November 29: Like a dollhouse

Lowry always reminds me of a cut-away building. Every time I walk up to it, there are people buzzing around on each floor. Tonight, I could actually hear the buzzing activity on the second floor. Good job guys (and girl!)

November 28: Hi

I like pictures of people best. I saw people today, several very lovely people with very nice faces but my camera did not make an appearance. It's been hiding a lot this week for some reason. Now, I'm the only person around. So, I took my self portrait.

November 27: warm for winter

November 26: all I remember...

about my tour of the C.O.W my Junior year of high school was this floor in the music hall. The tour guide went into GREAT detail about the great detail it took whoever made the floor to lay the 2x4's vertically instead of the normal horizontal way. I don't know why on earth....but it is a nice touch. I DO NOT however remember the tour guide offering any little details about a little project known as Independent Study that every student gets the privilege of completing their senior year. That tidbit might have changed the course of my history. I'm sure she probably covered that while I was distracted by the floor. It worked out better that way as I don't think I would know 95% of the people that are looking at this picture. And you all were so worth doing I.S. for. Who would have thought a caption for a picture of a floor could all of a sudden get mushy? I certainly didn't when I started writing it, and with that I think I'm done! Goodnight.

November 25: lights

November 24: battery crisis

Oh no! The red battery light was blinking away and there wasn't much time...I clicked the button indiscriminate of what I was taking a picture of. So, I cropped it and flooded the picture with light and this is what we have.

Now, your job is to tell me what exactly this is. It may be very obvious but I am not sure. I'm curious to hear your guesses!

November 23: getting ready to rumble

Tonight was my little (6' 3" )brother's first basketball game - ever. Up until this point in our lives I have played more organized b-ball than him. Though I have fun waving that statistic around, it isn't saying very much. I was just recounting to my mom tonight the climax of my basketball career which peaked at age nine -- a vivid and horrible memory. It was a co-ed team and I went up to battle for a ball with this kid with shaggy hair and as we came down I accidentally scratched him pretty bad (I can still feel it sometimes in my nightmares and it's horrible)...anyways, he cried and I felt terrible about it. He also convinced his whole team to cheer mean things about me the "cat-lady" with claws. It was very scarring for me (I hope it wasn't too scarring for his arm) and that was pretty much the most exciting bit of my hoop dreams which is OK. Anyways, Bill has always been a baseball boy but this fall he decided to try out for the basketball team even though he'd never played before. He made JV and played the first game of the season tonight. That kid is just so versatile. It is really inspiring actually...I guess it is possible to do things you haven't been training for your whole life. Some skills are transferable. You just have to ignore the people who tell you you can't do it, that you've missed your chance, and that "this isn't the way it's done." We all could probably stand to have more of that kind of approach to life.

I was thinking about that while I was watching the game tonight and how it pertains to my own life. One very small example is that I know that one thing I would really enjoy is to be a sports photographer. I love looking at the sports pages and seeing the photos where a dramatic motion is captured in a single frame, or you can feel the victory on one flat 4x6 shot. I'm always proud of the person who took it.

And I must say that my inside look at the world of sports photography does give me reason to hope that I too could ascend such lofty goals. You see, my senior year of high school volleyball on the very "Ranger Man" you see on the court above, a newspaper photographer came to take some shots of us....after clicking away for a while he said that "we were moving too fast" and it wasn't working. We were moving too fast? Tell me, what is one to do when playing an aerobic sport? This isn't chess! His solution was to pose us AS IF we were actually playing. I was having integrity issues with the whole thing but I ended up going along with it and have the picture to prove it. I had to pretend like I had just set the volleyball by reaching my arms in full extension as if I was really setting the ball to my friend Christy. Christy had to stand on a chair and "spike" the ball -- pretend spike the ball that is. It was ri-dic-u-lous. I hope that people all over the city thought we looked really fierce when they saw that picture. We worked hard to make it look accurate. So, all this to say, if that's the crack-squad they've got working in the sports photography industry right now, maybe there is hope for me. I think I just need a camera that clicks its little shutter faster (even if I time it up perfectly, if there is too much movement it gets blurry). BUT, for now I've told myself that this year of taking pictures is a good chance to learn as much as I can from my basic point-and-click. And I still like the way this one came out tonight. It was a good game too :)

November 22: Battle of the Biscuit 2007

I did nothing to deserve this wrath...I was merely the photographer! Yet, David brought out the full wind-up on me. Thanksgiving at my Grandparents' house is one my favorite things. It combines really good food, family, and heated but friendly competition.

November 21: Tonight's Game

My mom found this new game called "Hear Me Out!" which is very fun. Bill almost won...but there is this great little rule where a player that lands on a "lose all your points space" can beg for points from everyone else. So right before Bill was about to win, my mom landed on the "lose all your points space" and before she even had to beg the rest of us gave her all of our points because she is rather cute. So, she won. Bill is still bitter about this.

November 20: Dan the Man

I realize this is a little scary - sorry about that! It's just my little brother being wierd! He would smile right up until I took the picture every time. Argh! There were some other ones which are even more scary where he is trying to tackle me while I take a picture. So, needless to say, my batch of photos to choose from was rather limited. But I played with the light a little and I liked his hand in particular.

November 19: the charming part of autumn

Apparently, I've been in a still life mood lately. Hmmm. Just wait until Thursday!

November 18: Sunday Lunch

Becca knows how to make her house really pretty. I especially like all the candles, one of which you see here!

November 17: Help!

My baby kumquat tree is looking sickly. Does anyone know what to do? I'm not so good with the plants.

November 16: Pop-Art at Sam's Club

November 15: turkey cookies

Sometimes I wish I could do elementary school all over again. Tonight was one of those nights. We made turkey cookies and hand turkeys and it was good. This rafter of turkeys was fashioned by Emily.

November 14: Julie

I've wanted to capture "Julie" in a picture ever since I started this whole thing, but if you know Julie, you know that is quite impossible to put all of who Julie is into one picture. This little moment of serenity captures a part of Julie, I think...her pensive, writing self AND her piano playing hands. She has some of the most beautiful handwriting I've ever seen (it is too bad you can't see it here) and I know that I have benefitted from many of the thoughts and meditations she's written in that little journal of hers over the years and then shared with me in a time of relevence.

**PS: Sorry about the delay in putting these up lately. I've had no access to internet, but don't you worry, I haven't been putting up any stale photographs - one a day! Hope you're having a good one.

November 13: Tuesday's Gone with the Wind

Today was a whoosh day....and it seemed to get dark so fast. I thought you might appreciate the amazing decor in my hallway (NOT MY DECISION).

November 12: lillypad pond

I had never noticed this little pond at the OARDC. Beautiful day for a walk.

November 11: words

When the blind man in Luke's Gospel meets Jesus, Jesus asks him the question, "What do you want me to do for you?" That question has always struck me....isn't it apparent what the man needs? OB-VIOUS-LY, he's blind! Yet, Jesus entreats the man to put words to his need. Perhaps to acknowledge his need for help aloud, perhaps as an outward sign of his belief that Jesus could do something about his problem....probably both. Jesus didn't just walk around zapping people to get well. *Anyways* One of my biggest hopes for the conference was that students would begin to put words to the places in thier lives and souls where they needed healing, freedom, forgiveness, or wholeness. I was encouraged that many of the students did just that. This picture is a station I set out for the prayer room at the conference. I spelled out "WHAT DO YOU WANT" with the tiles and I found this crossword puzzle when I went to clean it up. The students had done some business with God here and I pray that they recieve their requests (perhaps that the person desiring perfection would be satsified with progressive sanctification!)

November 10: moves

To my delight, I staff a chapter that loves to dance! (even when there isn't any music playing)

November 9: match

This weekend was the InterVarsity Ohio Fall Conference for all the colleges and universities in Ohio. We were studying the stories of the blind beggar and Zacchaeus, each about a man being seen by Jesus in some way -- being found in the crowd. Our staff team really wanted the students to feel "found" and "seen" all weekend. We had this idea to send them into the lobby of the conference center for 20 minutes while we prepared a party for them on Friday night. We asked them to try to meet new people and figure out the craziest connections between them -- maybe some of them were related and didn't know it....or had been born in Nebraska (two women actually found each other and figured that out). Prizes were to be awarded. Even so, I was sort of dazzled by the enthusiasm with which they took the challenge. Two people, from two different states - Ohio and Tennessee - figured out they were in the same building for a musical in North Carolina a few years ago. I really wanted to hear the whole conversation that got them to that point! *Anyways* I went out in the lobby to check on them while they were finding connections and of course started taking pictures of people in lively conversations. I was excited to find a match of my own!!!! I think I deserve a prize too.

November 8: the lowry paper pile-up

Who is doing this?!?! My goodness! Every time I walk into the back door of the student center I am dazzled by how stressed out the newspaper stand seems to be. Who is in such a hurry loading the newspapers every week? I want to ask them some questions: Is everything okay in your life? Are you not getting paid enough? Do you derive enjoyment from throwing the newspapers around? Perhaps, I could just park myself out right on that corner until I meet them. That might be a little awkward though.

November 7: oh, brenda!

I always learn exciting new things from Brenda....tonight, she greatly expanded my dutch vocabulary with words I had no idea amish people knew. AND, I got to see a demonstration of what a Rooster looks like when it meets its demise. It's always a nice surprise in my day seeing you spunky lady.

November 6: top five purchases of my life

I probably should not have gotten out of bed this morning. But, I did. Now I'm back in my bed and I don't intend to get out again until tomorrow sometime. Thus, I was extremely lacking in artistry or vigor today. So, from the comfort of my bedroom, I decided to showcase some of the best purchases I have ever made in my entire life.

In no particular order:

• red blanket/sarong/skirt/beach towel/tv cover/table cloth -- Could I have known when I purchased this from the traveling man from West Virginia selling mittens and ponchos in the student center, that this piece of fabric would be so multi-functional and travel with me all over the country and world in my purse? I could not. (I believe it was $8.00, the WestVirginia salesman comes back once a semester if you're interested)
  
• collapsable, retractable, rolling crate -- ok. the students can attest to this one....These babies (I have two) can roll around eight gallons of laundry detergent a piece like they're full of feathers. I have decided that part of my job description is "lugging around junk" --constantly....reference books, piles of copies, garbage bags full of stuffed animals. My apartment, my car, my office -- these are merely holding bays for the said junk that I transport from here to there. Now instead of dislocating discs in my back, I can simply roll these things across campus. It's a beautiful thing. If you are a staffworker and don't have one, you should really consider it. ($21 plus tax at Staples)
  
• the steamer -- it's collapsable too for that matter, and to be honest I didn't actually buy this one myself, but I figure since I've bought a bunch of them as gifts that it counts. You can make the most healthy, spectacular meal of steamed salmon and brocolli in approximately six minutes. Chances are, if you were married between the years 1972 and 1978, you probably got one for your wedding. It's probably still in the back of your cupboards and you don't even know it. Give it a second chance. ($4.99 at your favorite kitchen supply store)
  
• ticket over the Atlantic - There is no doubt in my mind that my little European escapade was one of the best decisions I ever made. I had spent so many years couped up in a classroom learning about all of these places in Europe. It meant so much to get to see those places with my own eyes, to be in the places where Roman Christians lived and were persecuted, to see if I could find my way without knowing Swiss-German up to the little mountain town where my ancestors came from, to make friends with my crazy Irish taxi-driver, and to see some old friends in new locations. Though I probably could have paid off a few months worth of principal on my student loans, that ticket was infinately more valuable. ($439.61)
  
• my green hooded sweatshirt - I got this little-boy hoodie at the goodwill in 10th grade, which means it's in its ninth year in my closet (and who knows how many years in someone else's). It has never taken a hiatus from my wardrobe and has a long history of dodgeball games, all-nighters, and camping trips. I don't know if I'll ever be able to say goodbye. I might have to make a pillow out of it or something. ($2, then....inflation would set you back another dollar these days)

Jerry Seinfeld's I'm Telling You for the Last Time, also holds a high place, as does my CD player from 7th grade that is still kickin' it in my car (it was not available for photograph).....but I guess I did title this one "top five...." and not "top ten...." so I'm going to stop for now. GOODNIGHT.

November 5: la baignoire rose

In our office we have only the finest of restroom facilities, like this one you see here -- outfitted with its own victorian pink clawfoot bathtub. I am quite fond of it. Who knows how long it has been since someone actually enjoyed a bubble bath in it? Probably quite awhile. In any case, I don't think that has lost an ounce of charm due to lack of use.

November 4: Neopolitan Sky

The sky was wierd this afternoon. It looked like it had three distinct layers (here it looks like four I realize). I had my camera on the fastest shutter speed by accident so it came out a little grainy, but I still kind of like it.

November 3: a duck

November 2: birdhouse and baby

When I scrolled through the pictures I had taken this afternoon, I was too lazy to erase this picture. It just looked like a blank white screen because of the light exposure. For some reason, it caught my attention tonight when I uploaded them onto my computer (I'm sorry to all the cats out there who were not chosen this evening -- Spinky, Chicago, Wooster, you will have your day, as I'm sure you will remain very cute and photogenic)...I spent some time at Lakewood Park this afternoon as I love to do. There was this adorable little girl running around chasing squirrels and laughing hysterically. I love how small she is next to this birdhouse; and the ways they each seem to be moving in different directions. This giant birdhouse hotel holds a special place in my memory. Many a scorching summer morning, while wearing a navy blue non-breathable uniform, playing third base for "The Bulldogs," I was distracted by the flurry of activity about it. Even in my "Oh, look a bird" like state we were undefeated! Which is quite funny if you are familiar with the synopsis that goes along with my personality type description.

November 1: Tiny Crowns

What a gracious audience! Thank you Case IV for wearing the miniature crowns before you even knew what I was talking about and thank you for not putting them on your heads while I was talking because I definitely wouldn't have been able to concentrate! You look great and you are a very hospitible bunch. See you next weekend!

OCTOBER: Picture of the Month

VOTE HERE!!!

Take a look at the last month's photos. Pick your favorite.

There is no criteria really.

Click on "Comments" and leave the date and title of the picture -- and your first name so you can't cheat and vote for one a bunch of times that you're in....I know who I'm working with here!

While you're at it vote for your favorite in September too...

Thank you loyal picture-of-the-day enthusiasts :)

October 31: on the pond

I love this little park in Wooster.

October 30: with permission

I'm still not sure what was going on here. I believe Charlie said, "Do you want us to pose?" And then I think I said, "What did you have in mind?" and then Valerie did this little move which I was not anticipating but somehow I took a picture. Blurry but amazing! These two are just full of surprises...and as you might be able to gather, they're a good time.

October 29: ohio

So, that's a little blinding. Sorry. But I hadn't taken a picture of corn yet. And what says 'Ohio' but a bunch of corn? Exactly. I was appreciating these stalks' flair, with husks going this way and that. I have not gone to a corn maze yet this year. If you're going, I just might be interested!

October 28: one shot

quick before the battery died! I had replaced them today too, but I guess they weren't fully charged!

October 27: Katie and Sharlynn

Sharlynn is a sweet, little whippersnapper of a young lady whom Katie mentors. I know that Sharlynn is very blessed to have Katie's support, attention and among many other things, her time. And I know Katie feels like Sharlynn adds a lot to her life living in Youngstown as well. I also think that they are both rather photogenic. ***Speaking of which, Katie, why can't we ever seem to take a good picture of us together?!?! It must just be me, huh! ***

October 26: remnant

Katie moved into a new house this weekend. I enjoyed the discoveries of some memorabilia from elections gone by; and some paint colors from then too. The McGovern sticker was nearby on the door jam. Katie also has her very own manual ice-crusher. I'm most excited about that!

October 25: cardboard village

This morning at 5:30 when my cardboard box was collapsing from the rain, I thought to myself "What on earth am I doing?" But, it was all very worth it. Twenty or so students and I made a village out of cardboard last night on the quad and experienced "displacement" as a culmination of our focus week on the situation in Northern Uganda. One of the students pointed out that this was perfect activity for me, as my favorite children's story remains Christina Katerina and the Box. That is very true.

October 24: Flowers in October

Don't these flowers look like they're full of energy, growing over the walk in October? I thought so, they looked like they deserved some attention.

October 23: shadows

Tonight, I noticed that the light was casting heart shaped shadows of this plant onto the wall and I liked it.

October 22: pile-up

Last week I purchased 8 garbage bags full of stuffed animals at the Goodwill, to the fascination of everyone in the store. Today, they are in a large clump on the front lawn of campus. Everyone that comes out of class, students and teachers alike has come to look at the pile and a sign that reads -- each one of these stuffed animals represents over 200 child soldiers in Uganda....There have been over 20,000 children abducted and brainwashed since 1997. Our InterVarsity chapter has chosen to bring this story to our campus in a variety of ways this week because 1. God cares about it and so do we, and 2. we really want to start a conversation about EVIL....Is God oblivious to the messes in our world? Please pray for us as we have the opportunity to have these conversations and for those who we speak with.

October 21: Why is there a tree in your kitchen?

Time spent with Emily never ever lacks in intrigue. I had a most wonderful pitstop in Chicago on my way back from Milwaukee. I didn't think I'd get to see Emily until December, so it was an extra nice surprise that we were able to stop!

I had a hard time choosing a picture today, let me tell you! There was the Morton Salt Girl tattoo, the car-bumper nanny goat, the giraffe couple, or the polar-pop photo shoot in front of Wrigley Field. All of this within three blocks of Emily's apartment. Being anywhere with Emily makes for an adventure....it really doesn't matter where you are.

So, as you can imagine, I was presented with a tough choices, but this blew them all out of the water! It is what I found in Emily and Julia's kitchen. Julia apparently found this tree, a deserted victim of a hit-and-run on the sidewalk. And being Julia, leaving it on the sidewalk was not an option....she had to bring it home with her and stick it in the kitchen! Saving the trees, even dead ones. She has plans to turn the branches into a window treatment somehow. I hope to see exactly how that turns out. But for now, it makes for a nice accent piece.

October 20: the playwright

watching the storm before the calm

October 19: Spoonful

A giant spoonful of Glorianne! I realize that the ropes make the whole thing look illegal, and perhaps the ropes were trying to prohibit our enjoyment of the spoon...but she wanted so badly to sit in it and I think I was in denial. So, there you have it!

Today, our staff team got to experience a little taste (ha! I don't even try to be punny...I always just realize it as it's coming out....I'm so sorry you have to suffer through that) *anyways* we got to experience a little taste of the Milwaukee Urban Project (a.k.a. MUP, which is fun to say). I'll tell you, there isn't many things that I enjoy more than seeing new places....and it's even better if I get to experience it with someone who calls that place home and loves the nooks and crannies off the map. I'd say that has been the most memorable part of any place that I've traveled because it makes ME love it TOO! Today, the MUP coordinator Jen did just that for us. Whereas once Milwaukee to me was just some city in Wisconsin that made lots of beer, now Milwaukee is a real place with real people. That actually feels a lot more profound than it must sound right now. We saw some incredible things happening in the city today and also some really hard things. It reminded me that to follow Jesus is a wild ride -- up and down and all around -- hearing from his followers here demonstrated how it is so worth it to follow and he promises to be with us through it all.

October 18: matching

My new friend Danielle and I realized that we have the same ring! It's silver in a simple braid that fits perfectly. My uncle Jim (a.k.a. Uncle Fun) made it for me when I graduated from high school and I've worn it ever since. Danielle doesn't think she's ever met my uncle, but maybe he made hers too.

October 17: Tufty goes to Milwaukee

I just wanted to title a picture "Tufty goes to Milwaukee" really, AND I was so tired by the time I reached the hotel that this was about the extent of the photography I was capable of! I drove through Chicago in high traffic today -- in a mini-van -- and I didn't die!

Tufty is my duck. Julie (of the Longacre variety) gave him to me for my birthday a few Urban plunges ago (how appropriate is that?!) He accompanies me everywhere I sleep. Funny, I was never one for a security blanket or teddy bear when I was little. Maybe I'm regressing. Anyways, he's looking a little homesick here; that was unintentional. I just thought he looked nice on the poofy comforter.

Anyways, I am here in Wisconsin for the next few days to consult with other people like me from all over the country. People who bring college students to the city to experience what God is doing there and to show them how to be the irrigation system for the "justice rolling down like waters" that God talks about in Amos. Tonight I learned that since 1992, InterVarsity has brought over 20,000 students to the city on urban projects! Yay! That means 20,000 of this nation's world changers have been exposed to the front-lines of what God is doing in our nation's urban areas. America's cities -- the places where culture, ideas and business go forth -- are in rough, rough shape. I'm praying that God will use us to redeem these broken places and show us how to do it.

Ok, bedtime....

October 16: Swung on and belted....

a-WAYYYYYY back, GONE! I love Tom Hamilton. I mean, even if you didn't have a clue what was going on, you couldn't help but get more excited about life just listening to him. Here you see the commemorative, signed, Tom Hamilton bobble-head doll. This was my company for the evening. A little pathetic -- me and Tom. There is a button right there on top that makes him talk whenever the Indians do anything spectacular. It's pretty great. Though bobble-head Tom was not nearly as fun as watching with the Gibsons, he was sort of fun.

October 15: scrunch

There is just something about babies who scrunch their faces in my general direction that makes me so happy! I got some pictures of the delightful Aubrey crawling towards me, one really artistic one of her profile and that spikey pony tail of hers that is so tempting to play with, but at the end of the day I thought this one would make you smile the most. Hope you're having a good one!

October 14: Wenyuan's First PB&J

Today was monumental, Wenyuan had her first Peanut Butter and Jelly sandwich EVER. She said she liked it okay, but it was a little too sweet for her taste. I suppose her expression says it all! Actually, I think Wenyuan is rather dazzling (for lots of reasons) but particuarly for her bravery in trying new foods...like blue cheese and hummus. Impressive. I am not that brave when it comes to Sichuan province spicy foods. We had a nice, lazy girls day with Julie today!

October 13: this again

Hispanic Heritage Month, Librarian Appreciation Month, National Nutrition Month,...these I can get behind....but Brake 4 Kids month?! Seriously? Should that really be a special month? Well it is in Lakewood, Ohio -- every October. I have two thoughts about this (I don't know what has gotten in to me today, I'm feeling sort of wound up and cranky -- my apologies :):

1. Shouldn't we be braking for kids all year round? The color of the sign always changes, but that scary stick kid and the use of the numeral 4 never changes. Perhaps they should keep the signs up all year but rotate the color choice so that we don't become blind to them.

and

2. The terminology "Brake 4...." conjours up images of bumper stickers saying "I break for dogs/cats/squirrels/what have you." It just seems like "Drive slow for kids..." or something would be a little less crass.

Anyways, this has been bothering me for about five years and now I feel a lot better that you all know about it. Thanks.

(To my Wooster friends....notice the tree-lawn)

October 12: Friday Night Football

This is what my family does for fun. We flick things at each other. My brothers have made the largest collection of paper footballs I have ever seen in my life. The goal here is distance, not accuracy...unless you hit Annie in the head and then it's high-fives all around. They love me. And I suppose that I'm in good company because they give bonus points for knocking over my great-grandmother's picture on the mantle-piece as well. They love her too. Don't let that freak you out too much; I'm positive that if dear Wilma the bookbinder was still here today she'd laugh really hard about that.

October 11: if the shoe fits...

We played a game at Oasis which involved taking off your shoes...mmm....and at certain points during this high-contact sport you ended up standing behind someone else's pair. Here are some that I got matched with. Which ones belong with my feet?