Wednesday, February 7, 2018

The Super Huge Luge Hodgepodge

My favorite red barn in the area
mostly because of that stone foundation
NW of Rice Lake, WI 


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1. February can be a little bit tricky given the weather and the winter and the whatnot. I read a list (here) of things you can do to make your February brighter which included-start planning your next trip, take more baths, make your own chocolate covered strawberries, and exercise in preparation for swimsuit season. Anything on the list you might try? Which suggestion on the list appeals to you most? Tell us something not on the list that helps make your February brighter. 

Planning a next trip is always a great idea - even if you don't actually take it. I love planning - researching, checking airfare and comparing accommodations, looking at maps, etc. It's all fun. Taking more baths is not a fun thing in this climate if you heat with wood, because the bathtub is upstairs in the cold part of the house. If I made chocolate covered strawberries, I would eat them all. I don't intend to get into a bathing suit at any time in the near or far future, but reading and discussing books, making soap, Instagramming, watching 'Escape to The Country' on Netflix or a British mystery on Amazon or Acorn, all are pleasant ways to move February along.




2. Tell us about something you've seen or done recently that you'd say was 'super'?

I try not to do super things. I can't risk giving away my true identity. But I've read some super books, seen some super sunrises, watched some super-cute kitties, tended a super fire, eaten some super soups, and watched a super movie: The Greatest Showman.



So after watching the movie, Mr. C. asked me what I liked about it. Was it the acting? the dancing? the story?  I told him it was just about everything. All of those things, and most of all, it struck me that it was a picture of the Kingdom of God. 

All of those people who were societal outcasts, brokenhearted, poor, neglected, found a new home, a home that was not judgmental, where they had work, where they could find love and fulfillment and happiness.

Okay, bear with me. Here are a few verses from Scripture that show what the Kingdom of God looks like (and is coming to look like) 

After this I looked, and there was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb...

He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.

The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor.

He is near to the brokenhearted, saves those who are crushed in spirit.

Come unto me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.

...anyone who comes to me I will never drive away.

Don't blame God if this is not what you see when you think of the word Christian. Because this IS what Christianity is all about. 

'God didn't send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be rescued.'


Note: For an explanation of the Kingdom of God on Earth as in Heaven, check out 'Surprised by Hope' by N.T. Wright.
***

Oh. And if anyone wants to comment that Hugh Jackman is the most incredible actor, singer, and dancer, feel free! :-)


3. Best thing you ate in a 'bowl' last week?

Soup. Homemade chicken vegetable soup and it was delicious! Popcorn made by Mr. C., the king of popcorn makers. GF pretzels from Aldi. They're the best. And I put them in a small bowl just so I don't eat the whole bag. They're not only good, but they have that amazing, irresistible crunch - the kind that brings intense crunch satisfaction but doesn't break a tooth.






4. Something you're 'cheering' for right now?

I am cheering for spring, kind of, a bit cynically, I must admit. While other people think of March as spring (because the calendar tells us so, right?), those of us in northern Wisconsin know better. My daffodils don't appear until May, so that gives you an idea of how long winter is up here. I guess we've survived every other year, so we will probably survive this one too, although it's been an unusually cold winter. Pretty, but cold. And I definitely have appreciated all the sunshine (cold sunshine) that we had throughout January and now this month too. Once it warms up and the snow begins to melt, then we'll have cloudy skies. I am not a fan of cloudy skies or wind.

I AM cheering for the Full Moon Walk with Carla and her family. It probably won't happen until May, but maybe if we have an unusually warm April. She sent me a Susan Branch bookmark with the dates of the full moon for 2018. It is so much fun and something to look forward to! Thank you Carla! :-) xo





5. The Winter Olympics begin Friday, February 9th in Pyeong Chang, South Korea. On a scale of 1-10 (with 10 being all in and 1 being no interest whatsoever) how interested are you in the games? Which event do you most want to see (you'll find a list here).

I'm glad you brought that to my attention, for I don't watch TV and wouldn't probably have known about it otherwise. Yes, I love to watch the Winter Olympics (something to cheer for), but only the Alpine skiing, freestyle skiing, luge, and bobsled. They're the ones that would make me tune in. Unless Acorn puts up another season of Vera. Because Vera trumps everything else. Almost.

6. Insert your own random thought here.



Now this is a picture of optimism! We're sitting here in a landscape covered in deep snow, the temperatures have been below zero F. each morning, and this is evidently what keeps the owner of this boat sane through the long winter - the thought of getting out onto one of Wisconsin's 15,000 lakes beginning in May. 





Smokey refuses to act ladylike.
Sunrise, February 4
Selfie (yes, believe it or not) for Instagram
Tommy and Smokey
Another good book (this one's short)


***



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Judy

30 comments:

Arlene G said...

Uh Oh...I am doing The Stream tomorrow and one ov the things I did not like was The Greatest Showman. The story was good I just hated that pop music set in a period piece. Someone told me I would not like Hamilton either because they rap in it. I am officially old I guess. When Jenny Lind sang pop instead of opera, I was so annoyed. I guess I am the One person in the USA who was not thrilled with this movie. I did like your point about the kingdom and I did like the moral of the story, it was the music that drove me crazy.

Stacy said...

I had hoped to see The Greatest Showman over Christmas break, but didn't get there so I'm waiting for the DVD at this point. That was some terrific insight into it being a picture of heaven. Thank you so much for sharing it today. It was a blessing. :)

It has been a cold winter here, too. We are having another snow day today. I'm counting it a blessing since it allows me to read and comment this morning and I've now got time to get to some tasks that really need to be done.

Have a blessed week!

MadSnapper said...

That Barn is truly amazing and I too love the stone at the bottom but even the rest of it is just beautiful. And I think it might fit under super! Ask for the super thing here this past week it is or whether it has been absolutely superb and super fantastic. Sorry to say that when I just read about your weather. In a few short months I'll be complaining about our Heat while you're enjoying your cool. Enjoyed all the photos and reading your answers

Cranberry Morning said...
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Cathy said...

I’m cheering for spring too. Hoping to watch some of the Olympics but I like the figure skating. Have a great day.

Preppy Empty Nester said...

Good morning, Judy! I loved The Greatest Showman, as well. Love your take as the Kingdom of God. Maybe that's why I shed happy tears while watching it! People in our town keep their boats all over the place - backyard, front yard, driveway. I pass a house on my walk where the boat is twice the size of the house. I'm cheering for an early Spring, too. February and March feel like the longest months of the year. Enjoy your week.

A Joyful Chaos said...

I forgot about popcorn when I answer the best thing in a bowl question. I also got to enjoy some, popped by a hungry 17 year old son. :)

eileeninmd said...

Hello, that is a beautiful red barn. I like the stone work too. Planning a trip is one of my favorite things to do, even if I do not go on the trip. I am looking forward to spring, seeing flowers and being able to walk outside without a coat on. Wishing you a happy day!

Mrs.T said...

Love all of your barn pictures. And yes, the stonework combined with the red ... just so beautiful.

Had to laugh at the optimistic boat owner. Around here most keep their boats wrapped in shrink wrap for the winter.

I've not seen the movie, but I enjoyed your thoughts on the kingdom of heaven. Made me think of a favorite verse I recently looked at again in my quiet time, 1 Cor. 6:11 -- "And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God."

NanaDiana said...

I have yet to see The Greatest Showman. My three granddaughters (ages 11-15) saw it and thought it was absolutely wonderful.

I love all your answers and living here in WI i can identify with so many of your thoughts and words. Hope you have a great Wednesday, Judy- xo Diana

Linda said...

I’m going to see that movie tomorrow with my daughters! I loved your description of it and am looking forward to seeing it. There’s a theater in Dallas that shows the films after they leave the first run state. It’s a great theater with wonderful seats and a restaurant and reduced ticket prices! I liked your selfie! You are so cute and that’s a beautiful quilt behind you.
Happy Wednesday!

Joyce said...

I saw the movie and now am thinking of it in a new way. Have you seen The Darkest Hours? We thought it was really good too, nothing at all like The Greatest Showman, just a good film and really makes you think what a different world we might be living in. Popcorn should have been my answer. Always my favorite thing in a bowl! Stay warm!

Debby@Just Breathe said...

I can't wait to see The Greatest Showman. I've been to sick to get to the show. Enjoy the Olympics, I plan on watching them too!

A Bit of the Blarney said...

I did so enjoy this post! It is a beautiful barn! One of the bright parts of traveling this country is the beautiful old barns that can be found along the way! Thank you

Wendy said...

I need to watch that movie! Definitely a Hugh Jackman fan. Enjoyed your post Judy. We've just finished watching the latest series of Vera. I wish the series were longer.

maddie/cadesmimi said...

Now you've gotten my curiosity peaked and I want to see The Greatest Showman!
Zero degrees!!! I can't imagine. I hope spring finds its way to you a little early, this year! My daffodils are already up, and are about 6 inches tall... Of course, this summer, when we're dying in sweltering southern heat, you'll be enjoying sitting on your porch :)
Kathy (Reflections)

Debby Ray said...

The movie looks really good and I love the way you related the situation to the Kingdom of God. Thank you for sharing whose wonderful scriptures too...so very powerful! I love the beautiful barn with that beautiful stone foundation...they just don't make them like that anymore! I'm glad to know that Smokey is a girl...all this time I thought she was a boy! :D

Terri D said...

I LOVE that photo of Smokie all sprawled out on hubby's lap! We will have to give Vera another look. We watched it a couple of times and didn't go back to it. Not sure why - don't remember. I like the sledding events in the Olympics too, but also the skating and skiing. I enjoyed your Hodgepodge!!

Empty Nester said...

Do many people convert barns up there into homes? You only heat with wood? Nothing else? Because I couldn't do that. I'd freeze to death. The low-country has ruined me. Love all the pictures but especially the selfie!

Nonnie said...

Judy, I love your thinking on the movie The Greatest Showman. I felt similar feelings when watching the movie and loved the way people had the sense of belonging. You expressed it beautifully. Our pastor reminds us on a regular basis that many people will be surprised when they get to heaven and see who is and isn't there. Our church has people from several different nations and all colors and everybody loves on each other as I believe the Lord intended. Thanks for the book recommendation. Your pic of the boat made me smile.

Chatty Crone said...

I want to travel to the beach and I bet you want to travel to England.

I have planned to go to the movie The Greatest Showman a couple times and each time something happens - I need to see it. Loved your words in answer 2.

Cheryl said...

Yes, that red barn with the stone foundation is gorgeous! At one time, I had a Warren Kimble mug that featured a barn with a stone foundation and I always chose that one (I have a collection of WK mugs). Of course, that is the one that got broken. Sigh . . .

I loved reading your perspective on The Greatest Showman, because it made me see it differently. I thought the music was fabulous and the choreography was stellar, but I was disappointed with how many liberties were taken with the history. I know, it is a drama and that's what happens when real life is made into a movie. But I still like to think that the producers/directorss are doing their best to present facts in a well-told story. Anyway, I appreciate your analogy of the Kingdom of God, and the Scriptures you shared to demonstrate what that Kingdom really is!

Creations By Cindy said...

Dear Judy, I love all of the pictures. That red barn is so pretty! I love old barns and churches. Love all the scriptures you shared Judy. Speaking of planning, well I am a planner and so much so that I have to stop sometimes and just say to self, "SELF, take a chill pill"! LOL! My daughter Melissa says I plan too much and often times I spend more time planning than I do "Just doing it". WELL, SHE IS JUST LIKE ME so I get to say to her, "Well, look who is calling the kettle black! LOL! I hope that you have a great day Judy. Hugs and blessings, Cindy

Elizabeth "Libby" Day said...

I saw the movie and loved it, but you have given me a whole new perspective. What a beautiful analogy and truly the scripture references describe the Kingdom just as the movie illustrated it. Thank you for that enlightenment this morning. You always keep me smiling.

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Judy, that IS a fab barn with the stone foundation! Always love your photos. Even of Smokey being unladylike! Loved your answer about planning a trip. I love the planning so much I'd actually rather plan a trip than take one!

Deb @ Frugal Little Bungalow said...

I always enjoy your humor / I got stuck at seriously craving popcorn on this one lol and none in the house :)

podso said...

Loved your showman (expanded) review! All of it. Planning a trip sounds like good winter weather therapy. And maybe you get to take one you've planned sometime. Enjoyed your hodgepodge..

Julie said...

I enjoyed reading those verses on the Kingdom of God again. Everyday I yearn for that day more and more.

ellen b. said...

Enjoyed your hodgepodge. My dear old pop is really ready for Kingdom of God. I sure hope Masterpiece is going to air the next season of Vera.

Lynne said...

Far, far behind. . . .
Saw the word Hodgepodge and a visit with Judy it is . . .

March will be a wintery mix here in Michigan as well . . .
Although I think you get the bitter cold temps, we haven’t been far behind this year!
We have had snow, melt, snow, melt and SNOW . . . and warmer for a few days , cold again . . .
It seems to go on and on that way . . .

Loved the barn pics . . .
The boat in snow, filled with snow . . .
Priceless picture of unladylike Smokey . . .
Smokey and Tommy snuggling always leaves me with a smile.
Love your selfie . . .

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