Archives for November 2009
The Theology of Harry Potter
The first Harry Potter book, The Sorcerer’s Stone, was released in 1997, when my son Taylor was 7 years old. I bought the first book and we read the first five or so chapters aloud before I began to hear the siren calls that the book was demonic, full of witchcraft, and ought to be renounced by christians. I obeyed the cry of James Dobson and others to keep the book safely from my children—–until last Monday. I’m also ashamed to say that I likely criticized J.K. Rowling during the last twelve years without knowing much about her and certainly without reading the series or watcing the movies for myself—all the while, secretly wondering if I was misguided in my uneducated summation of her work. In retrospect, I don’t think that was a very academic or even a very christian thing to do. I’ve had to do a similar sort of eye-opening on many subjects since I’ve become Lutheran, so I’m accustomed to the routine of relearning, of challenging old dogma that once ruled the day in my life.
Making a Jesse Tree
- Purchase a small Christmas tree to use as your Jesse tree.
The Story
I find that there’s a certain sense in which things are more than they appear. On the surface, I’m just painting another room. But then the emotions rush in and I wonder if this color therapy is one of many ways the creative heart heals itself. Am I forging a safe cocoon where the boundaries are clear and the dark days must be embraced for the beauty and transformation they inevitably bring? Am I declaring to my life-love that this space, these days, this passion is important. I won’t take it for granted. I won’t give it what’s left over. I will boldly declare—-with strokes of painted love—-that I am in this—–heart and soul.
This project is still in progress so I’ll be forthcoming with colors, etc. I listened to Brandi Carlile’s new album while I painted this weekend—-another form of wonderful therapy. Her song Pride and Joy is unbelievably powerful and speaks of the complicated relationship we have with our children and parents. She’s coming to the Bijou Theatre in Knoxville Feb. 10th. Girls night out anyone? The first time I heard her song ‘The Story’ , I was reminded that there is something in music and art in general that touches on the divine. And everytime I hear this song, I’m so thankful for Steve—who knows my story—-and loves me anyway.
Thanksgiving Banner
And, in the spirit of creative living, I thought you might enjoy my first attempts at Thanksgiving/Christmas decorating. I took Darby’s idea from day 12 and made the cutest banners ever. I just printed these wonderful letters on regular paper and stapled them to a ribbon and then hung them from my cabinets.
12 Days of Handmade Christmas Tutorials Day 12 {Christmas Tags}
Whew!!! I don’t know about you but I’m kinda sad it’s day 12! I’ve had so much fun with this series and am most grateful for the wonderful contributors who have given of their time and ideas to make it all happen! Let’s recap:
On the 12th day of Christmas, my blog friend gave to meand a dishmat made by Dar-by!
The following is a pic-tutorial of how to create your own labels in Microsoft Word.
A few words to the wise:
1. Print on plain paper first
2. Use solid sheets of “label paper” {so they will be stickers–that you can cut out in your desired shape}. Be sure you get ink jet paper for an ink jet printer or laser paper for a laser printer.
3. Make your margins smaller so you can squeeze more on a page
And just to prove to you that you can do it, look what I made yesterday! Thanks so much Darby for your endless inspiration!
Note: For all you who are considering bifocals {like me} here’s the link to the post on Darby’s blog. You can click on her pictures to enlarge them! You’re welcome.