Thomas Hardy Novels

Rob and I just finished watching a series by A&E of the book “Tess of the D’Urbervilles” by Thomas Hardy. I can’t get it out of my head because the story is not typical of the era in which it was written. Hardy was born in 1840 about twenty five years after the Bronte sisters (Jane Eyre, Wuthering Heights) and their well-loved novels. Hardy was different because he really gets into the suffering and the realities that were, and are still, a part of life. He was heavily criticized at the time they were published because of their strong, frank, content. He eventually gave up writing novels and stuck to poetry because of it. Although I’d like to hope that nobody’s life is quite as miserable as some of the characters he created, they certainly stick with you and make you reevaluate your judgements of others’ lives.

Rob and I listened to an abridged version of “The Mayor of Casterbridge,” another of Hardy’s books, on a road trip. These two novels are probably considered his best two. “The Mayor of Casterbridge” is the story of a man who creates his own misery by selling off his wife and child while drunk, while “Tess of the D’Urbervilles” is about a woman who’s misery is caused by a man that takes advantage of her innocence and youth, and she cannot escape the effects of his actions. In spite of her struggles, she still believes that she may find happiness and works diligently to find her own way to it.

Personally, the mayor’s plight is easier to swallow than Tess’ because it was his own doing that lead him down his life’s path. I don’t want to give away too much of the plot in case you want to read the book or watch the movie. Be warned, they are not something you want to watch when you’re looking for a warm fuzzy romance. However, I still recommend them because of the strength of the characters and the story’s ability to draw you in to their experiences. I feel like I’m not really able to get out on paper (or computer) what I want to say, because there are so many thoughts rumbling around in there. But, if you’re not depressed, and looking for a good read, or movie, give these stories a try.

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Memories of Strawberry Shortcake

Not long ago, the kids were watching a recent version of a Strawberry Shortcake cartoon. It reminded me of an episode we had on video when I was a kid. I must have watched it a hundred times because I still know the words to all of the songs. And for some reason thinking back on that cute little girl and all of her confectionery friends makes me happy. I did a search to find it, and found that it was called “Strawberry Shortcake’s Housewarming Surprise.”

It aired in 1983, and features Strawberry’s move to a new house and a run in with the Peculiar Purple Pie Man. I found the full version of it that someone transferred from a video tape she had. She also has other fun episodes on BitTheDustTape.com of things like Care Bears and The Getalong Gang. I just had to share this bit of my history with anyone else that might have fond memories of these “vintage” cartoons.

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Easter Break

This year for Easter, we went up to visit with Nana and Papa. Their house just happens to be about equidistant for all of us, so we lovingly refer to it as “The Halfway House.” It was so much fun because all of my siblings were able to come, and so all of the cousins could play together. We really fill their house to capacity now, and there will be two more baby girls in July! They were all so cute, and Hunter and Emma loved having the little ones come looking for them to play.

The day before Easter was the final performance of “Savior of the World,” a play that my Dad has been rehearsing for months. He played the apostle Phillip and surprised all of us with his long hair and mustache when we arrived at the house. He had an awesome beard in the play too, and it was hard to find him on stage because he looked so different. I couldn’t even find him until my grandma pointed him out to me. I guess mothers have that radar. The play was so nice; with beautiful sets, costumes, and music. It was really impressive to see how well a bunch of amateurs can do when they all come together and work at it. Of course, we all think that Papa stole the show in spite of his strong, silent character. “He ate?!” was one of my favorite lines he had. The pictures I took are in the gallery, but they just didn’t turn out all that well, so you’ll need to use your imagination a little.

Sunday was Easter and the kids all had an egg hunt in the house. Everyone had a blast looking for eggs, and there were plenty for all of the kids! This is the first year that I have done the whole Easter Outfit thing. The girls all had special dresses that I bought off of Ebay, and then made hair bows to match. Hunter has his very first real suit which was also an Ebay find. I have done a lot of online shopping lately because going to the stores is just so exhausting. Again, there are photos in the gallery!

Monday was my birthday, and it has been a long time since I have had the whole family to celebrate with. In fact, maybe ten years!? Nana made Rouladen, a German stuffed beef dish that I never prepare myself, but just love. And for dessert we had an Apple Cherry Cobbler A-la-mode that was fantastic! I got some very thoughtful gifts, cards, and a sweet message on my machine. It was a great day, thanks to everyone!

The rest of the visit was spent enjoying each other’s company and just hanging out. Although, before I left I did take some pictures of Matt and Ashley for their wedding announcements. The beauty of this digital camera is that I could take a ton of pictures without worrying about the price of the film or developing. So, I really took advantage of it and took 198 photos! Lucky for you all, I only posted 36 of my favorites in the gallery!

Rob flew home on Tuesday so he could get back for work. So the kids and I drove the 8 hours home on our own on Friday. Thank goodness for DVD players! The kids watched 3 movies on the way home. I was so tired when I got home that I gave Rob a big hug and kiss, helped unload the car and put the kids to bed, and then put myself to bed too. I guess I’m not a drive all day kind of girl. It’s good to be home, and back in the groove: School, activities, scouts, classes, playdates, laundry, dishes… You know all of that fun stuff.

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Emma’s Song

httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AJ9N5k5szyA

A few weeks ago, Emma came to me and asked if I would help her write a song. I told her I don’t know much about writing songs, but we could try it together. She said there was one she likes to sing in the shower, so we sat down together. She started to dictate the words as I wrote them, and we only got about two lines in before something happened and we were distracted and never came back to finish it. The next morning I found the lyrics written in her notebook on top of her dresser. She had written them out before she went to sleep that night. I thought that she did such an amazing job on them, and was so impressed!

Shortly after, the school announced they were having a talent show and I suggested she sing her song. There was only one problem, we had no music. She told me it sounds kind of like the Sheryl Crow song, “Soak up the Sun.” I knew I was useless in trying to get this done for her, so I contacted my brother Matt who has been known to write a song or two and play along with his guitar. I asked if he would give it a try and send me some music for her lyrics. He said it would be a fun project to write music for someone else’s lyrics, and about a week later sent me an instrumental track and one with his vocals for Emma to learn the tune. Matt did such an awesome job! She loves the music, but changed some of her original lyrics once she read over them again, because she said they didn’t make sense. Here are her final lyrics:

I’m Gonna Let the Sun Shine

I’m gonna let the sun shine on a rainy day
I don’t care what’s coming in my way
I’m gonna play and let it shine
I’m gonna show the world my face

I’m gonna let the sun shine on a rainy day
And do with what I got
And face the things I don’t

So I’m gonna stand up
and show the world, something good
I’m gonna let the sun shine on a rainy day
and make the world,
make it a better place

I’m gonna show the world what I can do
I’m gonna let the sun shine on a rainy day
I’m takin fast steps out of town

And I’m not gonna stop
to show the world my plan
I’m gonna show them all to let the sun shine
I’m gonna let the sun shine on a rainy day

So I’m gonna stand up
to show the world, something good
I’m gonna let the sun shine on a rainy day
And I’ll make the world,
I’ll make it a better place

She has sung the song over and over again in preparing for the Talent Show, but still wanted to have a copy of the words with her on stage. She did an awesome job, and we are so proud of her. It is so fun to see her thoughts combine with music and come out in such a great performance. How many people can say they’ve written a song with their uncle at just six years old?

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My Favorite Talk

This past weekend was General Conference for our church. This is where our prophet, apostles, and leaders speak, and tell us what the Lord wants us to know right now. It is held twice a year, and the speakers are not given topics, but are led by inspiration as to what they speak about.

This conference, my favorite talk was given by Elder Jeffrey Holland. His talk was all about the importance of the words we speak about ourselves and to others. I struggle with this a lot. Especially around 6:30 every night. For some reason that is when the kids seem to melt down. And if Rob isn’t home to keep me in line, sometimes I melt down with them. There is such a great message here, and I hope you can learn something from it too. I have linked to the MP3 of the talk, so you can listen to it. It isn’t long, but since I know not all of you will want sit through it all, I have included some of the highlights below. There isn’t a printed version available yet, so this is from listening and transcribing on my own. I hope there are not mistakes!

I wish to caution us, if caution is needed, regarding how we speak to each other and how we speak of ourselves:

“The stroke of the whip maketh marks in the flesh, but the stroke of the tongue breaketh bones.”

What we say or don’t say, how we say it, and when, is so very very important in shaping a child’s view of himself or herself. But it’s even more important in shaping that child’s faith in us and their faith in God. Be constructive in your comments to a child, always.

Praise each child individually for what that child is and help him or her escape our culture’s obsession with comparing, competing, and never feeling we are enough.

Negative speaking so often flows from negative thinking, including negative thinking about ourselves. Before long we, and everybody around us, are miserable.

The spirit of the gospel is optimistic. It trusts in God and looks on the bright side of things.

Speak hopefully, speak encouragingly, including about yourself. Try not to complain and moan incessantly.

Life has its problems, and there are negative things to face. But please accept one of Elder Holland’s maxims for living: No misfortune is so bad, that whining about it won’t make it worse.

Our words, like our deeds, should be filled with faith and hope and charity. The three great Christian imperatives so desperately needed in the world today.

Ephesians 4:29-32:
“Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers… Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.”

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