Each Wednesday I’m recording a Curiosity Journal to recap the past week. Tag words are: reading, playing, learning, reacting and writing.
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Some of you have mentioned that you’re keeping a Curiosity Journal, as well. Leave your link in the comments so that we can visit and enjoy your weekly review.
Reading
Packing for last week’s trip to Laity Lodge required some consideration on my part over what Bible to take. The One-Year Bible is convenient for my devotional reading, but inconvenient for looking up passages or doing any kind of study.I decided to tuck my green NIV 1984 Bible into my carry-on. After takeoff, the plane rose above the airport, the farm fields and the long lines of interstate until it slipped through the cloud cover and emerged on the top side, leveling out to cruise just above. We could look down and see billowy texture, like a vast plush rug.Once the plane arrived at cruising altitude, I pulled out my NIV and flipped to Psalm 68, the next passage I was to read. I stopped on verse four.
Sing to God, sing praise to his name, extol him who rides on the clouds—his name is the LORD—and rejoice before him. (emphasis mine)
And again, in verses 32-33:
Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth,sing praise to the Lord,Selahto him who rides the ancient skies above,who thunders with mighty voice. (emphasis mine)
Playing
Dan King glows.
And I pose for pictures with Tina of spaghettipie, who snapped the two shots of Dan King and his glow sticks.
Learning
In a workshop focusing on creative nonfiction, Greg Wolfe told us, “Flannery O’Connor said that for a scene to really come alive, it needs to include at least three senses.” I scribbled the quote into my spiral-bound notebook and cringed, knowing I rarely offer more than a few visual details.Later, as we were talking about someone’s manuscript that was rich with description, I referenced Greg’s quote, saying, “This piece surely has three or more senses engaged, because she drew me in immediately and held me in that scene. It was alive.”Greg nodded and lifted his hand to pantomime holding an artist’s brush. Then he swished it in the air, “One, two, three. You’re there.”
Reacting
An e-mail inbox doesn’t stay empty long enough.Also, retreats don’t last long enough.
Writing
I need to grade papers today. Just because I slipped away to Texas for a week doesn’t release me from obligations at home. I assigned a persuasive essay to my students. Now I finish composing comments and assigning letter grades.I need a bumper sticker that reads,I’d rather be writing.
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Credits: Dan King glow stick photos by Tina Howard. Photo of Ann and Tina by Kathy Robbins. Question mark and cloud photos copyright 2011 by Ann Kroeker.
Oh, I would SO buy that bumper sticker!
Your hug–that first one–was one of the best I’ve ever received.
Wish I could give you another one right now. Just a little cyberhug is all I can offer: {squeezy hug}
And that bumper sticker? Looky what I found:
http://www.cafepress.com/+rather_be_writing_license_plate_frame,49382671
I got goosebumps — or rather GOD bumps — when I saw those cloud pictures paired with your Bible verses. Stunning.
And I just now noticed that I didn’t do my em-dashes correctly here in the comment box. 🙂
On the next flight from Dallas to San Antonio, no clouds. None on the way home, either. Only at the moment I was reading that passage.
Oh, those clouds and that scripture–He who rides the clouds. Wow!
And that photo of you and Tina. L-O-V-E!
I’d rather be writing than almost anything–except sitting in that canyon or hugging the people sitting in that canyon. And Megan’s right. You give great hugs!
I so want that license plate frame.
Sandra, you are a delight! Thanks for your note. Missing you, the canyon, the hugs…
OH NO, back to work so soon! However the visit was worth it and the pleasure of meeting friends again and worshiping and learning together too. My face is green today (envie) 🙂
Yes, real life awaited. Immediately. What is it they say, “I hit the ground running?”
Perfect pictures for those amazing verses Ann.
I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed spending time with you. You radiate joy. Thank you so much for all the fun and great conversation and just plain love!
Thank you, Linda. I was amazed by the timing, the beauty, the visual.
And you, too, are full of grace and joy. What a delight to spend time with you!
I love it when somebody can make the Psalms come alive for me. Thank you for that!
Carolyn, thank you for your note. I’m so glad this vivified that passage in some way for you…or, that the Holy Spirit did something more.
Love the cloud pics with the Psalm. I truly believe that the Holy Bible is a living document. You brought that point across with your pictures and scriptures.
I also appreciate you sharing the writing pointers. I will incorporate them into my future writing. (Or will try).
Thanks for the SO.
Kathy
So glad to hear from you, Kathy. Thank you for writing! Did you learn any writing tips from your session with David Dark that you could share?
Oh, yeah. That’s why I always like the window seat.
And, great shot of you and Tina! And Dan with the glow sticks! 🙂