A short but meaningful review of my favorite novel this summer, The Kite Runner at Clairity's Place.
If you haven't read the book yet, do so!
Tuesday, August 08, 2006
Monday, July 31, 2006
“In order to find God in ourselves, we must stop looking at ourselves, stop checking and verifying ourselves in the mirror of our own futility, and be content to be in Him and to do whatever He wills, according to our limitations, judging our acts not in the light of our own illusions, but in the light of His reality which is all around us in the things and people we live with.”
Thomas Merton No Man Is An Island
Thomas Merton No Man Is An Island
Saturday, July 29, 2006
"For You, a Thousand Times Over"
I've been putting off writing about The Kite Runner for a while, because I know that I could never do it justice. So I've decided just to write about it, and say whatever comes to mind. I'm still working on my scholarly essay about it, but as you all know, that could be a while. So you're stuck with this.
Khaled Hosseini's The Kite Runner was first published in 2003, and I can't believe that I had not heard of it for three years. Why has it taken me so long to read this book? I came across it only because it is the summer read of CL, and my dad bought it and brought it home. I picked it up, and off and on for the next two or three days, I was consumed by this amazing novel.
The debut of Afghanistan-born Hosseini, now a physician in California, The Kite Runner chronicles the lives and relationship of two boys from Afghanistan in the mid-1970's. It reads more like a memoir than a novel, taking us at times into the very soul of Amir, the narrator. At times heartbreaking, at times uplifting, but ultimately redemptive, this book is so powerful that more than once while I was reading I had to stop because I could not see the words--they were being blurred by my tears.
I was so unprepared for the impact that this book had on me, and I still think about it and talk about it nearly every day since I finished it. I don't know how many people I've recommended it to, but I believe that everyone should read it.
What was most memorable and powerful about this book was the unwavering realism it sustained throughout all its 400 pages. Everything that Amir and his friend Hassan experience, I felt that I experienced. The decisions that each of them made, I felt that I had to make. This is especially true for the character of Amir, because since he is telling the story from his point of view, I can literally feel every emotion that he describes. It makes you search yourself, and ask yourself what kind of person you are. Would you do the same in Amir or Hassan's place?
One of the central points of the book is how Amir's relationship with his father affects his relationship with Hassan. Amir and his father, Baba, are very wealthy, and Hassan and his father are their servants. Hassan's father, Ali, and Baba grew up together, and Amir and Hassan are growing up in much the same way. Amir would do anything to please his father, and this is the deciding factor in many of the crucial decisions he makes, especially the ones involving Hassan. I can't expand very much more on the plot without giving things away to those of you who have not read it, but I will say that Amir sets in motion a series of events that essentially cripple his life for the next twenty-six years.
Though we are told the story entirely from Amir's perspective, we are also drawn in by the character of Hassan, who is this novel's Christ figure. While Amir takes us primarily on a journey of redemption, Hassan takes us on a journey of love. He says to Amir, "for you, a thousand times over!" and this lines echoes twice more in the book, connecting Amir's destiny with Hassan's. Hassan is completely selfless; he never stops giving, even after he and Amir have parted. This is the path Amir struggles to find--the road that will lead him to forgiveness, peace, and eventually a changed heart that only wants to give, the kind of heart that he first experienced in knowing Hassan.
In the end (though I won't tell you the actual ending--you need to read this book for yourself!) Amir, who grew up being served, has learned how to serve others. He knows that what mistakes he made in the past have been forgiven, and this allows him to be able to forgive himself.
Though none of the main characters are Christians, this book resonates deeply with Christian messages, namely, love and forgiveness. Such things can never be too often written about, and talked about, and read about. Most of us are probably more like Amir than we would care to admit, but we constantly struggle to become like Hassan. Sometimes giving of ourselves hurts, and sometimes it seems like what we do is of no consequence anyway. But there is always a reason, because God has it all worked out in His plan. And we can only stand in wonder, and with our arms open say to Him and to those around us: "for You, a thousand times over."
Khaled Hosseini's The Kite Runner was first published in 2003, and I can't believe that I had not heard of it for three years. Why has it taken me so long to read this book? I came across it only because it is the summer read of CL, and my dad bought it and brought it home. I picked it up, and off and on for the next two or three days, I was consumed by this amazing novel.
The debut of Afghanistan-born Hosseini, now a physician in California, The Kite Runner chronicles the lives and relationship of two boys from Afghanistan in the mid-1970's. It reads more like a memoir than a novel, taking us at times into the very soul of Amir, the narrator. At times heartbreaking, at times uplifting, but ultimately redemptive, this book is so powerful that more than once while I was reading I had to stop because I could not see the words--they were being blurred by my tears.
I was so unprepared for the impact that this book had on me, and I still think about it and talk about it nearly every day since I finished it. I don't know how many people I've recommended it to, but I believe that everyone should read it.
What was most memorable and powerful about this book was the unwavering realism it sustained throughout all its 400 pages. Everything that Amir and his friend Hassan experience, I felt that I experienced. The decisions that each of them made, I felt that I had to make. This is especially true for the character of Amir, because since he is telling the story from his point of view, I can literally feel every emotion that he describes. It makes you search yourself, and ask yourself what kind of person you are. Would you do the same in Amir or Hassan's place?
One of the central points of the book is how Amir's relationship with his father affects his relationship with Hassan. Amir and his father, Baba, are very wealthy, and Hassan and his father are their servants. Hassan's father, Ali, and Baba grew up together, and Amir and Hassan are growing up in much the same way. Amir would do anything to please his father, and this is the deciding factor in many of the crucial decisions he makes, especially the ones involving Hassan. I can't expand very much more on the plot without giving things away to those of you who have not read it, but I will say that Amir sets in motion a series of events that essentially cripple his life for the next twenty-six years.
Though we are told the story entirely from Amir's perspective, we are also drawn in by the character of Hassan, who is this novel's Christ figure. While Amir takes us primarily on a journey of redemption, Hassan takes us on a journey of love. He says to Amir, "for you, a thousand times over!" and this lines echoes twice more in the book, connecting Amir's destiny with Hassan's. Hassan is completely selfless; he never stops giving, even after he and Amir have parted. This is the path Amir struggles to find--the road that will lead him to forgiveness, peace, and eventually a changed heart that only wants to give, the kind of heart that he first experienced in knowing Hassan.
In the end (though I won't tell you the actual ending--you need to read this book for yourself!) Amir, who grew up being served, has learned how to serve others. He knows that what mistakes he made in the past have been forgiven, and this allows him to be able to forgive himself.
Though none of the main characters are Christians, this book resonates deeply with Christian messages, namely, love and forgiveness. Such things can never be too often written about, and talked about, and read about. Most of us are probably more like Amir than we would care to admit, but we constantly struggle to become like Hassan. Sometimes giving of ourselves hurts, and sometimes it seems like what we do is of no consequence anyway. But there is always a reason, because God has it all worked out in His plan. And we can only stand in wonder, and with our arms open say to Him and to those around us: "for You, a thousand times over."
Sunday, July 23, 2006
A Modern Day Fairy Tale
I just saw one of the most refreshingly original movies that I've seen in a long time. It was Lady in the Water, M. Night Shyamalan's new film.
I'm actually writing this post in response to Barbara Nicolosi's recent comments on the movie, because I completely, wholeheartedly, and most passionately disagree with every word she wrote about Lady in the Water, M. Night Shyamalan, and his other films. I have never been disappointed by a Shyamalan movie, and this one was no exception.
Lady in the Water does more than stimulate our imaginations. It challenges them, and takes them back into the realm of fairy tales. We've all heard fairy tales, or bedtime stories, at some point in our lives, and this movie proves that we're never too old to hear them. Every story with a meaning is worth hearing, and everything worth hearing has a meaning. The allegories and hidden messages of this story are woven into almost every scene, just as in any classic fairy tale.
Fairy tales are usually meant for kids, to entertain them, to teach a lesson, or to highlight some aspect of humanity. The best fairy tales were created by the imagination for the imagination, and they always have a deeper meaning than what is first heard or seen. In every good story, whether fantasy, fiction, or real life, there is a message, an inner-meaning, a truth to be seen and shared.
The message of Lady in the Water is simple but profound (and obviously a bit too deep for today's critics). Everyone is connected. Everyone has a purpose. It is up to each person to find their purpose and to do their part for the common good. The people around us are each unique and powerful. Everyone wants to be someone, and to matter. To be loved and remembered.
The fact that so few people appreciate Shyamalan's genius is very sad, because the fact that almost no critic can see the purpose of Lady in the Water tells me that America has lost its imagination and its sense of wonder. I'm sorry to pick on Ms. Nicolosi again, but for someone to say Lady in the Water is "monstrously bad storytelling," and then call The Devil Wears Prada one of the best movies of 2006 shows the sad fact that originality and imagination and hidden meanings and allegories and even fairy tales are no longer appreciated nor wanted.
What would it take for a brilliant movie like Lady in the Water to resonate with our hearts? Well, it's a fairy tale, a bedtime story, and those kinds of stories are usually written for kids. How does a child perceive fairy tales? Don't they look at them with the open imagination and mindset that anything is possible and that some things may not be immediately explained? Don't they sometimes see things that eccentric characters reveal about humanity that a philosopher could not? And don't they learn that being who you are is the best way to bring about change and hope...and a happy ending?
Maybe we need to be like kids again to be able to feel a resonance with movies like Lady in the Water. Maybe we have become so used to being handed the meaning when we watch a movie that we have forgotten how to look for it and find it ourselves. Maybe we've forgotten how to listen, and to wonder.
Everyone loves a good story, and everyone learns from a good story. And Shyamalan certainly knows how to tell a good story. What I learned from this movie is that even the most seemingly insignificant person can change the world, and we can experience incredible things if we just believe. But most importantly, we can find great support in our communities, because each person plays a part in the lives of the people around them. Man cannot make it on his own.
And learning from stories is sometimes the best way to find out who you are.
I'm actually writing this post in response to Barbara Nicolosi's recent comments on the movie, because I completely, wholeheartedly, and most passionately disagree with every word she wrote about Lady in the Water, M. Night Shyamalan, and his other films. I have never been disappointed by a Shyamalan movie, and this one was no exception.
Lady in the Water does more than stimulate our imaginations. It challenges them, and takes them back into the realm of fairy tales. We've all heard fairy tales, or bedtime stories, at some point in our lives, and this movie proves that we're never too old to hear them. Every story with a meaning is worth hearing, and everything worth hearing has a meaning. The allegories and hidden messages of this story are woven into almost every scene, just as in any classic fairy tale.
Fairy tales are usually meant for kids, to entertain them, to teach a lesson, or to highlight some aspect of humanity. The best fairy tales were created by the imagination for the imagination, and they always have a deeper meaning than what is first heard or seen. In every good story, whether fantasy, fiction, or real life, there is a message, an inner-meaning, a truth to be seen and shared.
The message of Lady in the Water is simple but profound (and obviously a bit too deep for today's critics). Everyone is connected. Everyone has a purpose. It is up to each person to find their purpose and to do their part for the common good. The people around us are each unique and powerful. Everyone wants to be someone, and to matter. To be loved and remembered.
The fact that so few people appreciate Shyamalan's genius is very sad, because the fact that almost no critic can see the purpose of Lady in the Water tells me that America has lost its imagination and its sense of wonder. I'm sorry to pick on Ms. Nicolosi again, but for someone to say Lady in the Water is "monstrously bad storytelling," and then call The Devil Wears Prada one of the best movies of 2006 shows the sad fact that originality and imagination and hidden meanings and allegories and even fairy tales are no longer appreciated nor wanted.
What would it take for a brilliant movie like Lady in the Water to resonate with our hearts? Well, it's a fairy tale, a bedtime story, and those kinds of stories are usually written for kids. How does a child perceive fairy tales? Don't they look at them with the open imagination and mindset that anything is possible and that some things may not be immediately explained? Don't they sometimes see things that eccentric characters reveal about humanity that a philosopher could not? And don't they learn that being who you are is the best way to bring about change and hope...and a happy ending?
Maybe we need to be like kids again to be able to feel a resonance with movies like Lady in the Water. Maybe we have become so used to being handed the meaning when we watch a movie that we have forgotten how to look for it and find it ourselves. Maybe we've forgotten how to listen, and to wonder.
Everyone loves a good story, and everyone learns from a good story. And Shyamalan certainly knows how to tell a good story. What I learned from this movie is that even the most seemingly insignificant person can change the world, and we can experience incredible things if we just believe. But most importantly, we can find great support in our communities, because each person plays a part in the lives of the people around them. Man cannot make it on his own.
And learning from stories is sometimes the best way to find out who you are.
Friday, July 07, 2006
The New Church of the Masses
"Theatres are the new Church of the Masses--where people sit huddled in the dark listening to people in the light tell them what it is to be human."(1930's theatre critic)
I got this quote from Barbara Nicolosi's blog, and I used it today because last night, or this morning rather, I truly experienced the new "Church of the Masses."
My sister and I went to the midnight showing of Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest, and while the movie was all in all fairly entertaining, it wasn't spectacular, or life-changing, and to be perfectly honest, like any other inner-meaning-less action movie, I'm going to forget it by next week. What I really took away from it, though, and the point of me writing about it, was the experience of simply being there.
I mean, it's the midnight showing; these people are either die-hard fans, parents who don't want their children out late by themselves, people who want to hang out with their friends (my sister), or people who go so that their sister can go (me). Needless to say, the movie was sold out to a 90% die-hard category audience. Now, I have to admit, I did not see the first "Pirates" until over a year after its initial release. Furthermore, I had all but completely forgotten its plot and/or key points. So with a large, highly caffeinated beverage, I sat down to watch the movie amidst a sea of people of all ages in eye patches, fake dreadlocks, and other miscellaneous pirate garb. And I sat there the entire time, because even though after that Dr. Pepper I had to use the restroom like no other, I had a feeling that if I got up and left, I would be bombarded with the fake swords and empty candy boxes of die-hards shouting "How dare you leave! You don't deserve that ticket!"
Keeping in mind that the show was at midnight, some friends of ours had been at the theatre since 8pm. By ten, they said, the theatre was fairly full. My sister and I arrived at 11:15, and I ended up sitting on the edge towards the front. The excitement in the auditorium was tangible, and to see so many people so happy about something, even though it was for a rather over-rated, over-advertised Disney production, made me feel some sort of hope. Hope that somewhere in the hearts of Americans, there is still the ability to live reality intensely.
As I watched these people watching this movie, a thought occurred to me: what movie would I get this excited about seeing? What movie would I completely and voluntarily choose to see at midnight? Maybe if "On the Waterfront" was re-released. Or if someone re-made "Ashes to Light." (*winks at John*) But seriously, I couldn't imagine ever getting so worked up over a movie that I would absolutely have to be the first one (in the general masses) to see it. So on one hand I'm happy that these people have a passion. But on the other I wish that they would have the same sort of passion for things in real life.
I guess what I'm taking a long time to say is that this new Church of the Masses and this new congregation is really the hope of America, in the sense that the art of film has the amazing potential to be used for evangelization. And while "Pirates 2" isn't the best example of people in the light telling us what it is to be human, there are many movies that do. And many movies can and will be made that will tell us. Because we need to be told.
The pulpit of America is a canvas screen, the pews are velour seats with cupholders, and the preacher is a roll of film passing in front of a projector, and this church where we so often go to escape reality is where so many times we end up finding it.
Here's to the great movies. Let them be made and seen.
I got this quote from Barbara Nicolosi's blog, and I used it today because last night, or this morning rather, I truly experienced the new "Church of the Masses."
My sister and I went to the midnight showing of Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest, and while the movie was all in all fairly entertaining, it wasn't spectacular, or life-changing, and to be perfectly honest, like any other inner-meaning-less action movie, I'm going to forget it by next week. What I really took away from it, though, and the point of me writing about it, was the experience of simply being there.
I mean, it's the midnight showing; these people are either die-hard fans, parents who don't want their children out late by themselves, people who want to hang out with their friends (my sister), or people who go so that their sister can go (me). Needless to say, the movie was sold out to a 90% die-hard category audience. Now, I have to admit, I did not see the first "Pirates" until over a year after its initial release. Furthermore, I had all but completely forgotten its plot and/or key points. So with a large, highly caffeinated beverage, I sat down to watch the movie amidst a sea of people of all ages in eye patches, fake dreadlocks, and other miscellaneous pirate garb. And I sat there the entire time, because even though after that Dr. Pepper I had to use the restroom like no other, I had a feeling that if I got up and left, I would be bombarded with the fake swords and empty candy boxes of die-hards shouting "How dare you leave! You don't deserve that ticket!"
Keeping in mind that the show was at midnight, some friends of ours had been at the theatre since 8pm. By ten, they said, the theatre was fairly full. My sister and I arrived at 11:15, and I ended up sitting on the edge towards the front. The excitement in the auditorium was tangible, and to see so many people so happy about something, even though it was for a rather over-rated, over-advertised Disney production, made me feel some sort of hope. Hope that somewhere in the hearts of Americans, there is still the ability to live reality intensely.
As I watched these people watching this movie, a thought occurred to me: what movie would I get this excited about seeing? What movie would I completely and voluntarily choose to see at midnight? Maybe if "On the Waterfront" was re-released. Or if someone re-made "Ashes to Light." (*winks at John*) But seriously, I couldn't imagine ever getting so worked up over a movie that I would absolutely have to be the first one (in the general masses) to see it. So on one hand I'm happy that these people have a passion. But on the other I wish that they would have the same sort of passion for things in real life.
I guess what I'm taking a long time to say is that this new Church of the Masses and this new congregation is really the hope of America, in the sense that the art of film has the amazing potential to be used for evangelization. And while "Pirates 2" isn't the best example of people in the light telling us what it is to be human, there are many movies that do. And many movies can and will be made that will tell us. Because we need to be told.
The pulpit of America is a canvas screen, the pews are velour seats with cupholders, and the preacher is a roll of film passing in front of a projector, and this church where we so often go to escape reality is where so many times we end up finding it.
Here's to the great movies. Let them be made and seen.
Thursday, July 06, 2006
Today in Acadia
"Just make sure you take it all in. Let yourself be dazzled."
-God to Joan in Joan of Arcadia
You all should read these interviews (links to parts 2 and 3 at the bottom) with the brilliant, the resourceful, the 23 year-old(!) Rocco Palmo.
There's also an article by him at BustedHalo.
I hope you all had a wonderful Independence Day.
God Bless.
-God to Joan in Joan of Arcadia
You all should read these interviews (links to parts 2 and 3 at the bottom) with the brilliant, the resourceful, the 23 year-old(!) Rocco Palmo.
There's also an article by him at BustedHalo.
I hope you all had a wonderful Independence Day.
God Bless.
Friday, June 30, 2006
The story isn't done...
...but I know you all need another quote:
Truth is recognized by the beauty in which it manifests itself.
And here's a picture of Anne from a while ago:
I hope y'all are having a good summer!
Truth is recognized by the beauty in which it manifests itself.
And here's a picture of Anne from a while ago:
I hope y'all are having a good summer!
Monday, June 26, 2006
Well, what do you know...?
Yesterday, after a fun time at the baseball game, my entire family (minus my Dad--coming back from Rome, and John--at TAC) and I went to a little Chinese restaurant for supper.
While we are waiting for our food, who would walk in but the Bishop of Wichita, in his Madras shorts, Under Armour shirt, and tennis shoes. Of course he recognizes us and we chat for a while.
The point of the story? You better be on your best behavior at all times, because you just never know who might show up.
I know y'all are just dying for a quote for today, so here it is:
Everything for me You were and are.(Ada Negri)
Ciao
While we are waiting for our food, who would walk in but the Bishop of Wichita, in his Madras shorts, Under Armour shirt, and tennis shoes. Of course he recognizes us and we chat for a while.
The point of the story? You better be on your best behavior at all times, because you just never know who might show up.
I know y'all are just dying for a quote for today, so here it is:
Everything for me You were and are.(Ada Negri)
Ciao
Friday, June 23, 2006
An Observation
It's so amazing to have a day off from work. Yeah...
So I'm still working on that story...thanks for being patient.
Quote of the day:
"You live for love of something happening now." (Theme of 2006 CL Spiritual Exercises)
God Bless.
So I'm still working on that story...thanks for being patient.
Quote of the day:
"You live for love of something happening now." (Theme of 2006 CL Spiritual Exercises)
God Bless.
Sunday, June 18, 2006
Seniors' Wisdom
I asked some of my fellow seniors to say the most important thing they have learned these past four years, and what advice they would give to other graduates. Here are some quotes from a few graduating high school seniors of 2006:
"Never be afraid to ask for help right away... procrastinating only makes the problem worse."
-Meghan
"Wow, the most important thing? Hmmm...I guess, after watching classmate after classmate freak out under various pressures related to school (college, grades, tests, essays, etc.), I would say that the most important thing I've learned is not to worry so much because everything WILL work itself out eventually."
-Julia
"I have learned so much about myself and about life during high school!
First, that God has a plan for me and his grace is always moving in my life, whether I see it or not.
Second, that even if other people think I'm working too hard or I'm trying to do something that is nearly impossible, I can still do it, because I can push myself.
Third, we can't relive the good times we have had, but all of our experiences combine to make us who we are.
Fourth, we can't be afraid of what God really wants us to do!
and finally, always have a smile outside and inside, and a sense of humor!"
-Katie
"To my fellow graduates and to those who still have some high school years left:
First, stay true to yourself. Many people say this today but very few know what it means or take it seriously. God created you as a unique individual and as such you are different from each and every other human being on this planet living now or ever before. Since this is the case you should never comform to what others think about what you should like, how you should behave, speak, or think simply because it happens to appeal to some sense of temporary popularity.
Second, develop your talents that God gave you. No matter what it is, you have been gifted with an exceptional ability in some arena of activitiy, whether it be music, writing, speaking, organizing or whatever it may be. Be like the servant who took the talents from his master and multiplied them ten-fold and not like the servant who buried his talent because he was ashamed of it. God will expect you to make use of the abilities you have been given as he will make you accountable for how you have used them on judgement day.
Third, I simply advise to pray hard and often for the grace to discern God's will in your life and the courage to accept it with obedience."
-John
"I'd say the most important thing that I learned in high school is the importance of family. Friends may come and go, but your family will always be your family. My advice? Make the most of the time you have left at home, and don't work too hard!"
-Lindsey
And as for me, something I have learned is how many angels dance on the head of a pin: all of them. (Only Jen might get that.) : )
The advice I would give is that it is not enough merely to survive. We must live the drama of our existence, battling the nothingness that tempts us to stop living and merely survive. We must live, announcing the Presence which moves us to action, and seek every moment the One who is our Destiny. To live the moment in His Presence is the most important thing.
To all the graduates of 2006 (8th grade, high school, and college): Congratulations! The best of luck to all of you wherever you are and wherever you may go.
God Bless.
"Never be afraid to ask for help right away... procrastinating only makes the problem worse."
-Meghan
"Wow, the most important thing? Hmmm...I guess, after watching classmate after classmate freak out under various pressures related to school (college, grades, tests, essays, etc.), I would say that the most important thing I've learned is not to worry so much because everything WILL work itself out eventually."
-Julia
"I have learned so much about myself and about life during high school!
First, that God has a plan for me and his grace is always moving in my life, whether I see it or not.
Second, that even if other people think I'm working too hard or I'm trying to do something that is nearly impossible, I can still do it, because I can push myself.
Third, we can't relive the good times we have had, but all of our experiences combine to make us who we are.
Fourth, we can't be afraid of what God really wants us to do!
and finally, always have a smile outside and inside, and a sense of humor!"
-Katie
"To my fellow graduates and to those who still have some high school years left:
First, stay true to yourself. Many people say this today but very few know what it means or take it seriously. God created you as a unique individual and as such you are different from each and every other human being on this planet living now or ever before. Since this is the case you should never comform to what others think about what you should like, how you should behave, speak, or think simply because it happens to appeal to some sense of temporary popularity.
Second, develop your talents that God gave you. No matter what it is, you have been gifted with an exceptional ability in some arena of activitiy, whether it be music, writing, speaking, organizing or whatever it may be. Be like the servant who took the talents from his master and multiplied them ten-fold and not like the servant who buried his talent because he was ashamed of it. God will expect you to make use of the abilities you have been given as he will make you accountable for how you have used them on judgement day.
Third, I simply advise to pray hard and often for the grace to discern God's will in your life and the courage to accept it with obedience."
-John
"I'd say the most important thing that I learned in high school is the importance of family. Friends may come and go, but your family will always be your family. My advice? Make the most of the time you have left at home, and don't work too hard!"
-Lindsey
And as for me, something I have learned is how many angels dance on the head of a pin: all of them. (Only Jen might get that.) : )
The advice I would give is that it is not enough merely to survive. We must live the drama of our existence, battling the nothingness that tempts us to stop living and merely survive. We must live, announcing the Presence which moves us to action, and seek every moment the One who is our Destiny. To live the moment in His Presence is the most important thing.
To all the graduates of 2006 (8th grade, high school, and college): Congratulations! The best of luck to all of you wherever you are and wherever you may go.
God Bless.
Friday, June 16, 2006
Here's the program from my senior recital:
A Senior Recital
June 3, 2006 ▪ 3:00 pm
Sarah Brungardt, violin
Laura Black, piano accompanist
J.S. Bach (1685-1750) ▪ Partita No. 2 in d minor
I. Allemanda
III. Sarabanda
IV. Giga
Max Bruch (1838-1920) ▪ Concerto No. 1 in g minor
I. Prelude
II. Adagio
III. Finale
W.A. Mozart (1756-1791) ▪ Concerto No. 5 in A major
I. Allegro Aperto
Jay Ungar (1946- ) ▪ Ashokan Farewell
J.S. Bach ▪ Concerto for Two Violins
with Virginia Brungardt
I. Vivace
A Senior Recital
June 3, 2006 ▪ 3:00 pm
Sarah Brungardt, violin
Laura Black, piano accompanist
J.S. Bach (1685-1750) ▪ Partita No. 2 in d minor
I. Allemanda
III. Sarabanda
IV. Giga
Max Bruch (1838-1920) ▪ Concerto No. 1 in g minor
I. Prelude
II. Adagio
III. Finale
W.A. Mozart (1756-1791) ▪ Concerto No. 5 in A major
I. Allegro Aperto
Jay Ungar (1946- ) ▪ Ashokan Farewell
J.S. Bach ▪ Concerto for Two Violins
with Virginia Brungardt
I. Vivace
Me again
So tomorrow I'm getting a laptop. How about that?
I have a story for you guys pretty soon...if anyone is still reading. : )
I have a story for you guys pretty soon...if anyone is still reading. : )
Tuesday, May 30, 2006
Update
Well, nothing much has been happening around here, except work and getting ready for my senior recital and for a violin quartet. Also, John came home for his two week vacation from TAC, and it's been great having him back. His being here, it makes me feel a lot of different things, but mostly a sort of homesickness for TAC, and a sad feeling that I won't be at college with him next year, but I'm very, very excited to be off to UD this fall. I know that I'm going to have a great year, and as always, I trust in the will of God for my future. We'll see...
Whenever I have a spare minute or two, I'm usually outside or reading. I recently finished a Willa Cather spree, which consisted of My Antonia, O Pioneers, and The Song of the Lark. All of them were remarkable, great books to read anytime. After that I tried 1984, by George Orwell, but after the first few chapters, I just couldn't stick with it. I'll try to pick it up again later, but another reason I stopped was that I was really excited to start Kristin Lavransdatter, by Sigrid Undset. I've read the first two books before, but got lost in the third. So far so good this time. It's really an amazing book with its imagery and realistic medieval Norwegian setting.
I have quite an extensive list for the rest of the summer, so I'll update you as soon as I read more.
Let me know what you're all up to this summer!
God bless.
Whenever I have a spare minute or two, I'm usually outside or reading. I recently finished a Willa Cather spree, which consisted of My Antonia, O Pioneers, and The Song of the Lark. All of them were remarkable, great books to read anytime. After that I tried 1984, by George Orwell, but after the first few chapters, I just couldn't stick with it. I'll try to pick it up again later, but another reason I stopped was that I was really excited to start Kristin Lavransdatter, by Sigrid Undset. I've read the first two books before, but got lost in the third. So far so good this time. It's really an amazing book with its imagery and realistic medieval Norwegian setting.
I have quite an extensive list for the rest of the summer, so I'll update you as soon as I read more.
Let me know what you're all up to this summer!
God bless.
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
Questions
Hey everyone! Here is a survey I found on a friend's blog. Feel free to write your own answers in the comments.
1. What does your MySpace headline mean?
Well, on MySpace it is "The Drama of Existence searches for its own Truth," which basically means that if we are truly living, we are seeking the Truth. Not what the world tells us is truth, but what the drama inside us desires: Christ.
2. Elaborate on your default photo:
At the TAC summer program dinner. Good times...
3. What's your middle name?
Elizabeth
4. What is your current relationship status?
blessed with many awesome friends
5. What EXACTLY are you wearing right now?:
A tan a-line skirt, and a salmon colored cap-sleeve shirt. Earlier I had on a white 3/4 length sweater, but it got too hot. (98, I think)
6. What is your current problem?
I have to rehearse the entire Bruch concerto tomorrow by memory, and I am nervous.
7. What do you love the most?
God, Life, people (family and friends), beauty, chocolate, and good books and movies. Not to mention great times.
8. What makes you most happy?
doing what I'm supposed to do
9. Are you musically inclined?
Considering I'm giving a senior recital here pretty soon, I would say so.
10. If you could go back in time, and change something, what would it be?
I would have smiled at or talked to all those people that needed it, like the people you randomly meet at the gas station or in the checkout line.
11. If you MUST be an animal for ONE day what would you be?
a bird: I would fly around the world
12. Ever have a near death experience?
maybe not so near death as most
13. Name an obvious quality you have:
I'm an organizer and a listener
14. What's the name of the song that's stuck in your head right now?
I have several songs simultaneously in my head, most notably "Far Away" by Nickelback, and "Dreaming of You" by Selena, because my 3 year old sister sings it all day (Selena, not Nickelback).
15. Who did you cut and paste this from?:
the one, the only, Nicole Habashy
16. Name someone with the same b-day as you:
Christa Cannizarro, Mahatma Ghandi, Kelly Ripa, Sting, Don McLean
17. Have you ever vandalized someone's private property?
not exactly
18. Have you ever gotten in a fight?
yes
19. Have you ever sang in front of a large audience?
not solo
20. What's the first thing you notice about the OPPOSITE sex?
face, smile, how they treat other people (sorry, that's 3)
21. What do you usually order from Starbucks?
hot chocolate or chai tea latte
23. Ever had a drunken night in Mexico?
no
25. Do you still watch kiddy movies or TV shows?
YES!! Beauty and the Beast is the BEST movie.
26. Did you have braces?
not now, but I did
27. Are you comfortable with your height?
very much so
28. What is the most romantic thing someone has ever done?
I'm not very experienced in the romance department, but a good friend of mine said that I am beautiful.
29. Do you speak any other languages?
spanish, a little italian, and I know a song in irish
30. What's your favorite smell?
rain, Ralph Lauren Blue
1. What does your MySpace headline mean?
Well, on MySpace it is "The Drama of Existence searches for its own Truth," which basically means that if we are truly living, we are seeking the Truth. Not what the world tells us is truth, but what the drama inside us desires: Christ.
2. Elaborate on your default photo:
At the TAC summer program dinner. Good times...
3. What's your middle name?
Elizabeth
4. What is your current relationship status?
blessed with many awesome friends
5. What EXACTLY are you wearing right now?:
A tan a-line skirt, and a salmon colored cap-sleeve shirt. Earlier I had on a white 3/4 length sweater, but it got too hot. (98, I think)
6. What is your current problem?
I have to rehearse the entire Bruch concerto tomorrow by memory, and I am nervous.
7. What do you love the most?
God, Life, people (family and friends), beauty, chocolate, and good books and movies. Not to mention great times.
8. What makes you most happy?
doing what I'm supposed to do
9. Are you musically inclined?
Considering I'm giving a senior recital here pretty soon, I would say so.
10. If you could go back in time, and change something, what would it be?
I would have smiled at or talked to all those people that needed it, like the people you randomly meet at the gas station or in the checkout line.
11. If you MUST be an animal for ONE day what would you be?
a bird: I would fly around the world
12. Ever have a near death experience?
maybe not so near death as most
13. Name an obvious quality you have:
I'm an organizer and a listener
14. What's the name of the song that's stuck in your head right now?
I have several songs simultaneously in my head, most notably "Far Away" by Nickelback, and "Dreaming of You" by Selena, because my 3 year old sister sings it all day (Selena, not Nickelback).
15. Who did you cut and paste this from?:
the one, the only, Nicole Habashy
16. Name someone with the same b-day as you:
Christa Cannizarro, Mahatma Ghandi, Kelly Ripa, Sting, Don McLean
17. Have you ever vandalized someone's private property?
not exactly
18. Have you ever gotten in a fight?
yes
19. Have you ever sang in front of a large audience?
not solo
20. What's the first thing you notice about the OPPOSITE sex?
face, smile, how they treat other people (sorry, that's 3)
21. What do you usually order from Starbucks?
hot chocolate or chai tea latte
23. Ever had a drunken night in Mexico?
no
25. Do you still watch kiddy movies or TV shows?
YES!! Beauty and the Beast is the BEST movie.
26. Did you have braces?
not now, but I did
27. Are you comfortable with your height?
very much so
28. What is the most romantic thing someone has ever done?
I'm not very experienced in the romance department, but a good friend of mine said that I am beautiful.
29. Do you speak any other languages?
spanish, a little italian, and I know a song in irish
30. What's your favorite smell?
rain, Ralph Lauren Blue
Wednesday, May 10, 2006
Sunday, April 16, 2006
Christ is Risen!
Rejoice and be glad!
The strength of God is the joy of His people.
-Fr. Giussani
Happy Easter!
And Happy Birthday to our Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI!
The strength of God is the joy of His people.
-Fr. Giussani
Happy Easter!
And Happy Birthday to our Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI!
Saturday, April 15, 2006
A Gaze to Our Destiny
I would like to wish everyone a beautiful and blessed Easter Season! In these days, the holiest time of the year, may you all be moved by your redemption by Christ, and feel His Presence with you throughout your life.
I just wanted to say a few words on a movie that is very appropriate for this time: The Passion of the Christ. We watched it last night, on Good Friday, and I must say that there aren't many more beautiful and powerful reflections on Christ's passion and death than this one. What will not--can not--leave me is the gaze of Christ, as he looks at the disciples, Mary Magdalen, Pilate, and most powerfully for me, His mother Mary and Simon of Cyrene. Just the way Jesus looks at them is enough to touch their hearts and change their lives forever.
The look in Christ's eyes touched Mary Magdalen in such a way that she left everything to follow Him.
It touched Pilate in such a way that for the rest of his life he would ask himself, Quid est veritas? What is truth?
It touched Simon of Cyrene in such a way that he left Golgatha with the gaze of Christ written on his soul, never to leave his memory.
It touched Mary, the Mother of God, in such a way throughout her whole life that she saw the fulfillment of the promise of redemption in Jesus' eyes as he said, See, mother, I make all things new.
If He was to look at me like this, how could I say 'no' to this Man? How could any of us? And when we see the Face of Christ in the people we meet, in our friends and family, how can we say 'no' to Him? The choice to love always comes from saying 'yes' to the Person of Christ, in Himself and in others.
To quote Fr. Giussani: "Do not weep! There is a gaze and a heart that penetrates to your very marrow and loves you all the way to your destiny, a gaze and a heart that no one can deflect from His course, no one can render incapable of saying what He thinks and what He feels, no one can render powerless!"
To all of you who show me the Face of Christ each day, thank you.
Have a Happy and Blessed Easter!
God Bless
I just wanted to say a few words on a movie that is very appropriate for this time: The Passion of the Christ. We watched it last night, on Good Friday, and I must say that there aren't many more beautiful and powerful reflections on Christ's passion and death than this one. What will not--can not--leave me is the gaze of Christ, as he looks at the disciples, Mary Magdalen, Pilate, and most powerfully for me, His mother Mary and Simon of Cyrene. Just the way Jesus looks at them is enough to touch their hearts and change their lives forever.
The look in Christ's eyes touched Mary Magdalen in such a way that she left everything to follow Him.
It touched Pilate in such a way that for the rest of his life he would ask himself, Quid est veritas? What is truth?
It touched Simon of Cyrene in such a way that he left Golgatha with the gaze of Christ written on his soul, never to leave his memory.
It touched Mary, the Mother of God, in such a way throughout her whole life that she saw the fulfillment of the promise of redemption in Jesus' eyes as he said, See, mother, I make all things new.
If He was to look at me like this, how could I say 'no' to this Man? How could any of us? And when we see the Face of Christ in the people we meet, in our friends and family, how can we say 'no' to Him? The choice to love always comes from saying 'yes' to the Person of Christ, in Himself and in others.
To quote Fr. Giussani: "Do not weep! There is a gaze and a heart that penetrates to your very marrow and loves you all the way to your destiny, a gaze and a heart that no one can deflect from His course, no one can render incapable of saying what He thinks and what He feels, no one can render powerless!"
To all of you who show me the Face of Christ each day, thank you.
Have a Happy and Blessed Easter!
God Bless
Monday, April 03, 2006
Sentences on Hope
Okay, so I stole my post title from Thomas Merton (No Man Is An Island), but it just so happens that it fits perfectly with the theme of the CL Lenten retreat that I went to this past Saturday. The whole day was beautiful—driving up with my Dad at 5am, watching an amazing sunrise in the Flint Hills, walking around the BC campus which is just beginning to be filled with the sights and smells of the new season, seeing old friends and meeting new ones, and of course participating in the retreat itself.
The theme of the 2005 CL Spiritual Exercises, “Hope Does Not Disappoint,” was also the theme of the retreat. In a simple yet profound meditation on the second lesson of the exercises, led by Fr. Jerry from Minnesota, we asked the questions: “What is the hope that does not disappoint?” and “where is this place of hope in my life?”
Let’s back up for a moment, though, and ask ourselves this: “Do we even have hope?” Because in a sense, faith is easy—it’s natural. How could we look at the beauty and wonder of the world and say that God doesn’t exist? The same with charity, or love: how could we look at our fellow men and not love the face of Christ that we see in each of them? But hope is not natural to us. The man who has hope, writes Peguy, amazes even God. How is it that we are able to wake up every morning, get out of bed, and tell ourselves that today is going to be better? Time after time we are disappointed, yet time after time we continue to hope.
What, then, is the hope that does not disappoint? It is hope is Christ, the promise and fulfillment of our lives, that can never let us down. “Hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit which has been given to us.” (Romans 5:5) Hope does not come or go forward by itself—you had to have received a great grace. The greatest grace we have received is the encounter with Christ. This encounter opens a path which, to follow, we must continually recognize this grace. In living with His Presence and recognizing the signs of Christ in our lives, we will have the hope that does not disappoint. But we must remember that this journey is for our whole lives: “I believe that not even when we have found Him will we stop looking for Him.”(St. Bernard) “Our hearts are restless until they rest in You.” (St. Augustine)
Where do we find this hope here on earth? In the place of hope, which is the Christian community. But I go to Mass, receive Communion, and go to Confession, and still I cannot hold onto hope. This reality forces us to ask yet another question: “Who are my friends?” Surrounding ourselves with people who are striving towards the same goal, and who are asking the same questions, is a crucial part of living the Christian community. Thomas Merton expressed this beautifully: “For in my soul and in your soul I find the same Christ Who is our Life, and He finds Himself in our love, and together we both find Paradise, which is the sharing of His love for His Father in the Person of Their Spirit.” Later he writes that if our souls are closed to that love, we are “denied the particular expressions which it finds through me and no other.” (both from New Seeds of Contemplation) This is an amazing proposition: that each of us uniquely expresses God’s love—and hope—to each other.
The community we need is a web of relationships that continually awakens our desire for Christ and our recognition of His Presence. These are our friends—those that we can share our lives with. What an awesome responsibility we have: to be the Face of the Presence for our friends.
The only hope that does not disappoint is this powerful Presence of You, Christ, made possible by the Spirit, because without You we put our hope where sooner or later we will be disappointed. You are the only hope that does not disappoint us, Christ.
Veni Sancte Spiritus; Veni Per Mariam
The theme of the 2005 CL Spiritual Exercises, “Hope Does Not Disappoint,” was also the theme of the retreat. In a simple yet profound meditation on the second lesson of the exercises, led by Fr. Jerry from Minnesota, we asked the questions: “What is the hope that does not disappoint?” and “where is this place of hope in my life?”
Let’s back up for a moment, though, and ask ourselves this: “Do we even have hope?” Because in a sense, faith is easy—it’s natural. How could we look at the beauty and wonder of the world and say that God doesn’t exist? The same with charity, or love: how could we look at our fellow men and not love the face of Christ that we see in each of them? But hope is not natural to us. The man who has hope, writes Peguy, amazes even God. How is it that we are able to wake up every morning, get out of bed, and tell ourselves that today is going to be better? Time after time we are disappointed, yet time after time we continue to hope.
What, then, is the hope that does not disappoint? It is hope is Christ, the promise and fulfillment of our lives, that can never let us down. “Hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit which has been given to us.” (Romans 5:5) Hope does not come or go forward by itself—you had to have received a great grace. The greatest grace we have received is the encounter with Christ. This encounter opens a path which, to follow, we must continually recognize this grace. In living with His Presence and recognizing the signs of Christ in our lives, we will have the hope that does not disappoint. But we must remember that this journey is for our whole lives: “I believe that not even when we have found Him will we stop looking for Him.”(St. Bernard) “Our hearts are restless until they rest in You.” (St. Augustine)
Where do we find this hope here on earth? In the place of hope, which is the Christian community. But I go to Mass, receive Communion, and go to Confession, and still I cannot hold onto hope. This reality forces us to ask yet another question: “Who are my friends?” Surrounding ourselves with people who are striving towards the same goal, and who are asking the same questions, is a crucial part of living the Christian community. Thomas Merton expressed this beautifully: “For in my soul and in your soul I find the same Christ Who is our Life, and He finds Himself in our love, and together we both find Paradise, which is the sharing of His love for His Father in the Person of Their Spirit.” Later he writes that if our souls are closed to that love, we are “denied the particular expressions which it finds through me and no other.” (both from New Seeds of Contemplation) This is an amazing proposition: that each of us uniquely expresses God’s love—and hope—to each other.
The community we need is a web of relationships that continually awakens our desire for Christ and our recognition of His Presence. These are our friends—those that we can share our lives with. What an awesome responsibility we have: to be the Face of the Presence for our friends.
The only hope that does not disappoint is this powerful Presence of You, Christ, made possible by the Spirit, because without You we put our hope where sooner or later we will be disappointed. You are the only hope that does not disappoint us, Christ.
Veni Sancte Spiritus; Veni Per Mariam
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