Sometimes words delight in eluding me.
Right now my brain is so full of choreography that I fear it will EXPLODE. Our recital is coming up soon--too soon!--and I have . . . nine pieces. I think that's more than I've ever had before. School is also wrapping up. In other words, I'm quite busy. And the sad truth is, I've done very little writing recently. I feel low on writerly inspiration, blog-related and otherwise. *glares at Daunting Proportions* But I have been reading, in those spare snatches of time. (And in snatches of time I don't have to spare. Heh.) So I thought I'd share some things I've been reading--poems, to be specific. While I can't write poetry to save my life, I do love a good poem. "Batter My Heart" by John Donne My very dear friend shared this one with me a few months ago, and I keep coming back to read it. It reminds me of Romans 7--that constant battle of the Spirit and the flesh--and it hits hard. The closing lines are just breathtaking (and ridiculously satisfying, because I have a Thing for paradoxes). "Crossing the Bar" by Alfred, Lord Tennyson This one is so utterly tranquil--it's almost soothing. It is tinged with melancholy, but the poet is ultimately at peace with life, with death, with his Creator. It's such a beautiful reminder that death has lost its sting through Christ's victory. "If--" by Rudyard Kipling I highly recommend you go listen to Verses in Vox's rendition. "The Destruction of Sennacherib" by Lord Byron I love the imagery here. It gives me chills. Similes and such are hard to pull off (at least for me), but Byron does it so skillfully. "The Hound of Heaven" by Francis Thompson I saved the best for last! This one just crept into my heart and grabbed me. I memorized almost half of it just by reading it over and over. I'm not even exactly sure why it moves me so. But . . . it's so vivid . . . and . . . it's possibly one of my most favorite poems of all time. And I couldn't even tell you why. Help. How are words treating you these days? Have you read any of these poems? Do you have a favorite poet?
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The Maidens of Green Gables are hosting the Celebrating Faith-Filled Fiction Blog Party, and for my contributing post I decided to write about Adventures in Odyssey.
Shocker, right? Actually, choosing a topic was a difficult decision, but . . . how could I resist? Here's another shocker: I, who deplores choosing favorites, have definitive favorite AIO episodes, in a definitive order. (Haven't I mentioned that I have strong opinions when it comes to AIO?) Now, this is an extremely subjective list--I in no way think these are the all-around best, highest quality episodes produced. They're just the ones that currently mean the most to me. Let us proceed. #366: Solitary Refinement "Considering how much effort we put into blocking God out with all our noise, it's no surprise that we have to work that much harder to be with him in silence." This is a beautiful story of the value of silence and solitude in our lives, particularly in regards to the spiritual. The older and busier I get, the more this resonates with me. It has a very, very special place in my heart, unlike any other AIO episode. The daydream sequence is also a classic, and I love how the story doesn't feel crowded or redundant with both Whit and Jack in it, as each plays a distinct role in Eugene's journey. #715-716: The Perfect Church, Parts 1 & 2 "But what if something worse happens?" "That would be glory." Imagination Station adventures are (almost) always fun, but this one is so deep. It breathes life into the familiar story of the book of Acts and paints a vivid portrait of the early church--her triumphs, fears, and hopes. It's such a testament not only to the fortitude of the first Believers, but also of the faithfulness of God in keeping His church alive. This is a very personal one for me as well, and I have a jumbled mess of thoughts and feelings about it. #406-408: Malachi's Message, Parts 1-3 "I am your coincidences and your intuition. I am the one that you glimpse out of the corner of your eye and when you turn, nothing is there." (That quote gives me a thrill--several thrills--as Anne Shirley would say.) This three-parter is near perfection, in my opinion. It has such an ordinary, everyday feel even while plunging into the extraordinary. The Whit's End gang have to grapple with questions about divine intervention and heavenly messengers, and the dynamics between the characters are delightful. The various story threads are woven together so satisfyingly, and I adore it all. I really, really want to write a full review of this some day!! #330: The Time Has Come "The answer is yes." While the inimitable John Avery Whittaker is my absolute favorite character on the show, Eugene holds a very special place in my heart. I love seeing the bond between him and Jack Allen form while Whit is away, and it culminates magnificently in this episode. I sobbed when I first heard this, and I still can't listen to the flashback sequence without getting goosebumps. It's just so beautiful my heart cannot take it. #484-487: Plan B, Parts 1-4 "Eugene must have been in a hurry to get away." "Or else he was robbed by a vest lover." This four-parter is, in my mind, the crux of the Novacom saga. Pieces start coming together, and the action accelerates. I don't often listen through the entire saga, but I never tire of hearing this miniseries. It has it all--twists and turns, humor, intensity, and so much emotion. I so appreciate the writers taking time to let us grieve Eugene and Katrina's departure even amid the craziness. (Also, Monica Stone!) (Yes, I'm still waiting for her to come back.) #232: Thy Kingdom Come "I think I want to believe, but I need help with my unbelief." (I seem to have a lot of Eugene-centric epsiodes on this list . . ) I just love that this episode exists. On the surface, it's simple and almost dull. It takes the time to develop the aftermath of The Mortal Coil and is another baby step in Eugene' salvation journey. The last scene is really the greatest. Not to sound like a bitter old fan (I'm not that old), but I really miss Paul McCusker's Whit. He (usually) wrote Whit with such a thoughtfulness and gravity and all-around intelligence that I feel is somewhat lacking now . . . #928 & 929: The Lost One, Parts 1 & 2 "If you believe that God is listening to you, that means . . . mm, it means you'll have to face up to what you did." Aside from the unfortunate pigeonholing of Pastor Knox and Jason and Mr. Parker, this whole arc is masterfully executed. It's raw and real, taking its time to work through Olivia's doubts. Though there are very dark undertones, the story is infused with truth, goodness, and beauty. This climax has, in my mind, a Screwtape-ish feel, and it's just so good. Boy, that was fun to ramble about AIO :P Thank you, Maidens, for hosting such a neat event! If you haven't already, do go check it out! What are your favorite AIO episodes? I have been TAGGED by the lovely Lizzie Hexam of Starlight & Saucepans! Thank you so much, Lizzie! This is my first tag, so I'm excited (and a little nervous) to jump in. Behold . . . my answers to this monstrous tag.
Your favorite song This is a nice one to start with :P I can't do favorites. But we'll go with Jealous by Phil Joel, because it is very dear to me right now. Your least favorite song This isn't any easier . . . Um, Phil Wickham's Behold? I have nothing against the song, but I'm sooo sick of hearing it after doing choreography to it all of last semester. A song that makes you happy The Death of Tragedy :D A song that makes you sad The Way It Ought to Be Reprise from A Tale of Two Cities musical A song that makes you feel guilty There were a couple songs in the Les Miserables musical soundtrack that made me feel icky, so I just skip those songs now. That's all I can think of. A song that often gets stuck in your head In My Life from Les Mis. It's not even my favorite song--I just find myself singing it a lot. I don't know why :P A song that reminds you of someone This reminds me of my dear lil' sister, who choreographed a beautiful dance to it. (Seriously. She is incredibly talented.) A song that reminds you of someplace I don't think I can listen to this song without remembering first hearing it at Bible study. A song that reminds you of a certain event Hearing songs to which I've performed often prompt a host of memories. This and this readily come to mind. A song you know all the words to Hoo boy . . . a lot? Several hymns. And my sister and I have sung practically the entire Queen Esther soundtrack (Sight & Sound Theaters) together. Fun times :D A song you could dance to Oooh, any Nutcracker song, I think. I've been in the party scene, battle scene, snow scene, and several Land of Sweets pieces, so . . . yeah. A song that makes you fall asleep I like to listen to this when I'm in bed. A song from your favorite band What is a favorite band?? Um . . . um . . . how about Lord of Hosts by Shane & Shane? A song from a band you hate I thought about this for a long time, and I really have no answer. Hate is a strong word, you know, and I don't think I know enough about any bands I dislike to definitively say I hate them? A song nobody would expect you to love Darkness Before the Dawn. I don't know that I love it. It's certainly not a song I listen to often. Not my style. But when I do, it reminds me of a certain character of mine for whom a Great Big Plot is ballooning in mine head. (Not that he would like this song at all . . .) I love him to pieces, by the by, and dearly hope he will not always be living in a refrigerator box in a municipal park of my mind--I mean, that his story will someday see the light of day. Ahem. That was an unnecessarily long answer. A song that describes you Wow, that's very difficult. Well, this is me in a silly and pretentious mood, and this is me in a more contemplative state of mind. An underrated song more people should love I don't know what counts as underrated, because I'm not at all in tune with What People Love. But we'll say Maker of the Universe by Phil Keaggy. (It's so beautiful!!) A song that you often hear on the radio I . . . don't listen to the radio . . . A song you wish you heard on the radio See above. :P A song you listen to when you're happy This is a happy song! A song you listen to when you're sad I'll Never Sneeze Again. It should cheer me up in theory, but to me it's bittersweet . . . Will Ryan will forever be missed. A song you listen to when you're angry I don't think I listen to music when I'm angry. But here's an angry song. A song you want to play at your wedding Ooh, I've actually never considered this! But this song strikes my fancy. A song you want to play at your funeral Rock of Ages Cleft for Me A song that makes you laugh I can't tell if this is supposed me make me laugh or cry, but it makes me laugh. A song that you can play Oh, I am a very accomplished pianist. I can play The Star-Spangled Banner and Eternal Father, Strong to Save. That's about it. A song you wish you could play This isn't really a song at all, but goodness gracious me, if I could play the piano score from That Scene in "Recollections" . . . A song from your childhood. Please Don't Play Your Violin at Night! Your favorite duet This one! (I'm a Christmas-music-during-Christmas-time-only person, but . . . ) Your favorite song at this time of year Um, I don't think I'm a very seasonal listener? (Except for Christmas music, of course.) Right now I am kind of in love with Jared DePasquale's The Victory of Joan of Arc soundtrack. Doesn't have much to do with mid-January . . . oh, well. . . . And that's it! I did it! I hope you enjoyed this, 'cause I sure did. (I'll admit there was some moaning and wringing of hands.) Let me know if you spotted any of your favorites in the mix! As to whom to tag--goodness, I feel dreadful in not passing on the fun, but I truly don't know. I'm still new to the blogging world . . . Anyone reading this, feel free to go for it! Thank you again, Lizzie! Happy New Year, everyone! 2023 was such a great reading year for me, so I wanted to share some of my favorites. (I read over 50 books, so we're not going to talk about them all.) Here are my 10 favorite reads, in alphabetical order because I cannot rank.
The Great Divorce C. S. Lewis This little book could probably be read in a day or two. But I took weeks soaking in this masterful allegory of Heaven and Hell and was very sad indeed when it ended. Somehow Lewis' sparsely worded observations are stunning--he was a genius, everyone. I highly, highly recommend this book! (I read this with a mentor friend, and I can't express how delightful that was. :) ) Little Dorrit Charles Dickens I already talked about this one in a previous post, so . . . this was fun, complex, thought-provoking, and very long. Amy and Arthur are the best. Phantastes George MacDonald This was . . . not what I was expecting. ("Never assume!") It kind of lacks a strong plot. But the writing is so poetic and descriptive, and there were some little moments that took my breath away. And the end moved me deeply. I've read the book that baptized C. S. Lewis' imagination! How neat is that?? Pride & Prejudice Jane Austen Jane and I properly met each other at last this summer! I've been wanting to read her books for years, so when I finally started this one, I was very afraid it wouldn't hold up to its reputation. And, to be completely honest, it kind of dragged at the beginning. But when I closed the book on the last page, I wanted to read it again--right away. The character development is to die for. Real Christianity William Wilberforce Okay, so I read a modern language version revised by Bob Beltz. I much prefer original text, complete and unabridged, etc., but oh well. Wilberforce had such a heart for God and people, and this book is very convicting. The Runaway Patricia St. John Patricia St. John has been one of my very, very favorite authors since I was twelve. I never tire of her writing. It's been a while since I've picked up one of her books, so I was excited to read this. It's a middle-grade biblical fiction, and at first I was afraid it would be a repeat of Twice Freed, my favorite St. John book. Philo, the protagonist, did seem a little too similar to the protagonist of Twice Freed, but the book held its own. Not my favorite, but very good. Have I mentioned that I love Patricia St. John?? Reading this rekindled my admiration and adoration of her stories, and now I must re-read Twice Freed. A Tale of Two Cities Charles Dickens I have no words. Mr. Dickens has destroyed me. Things We Didn't Say Amy Lynn Green This epistolary novel set in WWII is one of the few recently-released books I read this year. It was a similar experience to P & P: the beginning wasn't gripping (well, except for the prologue), but the characters and their arcs drew me until I couldn't put the book down. And, wow--this is the author's debut novel. Up From Slavery Booker T. Washington This autobiography of slave-turned-national figure was incredible. Booker T. Washington was so determined and so humble. (He was also very practical. Mr. Meagles would approve.) And his writing is approachable and engaging. Everyone would benefit from reading this! Young Whit books 4 & 5 Dave Arnold and Phil Lollar I finally finished the Young Whit series!! (These books have been a long time coming.) Book four was a little bland, in my opinion; book five was crazy, but oddly satisfying. Except for those really atrocious INCONSISTENCIES. Um, I have strong opinions when it comes to AIO, so I better stop here. SPOILERS Oh, but can I just say it was immensely satisfying when Johnny and Jack finally met? Not only have I been predicting it since book one, but also, it's Jack Allen!! END SPOILERS Well, that's that! Have you read any of these? What were some of your favorite reads of the year? (I also read C. S. Lewis' Space Trilogy, which was crazy, and re-read the Chronicles of Narnia, which was awesome. Both of those series should have been on this list, but I think the Space Trilogy deserves its own post sometime . . .) |
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