Foggy

i.e. my thoughts. I have numerous things running through my head that I could write about, but for what purpose? A pact was made with a good friend that we would both start blogs…but what to write about and why? I seem to find myself often swinging on a pendulum, desperately seeking balance. On the one end, who really cares to hear what I have to say and yet on the other, I think everyone has meaningful things to say. I’m always seeking balance but sometimes things need to be on one end of the pendulum or another. All I really want in this life is to make some little footprint, living my life as a child of God who is called, loved, and kept (Jude 1:1), who loves others well, and follows whatever path God carves out for me.

I just finished re-reading To Kill A Mockingbird for the first time since junior high and it was moving. I feel like I can finally engage in meaningful conversation about the content as well as the characters.  I love stories (as I think we all do), and whether it’s through music, movies, theater, or books, I can’t get enough.  I love the wisdom, themes, characters, information, emotion, etc. that is found in them.  On that note…some words of wisdom from Atticus Finch for today.

“They’re certainly entitled to think that, and they’re entitled to full respect for their opinions,” said Atticus, “but before I can live with other folks, I’ve got to live with myself. The one thing that doesn’t abide by majority rule is a person’s conscious.” (pg. 139-140)

Shamokin, PA

Small town; coal town. A place where immigrants from Ireland, Germany, and Poland established themselves and where one can find unique dishes such as Pigeons, Soupies, Faggots, and Halushka. A place where breakfast for three costs $8.90 and where one can hear the skinny about what's going on in the town and with its inhabitants. A place full of hardworking, generous folks who love their local sports teams and are deeply involved in the community. A place where my grandparents live.

Trips to Mam and Pap's are characterized by old movies, time spent in the kitchen or the downstairs family room, the mantra "Are ya hungry?", laughter, sarcasm, and relaxation. A nice weekend away chuckling at differences and being grateful for similarities.

As I sat at breakfast this morning there were three generations present - Mam, my mom, and myself. I chuckled at how different we each are and yet marveled at how there is an evident thread of selflessness, sacrifice, and strength that has been passed down. I admire both of these women and enjoy spending time with them; listening to them, laughing with them, and playing Rummikub or Bingo!

***If you're interested in the history of Shamokin... http://www.shamokincity.org/history.htm ...I learned a few things I never knew!