#i just remembered my faith s/i and i never drew them with john

[amoebeau]

if i ever start posting my self insert ocs you guys BETTER START RUNNING!!!

[forsetti]

On The Myth of American Individualism

In light of people completely, and sometimes arrogantly, defying public health recommendations to address a pandemic in the name of “Freedom” and “American Individualism, I thought I'd repost this article I wrote in 2012.

Recently, New York Times resident hack pundit, David Brooks, wrote an article arguing that Republicans are the party that “celebrates work and inflames enterprise”.  The GOP come from a long lineage of hard working, God fearing individualists that can be traced back through American history from Mitt Romney to the first Pilgrim who stood, buckled shoed, atop Plymouth Rock. Here are his opening two paragraphs: “The American colonies were first settled by Protestant dissenters. These were people who refused to submit to the established religious authorities. They sought personal relationships with God. They moved to the frontier when life got too confining. They created an American creed, built, as the sociologist Seymour Martin Lipset put it, around liberty, individualism, equal opportunity, populism and laissez-faire.

This creed shaped America and evolved with the decades. Starting in the mid-20th century, there was a Southern and Western version of it, formed by ranching Republicans like Barry Goldwater, Ronald Reagan and George W. Bush. Their version drew on the traditional tenets: ordinary people are capable of greatness; individuals have the power to shape their destinies; they should be given maximum freedom to do so.”

For Brooks, America was built by hard working people who cowered from a smiting God, lived like Ted Kaczynski , didn’t accept handouts and loved the soft reach around from the Invisible Hand.  From this great tradition sprouted great men who were the salt of the earth, ordinary men who lived off the fruits of the sweat of their brow.  People like Mitt Romney and George W. Bush, two men who grew up in luxury, went to topflight prep schools and colleges, were able to walk into business with a long list of powerful, influential people already in their contact lists and didn’t fuck up and when they did, had other doors and opportunities open for them because of who they are and who they knew.  I highly doubt that John Q. Colonialist could get a government bailout to safe his business (Romney) or have one failed business after another yet have people willing to throw money and opportunities at you over and over again (Bush).  

On the claim that Republicans are the party of work and this tradition has been passed down from John Smith and Patrick Henry to Laura Ingalls Wilder and Belle Starr, I call “Bullshit!”  This country was discovered, settled, expanded, progressed and rose to the world’s greatest economic power because of the community, not the individual.  This love affair and worship of individualism in America is not based on its history or facts.  It is a complete myth.  A myth that has become a fundamental underlying principle of today’s Republican Party.  A myth, that Jim Jones-like devotion to has resulted in horrible, often progress stifling, policies.  It is an even more deeply rooted myth in conservative lore than Ronald Reagan being a tax cutting, small government, hard line hawk.

The first wave of immigrants that came to America came for economic, not religious reasons and they didn’t migrate to our shores to frolic in the Fountain of Laissez-Faire. They were employees, mostly indentured servants, of major trading companies who sent them here to harvest resources like timber and furs.  They were “company men”, not individuals who were looking to forge a new life by braving the elements or testing their mettle. The manner in which they worked and lived was communal.

The next wave of people coming to America was the religious immigrants.  For Brooks, this meant the hardworking, God fearing Protestants who sired America’s work ethic, loved the eight pound, six ounce baby Jesus and who planted the love and respect of individualism into the country’s psyche where it grew and flourished for three hundred plus years and can now be seen in the standard bearers for the Republican Party. Unfortunately, “There goes another wonderful theory about to be brutally murdered by a gang of facts.” (author unknown).

There certainly were groups of very devoutly religious people who came to America during this time. However, what Brooks conveniently omits are the multitude of the other groups that also made their way across the Atlantic to avoid the religious persecutions and heavy handed dogma in Europe. Atheists, Deists, Agnostics, etc., left Europe for the New World because of the religious environment in Europe.  Being part of the religious wave didn’t mean you were religious, it meant you left because of religion.  There were just as many, if not more, non-religious, non-fundamentalist immigrants to America during this period than the “Forebears of Freedom and Republican/American Greatness” as Brooks would have it.  This group played as much a role in America’s formation as a country and culture, if not more, than the Puritans or Quakers.  Some of the non-religious people who played a bit part in the formation of America include: Thomas Paine, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, Benjamin Franklin, Adam Smith…

The fundamentally religious in early American history was not the dominant group and it was not individualists.  They in fact were the opposite.  They were communal socialists.  In order to afford ship passage to America they often pooled their money together to ensure they could travel as a group. They formed settlements where they helped build each other’s homes, businesses and defenses.  They had community storages and would mete out food and other resources as necessary.  They didn’t cut off someone who was sick.  Instead they would get together and, as a group, figure out the best way to address this or any other problem. What they didn’t do is as they were ascending the gangplank of the Mayflower wave to each other and say “Good luck!  Maybe I’ll see you around.”  They stayed together, worked together and helped each other.  They didn’t abandon the sick and weak or withhold food or shelter.  If you want to see the modern day version and descendants of the early religious settlers to America, visit the Amish community in Ontario Ohio or Lancaster Pennsylvania.  The Amish, Mennonites and similar groups have been the ones to continue the traditions of the early settlers.  One word that is never used in describing these groups or their members is ‘individualism’.

Not to mention that there were a lot of other settlers in the early America who were not the Protestant, white New Englanders yet had just as much impact on society and culture then and now.  The Spain heavily influenced Florida, California and the American Southwest.  France’s influence was felt all along the Mississippi River and Great Lakes areas.  To ignore or deny these groups’ impact on American culture in favor of a tiny sliver of white, New England Protestants, is intellectually dishonest.  Brooks takes a sliver of early America, ascribes general characteristics to it that were not true and then claims these traits are what made this country great.

Let’s fast forward a dozen score years or so to the early 1800’s and visit another group of people touted as the champions of The American Spirit of Individualism-The Pioneers.  You know the salt of the earth, lovers of capitalism and all things holy, the people who settled the West and spread the seeds of rugged individualism like they were John Holmes at Burning Man. According to people like Brooks, the Pioneers were the hardworking, Bible toting, individualist progeny of John Smith, William Bradford and Adam Smith.  Again I call “Bullshit!”  Hardworking? Absolutely.  It was pretty difficult to not have to work hard to survive during this time unless you were filthy rich.  The technology at the time was better than it was in colonial times but it still wasn’t good enough to diminish the day-to-day demands of life in the 1800’s.  Individualists?  Hell no!  I don’t even know where this idea came from.  Even the most cursory look at this era shows quite the contrary.

Remember the stories and pictures of the Pioneers moving across the Great Plains along the Oregon Trail? Did they make this trek one wagon at a time, as individuals?  No. There is a reason they were called wagon trains because they moved as groups.  When they arrived at their intended destinations did they head off in different directions and go all Jeremiah Johnson?  No. They either joined settlements already in progress or started their own, as a group.  They moved as a group, built communities as a group, defended their properties and families as a group…  I come from Pioneer stock.  My genealogy tree has a branch that goes back directly to Brigham Young (of course with 56 kids from 16 of his 55 wives, you can’t swing a dead cat along the Wasatch Range of Utah without hitting someone who is related to Brigham).  Every single aspect of Mormon history, from moving to and building up Nauvoo Illinois, to crossing the prairie, to Brigham leading the faithful into the Salt Lake Valley through Emigration Canyon and pronouncing “This is the place”, to building Salt Lake City was a group, not an individual activity.  It was so communal and such a collective effort that Marx and Engels would have been “Whoa, lighten up a bit, let a brother get some alone time.”

One argument against my take is-“These groups had to band together for pragmatic reasons.  There were extenuating circumstances and variables that forced them to operate as a group in order to survive.”  My response to this critique is-“Yeah.  Your point being what?”  Either working together, spreading out risks and rewards works and yields positive results or it doesn’t.  What the reasons are for doing so are irrelevant.  It doesn’t and shouldn’t matter what the reasons are for opting for the group versus the individual approach.  I fail to see how changing the reasons either changes the efficacy or the results.  Another way of looking at it is to ask the question, “Do you think they could have achieved the same results via the individualism route?”  There doesn’t seem to be any historical evidence to support that they could.  I’m skeptical that the Pioneers didn’t know how to deal with the big issues they faced and followed the community approach to problem solving out of ignorance, stupidity or tradition.  If you think they could have achieved the same or better results by acting as individuals, I would need to see some evidentiary support to back up this position.

The next defense of individualism is along the lines-“That was then, this in now.  The world has changed so the need for the community approach has diminished in importance and has been replaced with the superior, individualism approach.” There are two main problems with this argument.  First, Brooks and the defenders of individualism are not saying, “The community approach WAS the driving force behind early American exceptionalism but now it is the individual.”  The view they hold to be innately true is that it WAS individualism that made America great. Individualism brought to this country by God fearing, religious freedom seeking, hardworking  Europeans, passed down through the generations or absorbed by some sort of osmosis where the trait, like blond hair to Scandinavians, is dominant in conservatives.  Brooks and company might admit that the community approach played a role, just not THE role in making America great.  It was individualism that built that.  Uh......., no.  

Second, the “but the circumstances have changed and the individual plays a fundamentally more important rule” argument is also bullshit.  Certainly the nature of the problems have changed.  We don’t typically worry about packs of wolves, marauding Indians, small pox, the plague, dysentery, being snowed in an unable to get food for weeks in today’s society.  We live in a much more technologically advanced world where these types of problems have adequately been addressed and dealt with.  When it comes to many of the problems and situations that faced the early settlers, we will never face them.  Why?  Because are Founders and those that came after them, as communities, found solutions to those problems.  But, just because those problems either don’t exist or are rare does not mean that we currently are sans problems.  With the advancement of technologies, the world has expanded where people are not limited to living in a small area of the world most of their lives, where commerce and ideas travel around the world at an unbelievable speed.  We’ve gone from regional to a world economy. While the small, regional problems of the past have been handled, there are larger often global problems that need our attention.  I don’t see how, if individualism couldn’t properly deal with the small, regional problems, it can possibly take care of larger ones. If anything, the larger problems need a larger community.

Imagine a small town in Nebraska in the late 1800’s whose local bank is having a cash flow problem.  The town needs the bank so they come together and as a group, deposit enough money to keep the bank going.  Fast forward to September 2008 where the large banks and financial institutions in the U.S. who have branches across the country and all over the world and also have deep, financial ties to other countries’ banks.  They have a serious cash flow problem.  One of these banks was Bank of America. Imagine the B of A branch in Minden Nebraska, population 3000.  It doesn’t matter how community minded and organized the kind citizens of Minden are, nothing they do can safe their local bank from collapse because it belongs to a much larger entity.  So, in order to address the problem, the definition of community needs to expand. The financial problem was nationwide so it took the entire nation to adequately address the U.S. banking problem.  The global financial problem took the global community to address and fix it. It is not that individuals have not made significant contributions but outside the arts, very few have had a big impact on the economy or culture of America.  What makes America great and the advantage we have over just about every other country is our diversity. Homogeneous societies can accomplish a lot and often quickly because as a group, they think pretty much alike.  Their greatest limitation is thinking outside their cultural box.  America, with its wide diversity of cultures always has voices outside the box providing input.  This is a major force behind our innovations and progress the past couple of hundred years.

Name a major economic event in America’s history that was the result of individualism.  There might be some but the majority are ones undertaken by either groups or the government (group) for the betterment of its citizens (huge group).  Louisiana Purchase, Seward’s Folly, Transcontinental Railroad, Interstate Highway System, Tennessee Valley Authority, Space Race, WWII, GI Bill, Erie Canal, St. Lawrence Seaway, Panama Canal, Hoover Dam…all were paid for by the group, built by groups and benifitted groups of the population.

Individuals who have been put on the pedestal of individualism didn’t accomplish what they did by themselves.  Edison is thought to be one of America’s greatest inventors (Tesla was much better but Edison was a better marketer). Growing up, the image of Edison was him laboring long, arduous hours by himself in is laboratory. The reality is he had a very large team of some of the world’s top people working in his lab in Menlo Park and was heavily funded.

Individualism is important and certainly has played a role in America’s rise to power.  But, individualism didn’t have the starring role in “Making America Great”. That role was played by a cast of thousands.  Individualism was a bit player whose name wouldn’t come up in the end credits until half the audience had already left the theater.

[deputy-sarah-sux]

Maps

Originally posted on Archive of Our Own [x]

Chapters: 1/1 Fandom: Far Cry 5 Rating: General Audiences Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings Relationships: John Seed/Original Female Character(s) Characters: Original Female Character(s), John Seed, Jacob Seed, Joseph Seed, Faith Seed Additional Tags: Weddings, Wedding Fluff, Idiots in Love, that’s it y'all, we’re just living for this wholesome fluff Series: Part 1 of The Voice

Summary:

“Isn’t it bad luck to see a bride before the wedding?” She teased and hooked her fingers through the belt loops on his pants, pulling him flush against her once again. John simply shrugged leaning down to kiss her again.

Smoke wafted out the open window at the ranch, trailing out of glossy red lips as a woman dressed in all white dragged on what was most likely her last cigarette. She smoothed out the crisp white fabric of her dress and turned to the mirror on the other side of the room.

“We really doing this?” She asked her reflection and stood from the chair she’d been man-spreading in, the cigarette hanging loosely from her lips. “Really gonna marry John Seed? Marry into a cult? Gonna have little cult babies one day and prepare for the end of the world?”

She took a final long drag before stubbing out what was left of cigarette in an expensive-looking ashtray on the vanity table. She blew the smoke into the mirror and smiled at her reflection as it appeared before her.

Faith had helped her get ready. Her make-up was flawless, her hair curled and pinned away from her face, a few strands framing her cheeks. Faith had made a hair clip of bliss flowers that pulled the outfit together while she wore her own flower crown.

The dress was custom because of course, she couldn’t wear off the rack, this was <em>John Seed’s</em> wedding after all. She had to admit, she felt like a queen in the lace ball-gown dress with a tulle skirt and train long enough that she had tripped on it nearly 10 times in the last hour.

“I, Irene, take thee, John Seed, to be my wedded husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer though if we ever get that far I’m pretty sure you’ll die without your custom Prada shirts.” She giggled at her own joke and took a sip from a glass of champagne, he’d broken out the good stuff, even Joseph had been alright with it.

“In sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till prison or death do us part. And if your brother’s crazy prophecy turns out to be true then we’ll live in a fancy bunker and fuck like bunnies until the world stops burning.”

“Will we now?” John’s laughter cut into the warmth of the room and she turned around to see him in the doorway. He’d dressed in his absolute best formalwear: navy blazer, vest, bowtie and pants to match, his white shirt looked like it had just come off the machine. “You’re ready, my love?”

“I’m ready.” She stood and turned to face him, she couldn’t keep the smile off her face.

John stepped into the room and pulled his bride into an embrace. He grabbed both of her arms and held her away from him, looking her up and down.

“You look amazing.” He brushed one of the loose strands of hair away from her face and pressed a kiss to her forehead.

“Isn’t it bad luck to see a bride before the wedding?” She teased and hooked her fingers through the belt loops on his pants, pulling him flush against her once again. John simply shrugged leaning down to kiss her again. He slipped his hands underneath her thighs and lifted her, walking her back to the vanity and dropping her on it.

“I can’t wait to be married to you.”

“Fifteen minutes babe,” She kissed him again and pulled back so she could look him in the eyes. “Fifteen minutes and then under God and in front of your family we’ll be married.”

“Don’t know if I can wait that long.” He complained, kissing her neck and pulling her against his hips.

“Well you’re gonna have to.” She swatted at his shoulder and pushed him away, standing and fixing the strands of hair he’d put out of place. “I’m not gonna sin on my wedding day.”

“You already did this morning.”

“Sure but we were in pajamas then, now I’m in a fancy wedding dress that cost more than I want to know and I don’t want you ruining it.” Irene walked to the open window, her fingers laced through John’s to pull him with her. “Look out there, everyone’s here for us.”

The field outside had been decorated in white lace and bouquets of bliss flowers. Joseph was standing by the alter talking to Jacob, they were both dressed in their nicest suits as well. It had taken John early two months to convince Jacob to wear one and it didn’t help that he’d be adamant they all wear matching ones.

Irene could see Faith darting around talking to people and fretting over details. She seemed more invested in this wedding than Irene. She and John had spent hours pouring over details and getting everything perfect while Irene sat back and watched.

“Last chance to run.” John wrapped his arms around her waist, his chin rested on the top of her head. “Take the bridge to Missoula and never look back.”

“Hmm, no thanks. I’m about to marry into a cult ran by three of the sexiest men I’ve ever met.”

“We prefer the term 'religious sect', and did you just hit on my brothers? To me? Your fiancé? On the day of our wedding?”

“Yup, you gonna do something about it, flyboy?”

“Oh I intend to, it’ll just have to wait until tonight, unfortunately.” With a final kiss, John left the room. Irene returned her attention to the window and watched John stride across the property and towards the alter.

Thin clouds of bliss floated above the floor of the aisle, drifting out of the bliss bouquets next to the seats and giving off the illusion of fog. People were clapping and cheering, someone had dragged an entire grand piano out of the field and was playing a cheerful tune. Irene couldn’t stop herself from grinning as she pulled away from John and laced her hand through his.

“Can’t get out now,” John whispered in her ear, running his thumb over her wedding ring.

“Don’t want to.” Irene retorted and looked around at her new family as they made their way down the aisle back towards the ranch.

The reception was tasteful, again, all John's and Faith’s doing. The music was peaceful, happy; the Hope County Choir had come out in full swing for the day and Irene couldn’t be more proud. She’d spent the last year working with them to record the Eden’s Gate music for Holland Valley, she’d grown quite close to them. John had promised that once they were married and she was officially inducted into the family she would be given charge of the choir.

Of course, John had also brought his own music, he may have given up his old life but there were some things he was still attached to and his music collection was one of those. The choir sang during the photography section of the reception, the orchestra during dinner, and his playlist now blasted on the speakers around the dance floor.

Freya Ridings’s cover of “Maps” started on the speakers and John pulled Irene from her chair and on to the dance floor for their first dance, everyone else quickly vacated the floor.

“Remember this one?” John asked, his voice low enough that only she could hear him over the music. They swayed back and forth to the music, neither had bothered to learn any fancy footwork.

“It played in my car on our way back to your place after our first date.” She reminisced, she often looked back on their first date fondly.

He’d been in Atlanta finalizing some things, Joseph and The Project were in Rome at the time, and he’d somehow convinced her to go to dinner with him. They’d met before when he was a practicing lawyer, she’d been called as a witness for the defense and after the case’s conclusion, they’d swapped numbers. It’d taken him another two years to finally ask her out, finding his long-lost brothers after so many years was a good excuse though.

“You sang along the entire time. It was the most beautiful thing I’d ever seen.” Even after nearly two years together, John still looked at her like she was his entire world. She wasn’t sure she’d ever get used to it.

“Oh?” Irene hid her face in his neck to conceal her blush.

“I knew right then that we’d end up here again. That this was going to be our first song.” Irene peaked up at him and was floored by the complete vulnerability and unconditional love she saw reflected in John’s eyes.

“I love you.” She pulled him down to her height and kissed him.

“I love you too.” He brushed his thumb over the Eden’s Gate tattoo on her right hand.

A fist pounded on John’s bedroom door and Irene shot up in bed. John groaned beside her and rolled onto his back, rubbing his eyes and yawning.

“What?” He called, voice groggy.

Seeming to have taken as meaning John was inviting them inside, the door opened and Jacob stepped inside. Irene pulled the sheet up to her chin to better cover her bare chest. Jacob looked between the two with a smirk and flipped on the lights. John practically hissed at the sudden flood of light.

“Get up, Joseph wants you both downstairs. He wants to go over Project business now that Irene is a part of the family.”

John finally sat up, if only to glare at Jacob. “What is there left to go over?”

“Just come downstairs.” Jacob rolled his eyes and kicked a stray piece of clothing out of his way as he left. He was kind enough to close the door on his way.

The room was quiet for a minute, John yawned and threw back his blankets, <em>their</em> blankets. Irene let the sheet fall from her hands and stood, reaching up and stretching until she felt a few of the bones in her spine pop. A sigh drew her attention to John who was still seated on the bed staring at her like she was some piece of art.

Irene laughed a little at his slack jaw and threw one of his many decorative pillows at his head, John caught it with ease and joined in her laughter. He lunged across the bed and yanked her back down, pinning her below him.

“Good morning, <em>Mrs. Seed</em>.” Irene mirrored his excited expression, the man’s joy was infectious.

“Good morning, Mr. Seed.” She pulled him down to her by the back of his neck. Their kiss was slow and sweet, nothing like the heated ones from the night before. She’d have the rest of her life to kiss this man, there was no need to rush it now. When John pulled away to breathe, she gently pushed at his chest so he rolled away.

“If Joseph is expecting us we really should hurry.”

“We just got married, I believe we’re entitled to being a bit slow.” John shot back, his tone dismissive.

“Do you <em>really</em> want Jacob to back in here?” She looked at him sternly, keeping the smile from her lips when he began pouting like a child.

“Fine.” He finally rolled off of her and stood up, now it was Irene’s turn to stare. John looked back at her and winked before walking to his closet to get dressed. “Take a picture, it’ll last longer.”

She couldn't help but snort and marvel a bit at the fact that this idiot was now her husband.

[aivaehdaevis]

The More Things Change: Ch 11

The More Things Change

by Aivaeh

Disclaimer: Familiar characters, plot elements, and settings belong to L.J. Smith, Julie Plec, and the CW. The author of this work of fanfiction has made no money from it. Summary: I have no idea how it happened, but one morning I woke up in the world of The Vampire Diaries. Which, aside from the insanity of waking up inside a television show made real, might not be so bad—if I weren't stuck in the body of vampire magnet and doppelgänger herself, Elena Gilbert. Pairing(s): OFC x Damon, OFC x Stefan, OFC x Elijah, OFC x Klaus Rating: M Warning(s): Graphic descriptions of violence on par with the show itself. References to sex and drug use. Mind control and all the issues of consent that go along with it. Character death. Master List External Links: AO3 | FF.Net | Wattpad

Chapter Eleven

Warning for mutilation. Please skip this chapter if such a subject bothers you.

Cheer practice was a disaster.

Not that this surprised me. Between my nerves being shot from the night before, the circle’s under Bonnie’s eyes and her continued avoidance—made worse by my avoiding her, and Caroline’s transformation into a drill sergeant from hell, it was the embodiment of misery. I’d tried to quit before we’d even started, but one stern glare from Caroline made the words die in my throat. I figured it was better for ‘Elena’ to perform so badly, Caroline might toss me off the squad herself. Hopefully not from the top of a pyramid.

Not that I could’ve balanced well enough to make it to the top in the first place.

Stefan wasn’t with the other guys on the field. I thought he wasn’t around at all when, during a water break, I spied him up on the bleachers, watching. The knowledge I had him as an audience to my failure made everything that much more humiliating.

As soon as Caroline declared the day finished, glaring at me in a way that made me happy she wasn’t a vampire, Bonnie hurried off. If I remembered the episode right, she should’ve gone to dinner with me and Stefan. And then Damon and Caroline show up.

Guess that was off the agenda.

Instead of heading straight off to my bag, I shuffled to the stands. Stefan met me halfway down, folded arms resting on the railing as he leaned over. “Hope you enjoyed the show,” I said, sour.

He smiled. “I take it you weren’t a cheerleader?”

The night before, we hadn’t had time to talk about me at all. Which I was thankful for. Thinking of my life reminded me that I no longer had it. Family. Friends. Job. Everything I’d worked for. If I started down that road, I’d fixate. I doubt I’d be able to function. “No.” I bit my lip before admitting, “Soccer.” Before he could comment, I hurried to add, “I was terrible. I was only allowed on the team so they’d have enough players.” I grimaced. “I can kick well enough, but only so long as the ball isn’t moving. And no one’s running at me. And I’m not running.”

Stefan dipped his head to try and hide his grin. I found a patch of dirt fascinating. I dug a toe in. “Anyway,” I nodded to the team. “I see you’re not on the field.”

“Too big a chance I’d be revealed.” Stefan watched the team practicing for a moment before adding, “I’m surprised I’d even consider it, let alone try out.”

“I think you wanted to impress Elena. Make her happy.” I remembered. “And you ended up bonding with Matt.”

He glanced aside, towards the figures hustling across the field. “Elena’s ex?”

“He’s a good guy,” I defended.

Stefan looked back. “There’s other ways to make friends.”

Sure, but none so quick as bonding on a team. Ah, well. I wasn’t going to worry about Stefan socializing enough.

“I didn’t come just to watch you at practice,” Stefan said, pulling me from my thoughts. “I thought we could go back to my place.” He held up a familiar leather-bound journal. “Figure a few things out.”

I swept the back of my hand over my slick brow. “I don’t know, Stefan,” I said, nose crinkling. “Jenna probably noticed that I never came home last night.”

“I’ll have you back before late afternoon,” Stefan assured.

I considered it. Eventually, I nodded. “Okay.” I glanced in the direction of the parking lot, blowing a piece of loose hair out of my mouth as the breeze kicked up. “Did you come in a car or…?”

“Or,” Stefan said with a self-effacing grin. “Mind giving me a ride?”

I shook my head. “Let me get changed.” I would’ve liked a shower, but that would have to wait.

Standing, Stefan slid his hands into his pockets. “I’ll be outside the dressing room.”

Changing didn’t take long. Stefan was leaning back against the wall outside the locker rooms. We fell into step, his longer legs adjusting their pace to accommodate Elena’s shorter stride.

“Will you talk to Damon?” I asked, stepping from the sidewalk onto the parking lot’s blacktop with a tap of my sneakers.

Stefan rolled his shoulders high. “I can try.” His tone suggested he didn’t have much hope of getting very far.

“I suppose I’ll have to go over it all again,” I sighed.

He kept his eyes on the pavement. “Damon’s in denial.”

We reached the SUV. I unlocked the door and climbed in. Stefan followed a moment after. Placing my bag in the back, I paused before settling in my seat. “Why aren’t you?”

Stefan met my stare. “Why should I be?”

I arched a brow. “It’s nuts?”

“Exactly,” he agreed, lip curling every-so-slightly upward.

I held his gaze for another moment. Facing forward, I started the car. “Maybe I’m an outrageous liar.”

“Those stories you told me. About growing up.”

Foot on the brake, I paused.

“Were they true?”

I stared out the window before forcing myself to check the rearview mirror. “Yes.” I eased out, shifting into drive. “Different names. Caroline and Bonnie wouldn’t know about anything I told you.”

“I’m sorry.”

I focused on cruising down the lane and turning into traffic. “What’s done is done.”

“That doesn’t make it any less unfair.” I felt him watching. For what, I wasn’t sure.

I exhaled. “I can’t think about that, Stefan,” I admitted, grip tightening on the wheel. “If I start, I won’t stop.”

“Okay.”

An uneasy silence filled the car. Flashes of my life kept creeping up on me. I tried to focus on the road.

Still, I felt I owed him something for his faith. “Heather and Erica.”

“Hm?”

“My best friends. Their names.” I cleared my throat, blinking back the tears that threatened to blur my vision.

The quiet became a little lighter.

“Charles,” Stefan said a little later.

I glanced at him. “A friend?”

He nodded. “His parents were sharecroppers. They farmed a section of land a few miles from the main house. We were about the same age, so his mother tutored us together.”

“What happened to him?”

Stefan traced his hand along the dash. “I don’t know. After I turned, I stayed far away from him.” He looked out the window.

“I bet City Hall has records.”

“Death certificates.”

I realized his point and made a non-committal hum. Thinking of the friends and family I left behind, I wondered, “How do you do it? Live on past everyone you know?”

Stefan’s brow furrowed. “Honestly?” At my nod, he said, “Don’t get attached.” He looked at me. “Otherwise, you move forward, one day at a time. Until you learn how to live without them.” He stared back out the window. “No other choice."

If that wasn’t the loneliest thing I’d ever heard, I wasn’t sure what was.

We passed through the rest of Mystic Falls in silence.

The boarding house was quiet as Stefan led me through the front door to the library. I shrugged off my jacket, mildly startled when Stefan took it. I ignored the buzz of pleasure the old-fashioned move engendered in me. “Where’s Zach?”

Hands still holding onto my jacket, Stefan paused by the coatrack in the hall. “Downstairs,” he said, a frown in his voice. Before I could ask what he was doing in the basement, Stefan had left.

I wandered down the steps further into the room. Several pictures sat on the various tables spread out across the room. I took up one beside the sofa nearest the fireplace. The picture was old, early nineteen hundreds, at least. A portrait of a man stared back at me. He was clean shaven, dark hair arrayed in the style of the day. His eyes looked lightly colored, possibly blue, though the photograph was sepia toned and impossible to say for sure. There was something in the shape of his jaw and eyes that reminded me vaguely of Damon.

A pair of footsteps sounded outside the still-open door. Setting the photo down, I wandered towards the entrance.

“—going down there,” Stefan said.

“He needs food. Water. Changing the bucket.” My nose crinkled as I realized why Zach would have to change a bucket. “We can’t lock him up and ignore him.”

“I’m not suggesting that.” A touch of impatience entered Stefan’s voice. “I told you. I’d take care of it.” There was a beat of silence before he added, “Or don’t you trust me?”

Another poignant moment passed. “Of course, Uncle Stefan.”

A wry Stefan replied, “It’s fine, Zach. Probably wise not to. But do me a favor and stay away from the cells.”

“Whatever you say.” Zach wasn’t pleased.

“It’s only for another day or two,” Stefan assured him.

As their voices drew nearer, I returned to the side table with the mystery descendant’s photo. I sat on the end of the sofa as Stefan appeared. Zach wasn’t with him.

“Sorry.” Stefan jogged down the steps and joined me at the couch.

“Something wrong?”

Stefan sat on the edge of the opposite end. “I found Zach speaking with John.”

“What about?”

“I’m not sure. They quieted when I reached the stairs.” He frowned. “Actually, Zach did. John said hello.”

That didn’t sound like John. “Weird.”

Stefan twisted slightly to face me. “The vervain should be out of his system in a few days.”

“Then we’ll have one less thing to worry about.”

“Speaking of,” Stefan said, leaning forward. “Do we have the time to be worrying about Katherine?”

The question startled the huff of a laugh from me. “Stefan, we’re way ahead of schedule.”

His frown deepened.

“We have the time to reassure Damon.” I reached down and undid the laces on my sneakers. “The sooner he accepts Katherine left him long ago, the sooner he’ll start looking for a new purpose. This town,” I finished as I slipped my feet free. I would have been worried about the smell after practice, but was too enamored with the idea of getting off my feet altogether.

“The town,” Stefan repeated, doubt slowing his words. The same doubt made his stare all the weightier.

“Yes. The town.” I wasn’t Elena. I was under no illusions of that. “What we need to be ready for is Esther.”

Pulling my feet up until I was sitting cross legged, I reclined against the arm of the sofa. Stefan was still leaning forward, elbows planted on his knees, hands folded. “It doesn’t sound as if the Original family is safe to deal with.”

“So long as we give them what they want, they’ll be reasonable.” I thought for a second before amending, “Well, Kol and Rebekah might be problems. But they don’t have to be involved."

Stefan’s gaze hardened. “What they want leads to your death.”

I was already dead—but pointing it out wouldn’t help my cause. “Elijah has a way around that.” Maybe. I left that part out, too. Stefan had a real save-the-damsel complex. “And Klaus will have a powerful reason to make sure I survive.”

“Turning you into his human blood bag.”

“I’m more worried about you,” I said, hoping to change the subject. “Klaus wants the Ripper back.”

Stefan peered across the room towards the bookshelves. I doubt he really saw any of the titles, though. “It sounds like I don’t have much choice.”

“Then you know where I’m coming from.”

I found myself fixed in his sights before Stefan rubbed his brow. “You have no idea when Katherine comes back.”

“No. Isobel and John were her agents. But I wouldn’t be surprised if she pops up sooner rather than later.” It seemed to be the way things were going lately.

He nodded. “She might send more to test the waters.” He leaned back. “You’re sure an alliance with the Originals is feasible?”

“One with Elijah is. So long as it doesn’t threaten his family. Since we’re offering to help protect it, it’s all but a guarantee.” That much I was sure of, at least. “Klaus is a wildcard. I think he can be persuaded. My compliance and knowledge in exchange for his help—it’s a good bargain.” I was prepared to tell him my name if it came down to it. Klaus would like to have that extra bit of insurance hanging like the sword of Damocles over my neck. He had to feel in control. “We need their near invulnerability and strength.”

“Near,” Stefan muttered, mouth thinning.

“Let’s just focus on the tomb for now.”

“One thing at a time?”

I didn’t think, with all that was coming, we could afford to do it any other way. Too many chances for something to go wrong. Too large a chance I’d forget some detail. “Getting your brother to stop plotting against you will go a long way towards helping.”

We spent another hour sketching out ideas. Solidifying our plans for opening the tomb. Who to contact first between Elijah and Klaus. How to get word to them. How much to reveal. We tried to come up with ways Esther might interfere.

As supper time neared, I said goodbye to Stefan and—after collecting my jacket and being escorted to the door—returned to Elena’s.

I managed to beat Jenna and Jeremy, which I supposed meant it was my turn to cook. Thanks to a seasoning packet and shells I found tucked in a cupboard, I ended up making tacos using the vegetables John had prepped that morning. Eating a lone dinner, all the leftovers went back in the fridge.

I was vegging in front of the television when the front door opened. Following after the clomping footsteps, I found Jeremy in the kitchen grabbing a box of cereal. “Tacos in the fridge.”

Jeremy rerouted. He didn’t bother with the microwave, just shoved the meat straight in the shell and loaded it with hot sauce. My nose wrinkled as he bit in. I caught a glimpse of his eyes as he fixed his second. Red, glazed, and half-closed. I had a feeling I’d smell something distinctly herbal if I were to get close enough to catch a whiff of his hoodie.

“Uncle John left.”

Jeremy frowned but shoved the last of his second taco in his mouth rather than answer. He immediately started making his third.

“Leave some for Jenna,” I said.

Jeremy gave a thumbs up. I left him to it.

I filled the rest of my evening with homework until fatigue dragged my concentration too far down to focus.

That afternoon was the first time since appearing in this crazy world that I hadn’t woken up drenched in sweat and terrorized from some forgotten nightmare. I hoped this was a new trend to be repeated.

And then the light died.

I jolted awake to find a man leaning over the bed.

I gasped and drew in a breath to scream. The bedside lamp clicked on. “Damon!”

“Hello Not-Elena,” he said, belly flopping down at the foot of the bed.

My stomach plunged. “What are you doing?” I hissed.

“Mm,” Damon hummed, grabbing hold of a pillow and making himself at home. “Charm. In pocket.”

I eyed him with naked skepticism.

He huffed before pulling something out of his front jean pocket and tossing it towards me. “There,” he muttered before burying his head in the pillow.

It was a small bracelet of woven leather. I caught a glimpse of writing on the inside of the leather strips with what looked like a sharpie. Literal charms had been woven into the twining straps. Beads that I realized were carved from different crystals. Lavender amethysts, sea green turquoise, rose quartz, and tiger’s eye. Interspersed were small metal discs, each one etched with a different symbol inside of it.

It was beautiful.

“It’s acts as some kind of restraining order for ghosts,” Damon said as I fastened it around my wrist, turning it this way and that to see the light gleam off the beads. “Smaller range,” he amended. “‘Round a few hundred feet.”

“And there were no… issues?”

One of Damon’s eyes cracked open. “Like what?”

I guessed Bree was still alive. Good. “Nothing.” Damon’s one-eyed stare narrowed, but he shut his eye again before questioning me about it. “What are you doing?”

“Sleeping,” he mumbled.

“You can’t sleep here, Damon.” I was about to push him off the bed with my feet, then thought better of it.

“Mph,” he mumbled into the pillow. “Long drive. Tired.” He started shucking his jacket. Twin thumps hitting the floor said he’d toed off his shoes.

“Damon,” I began, using my most commanding tone, “I mean it.”

“Fake-lena,” he sighed, “I drove fourteen hours to ensure your spirit stalker couldn’t haunt you.” He tossed his jacket off the side of the bed. “At least let me get in a few hours before I fall asleep at the wheel.”

“Do vampires even need sleep?”

“If this show of yours followed my life, I know you saw a bed.” Damon snuggled down. “Now shhh. Sleeping.”

“It wasn’t just your life.” He didn’t respond. With a disgusted sigh, I threw back the covers and grabbed my pillow, marching to the door.

He turned his head to follow me. “Where are you going?”

“To the guest bedroom.” I realized its bed probably already had a pillow. I kept hold of mine anyway.

Damon muttered, “Don’t be a child.” His eye opened. “You’re not a child, are you?”

“I’m tempted to say yes so you’ll leave me alone.”

He nodded to himself. “Didn’t think so.”

“First of all, I don’t sleep with men who threaten others get my compliance.” Damon shut his eye and flopped a hand against the mattress. “Second, I don’t get involved with men who are in love with other women.” Damon shrugged. I ground my teeth. “Third, and most importantly, this isn’t my body.”

“Finders keepers,” Damon replied into the pillow.

“Okay, that’s a five-year-old’s logic.” I opened the door.

A large pale hand pushed it shut. An annoyed vampire stared down with tired eyes. “Fine. I’ll go.” His brows rose. “But if something terrible happens on the way, I want you to know—” he leaned in, “you are completely responsible for it.”

I pushed him in the direction of the window. “Good night, Damon.”

“Good night, Not-Elena. And you’re welcome.” He was gone in a flutter of curtains.

Walking back around to my bed, I saw his shoes and jacket gone, too. I shivered and went to back to bed wondering just how fast he could move.

The next morning, I felt better than I had in days. No pulse pounding terror or sweat-soaked sheets. Then I remembered it was game day.

I didn’t bother with the cheer uniform. Thankfully, Damon didn’t know anything about it when he picked me up that morning. I was certain I’d never hear the end of it if he did.

At school, I could see the relief on Caroline’s face all the way from the parking lot. “Oh, thank god,” she said as I approached.

I went straight to the point. “I’m quitting.”

Caroline didn’t even bother to put on a show of disappointment. “I had no idea how I was going to drop you from the squad.”

I hiked my bag further up my shoulder. “Problem solved.”

“Who would’ve thought missing one summer of cheer camp would make you so bad,” Caroline went on.

“Yeah. Go figure.” I spotted a familiar figure with his stupidly handsome little smile sitting on his favorite table. “Oh, look. There’s Stefan. I’m going to go say hi.”

Caroline looked as if she had more to say about my suddenly abysmal cheer abilities, but I rushed off as fast as I dared without making it look like I was running away. I mean, I was, but I didn’t want her to know that. Stefan’s small smile unfurled into a full grin as I neared him.

“Morning,” he greeted, eyes gleaming.

I huffed. “You heard that.” Despite being too far away. For a human, I supposed.

Stefan lowered his head a bit. “I did.” He glanced over. “I think you made a wise decision.”

“Uh huh.”

“There are lots of alternative after school activities.” The gleam in his eyes took on an amused tint. “Maybe Mystic Falls can start a soccer team.”

I scowled. “I know where you sleep, Salvatore.”

I felt ridiculously proud when he chuckled. The sound of it made my skin tingle and grow warm all at once.

The rest of the day passed like the others. Bonnie was definitely avoiding me, but the memory of Sheila’s face just before Stefan killed her made me grateful for the fact. I had no idea how to talk to her as if everything was normal. Had Sheila’s absence had been noted by now? I wondered what Damon had done with her, and then decided I was better off not knowing.

The murmurs of the other students were, weirdly, becoming familiar as well. Now the topic was Elena quitting the squad. I was learning how to tune it out. Why these people cared so much about what one girl was up to baffled me.

What’s more, I began to suspect the rest of Elena’s friends at lunch were beginning to freeze her out. They asked less questions, didn’t bother trying to include me in conversation. I couldn’t really blame them. I’d been so worried about saying the wrong thing, I’d been saying very little at all. They were learning to ignore me.

It was enough to make me glad to hear Damon’s camaro for once. I hurried into the passenger seat without even token resistance.

Head down as I buckled the seat belt, I didn’t realize anyone else had approached until the back door creaked open.

“What are you doing?” Damon drawled.

My head was up and around in time to see Stefan slide into the back seat. “Getting a ride from my brother.”

“Get out,” he said with a perfectly pleasant tone while grinning. There was an edge to the way he held himself, though, that made my stomach drop. He was too still, like a panther getting ready to pounce.

“We need to plan, Damon,” Stefan said, tone staying reasonable. He nodded to me. “We can do that back at the house.”

“What’s to plan?” Damon asked, still in his faux pleasant mien. “We get the crystal, I call the witch, we open the tomb.” His sunglasses tilted down as he lowered his chin. “Besides, haven’t you been feeding on Bambi blood? You can run home.”

“Just drive,” Stefan replied archly, settling back in the seat.

Damon stared for several more seconds before another fake smile flickered on his face as he turned back around. “You really ought to get that engine looked at, brother.”

Stefan hummed as he watched the other cars glide by.

An awkward silence brewed under the rush of wind as the camaro sped through the streets. With my hair down, it fluttered and whipped all over. The sky was clear and bright, the trees sparkled as sunlight peeked between their leaves. The further towards Wickery Bridge, the fewer houses we passed, until it was just woodland.

It was a beautiful Virginia day.

If it weren’t for the two vampires determined not to interact in close quarters, it’d been a lovely ride. As it was, by the time Damon pulled into the garage, I swept the hair out of my face and exited as soon as the car stilled. Shutting the door with my hip, I attempted to tame Elena’s hair with my fingers, using the side mirror to judge my success.

Thankfully, Elena lacked the naturally wavy hair I’d had. It was far more forgiving and fell more or less back into place with a minimum of fuss. As a lifelong owner of a certifiable tangled mess whenever the slightest breeze kicked up, I hated her. Staring at the big brown eyes in the reflection, I wondered if I’d ever get used to seeing her face staring back at me. Or how long I’d have before Elena found a way to kick me out for good.

Hopefully not before Esther lost the means to cast her spell and kill the Originals.

Assuring myself that’s what I was here to figure out how to stop, I straightened up and found the brothers waiting for me to finish primping. Fighting to keep the slight flush at the back of my neck from spreading any higher, I forced a tight-lipped smile and hurried over.

While Stefan immediately took my jacket at the door, Damon strode straight the library. I waited while Stefan finished hanging our jackets up and dropped his bag off on a small bench pressed against the entryway wall before following Damon.

“What’s amazing,” Damon started from the wet bar as he poured himself a generous drink, “is that you think I care about any of this.”

Stefan folded his arms, his dark t-shirt giving an impressive view of his biceps. “You should. You’re involved.”

“I’m not convinced Fake-lena is on the level.”

I hesitated next to the sofa. “I’m right here.”

Damon’s eyes flashed towards me as he picked up his drink. “What? Would you prefer I talk about you behind your back?” he asked as he wandered around the bar. “I want in the tomb. That’s it. The rest,” he waved his glass between the Stefan and I, “you two can figure out.”

Brows pinched low, Stefan ambled down the steps. “You don’t want to know anything about what’s coming?”

“Big nasty witch who wants to do some spell on the first vampires and kill us all,” Damon replied as he sat on the arm of the sofa. “Sounds like a fairy tale.”

“It’s true,” I insisted.

“We’ll see,” Damon replied, lifting his drink and taking a sip. Before Stefan or I could get in another word, his attention flitted to the door. “Hello, Zach.”

The front door drifted closed with a click. The rustle of plastic announced Zach before the tallest Salvatore appeared in the doorway holding several grocery bags. “I was about to make dinner.”

“Thank you, Zach,” Stefan replied, still staring with furrowed brows at a smirking Damon.

“Will Elena be staying over?”

“Oh, um—”

“Of course.” Damon’s smirk twisted higher.

Lips thinning, I fixed Damon with an unamused side-eye. “Only if it isn’t any trouble.”

“It’s no trouble, is it, Zach?” Damon was the picture of pleasant courtesy. I didn’t buy it for a second.

But Zach shook his head. “No.” He lifted the bags a little higher. “But I’d better get started.”

“You’re not going to take any of this seriously, are you?” Stefan immediately asked as soon as Zach left, diving back in headfirst.

“Nope.”

Feeling a familiar pressure, I stood up. “Mind if I use your restroom?”

The way the conversation was going, I doubt I’d miss anything important, anyway.

“No. Of course not.” Stefan moved off the stairs. “Down the hall, third door on the right.”

“Thanks.”

Stefan nodded as I passed.

Back in the main hall, I could hear the sound of rustling plastic from the kitchen across the way. Passing it and the main staircase, my sights roamed over the artwork on the paneled walls. The old-fashioned light fixtures that had probably once been set up for candles before being converted to electric lights.

The bathroom was as sumptuously decorated. Ornate mirror over a standing sink. A toilet that looked like it was from an earlier century. No tub or shower. Those must have been kept to the rooms upstairs.

After washing my hands, I was about to join the brothers back in the sitting room when the sight of a door near the staircase caught my eye. I thought it looked somewhat familiar from the show. Curiosity overcoming my manners, I slowly pulled it open and found stairs leading down. It must have been the way to the basement.

John was down there.

I thought of his odd behavior the day before. Why had he taken off the family ring? Or didn’t seem at all disappointed to see me and not his daughter? And with Damon here, was he being treated humanely?

The questions nagged at me enough that I found myself sneaking down the first step, and then the second, so on and so forth until I reached the bottom.

The basement didn’t start out looking like a dungeon, not with normal finished walls and a concrete floor. It was a large space, but one stuffed with furniture and antiquities. Following the room to a door across from the staircase, going through finally led me to the more… iffy portion of the basement.

Here the older foundation of the boarding house could be found in the exposed brickwork and a narrower hall. The cells were immediately visible. Huge wooden doors with barred windows, like something out of an old movie.

Mindful that Damon and Stefan would probably discover what I was up to within minutes, I stepped up to the first cell door and peeked through the bars.

Pressed into the corner of the cell, John’s head leaned all the way back as both eyes fixed on the ceiling. He was dressed in a plain button-down shirt and pair of dark slacks, the same clothes from the day before. Every muscle was relaxed. If it weren’t for the brick walls and dirt floor, I wouldn’t have guessed he was a prisoner.

I was about to slip away when his eyes rolled down. “Elena.” He smiled, sat straighter. That stare fixed itself on me, now. “E-lay-nah.” He folded his hands. His ring was still missing. “Pretty name, isn’t it? Do you like it?”

I looked back towards the open door and the storage room beyond. “I guess.”

“That’s good. Since it’ll be yours from now on.” The tap of shoes scraping against the dirt drew my gaze. “I’m glad you came to see me.”

I moved back a step. “I wanted to make sure you were alright.”

His grin widened. “For a man who tried to banish you?”

Yeah. It sounded stupid when put like that. I grimaced. “I guess it’s a perfect duty.”

“Mills,” he said, delighted. For some odd reason. “You know philosophy.”

“A semester of it.” I’d taken the intro course mostly out of vague curiosity. Well, that, and as a freshman having felt insecure enough to want the intellectual bragging rights. Which turned out to be incredibly ironic, because all philosophy did was make me feel like an idiot. Long dead white men pontificating on the nature of things does not make for an easy or entertaining read.

“So, tell me,” he shifted his weight, leaned nearer the door, “what did you learn about Hell?”

Okay. Talk about your light conversation topics.

“It was introductory philosophy. We didn’t delve deep into the theological stuff.” And I was done with it by then.

“You must have thoughts. An interpretation,” he insisted.

I guess it was a subject I should give graver consideration. Considering. “I don’t know. I suppose there’s the classic lake of fire. A realm made of your worst nightmares. Dante’s circles.” I thought for a moment. “I guess the one I’ve always gone with is the absence of God.”

John’s face lit up like a child on Christmas morning. “Yes! For what is God, if not everything? And in the absence, nothing.” A fervor entered his eyes. “No up or down. No hot or cold. Long or short. Never or always. Not even pleasure or pain. Just-“ he gestured all around the cell with his hands, “being. And nothing.”

I eyed him. “That would—qualify. Sure.”

He stood, strode to the door. A hand curled around the bar. “Now, imagine this. Existing in nothing. Not even time, because there’s no way to mark it. It’s eternal and yet never was.”

“I don’t think I can,” I said slowly.

“No, I suppose not.” His head tilted. “That’s good, isn’t it?”

I’d say so. What he described sounded like a sensory deprivation chamber, and those were supposed to drive people to hallucinate if left in long enough. Who knows what being stuck in one ‘without time’ might do.

“But what would such a pitiful being think when, out of nothing, comes something.” He turned rapturous in his intensity. “Something wonderous. So bright that, for the first instant in an existence that never knew time, the darkness was chased away by this—this star.”

Unable to imagine it, I stuck to reason. “It’d probably be overwhelming.”

“Inadequate,” he insisted, fervent as a snake handling preacher. “It’d be everything, wouldn’t it, Elena? Everything it had ever known, and for the first moment, would ever know.”

Yeah. He was nuts. “Uh huh.”

Some of the brightness dimmed. Shoulders slumping, John looked aside with a bitter smile. “This… is…” he shut his eyes. He swallowed hard, smile turning euphoric. His neck began to flush, while his hand squeezed the bar.

My stomach turned. Feeling oddly voyeuristic, I stepped aside. “I’m… going to go.”

“NO!”

His hand shot out. I jumped back, startled. I needn’t have. I’d been far enough from the bars that I was well out of his reach, but seeing his hand appear before my face… not fun. I eyed him again, taking another step back.

“Don’t go, Elena,” he pleaded, eyes wide and beseeching. “Please. Please don’t go.”

“But visiting hours are over.” For once, the sound of Damon’s voice brought relief. He draped an arm over my shoulders. “She’ll have to come back, oh,” his eyes narrowed, “never.”

John’s hand retracted, slow and steady. A grin filled his face. “We’ll see.”

“Hmm.” Damon gave a crinkled eye smile back. He then guided me down the hall and towards the stairs. “Say bye-bye to Uncle John.”

I shot an uneasy gaze behind me. “I’m not sure that was Johnathan Gilbert.”

Back through the antique room, he dropped his arm as we reached the stairs. He fell behind to let me go up first. “Well, if not dear ol’ Uncle John, who do we have locked in our basement, Not-Elena.”

“Not-John.”

He snorted. “How many of you body snatchers from outer space are there?”

I glared at the top of the stairs, only to be met by that stupid smirking face. “I’m not from outer space. I’m from another dimension.”

“Yeah, because that’s so much better,” Damon shot back as he passed. “Come on then. Before Stefan spontaneously combusts from worry.”

I blew out a breath and followed Damon towards the sitting room.

A scream halted us both in our tracks.

Damon disappeared. Left gaping in the middle of the hallway, I hurried off in the direction I thought I heard the shout come from. The kitchen.

I didn’t have time to take in details beyond the impression of a large dining room table off to one side and a long counter to the other. I did notice the small island stove to separate it from the rest of the room. Mostly because it was lit, with a pot and several pans on top.

Zach was over a sink in the center of the counter, Stefan and Damon to either side of him, supporting him. Several blood-soaked towels hung off the sink’s edge. Another was wrapped up to Zach’s elbow.

“Elena, stay back,” Stefan half-called half-snarled, veins bulging around his eyes.

Zach had more blood smeared over his mouth, the two holding his hand over the sink. “It hurts,” he said, voice airy and weak.

Damon carefully unwrapped the towel. What he saw made his eyes narrow and his nose wrinkle. “Mm. Yeah. He’s going to need a doctor.”

“I fed him my blood.”

“Don’t think that’s gonna grow them back, Stef,” Damon countered.

I walked further into the room, over to a pan that was starting to smoke. Grabbing an oven mitt, I made to pick it off the flame and turn the rest off. Then I glanced down.

At first, all I noticed was a mix of sautéed vegetables and chopped meats. Then I saw them. Small and round, burnt on one side, they looked a bit like mini sausages. Except for the nails. “Oh my god,” I breathed, recoiling back into Damon. At the sour taste and the pressure in my throat, I hastened to cover my mouth.

Damon twisted to look over my shoulder. “Huh. Never seen that before.”

Stefan glanced at us and asked, “What?” but from the wary look on his face, he probably already suspected.

Damon said it anyway. “Three guesses as to tonight’s mystery meat, Stefan.”

I couldn’t swallow it back anymore. I raced to the wastebasket at the end of the counter and discovered Elena’s body experienced the same lightheadedness that I’d always felt when vomiting.

I heard Damon click his tongue.

“What the hell, Zach?” Stefan asked.

“I wanted to see if it would hurt.”

Despite still feeling sick, I was so taken aback I had to look up through watery eyes at Zach. We all stared, dumbstruck. Even Damon.

Though he didn’t stay speechless for long. “Right.” Damon moved the pan off the stove. “Cooking privileges revoked. Forever.” He let the pan fall onto the countertop with a clatter.

Stefan shook his head. His veins had at least started to recede at the shock. He wrapped another towel around Zach’s hand.

Dinner was forgotten by everyone without ever needing to discuss it. Damon and I spent the rest of the afternoon into early evening cleaning the kitchen while Stefan saw to Zach. Damon offered to take me home, but I didn’t want to leave when things got tough and bloody. I’d be running regularly from the Salvatore house—and the Gilbert house, and the high school, and the town—if I did that.

Instead, while he took care of the pan from hell, I did my best to wipe up the blood. And I had to clean it up well enough that Stefan wouldn’t smell it whenever he got near the kitchen. I used a lot of bleach.

I’d just finished up and moved back to the library with Damon for a much-needed glass of his five-hundred-dollar tequila when the front bell chimed. He pushed himself off the sofa with a, “Be a minute,” to me before hurrying to answer. I reclined, looking into the lit fire. Glass rubbing back and forth against my forehead, I wondered what the hell had happened to Zach. Damon and Stefan both thought he’d been compelled by Anna as a warning, but I couldn’t figure out why Anna would do that. I was mulling it over when footsteps approached.

“Elena.”

“Jenna?” Hastily lowering my glass, I turned to stare over the sofa and found Jenna in the doorway, Damon lingering behind her. Lips pressed into a thin frown, she wore the most serious expression I’d ever seen on her face. In person, at least. I immediately wondered if she knew that John was here. From Damon’s crazy eyes just behind her, I realized he was thinking the same thing. Not good for Jenna. Frantic, I blurted, “Stefan and I were just studying—”

She interrupted with, “Tyler Lockwood’s in the hospital and Jeremy’s been arrested. For assault.”

[airoasis]

"The Passion of Saint Tibulus" | Father Ted | Series 1 Episode 3 | Dead Parrot

New Post has been published on https://hititem.kr/the-passion-of-saint-tibulus-father-ted-series-1-episode-3-dead-parrot-14/

"The Passion of Saint Tibulus" | Father Ted | Series 1 Episode 3 | Dead Parrot

Looks like rain Ted come on Duggal it can be your go I need to say father Hernandez it’s been distinguished having you over but I expect you are getting homesick for Cuba via now here oh sure my nation may be very lovely good okay what’s that it persisted have a first-class life right here on craggy i will raggy i will as an alternative we’ll have two excellent pals padre doogal father doogal gotta run of path father Jack yes but I have got to say I missed the noise and the lights you realize the entire buzz of the massive metropolis we stated it’s that unhealthy you have been in spot Wexford weren’t you I was once sure what craggy Island has its charms the west part of the island was lovely except it drifted off of path excellent buddy drifted off yes there was once a bit of a storm and it just came loose huh now we wouldn’t have a west aspect it is just north south and east it was beautiful while I used to be there sorry mister do you know Ted your housekeeper is an awfully lovely woman many times this celibacy is rough for a person you have got to assess her off of the gentle I believe bishop brennan springs to mind I see oh sure sure Bishop Lynn Renan he is our style of boss it seems that he used to be myself and the union was blessed so they say no no he no mean boy or lady son he lives in america our soul goes to rumor anyway was it Colonel Mustard in the kitchen the candlestick what Colonel Mustard within the kitchen with the candlestick you have got Colonel Mustard you confirmed him to me previous how might or not it’s Colonel Mustard a view of Colonel Mustard all right father Hernandez your go see yes well I feel it was a certainly not-ending dream the reverend cream Cuchillo and i ended within the drawing-room huh those Protestants up to no good as usual what’s father Jack watching at what’s that you’re watching father Jack all right is that a film you’re staring at huh isn’t that Kiefer Sutherland why is that flat liner as you are looking at what pink John is for the Jackman somewhat rough of hearing wife sure he will get a kind of waxy buildup in his ears after which we must syringe them it is now not very pleasant it can be quality though in a way considering that you realize we’re never short of candles well that was in his head final week and there is a few extra over there but we’ve got virtually ample for a papal funeral he is a variety of one man candle manufacturing facility aunt your father Jack huh be sincere he can hear well ample when he needs to observe this father Jack would you love a pitcher of brandy sure oh you see he’s a terrible man ok brandy all proper all correct all right now say when huh say when huh inform me particularly wanted to stop pouring oh all proper that’s it you certain gone anymore hiya craggy Island parochial condominium father Ted truly talking ha ha ha hiya bishop Brendan how are you yes no all proper good yes all proper of path yes goodbye bye so that is the boss he is coming over he desires to talk to us about something come on we higher conclude this it is have to be the longest sport of Clue I’ve ever played how long we’ve not know five hours Ted should not be some playing cards in here or some thing however I have no words to assert how grateful i am do that’s just a little ungrateful – don’t you worry father Hernandez dangled a gallows nonetheless I do have some presents from the humans of my village please don’t chuckle of this simple instance of Cuban handicraft it is a video recorder see no no men sure i’m sorry examination it is an awfully basic mannequin it is only a 3 week pre-document facility don’t fear about that it can be high-quality thanks very so much father nandus it can be individual feather cuenta a step 10 for you Ted then go i have anything mistaken muy it is very distinct you quite do not need you really would not have image opal it’s a Cuban fertility symbol i am hoping it brings you as a lot good fortune as it introduced me yes all proper muttering oh yeah well I alternatively come on now drew seem the bishop might be here any minute all correct now you bear in mind what I told you huh it is very simple a brand new nation to mention what we had been speaking about final night all correct Jeff what had been we talking about last night hi there you understand the rumors concerning the bishops little mistake all proper yeah what mistake was that no Ted his son his son in the us oh sure he is a son in the us yes what’s unusual it can be a race race huh that is information to me Ted we were speaking about it final night time Deauville to Father Hernandez who all correct the Cuban lad yeah he gave us a video yes in the event you recollect right okay simply fail to remember all about it just forget about it simply do not point out the son have you ever obtained that i have Ted the lights are on however there may be no person residence father Brendan is right here hells bells correct showman juga now keep in mind now not a word in regards to the solar hey bishop how are you come on take a seat down sit down there your dress beside her father to get mrs.Doyle some tea please how’s the son the son of God how is the son of God how’s everything on the planet religion the world of faith what the hell are you speaking about Crilley well you understand Oh mrs. Darling sign that tea here i am I stated mister and i’m satisfactory thanks mrs. Doyle will you now not have a cup of tea visibly no no i’m not going to remain I want to get correct to the point and get the hell out of right here definite you will not have a clog i am specified thanks oh one have a call no thanks oh no but everybody else is having a cop would you now not have one your self I should not have the time you disregarded you can be Bishop piggy within the middle i’m fine high-quality you sure you won’t have a cop only a drop no Bishop eggy and me just say yes or is it it is quicker consider me all right then sure Mon Tiger lads well i’m hoping you’re now not doing torture injury here huh Jack are you behaving yourself thanks did you see your grace what brings you to those parts thinking of sending us again to our parishes a fact threat you’re here until I tell you otherwise you feel both jack back right into a common parish after the marriage ceremony he did in earth long huh certainly i am no no no no you had been here until all of that money is accounted for I did not be aware of what after that money I ample you went to Las Vegas as soon as that negative youngster was presupposed to be in Lourdes and as for this cabbage the mere inspiration of letting him again into the true world after the Black Rock incident yes that wasn’t the amount of humans’s lives a rep to be broken there were most effective nuns nuns are folks too my god the strings I had to pull the discontinue the Vatican getting concerned I don’t want to talk about it I just want to get this feeling business over and executed with film about what movie this blasphemous movie The ardour of st.Tibula s– now His Holiness has banned it but considering of some loophole the bloody factor is showing on this godforsaken dump oh yes that is proper is it any good you realize if it can be any excellent or not all i do know is that we need to be noticeable to be making a stand against it i’ve been brought back from my vacation in California to sort it out and that is the place you went Larry and Moe are available what do you mean well i know that frequently you would not be ready to prepare a nun shoot in a nunnery but despite that is up to you to make the church’s role clear make some form of a protest at the cinema even you must be capable to control that oh thanks very much pay attention that is very serious don’t make a balls of it right i’m going to be in touch your grace however this this is not particularly my area nothing is your subject Crilley you wouldn’t have an subject and that is the variety of a play area with sand castles and buckets and spades now do what you are informed correct by using now this is foolish there’s no one right here for God see ladies and gentlemen i am joyful to assert we have now a treat in store in these days for all you fans of French cinema is this subtitles other is it so titled or is it dubbed it can be anything any individual stare at the protesting now or what sure I think so or maybe we should simply stay and notice slightly bit of the filling for us good let’s simply get it over with how probably it is now not too unhealthy Ted it would be in different commitments it’s not relevant whether it’s good or dangerous Dubin it can be the morality we don’t accept as true with right let’s go dude did your sin hiya Michael how are you oh i’m grandpa how’s father Jack what we’ve not seen him due to the fact that we the last shall set up in season on this plan is bit worn out so we is not going to be alone in these days all proper however you’re making a number of circuit it’s a protracted story now we have the bishop or you recognize Len Brennan or at gob sheet it can be going lad seeing that in film I any taller down here and kick up just a little of a drive all proper yeah but there may be just one dingo yeah you’re type of an just whatever to exhibit we’re not all right Oh laughter sorry Michael oh no no no no main issue at all although but in case you could keep it down I mean we have to suppose of different persons that you would be able to count on us make it Michael Michael um i don’t believe you are likely to prepare dinner your self that’s just a television no trouble huh do you wish to have to go on now oh hush or no method could as well keep and notice the film first so I throw you out after the villain grand grand battle i’m achieved we’re nonetheless ok from the bathtub position EJ the fear mm oh you washe was once all decibels you are asking the incorrect individual there Ted I could make head nor tails i know for a undeniable fact that sane tibula swore more clothes than that he used to be from Norway our summer the frozen to demise and do you consider that bit when sin tipping us he tried to take that banana off the other lad I wasn’t a banana tilden anyway let’s get some sleep hmm supply us a B please Bob mm-hmm Beethoven do C please Bob carnivorous air please Bob God no longer blockbusters again Fettuccine 6:00 a.M.Satisfactory yet another 8 hour sleep you’ll wake 10 oh this is extremely good isn’t it an extra first-rate lie in for the men there may be do you want to be terrible Ted wouldn’t be horrible if Bishop Brennan came in and he informed us to get out of the cinema and began protesting again that is ridiculous the place would not open for one other 7 hours what about what they Bishop mentioned did not he want us to vary ourselves the railings how we supposed to try this hilarious might have something proper you go and get anything i will I just keep here and shield a detailed cinema wager they’re gonna might wish to watch a movie that doesn’t for another 7 hours Jack what the hell are you as much as why don’t seem to be you at the movie psycho what what did you say listen the useless you see my bag at any place my journeying bag hmm good if you happen to do see it might you provide it again to me let’s go my bloody passport in it and uh everything correct you gonna stand there all day a fat old bitch on top to be like there’s a big pile of scheisse yeah ignorant prick dude watch that mouth of yours i’m going to watch nothing i’m going to stick this up your ass oh hello YouTube father how’s tricks we haven’t visible you in a even as we had been simply going to have some tea if in case you have a drop no thanks mrs.O’Leary no i am great hi there what will we do you for our Father well I was once watching for a pair of handcuffs truely pair of handcuffs what you want them for oh nothing so much stuff for me in Ted you and father Ted yeah we’re simply trying something out Oh absolutely humorous adequate I consider we do have a pair i am Sergeant pawns had left them right here when he retired retired from what from the police the police was Sergeant hurt on a policeman um he used to be sure why do you believe you are the uniform oh I proposal he used to be just having amusing anyway younger here is the handcuffs okay thanks rate pleasant i know my father dog with this variety of factor cautious now yeah with this sort of thing Oh father naturally hey Jim i really like Italian I seen your picture in the paper watch here have a appear so it is a blasphemous flip father what’s my type of factor is he mad stuff it can be very immoral Jim you wouldn’t like it is it a kind of nudie thing you would not consider the amount and oldest unit you see the Latia father – just the highest part you see i am watching this left an imagination hey good if i’ll be off goodbye Jim their fathers ah good day mr.Sheldon mrs. Lin the ardour of seeing time yours what’s that’s it a Western or a musical or something we constantly put in Tuesday’s it gets us out of the hustle we noticed a pleasant one just a few weeks in the past The Crying recreation it was once extraordinary k there was once this great bit ended you see there was this girl and then you definitely discover it is not a girl however a man oh he acquired his letters let me see it for a 2nd but you get the message I used to be it pressured it goodbye considering that I’ve visible one like you are Billy’s tall Billy’s is rounder at the prime might be some thing then entering into or her head it simply goes to exhibit drew woman no one takes a blind individual or so what the church says anymore whats up reduce father certainly hiya how’s your spouse I hear she hasn’t been good she’s dead father and he or she are just a couple of hours of all fairly yes anyplace that’s just the way in which it’s what’s the feeling like father what’s it any just right I was once reading about it within the paper I advised you you must feel about going to a film if your spouse is solely die right here I would wander it I can not act about the funeral important points later fathers I ought to say that is unique that is the most successful Villa with Hudson Joe Rossi Park is breaking all varieties of records because of all this publicity over your protest circle that is manner oh my god would you appear who it’s oh thank god slightly of help that is fair fifty four turn a nun father I get to a seat proper Dougal I’ve had adequate of this we’re leaving supply me the keys keys what’s this than your dress why am I looking at a globe of the waters good um how can i provide an explanation for firstly a resume of the final few days now I do not know in case you recollect however I got here in right here with the concept of you making a dignified protest about this village recollect that yes sure good you know simply to show the Church’s opposition to the movie bus and that is the phase that I to find most exciting you have got definitely made this film probably the most successful film ever proven here isn’t that first-class I imply people are coming from all over the country to look the film they’re even coming from Gdansk to see the film i do know but it surely’s now not that look there is you there may be Forrest Gump there is father Jack truely watching the villain now there is a flip-up for the books what right now I consider the fine factor can be for ye three to continue your careers as priests come fill and promoters external of my jurisdiction huh now Ted I concept that you simply might like to move to the us hmm what part do you consider well dumb Las Vegas i am sorry i am sorry Ted i am in South america most likely there may be a beautiful little island off the coast of Suriname and they have a few tribes there you’re going to love this and they’ve been knocking the shit out of each different we’ve got on no account been competent to search out the correct man to carry them collectively in the spirit of Christian concord but I consider that you are the person well thanks very much no have got to thank me incidentally have you learnt the best way to make arrows good not to fear to not fear it would come to you now go blue over to you is not it humorous how some of these places in the Philippines can preserve on going without a proper sewerage system hmm your honor now Jack the place can we send you huh Jack get up Bishop i would not do that you shut up Jack get up I acquired you oh my god should you suppose this position is unhealthy wait until you see your new parish simply wait until you see well that is it then I feel I consider all we can do now could be percent Ted i do not wish to go to the Philippines I mean I can’t even spell the Philippines I are aware of it starts with an F i know i know honey go someplace we might persuade the bishop to alter his intellect if simplest we had whatever we might cut price with I don’t know what’s that Jack did you get a film the final thing I want to watch now is a film well that was once satisfactory wasn’t it proper there Ted and should we telephone him now or will we watch it once more I feel we watch it again you

[batterymonster2021]

"The Passion of Saint Tibulus" | Father Ted | Series 1 Episode 3 | Dead Parrot

New Post has been published on https://hititem.kr/the-passion-of-saint-tibulus-father-ted-series-1-episode-3-dead-parrot-14/

"The Passion of Saint Tibulus" | Father Ted | Series 1 Episode 3 | Dead Parrot

Looks like rain Ted come on Duggal it can be your go I need to say father Hernandez it’s been distinguished having you over but I expect you are getting homesick for Cuba via now here oh sure my nation may be very lovely good okay what’s that it persisted have a first-class life right here on craggy i will raggy i will as an alternative we’ll have two excellent pals padre doogal father doogal gotta run of path father Jack yes but I have got to say I missed the noise and the lights you realize the entire buzz of the massive metropolis we stated it’s that unhealthy you have been in spot Wexford weren’t you I was once sure what craggy Island has its charms the west part of the island was lovely except it drifted off of path excellent buddy drifted off yes there was once a bit of a storm and it just came loose huh now we wouldn’t have a west aspect it is just north south and east it was beautiful while I used to be there sorry mister do you know Ted your housekeeper is an awfully lovely woman many times this celibacy is rough for a person you have got to assess her off of the gentle I believe bishop brennan springs to mind I see oh sure sure Bishop Lynn Renan he is our style of boss it seems that he used to be myself and the union was blessed so they say no no he no mean boy or lady son he lives in america our soul goes to rumor anyway was it Colonel Mustard in the kitchen the candlestick what Colonel Mustard within the kitchen with the candlestick you have got Colonel Mustard you confirmed him to me previous how might or not it’s Colonel Mustard a view of Colonel Mustard all right father Hernandez your go see yes well I feel it was a certainly not-ending dream the reverend cream Cuchillo and i ended within the drawing-room huh those Protestants up to no good as usual what’s father Jack watching at what’s that you’re watching father Jack all right is that a film you’re staring at huh isn’t that Kiefer Sutherland why is that flat liner as you are looking at what pink John is for the Jackman somewhat rough of hearing wife sure he will get a kind of waxy buildup in his ears after which we must syringe them it is now not very pleasant it can be quality though in a way considering that you realize we’re never short of candles well that was in his head final week and there is a few extra over there but we’ve got virtually ample for a papal funeral he is a variety of one man candle manufacturing facility aunt your father Jack huh be sincere he can hear well ample when he needs to observe this father Jack would you love a pitcher of brandy sure oh you see he’s a terrible man ok brandy all proper all correct all right now say when huh say when huh inform me particularly wanted to stop pouring oh all proper that’s it you certain gone anymore hiya craggy Island parochial condominium father Ted truly talking ha ha ha hiya bishop Brendan how are you yes no all proper good yes all proper of path yes goodbye bye so that is the boss he is coming over he desires to talk to us about something come on we higher conclude this it is have to be the longest sport of Clue I’ve ever played how long we’ve not know five hours Ted should not be some playing cards in here or some thing however I have no words to assert how grateful i am do that’s just a little ungrateful – don’t you worry father Hernandez dangled a gallows nonetheless I do have some presents from the humans of my village please don’t chuckle of this simple instance of Cuban handicraft it is a video recorder see no no men sure i’m sorry examination it is an awfully basic mannequin it is only a 3 week pre-document facility don’t fear about that it can be high-quality thanks very so much father nandus it can be individual feather cuenta a step 10 for you Ted then go i have anything mistaken muy it is very distinct you quite do not need you really would not have image opal it’s a Cuban fertility symbol i am hoping it brings you as a lot good fortune as it introduced me yes all proper muttering oh yeah well I alternatively come on now drew seem the bishop might be here any minute all correct now you bear in mind what I told you huh it is very simple a brand new nation to mention what we had been speaking about final night all correct Jeff what had been we talking about last night hi there you understand the rumors concerning the bishops little mistake all proper yeah what mistake was that no Ted his son his son in the us oh sure he is a son in the us yes what’s unusual it can be a race race huh that is information to me Ted we were speaking about it final night time Deauville to Father Hernandez who all correct the Cuban lad yeah he gave us a video yes in the event you recollect right okay simply fail to remember all about it just forget about it simply do not point out the son have you ever obtained that i have Ted the lights are on however there may be no person residence father Brendan is right here hells bells correct showman juga now keep in mind now not a word in regards to the solar hey bishop how are you come on take a seat down sit down there your dress beside her father to get mrs.Doyle some tea please how’s the son the son of God how is the son of God how’s everything on the planet religion the world of faith what the hell are you speaking about Crilley well you understand Oh mrs. Darling sign that tea here i am I stated mister and i’m satisfactory thanks mrs. Doyle will you now not have a cup of tea visibly no no i’m not going to remain I want to get correct to the point and get the hell out of right here definite you will not have a clog i am specified thanks oh one have a call no thanks oh no but everybody else is having a cop would you now not have one your self I should not have the time you disregarded you can be Bishop piggy within the middle i’m fine high-quality you sure you won’t have a cop only a drop no Bishop eggy and me just say yes or is it it is quicker consider me all right then sure Mon Tiger lads well i’m hoping you’re now not doing torture injury here huh Jack are you behaving yourself thanks did you see your grace what brings you to those parts thinking of sending us again to our parishes a fact threat you’re here until I tell you otherwise you feel both jack back right into a common parish after the marriage ceremony he did in earth long huh certainly i am no no no no you had been here until all of that money is accounted for I did not be aware of what after that money I ample you went to Las Vegas as soon as that negative youngster was presupposed to be in Lourdes and as for this cabbage the mere inspiration of letting him again into the true world after the Black Rock incident yes that wasn’t the amount of humans’s lives a rep to be broken there were most effective nuns nuns are folks too my god the strings I had to pull the discontinue the Vatican getting concerned I don’t want to talk about it I just want to get this feeling business over and executed with film about what movie this blasphemous movie The ardour of st.Tibula s– now His Holiness has banned it but considering of some loophole the bloody factor is showing on this godforsaken dump oh yes that is proper is it any good you realize if it can be any excellent or not all i do know is that we need to be noticeable to be making a stand against it i’ve been brought back from my vacation in California to sort it out and that is the place you went Larry and Moe are available what do you mean well i know that frequently you would not be ready to prepare a nun shoot in a nunnery but despite that is up to you to make the church’s role clear make some form of a protest at the cinema even you must be capable to control that oh thanks very much pay attention that is very serious don’t make a balls of it right i’m going to be in touch your grace however this this is not particularly my area nothing is your subject Crilley you wouldn’t have an subject and that is the variety of a play area with sand castles and buckets and spades now do what you are informed correct by using now this is foolish there’s no one right here for God see ladies and gentlemen i am joyful to assert we have now a treat in store in these days for all you fans of French cinema is this subtitles other is it so titled or is it dubbed it can be anything any individual stare at the protesting now or what sure I think so or maybe we should simply stay and notice slightly bit of the filling for us good let’s simply get it over with how probably it is now not too unhealthy Ted it would be in different commitments it’s not relevant whether it’s good or dangerous Dubin it can be the morality we don’t accept as true with right let’s go dude did your sin hiya Michael how are you oh i’m grandpa how’s father Jack what we’ve not seen him due to the fact that we the last shall set up in season on this plan is bit worn out so we is not going to be alone in these days all proper however you’re making a number of circuit it’s a protracted story now we have the bishop or you recognize Len Brennan or at gob sheet it can be going lad seeing that in film I any taller down here and kick up just a little of a drive all proper yeah but there may be just one dingo yeah you’re type of an just whatever to exhibit we’re not all right Oh laughter sorry Michael oh no no no no main issue at all although but in case you could keep it down I mean we have to suppose of different persons that you would be able to count on us make it Michael Michael um i don’t believe you are likely to prepare dinner your self that’s just a television no trouble huh do you wish to have to go on now oh hush or no method could as well keep and notice the film first so I throw you out after the villain grand grand battle i’m achieved we’re nonetheless ok from the bathtub position EJ the fear mm oh you washe was once all decibels you are asking the incorrect individual there Ted I could make head nor tails i know for a undeniable fact that sane tibula swore more clothes than that he used to be from Norway our summer the frozen to demise and do you consider that bit when sin tipping us he tried to take that banana off the other lad I wasn’t a banana tilden anyway let’s get some sleep hmm supply us a B please Bob mm-hmm Beethoven do C please Bob carnivorous air please Bob God no longer blockbusters again Fettuccine 6:00 a.M.Satisfactory yet another 8 hour sleep you’ll wake 10 oh this is extremely good isn’t it an extra first-rate lie in for the men there may be do you want to be terrible Ted wouldn’t be horrible if Bishop Brennan came in and he informed us to get out of the cinema and began protesting again that is ridiculous the place would not open for one other 7 hours what about what they Bishop mentioned did not he want us to vary ourselves the railings how we supposed to try this hilarious might have something proper you go and get anything i will I just keep here and shield a detailed cinema wager they’re gonna might wish to watch a movie that doesn’t for another 7 hours Jack what the hell are you as much as why don’t seem to be you at the movie psycho what what did you say listen the useless you see my bag at any place my journeying bag hmm good if you happen to do see it might you provide it again to me let’s go my bloody passport in it and uh everything correct you gonna stand there all day a fat old bitch on top to be like there’s a big pile of scheisse yeah ignorant prick dude watch that mouth of yours i’m going to watch nothing i’m going to stick this up your ass oh hello YouTube father how’s tricks we haven’t visible you in a even as we had been simply going to have some tea if in case you have a drop no thanks mrs.O’Leary no i am great hi there what will we do you for our Father well I was once watching for a pair of handcuffs truely pair of handcuffs what you want them for oh nothing so much stuff for me in Ted you and father Ted yeah we’re simply trying something out Oh absolutely humorous adequate I consider we do have a pair i am Sergeant pawns had left them right here when he retired retired from what from the police the police was Sergeant hurt on a policeman um he used to be sure why do you believe you are the uniform oh I proposal he used to be just having amusing anyway younger here is the handcuffs okay thanks rate pleasant i know my father dog with this variety of factor cautious now yeah with this sort of thing Oh father naturally hey Jim i really like Italian I seen your picture in the paper watch here have a appear so it is a blasphemous flip father what’s my type of factor is he mad stuff it can be very immoral Jim you wouldn’t like it is it a kind of nudie thing you would not consider the amount and oldest unit you see the Latia father – just the highest part you see i am watching this left an imagination hey good if i’ll be off goodbye Jim their fathers ah good day mr.Sheldon mrs. Lin the ardour of seeing time yours what’s that’s it a Western or a musical or something we constantly put in Tuesday’s it gets us out of the hustle we noticed a pleasant one just a few weeks in the past The Crying recreation it was once extraordinary k there was once this great bit ended you see there was this girl and then you definitely discover it is not a girl however a man oh he acquired his letters let me see it for a 2nd but you get the message I used to be it pressured it goodbye considering that I’ve visible one like you are Billy’s tall Billy’s is rounder at the prime might be some thing then entering into or her head it simply goes to exhibit drew woman no one takes a blind individual or so what the church says anymore whats up reduce father certainly hiya how’s your spouse I hear she hasn’t been good she’s dead father and he or she are just a couple of hours of all fairly yes anyplace that’s just the way in which it’s what’s the feeling like father what’s it any just right I was once reading about it within the paper I advised you you must feel about going to a film if your spouse is solely die right here I would wander it I can not act about the funeral important points later fathers I ought to say that is unique that is the most successful Villa with Hudson Joe Rossi Park is breaking all varieties of records because of all this publicity over your protest circle that is manner oh my god would you appear who it’s oh thank god slightly of help that is fair fifty four turn a nun father I get to a seat proper Dougal I’ve had adequate of this we’re leaving supply me the keys keys what’s this than your dress why am I looking at a globe of the waters good um how can i provide an explanation for firstly a resume of the final few days now I do not know in case you recollect however I got here in right here with the concept of you making a dignified protest about this village recollect that yes sure good you know simply to show the Church’s opposition to the movie bus and that is the phase that I to find most exciting you have got definitely made this film probably the most successful film ever proven here isn’t that first-class I imply people are coming from all over the country to look the film they’re even coming from Gdansk to see the film i do know but it surely’s now not that look there is you there may be Forrest Gump there is father Jack truely watching the villain now there is a flip-up for the books what right now I consider the fine factor can be for ye three to continue your careers as priests come fill and promoters external of my jurisdiction huh now Ted I concept that you simply might like to move to the us hmm what part do you consider well dumb Las Vegas i am sorry i am sorry Ted i am in South america most likely there may be a beautiful little island off the coast of Suriname and they have a few tribes there you’re going to love this and they’ve been knocking the shit out of each different we’ve got on no account been competent to search out the correct man to carry them collectively in the spirit of Christian concord but I consider that you are the person well thanks very much no have got to thank me incidentally have you learnt the best way to make arrows good not to fear to not fear it would come to you now go blue over to you is not it humorous how some of these places in the Philippines can preserve on going without a proper sewerage system hmm your honor now Jack the place can we send you huh Jack get up Bishop i would not do that you shut up Jack get up I acquired you oh my god should you suppose this position is unhealthy wait until you see your new parish simply wait until you see well that is it then I feel I consider all we can do now could be percent Ted i do not wish to go to the Philippines I mean I can’t even spell the Philippines I are aware of it starts with an F i know i know honey go someplace we might persuade the bishop to alter his intellect if simplest we had whatever we might cut price with I don’t know what’s that Jack did you get a film the final thing I want to watch now is a film well that was once satisfactory wasn’t it proper there Ted and should we telephone him now or will we watch it once more I feel we watch it again you

[yogatipsyzcy795-blog]

bigg boss is winner

Jade Goody is a 27-year-old ex-dental nurse who came to fame through an appearance on Big Brother in 2002, and then again in Celebrity Big Brother in 2007 when she seized the publicity opportunity handed to her by Shilpa Shetty.

She came from an under-privileged background. Her father was of mixed race - a drug addict and criminal who died of a drugs overdose at the age of 42. Her bisexual mother was incapable of showing her any love or affection throughout her entire life, being a demented, evil little woman filled with hatred for just about everything and everyone.

In spite of this, Jade put her laughing eyes and quick, intelligent agile mind and body to work for herself. She was determined not to grow old gracefully and impoverished, and started on a journey that would take her to places she knew only in her mind.

Her big opportunity came in 2002 through Big Brother, where she exposed the vulnerability of others to drag herself into the limelight. By the end of summer 2002, she was described as 'a nasty slapper, Public Enemy Number One, the most hated woman in Britain and a monster'.

This was her springboard to celebrity status and all that goes with it - and she knew it. She took hold of life in both hands always delivering what people wanted from her: turmoil, sex, raw passion and the chance to vent their anger.

She was Jade, Unadulterated Jade - Warts and All; the adult version of an unprotected little girl who was handed a joint to smoke by her mother at the age of 5; the same little girl who was subject to her mother's beatings and mental torture for as far back as she cares to remember.

As a result of the chance to appear on Big Brother, she is now estimated to be worth £3.3 million through her appearances on reality TV, her perfume Shh..Jade Goody, backstabbing, tearful multiple apologies on radio and television, continuous cancer scares, 54,000 complaints from viewers to Ofcom and Channel 4 and many death threats, Christmas Dinner with Jade Goody (a book and DVD featuring her two sons), a brief appearance on Bigg Boss (the Indian version of Big Brother), her autobiography Jade: Catch a Falling Star, a weekly column in Now Magazine, the Wicked Queen in the pantomime Snow White, Living With Jade Goody TV documentary, beauty salons called Homme Fatal catering exclusively for men, relationships with Jeff Brazier, the father of her two sons, and footballer Ryan Amoo, who she lived with for about six months, her rows and breakups with Jack Tweed who she married courtesy of OK Magazine and Living TV - and many, many other personal appearances in magazines, and on radio and TV.

Jade has also made a lot of money from setting up shoots with paparazzi photographers who split the sales with her.

She owns three houses and a £60,000 turbo-charged Range Rover, and may still have the Bentley Continental GTC sports car worth £130,000. Her perfume is the fifth biggest seller in the UK with sales going up daily, as Max Clifford and his team ceaselessly parade her bald, dying body in our faces hour after hour.

Jade Goody has sold around 120,000 copies of her autobiography, and numerous copies of her third fitness DVD. She is getting around £700,000 for the exclusive wedding pictures from OK Magazine - and there are rumours of even bigger fish on Max Clifford's line waiting to be hauled in if she is up to it.

Jade is reported not to have spoken to her two boys, Bobby (5) and Freddy (4), about the cancer that has spread to her liver, bowel and groin. If this fact is true, she certainly has her own agenda for it. But Jade does have to face her final curtain soon, and this will take all the courage she can muster in the face of diminishing strength and utter dependency on others.

To help herself come to terms with her impending demise, Jade is working with a faith healer to clear her bad energy, and life coach, Sue Stone, who says Jade has started reading the Bible. Jade has also brought in specialist grief counsellors to assist her to be able to explain to her children what is going to happen.

In order to earn even more money for the boys she cherishes, Jade is keeping a secret, personal diary of her illness which will be published after her death.

But before the last flower in her funeral cortège dies, Jade will have faced the ultimate test of her courage - and Max Clifford's office will have drained the last glass of celebration champagne in her honour. There is no question that Max Clifford and Jade Goody will have made a good deal of money from the publicity that his company has generated for her.

But that aside, Max Clifford is the perfect person to be there to comfort Jade in the privacy of her hospital bedroom, when the light starts to dim and she cannot find the strength to cuddle her two boys close to her any longer; for he was also born into a poor family, the youngest of four children. Max's father was a gambler and alcoholic who was frequently unemployed.

Max left school at fifteen with no qualifications and within four months of starting, was sacked from his first job in Elys Department Store in Wimbledon. After working in newspapers for several years, he too, got a lucky break working for EMI in the press office. As he was the only trained journalist there, he was given the job of promoting an unknown - and apparently unwanted - pop group called 'The Beatles', who were touring the US at that time.

From there Max eventually found himself with Chris Hutchins' PR agency, where through association with Harold Davidson, the impressario, he rubbed shoulders with stars of stage and screen - including Frank Sinatra and Judy Garland.

When the head of Chris Hutchins' agency, Syd Gillingham, decided to retire in 1970, Max Clifford opened his own agency, He was then just 27 - which was considered pretty young to move in top circles as a publicist in those days.

His popularity grew, and in 1986 he masterminded a publicity stunt for Freddie Starr. The Sun newspaper carried the now famous headline: 'FREDDIE STARR ATE MY HAMSTER'. This outrageous story catapulted Max Clifford to fame.

Big names seeking publicity started to knock loudly on his door - including a brothel 'madam' who was to bring him wealth through a prostitute named Pamella Bordes. The headline that did it this time was: 'CALL GIRL WORKS IN COMMONS'. It involved Conservative Sports Minister Colin Moynihan, billionaire arms dealer Adnan Khashoggi, Andrew Neil and Donald Trelford - and it's alleged that Max Clifford leaked information to The News of the World to serve his own ends.

Max soon found himself in a world of sleaze, protecting gay footballers from press intrusion, and exposing stories to get the Labour Party into power. Jeffrey Archer has no reason to befriend him either, as Max exposed Archer's perjury in 1980 which sent him to goal.

But he was instrumental in getting Tracey Temple more than £100,000 from the Mail on Sunday for telling all about her affair with John Prescott. Fearless as ever, in 2006 Max announced he was going to expose politicians who failed to abide by the standards expected of them in public office. He himself received death threats over the Stephen Lawrence affair, and when he got involved with the O.J. Simpson trial.

Max Clifford makes no bones about his animosity towards rival publicist Simon Fuller - or his belief that appearing on a reality TV show, flaunting your body or being abysmal on a talent show, is a sure way to fame and fortune. These thoughts may have emanated from the discreet weekly adult sex parties he ran for his friends and clients in South London during the late 1970's and early 1980's.

At the age of 46, Max developed epilepsy as a result of early life brain scarring and was banned from driving for eighteen months.

Maybe it was these similarities between their lives that drew Jade Goody and Max Clifford together, and cemented the close platonic bond that exists between them. Of course, the sad death of Max Clifford's wife, Elizabeth, from lung cancer in 2003 - and the fact that Max himself was found to have prostrate cancer in 2008 - strengthens this bond considerably.

It's easy to see that Jade Goody has a quicksilver mind, easily grasping new ideas with great dexterity. Max Clifford is also agile, highly motivated and fearless. Jade is hungrily seeking the ideal life for herself, but her upbringing and character prevent her from finding it.

Now she is running out of the resources to continue her journey, she'll need Max Clifford's steadfastness and gallantry to counteract her own short temper, restlessness and aggressiveness - which is nothing but a reaction to boredom.

Whatever else has come out of The Jade Goody / Max Clifford Affair is left to each one of us to decide. Small business owners may relate her life to the words of Theo Paphitis who, when commenting on the credit crunch, said: "When this crisis started, they (the Government) didn't know what to do. They never thought it would be as deep as it is at the moment. And they are making it up as they go along. But nobody is prepared to say 'We don't have a blueprint. We're trying to react to everything we are discovering as we go along.' "

I think when Jade Goody was accused of making racist remarks to Shilpa Shetty, her personal 'crisis' started, and she didn't know where it would take her because she simply didn't have a blueprint for it.

The Jade Goody / Max Clifford Affair demonstrates clearly the difference between marketing and Referral Marketing. Max Clifford has done a Referral Marketing operation by building credibility and using tactics that are designed to attract new customers. Whereas Jade Goody has marketed her product poorly, and deliberately blinded herself to the long game being powerless to change the cruel hand Fate has dealt her.

Inevitably, her business empire will crumble when she no longer occupies the 'Big Chair'. Jade Goody knows it - and that explains why she is so intent on making all the money she can whilst she is still on this earth.

In today's times, it http://tappakilon.com/u0gcnci575/post-the-best-advice-131050.html is mandatory for you and your future spouse to go for an HIV Screening Test. You cannot afford to take risks with your life. In reality shows like Big Brother or Bigg Boss, participants are asked to take HIV tests to make sure that they are not HIV positive. The chances of participants having sex in the famous game show are minimal but this is life and you are definitely not 'playing' with it.

So it is better to get yourself screened for HIV. But then most of us are not really forthcoming about it even though it is very important. In many societies, we do not even know our partners till our parents and elders bring us together. Even in cases of love marriages, we cannot trust anyone so easily.

How do I convince my future husband to go for an HIV test? You can tell your husband to be that this test is very important for both of you. You can tell him that it has nothing to do with him; it is just to allay your fears. It is important to make him understand that you are not accusing him. You can also offer to be tested for HIV yourself; this will make him clear of your intentions. Ask him to go for a test along with you-make it a date thing in a way. There are many couples who are increasing taking the AIDS test before marriage. You are doing the right thing-after all, it is important for your future. It is a lot nicer to be safe than sorry.

[crazy-daves-crew]

New Post has been published on Crazy Dave's Crew

New Post has been published on https://cdcrew.com/why-was-2016-the-worst-year-ever/

Why was 2016 The Worst Year Ever?

Was 2016 The Worst Year Because of Death?

If you have spent any time at all on any of the social networks, such as Facebook or Twitter, you know 2016 was the worst year ever.  But why do so many people feel that way?

Maybe it’s because we lost so many celebrities and famous people this year  – I found a list compiled by fiftiesweb.com containing more that 150 names of well-known and some not so well-known folks who have passed away over the last year.  Follow the link to get the full list, but here are just a few you may recognize.

January

David Bowie passed away on January 10th at the age of 69.  He was a two-time Grammy winner influencing music and culture for four generations.

March

Nancy Reagan, First Lady of the U.S. from 1981-1989 passed away at the age of 94 on March 6, 2016

April

Merle Haggard died at the age of 79 on April 6th He was a very well-known Country and Western singer/songwriter

Prince, a flamboyant musician and winner of seven Grammy Awards,  died at age 57 on April 21st.

[avia_codeblock_placeholder uid="10"]

Crazy Dave’s Yard Sale

Select options

Select options

Select options

Select options

Select options

Select options

Select options

Select options

Select options

Select options

Select options

Select options

Select options

Select options

Select options

Add to cart Show Details

Select options

Select options

Add to cart Show Details

Add to cart Show Details

Add to cart Show Details

Select options

Add to cart Show Details

Add to cart Show Details

Select options

Select options

Select options

Select options

Select options

Select options

Select options

Select options

Select options

Select options

Select options

Select options

Select options

Select options

Select options

Select options

Select options

PreviousNext

June

Muhammad Ali, one of the greatest boxers of all time, three-time heavyweight champion (1964, 1974, and 1978), died on June 3rd at the age of 74

Pat Summitt, who was the University of Tennessee Woman’s Basketball coach from 1974-2012 passed away at the age of 64 on June 28.

August

Gene Wilder, passed away at 83 on August 29th.  He was known for his roles in “Blazing Saddles”, “Young Frankenstein” and “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory”.

September

Arnold Palmer, one of the greatest golfers ever, died on September 25th at the age of 87.

December

John Glenn, the first American to orbit the Earth, died on the 8th of December.  He was 95 years old.

Alan Thick, best known for his role as Jason Seaver on “Growing Pains”, died at 69 on December 13

Zsa Zsa Gabor, an Hungarian actress and socialite, most known for marrying nine times to mostly wealthy men, died on December the 18th at the age of 99.

George Michael, a singer/songwriter, the lead singer of WHAM and solo artist with #1 hits, “Faith”, “I Want Your Sex”, “Careless Whisper,” passed away at age 53 on December 25.

Carrie Fisher, best known for her iconic role as Princess Leia in “Star Wars” and four sequels was only age 60 when she passed away on December 27th.

Debbie Reynolds,  Kathy Selden in “Singin’ in the Rain” and the mother of Carrie Fisher, died on December 28th.  She was 84.

William Christopher, age 84, well-known for his role as Father Mulcahy on TV show “M*A*S*H”, died on December the 31st.

[avia_codeblock_placeholder uid="11"]

[avia_codeblock_placeholder uid="12"]

Did loosing this many celebrities in just one year make 2016 the worst year ever?  Maybe….  But did you know we lose more than 90 iconic figures every year?  Don’t get me wrong, we lost over 150 this year, but does this really make 2016 the worst year ever?

I have a few other numbers that will probably shock you!

Was 2016 The Worst Year Due Abortions?

Did you know approximately 900,000 potential celebrities also died in 2016?  Who is shedding tears for these future movie stars, athletes, astronauts and world leaders?

Around 16% of all pregnancies in the U.S. end in abortion!

Why? you ask –

The top three reasons for abortion :

having a baby would interfere with work, school or other responsibilities (can’t be expected to take responsibility for my actions)

cannot afford a child (never thought about adoption)

do not want to be a single parent or are having problems with their husband or partner (selfish)

Now for the reasons everyone gives for allowing abortions –

Only 12% of abortions are for medical reasons

Only 1% of abortions are due to rape or incest

These numbers are just sad.  But I haven’t seen a single comment on Facebook or Twitter about this being the reason 2016 was the worst year ever!  We weep over 150 people who lived very full lives just because we saw them in a movie, but not a peep about the 900,000 babies murdered before the drew their first breaths.

Just because abortion is legal, doesn’t mean its right! Remember slavery?

[avia_codeblock_placeholder uid="13"]

[avia_codeblock_placeholder uid="14"]

Or was 2016 The Worst Year Due To Terror Deaths?

Suicide attacks killed more people in 2016 than any other year on record. 800 terrorist carried out 469 attacks in 28 countries killing over 5000 people!

Amazingly, I haven’t heard one person mention this when they are whining about “2016 The Worst Year Ever”

Priorities

Something is mixed up!  We have not got our priorities in the right place.  We mourn the deaths of a handful of wealth individuals who provide us with entertainment, but not the genocide of 900,000 innocent babies that never got a chance to be!  We fail to mourn the thousand of individuals that died just trying to live their lives.

Please get your priorities straight folks

Share this entry

Share on Facebook

Share on Twitter

Share on Google+

Share on Pinterest

Share on Tumblr

Christianity, Crazy Dave, Parenting

I Will Always Be There For You!

https://i0.wp.com/cdcrew.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/cropped-DSCN7597.jpg?fit=512%2C512&ssl=1 512 512 Crazy Dave http://cdcrew.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/CDC-logo-new-green-1.png Crazy Dave2016-12-08 18:00:342016-12-08 19:21:57I Will Always Be There For You!

Christianity, Crazy Dave, Parenting

If You Love Me, You Will Keep My Commandments

https://i1.wp.com/cdcrew.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/1Orange-Beach-11-12-2013.074.jpg?fit=3648%2C2736&ssl=1 2736 3648 Crazy Dave http://cdcrew.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/CDC-logo-new-green-1.png Crazy Dave2016-10-14 17:11:472016-11-13 17:39:14If You Love Me, You Will Keep My Commandments

Christianity, Crazy Dave

Tolerance : Satan's Favorite Trap

https://i2.wp.com/cdcrew.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Satans-Tolerance-trap.png?fit=800%2C565&ssl=1 565 800 Crazy Dave http://cdcrew.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/CDC-logo-new-green-1.png Crazy Dave2016-09-27 17:11:182016-09-27 17:11:18Tolerance : Satan's Favorite Trap

Christianity, Crazy Dave

Habakkuk : Contemporary Prophecy For America

https://i0.wp.com/cdcrew.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/IMG_20160916_105422244_HDR.jpg?fit=5248%2C2952&ssl=1 2952 5248 Crazy Dave http://cdcrew.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/CDC-logo-new-green-1.png Crazy Dave2016-09-16 14:31:512016-09-16 15:02:07Habakkuk : Contemporary Prophecy For America

Christianity, Crazy Dave, Parenting

God Is Not Safe

https://i1.wp.com/cdcrew.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/DSCN2424.jpg?fit=640%2C480&ssl=1 480 640 Crazy Dave http://cdcrew.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/CDC-logo-new-green-1.png Crazy Dave2016-04-25 23:01:012016-09-08 10:23:10God Is Not Safe

Christianity, Crazy Dave

Transgender Target wants all to feel accepted

https://i2.wp.com/cdcrew.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/gender-neutral-bathroom.jpg?fit=1280%2C720&ssl=1 720 1280 Crazy Dave http://cdcrew.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/CDC-logo-new-green-1.png Crazy Dave2016-04-21 08:54:452016-09-08 10:32:34Transgender Target wants all to feel accepted

Christianity, Crazy Dave

Not my will, but Thine, be done

https://i0.wp.com/cdcrew.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Orange-Beach-11-11-2013.149-e1458958149677.jpg?fit=3638%2C2608&ssl=1 2608 3638 Crazy Dave http://cdcrew.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/CDC-logo-new-green-1.png Crazy Dave2016-03-25 22:28:112016-09-08 12:58:07Not my will, but Thine, be done

PreviousNext

[the-record-columns]

March 11, 2020: Columns

Just Call Mule...

                                          Harold ‘Mule’ Ferguson

 By KEN WELBORN

Record Publisher

  I first met Harold “Mule” Ferguson in the early 80’s when I began my long-time association with the Rotary Club of North Wilkesboro. 

It was years before I was actually invited to join the club, and I then worked for Thursday Magazine, predecessor to The Record, and we began printing the program for the Wilkes Agricultural Fair which the Rotary Club sponsored. Mule was a faithful Rotarian; the club’s president 1986 to 1987 and was honored as the Distinguished Rotarian of the Year, 95-96.  He tirelessly worked to raise money for Rotary to fund community projects of all kinds, even organizing the very successful Balloons over the Blue Ridge hot-air balloon rally for several years.

Mule and his wife, Debbie, continued to support Rotary and its projects long after his active membership had ended.

  By the time I got to know him, he had retired from Lowe's and was running full-out on his new job, enjoying life. Mule and Debbie have been just about anywhere that is worth going to, and seen about everything worth seeing.  And if you were lucky enough to see one of his travelogs, it was a treat like no other.

Mule loved to fly.

I cannot begin to tell how many times I would see him flying one contraption or another over the Wilkesboros. We would kid him about having a flying lawn chair and he would simply laugh and tell us that about anything could be made to fly with the right equipment. When pressed about the safety of his collection of exotic aircraft, which was sometimes called “Mule Ferguson and his Famous Flying Machines,” he would cut his eyes at you for a brief serious moment and say, “Never lose sight of somewhere to land.”

And, he never did.

As time passed, I became more and more impressed with the way he embraced change. The cameras and ancillary equipment he used in his Pumpkin Creek Video Productions business was always state of the art.  And, he was never satisfied unless he had the absolute latest, best, and most innovative equipment on the market. “It takes good equipment to turn out good work.” he would say.

But, mainly I want to remember Mule today as the good, kindhearted person he was. Some years ago I was allowed to interview some Wilkesboro citizens for Mayor Mike Inscore’s project to preserve more history of the town.  Mule was doing the editing work and called to tell me he had just finished the piece I did with Ray Stroud, and wanted me to come by. He knew how much I thought of Ray and said he just wanted me to get to see it first.

Just call Mule.

He was also a musician and singer and performed for us at The Record’s ChickenFest and at our veterans events.  He traipsed around the saw briars and chiggers of Dellaplane helping me, and The Record's editor Jerry Lankford, as we tried to locate and film the burial place of the hand, yes I said hand, of Otto Wood the Bandit, Wilkes County's most prolific and famous desperado.  This was the first of several Otto Wood  trips;  from filming famed bootlegger Thurmond Sparks down in Antioch,  to traveling to Salisbury to the site of Wood's fatal shootout with police in 1930.  And he wouldn't even let me give him gas money.

Just call Mule.

Countless times we would get a call here at The Record from someone needing help with a video transfer or some other electronic problem.  I would look up Mule's number and tell them to call. I would always tell them that, if for some strange reason he can't help you, he will know who can. One lady I sent to Mule's office in Town Hall called me back and said she felt as though she had been in the control room at NASA.

Just call Mule.

A few years ago, I got to go on a Rotary Honor Air Flight taking 130 World War II veterans to Washington D.C.  There was some kind of link to some kind of site I needed for a presentation I was working on about the flight for a meeting at the North Wilkesboro club. I was told that this particular “computer guru” was the only person who could do what I needed, and I called him.

On the day of the meeting I went by to pick up the disc and he told me what I wanted “...couldn't be done,” going on to say “...equipment to do what you want does not exist.” 

It was 2:30 and the meeting was at 6:30 that evening.  I left very agitated and called Mule on my way back to the office. “Bring it to me” he said, “I'll look at it.” 

In two hours he called me back to pick up the disc for my program which ran perfectly at the meeting.  As he refused any payment, he remarked he was glad to help his Rotary Club anytime.

Just call Mule.

The problem with this column is not what to put in, but what to leave out. 

I suppose I will end it for now with a note about the preparation for Mules memorial service and reception, which were held at St. Paul's Episcopal Church on this Saturday past.  A fella named Peter Kulsziski had been working on two video pieces—one was about Mule and his connection to the start and growth of MerleFest, and the other about Mule and Debbie.  As irony (or good karma) would have it, Peter finished them and on Monday afternoon emailed them to Mule and Debbie, and they got to see them. As many of you know, it was Monday evening when Mule became suddenly ill.

Well, on Thursday, Bill Hurd was working on the two videos to play at the reception after Mule's funeral, and was having some difficulty. He knew I had copies as well and called and asked me to forward them to him, which I gladly agreed to do. When he expressed his concerns in a technical language that may as well have been Greek to me as the saying goes, I instinctively knew I could help. 

Before I gave it a thought, I said in pure reflex, “If what I send gives you trouble, just call...

And I caught myself.

Bill knew exactly what I was going to say, and I smiled and felt just a bit less sad.

Rosie The Riveter: March is National Women’s History month

By HEATHER DEAN Record Reporter

During WWII, women were entering the workforce in unprecedented numbers, with more than 310,000 women, making up 65 percent of the total workforce, which was only 1 percent pre-war.

Almost everyone in the world is familiar with the morale boosting  poster bearing a young woman in work overalls, a red polka dot bandana, flexing her bicep with the tag line “We can do it!”

This was “Rosie the Riveter” a fictional patriotic character of the hard-working women who kept the military factories humming, giving hope of those caught in the midst of another world war, some still reeling from the last.

Oh. Did I say fictional character? Fun fact, there were several real life women, who inspired editorials, songs and several posters of Rosie.

I grew up watching PBS. It was about the only station that would come in, in the era of rabbit ears and (gasp) having to walk to the TV and turn the channel manually, in an age where there was actually something good to watch. I heard the words “Thank you to the Rosalind P. Walter Foundation” over and over.

Who was this lady, besides someone who used her privileges and wealth to make sure I had fantastic programming? Turns out, she was the first of many Rosies…

Rosalind Palmer (Roz to her friends) was born on June 25, 1924, in Brooklyn, N.Y. She went to the best schools, dreamed of attending college. But at the age of 19, like many women, she was recruited during the war effort, and served selflessly on the night shift as an assembly line worker at the Vought Aircraft Company in Stratford, Conn. A riveter on Corsair fighter planes, F4U marine gull-winged fighter airplanes, and this girl not only did her patriotic duty, she also broke records for speed on the production line, while advocating for equal pay for her female co-workers.

Enter Igor Cassini, a syndicated newspaper columnist. Roz’s story caught his attention, and Cassini wrote about her in his “Cholly Knickerbocker” column. And the rest as we say is history.

In 1942 Redd Evans and John Jacob Loeb wrote the song, "Rosie the Riveter." which was recorded by Kay Kyser and The Four Vagabonds, their inspiration was Cassini’s column.

Roz was not our ‘only’ Rosie, but she was the first. She and other women like her became sensations. Norman Rockwell drew his version of Rosie for the cover of the May 29, 1943, issue of The Saturday Evening Post.  His model was also a riveter, Mary Doyle Keefe from Vermont. Mary died in 2015. His Rosie, still in overalls, work goggles on her head, and machine oil smeared on her face from the hard and dirty work is shown eating a sandwich from her lunch pail as her riveting gun rests on her lap, the American flag waving in all its glory behind her, her foot placed firmly on the cover of Adolph Hitler’s Mein Kampf.

J. Howard Miller drew a Rosie poster for Westinghouse war factories, and is the aforementioned one that we still see today. The model for that Rosie was Naomi Parker Fraley, who was photographed working in the machine shop at the Naval Air Station in Alameda, Calif., in a red polka dot bandana. Naomi died in 2018.

Other Rosies of note were Geraldine Hoff Doyle of Michigan, who worked in a Navy machine shop as a metal presser during World War II — she died in 2010 — and Rose Will Monroe, who worked as a riveter on B-24 and B-29 planes at the Willow Run Bomber Plant near Detroit and featured in a promotional film for war bonds. Rose died in 1997.

Rosalind P. Walter sacrificed her opportunity for furthering her education in serving our country. This led to her using her inherited and married wealth to supporting public television; as the documentaries and other programs helped fill in the gaps. In total she helped produce almost 70 well known and loved shows.

The Rosie collective left a lasting impact on future generations for women, forever changing the workplace, once dominated by men. You see, the call for women to help was supposed to be temporary… they were expected to leave their jobs when men came home from war. When the men did return, seeing the selfless efforts of their women, men could no longer claim superiority over women.  

Rosalind P. Walter, the last of the Rosie’s, died last Wednesday, March 4, 2020. But even in death, Roz left women across the world a message: “March forth.”

The apple of God’s eye continues to twinkle

By AMBASSADOR EARL COX and KATHLEEN COX

Special to The Record

As a regular traveler to Israel and one who has lived among the Jewish people, although I am not Jewish, I am continually amazed at how this land and its people manage to maintain their sense of balance, direction, and joie de vivre being surrounded by enemies on every side. 

Israelis unceasingly confront crisis after crisis yet somehow their spirits remain high and their collective moral compass stays true to their love of life (all life), freedom and democracy, and their faith in God. 

Israel’s list of woes is practically unending.  Under constant attack from terrorists in Gaza in the south and Hezbollah to the north, Israel is the only civilized country in the world whose very existence is threatened on an almost daily basis by its hate-filled neighbors all around.  It is the subject of worldwide BDS (boycott, divestment and sanctions) campaigns trying to topple its economy and is unceasingly maligned by the left-leaning media and the United Nations.

Yet, in spite of the emotional stress and turmoil inflicted on this tiny nation, Israel continues to flourish.  Even during this time of worldwide panic over the Corona virus, Israel continues to cautiously host tourists.  Until the recent outbreak, restaurants and hotels were full to overflowing.  The streets were crowded with pedestrians, cyclists, and shoppers.  People gathered day and night on streets such as the famous Ben Yehuda Street and Jaffe Street not to protest or create violence, but rather to dance, sing, and celebrate life, family, friends and faith.

For almost two decades my wife and I have been pro-Israel advocates.  As a Christian broadcaster and journalist, my focus has been on telling Israel’s side of the story – truthful and fact-filled.  It’s frustrating to be constantly met with opposition from the mainstream media which is bombarding the world with misleading messages about Israel and her people and always portraying them as villains and the reason there is no peace in the Middle East.  The fact of the matter is tiny Israel is the only oasis of stability and freedom in the region. 

While being forced to live in a very tough neighborhood, somehow Israelis manage to carry on celebrating life while the Palestinians continue to carry on celebrating death by strapping explosives on the bodies of their little ones and sending them off to suffer a martyrs death.  By the way, dying as a martyr is the only way a Muslim is assured of their entrance into Islam’s heaven.  It’s the reason so many Palestinian mothers encourage their children to participate in this murderous performance.

Israel, known as “The Start-up Nation,” is constantly contributing to the betterment of mankind.  They lead the world in the advancement of science, technology, medicine and agriculture, to name only a few.  Their sense of belonging and connection miraculously allows them to rise above their circumstances creating positives where, naturally speaking, one would expect negatives. 

Israel’s existence is somewhat paradoxical.  While dancing in the streets embracing life and hoping for peace, Israelis must also be about the business of building bomb shelters.  In fact, bomb shelters are standard fare on all children’s playgrounds.  Just part of the “normal” equipment the same as swings and sliding boards.

Yes, Israel is dealing with the Corona virus just like most of the rest of the world.  Some have even attempted create fake news that Israel is responsible for the virus! While certainly not the cause, it would not surprise me one bit if Israel were to produce the solution.  Long live Israel and may it continue to be a light unto the nations. 

[sandralow97]

Conquering Jericho | 2018 |

New Year, New Self; New Goals, New Post.

In a blink of an eye, a quarter of the year has passed. Sometimes, I wondered what I have achieved throughout these short three months. Is it productive and fulfilling with my time?

Every year without fail, I would have write a beginning post (blog) of the year to count God’s blessings and plan out my resolution for the year. Last year was about life in a favour lane, in align with my youth group (church) theme and vision. I really experienced a lot of His favour as last year was one of the most difficult transition in life which I had to go and bear through.

As for this year, it is about “Conquering Jericho”. There are a lot of Jericho(s) in my life which need a breakthrough. In the bible, Joshua, who is the leader of the Isrealite people was commanded by God to conquer the promised land of Canaan.

Joshua felt unqualified for the monumental task of taking over for Moses, but God promised to be with him every step of the way, just as he had been for Moses. This same God is with us today, protecting and guiding us. ​ So, allow me here now to share a little more about my own Jericho(s). It was last year approaching October, I was being asked to join the next term (2018) GC -general committees of Physio Club. After the dilemmas and thinking, I’ve decided to involve and get new experiences. More than that, I thought to myself that it’s time that I should pick up a challenge with the time being in UNI. Hence, I was appointed to become Vice Chairperson of the club and truth to be told, it hasn’t been a smooth sailing journey. The hardest part isn’t about planning and running events, but more of getting people of different values and opinions together in seeing a same vision and goal. Physio club is considered quite an active club in our Uni, INTI. We hold many events in a year, may it be big or small. Since the start of 2018 till now, we had successfully held 2 events which are gathering night – the welcoming of newbies/freshies into Physiotherapy course and another event is Sports Meet 2018. This sports meet was my project and I really learned a lot though handling it. I can say it’s one of my breakthrough for this year when it’s accomplished and definitely another milestone to be remembered.

Moving on, I have a super hectic and busy schedule/time-table for this semester, upon the whole year. It’s funny how things could escalate so much just within a year as this is just my second year of UNI. Basically, I have things/activities going on almost every day apart from classes. It is CF club 😊 Tuesday night is prayer meeting, Wednesday night we have weekly CF meeting, approaching Thursday we have cell group Bible study night. ​ The only free night is probably Monday and sometimes, we have Acts Home group meet up every fortnight. I remember I wasn’t as involve as now back then. Despite the busyness, I actually found myself to be more productive with my time and it has been uplifting for me in my whole being as I got myself rooted in God’s kingdom. The changes in priorities and neglecting my time spend with God is one of the Jericho. One of the reason how I got so involve now is also because of one good friend of mine, who is also my housemate, Rebecca 😊 She’s really a woman of faith and inspiration. She is the one who never fail to hold me accountable with and encourage me to trust God more. I’m really grateful that she’s someone whom God has provided in this season of my life.

As for Taekwondo, I had to admit that I was pretty slacked in the beginning of the year. I often felt lazy and end up being absence for weekly training. It was one of my Jericho as it seemingly not working for me and I somehow stopped practicing with passion like before. The laziness and procrastination had hindered me from getting better with skills and techniques and I wasn’t able to thrive in this passion. For this reason, I just have to push myself through those days when I don’t “feel” like going for practices and training. Through perseverance, I’m glad to say that I had taken at least the first grading test last week 😊 I must really keep it going and hopefully I can achieve/get to my targeted dream before I graduate from UNI.

God always has a way out prepared for us when it seems no way. God has more in store for us. In John 16:33 says, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." Jesus did not come just to take away our pain and sorrow, but He has come to give us peace and perseverance which we could endure and put our hope in Him through the help of Holy Spirit. God has placed skills, connections, talents & gifts to forge a better destiny and lasting legacy in each of us. God did not choose the qualify ones, but he qualified the one He chose. God chosen us to be His people. Despite how unqualified you felt in doing His calling and commands like Joshua did in the bible, He promised to be with us just like how He had been with Joshua, protecting and guiding them into the promised city. The first step to MORE is only to start seeing ourselves as MORE. 2018 is going to be all about reinventing myself, new beginnings, being healthy physically, mentally and especially emotionally. Joshua's strong faith in God led him to obey, no matter how illogical God's command might be. Joshua also drew from the past, remembering the impossible deeds God had accomplished through Moses. Do you trust God with your life? Have you forgotten how He brought you through past troubles? God has not changed, and He never will. He promises to be with you wherever you go. I'm asking for a better 2018, pleading God for more joy & wisdom, less tears /cries, I'm learning to focus on all the positive things in life and refuse the negativity. (Phil 4:8) As best as I can, I want to live a life with more faith, trust, more courage and audacity in conquering all my Jericho(s) this year 2018. It’s not about winning to be first, but rather about have I fought the good fight, finished the race as I kept the faith. (2 Timothy 4:7) ​ This year is about bettering myself, and my relationship with God. 2018....I’m ready

[romancatholicreflections]

8th Oct >> Sunday Homilies and Reflections For Roman Catholics on the Twenty-Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle A

Twenty-Seventh Sunday in  Ordinary Time, Cycle A

Gospel Text: Matthew 21:33-43

vs.33 Jesus said to the chief priests and the elders of the people: “Listen to another parable. There was a man, a landowner, who planted a vineyard; he fenced it round, dug a winepress in it and built a tower; then he leased it to tenants and went abroad.vs.34 When vintage time drew near he sent his servants to the tenants to collect his produce.vs.35 But the tenants seized his servants, thrashed one, killed another and stoned a third.vs.36 Next he sent some more servants, this time a larger number, and they dealt with them in the same way.vs.37 Finally, he sent his own son to them. ‘They will respect my son’ he said.vs.38 But when the tenants saw the son, they said to each other, ‘This is the heir. Come on, let us kill him and take over his inheritance.’

vs.39 So they seized him and threw him out of the vineyard and killed him.vs.40 Now when the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to these tenants?”vs.41 They answered, “He will bring those wretches to a wretched end and lease the vineyard to other tenants who will deliver the produce to him when the season arrives.”s.42 Jesus said

to them, “Have you never read the scriptures: ‘It was the stone rejected by the builders that became the keystone. This was the Lord’s doing and it is wonderful to see’?vs.43 I tell you, then, that the kingdom of God will be taken from you and given to a people who will produce its fruit.”

*******************************************************************

We have four sets of homily notes to choose from. Please scroll down the page for the desired one.

Michel DeVerteuil :      A Trinidadian Holy Ghost Priest, Specialist in Lectio Divina Thomas O’Loughlin:   Professor of Historical Theology, University of Wales. Lampeter. John Littleton:             Cashel Diocese, Director of the Priory Institute Distant Learning, Tallaght, Dublin Donal Neary SJ:           Editor of The Sacred Heart Messenger  

****************************************

Michel DeVerteuil Lectio Divina with the Sunday Gospels- Year A www.columba.ie

General Comments

Today’s passage is complex.  Several different strands have been woven into it, all with their own main characters, their own movement and their own atmosphere. In our meditation we need to look at each strand individually and then, if we are so inclined, to see a link between them. It is first of all the story of the “landowner”, deeply grieved at the conduct of his tenants.  His story is in four stages: – he cares lovingly for the vineyard (verse 33a); – he “leases” it (vs. 33b); – the tenants reject his messengers (vs. 34-38) – his angry response (vs. 40-41). The landowner represents us when we give our all as parents, teachers, church or other community leaders. He also represents the founders of religious orders, social movements or political parties. A time comes when we must all let go of our authority (“go abroad”) and entrust to others the people or causes we have served. The parable reminds us of the shock we experience when we learn that our trust has been betrayed.

The landowner’s final response is told in a very significant way.  Jesus invites his audience to finish the story for him, agrees with their verdict (implicitly) and so (also implicitly) invites us to agree with them both. The landowner’s response therefore is the model of what our spiritual tradition has called “righteous anger”.

The landowner also represents God so that the parable invites us to enter into God’s feelings when he sees how we human beings treat his precious sons and daughters and his beautiful nature. As always the God of the Bible (Old and New Testaments) is not calm and “detached” as a false spirituality has depicted him – and encouraged us to imitate. “Righteous anger” is a virtue we often fail to practice, especially in the light of the great crimes of our time: world poverty, racism and sexism, the sexual abuse of minors. Jesus is the person in our lives who invites us to repent of our false “detachment” and enter into the anger of God.

The parable is also the story of the “tenants” and here again we are invited to feel with them. We must however understand their frame of mind correctly. In many cultures today “tenants” are poor people who are harshly treated by their landowners – the historical Jesus would have been on their side. The tenants in the parable are quite different. In the original context (as verse 43 shows) the tenants represent “the chief priests and elders of the people”. Today they represent us to the extent that we belong to an oppressor group – individuals and civilizations – and lose the sense of being stewards of all we possess. In the parable the “tenants” become angry when they are reminded that the vineyard has been leased to them and they must be accountable for what they have done with it. Their anger grows ever more violent (vs. 35-39). As the story develops, the root of their anger is revealed – they want to own the vineyard (vs. 38b).

The parable then gives us the key to understanding abuse of authority in its many forms. Its root is always that we feel our higher status being threatened in some way and lash out against the people or events we perceive as threats: – one of our children rebels or befriends someone we don’t approve of; – sickness or old age forces us to change our lifestyle; – a dear friend betrays our trust; – a project fails which we had put a lot into. The violence of the tenants in the parable may seem exaggerated on a first reading, but they are a dramatic reminder of the violence which is so much a part of our modern Western culture – against nature, minorities, men against women, adults against children. In each case it is a matter of “tenants” being angry at being reminded that they are accountable. The parable reminds us too that the sense of stewardship should be fostered by our religious faith. The fact is however that we religious people, “chief priests and elders of our people,” can forget our dependence on God and no longer thank him for his gifts.

The parable is the story of the new tenants – ourselves when we become members of a Church or religious community, a social movement, or political party. We too can become arrogant and complacent. Jesus is the person (or event) reminding us of two humbling realities: a) we did not earn the right to be where we find ourselves; it was a free gift of God. The lesson is taught imaginatively as always in the bible. We must be as humble as tenants who were hired only because others proved unworthy and the landowner was looking for someone to take their place; b) we too must produce fruit. A warning must be sounded here: we must be careful not to interpret this as pandering to our culture’s insistence that we human beings prove our worth by being “producers”. That would be a gross misinterpretation of the image. The parable is inviting us to see the potential in all those entrusted to our care and approach them with corresponding reverence. This is of course applicable to our relationship with nature.

Finally the parable is the story of the landowner’ son, ill-treated and killed but eventually become the cornerstone of a new era.  We “landowners” have been deeply hurt but we do not allow ourselves to despair, we know that if God’s providence triumphs goodness will prevail.

Scripture reflection      Lord, we praise and we bless you for your gifts to us: – our country with its mountains and valleys, its rivers and    beaches, its trees and animals; – our homes and all our possessions; – our families, children, spouses and parents; – our friends and spiritual guides; – the communities in which we work and pray; – our talents and the education we have received. Truly you have planted a beautiful vineyard, fenced it round, dug a winepress in it and built a tower, and then you leased it to us. We thank you for the privilege of being tenants of your vineyard. Forgive us, Lord, if we are resentful or angry when we experience our frailty: – ill health or the signs of old age, – failure or ingratitude, – criticism, especially when it is undeserved. Yet these are your servants that you send to remind us that we are only your tenants in this world, and the season will soon arrive when we will have to hand over the produce to you.

Lord, we thank you that not all tenants are like those in the parable. We remember with great gratitude those who have loved us without being possessive – parents, teachers, community leaders. When the time came they were able to let go, as calmly as any tenant-farmer delivering his produce when the season arrives.

Lord, we thank you for the great prophets of our time: – church leaders like Archbishop Romero and Dom Helder Camara; – national leaders like Gandhi and Martin Luther King; – many others in our countries and villages. You sent them as your servants to the great ones of the world, calling them to account for their tenancy. They were seized and thrashed, some were thrown out of the vineyard and killed. But you have made them the key-stones of a new age, truly a wonderful thing to see.

Lord, you have called us to be members of your Church; forgive us that we so easily become arrogant, as if we have earned the right to membership by our own efforts.

Forgive us that we look on our wealth or the wealth of our country as our own – to do with what we like. Help us to be humble about our spiritual as well as temporal gifts, to be like people to whom land has been leased only because others proved unfaithful, and who know that at any moment it can be taken from them just as easily, to be given to others who will produce better fruit.

*********************************************************

Thomas O’Loughlin Liturgical Resources for the Year of Matthew www.columba.ie

Introduction to the Celebration

Christ Jesus came among us to invite us to become part of a new people, to gather scattered individuals and transform them into his new community, the kingdom. Let us pause and reflect that we are members of this community, this communion, this body, this priestly people, this kingdom. And, as such, we have now assembled to celebrate with one another and with the Lord.

Homily notes

1. How do we learn to be Christians? Listen carefully to this question: how do we learn to be Christians? A stock answer might be: ‘What’s with this WE stuff?’ I might want to learn to be a Christian, to find out what it means to live as a Christian, I might want to build up the habits of thought and action that would mean my life would have a Christian character, but that is my concern – I do not want others interfering with me, and I do not want to interfere with others! This is not only a possible answer to the question, it is one that is consistent with the dominant social trend in contemporary Western society: we are individual consumers. I take from any heap just what I want, leave the rest; and in everything to do with religion there must be a strict code of non-interference – it (religion) is my business and no one else’s!

2. The unfortunate thing about the notion of isolated individual unit is that it just does not fit the facts of humanity!

3. First, if we lived consistently on this isolationist model of having a meaningful life we would have to abandon love, the notion of family, the notion of caring for others, and become Robinson Crusoe figures (except that we would not welcome the arrival of man Friday!). Indeed, many who do live lives that are truly individualistic, do find having stable relationships a problem, they fear love as commitment and their first thought about others is that they are potential threats.

4. Second, Jesus did not come to offer ideas to individuals which they might pick up or reject; rather he came to form a community. This was to be a new type of community that would live with love towards one another, they would view everyone (men/ women; masters / slaves; Jews / Gentiles; rich/ poor; posh people/’not our sort’ people; neighbours/foreigners) in the community as ‘brothers’ and ‘sisters’. This community would be an expression on earth of the love of the Father and the Son in the Spirit; and the love that commu­nity would show to others who do not belong to the Christian community would be an expression of the love that God has for all humans. You can only learn to be a Christian by belonging to a Christian community. And you cannot be an isolated individual and be part of a community.

5. You can only learn to be a Christian when you live and collaborate as a Christian with others in a community; then we all learn to be Christians together. We are not always very successful in becoming Christians, and it is difficult to share the life of a community, but that is the only way we will grow as disciples and move along our pilgrimage of faith.

6.  So how is this community working together? What are we doing to break down the individualism that keeps us from growing more like Jesus? How are we collectively expressing care and love for the larger society, thereby manifesting the love of God for humanity? These are painful questions. Are poor people being helped by our work? Do people caring for the planet know that they have support from us as a group? Would people suffering from injustice realise that we will be their allies? Would people who are victimised or excluded in our society know that Christians will stand up for them? Have we become so individualistic and so consumerist in our attitudes that we imagine we can be Christians and ignore such questions?

7. If we are failing in our answers to this question, then we are the wretched and corrupt tenants who have rejected God’s servants, the prophets, and; indeed, the Son.

8. We should pause and consider this before we decide to stand and profess our faith.

****************************************************************

John Litteton Journeying through the Year of Matthew www.Columba.ie

Gospel Reflection

The gospel parable about the landowner and the tenants of his vineyard is very challenging. On reading it, we may initially be shocked by the disrespect and aggression of the tenants who treated appallingly several messengers from the landowner. Indeed, we are reminded of the cliché: Don’t shoot the messenger just because you don’t like the message!

Today, the world is not crucifying Jesus, but they are rejecting Him just as the Jews did by rejecting His word, and thereby settling for their own gods.

In addition, we are all aware of instances where a person who is a key person in a team or on a project has been unfairly rejected and unjustly despised by other people. Sometimes rejection happens when those people simply do not understand how necessary and vital the person being rejected is for the success of the team or the completion of the project. However, more often and more sinfully, rejection is the result of jealousy and vindictiveness. We all know such instances from work but, even more so, from sport and politics — locally, nationally and internationally.

The parable advises us about the extent to which some people will go to further their own interests. They will do anything to have their own way. They will compromise their principles. They will blatantly disregard the reputations of friends and colleagues. They will intimidate and frighten them. In their ruthlessness, they will even shoot the messenger because they do not like the message.

Ironically, the messenger is often the only person who can help them or redeem the situation, if only they would have the good sense to recognise this. In the words of the parable: ‘It was the stone rejected by the builders that became the keystone’ (Mt 21:42).

While this is true in our human relationships, it is particularly true in our relationships with God. Frequently, we may reject the challenging message of the gospel. We may despise those who live good and wholesome lives because their goodness is a rebuke to our conscience and we are jealous and resentful. We may fail to realise that when we reject other people and treat them harshly, we do the same to Christ who lives in them and who is their brother.

Likewise, when we reject Christ’s teaching spoken to us by family and others, we also reject Christ speaking to us through them. In rejecting Christ, we reject the eternal life that he has won for us through his suffering, death and resurrection. Christ is the keystone, so often rejected, yet so necessary for our salvation and the salvation of all people. Without Christ we cannot have life with God.

The parable invites us to turn to Christ again. It urges us not to reject Christ in our lives simply because we dislike the challenge of his message. He is the keystone who establishes and maintains our relationships with God.

Fewer things are more disappointing for any of us than discovering that our efforts and love go unaccepted or unappreciated by others. The same is true about God. Let us, therefore, allow Christ to become and remain the keystone in our lives so that, through us, he may once more become the keystone in the lives of those who have rejected and despised him because they do not accept the challenging but life-giving message of his word.

For meditation

He will bring those wretches to a wicked end and lease the vineyard to other tenantswho will deliver the produce to him when the season arrives. (Mt 21:41)

*******************************************************************

Fr Donal Neary, S.J Gospel Reflections for the Year of Matthew www.messenger.ie

The vineyard is ourselves!

God is all the time caring for his people and thinking of us, mak­ing sure we’re not endangered when he can help it. His care for his people goes into the heart of the Trinity, one of whom be­comes one of us, for our sake.

He wants us to bear fruit, as in the second reading. He will give these fruits – and wants us to value them.

In our society today, we could say that in many countries child protection and care is better, We are more inclusive of people who differ from us and the church is open to the whole human family. In Ireland we have more peace now than we had, but maybe not more justice, especially for our migrant people. These are some fruits. We miss out on some issues – the value of faith and community is low and sometimes in public or political life we go for the temporary and the illusory and the dramatic. The gap between rich and poor is wider than ever. We have had bad experiences of greed and financial abuse, even in the charities sector. Our care of the elderly leaves much to be demanded.

Looking at the gospel vision, we can ask how the vineyard is nourished. We find that the cornerstone of the Christian way of life is love, and the love is a person in Jesus. He is the one who will invigorate the vine … Some will ignore him, some will fol­low. All of us are probably a bit in between. God sent his own Son into the vineyard of human life, not because life is perfect, but because love is. Jesus comes among us because we need him.

Imagine a situation where people try to do welland are prevented. Pray for them.Lord, may your kingdom come, here and now, today.

**************************************