Van The Man

The Northern Ireland born legend Van Morrison celebrates his 70th birthday today. He played two sold out concerts today on Cyprus Avenue in Belfast - tickets were hot property!

Here he is giving his 1964 classic 'Gloria' an outing with Jools Holland and a very young Brian Kennedy:

Happy Birthday Van you're still The Man!

Sabbath Reflection: 30th August, 2015

I pray you hear God's invitation to you to come sit with Him a while.

The Collect for today:
Lord of all power and might, the author and giver of all good things: Graft in our hearts the love of your Name; increase in us true religion; nourish us with all goodness; and bring forth in us the fruit of good works; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. Amen.

 The lectionary readings appointed for today: 

 Song of Songs 2: 8-13

Psalm 45

James 1: 17-27

Mark 7

Song of Solomon 2:8-13

The voice of my beloved!

Look, he comes,

leaping upon the mountains,

bounding over the hills.

My beloved is like a gazelle

or a young stag.

Look, there he stands

behind our wall,

gazing in at the windows,

looking through the lattice.

My beloved speaks and says to me:

 

“Arise, my love, my fair one,

and come away;

for now the winter is past,

the rain is over and gone.

The flowers appear on the earth;

the time of singing has come,

and the voice of the turtledove

is heard in our land.

The fig tree puts forth its figs,

and the vines are in blossom;

they give forth fragrance.

Arise, my love, my fair one,

and come away.”

Saturday Digest: More peachie treats

Earlier this week I gave you a delicious treat to deal with your abundant harvest of peaches. Here are a couple more options to try this weekend - delicious!

Easy Peach Dump Cake

(from Dine & Dish)

Ingredients

• 1 Large Can Peaches (I used a 29 ounce can and did not drain the juice)
• 1 yellow cake mix
• 1 stick butter

Instructions

1. Grease bottom of a 9x13 pan.
2. Pour in yellow cake mix (dry).
3. Pour can of peaches over cake mix.
4. Melt butter and pour over the top of the peaches and cake mix.
5. Bake in a pre-heated 350° for 40 minutes or until bubbly.

Peach and Fig Chutney

                   (From By The Season - adapted from The Union Square Cafe Cookbook)

Ingredients

• 1 pound ripe peaches, unpeeled
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
• 1/2 pound fresh ripe figs, such as Black Mission
• 3/4 cup cider vinegar, premium quality, unfiltered if possible like this
• 4 tablespoons honey
• 1 1/4 teaspoons mustard seeds
• pinch of kosher salt
• 2 teaspoon pomegranate molasses
• 1 tablespoon minced Serrano chili

Instructions

1. Cut the peaches in half, remove the pits, and cut each half into 1 1/2 inch chunks. Toss the peaches with the lime juice and set aside. Remove the fig stems and quarter the figs lengthwise. Set aside.
2. In a skillet, combine the vinegar, honey, mustard seeds, salt, and pomegranate molasses. Place over moderate heat and reduce to a syrup, 6-8 minutes. Stir in the peaches and cook over low heat, covered, until softened but not mushy. This will take 5-15 minutes, depending on the ripeness of the fruit. Add the figs and chili and cook, covered, an additional 5 minutes.
3. Remove from the heat, transfer to bowl, and cool. Serve at room temperature or chilled.

Saintly Brew

It's really quite fitting for a Friday that today is the Feastday of St Augustine, the Patron Saint of Brewers. He gained this accolade because "of his conversion from a former life of loose living, which included parties, entertainment, and worldly ambitions. His complete turnaround and conversion has been an inspiration to many who struggle with a particular vice or habit they long to break," (Catholic Online).

I love a party as much (perhaps more!) than the next girl; but as we head into the weekend let's remember St Augustine's wisdom when he urges us away from seeking ultimate satisfaction in the world:

 “Thou hast made us for thyself, O Lord, 

and our heart is restless until it finds its rest in thee.”
― Augustine of Hippo, Confessions

Virginia Clouds

Rest is not idleness, 

and to lie sometimes on the grass under trees on a summer's day, 

listening to the murmur of the water, 

or watching the clouds float across the sky, 

is by no means a waste of time. 

John Lubbock, The Use Of Life

There is something so whimsical about clouds - not the clouds filled with an angry storm but the ones which float lazily across a vibrant hue. Last weekend central Virginian country skies where the perfect canvas for a nebula display. It was stunning! It invited rest, a breath and gratitude. I'm off to find me a cloud and some grass to lie on as this summer draws to a close.

Beloved Birthday Blessing

It's The Beloved birthday today and it's fitting that one of his heroes, the late Irish mystic John O'Donohue, should provide the birthday blessing.

Blessed be the mind that dreamed the day
the blueprint of your life
would begin to glow on earth,
illuminating all the faces and voices
that would arrive to invite
your soul to growth.

Praised be your father and mother,
who loved you before you were,
and trusted to call you here
with no idea who you would be.

Blessed be those who have loved you
into becoming who you were meant to be,
blessed be those who have crossed your life
with dark gifts of hurt and loss
that have helped to school your mind
in the art of disappointment.

When desolation surrounded you,
blessed be those who looked for you
and found you, their kind hands
urgent to open a blue window
in the gray wall formed around you.

Blessed be the gifts you never notice,
your health, eyes to behold the world,
thoughts to countenance the unknown,
memory to harvest vanished days,
your heart to feel the world’s waves,
your breath to breathe the nourishment
of distance made intimate by earth.

On this echoing-day of your birth,
may you open the gift of solitude
in order to receive your soul;
enter the generosity of silence
to hear your hidden heart;
know the serenity of stillness
to be enfolded anew
by the miracle of your being.
 
― John O'Donohue, To Bless the Space Between Us: A Book of Blessings

Peachie

It's peach season in Virginia and this past weekend in the glorious VA countryside there were crates tumbling full with juicy, plump delights. So, what do do with this abundant harvest? Here are some peachie treats to make at home.

 Grilled Vanilla Bean Mascarpone Peaches with Salted Bourbon Caramel

(from In Sock Monkey Slippers)

Ingredients

Salted Bourbon Caramel Sauce
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons bourbon
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt 

Vanilla Bean Mascarpone Peaches
• 8 ounces mascarpone cheese
• 1 vanilla bean or 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste
• 3 to 4 freestone peaches
• Fluer de Sel, optional

Directions

1. Preheat a gas or charcoal grill to medium-high heat. Pour sugar and water in a saucepot. Bring to a rapid simmer over medium heat and swirl (don’t stir with a spoon) the mixture until the sugar is dissolved. Without stirring, let simmer until the color changes to light brown, about 5 minutes, then turn off heat. Slowly stir in cream until combined. Add bourbon and salt and stir until smooth. Set aside until needed.
2. Next, split the vanilla bean down the center with the tip of a sharp knife. Open to expose the seeds. Using the blade of the knife, gently scrape the beans out of the pod. In a bowl, stir to combine mascarpone and vanilla beans. Set aside till needed.
3. With a knife, slice the peaches in half and discard the seeds. Lightly brush the flesh with canola or grapeseed oil to prevent sticking to the grill. Place cut side down on the grill for 3 to 5 minutes until the peaches are warmed and lighly scorched.
4. Fill the peaches with a large spoonful of the vanilla mascarpone and place on a serving plater or in individual bowls.
5. If the bourbon caramel sauce is too thick reheat it slightly on low heat until it returns to the right consistancy. Spoon caramel over the peaches, sprinkle with a pinch of Fleur de Sel (optional), and serve. Store any remaining salted bourbon caramel sauce in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Tasty Tucker: Uncle Elder's Family Restaurant

We spent last weekend in central Virginia and on our way south we stopped for lunch in one of our favorite towns, Culpeper. The town is full of great eateries and shops and a wee wander off Main Street lead us to a new-to-us BBQ joint - Uncle Elder's Family Restaurant.

It was a glorious day so we sat outside on the very southern deck - it was perfect for a known-to-be-messy 20 month old. And as we were the only ones outside (there were plenty of others inside) Miss O could run up and down and wheel her car and train all over the place.

The staff were very friendly - they liberally shared food recommendations and family photos, and showered affection on Miss O.  Even the chef came out to see if we had enjoyed our lunch!

I ordered the smoked chicken sandwich with fries and The Beloved got his favorite pulled pork. Both were served quickly, at the perfect temperature and the meat was deliciously smoky and moist.Their original BBQ sauce was perfectly balanced and a great accompaniment to the yummie crispy fries.

I loved the decor, the food and welcome at Uncle Elder's - we'll be looking for an excuse to go back very soon!

Sabbath Reflection: 23rd August, 2015

I pray you hear God's invitation to you to come sit with Him a while.

The Collect for today:
Grant, O merciful God, that your Church, being gathered together in unity by your Holy Spirit, may show forth your power among all peoples, to the glory of your Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

 The lectionary readings appointed for today:

1 Kings 8

Psalm 84

Ephesians 6: 10-20

John 6: 56-69

Psalm 84

1

How dear to me is your dwelling, O LORD of hosts! *
My soul has a desire and longing for the courts of the LORD;
my heart and my flesh rejoice in the living God.

2

The sparrow has found her a house
and the swallow a nest where she may lay her young; *
by the side of your altars, O LORD of hosts,
my King and my God.

3

Happy are they who dwell in your house! *
they will always be praising you.

4

Happy are the people whose strength is in you! *
whose hearts are set on the pilgrims' way.

5

Those who go through the desolate valley will find it a place of springs, *
for the early rains have covered it with pools of water.

6

They will climb from height to height, *
and the God of gods will reveal himself in Zion.

7

LORD God of hosts, hear my prayer; *
hearken, O God of Jacob.

8

Behold our defender, O God; *
and look upon the face of your Anointed.

9

For one day in your courts is better than a thousand in my own room, *
and to stand at the threshold of the house of my God
than to dwell in the tents of the wicked.

10

For the LORD God is both sun and shield; *
he will give grace and glory;

11

No good thing will the LORD withhold *
from those who walk with integrity.

12

O LORD of hosts, *
happy are they who put their trust in you!

Saturday Digest: Peachie BBQ

We're SO determined to squeeze all we can out of the last days of summer even if the weater here still let's us BBQ until October. So fire up the barbie and enjoy your Saturday!

Grilled Peach, Blueberry and Goat Cheese Arugula Salad 

(From Two Peas and Their Pod) 

Yield: Serves 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

Arugula salad with grilled peaches, blueberries, goat cheese, Marcona almonds, and a light honey dressing. This beautiful salad is the perfect summer salad!

Ingredients:

For the Dressing:
4 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons white or golden balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon honey
Sea salt and crushed black pepper, to taste
For the Salad:
3 ripe peaches, cut in half, pits removed
Fresh arugula (about 8-10 cups)
1 cup fresh blueberries
1/3 cup Marcona almonds or regular almonds
2 oz fresh goat cheese

Directions:

1. First, make the dressing. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper.
2. Lightly brush the peach halves with the dressing. Preheat the grill to high heat. Place peaches, cut side down, on the hot grill. Grill for about five minutes, or until the peaches are soft and have grill marks. Remove peaches from the grill, cool to room temperature, and slice.
3. Place arugula, sliced grilled peaches, blueberries, almonds, and fresh goat cheese in a large salad bowl. Drizzle with salad dressing. Gently toss and serve immediately.

Turn on the light

Since moving to the US I've gone through phases of fascination with light fixtures. I live in rented accommodation where you aren't allowed to change such fixtures so I'm stuck with dated lights that aren't my to my taste or style. My longing for new lights has me looking up and imagining what could be if I owned my home. Here are some current light source revealing favorites ...

Heatwave? Serve a cocktail on a stick.

Southern Living have outdone themselves with a perfect solution to a hot and sticky August in DC - cocktails on a stick. Tasty and handy! Enjoy but probably best to keep them away from the kiddos!

Sweet Tea Julep Pops

Yield: Makes 12 pops

 Ingredients:

• 2 cups water
• 2 family-size tea bags
• 1 cup firmly packed fresh mint leaves
• 1 cup cold water
• 3/4 cup bourbon
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 12 (3-oz.) paper cups
• 12 mint leaves (optional)
• 12 small lemon slices (optional)
• 12 (3 1/2-inch) food-safe wooden ice-cream spoons

Instructions:

1. Bring 2 cups water to a boil in a 2-qt. saucepan. Remove from heat, add tea bags, and stir in 1 cup firmly packed fresh mint leaves. Cover and steep 10 minutes. Discard tea bags and mint. Stir in 1 cup cold water, bourbon, sugar, and lemon juice, stirring until sugar dissolves. Pour mixture into paper cups; add a mint leaf and small lemon slice to each, if desired.
2. Cover each cup with aluminum foil; make a small slit in center, and insert 1 ice-cream spoon into each cup. Freeze 8 hours or until firm.

Watermelon Margarita Pops  

You'll want to serve Watermelon Margarita Pops with a side of sea salt for sprinkling on top, but be careful! You'll have to slurp it up before the ice melts.

 

Yield: Makes 12 pops 

Ingredients:

• 6 limes
• 4 cups chopped seedless watermelon
• 3/4 cup tequila
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 12 (3-oz.) paper cups
• 12 (3 1/2-inch) food-safe wooden ice-cream spoons

Instructions:

1. Grate zest from 1 lime to equal 1 tsp. Squeeze juice from limes to equal 1/2 cup. Process lime juice and watermelon in a blender until smooth. Pour through a fine wire-mesh strainer into a large measuring cup, discarding solids. Stir in tequila, sugar, and 1 tsp. lime zest, stirring until sugar dissolves. Pour mixture into paper cups.
2. Cover each cup with aluminum foil; make a small slit in center, and insert 1 ice-cream spoon into each cup. Freeze 8 hours or until firm.

Heaney's Parting Invitation

Nobel laureate Seamus Heaney's gravestone epitaph challenges and invites us to exist beyond what we have experienced and what we currently see:

The Irish Central website takes up the story:

'The lines are taken from his Nobel Prize speech in 1995. Responding to what the lines meant Heaney told the Harvard Crimson publication the following:

“A person from Northern Ireland is naturally cautious. You grew up vigilant because it’s a divided society. My poetry on the whole was earth-hugging, but then I began to look up rather than keep down. I think it had to do with a sense that the marvelous was as permissible as the matter-of-fact in poetry. That line is from a poem called “The Gravel Walks,” which is about heavy work—wheeling barrows of gravel—but also the paradoxical sense of lightness when you’re lifting heavy things. I like the in-betweenness of up and down, of being on the earth and of the heavens. I think that’s where poetry should dwell, between the dream world and the given world, because you don’t just want photography, and you don’t want fantasy either.” '

I love that - the invitation to look up because the "marvelous was as permissible as the matter-of-fact". For me Heaney's epitaph is like the step of faith that Indiana Jones takes in pursuit of the Holy Grail in The Last Crusade. The way forward looks like air, but he sticks his hand on his heart and against his better judgement, steps out over the valley. Behold! A way is made where there was no way.

Photo taken at the National Geographic Indiana Jones and the Adventure of Archaeology Exhibit 

 

 

 

I want people to write that about me when I'm called Home - "She walked on air against her better judgement". So whose judgement is stopping you from walking on air?

Royal Augustinian Abbey of Cong

Having shared the wonder of falconry at Ashford Castle yesterday it would be remiss of me not to woo you further to a holiday in the West with some photos of The Royal Augustinian Abbey of Cong. Come on! You know you want to visit!!

 

Falconry at the best hotel in the world

 In August 2008 The Beloved and I spent our wedding anniversary in the west of Ireland - it was magical. We stayed in JJ Gannons in Ballinrobe, Co Mayo and where we enjoyed fantastic breakfasts and dinners. One of our day trips was to Cong. This village is where The Quiet Man was filmed; the stunning Royal Abbey of Cong is there and the amazing Ashford Castle.

A stay at Ashford Castle was already on my bucket list and now that it has been named top hotel of the year by luxury travel network Virtuoso® , well, my oh my, I definitely want a night there!

We did spend some time at Ashford Castle in 2008 - it was there that we had the do-it-before-you-die experience of falconry. Yep, we got to fly two falcons around the grounds of Ashford Castle. It was incredible!

Sending off and having these birds of prey return to your arm was astonishing and the ancient Castle grounds just added to the magnificence of the day. Truly a wonderful reason to visit the west of Ireland!

Sabbath Reflection: 16th August, 2015

I pray you hear God's invitation to you to come sit with Him a while.

The Collect for today:
Almighty God, you have given your only Son to be for us a sacrifice for sin, and also an example of godly life: Give us grace to receive thankfully the fruits of his redeeming work, and to follow daily in the blessed steps of his most holy life; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

 The lectionary readings appointed for today:

1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14

Psalm 111

Ephesians 5:15-20

John 6:51-58 

Psalm 111

1

Hallelujah!
I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart, *
in the assembly of the upright, in the congregation.

2

Great are the deeds of the LORD! *
they are studied by all who delight in them.

3

His work is full of majesty and splendor, *
and his righteousness endures for ever.

4

He makes his marvelous works to be remembered; *
the LORD is gracious and full of compassion.

5

He gives food to those who fear him; *
he is ever mindful of his covenant.

6

He has shown his people the power of his works *
in giving them the lands of the nations.

7

The works of his hands are faithfulness and justice; *
all his commandments are sure.

8

They stand fast for ever and ever, *
because they are done in truth and equity.

9

He sent redemption to his people;
he commanded his covenant for ever; *
holy and awesome is his Name.

10

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; *
those who act accordingly have a good understanding;
his praise endures for ever.

Saturday Digest: Delicious Steak

The Beloved and I LOVE steak. Juicy, tender, preferably done on the grill, it's the best way to savor Saturday night date night. I can't wait to try this salad - we may use sirloin inside of skirt steak but otherwise I'll be trying it as is. Enjoy your Saturday!

Arugula Skirt Steak Salad with Caramelized Pears, Pecans and Gorgonzola

(From Baker by Nature)

Serves 2 as a main course; 4 as starters or a part to a meal

Ingredients
For the Arugula Skirt Steak Salad with Caramelized Pears, Pecans, and Gorgonzola:
1 lb. skirt steak, excess fat trimmed
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper, for seasoning (about 1 teaspoon per side of steak)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/4 cup light brown sugar
2 large pears, cored and cut into medium-sized chunks
1 tablespoon granulated sugar

3/4 cup chopped pecans

4 ounces crumbled gorgonzola cheese
4 cups baby arugula, washed and patted dry

For the Mustard Vinaigrette:
1 tablespoon dijon mustard
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1/3 cup olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
For the Arugula Skirt Steak Salad with Caramelized Pears, Pecans, and Gorgonzola:

Heat a large skillet over a  medium-high flame; add olive oil to skillet. When oil begins to simmer (you can test this by carefully placing a drop of water in the pan; if it sizzles ferociously, it’s ready), place steak in skillet and let it cook for 5 minutes. Turn it and cook for another 4 minutes (5-6 if you want more medium than medium-rare). Transfer meat to a large cutting board and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Prepare the rest of your ingredients while it’s resting.

Heat butter in a large skillet over medium flame. Once melted add brown sugar and stir until sugar is dissolved. Add pear chunks, stir, and then cook – stirring occasionally – for about 5 minutes, or just until the pears have released their juices and really softened up. With a slotted spoon (leaving behind as much sauce as possible) transfer pears to a clean plate.

Add pecans to the same skillet the pears were cooked in (keeping the pear juices and caramel in the pan!), and toss them in the caramel, cooking over medium heat for just 1-2 minutes. Remove pan from heat and working quickly transfer pecans to a plate covered in wax or parchment paper.
Once steak has rested for 10 minutes, slice meat against the grain into 1” strips.

Scatter arugula onto a large serving dish or platter. Arrange steak strips across the top, then add pears, pecans, and gorgonzola evenly around the platter. Lightly dress with vinaigrette, and serve at once.

For the Mustard Vinaigrette:

Whisk all of the ingredients together. Season well with salt and pepper and adjust ingredients to taste.

Happy Birthday Granny

Today would have been my Granny's 99th birthday. She passed away in January this year and I miss my chum terribly. I was honored to give the family tribute at her funeral and I thought it fitting to share an extract today in her memory.

"As a good Presbyterian Granny would have appreciated a three point tribute all beginning with the letter 'F'. Family, fun and faith capture the essence of Dora's priorities, passion & perspective. There's three 'Ps' for good measure.

Dora loved her family deeply. The last time we were all together was August 14th, 2014. The occasion was Granny’s 98th birthday party. Our little daughter Miss O, born in December 2013, carries Granny’s name as one of her middle names. We don’t live in Northern Ireland; since 2010 we’ve lived just outside Washington DC. This birthday party was the first time the two Doras met.

Miss O was only eight months old and four generations after Granny, but she knew her. They grasped hands immediately & the instant smile and quick laughter between them made me and everyone else in the room weep. You see Dora means “God’s Gift” and that day two precious gifts in our lives found each other.

Scripture says God places the lonely in families. He doesn’t place us in communes or congregations; neighborhoods or networks. Families. And us humans, we’re all lonely in some way. I wonder if that fracture is in us so that we will long for each other. Part of my lonely ache was eased by Granny for all of my 41 years. Granny saw our faults, our brokenness; just as we saw hers. But through her love we experienced the tender mercies of God that come to us only in our families.

Dora was always quick to smile and laugh! She'd a brilliant sense of humor and loved a bit of banter. That characterized her relationship with my late father, Roy, whom she adored; and it marked her friendship with my husband Richard. Each Sunday night as Richard helped Granny down Mum's steps into our car he would make some quip like 'you mind yourself this week, I don't have time to be coming to visit you' - Granny would thump him playfully on the arm or threaten him with her stick, the whole while having a glint in her eye reflecting her love for Richard & for the craic.

Old time dancing brought Dora great joy. Waltzing round Blackpool Ballroom or dancehalls all over Belfast, Granny loved to dance. That's one thing I know she's doing now - no longer constrained by her dodgey knee and aged bones. Dora also loved to sing - whether it was hymns in church or accompanying Songs of Praise, or decked in a pink feather boa at a singalong in Lisadian. She found pleasure in the simple things. She loved cream buns and old movies in which people were "lovely wee stars". She loved roast chicken dinners; keeping her Christmas gifts half-wrapped on her spare room bed; and just a wee half cup of tea.

Granny was the spiritual matriarch of our family. I'm certain that by her faithful intercessions she has prayed all of us into the family of faith. Her deep trust in the promises of God the Father; her intimate knowing of Jesus the Son; and her assured comfort and presence of the Holy Spirit, moulded her whole life.

Psalms 111 and 139 are a beautiful reflection of Dora’s faith. She worshiped in church every Sunday and always listened to the "service" on the wireless. She studied “the works of the Lord,” delighting to daily read her bible and pray; and she had first hand experience of God’s wonderful deeds and provision in her life. Granny’s wisdom, strength and patient, quiet waiting, all emanated from her knowing that the Lord is faithful, good, and trustworthy.  Dora knew God and had no doubt that He knew and loved her.

We used to go to Granny’s house for dinner on a Saturday evening and often our conversation would turn to matters of faith. One week Mum, myself, Granny, her two sisters-in-law, Georgie and Agnes; and her brother-in-law, Jim, were sat round Granny’s table; someone asked the question, “What will heaven be like?” A variety of ideas swirled around the table, all half-formed and mostly guess work. Then Dora spoke. “I don’t care what it’s like” she said, “as long as I’m with my Billy.” You see Granny understood death not as the end or even the beginning, but rather as a continuation. Heaven for her is the place where there would be no more sorrow or loss or separation. It is the fulfillment of all things promised and wholeness of joy and peace. You see Dora now, is Home."

Transfer at The BEACH

One of the great debates and Holy Grails in the education world is 'transfer'. Can a student apply the knowledge and skills they learned in Maths class in a different context, like Chemistry or Home Economics? Can they take the grammatical understanding gained in English and apply it in a History essay or in Spanish? Some would say, based on experience of students in their classroom, that this transfer of skills doesn't happen. It's not to say that it can't, it just doesn't seem to happen easily or naturally. 

My morning at The BEACH exhibit at the National Building Museum provided ample evidence that humanoids of all ages seamlessly transfer learning from one experience to another. Here is what I witnessed:

(1) You are allowed to wear shoes in the water/ball-pit but everyone took off their shoes before going into the 'water'.

(2) A Dad in the 'water' picked up his young daughter and tossed her freely into the balls.

(3) Grandparents shouted "Don't go too far out! Stay where it's shallow!" 

(4) Friends splashed each other with the 'water'.

(5) People left books and water bottles on deckchairs to keep their spots.

(6) Some people floated, some swam and some paddled.

Despite that fact that we were in "an enclosure and built out of construction materials such as scaffolding, wooden panels, and perforated mesh, all clad in stark white", and the 'ocean' was "nearly one million recyclable translucent plastic balls" people acted exactly like they would at a beach. It was fascinating!

I marveled at how easily all these strangers knew how to act in this familiar yet completely new and different context. Transfer is totally possible (in fact we do it all the time) - perhaps The BEACH just had one of the magic ingredient for transfer to happen easily - fun!

Great Day Out: The BEACH at the National Building Museum

All summer there's been an invitation to play from one of DC's finest museums:

 "The National Building Museum presents a one-of-a-kind destination for visitors, an interactive architectural installation that brings the quintessential summer experience of going to the beach to downtown Washington, D.C. Spanning across the Museum’s Great Hall, the BEACH, created in partnership with Snarkitecture, will cover 10,000 square feet and include an “ocean” of nearly one million recyclable translucent plastic balls."


I spent the morning at The BEACH with a dear friend and honestly, it was awesome!! It's worth the $16 entry as it's such a clever, simple, fear and laughter producing experience.

When you first get into the 'water' ballpit you sink like quicksand - you don't expect it and it takes a moment to get your sea legs. After falling around for a while you work out how to float and wade in the water and you start to relax.

We played in the water for a while then went a got refreshments at the Union Kitchen Snack Bar. A wee paddle and people watching was then in order, and if we'd known there would be deck chairs we would have chilled out with a good book!

You can see a few strollers in this picture -  I'd heard from Mums with kids the same age as Miss O that they'd found their Little Ones visit there a little unnerving .. ok one said terrifying! Whilst the Little One's can't 'drown' as such the balls do suck you in and watching your baby disappear under the translucent water would be freaky. There were lots of little people there having a great time but I'm glad I went sans enfant - I'd a much better time not having to worry about her!

We had a fantastic morning - I'll share some more reflections on the installation tomorrow. Suffice to say it closes Labor Day - September 7th - don't miss it!

Bubbles

They don't make bubble mixture like they used to ... the bubbles are few and small unless you add washing up liquid. Melissa and Doug's Sunny Patch Bollie Bubbles are the best we've found this summer but even they do better with a little foamy help.

Miss O loves chasing, bursting and blowing the bubbles - the games have become more and more sophisticated. Today large sponges were the bursting weapon of choice.

Maybe one day Miss O will be the new Queen of Bubbles. Until then, here is the current reigning monarch - bubble artist Melody Yang. Watch and be amazed ... I'm off to practice!

Home & healing

I've one of those annoying sore throats - dry, aching, hard to swallow, husky, quiet voice throats. It came on me last night after church, by bedtime I was reduced to a muted whisper. So to fight this thing off I engaged an arsenal of paracetamol (like Tylenol but better!) and hot honey and lemon tea. Then I gargled with TCP (a mild antiseptic) and luke-warm water, before taking a dose of black elderberry Sambucol. This sore throat doesn't stand a chance.

Half of this sickness fighting force I brought from Northern Ireland. Even though we've lived in America for over 4 years when I get sick I look to home for the healing. I know there are some great drug products here - like Neosporin - an amazing topical antibiotic cream that heals draws out infection and heal wounds SO fast! But I trust products that have worked for me in the past especially when my decision making skills are impaired by sickness.

It got me thinking about the importance of home in our healing process. It is where we go to recuperate; lick our wounds; rest or hide under the covers of our own bed until we muster the energy to come out.  We all need spaces and people to be this 'home' in our sickness assailed lives. We've got to know where we can go when our hearts, minds and spirits are dry, achy and husky.

In the midst of seeking the comfort and familiarity needed to get better there's a danger that the tried and tested healers might not do the job this time round. It's hard but sometimes we need different salves for new or old ailments. Don't limit how you can be healed.

I'm off to put the kettle on and get a cuddle from The Beloved - that is one tried and tested healer that will always help me feel better. Happy healing!

Sabbath Reflection: August 9th, 2015

I pray you hear God's invitation to you to come sit with Him a while.

The Collect for today:
Grant to us, Lord, we pray, the spirit to think and do always those things that are right, that we, who cannot exist without you, may by you be enabled to live according to your will; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

 The lectionary readings appointed for today:

1 Kings 19:4-8

Psalm 34:1-8

Ephesians 4:25-5:2

John 6:35, 41-51

Psalm 34:1-8

1

I will bless the LORD at all times; *
his praise shall ever be in my mouth.

2

I will glory in the LORD; *
let the humble hear and rejoice.

3

Proclaim with me the greatness of the LORD; *
let us exalt his Name together.

4

I sought the LORD, and he answered me *
and delivered me out of all my terror.

5

Look upon him and be radiant, *
and let not your faces be ashamed.

6

I called in my affliction and the LORD heard me *
and saved me from all my troubles.

7

The angel of the LORD encompasses those who fear him, *
and he will deliver them.

8

Taste and see that the LORD is good; *
happy are they who trust in him!

Saturday Digest: Firepits

We've a great yard at our new home - we christened it with a small party last Tuesday night and it was awesome! Not long now until summer eases into fall and I'm dreaming of a firepit and s'mores already!

Here are some firepits I would love in our garden: 

 And just to help your summer firepit really come into it's own ....

Love and Marriage: The Beloved

Today's the day. Fifteen years ago I said "I will" and started on this life changing adventure. If you'd asked me then where we would be in 15 years time,  I would never have said that we'd be living in America with a 21 month old daughter of Marshallese descent; pastoring a church in Washington DC and the renters of a lovely home in Alexandria, VA. I could only have dreamt of the address book of incredible family and friends we have all over the world - they love us unconditionally, hold up our arms when we are weak and cheer lead us to run our race well.

There is also no way I could have imagined how well Richard, The Beloved, would love, know and care for me. He is a man of deep faith and conviction who passionately loves the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. He adores me and Miss O and serves us tirelessly. If he could he would give us the earth, moon and stars he would. Richard knows my dreams and failures, desires and flatsides; he knows what to say to encourage and enrage me!

We've grown into each other over the past 21 years of being a couple, finishing each others thoughts, sensing each others hesitancy and joy. There is no one else I'd rather do this life with than Richard. He is my gift from God, my one and only. No matter the course of this life this much I know:

"Many waters cannot quench love; rivers cannot sweep it away."

Song of Songs 8 v7

Thank-you Beloved for being you and loving me.

Love and Marriage: Bearing Witness - Guest Contributor!

I'm delighted to introduce my first guest contributor - Naomi Washatka of Beside Every Bride. Her website has fantastic advice and really creative ideas for bridesmaids - it's well worth a look.

"This past weekend I served as a witness at a stunning wedding. The wedding was held in a beautiful Presbyterian church, with stained glass windows and a long center aisle. I was enchanted by the romance and the majesty of it all.

I often joke about being a professional bridesmaid, but at this wedding I was merely a spectator, serving more as a plus one and encouragement to one of the groomsmen. Without the pressure to stand appropriately (and not faint), or to smooth the bride’s dress, I was able to reflect on the words that were being exchanged and the homily delivered by the pastor. My eyes welled up with tears during the ceremony, and at the most surprising times.

At one point during the liturgy, the pastor had the couple turn to the congregation to look upon the “great cloud of witnesses” gathered to celebrate with and support them in their commitment to one another. As they turned to look at us, it occurred to me in a new way that the wedding ceremony is not just a commitment between the couple, but it is a time for the congregation to make a commitment to the couple. The congregation gathers as the first witnesses to this covenant, but we all now have a tie to the couple in a way not known prior to the ceremony. As someone who barely knows the couple, I refrained from making these promises this weekend, as I see great meaning in and take seriously the commitment.

Many liturgical services identify the congregation’s role as one that is to be prayerful, always rejoicing and giving thanks to God for the couple and for the gift of marriage. We rejoice that marriage is given by God, blessed by our Lord Jesus Christ, and sustained by the Holy Spirit. Most services give a charge to the congregation, to “let marriage be held in honor by all.” This commitment does not stop at the ceremony; we hold fast to the promises we make to the couple as they hold fast to each other and to God.

In December I will stand as a bridesmaid for the tenth time—my tenth wedding where I have taken my own vows to the couple and to the congregation. Five, ten, fifty years later, I will still cling to the promises I made along with the couple on their wedding day. God gives the couple the gift of marriage, but he also gives the community and the congregation—and the bridal party—the ability to celebrate and grow and delight in this new couple. I stand as a witness to their love, to throw showers and carry flowers, but more importantly, as a bridesmaid, it is my role to uphold the promises I professed. I vow to encourage the couple in sickness and in health, I promise to give thanks to God for their commitment to one another, and I promise to protect them, “for what God has brought together, no (wo)man shall tear apart.”

As the summer wedding season will soon come to an end, let us not forget the promises we’ve made as witnesses in the congregation and as friends in the bridal party. Let us celebrate with friends who are hitting martial milestones and let us comfort those who have known easier days. Let us honor marriage in the ways we remember and encourage these couples. Let us allow the promises we’ve made to compel us to bless and give thanks."

Love and Marriage: Conversation

When you are dating you are very careful about what you say. Your language is gushing and complimentary. You’re in awe of your partner, spending hours on the phone, snatching any piece of conversation you can.

Then you get married.

After the wedding and honeymoon debriefs are over life settles into routine. The conversation becomes about logistics, bills, trash, cleaning, cooking, in-laws and out-laws dynamics, your space and my space. At the end of a hard day silent absorption in individual screen time is all you have energy for. 

Harvard professor Stanley Cavell in his ’Pursuits of Happiness: The Hollywood Comedy of Remarriage’ asserts that ‘happy conversation is the chiefest and noblest end of marriage’. Rather than the hurried stanza of courtship stalling in silent exhaustion, marriage opens up the opportunity for compelling communion. Somehow we've got to find or choose ways to keep the conversation going with our spouse.

I once read a blog comment from an anonymous widow who described her husband's death after 44 years of marriage as him being taken from her in the middle of a fascinating sentence. Beautiful. This is my longing for my marriage: that The Beloved and I would always want to hang on each other's sentences; that we would never tire of the stories we've heard numerous times before; and that we'd always cherish the open spaces to dream.

Robert Louis Stephenson described marriage as:
    ‘ One long conversation, checkered by disputes. Two persons more and more adapt
      their notions one to suit the other and in process of time, without sound of trumpet,
      they conduct each other into new worlds of thought. ’

May you find new worlds with your spouse through your fascinating tender conversations. 

Love and Marriage: Still small voice

Yesterday I sat down to write my blog much later in the day than usual. I'd spent the day playing in DC (more about that another day!) and so it was 8pm before I got a chance to write. Before starting I usually take a moment to pause, breath, pray and invite the Holy Spirit to prompt me. Last night's prompt - Watermelon. Ok then. It kinda made sense - it's summer, Miss O loves watermelon, I love watermelon, I adore watermelon and feta - voila! A blog post was born.

We currently have a dear friend from Northern Ireland staying with us and over breakfast this morning she casually asked "Did you know yesterday was National Watermelon Day when you wrote your blog?" Ah, nope. I'd no idea that every year on August 3rd the US celebrates the Watermelon. I didn't know but the Holy Spirit did. You could put it down to a freaky coincidence but I'd rather attribute it to the Spirit's sense of humor. It appears that He likes to be in all parts and details of our lives - not just the serious ones!

It's so easy in the hub bub of daily life to lose the ability to hear His still small voice. The gentle nudges on places to go; random thoughts of things to do; the left-field suggestions on how to solve problems; the reminders of people to pray for - these can all be set aside as we pursue our goals for the day. What wonders we miss!

This still small voice is the key to being able to hear, see and know your spouse and their needs. The Spirit knows them better than they know themselves. He delights in the intimate understanding that the covenant of marriage offers so why would He not lead us to timely, tender, perfect knowings of our spouse?

So take a moment to stop, breath and listen with anticipation for what the Holy Spirit will show you about your Beloved and yourself. 

Watermelon Loves Feta

Miss O LOVES watermelon. She dribbles it down her shirt, rubs her sticky hands usually down my shirt and isn't bother in the slightest by red juice drooling down her chin and neck. It makes economic sense to buy a whole Watermelon rather than the chopped pieces in the store. Thankfully watermelon is a great partner for one of my favorite cheeses - Feta. Here are some ideas for all that lovely jubbly fruit and it's salty partner.

Watermelon and Feta Salad

 (From One Little Project at a Time)

Ingredients:

• 1/2 a watermelon, so about 4 lbs worth (and yes, I used our baby scale to weigh it!)
• 1 small package of feta cheese, crumbled (about 4 to 6 oz)
• 1/4 of a white onion
• 2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 3 Tbsp olive oil
• 2 Tbsp of chopped fresh mint leaves
• salt and pepper to taste

Cut the watermelon into bite size cubes.  Slice the onion as thin as you can get it and add it to the watermelon.  Crumble the feta on top. For the dressing, mix together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, salt, pepper and mint leaves. Add the dressing to the salad and toss gently until the salad is coated. Serve immediately (although I have to say that the leftovers are delicious the next day).

Strawberry Watermelon and Feta Salad

(From FoodieCrush)

Serves: Serves 4 as appetizer, 2 as main course

Ingredients:

• 3 cups seedless watermelon, chopped into ½ inch pieces
• 3 cups strawberries, sliced
• ¼ red onion, sliced very thinly
• 4 cups spicy arugula
• ¾ C fresh basil, chiffonade (optional)
• ½ C crumbled feta cheese or more to taste
• ⅓ C fruity extra virgin olive oil
• 1½ T balsamic vinegar
• 1 tsp agave syrup or to taste
• Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

In a large bowl, gently combine first five ingredients. Mix together olive oil, vinegar and agave and taste for sweetness and dress strawberry mixture. Top with feta cheese, salt and pepper and serve.

Watermelon and Feta Guacamole

(From Two Peas and Their Pod)

Serves 4

Ingredients:

• 3 large ripe avocados
• 1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1/4 cup chopped red onion
• 1 small jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1 cup diced watermelon
• Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
• Tortilla chips, for serving

Cut each avocado in half lengthwise. Remove the pit from the avocado and discard. Remove the avocado from the skin, and place the avocado flesh in a bowl. Smash avocado with a fork until desired consistency. Add the cilantro, red onion, jalapeño, lime juice, feta cheese, watermelon, salt, and pepper to the bowl. Stir to combine. Serve immediately with tortilla chips.

(I found out after I posted this blog that Monday August 3rd was National Watermelon Day! Who knew!!)

Sabbath Reflection: August 2nd, 2015

I pray you hear God's invitation to you to come sit with Him a while.

The Collect for today:
Let your continual mercy, O Lord, cleanse and defend your Church; and, because it cannot continue in safety without your help, protect and govern it always by your goodness; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

 The lectionary readings appointed for today:

2 Samuel 11:26 - 12:13a

Psalm 51:1-12

Ephesians 4:1-16

John 6:24-35

John 6:24-35

The next day, when the people who remained after the feeding of the five thousand saw that neither Jesus nor his disciples were there, they themselves got into the boats and went to Capernaum looking for Jesus.

When they found him on the other side of the sea, they said to him, "Rabbi, when did you come here?" Jesus answered them, "Very truly, I tell you, you are looking for me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves. Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For it is on him that God the Father has set his seal." Then they said to him, "What must we do to perform the works of God?" Jesus answered them, "This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent." So they said to him, "What sign are you going to give us then, so that we may see it and believe you? What work are you performing? Our ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written, `He gave them bread from heaven to eat.'" Then Jesus said to them, "Very truly, I tell you, it was not Moses who gave you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is that which comes down from heaven and gives life to the world." They said to him, "Sir, give us this bread always."

Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty."