Beauty – A Writer's Daughter

Geology, Rocks and Gratitude

The Canadian Shield, a massive expanse of central and eastern Canada from the Great Lakes to the Artic and Greenland, “constitutes the largest mass of exposed Precambrian rock on the face of the Earth,” according to the Britannica Online Encyclopedia. I became familiar with the term “Canadian Shield” as a sixth grade Social Studies teacher. The first unit of study in sixth grade Social Studies is the regions of North America. But in reality, I had learned about the Canadian Shield as a child, though not through school. My family vacationed in Ontario each summer and I experienced the beauty of the many lakes and deep forests that intersperse the endless rock ledges and boulder shorelines of the region. Rock outcroppings fill the gorgeous landscape of the Canadian Shield!

Lakes, forest, rocks and … boathouses abound in beautiful Muskoka, Ontario.

In the last decade or more, I have revisited this area of Ontario several times. I began to notice peculiar piles of rocks stacked on the exposed ridges edging the highway. Mile after mile sat columns of fist-sized stones, stacked usually less than a foot tall, in a graduated pile with no other ornamentation. A bit of quick internet searching informed me that these stacks are called cairns. Cairns are an ancient construct for the purpose of marking a place, possibly a trail, border or as a memorium. Today, however, the stone-stacking trend represents mindfulness, or oneness with nature. Cairn building is popular in America and Europe as a form of New Age graffiti.

Stones and rocks are mentioned aplenty throughout the pages of Scripture, which is not surprising due to the prevalence of rock in the Middle East region! Having toured Israel and bordering areas, sometimes that’s all you see: rocks and desert! In Scripture, rocks play all kinds of roles.

There are warnings about rocks in the Bible. The second of the Ten Commandments forbids making an image, an idol, to worship as a god. Idols were carved from wood or stone, often overlaid with gold. Pillars, some likely constructed with stones, are often condemned for spiritual misuse. Rocks served as boundary markers and moving them was against the law.

But stones also serve purposes of importance and good in the Scriptures. More than forty times God is called the Rock or our Rock. Christ is called the Chief Cornerstone in the New Testament. God also instructed His people to use stones or pillars to mark a spot of significance. When God held back the flood-stage waters of the Jordan River for the Israelites to cross into the land God promised, he ordered the leaders to collect twelve shoulder-sized boulders from the dry riverbed. When the river began flowing again, they piled the stones at the exit point to commemorate the place where God had miraculously given them a dry path, recalling how He had also parted the Red Sea as the Israelites fled the Egyptian army. God wanted that rock monument to remind the people that God had saved and provided for them. See Joshua 4

This tells me that we are apt to forget. If a miraculous dry path through a raging river doesn’t stick in your mind, memory loss is a significant problem! We do suffer from spiritual amnesia. We forget what God has given us and more importantly, what God has done for us. We need mental, and maybe even actual rock piles, to trigger our recollection of God’s blessing and goodness. Not just at this season of thanksgiving, but every day, in our attitude and prayers, may we express rock solid gratitude.

They remembered God Most High, the mighty rock that kept them safe. Psalm 78 v 35 (Contemporary English Version)

Entangled in Lamps

My subject this blog post is much lighter, excuse the pun. Decorating and redecorating our new house has been a challenge that has left me entangled in lamps, among other things. Lamps, pillows, rugs, and the like are the accessories that add personality to a room. I accessorized our new home with items we already had and by getting new things.

One new find was a sturdy, classic-shaped, ‘marble’ lamp base that I envisioned for our foyer. I just needed to buy a lampshade for it. I made multiple purchases and returns because matching lampshade sizes and shapes to a base is not easy. A specialty lamp shop gave me good advice and the lamp hardware that I needed, but the $100 lampshades were overpriced for the consignment price tag of my base. Too much effort for one silly lamp ended with a look that didn’t go well in the foyer. The lamp is now on the porch where its weighty base may withstand a hurricane.

I’ve been trapped in other lamps too. One cut glass lamp from our former home seemed like it would work well in the new living room. Again, it needed an updated lampshade and I splurged on a cut glass finial, from the aforementioned lamp shop, to top it off! When I put the new shade and finial on, I discovered the lamp had cracked in the move. Oh well, gives new meaning to the description, cut glass.

Another splurge had been the purchase of a pair of pineapple lamps from a friend’s estate sale before we moved. The lamps weren’t outrageously priced but on the high side for that kind of sale, I thought. I bought them as a treat to myself in anticipation of our move south; they were quintessential Southern style! Again, on unpacking, it turned out that one of the lamps had cracked and been repaired which I had not noticed when I bought it, and surprisingly my friend had not divulged. We have since freshened up the pineapple bases with new paint and I adore the rattan lampshades they came with!

And lamps are just a part of it; there are still the pillows and rugs and all the rest! I was and am entangled. The house and its furnishing can encumber me. I enjoy a lot of the decorating, but I realize that it is not all a good use of my time, money. and energy. Material things are temporal. Interior design is not important in the big scheme of things. God allows us to enjoy beauty and gives us pleasure in creating but keeping its value in proper perspective is important for me. Hebrews 12:1-2 reminds us of this and of the need to stay focused on Jesus: “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin* that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.”

* I am not suggesting that the pastime of decorating is sin. Activities and objects become sin when they become more important to us than Jesus.

How Not to Look Old – Part 2

In Part 1 of this series (below), I described how the book How Not to Look Old, by Charla Krupp, presents make-up, hair and fashion styles that help avoid the ‘old lady’ look, as she calls it. Krupp gathers tips and information, including specific products, from experts in these areas. Not too long ago, I referred to the book prior to shopping for some cosmetics.

The chapter on foundation suggested avoiding chalky products with a matte finish, instead opting for a powder with a silky finish. Am I losing you here? Krupp explains, “There’s a new generation of powders that are feathery light and completely translucent and that leave you with a luminous sheen. Look for powders that are light-reflecting or light-diffusing to obscure fine lines or imperfections.” Many of the recommended products are ‘transparent’ and include a ‘luminizer’ – “a light reflector that adds luminosity.” I read and reread these explanations and then read and reread the cosmetic counter labels, almost for naught! What does it all mean?

Well, I also read and reread the Bible. Just as I was brushing up on make-up tips, I came across the topic of light in God’s Word. Here’s what God said in my New Testament reading: “You are the light of the world. Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5: 14 and 16). Followed immediately were these of God’s Words in the Old Testament: “For with you is the fountain of life; in your light, we see light.” (Psalm 36:9) A day later I read, “He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.” (Psalm 37:6)

How God reaches into my everyday life situations with His Living Word never ceases to amaze me! It is probably a thrill that cannot be communicated second-hand. To understand, you must experience it for yourself. Start somewhere; open your Bible (or the app). Then His Words will illuminate your world in ways beyond expectation.

Krupp, Charla. How Not to Look Old. Hachette Book Group, 2008. pp 64, 67.

I recommend this Bible app. It is sometimes also named You Version.

Part 1

How Not to Look Old is the title of one of the stacked books in my blog’s new feature photo. I updated my original featured photo of journals and calendars, to a random variety of colorful books. I took the picture around the time of our vacation so some of the books came fresh from my beach bag. I keep other titles in the stack out for easy accessibility.

I found the book How Not to Look Old at the library a few years ago and liked it enough to buy my own copy. The author, Charla Krupp, intended to help forty-somethings stay young looking, so I have missed that window of opportunity, but the book gathers many helpful fashion, make-up, hair, and other beauty tips from experts. I’ll take all the help I can get in these areas, though Krupp would categorize me in the “low to medium” maintenance group. In other words, I am not the type to take extreme or expensive measures to restore my youthfulness.

I ponder aging, my own growing older. I see and feel it every day, but my age and an awareness of my generation became acutely obvious to me when I returned to my career after being home to raise our kids. Maybe all fields are like this, but education particularly draws a young crowd. Many of my colleagues were recent graduates and brand-new teachers. I recall sitting in work meetings, realizing I was probably the oldest participant at the table.

Teaching has become very collaborative: lesson planning, classroom procedure and really everything is developed in teams. As I partnered with so many who were even younger than my own kids, I understood that I needed an honest approach. I was the ‘mature’ voice at the table. I did not have all the right answers, but I had decades of experience as a teacher and a parent to contribute. I leaned into that role as an older faculty member. I welcomed the excitement, creativity, and perspective of the newest educators. I got a firsthand view of millennial thinking and lifestyle. I limped behind their technology expertise but gained a few fun fashion tips along the way. At times, the blend was uncomfortable, but we took it all in stride and we produced strong instruction together.

The Bible talks about being the older generation. In ancient times, the elderly were revered; their voice at the table, albeit thinning, was respected and heard. With that kind of platform, God instructed them to tell their stories of God’s faithfulness to the next generation, to share all the remarkable things He had done in their lives and in the generations before them. Yes, it was an oral history to pass down, but it was also a legacy of personal faith to be shared. Though outlooks may shift, God’s Word says, “One generation commends your works to another; they tell of your mighty acts. They speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty. … They tell of the power of your awesome works. … They celebrate your abundant goodness.” (Psalm 145: 4-7) We are called to boast on God this way. It takes creativity and courage which we have since “He who called you is faithful.” (1 Thessalonians 5:24)

How Not to Look Old – Part 1

The Bible talks about being the older generation. In ancient times, the elderly were revered; their voice at the table, albeit thinning, was respected and heard. With that kind of platform, God instructed them to tell their stories of God’s faithfulness to the next generation, to share all the remarkable things He had done in their lives and in the generations before them. Yes, it was an oral history to pass down, but it was also a legacy of personal faith to be shared. Though outlooks may shift, God’s Word says, “One generation commends your works to another; they tell of your mighty acts. They speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty. … They tell of the power of your awesome works. … They celebrate your abundant goodness … “ (Psalms 145: 4-7) We are called to boast on God this way. It takes creativity and courage which we have since “He who called you is faithful.” (1 Thessalonians 5:24)

My friend Susan texted me this photo while I was drafting this post. I LOVE the contrast here: old and new? Message me if you’d like to know more about their photography.

See and Taste

Last weekend I prepared a salad to take to a couples’ dinner. As I shopped in the produce aisle, I hunted for colorful salad additions. I bought two shades of green lettuce, red cherry tomatoes, a yellow pepper, carrots and purple cabbage. The bold vegetable hues of the finished salad lit up my eyes and heart with pleasure. The raw veggies provided both nutrition and joy. Even the recognizable shapes of irregular peppers, cylindrical carrots, tomato spheres, and frilly lettuce and cabbage seemed playful to me. The featured photo is my salad two days later, but it still looked and tasted fresh and delicious!

I usually identify a blog idea and then follow-up with appropriate pictures to insert. This time, it was the visual beauty and happiness of the salad bowl that inspired me to write. The title “See and Taste” is a play on a Scripture verse found in the Psalms (Psalm 34:8). It states: “Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.”

Tasting and seeing the Lord is a good challenge for the new year. How might we “taste” God? The metaphor reminds me of a poem entitled “How to Eat a Poem.” The point may be to be proactive: to intentionally search for God, to be in His presence, to read His book, to be around others who also are tasting and seeing His goodness. Attending church and getting involved with Christian believers provides the spiritual nutrition we need to grow and be healthy. Reading the Bible regularly and thoughtfully also nourishes us so much more than other worldly junk food that might be in our diet. For ideas and Bible reading plans, see this blog post from last year https://brendaproulx.com/2019/01/

There is a pivotal Bible event about seeing and tasting without good judgement. Genesis 3 tells the story of a beautiful world forever corrupted by the eating of an enticing but forbidden fruit. But if you continue on reading the Bible, you will find out about God’s love and His plan to restore us. In addition to reading God’s Word this year, I’ll be reading a book my daughter gave us for Christmas called Taste and See by Margaret Feinburg. It focuses on Scripture themes of feasting and food – sounds delicious!

Happy New Year!

As a teacher, I’ve used many early reader books about salad, fruits and vegetables. And who can forget the Blockbuster series Veggie Tales?

Spring into Summer

This blog post is long overdue. Originally I planned to title it “Spring Makeover” but that is now outdated. My busyness a year ago at this time came as our two kids married within seven weeks of each other! This year I find that springtime still kept me hopping. In education, testing and the associated preparation and paperwork all happen in the second half of the school year. Personally, we have travelled a lot and celebrated most of the family birthdays and anniversaries in the past few months.

It’s not quite meteorological summer but with the end of the school year and hot temps, it is summertime! Many of us think ‘makeover’ after the winter months. We want to get healthy, brighten our look and spiff up the wardrobe! As I mentioned, a year ago our family experienced the back-to-back weddings of our son and daughter. This meant that within a very short period of time I was both Mother of the Groom and Mother of the Bride. Though I didn’t go to a royal beauty spa as Queen Esther of the Bible did, I experienced an untypically high number of beauty appointments during those wedding months.

Two local beauticians handle my normal routines. Both women are similar in age and background and each of them own their small beauty business. With repeated visits, some patterns have emerged. One of them regularly shares about business hardships, difficult customers, high rent bills and bad employees. I try to be understanding in my response but much of her concern is the nature of the service industry and dealing with the public. She works hard and her business is successful. I like supporting her small enterprise.

I had a costly, time-consuming manicure for a beautiful occasion.

The other shop owner radiates sweetness. She too is a very hard worker which has kept her in business alone for many years. As a single parent, she is proudly sending her son off to college. She’s always grateful for customers and she’s friendly with everyone in the building. In fact, I met her through my husband, whose office was directly across the hall from her salon. It is truly a treat, not just a beauty treatment, to patronize her business.

And then there is Annie at the Clinique counter. Unlike some of the other Vogue-like models at make-up counters, Annie is maturing but cute and down to earth. She gives helpful make-up advice and calls to remind me when there’s a sale, because make-up is expensive and rarely discounted in department stores. I notice that Annie’s customers come from all walks of life and many greet her with a hug. I too feel pampered and prettier after my infrequent splurges there.

These three ladies remind me that how we do our work matters. Most of us choose the work we do, paid or not. We can approach our work and our coworkers and clients with joy and gratitude, even when the work is hard, the hours are long, the pay is low and . . . the people! Only God’s touch will perfect us, but a ready smile and a heart of thankfulness will be a beautiful blessing to those around us.

Romans 12:2a, 11 “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.”