Happy easter

easter_cross

Photo courtesy of freefoto.com

“Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with him to be executed.” – Luke 23:32

Two thieves shambled along the dirt road leading to Golgotha.  Upon his back, each bore a large wooden cross inscribed with the crime for which he would die.  They were not alone on this final journey; a man whose cross read IESVS·NAZARENVS·REX·IVDÆORVM, “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews” walked with them.  He took the place of a murderer. 

During crucifixion, both robbers scorned the third; if they were King, they would not be hanging on a cross on a hill called the Skull.   But something in the man’s presence silenced one.  No matter the insult, this man named Jesus never fought back.  When He looked upon His accusers, He looked with pity, not resentment.  The robber turned to face the crowd.  That’s when he saw them; amidst those who mocked, those who mourned.  Rich and poor, relation and friend – his mother and brothers mingled with a harlot, a tax collector, a man healed of leprosy.  The lives Jesus touched. 

Like that odd band of followers, this man who did nothing but take, looked upon the man who did nothing but give.  He saw love reflected from the eyes that saw hate; he heard words of compassion in response to those of reproach; he felt acceptance, even as he pushed away.  He saw his Savior.  And while he knew he was not worthy of grace he cried out, “Jesus, remember me …“ – and most amazing of all, Jesus did.  Those were the words He waited for – the words He died for – and if we speak them even today, His answer remains the same: I tell you the truth… you will be with me in paradise.  It doesn’t matter our history, our sins, our hypocrisy.  We have only to call out to Jesus with heartfelt sincerity; His triumph over the grave will guarantee our pardon.

Errands schmerrands

circus

There are weeks when it seems all I get done is running this way and that.  This was one such week.  Don’t get me wrong.  It’s been a good week – ever so productive.  It’s just been a bit crazy.  Here are a few of the places you could have spotted me this week …

Strength training.  We started Palates this week for strength training.  Now I have a hard time balancing on my own two feet – and they’re wanting me to balance atop a large rubber ball.  Needless to say, I was the only one in the class who could not – for the life of me – alight.  I did, however, get a good calf-workout from the tippy-toe action I had goin’ on.  I’ll keep practicing; after all, it’s always good to add skills.  That way, if my writing gig doesn’t pan out, I can always join the circus.

Car dealership.  Took my car to the dealership for an oil change.  Thankfully they did not ask what happened to my bumper.  No matter how you explain it, it always manages to come out like, “Dude!  I totally drove through a fence … it was AWESOME!”  Of course, I fully intended to take advantage of the time waiting for my car by editing.  I sat to the back of the waiting area … away from the door and the television … pulled out my hard copy, my pen, my highlighter, my wee sticky notes and began mumbling quietly to myself.  It didn’t work.  First, I had to worry about the little fellow who wobbled back to my area and struggled to get up on a chair … all while his father laughed from afar.  Seriously.  The floor was slate; and he was precarious at best.  Luckily, he got bored and moved on.  Mr. Banker Man took his place.  Mr. Banker Man decided to make an all-important-phone call – but he didn’t want to disrupt the group of men watching ESPN, so he casual strolled back and hovered right next to me.  I will never – in a million years – bank where he works.  Not that I’m bitter …

Walgreens.  With Easter being Sunday, I ventured to Walgreens for chocolate and cellophane.  Found the chocolate – could not find the cellophane.  Finally broke down and asked the clerk.  She rolled her eyes and pointed.  There it was,  wedged between the DVDs and cameras.  Oh, right… that’s all I got out before she smirked and said, “Yeah, I’m like Whatever …it’s right there!”  Right, whatever, because I was only looking down the Easter and wrapping isles – places that ACTUALLY MADE SENSE!!!  Aaah, feel that Easter love …

Albertsons.  Coupons in hand, I headed to Albertsons to buy a few groceries.  I had just grabbed a box of kleenex and was heading for the milk, when I heard a cart coming.  Instead of inching out into the isle, or glaring at the person walking in front of me, I decided I would just pretend to be looking at an item to purchase.  Out of the corner of my eye I noticed it was a guy who works at Albertsons … see him quite frequently, actually.  It was about that same time I truly paid attention to what I was intently starting at.  I don’t even have to say it, do I?  That’s right.  Trojans.  Pleasure pack or ecstasy?  It’s so hard to choose …

Starbucks.  Met my friend at Starbucks this morning.  We were just getting ready to leave when she exclaims, “Winston!”  Winston, you see, attended High School with us.  Now you must understand, the same pitiful syndrome that assails me when I meet a cute guy, hits me when I see someone from High School.  If you’ve ever seen me in action, you understand this is a grave, grave situation.  So there I sat, concentrating all my energy on my invisibility superpowers.  It would have worked too, had my friend not said, “And here’s Amy!  You remember Amy!”  [whimper]  He shook my hand and said, “Nice to meet you.”  I laughed – that airy laugh reserved for moments of sheer and utter panic.  And it went downhill from there.  Seriously.  I was a mess.  He asked what I was up to and I mumbled, “Writing.”  “What? I’m sorry, I didn’t hear you.” “I write … I’m a writer … I’m boring.”  No, my friends, I did not make that up.  I said it.  Out loud.  Twice actually, because he tried again before he left.  It’s like I have this overwhelming need to confirm the worst they could possibly think of me.

Let’s all say it together … good times …

Begin…

wordsworth

William Woodsworth was born April 7th, 1770 in Cockermouth, Cumberland, in the Lake District.  You may know he was a British poet, credited with ushering in the English Romantic Movement – but do you know he was the first to come up with the slogan “Just do it”?   Of course, in Woodsworth’s hand it came out as, “To begin, begin.”   Either way, it’s some good advice.  We all have dreams and aspirations, the longing of our hearts.  But sitting around thinking about them will do no good – we must meet them half way.  The only way a dream may come to fruitition is if we take that first step; we must begin.  It’s as simple and as difficult as that …

Monday shopping therapy

It’s Monday.  And really, who wants to actually work on a Monday?!   With that in mind, I’m offering the following diversion: Found It.  Loved It.  It’s an e-newsletter delivered to your inbox daily (if you wish); it includes the fabulous finds of Jacinta O’Halloran.  Not only does she find some great things, she’s a great writer as well.  It’s addictive.  I’m telling you this now, so you can’t come back and complain about how you cannot go a day without your Jacinta O’Halloran fix – and it’s ALL MY FAULT!  

This morning’s finds are book-centric.  My book-nerd friends will love it.  My friends who are not so much will shake their heads in defeat and wonder how they came to love such a dork.  I like to think it’s the character I’ve amassed throughout the years … but, you know, whatever.  So, without further ado, check it out: http://www.divinecaroline.com/channel/70884.

Sunshine Cleaning (2009)

sunshine_cleaning1Life’s a messy business. 

Rating: R (language, some disturbing images)

Genre: Drama – comedy

The verdict: Loved

The gist:Rose Lorkowski (Amy Adams) was a high school sweetheart – the cheerleading captain who dated the quarterback.  Now she is a single mother; the “other” woman.  When her son (Jason Spevack) is expelled from school, Rose realizes she needs more than what she makes as maid.  Following a suggestion by her lover (Steve Zahn), she starts a specialized cleaning service – Sunshine Cleaning.  Together she and her younger sister Norah (Emily Blunt) erase the traces of murders, suicides, and other unpleasantsituations while her son helps their father (Alan Arkin) on his get-rich-quick schemes.  Along the way they will realize that  life may be messy, it may not turn out as you had hoped, but with a little cheer – and a lot of work – it is worth the living.   

My take: Sunshine Cleaning is a charming story of life – and the beauty amid the ugliness.  The screenplay (Megan Holley) is bright and original – boasting just enough humor to get through the rough spots.  While there are themes aplenty, none of them are overplayed.  Christine Jeffs’ direction is deft and smooth – creating a film that is at once slice of life and entertaining.   To cap it all off, this film boasts a brilliant cast of actors and actresses.  Each fit his/her role perfectly – portraying characters that remain endearing, despite their flaws.  Clifton Collins, Jr., for instance, infuses pure heart into the character of Winston, the manager of the cleaning supply store.   He may be a minor character, but he is not easily forgotten.  Together the cast and crew prove it’s not what you have or haven’t that makes you great – it’s what you put into it.   

An aside:  In case you didn’t get it from the above review, I would highly recommend this film.  Being independent, it may be a bit harder to come by.  But take the time to seek it out – it will be worth the effort!