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Who else takes off their work clothes as soon as they get home?​

Ugh! It’s Monday

This weekend just wasn’t long enough. I have a pretty busy week ahead. I have several classes to teach, at least one VIP tour to give, a few meetings, and to top it all off, I have to go to the dentist to have a tooth prepped for a crown. However, all I want to do this morning is to crawl back in bed, but one of those classes I mentioned is today. Hopefully, the headache I woke up with this morning will go away as the day goes on. Usually, when I wake with a migraine, it goes away by mid-morning. I hope that’s how today goes.

I hope everyone has a wonderful week! 

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Perseverance

Let your eyes look straight ahead, and your eyelids look right before you. Ponder the path of your feet and let all your ways be established.

—Proverbs 4:25-26

 

Adversity is defined as difficulties or problems that arise during the course of something. In other words, it's when things don't go as planned. In life, we will all face adversities big and small. Some adversity seems to come from left field and other challenges we bring on ourselves. No matter how or why it happens, nobody is immune to adversity. James 1:2 says, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds." The verse encourages believers to see challenges and difficulties as opportunities for growth rather than as mere misfortunes. James suggests that trials test and strengthen faith, leading to perseverance and spiritual maturity. Instead of being discouraged, the verse calls for a positive attitude towards adversity, recognizing that these experiences can develop one's character and deepen one's relationship with God. Perseverance is the quality that allows us to continue working toward our goals even when things are tough. It's what allows us to get back up after we've been knocked down. It is what keeps us going when everything else tells us to quit.

 

Romans 5:3-5 says, “And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” This passage emphasizes the idea that suffering can lead to positive outcomes. Paul in his epistle to the Romans suggests that we can rejoice in our sufferings because they produce perseverance, character, and hope. Suffering is a part of life, but it’s not without purpose. Perseverance allows us to endure difficulties and helps us build resilience. As we persevere, our character develops a deeper sense of integrity and strength. The process ultimately leads to a hope that is grounded in God's love, which is poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit. Overall, these two passages reassure us that challenges can foster spiritual growth and a deeper relationship with God.

 

Nelson Mandela once said, “The greatest glory in life does not lie in never falling, but in standing up every time you fall.” We all look for a purpose in life, something we will exceed at, will make us happy, and hopefully make an impact while on this earth. Sometimes we feel like we are failing at everything, but I have always believed that God has a plan for us. Mandela's quote emphasizes the importance of resilience and perseverance. It suggests that true success and greatness come not from avoiding mistakes or failures but from the ability to recover and learn from them. Life inevitably involves setbacks, but the way we respond to these challenges—by getting back up and continuing to strive towards our goals—defines our strength and character. This mindset encourages embracing difficulties as opportunities for growth rather than as barriers to success.

 

Helen Keller's conveyed a similar idea of focusing on the positive aspects of life rather than dwelling on negativity when she said, “Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see a shadow.” By directing our attention to the "sunshine"—symbolizing hope, optimism, and positivity—we naturally avoid being consumed by the "shadows" of fear, doubt, or hardship. Keller, who overcame the significant challenges of being both blind and deaf, used this metaphor to inspire others to maintain a hopeful outlook, regardless of life's difficulties. It’s a reminder that where we place our focus can shape our perception and experience of life.

The Book of James is a constant inspiration for how to live a Christian life. In James 1:12, he says, “Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.” James is saying that those who persevere under trial are blessed, and that they will receive the "crown of life" promised by God to those who love Him. The connection between enduring trials and loving God underscores that true faith involves devotion and trust, even amidst suffering. James 1:12 encourages believers to view trials as opportunities for growth and assurance of God’s promises. Revelation 2:19 states, “I know your works, love, service, faith, and your patience; and as for your works, the last are more than the first.” This underscores the importance of maintaining good works and faith in the face of challenges, while also recognizing and affirming the positive actions of the church. It’s a call to continue in our commitment and service.

In Romans 12:9-12, Paul writes, “Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality.” Romans 12:9-12 reminds us how to live out a Christian life characterized by genuine love and community. John encourages us to love genuinely, without hypocrisy, to reject evil and cling to what is good, to promote mutual love and honor among believers, to serve the Lord with fervor and diligence, and to encourage rejoicing in hope, being patient in affliction, and persistent in prayer. We are told to embody love, integrity, and faithfulness in our relationships and remain steadfast in our commitment to God, regardless of circumstances.

My friend Casey (thank you) brought up another verse that is apropos to this post: “But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive.” —Genesis 50:20

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Moment of Zen: Reading

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Friday

Only one more day to work this week. I worked from home yesterday instead of today because I have a class to teach this afternoon. It should be a fun class, and I’ve taught variations on this class many times. Once the class is over, I can pack up and go home, and my weekend will begin.

Thankfully, since the rain has passed by, my migraine is better, and my abdomen pain seems to be slowly getting better. Even though I’m feeling better, I have no weekend plans. I want just a nice relaxing weekend to continue recovering from this GI illness I’ve been dealing with for the past two week.

Have a great weekend, everyone!

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Rainy

It started raining off and on all day yesterday, and today we are expecting constant rain throughout the day. Along with the rain, I also have a migraine. I was doing fairly well yesterday when the rain started, but just after lunch I saw an unusually bright aura, and within a few minutes, I had an awful migraine that has only gotten progressively worse. Thankfully, I was scheduled to leave work early yesterday, and I am working from home today. Luckily, I don’t have much work to do today. I have some class preparations to finish and a few emails, but mostly, I can just rest and recuperate.

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Update

I sat down to write a post this morning, and I started on several, but none of them felt right. I just didn’t have any good ideas. I think it’s mostly because I’m tired. It’s been a long week, and it’s only half over. Maybe, the rest of the week will be a little easier.

I guess one thing I could write about is how my ultrasound went on Friday. Like the blood test done at the first of the week, the abdominal ultrasound did not show any problems. Everything seemed normal. However, I’m still experiencing pain that comes and goes and varies in intensity. Although I did not see my primary doctor when I went to the clinic, he did review my test results. He believes I have an GI issue that could be viral or bacterial, and it should continue to improve.  He said they have had a lot of patients with similar issues, so he really thinks it’s something that’s going around, probably because students are back in town. Anyway, he said that if it gets worse or is not better by the first of next week, he wants to do more tests to rule out an issue with my gallbladder or pancreatitis. 

So right now, I’m just waiting it out and hoping it will improve if I stay on a bland diet. Ugh! I hate bland diets. The BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast) is to keep from aggravating my digestive tract. I guess we will see. This has been lingering for nearly two weeks now.

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Dream Variantions

Dream Variations

By Langston Hughes

 

To fling my arms wide
In some place of the sun,
To whirl and to dance
Till the white day is done.
Then rest at cool evening
Beneath a tall tree
While night comes on gently,
    Dark like me—
That is my dream!

To fling my arms wide
In the face of the sun,
Dance! Whirl! Whirl!
Till the quick day is done.
Rest at pale evening . . .
A tall, slim tree . . .
Night coming tenderly
    Black like me.

 

 

About the Poem

 

"Dream Variations” by Langston Hughes is a powerful poem that reflects themes of freedom, identity, and racial pride. In the poem, Hughes contrasts the oppressive reality faced by African Americans in the early 20th century with the speaker's dream of a world where they can freely express themselves and live without fear.

 

The poem is an expression of Hughes’ vision for racial equality and his longing for a world where Black individuals can live freely, with pride in their heritage and identity. The "dream" in the poem represents not only personal freedom but also the collective aspirations of African Americans during the Harlem Renaissance, a time when many Black artists, writers, and thinkers sought to redefine their place in society.

 

Through "Dream Variations," Hughes communicates a yearning for both freedom from oppression (represented by the day) and a peaceful self-acceptance (represented by the night).

 

 

About the Poet

 

Langston Hughes (1902–1967) was an influential American poet, social activist, novelist, playwright, and one of the key figures of the Harlem Renaissance, a cultural and artistic movement in the 1920s and 1930s that celebrated African American heritage. Known for his powerful and accessible writing, Hughes is regarded as one of the most important literary voices of the 20th century, especially in capturing the Black experience in America.

 

Hughes is often celebrated for being one of the first Black writers to make a living from his work and for championing the richness of Black culture as worthy of artistic expression.

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Night of Dreams

I’ve said before that I don’t often remember dreams. When I do remember them, they tend to be very vivid, at least right after I wake up. They fade as the day goes on. Last night was a night of one dream after another. They never seemed to be the same. Each dream had their own unique scenario but they had one common denominator. The dreams all featured naked men, and all the men had one thing in common. They were all uncircumcised. Most Americans are circumcised, so my personal experience with uncircumcised men is limited. Who knows why I had a fixation last night on uncircumcised men, but I guess we really never know why we dream what we dream.

Have a great week everyone!

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Reflections

Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom.

-James 3:13

 

When you take a selfie, is the person you portray in that image the real you or only the person you want others to see? Likewise, when you look in the mirror, do you see a person who follows God’s word? James 1:22-24 tells us, “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was.” We can talk about being Christians. We can proclaim from the rooftops our Christian beliefs. We can be open and honest about our faith, but if we do not follow the teachings of our faith and are doers of our faith, then we nothing.

 

Ephesians 4:29 says, “Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.” When Christians proclaim their beliefs yet do not follow those said beliefs, they are only speaking corrupt words. A friend and I were discussing yesterday how often the loudest of those condemning the LGBTQ+ community are a part of the LGBTQ+ community behind closed doors. For example, Lt. Governor and Republican nominee for governor of North Carolina Mark Robinson has been exposed for his unchristian behavior that goes against his professed beliefs. Identified by media outlets as a right-wing or far-right politician, Robinson has promoted various conspiracy theories, denied sexual allegations against various prominent figures, and has frequently made various inflammatory homophobic, transphobic, racist, anti-atheist, Islamophobic, and antisemitic statements, including engaging in Holocaust denial. However, CNN unearthed posts Robinson left on a porn site’s message boards in which he referred to himself as a “black NAZI,” said in 2012 he preferred Hitler to then-President Barack Obama, slammed Martin Luther King, Jr. as “worse than a maggot,” and said he enjoyed transgender pornography. He is only the latest of many hypocrites that make political statements yet are doing the opposite under an assumed name and behind closed doors.

 

Politicians like Robinson will say and do anything to get elected and gain political influence and power. Philippians 2:3-4 tells us, “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.” Hypocrisy is rampant in politics and always has been and has been present in all political leanings. If I were to name all the examples, the list would be endless. You could write an encyclopedia of hypocrisy and still not name them all.

 

Ephesians 5:1-2 declares, “Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.” When we vote we should keep this in mind. Are the people we are voting for following the word of God or are they perverting God’s word for political ambitions? The twice impeached, adulterous, convicted felon that is the Republicans nominee for President claims to be a Christian in public while mocking the beliefs of Christian in private. I have told my mother who is one of his supporters that he stands against every moral she ever taught me growing up. 

 

Ephesians 5:6 warns us, “Let no one deceive you with empty words.” Keep that in mind when you vote. It’s not just in the United States that this is a problem. So, wherever you are in this world, remember to keep in mind what James tells us and be “doers of the word.” The idiom the saying is “if you’re going to talk the talk, you’ve got to walk the walk” may be cliche, but it has many versions such as “actions speak louder than words” and “practice what you preach.” Another early form of the expression was “walk it like you talk it.” In Christianity we are commanded to let our actions speak louder than our words.

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Moment of Zen: Autumn in Vermont 🍁

There are certain times of year in Vermont that most people are not particularly crazy about, mainly winter and mud season. Summer is not a favorite of mine because so many places don’t have air conditioning, but I don’t mind the winters too much. I think the snow is beautiful. The only time I really hate is mud season.

Whether you like the weather in Vermont, there is one time of year that makes it all worthwhile: the beginning of autumn. When the leaves begin to change to the rich hues of yellows, red, and oranges always still mixed with a bit of green here and there, it feels like living in a postcard. Vermont is a beautiful state, but it’s so colorful this time of year.

Usually, leaf peeping season is a few weeks at most before stick season followed by winter hits us. Autumn in Vermont makes it all worthwhile. Some Vermonters don’t like this time of year because of the leaf peppers, people who come to Vermont just to see the leaves. They come from all over the world to experience Vermont in the fall. The leaf peepers usually drive slowly to take it all in and cause traffic problems constantly. They often also have no regard for private property.

Not only is it beautiful, but it’s also the perfect temperatures. It’s cool in the mornings and very mild in the afternoons. It’s that time of year when it’s the loveliest to be outside and hike the trails in the mountains just to enjoy the temperatures and the beauty of nature.

While many Vermonters complain about the tourists this time of year, it’s not that bad. Vermonters seem to be professional complainers. It’s just in their ornery nature. Vermonters have strong opinions, and they don’t mind telling you all about them. Vermonters also love their peace and quiet, which is why the tourists this time of year drive them crazy.

Leaves are not the only reason to love this time of year. It’s also apple picking season. There will be lots of apple festivals with abundances of cider and cider donuts. When it comes to donuts, I love the light airy texture of a yeast donut glazed to perfection. Few things beat hot donuts at Krispy Kreme, but since moving to Vermont, the have a definite rival with cider donuts.

Fresh cider donuts are out of this world delicious. They aren’t light like a hot Krispy Kreme donut and have a more cake like texture. However, the crispness of the outside juxtaposed with the soft velvety interior is wonderful. Instead of a glaze, they are most often dusted with cinnamon and sugar. It’s a really delicious treat.

People will also tell you about the wonders of a slice of apple pie with cheddar cheese. I’m not an apple pie fan, but people swear by the combination of apple pie and sharp cheddar cheese. To each his own I suppose. It’s certainly not the strangest of Vermont desserts, that belongs to Grape-Nuts pudding.

Quick Health Update: I had my ultrasound yesterday, and it showed now issues. My spleen, pancreas, kidneys, and gallbladder all look fine. I have a fatty liver, but that usually doesn’t cause any symptoms. When the radiologist reviewed the ultrasound images, he found no issues that could explain the abdominal pain I’ve been experiencing. The nurse practitioner I’ve been seeing forwarded the results to my primary physician for him to decide the next step. I’ll keep you posted.

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Glad It’s Friday

I’m so glad Friday is here; it’s been a rough week. The abdominal pain I’ve been experiencing started a week ago, and I’ve had only short periods of relief. The pain has increased at times with minor pain at other times, but it’s mostly been constant pain and discomfort. I hope today’s ultrasound will provide some answers. 

Regardless, it’s Friday, and I can take the weekend to rest and recover. Today, though, will be a long day. Work will be very busy today, and I have to take time out of this busy day to get the ultrasound. It’s basically going to be nonstop until about 6 pm or so. If the pain gets worse this afternoon, I can probably get out of the social event I’m supposed to attend for work, but I’d prefer that this pain not get worse.

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Health Update

I went yesterday to have my latest Botox treatment for my migraines. Thank goodness this is a quick procedure because like last time I was regularly receiving Botox treatments for my migraines, it becomes more painful each time. It basically turns off nerves in my head, neck, and shoulders, and when the nerves reawaken, they are more sensitive. The whole procedure takes about five minutes, and I can handle five minutes of pain if it helps to relieve my migraines.

I’m continuing to experience abdominal pain. I thought it was getting better. I was only having pain when I ate. However, it’s almost constant now. When I messaged my doctor’s clinic, they scheduled me for an abdominal ultrasound on Friday. It’s not a good time for this because a lot is going on at work. I can’t help it though. I have to take care of my health first.

On a brighter note, here’s your Isabella pic of the week:

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Back to Work

I’m going back to work today. If we didn’t have a large event this weekend and if I didn’t have classes to prepare for, I would not be returning today. It’s only for half day today because I’m going for a Botox treatment this afternoon. With the headaches I’ve had over the last two weeks, I know it’s time for a Botox treatment. It tends to wear off around about week ten of the twelve that are supposed to separate each treatment. It’s going to be a long day because my Botox appointment isn’t until late this afternoon, so I won’t get home until late. I try to schedule these appointments in the morning so I can take the whole day off. I guess it’s good that I wasn’t able to do that this time, considering I have work to catch up on today.

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Sonnets 55 and 73

Not marble nor the gilded monuments (Sonnet 55)

By William Shakespeare

 

Not marble nor the gilded monuments

Of princes shall outlive this powerful rhyme,

But you shall shine more bright in these contents

Than unswept stone besmeared with sluttish time.

When wasteful war shall statues overturn,

And broils root out the work of masonry,

Nor Mars his sword nor war’s quick fire shall burn

The living record of your memory.

’Gainst death and all-oblivious enmity

Shall you pace forth; your praise shall still find room

Even in the eyes of all posterity

That wear this world out to the ending doom.

    So, till the Judgement that yourself arise,

    You live in this, and dwell in lovers’ eyes.

That time of year thou mayst in me behold (Sonnet 73)

By William Shakespeare

 

That time of year thou mayst in me behold

When yellow leaves, or none, or few, do hang

Upon those boughs which shake against the cold,

Bare ruined choirs, where late the sweet birds sang.

In me thou see'st the twilight of such day

As after sunset fadeth in the west;

Which by and by black night doth take away,

Death's second self, that seals up all in rest.

In me thou see'st the glowing of such fire,

That on the ashes of his youth doth lie,

As the deathbed whereon it must expire,

Consumed with that which it was nourished by.

    This thou perceiv'st, which makes thy love more strong,

    To love that well which thou must leave ere long.

 

 

About the Poem

 

If you have been a longtime reader of this blog, you may remember that I love sonnets. When I used to teach British literature, my students and I spent a lot of time studying sonnets, their various forms, themes, meter, etc. I was talking to a friend yesterday and brought up Shakespeare’s Sonnet 55 (“Not marble nor the gilded monuments”) to tell him about taking my students to a cemetery to as a way to look at the sonnet’s themes of  time and immortalization. This made me think of other sonnets by Shakespeare, while I knew there was a sonnet about autumn, I had to use the Academy of American Poets’ find a poem feature and search for a poem with an “autumn” theme in a “sonnet” form. Sonnet 73 was the result. This sonnet focuses on three metaphors: Autumn, the passing of a day, and the dying out of a fire. 

 

Sonnets 55 and 73 are part of a sequence of Shakespeare’s sonnets (1-126) that talk about the "Fair Youth,” unnamed young man addressed in these sonnets who is handsome, self-centered, universally admired, and much sought after. The sequence begins with the poet urging the young man to marry and father children (sonnets 1–17). It continues with the friendship developing with the poet's loving admiration, which at times is homoerotic in nature. Then comes a set of betrayals by the young man, as he is seduced by the Dark Lady, and they maintain a liaison (sonnets 133, 134 & 144), all of which the poet struggles to abide. It concludes with the poet's own act of betrayal, resulting in his independence from the fair youth (sonnet 152).

 

"Sonnet 55" is all about the endurance of love, preserved within the words of the sonnet itself. It will outlive material things such as grand palaces, royal buildings and fine, sculptured stone; it will outlive war and time itself, even to judgement day. This is because the poem will always be a “living record”; the memory of love will stay alive within the sonnet, come what may. The effects of time, the destructive forces of war—they count for nothing.

 

“Sonnet 73 is one of the four sonnets Shakespeare wrote on the subject of time, the aging process and mortality. It's a thoughtful, reflective sonnet, the voice of a person getting older, aimed at a partner whose love the speaker obviously needs. You can imagine Shakespeare writing this in late autumn (fall) or early winter when the leaves are turning yellow, orange and red, when cold weather makes the bare branches tremble and summer is long gone. The speaker hints that the music has changed along with the season.

 

 

About the Poet

 

William Shakespeare, regarded as the foremost dramatist of his time, wrote more than thirty plays and more than one hundred sonnets, all written in the form of three quatrains and a couplet that is now recognized as Shakespearean.

 

 

Health Update

A quick update on my health. I was able to see one of the nurse practitioners at my doctor’s office yesterday. My doctor did not have any available appointments. She believes that I have a stomach or intestinal infection, probably enteritis. She drew blood to be tested in an effort to narrow down what has been causing this pain. When I asked her if I could go back to work, she said “Absolutely not!” She said, “You obviously look like you don’t feel good and that alone is good enough reason not to let you return to work, but I also want to see what these tests show and make sure you are not contagious before I release you to return to work.” She said even if the tests come back fine, it doesn’t mean that I am not sick, it just means that it’s clearing up, and I should be back to normal in a day or so. So, I am home today awaiting the results from the blood tests.

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Painful Weekend

I am still experiencing abdominal pain and not feeling well. Right now, I don’t think I’ll be going to work today. What I need to do instead is try to see my doctor. This has been a miserable weekend, and I hope I hope that I can get in to see my doctor, and he can do something about this pain. Hopefully, it’s nothing serious, and there is a fairly simple solution.

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