Happy Hump Day!! It’s a beautiful day here in South Carolina, with temps unseasonably warm for this time of year. Today is sunny and the outdoors is calling me.
But first, I think I will write a little bit about the past week – it’s events, and it’s ‘not so eventful’ moments.
It was Presidents Day weekend, and therefore schools were closed on Monday, and that gave my daughter the time to pack up and bring the twins down here for a few days. Yay!! Boo and Mimi had a wonderful time with them, and we really enjoyed taking them up to “Broadway at the Beach” in Myrtle Beach for an afternoon of fun – at the aquarium, and the mirror maze, and going on a few rides. It also does my heart good to see the boys feel comfortable here at our place, and enjoy all the play indoors and out. Very special moments.
I would like to be a fly on the wall at schools around here because I wonder if Presidents Day is used as a teaching tool anymore. I wonder if like when I was young, the children learn the names of all the presidents, and if they talk about who a president is, how he (and maybe one day ‘she’) is elected, etc. We live in such divided times politically I wonder if lessons on presidents are not touched anymore. Too worrisome for teachers and administrators. Will some school board – or a group of parents – out there get all crazy over teaching about the realities of ALL the presidents?
I would also like to sit in on high school classes these days – to hear what is taught in American History class. I live in an area of the south that was developed on the backs of the slaves, and for years down here it was made mystical… happy plantations, owners taking care of slaves, working the rice and cotton fields. It may have been true for a few but not many. Did I learn about the real hardships during slavery in school? I don’t think so. I have learned much more as an adult, reading accounts, and in visiting old plantation land that still exists. And, what about the industrial revolution – and those who created new ways for progress in our country? Many did not make it into the history books. Another question: do most high schools still have Civics classes? And – I remember having a “Current Events” time each week to discuss various things that were happening in our country and world. Again, is that too “hot to handle” these days? I fear it is.
This week is a unique week as the calendar said 02-20-22, 02-21-22, and yesterday was 2-22-22. I have to say I’m looking forward to 03-01-22! Ha! I’m glad February is our shortest month and we can get on to March. Spring! New growth! Little Madelynn’s first birthday!
Speaking of birthdays, my cousin just had her 73rd and we joined in celebrating at a nice dinner. Coming up next week there are three on Stan’s side of the family turning 50! I remember them as teenagers. How can it be?!?! Of course my own daughters are now “mid 30ish” and that amazes me. I’m proud of who they are, and love watching/experiencing/being a part of their lives.
I have been playing with handbells groups at two churches lately – not my church. So, twice a month I am experiencing worship there, away from my ‘home’ church. I am becoming quite ‘ecumenical’ and I enjoy the variety. Really, the differences are small – they are Methodist and Presbyterian – and the similarities are large. I am content as long as I read the creed and say the Lord’s Prayer. I love that one church sings the Doxology each Sunday. Both have familiar hymns and beautiful music from choirs – which I miss at my church. But they only do communion once a month, and never when handbell tables are set up, so I have not communed there to see the ‘styles’. All have good sermon messages and I like hearing from all the pastors. I understand the need for church membership and a commitment to programs and charitable giving at one church, but God is taught, and worshiped, in many good places. It should not be a competition among churches. Yet it is.
I’m off now to get out and get free air, and later to move my body at dance class – and then to a handbell rehearsal. Music makes me happy!
It’s a good “hump day” – I hope yours is too.
Marla’s Musings 