Father's Choice

 

"My father always provided me a safe place to land and a hard place from which to launch." – Chelsea Clinton

"Most parents hope their children are happy, funny, well-adjusted and have a passion for something in their lives." – Tom Hanks

"No man I ever met was my father's equal, and I never loved any other man as much." – Hedy Lamarr

"I've said it before, but it's absolutely true: My mother gave me my drive, but my father gave me my dreams. Thanks to him, I could see a future." – Liza Minnelli

"I am my father's daughter and not afraid of anything." – Queen Elizabeth II

"A father is a man who expects his son to be as good a man as he meant to be. My father was my teacher. But most importantly he was a great dad." – Steven Spielberg

"Any fool can have a child. It’s the courage to raise a child that makes you a father." – Barack Obama

Four Strawberries

 

In 1969, Carroll Spinney performed at a Puppeteers of America festival in Salt Lake City. He’d put together an ambitious show, combining live actors, puppets and animated backgrounds. The show was ruined by an errant spotlight that washed out the backgrounds. It was a miserable failure and the show just fell apart. Afterwards, Jim Henson came up to Carroll and said, “I liked what you were trying to do.” Jim wanted Carroll to come to New York with him, to play a large yellow bird that was part puppet, part costume. Carroll played both Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch in Sesame Street for over 50 years: 4,400 episodes. Carroll Spinney always said it was his own good fortune to play the two very best Muppets. And he got the chance because somehow, Jim Henson saw something he liked in a show that failed miserably. 

Spooky Moon

 

I learned a new word last week: paronychia. It’s an inflammation of the skin surrounding a fingernail or toenail due to a bacterial or fungal infection. It can occur after excessive or aggressive manicuring. (Not me. My last real manicure was nearly 12 years ago.) It’s often caused by thumb-sucking, nail-biting, or pulling hangnails. (Also, not me.) It can also be caused by trauma, like when you sew through your own finger. (Okay, that might be me.) My finger started hurting about two weeks ago, but I ignored it. I assumed it was because I’d been practicing the piano more than I usually do. But then the fingertip began to swell. My finger started running its own personal fever. A thin, red line appeared near my wrist, indicating the infection was traveling. I visited the doctor, who drained the site and prescribed antibiotics. And just like that, I felt so much better. What did people do before antibiotics?

Sixteen Hit or Miss Blocks

 

In a New Orleans classroom in 1945, sixteen-year-old Gwendolyn was taught Black people were inferior. She knew it was a lie, and spent her whole life dismantling it. At seventeen, Gwendolyn joined the New Orleans Youth Council. She marched, organized, and was arrested. She kept going. In the 1980s, Hall was conducting research when she opened a ledger from the 18^th century. Inside, she found names of hundreds of enslaved Africans, along with important details: origins, skills, and family relationships. Gwendolyn spent years between archives in Louisiana, France, and Spain, pulling fragments together. She built the Louisiana Slave Database: a searchable record of over 107,000 enslaved individuals, documented by name, ethnicity, occupation, family connection, and place of origin. Gwendolyn Midlo Hall died in 2022 at age 93. She began by refusing to accept a lie told in a classroom. She ended having returned names, histories, and dignity to over a hundred thousand people.

Nine Kitty Cats

 

In 2009, Warren and Maureen Nyerges bought a home in Naples, Florida, using cash. The home was a foreclosure that sold for $165,000. But in 2010, the Bank of America tried to foreclose on the couple. They’d confused Warren and Maureen with the previous owner who’d defaulted on a loan. For months, the Nyerges’ begged the bank to fix their mistake. No one replied to their calls or letters. They were forced to hire a lawyer to get the foreclosure dismissed. The judge ordered the bank to repay over $2,500 in legal fees for the wrongful foreclosure. The bank simply ignored the court order for five more months. That’s when Warren and Maureen showed up at a Bank of America branch with a moving van, two sheriff’s deputies and a writ of execution allowing them to seize the bank’s assets: computers, printers, cash drawers, etc. Within an hour, the bank manager cut them a check for $5772.

Center of Attention

 

“The scriptural phrase ‘come unto me’ is the Savior’s introductory invitation to learn and act in His doctrine and begin a process of spiritual rebirth. The scriptural phrase ‘endure to the end’ is a repeated reminder of the mighty spiritual change in our hearts that should be ongoing throughout our lives; it also is His promise of what we may become if we truly are possessed of the pure love of Christ. The Lord revealed to the Prophet Joseph Smith, ‘All thrones and dominions, principalities and powers, shall be revealed and set forth upon all who have endured valiantly for the gospel of Jesus Christ.’ I joyfully witness that each of us, with the Lord’s grace and mercy, can believe all things, hope all things, and endure valiantly all things.” – Elder David A. Bednar

Crazy House

 

A ticket for a single day at Disneyland – without park hopper tickets or Disney Genie Plus – is $184. On opening day in 1955, you could get into Disneyland for just a dollar; 50 cents if you were a child. Of course, tickets for the rides were extra then. But you could pretty much ride everything for under $10 seventy years ago. If a dollar in 1955 would be worth $12.14 today, I guess you could say the price of a Disney trip has more than kept pace with inflation. A day ticket to the Magic Kingdom in Florida is even more: $194. I guess that makes sense. Disneyland covers 85 acres, while the Magic Kingdom is 107. A day at Disneyland Paris is $133 in US dollars. Hong Kong Disneyland is $91, Shanghai Disneyland is $74, and Tokyo Disneyland is only $59. Suddenly it occurs to me – I’ve already visited the three most expensive Disney parks.

Three Strawberries

 

I don’t know who needs to hear this right now, but I do know that someone does. If it’s you, I hope you’ll read these words and come to believe them. If it isn’t, I hope you’ll share them with someone who does. “Your impact on other people is much bigger than you think. Someone still giggles when they think of that funny thing you said once. Someone still smiles when they think of that lovely compliment you gave them that one time. Someone silently admires you. The gentle advice you give has made a difference for people. The support and love you’ve offered has made someone’s day. Your input and your opinions have made someone think twice. You are not insignificant or forgotten. Your existence makes a positive difference, whether you see it or not.” – Author Unknown

Crystal Star

 

When I was in fifth grade, our school librarian read Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory to us. We sat on the Persian rug in front of her as she filled our heads with Oompa Loompas, Gobstoppers and Fizzy Lifting Drinks. She told us about the movie that was soon to be released, and we were beyond excited. When the movie finally hit theaters, it was – of course – a disappointment. No movie can hold a candle to the one that runs inside your head while you’re reading the book. Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory was released fifty-five years ago this month, which is probably why Murray Arts Council chose to stage the musical now. Tomorrow is opening night, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to perform with an audience. I wholeheartedly recommend seeing this show, or better yet, reading the book. Because as magical as this play is, the one in your head will still be better.

Nine Hit or Miss Blocks

 

Never Have I Ever, Quilter’s Version:

1.      Cut myself with a rotary cutter.

2.      Sewn a block together incorrectly.

3.      Broken a needle.

4.      Made a quilt entirely by hand.

5.      Yelled at someone for using fabric scissors.

6.      Bought too little fabric.

7.      Driven past a quilt shop without stopping.

8.      Worked on a project in a waiting room.

9.      Found a mistake in a finished quilt.

10.  Sewn through a pin.

11.  Quilted at 3:00 a.m.

12.  Stepped on a pin or needle.

13.  Measured something WRONG.

14.  Bought more fabric than I needed.

15.  Attended a guild meeting.

16.  Used a seam ripper.

17.  Left a needle or pin in a finished quilt.

18.  Given away a quilt.

19.  Entered a quilt in a show.

Eight Kitty Cats

 

Somehow, I never saw Amy Smart’s Notting Hill fabric in the quilt shop. If I had, I’d have snapped it up right away. When I found it online, it was out of print and discounted. I bought a fat quarter bundle and a banner kit in time to commemorate the passing of Queen Elizabeth. Some of the prints have sketches of London landmarks, like Tower Bridge and Big Ben. Others are plaids, checks, polka-dots, roses and union flags, large and small. I quickly used up the larger prints and the ones with higher values. I had no plan for the rest, but couldn’t toss them. Then I found this Kitty Cat quilt pattern by Cluck Cluck Sew. I’ve used their patterns before and been really happy with them. They’re well-written: easy to read and to follow. They’re a bit on the modern side, but a fun way to use up scraps of any sort. 

Majestic View

 

“You might serve in a very visible role for a time, only later to be called to quiet, unseen service—or to support those with less experience. When callings change in ways that deeply impact you or your family, it can require great faith and trust in the Lord while you adjust. Our service is a choice, an offering to God, and a blessing. We know prayer, study of scripture, and worship at church and in the temple are critical to the development of our faith. Have we also come to see our callings as having a foundational role in the expansion of our faith? Callings from the Lord are tailor-made for our growth, as we humble ourselves, look outward, and learn that, indeed, when we are in the service of our fellow beings, we are in fact in the service of our God. It really isn’t where we serve but how that matters to the Lord.” – Elder Patrick Kearon

Checkerboard

International Tabletop Day is celebrated the first Saturday in June. It was founded in 2013 by the creators of Geek and Sundry, a commercial YouTube channel and multimedia production company. You could join the celebration at organized events sponsored by libraries or local game shops, or you can host a game night in your own home. Break out the chess board or a deck of cards. Dust off your old Parcheesi or Scrabble or Monopoly board. Invite a few friends over for Catan, Ticket to Ride, or Dungeons and Dragons. Show the kids how to play some of your old favorites, like Chutes and Ladders, Uno, Mouse Trap or Candy Land. Don’t forget to provide snacks, but steer clear of really messy foods. It won’t do to spill smoothies on your Trivial Pursuit board, or to get sticky barbecue sauce on your Rook cards. Get out there and roll the dice, shuffle the cards and have fun!

 

Two Strawberries

 

There is a place where the sidewalk ends
and before the street begins,
and there the grass grows soft and white,
and there the sun burns crimson bright,
and there the moon-bird rests from his flight
to cool in the peppermint wind.

Let us leave this place where the smoke blows black
and the dark street winds and bends.
Past the pits where the asphalt flowers grow
we shall walk with a walk that is measured and slow
and watch where the chalk-white arrows go
to the place where the sidewalk ends.

Yes we'll walk with a walk that is measured and slow,
and we'll go where the chalk-white arrows go,
for the children, they mark, and the children, they know,
the place where the sidewalk ends. - Shel Silverstein

Economy Block

 

History repeats itself, whether you’re paying attention or not. Two years ago, I wrote in this space about John F. Kennedy’s first political campaign. It was a congressional race in 1946, and Kennedy was the new kid on the block, running against eight competitors. One of them was Joe Russo, a well-known candidate and one of the first Italian immigrants to hold office in Boston. J.F.K.’s campaign manager found another Joe Russo – a janitor – and convinced him to join the race to confuse voters. Kennedy did win. Eight decades later, the same story’s playing out in Alaska. The incumbent Senator Dan Sullivan is running against former Democratic Rep. Mary Peltola, who hopes to help her party regain a senate majority this year. Enter Dan Sullivan #2, a school teacher who’s thrown his hat in the ring. Will two Dan Sullivans on the ballot give Mary an edge? No idea. Can’t wait to find out. 

Four Hit or Miss Blocks

 

More fun, weird facts:

In the 1960’s, the CIA tried using cats as spies by fitting them with tiny microphones and sending them where they might record sensitive conversations. They gave up when they realized cats don’t care what you want.

Germany has almost twice as many castles as the US has McDonalds.

The mantis shrimp can throw punches up to 50 mph; enough to break a glass enclosure. There’s a mantis shrimp at our local aquarium. I try not to annoy him.

Twice monthly, the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport brings in miniature ponies to calm nervous fliers. I should find out when to book a layover there.

There are more fake flamingoes in the world than real ones.

The electric chair was invented by a dentist. I remember this every time I get my teeth cleaned.

From 1912 to 1948, competitive arts were part of the Olympic games. Artists could earn medals for painting, architecture, sculpting, and music.

Seven Kitty Cats

 

In May 2016, 33 passengers from the Disney Magic were stranded in Dublin. They were on a Disney-sponsored excursion that failed to return to the dock in time because of heavy traffic. For decades, DCL has urged guests not to book with third-party vendors, as there’s no guarantee the ship will wait for you if you’re late. Disney Magic would have waited for the 33 guests, except Dublin is a tidal port. Its operation is determined by the rise and fall of tides in Dublin Bay. The ship had to leave to avoid being stranded – high and dry – for at least 16 hours. When the 33 guests finally arrived at the pier, the ship was gone, but a cast member waited for them. They were treated to a pub dinner, then ferried overnight to Liverpool, which was the Disney Magic’s next port. Disney cruises may be pricey, but they will take good care of you.

Another Pinwheel Pop

 

“Early on that Sunday morning Mary and a small group of friends who, despite grief, fear, and unanswered questions, encountered the empty tomb and learned for themselves the glorious truth of His Resurrection. It began that Easter morning when these women became the world’s first witnesses of the greatest event in the history of this world. We must all do the same. We must encounter the empty tomb, experience the reality of what it means, and, share that witness with others. Though centuries separate us from that holy day, we are among those who Jesus referred to when He said, ‘Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.’ The Savior has entrusted each of us personally with sacred spiritual experiences and knowledge. Because of those experiences, we can see for ourselves the meaning of the empty tomb: that Jesus Christ lives and is actively blessing all who seek Him.” – President Dieter F. Uchtdorf