I’m praying about what God is trying to teach me and trying not miss another life growth spurt, so I’m taking a blog hiatus. After I help Nicole turn 30, spend the 4th of July at the Pier, get Stu married, go to the beach with my family, and work more this month than I ever have in my life, I’ll be back. Perhaps a little wiser. For sure a little older. Hopefully ready to cut my locks of love.
June 18, 2008
Over the weekend, I loaded up in a van with Bobby, Mari, our new friend David, and Scooter for the Toe River Arts Council Studio Tours. I know, I know. You’re super jealous because you’ve always wanted to cross over the mountains that form the border between Tennessee and North Carolina in a van just to look at pottery, but don’t hate. Actually, the tour was fascinating - to learn more click here.
Going in, all I knew is that I was going to Mitchell County because Scooter is from there, and some of his furniture is sold in a gallery in Bakersville. I am KICKING myself for not taking my camera because the drive alone was breathtaking, especially if you’re someone like me who loves mountainous terrain covered with green trees and flowers. Bobby, our resident gourmet, packed a picnic that we ate after crossing the Toe River on a rickety suspension bridge past a set of train tracks. Under a canopy of trees, shaded from the heat, we dined on a homemade muffaletta (with fresh veggies from his garden), fruit, pasta salad, chips, and chocolate cupcakes for dessert. Needless to say, it was fine picnic dining.
Highlights from our version of the tour included a visit to the Sedberry Pottery studio (click on any name for links to their website). Ken was kind enough to explain his large kiln and process for firing. I especially liked the “guardians” that you can see in the gallery on his website.
My favorite studio of the day belonged to Liz Zlot Summerfield and Scott Summerfield. Scott’s glasswork included bold colors and pieces with a modern look. The work done by Liz was even more impressive to me. Not normally a fan of decorative and collectible kitchen items, I loved her cream and sugar sets and custom-made recipe boxes. Liz is a native Californian who moved to be part of the western North Carolina arts community with Scott a few years ago.
The largest space we entered belonged to John Geci, a glassblower in the area. I liked a number of his bowls, and his explanation of the entire process made me appreciate his work even more. He has been in the area since the early 1990s, and was exactly what I would expect from a mountain artisan - full bushy beard, paperboy cap, worn hands, laid back disposition and a friendly conversationalist.
We also saw the studios of wool workers, painters, and potters, and passed the large Penland School where many of the artisans were trained. We ended our tour with a visit to the Crimson Laurel Gallery, which housed work from many of the people we had met throughout the day. It is also the home for some of Scooter’s furniture, which is always a unique blending of various woods and good ol’ boy creativity. This gallery was our first encounter with jewlery for the day, and there were a number of pieces I thought were lovely, especially work done by David Trophia, one of the gallery’s owners. He used natural elements from the area surrounding Bakersville in his pieces, which were clean and simple. David also took the time to tell us about a number of the other artists featured in the gallery, and was an outstanding end to our tour.
If you find yourself in the area around the first week of December or second week of June in the future, do yourself a favor and check out these gifted creators. Just don’t forget your camera.
June 17, 2008
I went to college and was in Kappa with Lucas. He is hysterical. Doubt me? See below as he welcomes the world to his small hometown…
June 12, 2008
Big D-Little A-Double L-A-S
Posted by Luke under Birthdays, Family, Friends, Photos, Random Life, Sports, Travel[2] Comments
Last weekend, for a late celebration of my dad’s 50th, the whole fam and a few friends headed down (and across for some of us) to Dallas. Through my mom’s cousin, we got a box at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington, which spoils you for life with good food, air conditioning, no obnoxiously drunken overweight fan in the seat next to you spilling his beer on you, and no vendors constantly blocking your view as they march up and down the aisles peddling their wares.
Here’s the birthday boy and the event planner.
And their offspring enjoying the a/c of the box.
Papa (from whom I get my ornery and my penchant for telling long stories, a.k.a. being “windy”) and Nana with their only begotten son. Papa kept chasing me around all weekend with the scissors on his swiss army knife, offering to give me a “little” trim.
And the rest of the crew enjoying the shade of the overhang, the Devil Rays running into each other or getting thrown out of the game, and the TVs which were showing the NASCAR race (which my whole redneck family loves so much they all have “their” drivers, and made me pick one through peer pressure, so I picked Kasey Kahne, like that means something to me).
As the proud owner of a David Murphy tee, I watched him jack a homer to score the first run of the game. Yes, I’m aware I’m a head taller than anyone else in my family and that I’m probably not related to any of them by blood.
It was a good to see my family, a fun game to watch, and an always welcomed weekend away, even if ridiculously fast. Other highlights included the wonderful couple I met on the plane, reading the new Sedaris book en route, getting cheap shirts at the outlet mall in Pigeon Forge on the way home, learning Nana was homecoming queen and Papa was student body president in college, my family trying to convince me to sell gummi beary juice, and spending time with my friend Will (of whom I didn’t get any pictures sadly).
Stay tuned for pictures from my educational trip home…
June 6, 2008
Sunday = Hooray for Dollywood
Melissa shows how we felt upon arrival. This is what Dollywood does to you, if you’ll let it. The magic of Dolly turns you into a kid who rides roller coasters, eats taffy and funnel cakes, watches cheesy shows (one word - Heartsong, two words - loved it), and takes in more good people watching than a year of normal life.
“Hey mom, I’m officially a Tennesseean now because I’ve made my pilgrimage after the manditory three-year waiting period.” “Hey Papa, I’m here at Dollywood. Yes, I know that you ask me every time I talk to you how Dolly is doing since I moved here, so I decided to come and say hi at her theme park.” “Hey dad, they really are huge, you should have seen the mannequins they had to use for her dresses!” “Hey Nicole, there is a big flower butterfly for you here.”
The whole gang under the Friendship Heart photo op booth. Tony and Kyle were especially excited about this moment.
Shout out to pregnant Megan for being a trooper all day. She held crap and took pictures when we rode rides without complaining as long as we agreed to let her have as many pit stops as she needed without complaining. I’m sure this is us in the blur due to her impeccable timing.
Megs and I went riding in a pink cadillac, crushed velvet seats, riding in the back, oozing down the street… We actually beat Kyle and Tony riding in the Batmobile (okay, technically because we started first, but whatever). Since I took a ride in the pink cadillac, Rebecca thought it should become my signature color, what do you think?
And, at the end of a long day of walking around, standing in line next to sweaty, over-weight, under-dressed rednecks in the ninety-some-odd degree heat, you need a shower (especially the redneck in line at Fire In The Hole, or the Dollywood equivalent to the old Silver Doller City ride, who kept rubbing his hairy and exposed belly in line before his wife took some turns grinding back on it as he bounced her with it - I only wish I was making this up!) Thankfully, a refreshing (and unfortunately not lobotamous) shower only costs a quarter at Dollywood.
I think the gang is going back for a repeat visit at Christmas, any takers?
June 5, 2008
To whomever planted the ragweed completely surrounding my apartment, I just wanted to say thank you. Now, I have to climb over the weeds (that seem to have grown at a six inch per day clip since I just pulled weeds three weeks ago) as I exit my apartment on the way to work every morning. Their lovely greenish hue is an especially pretty adornment that covers my car every morning. Their scent seems to climb into my car vents so that I can breath it the entire way to work, magically transforming my nostrils into an exit only ramp for large quantities of snot instead of an entrance for fresh air by the time I arrive in Kingsport twenty-five minutes later. In addition to turning me into a snot factory (which is accompanied by rudolph nose from excessive blowing with kleenex, toilet paper, paper towels, my sleeve, etc.), I also seem to set a new Guiness record for consecutive sneezes of a violent sort on a daily basis. These fits of sneezing dry out my throat to the point that I also will cough from time to time, adding to the symphony of allergy sickness that is me. AAAAh-choOOO, AAh-chooo, AAAAAAAh-choo, drip, drip, wipe, cough, AAAAh-chOOOO, drip, cough, AAAAh-chooo, wipe, cough, AAAAAAh-CHOOOO, Aaah-CHOOO, “Kill me,” Aaah-choo, drip, drip, whooooooosh (me running to get more toilet paper before snot actually hits my desk), wipe, cough, cough, AAAh-choo, cough, “Seriously, take me out back and end it,” AAAH-CHOOO, thud (head hitting my desk in defeat). It’s awesome.
Today, after work, I strike back…
June 4, 2008
Friday Night = Sex In The (Johnson) City Premiere
Look at me surrounded by all the beautiful ladies… my twin Jamie, Nicole, and the whole gang dressed to the nines of course.
The movie was not what we were expecting, but good enough to inspire tears (especially the pregnant lady sitting next to me who shall remain nameless and who is definitely NOT in the following picture on my right) and lots of laughter (as much at each other as at the movie itself). And what night out would be complete without a crazy eyes picture? We convinced Megs to get in on the action, and I think the green-blue-brown eye collection of crazy is nice, don’t you?
Saturday = Baby Shower for Harper (whose middle name should be something with Luke in it and not Nicole) Adams.
The theme was “Born To Be My Baby” with an 80’s rock band vibe. What other shower has the mother in a rock band t-shirt with a winged skull? This is why my friends are awesome. Notice the nice detail work on the cake thanks to Ray.
My gift got enough “Awwww” action to make me proud. I can’t wait to see Harper in it.
And another reason why my friends rock, literally, is that we played Rock Band for half of the shower. I’m playing cowbell and singing lead to Blue Oyster Cult in the first one, channelling Will Ferrell of course (if you have no idea what I’m talking about, click here).
And this time, we got Gerb in on the crazy eyes pic, I think he’s a natural.
Thanks to Wendy and Nicole, the party favors were Pop Rocks. I know you can hear them when you look at this next picture…
Stay tuned for scenes from my first Dollywood adventure…
June 3, 2008
Anxious Tuesday
Posted by Luke under A God Thing, Family, Friends, Lessons Learned, Religion, Spirituality[2] Comments
I guess God thought my stomach needed to produce more acid. Today is Anxious Tuesday, kids. My stomach feels like it’s being squeezed in one of those old school laundry presses (in case you were wondering, not pleasant). It seems like anxiety is coming from all directions. I’m worried about a few challenging situations at the Pier that could either end okay or really, really badly. I’m worried about seeing my family this weekend (my mom is already stressed out about orchestrating the weekend, and mad at me because I probably can’t go to the beach after getting a promotion). I’m worried about a dear friend’s health problems that are as yet inexplicable. And mostly, I’m worried about some dear friends of mine being put through hell over and over through no fault of their own. So again, I try and remind myself that I can’t do anything about any of these situations except to remain flexible and responsive. And I have to wait. Patiently wait. With nothing tangible I can do, save maybe some deep yogic breaths. And then wait some more for it all to pass. I suck at waiting, it makes me all twitchy and irritable. And yet, God keeps trying to teach me about waiting. If any of you can help me figure out what I’m supposed to be learning during this time, I’d really appreciate it, because I’m getting a little impatient…
May 30, 2008
Sorry for the recent blog silence, but as a reward for your patience, I’ll try to give a full update with pictures, deal?
Our volleyball leagues are over, sadly. My A-league flamed out a bit early in the tournament, but it was a great spring spent with five people I really enjoyed, so the season was a success. My friend David hurt his ankle pretty badly near the end of the B-leauge season, so I subbed on his team for the last few regular season games and the tourney. We played really well until the last night of the tournament, and then we lost our first game. Subsequently, we had to play four games in a row (three hours straight of volleyball!) to win, including beating the team that beat us twice since it was double elimination, but we managed to pull it off. Like my A-league team, this was such a fun team to play with, and I’m thankful for the opportunity - and now I’m the proud owner of a rockin’ new champions t-shirt!
Over Memorial Day weekend, I hung out with Heath and Nikki from the team for Heath’s birthday. I didn’t realize the papparazzi was out at Sonny’s Marina following us around until we showed up on Tricitiesnights.com and one of my adoring fans sent me an email with the link.
A few weekends ago, the Lion’s Club had the Turtle Derby. This is one my favorite parts about being a Lion, and it was a great success with over 450 people in attendance despite a chilly start to the day. We much prefer warmer weather, not only for ourselves, but because the turtles don’t move much in the cold, so the first few races were a little slow (er.. slower than normal). Thankfully, it warmed up and we raised a lot of money to go toward blindness prevention and aid. Mallicote & Shapiro’s turtle “Soup” didn’t fare so well, but at least he moved, unlike Stu’s turtle “Neko” who just sat at the starting line yawning. Here’s one of the winners…
And last, but certainly not least, my friend Will Sosa came to visit last Sunday. Will and I were friends in Little Rock, but God moved him to California and me to Tennessee around the same time. While we stayed in contact from time to time, we hadn’t seen each other in three years. It was such a blessing to spend time catching up with him, and I hope to see a lot more of him now that he’s living in Knoxville. It’s funny how God moves people in and out of your life at different times. I recently reconnected with two of my best friends from high school after like nine years (thank you Facebook), and I’ve loved catching up with them.
And finally, I’m still taking suggestions for the June and July fasts. Right now I’m leaning toward another tv-fast food combo because it was good for me. For the record, I still haven’t eaten any french fries since last summer. If you have other ideas, please let me know.
Oh, and if you want to find out how I earned my new nickname over Memorial Day Weekend(”Animal”), then click here.
May 21, 2008
(To the tune of “Should I Stay Or Should I Go?” by The Clash)
The indecision’s bugging me,
cause this year’s been all fasting free,
and summer’s back, thankfully
when last year’s fast bug bit my knee.
So come on and let me know
should I fast or just say no?
Should I fast or just say no now?
Should I fast or just say no now?
If I fast it could be trouble,
if I say no it could be double.
So come and let me know
should I fast or just say no?
All June please please please
I’d beg for fast food on my knees,
July my tv went all black,
till in August I got it back.
And now I must make up my mind
keep moving forward or rewind?
Should I fast or just say no now?
Should I fast or just say no now?
If I fast it could be trouble,
if I say no it could be double.
So come and let me know
should I fast or just say no?
May 20, 2008
I may talk a big game, but I really don’t like confrontations. Don’t believe me? Click here to read an old post about how I feel. I guess God wants me to work on this subject matter (let’s hope God’s preparing me for some fantastic new job where I make lots of money), two cases in point:
A few days ago I wrote a blog based on a sermon I heard Jim preach at Redeemer (click here). His words, combined with the scriptures we read, convinced me that I had some unresolved business with a co-worker of mine. In a nutshell: She said some inappropriate things that made me mad, so I talked about it with other people behind her back to “vent” instead of discussing it with her. I opened my mouth at church the Sunday morning I felt convicted, so of course I was on the hook to take care of business since everyone at church knew!
I prayed for an opportunity, and it just so happened that the next week we both arrived to work 20 minutes early - which never happens for me. I immediately saw my opening and sat across from her at the breakroom table. I remembered Jim’s encouragment to be humble and sincerely apologize, so I said a quick prayer and took a deep breath. She was a little taken off guard that I was apologizing - being clueless to the discussions going on around her - but appreciated me coming to her. She apologized for the things she said that bothered me, and listened to why they offended me. At the end, the air was clear, we understood each other better, and could proceed without the undercurrent of tension (to which she was apparently oblivious). Lesson learned. Or so I thought…
This week, I had an angry Monday. Like so angry I screamed an obscenity at a traffic light that turned before I could speed through, as well as the slow car that stopped in front of me instead of running it. Like so angry I almost said something so flippant to one of my bosses that I might have gotten fired (thank goodness my filter was still barely working). Like so angry, I recounted the same story of how my editor royally insulted me (possibly unbeknownst to her) to three of my best friends with so much piss and vinegar that all they could do is sit stunned on the other end of the phone in relative silence. Angry. Monday.
While most of the situations required a simple reality check on my part, coupled with a major attitude adjustment, the situation with my editor required confrontation. After some suggestions from friends on the proper approach, I tried to remember Jim’s words from a few weeks ago. Go in with humility, seek to listen and understand. Try not to verbally nuke them (ok, that’s my advice to myself). I got myself all geared up, and made the call I was dreading. I tried to be gentle with my words, but clear and direct in describing my disappointment and frustration. Despite preparing for the worst, it actually went very well. She apologized for the things she had done wrong, and tonight (unlike last night) I won’t go to bed angry. Our relationship remains in tact, and I feel even more comfortable going to her with problems in the future.
Let’s just hope this lesson is over for a while, because I feel lucky to be getting out 2 for 2.
Special thanks to Jim for a very timely message!
(Sorry Jim for giving John the copyright when I first posted this!)
May 6, 2008
As an American Idol fan, I was intrigued when I heard the producers were starting a new competition called “Can You Duet?” on CMT. Not having CMT (since I ain’t rich enough for that fancy cable TV), I figured I’d just hear the buzz online and maybe watch a few performances on the internet. Then my mom sent me an email…
Mom informed me the Herndon Twins that I grew up going to church with were appearing on the show, and were inviting their friends and family to watch. The Herndon family has always been known in my hometown for being the modern day von Trapps - their whole family is musically gifted and has performed and recorded together for as long as I can remember. Oldest sister Sada was a year younger than me, brother Adam was my brother’s age, and twins Jala and Addi were the youngest. After years of doing things as a family, and even though they are married now (now Addi Panter and Jala Verner), the two youngest decided to enter Can You Duet? as the Herndon Twins.
Of course, this meant I had to watch. So far, they have narrowed the field down to 25 from all the hundreds of duos that auditioned. I know I’m biased, but during their episode, there was only one other group in the same ballpark with them. I didn’t get to watch the full episode, just the performances posted online, but my mom said they made Naomi Judd cry!
For their latest performance, click here. (I’ve watched it about 87 times so far.)
And for their first round, you’ll have to watch the end of this segment (they’re on with about 1:15 left if you watch the countdown timer), so click here. You can see my family doctor in the background (their dad, he’s the one wearing glasses) when they come out after their audition. I was also in Kappa at OC with Addi’s husband that picks her up.
If you like what you saw, go on CMT’s website and vote for them, even though this competition isn’t decided by American like Idol. Hopefully Mama Judd loves them as much as all of us in Edmond do!
May 5, 2008
This Sunday at Redeemer Community Church Jim called me out. He didn’t mean to, but he did. He talked about conflicts in the workplace, and how we should handle ourselves in the midst of them, and he called me right out.
The past few weeks, there has been someone at one of my jobs who has increasingly isolated herself from the rest of our staff because of her attitude and way of handling herself with co-workers. The sad part is, we all talk about it with each other, getting more and more worked up by pointing out all the things she is doing to drive us crazy, all so we don’t accidentally say something inappropriate back to her. The problem is, we never say anything to her at all. The discussions regarding her are not therapy sessions or constructive outlets for finding solutions to the problem, they are just group gripe sessions - at least all the ones in which I’ve been involved. This is wrong of me.
I realized that I need to pull her aside and ask forgiveness for talking about her behind her back, and not coming directly to her when I had issue with things she’d say. Jim reminded me to apologize humbly and sincerely, and really try listening to her side of things for a change. I honestly don’t know how she’ll take it, and I’m praying for the words to come out as humble and bridge-building instead of like a pointed finger. Guess we’ll see…
Sunday morning we also launched two more out into the world, well at least for the summer. One of them is Amber, who I’ll miss dearly on the worship team because her voice is incredible. Amber is going to the Ivory Coast to work with a mission effort directed at the HIV/AIDS population. I can’t wait to hear all about her trip when she gets back, and she even told me about a book I’ll be reading soon called “28: Stories of AIDS in Africa,” which I’ll review for you when I get finished.
May 1, 2008
Some of you may remember that a few weeks ago I received some unpleasant mail (click here). Two days after my 29th birthday, I received this in the mail…
Seriously? A membership card to the AARP? And not even to “current resident” or “possible blue hair,” but to my actual name! Notice the last line of the welcome note. I only wish I was retired already, but last I heard, 29 was not the new 50.
April 29, 2008
Ever since I moved to Tennessee three years ago, I’ve asked the locals if there were volleyball leagues around here. It took me two and a half years, but I finally found a league this past fall. After an undefeated romp through the Johnson City Wellness Center fall B-league, and a completely defeated (if you don’t count the forfeit, which I don’t) season in the Johnson City Wellness Center winter A-league, if found a really fun group of players in the Elizabethton Parks & Red spring A-league. So far, we’re sitting in third place out of six teams with the tournament starting next wek. It has been such a blessing to play again, even though now I’m on a team full of people with more experience than I have which has been challenging. I’m hoping to soak in as much as I can, and maybe they’ll let me play with them again next season.
Here are a few pics for your viewing pleasure (yes, my ridiculous hair requires a bandana, and I have scabs on my knees even though I wear the dorky looking knee pads - how in the world does that happen?)
and a video of me subbing on a friend’s B-league team where an outside set forced me to hit an awkward lefty before putting it away with my good hand…
