Sweet Summer Surprises

As summer draws to a close and fall is at hand, I look back at all the things that we did as a family, I did as an individual over the summer, the expected and the unexpected, firsts and the repeats, the predictable and the sweet surprises.
I had made up a list of things I wanted to do before summer was over and I’ve fulfilled everything on my list except going to the Wisconsin State Fair this year. It was just too hot and humid during the fair days and we could only go in the evening as a family, which is the most crowded time of the day. We were gone the weekend it opened and we did not want to go on its last day. So we ended up not going. I had taken the boys to a movie and the zoo once a month; I painted my toenails red; I wrote a poem; went to Brewers’ game and I laughed, sang, pray and counted my blessings every single day! Car shows, picnics and trips up north were repeats and expected, though each of them was special in its own way and different from the previous years, while the storm that brought down a big tree in the backyard was unexpected. We had our first Road America camping experience and watched our first Brewers game at Miller Park.
I did have a few sweet summer surprises this summer.
I surprised myself with the amount of time I spent reading. My goal for the summer was to read three books. I ended up reading seven and loved each one of them!
The camping at Road America was amazing and made me realize how much I missed camping. The last one before that was in 2007 with my brothers and folks at Wisconsin Dells.
The movie, A Walk to Remember, as well as the book and the soundtrack, became a surprised obsession of mine over the summer.
I surprised myself by loving to play the guitar, and even the keyboard toward the end, where I learned enough notes on my own to play a couple of songs. (But as soon as school started, I’ve abandoned it. So I’m out of practice and probably can’t recall those notes I’ve learned over the summer. ;o) Ugh!)
Another sweet surprise was how I loved the motorcycle ride Tom and I took one fine summer evening to the Motor Restaurant at the Harley Museum downtown. The last time I rode with him was also in 2007 going to Wisconsin Dells while my dad drove the truck that pulled the travel trailer. I look forward to another good ride next year.
Another sweet summer surprise was seeing Bob Costas at the Press Box after the Brewers-Padres game. He was within my arm’s reach but I was so stunned, I just stared at him! I wanted to tell him how I never miss watching Inside the NFL on HBO! (Oops. Actually, it used to be on HBO, now it's on SHOWTIME. Good thing I didn't open my mouth. That would have been embarrassing!)
I was surprised at how much my kids have grown, though I have expected them to grow physically and emotionally.
The last and probably the most important surprise that happened for me this summer was signing up to be a Catechist. I thought writing was my calling but I was called to something more during the last lagging days of summer. I prayed for a week for guidance and for the Holy Spirit to reveal to me what God wanted me to do. It took one look at my oldest son for me to decide.
Surprises. Sweet Surprises. I’ve never had this many in one summer. :o)

A Special Prayer

At church yesterday, while waiting for Mass to start, a special prayer I've known since I was a child came to mind. I remember growing up in the Philippines that everyday at exactly 3 o'clock in the afternoon, the TV stations would interrupt their programs and the image of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is frozen on the TV screens. I remember also when I was in college at a Catholic University (USJ-R), everyone would pause and the prayer would reverberate throughout the campus on the speakers.

The prayer was simply called,

The Three O'Clock Prayer

You died Jesus, but the source of life
flowed out for souls
and the ocean of mercy
opened up for the whole world.
Oh, fountain of life,
immeasurable divine mery,
cover the whole world
and empty yourself out upon us.
Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One
Have mercy on us and the whole world
Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One
Have mercy on us and the whole world
Holy God, Holy Might One, Holy Immortal One
Have mercy on us and the whole world.
Amen.

Then at 6pm, the church bells would toll and the radio stations interrupt their programming and the "Angelus" would resonate on the airwaves.
I somehow miss all that, that structured prayer schedule. It forced us (me) to pause and reflect. In our busy lives these days, too often, there is no time set aside (or left, seemingly) for prayers.

"A Walk to Remember": A Movie to Remember

I don't know why it took me such a long time to see this movie. It came out eight years ago and where was I? I read the book back in 2006 (a very good friend of mine lent it to me) but was not compelled enough to see the movie. Don't get me wrong. I loved the book but I just didn't want my love for the book to be ruined by my high expectations of the movie. Anyway, more than a week ago, I was looking for something to watch when I saw it on HBO. So I recorded it. It started at about 11pm. I stayed up to watch it and I just had to finish it. I cried my eyes out. Then I got up early the next morning and watched it again before the kids woke up. I cried again. Thus, my obsession began. I haven't been obsessed about a movie in this magnitude since "Pride and Prejudice." I'd say my obsession with "A Walk to Remember" is more than I've ever had before. I now have the DVD, the soundtrack CD and bought a copy and re-read the book. It has impacted me on an intimate level emotionally and spiritually like no other movie had.

Margie's List of Things to Do Before Summer is Over (In No Particular Order)

1. Read at least 3 good books.
*The Five-Forty-Five to Cannes by Tess Uriza Holthe
*Cape Light by Thomas Kinkade and Katherine Spencer
*A Walk to Remember (re-read) by Nicholas Sparks
*Home Song (A Cape Light Novel) by Thomas Kinkade and Katherine Spencer
*The Last Song by Nicholas Sparks
*Miles to Go by Miley Cyrus
*Emma by Jane Austen
2. Paint my toenails red.
*Done.
3. Learn to play at least one song on the guitar.
*Everthing I Do (I Do It For You) by Bryan Adams - still learning.
4. Take the boys to the zoo once a month.
*June - twice
*July - once
*August - once
5. Go to State Fair. (August 5-15)
*Didn't make it.
6. Take the boys to the movies once a month.
*June - once (Alvin and the Chipmunks the Squeakquel)
*July - once (Planet 51)
*August - Diary of a Wimpy Kid; Tooth Fairy; Furry Vengeance
7. Memorize Corinthians 13:4 by heart.
*DONE!
"Love is always patient and kind. It is never jealous. It is not boastful or conceited. It is not rude or selfish. It does not take offense and is not resentful. It does not take pleasure in other people's sins; but delights in the truth. It is always ready to excuse, to trust, to hope and to endure whatever comes."
8. Get lost in a good movie.
*A Walk to Remember
9. Write a poem.
*"Summer"
10. Go to a Brewers' game.
*Brewers vs. San Diego Padres, 8/22/10

Lastly: Laugh, sing, pray and count my blessings every single day.

Desiderata

I took out the poem book I created when I was thirteen that my brother, Jonas, bound for me, so that I can add my new poem, “Summer” in it. I seldom write poems these days. The last one was about four years ago so my poem book was just sitting where it was for that length of time. I fondly gazed at the cover: the poem, “Desiderata” typed on pretty pink stationery. Reading it again evoked some memories and emotions.
Growing up in the Philippines I can recall two things that radio stations play constantly during Lent (more so during holy week), besides the usual story of Jesus: “Footprints in the Sand” and “Desiderata.” (Radio stations were a staple medium when I was growing up. Not everyone had TVs, but everyone had radios.) These two poems have stuck in my head and have lasting impact on me personally.
Desiderata, I know the words by heart. I can still hear that deep male voice, as if he were God Himself, reading the poem with the background music playing; the radio blasted, being the center of our tiny living room put up on the highest shelf so that its sound can resonate in the entire house. I can still sing the following verse, the only verse that is sung during the entire reading:

“You are a child of the universe
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.”

It is very uplifting and inspiring. Every time I read it, it gives me a new perspective on life, the world, its people and our Creator. It is a morale booster, I think.
Below is the full text. I hope it will inspire and uplift you like it does me every time I read it.


Desiderata
By Maxx Ehrmann

Go placidly amid the noise and the haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible, without surrender,
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even to the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons;
they are vexatious to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain or bitter,
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs,
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals,
and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love,
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment,
it is as perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be.
And whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life,
keep peace in your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.

For more info on Desiderata, go to: http://www.fleurdelis.com/desidera.htm

Summer

Summer

Sun. Fun. Cloudless blue skies. Sultry breeze.
Short shorts. Tank Tops. Flip-Flops. Barefeet.
Barbeques. Cookouts. Bonfires. Smores.
Picnics. Camping. Mosquitoes. Bees. Fireflies galore.
Fireworks. Parades. Car Shows. Festivals. Fairs.
Beach. Sand. Pool parties. No cares.
Swimsuits. Goggles. Slip ‘n Slides.
Rummage Sales. Baseball games. Park ‘n Rides.
Corn. Watermelon. Lemonade. Ice cream.
Kites. Bike rides. Chasing butterflies. Daydream.
Green grass. Pretty flowers. Sprinklers.
Tent concerts. Cold beer. Wine Coolers.
Long days. Short nights. Sleeping under the stars...
Sweet, lazy summer days…how painfully short you are!
Sun. Fun. Summer's just begun.
Enjoy it fully before it's gone...

Up North

(Picture: Sunset at Steven's Lake)
We had a full few days up north. We arrived midday on Thursday, which I did not expect Tom to do any work. He and the boys went around the property and made some trails for the ATVs. We stayed up late by the campfire and Tom blasted all the fireworks that we brought from home. The boys had fun with the sparklers. But I was surprised Friday morning when I asked Tom what he was going to do that day as far as working on the cabin. He said he was not going to do anything and consider this a real vacation. I've been accustomed to him just working his butt (pardon me) off every time we go up there that this came as a real surprise to me. Well, when I said that I was not expecting this to be a vacation but another work day, he started working! There's not much to be done anymore, just little things here and there. The main things are finished. So he started doing the baseboards and finished up the trims on the two highest windows. When he finished for the day, we went to Lost Lake where the boys had a blast swimming. Connor and Colin buried each other in the sand while Tommy waded in the shallow water. Then there was a little girl who told her mother that she caught a "swimming slug." Well, that "swimming slug" turned out to be a leech; then she caught another one--yikes! That was really cute (the name the girl gave the leech, not the leech!) Thankfully, none clung to anyone. We went back to the cabin and sat again around the campfire and roasted marshmallows. There were leftover sparklers from the night before so the boys lighted them. This time, Tommy was there to enjoy it and even hold a few!
The following day, Tom did a few more of the baseboards and then we went fishing at Steven's Lake. Tom caught a couple of little blue gills that he tossed back in the water. Connor did not catch any fish though a crayfish clung to his rubber worm bait. Colin did not catch any, either. They were both disappointed as they were looking forward to cooking and eating their catch when we got back. But it was fun to just get out there and do it. The water was really calm and it was very quiet. Tommy broke that silence a few times but in the end, he settled down. It rained on us a little bit but then it came to pass quickly. It was rather late when we got back so we did not have a campfire but went straight to bed.
During the day while Tom was working, the boys rode their ATVs to the point of wrecking the gravel driveway! They both had to repair it with shovels before we left on Sunday. Tommy and I went raspberry picking a few times. I usually ended up taking back to the cabin only a handful for he would eat them as we go. We had a really fun time. I only wish I had my bike and Connor's so we could have ridden them to Halsey Lake. We left Sunday, and as usual, it always feels good to be back home.