The last few weeks have had their issues – the car was complaining (it’s OK now!) and health problems have meant that any trips out have to be fairly short, with built in escape routes… we have to be able to go home straight away if necessary. Consequently, our normal shopping day routine was different this fortnight.
We would normally get our shopping from Aldi, possibly stop in at Coles, and lately have been getting a coffee (and yes, something sugary 🙂 ) at our favourite cafe. This time we did the Aldi run, which was smaller than normal, then dropped off Sweet Bean at the barber down the road. His beautiful curls were becoming impossible to handle, so had to be shorn 😦
The barber is across the road from a service station that sells Krispy Kremes, so I indulged in some doughnuts and a cup of coffee – not spectacular, but OK.
The doughnuts were lovely – if you get an original glazed, zap it in the microwave for about ten seconds. Yum!
With the rain we’ve had lately, a coffee and doughnuts, and some shows to catch up on, my last couple of days have been good – even if they weren’t our usual routine. I’m not too good with change… but sometimes it works!
In 1971 the public library in Troy (USA) opened its doors. To celebrate, the librarian wrote to many famous people, asking them to write a letter to the children of Troy about their thoughts on books and the importance of libraries. You can find these online – letters from people such as Neil Armstrong, Isaac Asimov, or Dr Seuss!
I wonder what the response would be today? Books are easily accessible online (I have an extensive list of ebooks, which I haven’t quite got around to reading…), but there’s nothing quite like picking up a paperback and snuggling into bed on a cold day. Or walking into a secondhand bookstore, where there’s that faint smell of old books, faded leather, and possibly a whiff of the glue that holds the pages to the spine…
I’ve always loved the library. As a child I would ride my bike there on a Saturday, to return or take out my quota of books, or just to spend time surrounded by my literary friends, in the hush of the stacks, forgetting about the outside world for a time. In my mind I still have a clear snapshot of that library.
I love books!
Anyone who has walked through our door knows this to be true…
I can remember buying the latest Trixie Belden mystery with my pocket money, back when they were 50c, then 75c, then $1.50! I still have those books. And what about those brochures you got at school every so often, where you could order books, then get them in a package delivered some time later? What an adventure – such excitement when they arrived! I can’t remember if it was the Scholastic book club – it was a long time ago – but that’s what seems to be the school book club now.
During coronavirus lockdown, the libraries were closed. Even now, activities are restricted. We can get new books, but can’t stay in the library. Before the lockdown libraries had a full range of programmes, which included storytime, makerspace, and various tutorials. The library of today has had to diversify to survive, and that’s OK – it’s great to have so much choice. I’d hate to see the basis of the library concept lost in the mists of time, though – real, live paper books, that you can hold in your hand, and feel the weight of – there’s nothing else like it! 😀
Libraries as we know them – freely accessible public libraries – are still necessary. Not only do they provide a place for people who may not have the means to access a variety of books, or have a quiet place to study, but they are generally staffed by knowledgeable, enthusiastic and helpful people. If you don’t know where to look or what to look for, ask a librarian! They can point you in the right direction, or order the book you need if it’s not already available. I’ve got books reserved at the moment that I wouldn’t have been able to buy, I’ve asked for the library to order books that they didn’t have, and I’ve been able to “try out” books in a series, which I later bought because I knew I liked them.
Quite apart from anything else, without libraries, and library sales, I wouldn’t have all the books I have on my shelves!
Yesterday was one of those days that start with such promise, then quickly devolve…
Due to illness, we haven’t used the car for a few weeks. Yesterday was meant to start with a lovely morning out, back in time for breakfast, then the rest of the day for other things. Unfortunately, our car protested… strange sounds rising from the depths, with no indication (at least to us!) of what they were or where they came from. It’s been looked at now, and hopefully will be OK, but yesterday’s schedule ground to a halt fairly quickly.
You know when you build yourself up for something good, then problems get in the way to derail the plans? It can be hard to get back into the “happy” headspace. We did eventually get a lift to sort out our needs ( a few things to restock in the house) – a kind neighbour who took time out of her day for us.
This was a sign at one of the shops – seemed apropos…
We finished our “morning” (it was past noon by then) by getting some coffee and a muffin, so at least I got my anticipated breakfast!
Some snapshots of my wait for coffee…
Hidden birdhouses and disintegrating lanterns…
…and the guardian of the door.
It turned out all right in the end.
Much like life, really…
I referenced Mister Rogers’ Neighbourhood in a post recently, and I’ve just been watching a full episode on YouTube. It’s quite soothing. His voice is gentle and kind, and there’s no flashing lights and CGI. There is imagination, and kindness. Also interesting lessons to learn!
I can’t think of a kids’ program today that is so simple, but with different layers. Admittedly, it’s been a long time since I watched shows for small children 🙂
I didn’t grow up watching this, as American kids seem to have, so I probably don’t have such a deep appreciation as I’ve seen in comments and articles online. What I have seen shows a kind, gentle man, who spoke to children with respect and helped them to navigate a sometimes scary and difficult world. I’m well past childhood and I felt soothed as I watched…
He spoke to children about real world problems, but in a way that they could understand, and speaking to the fears that a small child might have. Some of these are just as applicable today, whether about death,
divorce,
the violence on TV (with a little word to the adults),
or just the importance of recognising your own feelings, and apologising where necessary.
There’s also this clip, showing mothers breastfeeding, which I can’t see being filmed today… It’s a wonderful way to show children what breasts are for, though, without making it strange or uncomfortable.
Could there be a TV show made today that helps children in a similar way?
…or – how about we as adults decide to be that kind of neighbour?
A while back I posted about “The Blessing”, sung by churches across the UK. I’ve just been listening to other versions from around the world, for a bit of an international morning! 🙂
From the Arab world
to Nigeria and South Africa…
…a change of pace in Ireland
then back to the blessing in Australia!
And finally – be blessed in Hebrew…
Lots of different languages and cultures, but all family ❤
I may never meet these people in this life, but I'll see them in the next!
All the more reason to sing with them now…
I’ve been enjoying watching Songs of Praise on Sunday mornings – hymns and choruses to sing along to, and inspiring stories as well. My memories of old episodes seem to be of dreary, slow hymns sung by choirs that were trained to achieve near perfection… I have no idea if that’s what they used to be, or if that’s just my flawed recollection. The episodes I’ve been watching are more recent, and the songs are sung by various congregations in the area of filming for that week. I love that! Ordinary people, of all ages and situations, belting out praises joyfully and without too much in the way of professionalism. There may be an organ playing, or a full (or partial) band. Some stand still, some raise their hands with abandon, some just do that weird shuffle thing that’s sort of in between… I don’t care. I just love seeing people share joy in praise – it feels a bit like I think heaven will be.
Recently, the show was filmed in Coventry, centring around the cathedral. Coventry was badly damaged by bombing during the Second World War, and the cathedral was nearly destroyed in 1940. The decision to rebuild was taken straight away, as a sign of faith, hope and trust for the future. The ruins of the old church remain, with the new building at right angles to the old, built from the same type of sandstone. The cathedral’s Ministry of Peace and Reconciliation provides support in areas of conflict around the world.
From the beginning of time there has been conflict, between cities and countries, and between individuals. As Christians, we are called to peace, and to a ministry of reconciliation. We each get to choose how we respond to conflict/hatred/injustice…
I just came across this clip, and thought it succinctly explained some concepts of inherent prejudice – the beliefs ingrained in us that we don’t realise we’ve learned. It’s only short, so of course can’t go in depth into it all. It would be easy to start to distance myself from the protests across the world right now – I live in a complex that has a locked gate at the entrance and I don’t go out much – but I have to continue to look at where I’ve learned prejudice, and to talk to my boys about what we see and understand. It’s uncomfortable, but necessary, to keep assessing and questioning what I believe to be true…
At time of posting, there are two other videos in this series. Click on the “YouTube” button at the bottom of this video to find the channel and watch them (and any others that come after these).
If you want a more in depth look at inherent racism in the US, and how it plays out now, watch this (free to watch on YouTube right now, but I don’t know how long it will be available).
As an Australian, I was not brought up watching Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood. Fred Rogers was a Presbyterian minister, trained in music, who spent most of his life living out his mission to children through the medium of television. His show focused on love and kindness, but also covered difficult topics (such as death, war or divorce) with honesty and in a way that children could comprehend.
In 1969, even though the Civil Rights Act of 1964 had supposedly ended segregation in public places, some places were still opposed to desegregation. These included some public pools. In May of that year, an episode of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood showed a short clip where a black character (Officer Clemmons), who is also a policeman, is invited to cool his feet in a children’s wading pool.Mister Rogers is already enjoying the cool water, and when Officer Clemmons declines the invitation because he doesn’t have a towel, Mister Rogers says they can share his. It’s hard to find a good clip of it, but here’s the best I could find –
Not all of us are good at physically speaking loudly. We can all “speak” loud and clear in our own ways, though, even if it sounds quiet and unassuming. Fred Rogers knew exactly what he was saying here, and used his voice the best way he could.
Years later they recreated the scene. This time Mister Rogers took the towel and dried Officer Clemmons’ feet himself, echoing Jesus’ washing of the disciples’ feet in John 13. It’s something we don’t see much of in the church anymore. Perhaps we could stand to look again at the words and actions of the Servant King…
Back to the original question – who is my neighbour?
25 Just then a religion scholar stood up with a question to test Jesus. “Teacher, what do I need to do to get eternal life?” 26 He answered, “What’s written in God’s Law? How do you interpret it?” 27 He said, “That you love the Lord your God with all your passion and prayer and muscle and intelligence—and that you love your neighbor as well as you do yourself.” 28 “Good answer!” said Jesus. “Do it and you’ll live.” 29 Looking for a loophole, he asked, “And just how would you define ‘neighbor’?” 30-32 Jesus answered by telling a story. “There was once a man traveling from Jerusalem to Jericho. On the way he was attacked by robbers. They took his clothes, beat him up, and went off leaving him half-dead. Luckily, a priest was on his way down the same road, but when he saw him he angled across to the other side. Then a Levite religious man showed up; he also avoided the injured man. 33-35 “A Samaritan traveling the road came on him. When he saw the man’s condition, his heart went out to him. He gave him first aid, disinfecting and bandaging his wounds. Then he lifted him onto his donkey, led him to an inn, and made him comfortable. In the morning he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, ‘Take good care of him. If it costs any more, put it on my bill—I’ll pay you on my way back.’ 36 “What do you think? Which of the three became a neighbor to the man attacked by robbers?” 37 “The one who treated him kindly,” the religion scholar responded. Jesus said, “Go and do the same.” Luke 10:25-37 (The Message)
It seems like the world’s on fire at the moment, and it’s hard to see truth in some places.
Of course, you could say that that’s been the case for a very long time. Most of us have just not been looking in the right direction.
As the protests that followed the murder of George Floyd are continuing in the US, it’s hard to watch the pain and sadness boiling over, and to see the backlash from some who just want the Black community to shut up and play nice.
It’s tempting to give in to discomfort and turn the TV off. Flip over to YouTube or catch up TV for a bit of comedy to feel better. I have the privilege to do that. I don’t have to live this every day.
But I also have the responsibility to push past discomfort, or feelings of wanting to justify myself as a white person, and to look at what’s happening, and what I can do or change.
Firstly – Black Lives Matter.
It’s amazing that that seems to have to be explained or qualified to some. Nevertheless, it’s true. And please don’t come back with “All lives matter”. Of course they do. That’s taking away from the issue, and stems from being unwilling to engage with systemic racism and white privilege.
There’s an explanation going around that might help make it a bit clearer – if your house is on fire, it’s not going to help you if the fire department comes to your street and starts hosing down all the houses in the street before coming to yours. All the houses matter. It’s just that it’s yours that’s burning at this moment.
Secondly – White privilege exists, and I have a responsibility to look at my part in it.
What is white privilege? I’ll start with what it isn’t. It’s not saying that every white person’s life is easy, or we haven’t worked to get where we are or gone through terrible things in our lives. What it is, is simply acknowledging that having white skin confers an advantage from birth – most obviously we aren’t judged at first sight simply by our colour. There aren’t assumptions made on our character, lifestyle and whether we belong somewhere because of our skin.
I have two boys – one who is 21, the other 16. I have never had to have The Talk with them – the one where we discuss what they should do in the likely situation that they are pulled over by police. The one where we try to reduce the chances that they are detained or shot.
I have not been followed in a shop because I look suspicious.
I have not been judged to be lazy, morally deficient, drunk or on drugs, having criminal tendencies, threatening, or otherwise undesirable, on first sight.
I’m not likely to stand out much at all, in general society…
Lastly – There are many resourcesavailable to educate ourselves on the issues, and on what we can do. There’s also a lot of misinformation – there are people invested in continuing the status quo. It’s always worth checking sources before clicking on that share button…
Remember the names of those killed just this year for being black, in the “wrong” place and time. Here are some of them. George Floyd – died after a police officer knelt on his neck for several minutes, as he pleaded that he couldn’t breathe. Ahmaud Arbery – chased and gunned down by two men while he was jogging, because they considered he looked suspicious. Breonna Taylor – shot eight times in her bed by police executing a “no knock” warrant, who forced their way in without announcing themselves.
As Australians, we shouldn’t be complacent, and there is work to do here, and prejudices to challenge.
More than 400 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have died in custody since the end of the royal commission into Aboriginal deaths in custody in 1991. They each have their own stories, and their own names. Here are some – David Dungay Junior – Killed in custody after refusing to stop eating a packet of biscuits. His last words were also “I can’t breathe”. Kumanjayi Walker – Shot three times at his home at Yuendumu. Tanya Day – Died in custody after falling asleep on a train and being taken in for “public drunkenness”.
Yes, there’s a lot to read, listen to and learn.
It’s time to do that.
Black communities have been trying to get our attention for decades, or centuries… don’t focus on the few that seem to be behaving in ways you might not deem to be appropriate. Look at what they’re trying to say.
To finish, here are some protest songs from the past.
a bit of creativity, a bit of eco consciousness, a bit of inspiration.... hopefully not a lot of pompousness and blathering :D
i'm not entirely sure what's going on here... let's travel along and see...
1000 Fields of Roses 