Wednesday, September 14, 2016

A Classical Hodgepodge

Welcome to this week's edition of the Wednesday Hodgepodge. If you've answered the questions add your link at the end of my post, then run say hi to your neighbor (the blogger before you). Here we go-


1. What's changed in your life, home, or community since your last birthday?

I have a birthday in a few days, so essentially this question asks what's changed in a year and I bet you can guess where I'm going with my answer.

Home build-September 2015


rip rap in and ready for dock install

manly men doing manly men stuff

should the house sit here or 1/16th of an inch to the right?  


Aaaand home build, September 2016

pulling in to our much enjoyed dock

 kitchen nearing completion

out back

and from the front

Still not living there though.  That hasn't changed!

2. September is Classical Music Month. Do you like/listen to classical music? If so what's a favorite piece and/or who is a favorite composer?

I like some classical music and will sometimes play it when I'm home alone and writing. I'm not sure I have a favorite piece but Vivaldi's Four Seasons, anything from The Nutcracker, and Pachelbel's Canon in D Major are a few that I enjoy. 

3. Besides The Bible, what's a book that has positively changed your life, relationships, career, or perspective? How so?

When I started thinking about my answer I decided I could make this a blog post (and I will).  Several came to mind immediately, and I could easily come up with a list of ten. For now I'll go with My Utmost For His Highest by Oswald Chambers. I'm re-reading it again this year and it is absolutely jam-packed full of life-changing wisdom.  

4. I read (here) these ten hobbies will make you smarter...play a musical instrument, read voraciously, meditate regularly, work out your brain (puzzles, sudoku, board games, etc), exercise often, learn a new language, write your feelings down (blog, journal, just write), travel to new places, cook different kinds of meals, participate in sports actively

Are any on this list your current hobbies? Which hobby on the list would you be most inclined to try?

I currently read voraciously, pray regularly, work out my brain, exercise, write, travel and cook. Learning a new language has been on my personal to-do list for a while now, but I haven't followed through. I'd still like to!

5. What sports traditions does your family have?

Go VOLS! 

6. In a few words, weigh in on the current football/National Anthem brouhaha. Keep it family friendly please.

Not sure I can do the 'few words' thing on this topic, but I'll try. Yes it's America and freedom of speech and all that jazz, but....the way I see it, the field is a football player's workplace, and freedom of speech does not extend to the workplace. Employers can require all sorts of things of their employees and if the employee doesn't like it he's free to find another job. People pay money to see you play football, not to protest what you think is wrong with America. I really do think the league is at fault here for permitting it. 

Football and sport in general is one area where people of all race, creed, and religion can share common ground. We unite in our love (or dislike) for a team or player or a spectacular catch or whatever. These protests are ruining that. They are creating division where there doesn't need to be division and I'm so weary of it. 

And to kneel as a statement of protest against our police forces on the anniversary of 9-11 I think is outrageous. If I were their mother I'd be so ashamed. Remember those people dressed in Blue who went running in to burning skyscrapers as they crumbled to the ground while everybody else was running out? Remember how those people dressed in Blue were Black, White, Hispanic, Asian, male, female? Remember how they just reached for anyone of any color they could pull from the rubble? It's despicable on this day most of all that an overpaid football player can't stand and show a little respect for that if nothing else.  

Standing for the anthem doesn't make you a patriot, nor does standing mean you think America is a perfect place. I know we can't force someone to feel respect, but I do think we can ask that our citizens show respect. People have died, spilled their very blood for the liberties we take for granted. The least we can do is stand. 

7. Where do you have loads of patience, and where do you most lack patience?

I have loads of patience for all sorts of things including small and large children (not talking about adults who behave like children), anxious parents (I was a teacher), baking, grocery shopping, gardening, and most of the everyday things we encounter in life that slow us down or deter us from our plans.  

What I do not have patience for are people driving way too slow in the left lane, particularly if it's because they're texting, (also, p.s.a-the left lane is for passing...just throwing that out there in case you're one of the drivers who try my patience), chronic complainers, laziness on the job, and technology glitches. And obviously I have no patience for highly paid professional athletes who use the 'workplace' as a means of protest. 

8. Insert your own random thought here.

This is a beautiful story...take a minute to read it if you haven't already.  

Remembering a Hero, 15 Years After 9/11




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32 comments:

  1. Thank you for explaining further about the kneeling for the anthem thing. The site that I found about it said nothing about it being a protest against the police. It didn't really say much of anything other than football players were kneeling and they didn't think that is right. So, I made my post accordingly. Kneeling is typically a show of respect, but if they're kneeling as a protest about something, that is a different matter entirely. That is kind of like turning a kneel into a birdie-shooting/the finger of sorts. Not nice.

    I'm very excited right along with you about your house being almost complete. I can't wait until you get to be there and enjoy all of that beauty full-time. :)

    Happy birthday!

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  2. As in Europe the American football is not very well known, here we have only soccer hysterics I haven't heard about the football/National Anthem brouhaha. But I very much agree with what you write ! Sport and politics don't go together at all !

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  3. Enjoyed reading your answers Joyce. Thanks again for another great Hodgepodge. Beautiful home you have going here.

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  4. Couldn't get to read the full story you linked to Joyce but there were definitely some very courageous people on 9/11. I hear your impatience coming through loud and clear on the protest and the slow drivers lol! The house is looking good and I know for you it must feel like forever but to see how much work has gone on I can understand it would take time. Not long now I'm sure before you'll be posting pics of the interior after you've moved in. Hang in there.

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    1. I updated the link so the whole story can be read. Thanks for letting me know!

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  5. I wrote my entire post yesterday and the computer evidently did a bit of updating and POOF, my post is gone!!! Grrrrrrrr.
    I basically said the exact same as you on number 6. The NFL really dropped the ball here, employees are regularly expected to adhere to guidelines on behavior ALL THE TIME. They should have said he was allowed to express his opinions off the field. Both the player and the NFL are free to state their opinions but they are not free from the consequence of doing so. If people are offended, and they ARE offended, it is their right to pull endorsements or boycott the player, the team, and the NFL. They are within their rights to put their money where their mouth is. It's called FAIR PLAY

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  6. The house is looking great! I really thought the questions were good ones this week. Especially the one about the National anthem. Have a great week!

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  7. I totally agree with your thoughts on the football/national anthem question. You said it so well, too.
    Many of the things that try your patience, also try mine. I just didn't think of them!
    I enjoyed seeing the pictures of your home building progress. It's so pretty! I know you can't wait to move in :)
    Last, but not least, I'm so aggravated! I can't see the linky again today... Would you mind adding me to the list again? I really appreciate it. Thanks.
    Kathy (Reflections)

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  8. Hi Joyce,
    I did a post on my blog regarding The Red Bandanna on Sunday.

    I liked how you wrote up number 6.
    Did you know the QB for the 49er's was adopted? And his parents happen to be white! I remember when he had his first good year in the NFL, Focus on the Family did a lovely story with him and his parents. They seemed to have a good relationship. It is so sad how an organization like BLM, that is run on HATE can change a young man in such a way. My husband and I wondered if he got into drugs, or a gang that he could change so much from that Focus on the Family interview that was full of LOVE.

    Your home is looking so beautiful. Looking forward to our first visit ;-)
    Carla

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  9. I will visit the link you gave to us when I leave here. The two of us should probably never take a road trip together! LOL Our #7 answers were nearly the same! Loved seeing photos of the new house! Your #6 answer - beautiful. Thanks for another great HP Joyce!

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  10. I squeaked when I saw the photos of your home. It's going to be amazing!

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  11. I liked your answer for #6. I hadn't thought about Colin and others are AT WORK on the football field and the employer makes the rules. Very true. It seems the coaches have varying feelings about it too. But, in general, I think the media once again is giving this too much attention.

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  12. I love construction progress photos! You may not be in yet, but at least it won't be -40 F. when you do get moved. What a beautiful place! Interesting thoughts, especially #6. Have a great week.

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  13. Your home looks beautiful! Going over to check out the link now. Have a good week.

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  14. Has it really been one whole year? Really???? Wow. I LOVE the caption about where the house should sit...1/16 of an inch...you hit the nail on the head there! LOL I have a friend who loves the book you mentioned. I may have to give it a read this year. I'm looking forward to you getting into your beautiful new home. And at least you'll know it was all worth it when things are perfect...not even a 16th of an inch off. :)

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  15. I always love seeing pics of your home. Thanks for hosting.

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  16. Your answer to #6 made my eyes get teary. You are so right! More teary eyes after reading that article too. Your new home looks beautiful and I hope you will be moved in soon. Thanks for another great week at the Hodgepodge:)

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  17. I am rereading My Utmost for His Highest this year too. Your house is just beautiful and I love your kitchen cabinets. I know you are so ready to MOVE IN!

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  18. Gorgeous home.. know you are very excited and expectant!!!

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  19. Joyce, I didn't have extra time to do the HP this week...again...but I wanted to comment that your answer to the football question gave me goose bumps! You wrote that beautifully.
    Your house looks lovely also. :-)

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  20. I'm with you on #6 and definitely #7. Girl...that house is worth the wait! What a gorgeous place to leave. My copy of My Utmost was a gift from a friend from college and she's arriving for a visit today. It might be time to pull it out again. Have a great rest of your week. The Happy Wonderer

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  21. Love your answer for #6. I recently read the Red Bandana story and it touched my heart deeply. I have shared a few on Facebook to that have been amazing. I love that these stories are getting out there. Your house is so beautiful!

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  22. EXCELLENT reply to question #6!!!

    I got lost (in a very good way) reading the link to #4 about hobbies. The link's article about why write/blog was (again) something I needed to see due to uncertain feelings of late about why I blog. Thanks for this.

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  23. I too am impatient with all the things you listed.

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  24. We have nearly identical answers for the classical music question. And, I have to say...your home is GORGEOUS! I'm sure it will be worth the wait.

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  25. Could you have just gotten away with just the dock? Park a trailer there and save a bundle. Ok dumb idea - when is your next dock party?

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  26. Your home? Um, can we trade houses? It is so beautiful! Congratulations!!! It will be well worth the wait!

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  27. This is one of the reasons we gave up watching pro sports and I don't care to hear some celebrity's political opinion. Just because a person can sing or act or at least gets paid to do so does not make them an expert in politics or any other area.

    A football player is a football player. They get paid way too much for what they do.

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  28. Wonderful response to #6...thoughtful and reasoned and I learned a few things. I hope that the American Public will speak to this issue with their wallets.

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  29. I am going to download on Kindle the book by Chambers...
    Your house looks gorgeous....

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  30. What a fun meme this is. I look forward to participating next week.

    I love college football (Boise State), but I'm not into the NFL anymore. I'm with David McClendon, above, who said "they get paid way too much for what they do." In fact, that is a "soapbox issue" for me. Professional athletes are simply playing a game. They aren't doing anything important or necessary. Yet they get paid millions of dollars, while police make paltry salaries for putting their lives on the line daily.

    Your house is beautiful! What fun it will be to finally move in.

    I, too, love Pachabel's Canon in D. It may well be my favorite piece of music ever.

    Blessings,
    Patti @ Joy in the Middle

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  31. Thank you for your kind thoughts on SWMBO's Caring Bridge site. Your prayers and positive thoughts are very much appreciated. Love the pictures of the new house. Won't be very long now before you can move in and get settled! Thanks for another great Hodgepodge.

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