looking back, again

I remember living in the little house behind this one and then when this one was built by my dad moving into it. My guess is that this picture was taken before the house was completely finished. I have no idea where this window is in the picture above but find it interesting to not the less than total happy expression I had on my face. Perhaps I didn't like looking out that window. My expression in front of the hose does not seem to be one of just being glad to have my picture taken either but then I seem to be serious. I had plenty of hair on my head which was and would be a good thing. I remember last week sitting in church next to a little boy about the same age as I was in this picture and he had hair much like this. He seemed to be pretty cool in my opinion. He too just sort of went about his little project of laying out some toy army guys and sort of had a similar expression on his face.

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I started out trying to pick a couple of "favorite" pictures from my group of pictures for a year end post. I quickly found that it was too hard to do. In fact I need some new pictures so I hope to find a couple for tomorrows post. I did like this old picture of Pocatello showing the 1st ward building where I went to church from about year 7 to 14 or so. The picture is a little older than I remember. In back of the Chapel to the right in the picture was a recreation hall that must have been added later. To the left across the street at an angle was the old library. I used to go in that library when ever I could and really enjoyed it. The kids part was downstairs and the the main floor and upstairs were where the more interesting stuff was. Off to the base of the mountains to the a point about a third of the way from the right edge was the area where our house was. Back the other direction from the mountains, not shown in the picture accross the street the other way from the chapel was the Bannock Hotel. Just going into this hotel made you think you were in a city and anywhere but in a rural community. Then going back for a few streets was downtown, the movie theaters and some stores. When I was as young as 9 or so I would walk to primary and likewise to the show on Saturday. Of course we had a river running by the house but that would be a long story. All in all I think it was an interesting period of time and place to grow up.

In the countenance of others we see the face of the Lord

Looking back at this year one area to consider would be to consider the books I have read. Wondering if the books as a whole indicate anything about the particular year. I guess that could be the case. I think this year has been one where more time was spent on trying to improve "inside" rather than "outside".

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I am not sure that this is a full list and most likely I have missed some things that would have been worthwhile to have listed and thus reflected on some.

Of all of these books the one that I have reread again and enjoyed was the one about the life of David O. McKay. Enjoyed may have been the wrong word to use on this. I understood things more completely and felt that it was important to understand what was presented. It made a difference. All of these books this year or at least these that I recall have had an impact and made a positive difference.

I like what Harold Bloom said in his book "How to Read and Why"". He first answered the question, "Why Read?" His answer: "It matters". He suggests that one of the uses is to prepare ourself for change, the final change. To weigh and consider. He suggests to not attempt to improve your neighbor or your neighborhood by what or how you read. He says that self-improvement is a large enough project for your mind and spirit. He also adds that A scholar is a candle which the love and desire of all men will light.

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Prince & Wright... David O. McKay and The Rise of Modern Mormonism

Alexander, Thomas... Things in Heaven and Earth, The Life & Times of Wilford Woodruff

Durham, G. Homer... The Discourses of Wilford Woodruff

Parry, Peterson, & Ricks... Revelation, Reason and Faith

Kennedy, Edward M.... True Compass

Widstoe, John... A Rational Theology

Widtsoe, John A... Evidences and Reconciliations

Madsen, Truman... G Eternal Man

Nibley, Hugh... Nibley on the Timely and the Timeless

Muhammad, Ali... The Soul of a Butterfly Reflections on Life's Journey

Ferrell, James... The Holy Secret

Ferrell, James... The Peacegiver

Tamale, posole, doughboy Christmas thoughts

Merry Christmas is the correct post for today. We started it all out last night with Tamale's and Posole. If we went back 10 years and imagined a Christmas started out with this food it would have been "hard" to imagine. Things turned out odd. I actually find the tamale and posole a very festive treat for the holiday. Today has been been good too.

I was looking through a journal that had some good memories of past special occasion. It had one of my favorite "Far Side impressions. A guy on a big roller chasing a little doughboy. The caption " The Pillsbury Doughboy meets Franks Asphalt and Concrete Paving Service. The little doughboy was running fast. Guess this must be where he went. (to see the doughboy shrink)

That said, Merry Christmas, again.

Eve Day

Christmas Eve has been a nice day.

Went for a walk. Talked to SB on the phone. Read a book. Tonight we will stop by some friends house for a short visit. Ahead of last year on this one.

1940 something but still a memory

I understand that some people can remember every day of their lives. I suppose it is just a small handful of folks who have that talent. I have thought some about memories this Christmas season as I have looked at pictures of Christmas going back to 1970. On the one hand I hate to not remember more clearly some of the good things we have done and time we have spent together. On the other it might be a little easier to not have to remember the mistakes and the mis steps. It is interesting that I can remember standing in this yard in front of this little house. I suppose it might explain why it was always sort of a special little house in my opinion. When we were first married we lived in this house for a short time and it was a time I value and glad I can remember. I remember a lot about the lawn out front of this house back when the picture was taken. I sort of can see the green and remember how it was to lay down on it.

Tree stores

This past week I came accross a couple of Trees that surprised me a little. My aunt, I guess, made up a tree with some of my cousins pictures on it. I found myself on it for that matter. Another surprise was getting to see the London Temple through a Christmas Tree thanks to another cousin who is working there for a few more months.

ho ho ho, 2010 or the real and the pretend

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Christmas 2010 is coming together in New Mexico. Today has been a casual day. Not much planned. Walked with KJ this morning. I did come home early yesterday to help out. Didn't decorate the tree by the way, nor did I do the mantel. Great job in both cases of course.

inside the Pit

Miss the Karl and John show. Sports is not the same. I sent pictures of the Pit to some old Utah Friends just to let them see it. It is still the most exciting sports deal in town.

BYU and Utah, in my opinion, are two great teams to root for. On the other hand I don't think I have ever done a sports related blog.

A fireside will be held at the Albuquerque West Stake Center on December 17th, 2010 at 7pm. Members of the Church who are also on the Brigham Young University football team will speak and provide musical presentations.