memoirs...
Why were we there?
The war in China, Burma, and India was the result of the Japanese cutting all supply lines into China. There had been fighting in China since 1937 with several million troops there. The Japanese had taken every port that could be used to import supplies except Burma.
Supplies that came into Burma through Rangoon and other ports were moved by rail, trucks and river boats up to where the Japanese invaded in 1942, running the British and Chinese troops back into India. Burma, as well as India, was British territory and had been British controlled for many years. The loss of Burma left only one source of supplies to China from the USA, which was to fly supplies from India into China over the Himalayan mountains, better known as The Hump. The flight over the Hump was treacherous, very high, snow covered, and the mountain peaks were often covered by clouds. Add to that the frequent bad weather and Japanese planes and you've got a hugely dangerous mix.
The Japanese had fighter planes based in Myitkyina, Burma that could intercept the transports going over the lower, safer part of the Hump. Thia forced pilots to fly further north into higher, and more dangerous mountains. These conditions caused so much loss of life, supplies and planes the route was often called The Aluminum Trail because of all the crashes along the trail. There were a few that had made the trip numerous times, but they had a rough time of it.
The USA needed to supply the Chinese in order to keep them fighting the Japanese. That would keep millions of Japanese occupied with China and out of the Pacific War, plus it would keep the Japanese using up valuable supplies in the China campaign.
Presient Roosevelt and Winston Churchill met and decided to try and retake Burma. The Birtish wanted this because it was their colony and the USA wanted it to make it easier to get more supplies to China. The British wanted more American supplies for their forces in India so that they could retake Burma.
So, the call for volunteers went out to all the Army camps and posts throughout the States and out laying bases in Central America.
"Wanted: Volunteers for a dangerous, hazardous mission in jungle warfare"
There was no mention of where the volunteers would be sent, only that it was for jungle warfare and that it was dangerous. The call was answered by men from many backgrounds, as well as many places.
[Ray told me on the day of our conversation that he saw that sign and knew it was where he needed to be. No cold, snow, and frozen puddles for him. Jungles were warm. Visions of sea breezes and waving palms danced in his head. So he convinced his cousin to volunteer with him to go to Burma.
He shook his head then said, "I was just a dumb teenager. Dumb and stupid to volunteer for anything!"]
This was ground work for the Units that later became the 5307th Composite Unit Provisional, better known as Merrill's Marauders. Pages have now been written in history books about this unit and their exploits in their march through Burma.
The battle for Burma involved many different Army units such as the Air Corp, Quartermaster, Medical Units, Transportation and the like. All were needed to complete this daunting task. The US Army Engineers did an almost impossible task of building roads across Burma to reach the Burma Road; and in building an oil pipeline from India to China across Burma. They worked through the dry season and through the monsoon seasons to make a road a reality.
When the Infantry was able to clear the Burma Road, their job in Burma was over. Those that were left, either went to China or to India. The group that I was with ended up in China.
Sgt/Maj Ray F. Mitchell
5307th CUP
475th Infantry
Part 3 Myitkyina Campaign Sgt. Major Ray. Mitchell is here
Why were we there?
The war in China, Burma, and India was the result of the Japanese cutting all supply lines into China. There had been fighting in China since 1937 with several million troops there. The Japanese had taken every port that could be used to import supplies except Burma.
Supplies that came into Burma through Rangoon and other ports were moved by rail, trucks and river boats up to where the Japanese invaded in 1942, running the British and Chinese troops back into India. Burma, as well as India, was British territory and had been British controlled for many years. The loss of Burma left only one source of supplies to China from the USA, which was to fly supplies from India into China over the Himalayan mountains, better known as The Hump. The flight over the Hump was treacherous, very high, snow covered, and the mountain peaks were often covered by clouds. Add to that the frequent bad weather and Japanese planes and you've got a hugely dangerous mix.
The Japanese had fighter planes based in Myitkyina, Burma that could intercept the transports going over the lower, safer part of the Hump. Thia forced pilots to fly further north into higher, and more dangerous mountains. These conditions caused so much loss of life, supplies and planes the route was often called The Aluminum Trail because of all the crashes along the trail. There were a few that had made the trip numerous times, but they had a rough time of it.
The USA needed to supply the Chinese in order to keep them fighting the Japanese. That would keep millions of Japanese occupied with China and out of the Pacific War, plus it would keep the Japanese using up valuable supplies in the China campaign.
Presient Roosevelt and Winston Churchill met and decided to try and retake Burma. The Birtish wanted this because it was their colony and the USA wanted it to make it easier to get more supplies to China. The British wanted more American supplies for their forces in India so that they could retake Burma.
So, the call for volunteers went out to all the Army camps and posts throughout the States and out laying bases in Central America.
"Wanted: Volunteers for a dangerous, hazardous mission in jungle warfare"
There was no mention of where the volunteers would be sent, only that it was for jungle warfare and that it was dangerous. The call was answered by men from many backgrounds, as well as many places.
[Ray told me on the day of our conversation that he saw that sign and knew it was where he needed to be. No cold, snow, and frozen puddles for him. Jungles were warm. Visions of sea breezes and waving palms danced in his head. So he convinced his cousin to volunteer with him to go to Burma.
He shook his head then said, "I was just a dumb teenager. Dumb and stupid to volunteer for anything!"]
This was ground work for the Units that later became the 5307th Composite Unit Provisional, better known as Merrill's Marauders. Pages have now been written in history books about this unit and their exploits in their march through Burma.
The battle for Burma involved many different Army units such as the Air Corp, Quartermaster, Medical Units, Transportation and the like. All were needed to complete this daunting task. The US Army Engineers did an almost impossible task of building roads across Burma to reach the Burma Road; and in building an oil pipeline from India to China across Burma. They worked through the dry season and through the monsoon seasons to make a road a reality.
When the Infantry was able to clear the Burma Road, their job in Burma was over. Those that were left, either went to China or to India. The group that I was with ended up in China.
Sgt/Maj Ray F. Mitchell
5307th CUP
475th Infantry
Part 3 Myitkyina Campaign Sgt. Major Ray. Mitchell is here
A most interesting conversation
I had one of the most interesting conversations the other day... well, about 2 weeks ago--with a gentleman who is a WWII veteran. Click on the link below to read the first part.
He grew up in Picayune and volunteered to the Army.
There was a bit of confusion at the gates of Camp Shelby, just outside of Hattiesburge, Mississippi. The Army was used to handling draftees, not volunteers. After they sorted all that out they trained two new recruits: Ray F. Mitchell and his cousin Sonny.
I'm going to take the next few days and tell his story. The first part of the story is here. I'm running his story on the front page of the paper, but there just isn't enough room to tell the whole story and I think this is a story that needs to be told. It is quite a nail-biter, on-the-edge-of-your-seat kind of story. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
He grew up in Picayune and volunteered to the Army.
There was a bit of confusion at the gates of Camp Shelby, just outside of Hattiesburge, Mississippi. The Army was used to handling draftees, not volunteers. After they sorted all that out they trained two new recruits: Ray F. Mitchell and his cousin Sonny.
I'm going to take the next few days and tell his story. The first part of the story is here. I'm running his story on the front page of the paper, but there just isn't enough room to tell the whole story and I think this is a story that needs to be told. It is quite a nail-biter, on-the-edge-of-your-seat kind of story. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
To will or not to will
I was discussing something with a dear friend and realized something.
It wasn't one of those lightening bolt things like I've had in the past. It was just a quiet nudge from God's elbow. I just love it when He does that.
Here I've been complaining about a soreness in my soul and not feeling at home and not feeling like I belong when all along God was trying to tell me that those feelings were just as fickle as a rainless cloud. All promise with nothing produced and no bite.
It is such a relief to stomp my foot at the devil and tell him to "Be gone, Satan, get thee behind me." He cannot hurt me, and he has tried. Oh I've felt a pinprick or two but nothing that could come close to a real hurt. Praise God.
Salva Bogu... that's Ukranian for Praise God. One of the young men in our church is going there this summer on a mission. There are several that he has asked prayer for. His name is David. If you've a mind to, please say a prayer for his health and his mission that God will use him in a mighty way.
Mom and I are praying about starting a neighborhood Bible study. Pray God presses His will into us and that He brings those to us that He wants to reach with this mission. I have deeply missed my weekly Bible study with my sisters in Newellton. Funny, but I haven't heard one peep from any of them.
I believe God designed it that way so I wouldn't look back to where He did not want me to be so that I would look forward ever pressing into His will. That is a most delightful place to be.
Thank you so much those of you who keep checking back on me even though I haven't been posting as often as I used to or visiting as often as I used to. I'll get better... I'm still dealing with boxes and I want to put up some cabinets in the garage. So much to do and so little time.
Saturday I was feeling deep stress because I had a plate full as well as a deep bowl and my cup ranneth over, too. I just asked God to manage the time and help me get it done. I got everything done on the list. Grass mowed, flowers planted, groceries bought, house cleaned, clothes washed, SS lesson studied and a long chat with a dear friend. That's a great day!
It wasn't one of those lightening bolt things like I've had in the past. It was just a quiet nudge from God's elbow. I just love it when He does that.
Here I've been complaining about a soreness in my soul and not feeling at home and not feeling like I belong when all along God was trying to tell me that those feelings were just as fickle as a rainless cloud. All promise with nothing produced and no bite.
It is such a relief to stomp my foot at the devil and tell him to "Be gone, Satan, get thee behind me." He cannot hurt me, and he has tried. Oh I've felt a pinprick or two but nothing that could come close to a real hurt. Praise God.
Salva Bogu... that's Ukranian for Praise God. One of the young men in our church is going there this summer on a mission. There are several that he has asked prayer for. His name is David. If you've a mind to, please say a prayer for his health and his mission that God will use him in a mighty way.
Mom and I are praying about starting a neighborhood Bible study. Pray God presses His will into us and that He brings those to us that He wants to reach with this mission. I have deeply missed my weekly Bible study with my sisters in Newellton. Funny, but I haven't heard one peep from any of them.
I believe God designed it that way so I wouldn't look back to where He did not want me to be so that I would look forward ever pressing into His will. That is a most delightful place to be.
Thank you so much those of you who keep checking back on me even though I haven't been posting as often as I used to or visiting as often as I used to. I'll get better... I'm still dealing with boxes and I want to put up some cabinets in the garage. So much to do and so little time.
Saturday I was feeling deep stress because I had a plate full as well as a deep bowl and my cup ranneth over, too. I just asked God to manage the time and help me get it done. I got everything done on the list. Grass mowed, flowers planted, groceries bought, house cleaned, clothes washed, SS lesson studied and a long chat with a dear friend. That's a great day!
Fabulous!
I was happily in the middle of breakfast when I heard that the Supreme Court had upheld Congress and President Bush’s aversion to the practice of partial-birth abortion.
There are rarely "no opinions" on the subject of abortion and it usually draws the proverbial line in the sand along with raising blood pressures.
However, this Supreme Court ruling is probably the most significant ruling since Roe v. Wade back in 1973. It is so unusual because for the first time in eons, the Congress, the President and the Supreme Court agree on a single issue: partial-birth abortion is "gruesome and inhumane."
I am pretty sure this is because Congress did their homework, gathering hours and hours of "testimony from extensive legislative hearings from the 104th, 105th, 107th, and 108th Congresses."
They found there is no credible medical evidence that partial-birth abortions are safe or are safer than other abortion procedures. A medical association states that it has never been an accepted medical practice. There has never been a documented case where partial birth abortion was required to save the life of the mother or preserve her health.
Congress also found, as stated in paragraph I, that the fetus is killed outside the womb and that gives the fetus an autonomy which separates it from the right of women to choose treatments of her own body. At last, some intelligent Congressional thinking. In paragraph J, Congress states that the partial-birth abortion confuses the medical, legal and ethical duties of physicians who are sworn to preserve and promote life. And this is why I find it so hard to understand why physicians would perform any type of abortions.
Paragraph K expresses concern that the killing of an infant after the birth has begun, undermines the public’s perception of the appropriate role of a physician and perverts the process in which life is brought into this world.
I’m inclined to believe this is most likely why the love of man is growing so cold and there is less and less regard for the sanctity of life regardless of age.
Congress calls this a process of "gruesome and inhumane nature", and it has "disturbing similarity to the killing of a newborn infant", and that the prohibition of partial-birth abortion is the only way to counter that disregard for human life.
"(M) The vast majority of babies killed during partial-birth abortions are alive until the end of the procedure. It is a medical fact, however, that unborn infants at this stage can feel pain when subjected to painful stimuli and that their perception of this pain is even more intense than that of newborn infants and older children when subjected to the same stimuli. Thus, during a partial-birth abortion procedure, the child will fully experience the pain associated with piercing his or her skull and sucking out his or her brain.
(N) Implicitly approving such a brutal and inhumane procedure by choosing not to prohibit it will further coarsen society to the humanity of not only newborns, but all vulnerable and innocent human life, making it increasingly difficult to protect such life. Thus Congress has a compelling interest in acting --indeed it must act--to prohibit this inhumane procedure."
This is purely my own opinion, of course, but since all this is worded with the "health of the mother" in mind as the only reason for abortion, what possible reason could the death of the infant be good for the health of the mother? I’ve got a really good imagination, and I have rummaged around in my cerebral sphere, but can’t fathom that one. Paragraph M states chilling truth.
There are rarely "no opinions" on the subject of abortion and it usually draws the proverbial line in the sand along with raising blood pressures.
However, this Supreme Court ruling is probably the most significant ruling since Roe v. Wade back in 1973. It is so unusual because for the first time in eons, the Congress, the President and the Supreme Court agree on a single issue: partial-birth abortion is "gruesome and inhumane."
I am pretty sure this is because Congress did their homework, gathering hours and hours of "testimony from extensive legislative hearings from the 104th, 105th, 107th, and 108th Congresses."
They found there is no credible medical evidence that partial-birth abortions are safe or are safer than other abortion procedures. A medical association states that it has never been an accepted medical practice. There has never been a documented case where partial birth abortion was required to save the life of the mother or preserve her health.
Congress also found, as stated in paragraph I, that the fetus is killed outside the womb and that gives the fetus an autonomy which separates it from the right of women to choose treatments of her own body. At last, some intelligent Congressional thinking. In paragraph J, Congress states that the partial-birth abortion confuses the medical, legal and ethical duties of physicians who are sworn to preserve and promote life. And this is why I find it so hard to understand why physicians would perform any type of abortions.
Paragraph K expresses concern that the killing of an infant after the birth has begun, undermines the public’s perception of the appropriate role of a physician and perverts the process in which life is brought into this world.
I’m inclined to believe this is most likely why the love of man is growing so cold and there is less and less regard for the sanctity of life regardless of age.
Congress calls this a process of "gruesome and inhumane nature", and it has "disturbing similarity to the killing of a newborn infant", and that the prohibition of partial-birth abortion is the only way to counter that disregard for human life.
"(M) The vast majority of babies killed during partial-birth abortions are alive until the end of the procedure. It is a medical fact, however, that unborn infants at this stage can feel pain when subjected to painful stimuli and that their perception of this pain is even more intense than that of newborn infants and older children when subjected to the same stimuli. Thus, during a partial-birth abortion procedure, the child will fully experience the pain associated with piercing his or her skull and sucking out his or her brain.
(N) Implicitly approving such a brutal and inhumane procedure by choosing not to prohibit it will further coarsen society to the humanity of not only newborns, but all vulnerable and innocent human life, making it increasingly difficult to protect such life. Thus Congress has a compelling interest in acting --indeed it must act--to prohibit this inhumane procedure."
This is purely my own opinion, of course, but since all this is worded with the "health of the mother" in mind as the only reason for abortion, what possible reason could the death of the infant be good for the health of the mother? I’ve got a really good imagination, and I have rummaged around in my cerebral sphere, but can’t fathom that one. Paragraph M states chilling truth.
I apologize
I have been very remiss lately by not posting at all regularly. I've let most of my other writing obligations slide, too, except for Live As If... I've started back there regularly and here sporadically and Studylight, I check in there every day.
Don Imus got fired but why? What did he do that was so horrible and okay for all the rappers and hip hop guys to do? I don't get it. Is he just a whitey that is the scape goat?
I think those that are protesting the most are the ones that are the blindest. The one of the girls on the basketball team said this, "was going to scar her for life."
Give me a break.
Let's take a test.
Pistol Pete Maravich and his LSU team won the final four for the world championship. They were the best college basketball team. Name the year and at least one other person on that team.
Ah ha... if fame can't follow a person around for years, what makes those girls think that a few words from a shock jock (someone paid to say shocking things) will scar them for life? They weren't even present when he said it.
Just like the people that spin out all that horrible and foul stuff that spews from the hip hop videos and so-called songs, rapper trash, they have every right to freedom of speech, so did Don Imus. I think it is a huge sign of the wickedness of our times. We just feed on the nasties. Our society is what makes the Don Imus' of this world possible. If no one listened to the trash, then it wouldn't be profitable, would it? Of course not.
Unfortunately, he still has a right. Fortunately, there is a thing called the FCC and that commisssion is supposed to keep the commercial air waves free of the most vile of all the trash.
They didn't fine CBS enough for showing the Jackson girls boob. And firing Don Imus is like closing the barn door after the horses have fled. The right thing, but the wrong timing.
Don Imus got fired but why? What did he do that was so horrible and okay for all the rappers and hip hop guys to do? I don't get it. Is he just a whitey that is the scape goat?
I think those that are protesting the most are the ones that are the blindest. The one of the girls on the basketball team said this, "was going to scar her for life."
Give me a break.
Let's take a test.
Pistol Pete Maravich and his LSU team won the final four for the world championship. They were the best college basketball team. Name the year and at least one other person on that team.
Ah ha... if fame can't follow a person around for years, what makes those girls think that a few words from a shock jock (someone paid to say shocking things) will scar them for life? They weren't even present when he said it.
Just like the people that spin out all that horrible and foul stuff that spews from the hip hop videos and so-called songs, rapper trash, they have every right to freedom of speech, so did Don Imus. I think it is a huge sign of the wickedness of our times. We just feed on the nasties. Our society is what makes the Don Imus' of this world possible. If no one listened to the trash, then it wouldn't be profitable, would it? Of course not.
Unfortunately, he still has a right. Fortunately, there is a thing called the FCC and that commisssion is supposed to keep the commercial air waves free of the most vile of all the trash.
They didn't fine CBS enough for showing the Jackson girls boob. And firing Don Imus is like closing the barn door after the horses have fled. The right thing, but the wrong timing.
About the house...
It turns out that my house was a community project.
Seriously.
Two young men unloaded a new china hutch and one of them informed my mom that he did the plumbing in the house. The next afternoon, a fellow came running across the street. I was busy putting up the garden hose after watering my camelia and hibiscus I had planted barely in the nick of time before they choked to death on the dust in their pots.
He asked, "How do you like your house?" Then asked again, a bit louder. I thought he was talking to his friend across the street, never dreaming he was talking to me. When I finally heard him, I was thinking, "Great, we'll do a neighbor thing here." Sigh...
He did all the talking and told me about every house he and his crew painted in the past three months and then told me that our house was the nicest of them all, even the new neighborhood that was about 15 miles away.
I'm glad, actually, to know that my house is great and better than other new construction houses. There's something comforting about that, I guess.
It seems, though, that just about everyone in Picayune, except the people at the utilities and phone companies were in my house before we bought it.
Only in a small town!
"What's your address?"
I tell them.
"Oh, I painted the bedrooms in that house."
"What's your address?"
"Oh, that is a great house! I did the floors in it."
"What's your address?"
"I'm sorry, there is no house at that address."
[shock]
So either a person has walked the floors here or they don't believe a house is on this lot which has been vacant for the past 50 years.
"I promise it's there! No, I get mail at the P.O. Box because my mom doesn't want to have to deal with mail during vacation time. What can I do to show you that there is a house there? I must have my driver's license."
"Go next door and get your vehicle registration. We'll take a tax receipt as proof."
I go next door. "Where do you live?"
I tell her.
"Okay." She types it in, types in my VIN and tells me to write her a check for $307. Boom. I've got my registration and only then do the Dr. Lic. guys believe I live in my house. I should have told the plumber and the painter to go with me. Then I could have pointed to the taupe color of paint on the man's shirt and said, 'That's the color of my bedroom. Yes. I live in that house.'
The plumber could have pointed to the other spot on his shirt and said, "That's the color of the bathroom."
Somehow, I think I'd still have to write that check for $307. Besides, it feels great to be driving around legally. The registration, inspection sticker and my license all say, "Mississippi". I'm a real Mississippian now. My business card says so.
Seriously.
Two young men unloaded a new china hutch and one of them informed my mom that he did the plumbing in the house. The next afternoon, a fellow came running across the street. I was busy putting up the garden hose after watering my camelia and hibiscus I had planted barely in the nick of time before they choked to death on the dust in their pots.
He asked, "How do you like your house?" Then asked again, a bit louder. I thought he was talking to his friend across the street, never dreaming he was talking to me. When I finally heard him, I was thinking, "Great, we'll do a neighbor thing here." Sigh...
He did all the talking and told me about every house he and his crew painted in the past three months and then told me that our house was the nicest of them all, even the new neighborhood that was about 15 miles away.
I'm glad, actually, to know that my house is great and better than other new construction houses. There's something comforting about that, I guess.
It seems, though, that just about everyone in Picayune, except the people at the utilities and phone companies were in my house before we bought it.
Only in a small town!
"What's your address?"
I tell them.
"Oh, I painted the bedrooms in that house."
"What's your address?"
"Oh, that is a great house! I did the floors in it."
"What's your address?"
"I'm sorry, there is no house at that address."
[shock]
So either a person has walked the floors here or they don't believe a house is on this lot which has been vacant for the past 50 years.
"I promise it's there! No, I get mail at the P.O. Box because my mom doesn't want to have to deal with mail during vacation time. What can I do to show you that there is a house there? I must have my driver's license."
"Go next door and get your vehicle registration. We'll take a tax receipt as proof."
I go next door. "Where do you live?"
I tell her.
"Okay." She types it in, types in my VIN and tells me to write her a check for $307. Boom. I've got my registration and only then do the Dr. Lic. guys believe I live in my house. I should have told the plumber and the painter to go with me. Then I could have pointed to the taupe color of paint on the man's shirt and said, 'That's the color of my bedroom. Yes. I live in that house.'
The plumber could have pointed to the other spot on his shirt and said, "That's the color of the bathroom."
Somehow, I think I'd still have to write that check for $307. Besides, it feels great to be driving around legally. The registration, inspection sticker and my license all say, "Mississippi". I'm a real Mississippian now. My business card says so.
A grandmother's pride
Years ago when I was working for the Picayune Item, my phone rang...
"I just want to know why you haven't put my granddaughter's picture in the paper," came the gravelly voice over the phone.
"Well, I... uh, what's your granddaughter's name?"
She told me and the name didn't ring one single bell. I'm pretty good at remembering names and putting names with faces. Don't test me, because I'll fail if you ask me to tell you who I met today and what their names are. I've got retroactive memory. Forget short term, that's gone forever, I think.
I took down all the information and all the while that gravely voice was talking. "My granddaughter won such and such award and I think that is way more news worthy than graduating basic training. Just about anybody can do that, but not everybody in the military gets such and such award. You need to find that picture and if you can't I'll scrounge around the family and get one, then I'd like to see her story in the paper as soon as possible. I've been waiting months for her picture to get in the paper..."
Whew. I asked around and of course no one remembered getting a military picture. It wasn't in the computer banks anywhere and not in any of the folders in the files. I scoured the internet hoping to find a military picture of this young woman. Surely, someone would be bragging on her if the award was such a big deal.
I turned up one photo of her. She was in New Orleans, handing out candy to Katrina victims with the biggest smile on her face, like she was having the grandest time of her life. The kids were grinning, too. They were having a party. In the background were a couple of helicopters, blades twirling, and soldiers were lifting stretchers out of the helicopters and the tarmac had several stretchers lined up.
She gave those kids a lighter memory than the pure trauma they had endured. That's a real hero. I'll never forget her face, but her name escapes me at the moment. But, her name isn't as important as what she did.
Couldn't find a "proper" picture to go with the award story. It was time to go home any way, it was past 7 o'clock and I was hungry.
Next morning, the picture was on my chair with a note scrawled across a paper clipped piece of paper, 'okay to rerun.' Hmm I didn't know it had run the first time.
I scanned it and wrote the story and ran it in the next edition. And the grandmother was right. It was a really big deal and a great award. The young woman deserved the recognition. But, I'm thinking in the back of my mind, that the real story was the grins on those kids' faces. Mighty Mouse, Tom Terrific, Superman... those are two dimensional heroes. This woman was a real life hero in those kids' eyes. You just can't beat that with a stick.
"I just want to know why you haven't put my granddaughter's picture in the paper," came the gravelly voice over the phone.
"Well, I... uh, what's your granddaughter's name?"
She told me and the name didn't ring one single bell. I'm pretty good at remembering names and putting names with faces. Don't test me, because I'll fail if you ask me to tell you who I met today and what their names are. I've got retroactive memory. Forget short term, that's gone forever, I think.
I took down all the information and all the while that gravely voice was talking. "My granddaughter won such and such award and I think that is way more news worthy than graduating basic training. Just about anybody can do that, but not everybody in the military gets such and such award. You need to find that picture and if you can't I'll scrounge around the family and get one, then I'd like to see her story in the paper as soon as possible. I've been waiting months for her picture to get in the paper..."
Whew. I asked around and of course no one remembered getting a military picture. It wasn't in the computer banks anywhere and not in any of the folders in the files. I scoured the internet hoping to find a military picture of this young woman. Surely, someone would be bragging on her if the award was such a big deal.
I turned up one photo of her. She was in New Orleans, handing out candy to Katrina victims with the biggest smile on her face, like she was having the grandest time of her life. The kids were grinning, too. They were having a party. In the background were a couple of helicopters, blades twirling, and soldiers were lifting stretchers out of the helicopters and the tarmac had several stretchers lined up.
She gave those kids a lighter memory than the pure trauma they had endured. That's a real hero. I'll never forget her face, but her name escapes me at the moment. But, her name isn't as important as what she did.
Couldn't find a "proper" picture to go with the award story. It was time to go home any way, it was past 7 o'clock and I was hungry.
Next morning, the picture was on my chair with a note scrawled across a paper clipped piece of paper, 'okay to rerun.' Hmm I didn't know it had run the first time.
I scanned it and wrote the story and ran it in the next edition. And the grandmother was right. It was a really big deal and a great award. The young woman deserved the recognition. But, I'm thinking in the back of my mind, that the real story was the grins on those kids' faces. Mighty Mouse, Tom Terrific, Superman... those are two dimensional heroes. This woman was a real life hero in those kids' eyes. You just can't beat that with a stick.
It Happens Every Spring
Gary Chapman ventures into fiction to illustrate the different seasons of marriage.
I've heard him speak about these seasons and the study we did at church was quite enlightening concerning how communication is everything in marriage. I believe it.
Click on the title of this post to purchase this book.
While this book isn't going to win rave reviews, or make it into the top ten best sellers list, it is a nice way to spend an afternoon. I pray you enjoy it.
I've heard him speak about these seasons and the study we did at church was quite enlightening concerning how communication is everything in marriage. I believe it.
Click on the title of this post to purchase this book.
While this book isn't going to win rave reviews, or make it into the top ten best sellers list, it is a nice way to spend an afternoon. I pray you enjoy it.
Shake well before using
Anna Nicole, Brittney Spears, Lindsey Lohan. Everybody knows them. They’re famous. One is dead and no one knows who the father is of that precious baby of hers. Well, we may know soon. The other two are traveling a road that is fraught with pitfalls.
Where is their security? Brittney was raised in a Christian home, and at one time in her life knew what Christian living was like… at least that’s what she said. Who knows about Lindsey? It is so sad what I see in their lives; the choices they have made,
Give a person a lot of money and loose any restrictions and there goes a walking time bomb. Jessica Simpson had the world on a string. Great job, beautiful home, the “man of my dreams” husband (her words, not mine). And she tossed it all away on temporary pleasure, listening to the call of the world becoming mesmerized by the world like some cobra charmed by the charmer. We all know who that charmer is.
But, their trials are really no different than what you and I face day to day. Sure, it boils down to choices, but if you are breathing, you have problems. We all have problems. Some people’s problems seem bigger than other people’s problems. They are not.
There are several reasons for problems. One reason is that they are common to man. 1Co 10:13 You have been put to no test but such as is common to man: and God is true, who will not let any test come on you which you are not able to undergo; but he will make with the test the way out of it, so that you may be able to go through it.
Troubles follow every human. They serve a purpose in the Lord. Yes, even those who are not Believers. Most of the time, it takes bringing an unbeliever to a place so low that the only way to look is up before it finally registers that God is the solution to the problems and cares of this world.
Troubles put a person to the sun test. In Paul’s day, potters would fire a pot and if it cracked, would put a wax in the crack which would conceal the flaw. The heat of the sun would melt the wax and the flaw would be exposed. That ‘s where the word, sincere comes from. Sun-tested. Flaws exposed. The difference is that we have the power and the choice to bring our flaws to God to be worked on, smoothed out, fixed, or skimmed off so that all the silver left after the firing is pure and reflective of our Lord.
Another purpose is the Thorn-in-the-side, purpose. Put there for us to not to concentrate on the pain of the trial but to recognize whence our grace and strength comes. It is there to reflect God’s glory to the world.
Another purpose is to be the witness by the response to the trouble. Do we react like the seed that fell in the brambles? Get all choked with the cares and worries of the world? Or do we put down our roots, confident in the fact that God is much greater than any problem or trouble? The world sees how we react to our troubles and that can be a much more powerful witness than any spoken word.
Remember, an extremely good teacher once said, “Sometimes God must shake well before using.”
Where is their security? Brittney was raised in a Christian home, and at one time in her life knew what Christian living was like… at least that’s what she said. Who knows about Lindsey? It is so sad what I see in their lives; the choices they have made,
Give a person a lot of money and loose any restrictions and there goes a walking time bomb. Jessica Simpson had the world on a string. Great job, beautiful home, the “man of my dreams” husband (her words, not mine). And she tossed it all away on temporary pleasure, listening to the call of the world becoming mesmerized by the world like some cobra charmed by the charmer. We all know who that charmer is.
But, their trials are really no different than what you and I face day to day. Sure, it boils down to choices, but if you are breathing, you have problems. We all have problems. Some people’s problems seem bigger than other people’s problems. They are not.
There are several reasons for problems. One reason is that they are common to man. 1Co 10:13 You have been put to no test but such as is common to man: and God is true, who will not let any test come on you which you are not able to undergo; but he will make with the test the way out of it, so that you may be able to go through it.
Troubles follow every human. They serve a purpose in the Lord. Yes, even those who are not Believers. Most of the time, it takes bringing an unbeliever to a place so low that the only way to look is up before it finally registers that God is the solution to the problems and cares of this world.
Troubles put a person to the sun test. In Paul’s day, potters would fire a pot and if it cracked, would put a wax in the crack which would conceal the flaw. The heat of the sun would melt the wax and the flaw would be exposed. That ‘s where the word, sincere comes from. Sun-tested. Flaws exposed. The difference is that we have the power and the choice to bring our flaws to God to be worked on, smoothed out, fixed, or skimmed off so that all the silver left after the firing is pure and reflective of our Lord.
Another purpose is the Thorn-in-the-side, purpose. Put there for us to not to concentrate on the pain of the trial but to recognize whence our grace and strength comes. It is there to reflect God’s glory to the world.
Another purpose is to be the witness by the response to the trouble. Do we react like the seed that fell in the brambles? Get all choked with the cares and worries of the world? Or do we put down our roots, confident in the fact that God is much greater than any problem or trouble? The world sees how we react to our troubles and that can be a much more powerful witness than any spoken word.
Remember, an extremely good teacher once said, “Sometimes God must shake well before using.”
Rain
We have a metal roof on our house.
It is raining.
The sound is about as soothing as a soft lullaby.
It is 15 minutes before 10 pm.
I'm going to bed.
It is raining.
The sound is about as soothing as a soft lullaby.
It is 15 minutes before 10 pm.
I'm going to bed.
wash the face
I was washing my face with Ivory soap and that smell sometimes makes me recall a commercial. Maybe you remember it?
This young man and young woman are walking along in the spring time. It just looks like a fresh day. The young man begins talking about how sweet his wife is, hugs her close and continues walking and talking about her. Her freshness, no make up and she washes her face with Ivory soap.
Why would anyone remember that commercial? That was 35 years ago. This young woman would be a grandmother by now. I wonder if she ever said anything in those 35 years, or did she just smile that Mona Lisa smile and say nothing of consequence.
That is so unlike me! I have an opinion about everything and some are good and some need tweaking. I would not like for someone to tell me what to wash my face with unless he is a dermatologist and helping me with a skin problem. On the other hand, I think it quite nice that a husband would care enough to take an interest in how his wife achieves the look that pleases him.
That's when I got to thinking about how much I depend on God to tell me what to do and when to do it. "Lord, what would you have me write on my blog tonight?" "Lord, what would You have me wear today?" "Lord, please take care of my children, guide them and direct them." Do you think that God cares what we do to please Him? Yes. He does. He shows that by caring for us in ways that we can't fathom the depth and breadth of, and that is the sweetest news. Amen?
Psa 55:22 Put your cares on the Lord, and he will be your support; he will not let the upright man be moved.
Phi 4:6 Have no cares; but in everything with prayer and praise put your requests before God.
This young man and young woman are walking along in the spring time. It just looks like a fresh day. The young man begins talking about how sweet his wife is, hugs her close and continues walking and talking about her. Her freshness, no make up and she washes her face with Ivory soap.
Why would anyone remember that commercial? That was 35 years ago. This young woman would be a grandmother by now. I wonder if she ever said anything in those 35 years, or did she just smile that Mona Lisa smile and say nothing of consequence.
That is so unlike me! I have an opinion about everything and some are good and some need tweaking. I would not like for someone to tell me what to wash my face with unless he is a dermatologist and helping me with a skin problem. On the other hand, I think it quite nice that a husband would care enough to take an interest in how his wife achieves the look that pleases him.
That's when I got to thinking about how much I depend on God to tell me what to do and when to do it. "Lord, what would you have me write on my blog tonight?" "Lord, what would You have me wear today?" "Lord, please take care of my children, guide them and direct them." Do you think that God cares what we do to please Him? Yes. He does. He shows that by caring for us in ways that we can't fathom the depth and breadth of, and that is the sweetest news. Amen?
Psa 55:22 Put your cares on the Lord, and he will be your support; he will not let the upright man be moved.
Phi 4:6 Have no cares; but in everything with prayer and praise put your requests before God.
Feelings...
There is a time to rely on feelings and a time to ignore them. Someone said, I know there are times when I'm not saved because I don't feel saved.
Pooh!
John wrote the believers so that we could be assured of our salvation. There are several things that give us that assurance.
1 John 3 beginning at verse 14
1. We don't just talk the walk but we walk the walk. We show love and compassion to our brothers and sisters. We act like a family.
2. We put action to compassion. We help those we see in need. Like James says we don't just pat them on the shoulder and say, "I'll be praying for you. Be warm." We give them a coat to stay warm.
3. We don't condemn ourselves. Here's the feeling part. God is greater than we are, He knows everything in our hearts. How amazing that we are forgiven before we sin. If we confess our sin then God is faithful to forgive us, putting our sin as far away from us as the east is from the west. Astounding!
4. We then have a clear conscience. Not only that, but we are blameless. Imagine it! Blameless in the eyes of God.
5. God answers our prayers. Sometimes He answers immediately. Sometimes He says, 'Wait'. Sometimes He says, "You are not ready for that, yet." The condition is praying for things that are within Jesus' character and within God's principles. Like praying for someone to get saved... or for the wisdom of our leaders. We must always rememer that God's ways and thoughts are much higher than our own. He sees all the consequences of every action and if just one thing is out of kilter, that could hinder someone's walk with Jesus. It would be better for that person to have a millstone around his neck and be tossed into the sea. That's how strongly Jesus felt about a stumbling block.
6. We obey God. We keep His commandments and we don't "fudge a little" here and there. It is part of our having a clear conscience. Walking with God doesn't allow for fudging.
7. We want to please God. It isn't a matter of "trying to be good." It isn't a matter of being fearful of what might happen. It is a definite, deep and deliberate desire to please our Heavenly Father. That stems from loving Him.
8. We believe Him. We not only believe in Jesus, but we believe what He says in His word. How can we trust unless we believe?
9. Believing, we believe. What follows is abiding we abide in Him. All that happens because He first abided in us. The Holy Spirit ignited our souls into life, Spiritual life and the combination of the Holy Spirit with our soul made a brand new creature. That is so exciting. We are not at all "just human". We are something quite different, and precious in God's sight.
Sacrifice. That word that means the surrender or destruction of something prized or desirable for the sake of something considered as having a higher or more pressing claim.
God gave His Son. Jesus willingly laid down His life in sacrifice for us. God says it and that is enough. Believing or not believing does not make it so or not so. God did it. That settles it.
This is how we know beyond any doubt, beyond any question that we are saved. These things are outward indications of the inward change that the Holy Spirit caused to happen. Amen and Glory be to God.
Pooh!
John wrote the believers so that we could be assured of our salvation. There are several things that give us that assurance.
1 John 3 beginning at verse 14
1. We don't just talk the walk but we walk the walk. We show love and compassion to our brothers and sisters. We act like a family.
2. We put action to compassion. We help those we see in need. Like James says we don't just pat them on the shoulder and say, "I'll be praying for you. Be warm." We give them a coat to stay warm.
3. We don't condemn ourselves. Here's the feeling part. God is greater than we are, He knows everything in our hearts. How amazing that we are forgiven before we sin. If we confess our sin then God is faithful to forgive us, putting our sin as far away from us as the east is from the west. Astounding!
4. We then have a clear conscience. Not only that, but we are blameless. Imagine it! Blameless in the eyes of God.
5. God answers our prayers. Sometimes He answers immediately. Sometimes He says, 'Wait'. Sometimes He says, "You are not ready for that, yet." The condition is praying for things that are within Jesus' character and within God's principles. Like praying for someone to get saved... or for the wisdom of our leaders. We must always rememer that God's ways and thoughts are much higher than our own. He sees all the consequences of every action and if just one thing is out of kilter, that could hinder someone's walk with Jesus. It would be better for that person to have a millstone around his neck and be tossed into the sea. That's how strongly Jesus felt about a stumbling block.
6. We obey God. We keep His commandments and we don't "fudge a little" here and there. It is part of our having a clear conscience. Walking with God doesn't allow for fudging.
7. We want to please God. It isn't a matter of "trying to be good." It isn't a matter of being fearful of what might happen. It is a definite, deep and deliberate desire to please our Heavenly Father. That stems from loving Him.
8. We believe Him. We not only believe in Jesus, but we believe what He says in His word. How can we trust unless we believe?
9. Believing, we believe. What follows is abiding we abide in Him. All that happens because He first abided in us. The Holy Spirit ignited our souls into life, Spiritual life and the combination of the Holy Spirit with our soul made a brand new creature. That is so exciting. We are not at all "just human". We are something quite different, and precious in God's sight.
Sacrifice. That word that means the surrender or destruction of something prized or desirable for the sake of something considered as having a higher or more pressing claim.
God gave His Son. Jesus willingly laid down His life in sacrifice for us. God says it and that is enough. Believing or not believing does not make it so or not so. God did it. That settles it.
This is how we know beyond any doubt, beyond any question that we are saved. These things are outward indications of the inward change that the Holy Spirit caused to happen. Amen and Glory be to God.
I am old
I might as well face it. I am old.
Someone caught me today playing around with my picture erasing my wrinkles. I know she saw me because she told me that one of the computer guys "fixed" up the ad girls by removing wrinkles. One of them looked like she was a pasty ghost so she put her wrinkles back on, flipped her hair and told them to let it fly (her picture in the paper, that is.)
In the newspaper business, you are not supposed to fool around with photos, you know. But, I figured if we get rid of that little wrinkle there, it wouldn't look like fly away hair around my mouth... then I needed to take care of that wrinkle there, and then the ones around my eyes because the rest of me looked so young and my eyes looked so old.
Sigh...
I might as well age gracefully.
Brigitte Bardot said, "It is sad to grow old, but it is great to ripen."
So, there.
I'm ripening.
I'm not ripe, yet.
God is the gardener after all and when I get ripe, He'll pick me. That's the way it goes, right?
So... I have my bathroom settled. We've been here for a month today and all I have settled is my bathroom. How much is there to fixing up your bathroom? Guys would say, "Not much!"
They'd be right because all they need is a bar of soap, a towel, a razor and hopefully, deoderant.
I don't. I've got all that plus a bunch more stuff like three kinds of skin lotion, two types of face lotion -- got to at least try to soften those wrinkles. Make up and all those empty face powder compacts. What do you do with those anyway? I've used about 20 or so since my divorce and I've got every one of them. Empty except for a mirror. What do you do with them? They are too good to throw away. hmmmm
Well, anyhoot, my bathroom is just peachy. So, now I must really try and focus on my bedroom. It's almost done except for curtains and perhaps a border. My sister was right, the thing is a blank palatte. It will be interesting to see what pops up in there next. No... I'm not going to take a picture of it.
I think I'll go to bed and get some sleep wrinkles to go with the crow's feet -- oh, wait, women have laugh lines, and I'll ripen another night.
Someone caught me today playing around with my picture erasing my wrinkles. I know she saw me because she told me that one of the computer guys "fixed" up the ad girls by removing wrinkles. One of them looked like she was a pasty ghost so she put her wrinkles back on, flipped her hair and told them to let it fly (her picture in the paper, that is.)
In the newspaper business, you are not supposed to fool around with photos, you know. But, I figured if we get rid of that little wrinkle there, it wouldn't look like fly away hair around my mouth... then I needed to take care of that wrinkle there, and then the ones around my eyes because the rest of me looked so young and my eyes looked so old.
Sigh...
I might as well age gracefully.
Brigitte Bardot said, "It is sad to grow old, but it is great to ripen."
So, there.
I'm ripening.
I'm not ripe, yet.
God is the gardener after all and when I get ripe, He'll pick me. That's the way it goes, right?
So... I have my bathroom settled. We've been here for a month today and all I have settled is my bathroom. How much is there to fixing up your bathroom? Guys would say, "Not much!"
They'd be right because all they need is a bar of soap, a towel, a razor and hopefully, deoderant.
I don't. I've got all that plus a bunch more stuff like three kinds of skin lotion, two types of face lotion -- got to at least try to soften those wrinkles. Make up and all those empty face powder compacts. What do you do with those anyway? I've used about 20 or so since my divorce and I've got every one of them. Empty except for a mirror. What do you do with them? They are too good to throw away. hmmmm
Well, anyhoot, my bathroom is just peachy. So, now I must really try and focus on my bedroom. It's almost done except for curtains and perhaps a border. My sister was right, the thing is a blank palatte. It will be interesting to see what pops up in there next. No... I'm not going to take a picture of it.
I think I'll go to bed and get some sleep wrinkles to go with the crow's feet -- oh, wait, women have laugh lines, and I'll ripen another night.
My evening
Sit down at computer to write blog post.
Plug in phone line.
Plug in battery back up and then plug in computer, speakers, DSL, Wireless to battery back up.
Affix a screw into the wall so the DSL filter can be attached (only have three of them).
Take packing wrap from around box and office chair.
Hunt for and find scissors.
Hunt for packing razor to no avail.
Put drawers in small desk.
Bring small desk from other room and place beside bigger table.
Dust off bigger table.
Bring bigger table into office.
Open window in office.
Find a place for the three boxes and the grinder on top of the bigger table.
Move chest across the room.
Unpack chest so it could be moved from across the room.
Turn on the TV in the office.
Dust off the TV in the office.
Found lost electrical cord for TV.
Look for and give up looking for remote for TV.
Eat sandwich.
Unpack small desk in bedroom.
Unravel electrical cords of all the computer stuff, internet stuff, DSL stuff.
Find computer speakers.
Look in boxes in garage.
Bring in cat food.
Drive in driveway and put car in garage.
At 4:00 PM decide to leave work a bit early to relax and get a good start on everything I need to do tomorrow.
Plug in phone line.
Plug in battery back up and then plug in computer, speakers, DSL, Wireless to battery back up.
Affix a screw into the wall so the DSL filter can be attached (only have three of them).
Take packing wrap from around box and office chair.
Hunt for and find scissors.
Hunt for packing razor to no avail.
Put drawers in small desk.
Bring small desk from other room and place beside bigger table.
Dust off bigger table.
Bring bigger table into office.
Open window in office.
Find a place for the three boxes and the grinder on top of the bigger table.
Move chest across the room.
Unpack chest so it could be moved from across the room.
Turn on the TV in the office.
Dust off the TV in the office.
Found lost electrical cord for TV.
Look for and give up looking for remote for TV.
Eat sandwich.
Unpack small desk in bedroom.
Unravel electrical cords of all the computer stuff, internet stuff, DSL stuff.
Find computer speakers.
Look in boxes in garage.
Bring in cat food.
Drive in driveway and put car in garage.
At 4:00 PM decide to leave work a bit early to relax and get a good start on everything I need to do tomorrow.
Great answers!
You guys have such great answers to my questions.
Prayer is absolutely numero uno. And Josh, I also believe that God just lets you know. He opens your eyes to the things you can do (work) in the place where He wants you. He also points out the places where you could work, but someone is already in that place, doing a great job. It's that shoulder-slumping moment that comes after the Great Idea--Naw, someone is already doing the thing...sigh.
Does God open a person's eyes to something that needs doing or is it just a Gift thing? Do we do our work because God shows us it needs doing or do we do it because God gives us the motivation to do it? Is that the same thing?
Prayer is absolutely numero uno. And Josh, I also believe that God just lets you know. He opens your eyes to the things you can do (work) in the place where He wants you. He also points out the places where you could work, but someone is already in that place, doing a great job. It's that shoulder-slumping moment that comes after the Great Idea--Naw, someone is already doing the thing...sigh.
Does God open a person's eyes to something that needs doing or is it just a Gift thing? Do we do our work because God shows us it needs doing or do we do it because God gives us the motivation to do it? Is that the same thing?
Parent's beware
There is a children’s book just published called “The Higher Power of Lucky” by Susan Patron which, to me, has a disturbing first chapter. The little girl, listening to a recovery group, hears all about problems recovering (insert smokers, alcoholics, or over-eaters here)have to face. While listening, she hears about a snake biting a dog’s scrotum.
An outraged librarian has a huge problem with this book. She has received a huge amount of flack about her outrage, too.
This is like the R rating back in the 70s. R-rating back then is like PG-13 today. That book would never have been written for children in the 70s or 80s. It could only make it today.
The subject matter in that first chapter should be above a 10 year old’s head, but unfortunately it isn’t. This is the age of that cartoon character smarty Bart Simpson and King of the Hill and other such stuff that shows on Saturday mornings, which I had no idea had gotten so suggestive until I watched them with my step-granddaughter.
I’m on the outraged librarian’s side. If my 10 year old brought that book home in 1987, I would have called the school up and rocked the principal on her heels (using lady-like language, of course). If my step-granddaughter were to have brought that book home in 2000, I would have rocked the school’s librarian and the principal after first carefully explaining to my step-daughter why it was so upsetting–because, gasp, she wouldn’t know why.
It isn’t a children’s book subject matter. The first chapter incites interest in seeing a part of male anatomy simply because the protag is interested in seeing one–or not. Come on. Why is that even necessary in a children’s book?
These days, some children have to be worried about divorce, alcoholism, abuse among other things, because some parents seem to be indulging in a lack of self-control. Why do author’s of children’s fiction capitalize on the seamier side of life? I pray this isn’t the beginning of a trend.
I have never been an advocate of parent’s being responsible for the actions of their children. Now, I’m beginning to rethink that stance. It is a parent’s responsibility to be the kind of exemplary examples that will help their children’t to grow up to be pillars of society.
I am deeply disappointed that children grow up so fast these days. There’s no protection for them anymore.
They are exposed to things that make me shudder as an adult. TV shows, violent games, and stories where the end justifies the means are giving children the wrong ideas about what is right and what is wrong, if their parents are not diligent about what goes into little eyes and young minds.
It is so sad that a children’s book author has to write a story about 12-step programs inspiring a child to look for the Higher Power. There’s a word for that, but it may be too strong a word for “worldly sensitive” ears. I’ll say it anyway. Rubbish.
What is wrong with a children’s librarian wanting good books with good subject matter?
In this world of ours, have we become so jaded that we think children can’t be interested in stories like Beatrice Potter wrote? Or Joan Aiken? Or even Phyllis Whitney? Or must we all succumb to the spell of J.K. Howling?
An outraged librarian has a huge problem with this book. She has received a huge amount of flack about her outrage, too.
This is like the R rating back in the 70s. R-rating back then is like PG-13 today. That book would never have been written for children in the 70s or 80s. It could only make it today.
The subject matter in that first chapter should be above a 10 year old’s head, but unfortunately it isn’t. This is the age of that cartoon character smarty Bart Simpson and King of the Hill and other such stuff that shows on Saturday mornings, which I had no idea had gotten so suggestive until I watched them with my step-granddaughter.
I’m on the outraged librarian’s side. If my 10 year old brought that book home in 1987, I would have called the school up and rocked the principal on her heels (using lady-like language, of course). If my step-granddaughter were to have brought that book home in 2000, I would have rocked the school’s librarian and the principal after first carefully explaining to my step-daughter why it was so upsetting–because, gasp, she wouldn’t know why.
It isn’t a children’s book subject matter. The first chapter incites interest in seeing a part of male anatomy simply because the protag is interested in seeing one–or not. Come on. Why is that even necessary in a children’s book?
These days, some children have to be worried about divorce, alcoholism, abuse among other things, because some parents seem to be indulging in a lack of self-control. Why do author’s of children’s fiction capitalize on the seamier side of life? I pray this isn’t the beginning of a trend.
I have never been an advocate of parent’s being responsible for the actions of their children. Now, I’m beginning to rethink that stance. It is a parent’s responsibility to be the kind of exemplary examples that will help their children’t to grow up to be pillars of society.
I am deeply disappointed that children grow up so fast these days. There’s no protection for them anymore.
They are exposed to things that make me shudder as an adult. TV shows, violent games, and stories where the end justifies the means are giving children the wrong ideas about what is right and what is wrong, if their parents are not diligent about what goes into little eyes and young minds.
It is so sad that a children’s book author has to write a story about 12-step programs inspiring a child to look for the Higher Power. There’s a word for that, but it may be too strong a word for “worldly sensitive” ears. I’ll say it anyway. Rubbish.
What is wrong with a children’s librarian wanting good books with good subject matter?
In this world of ours, have we become so jaded that we think children can’t be interested in stories like Beatrice Potter wrote? Or Joan Aiken? Or even Phyllis Whitney? Or must we all succumb to the spell of J.K. Howling?
Catch the hint, Hollywood?
Did anyone catch the bit on the news about the types of movies that make the most money?
PG-13.
No joke. Not one R-rated movie has made the #1 gross dollars since 1995 and last year not one R-rated movie made it into the top 10. Hmmmm
Guess who makes the most money out of our movie ticket sales? The movie theaters. They get approx. half.
I think I may be in the wrong business. Tomorrow, I'll post my research.
PG-13.
No joke. Not one R-rated movie has made the #1 gross dollars since 1995 and last year not one R-rated movie made it into the top 10. Hmmmm
Guess who makes the most money out of our movie ticket sales? The movie theaters. They get approx. half.
I think I may be in the wrong business. Tomorrow, I'll post my research.
About to lose my lady-like demeanor
I was driving back to work after lunch the other day and just as I got to my turn off something came flying at me from the truck in front of me. This white thing tumbled onto the highway spewing ice and straw and whatever liquid was at the bottom of the cup. It was a government truck, too. You'd think...
It got me to thinking about character and how our actions expose our character when we least expect it.
In first grade, I learned that a tattle-tale has no sense of honor, and just wants to get as many people in trouble as possible. (She'll grow up to steal your boyfriend if given half a chance, mark my words!) I learned that red check marks on your report card aren't a good thing, but generally mean that "You talk too much"... Moi?
Later, I learned that many people will say one thing but when your back is turned will do/say something entirely different. Those people could not be trusted. I learned that the people who followed through with what they promised could be trusted in the big things as well as the little things.
Even later, I learned that entrusting money to a spendthrift only made that person's bad money management even worse. I also learned that when someone kept your secret, they could be trusted in a personal crises as well.
People that throw things out the window are the kind of humans that expect others to fix their messes; who will spew their emotional trash around for everybody to hear, never caring about other's feelings. Those people will carry around anger and bitterness and like an avalanche drop it all over some unsuspecting victim, with never a thought about it... leaving the mess in their wake, never looking back.
Beware of people who throw trash out their windows. They will never pick up after themselves.
It got me to thinking about character and how our actions expose our character when we least expect it.
In first grade, I learned that a tattle-tale has no sense of honor, and just wants to get as many people in trouble as possible. (She'll grow up to steal your boyfriend if given half a chance, mark my words!) I learned that red check marks on your report card aren't a good thing, but generally mean that "You talk too much"... Moi?
Later, I learned that many people will say one thing but when your back is turned will do/say something entirely different. Those people could not be trusted. I learned that the people who followed through with what they promised could be trusted in the big things as well as the little things.
Even later, I learned that entrusting money to a spendthrift only made that person's bad money management even worse. I also learned that when someone kept your secret, they could be trusted in a personal crises as well.
People that throw things out the window are the kind of humans that expect others to fix their messes; who will spew their emotional trash around for everybody to hear, never caring about other's feelings. Those people will carry around anger and bitterness and like an avalanche drop it all over some unsuspecting victim, with never a thought about it... leaving the mess in their wake, never looking back.
Beware of people who throw trash out their windows. They will never pick up after themselves.
up and running
It has taken forever it seems to get settled. We found a home and moved two weeks ago, here in this cute little town called Picayune -- means small and insignificant.
It has taken such a long time to get stuff out of boxes and to a point I can even sit down for a few minutes and blog. I am so glad to be back!
My job is wonderful. I am having so much fun, it doesn't seem like work at all. I didn't think that was possible since working in economic development, but I guess since writing is in my blood...
Anyhoot. I hope to pay y'all a visit soon.
It has taken such a long time to get stuff out of boxes and to a point I can even sit down for a few minutes and blog. I am so glad to be back!
My job is wonderful. I am having so much fun, it doesn't seem like work at all. I didn't think that was possible since working in economic development, but I guess since writing is in my blood...
Anyhoot. I hope to pay y'all a visit soon.
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