Lesson 195: Thank the Lord

It's Thanksgiving!

Thank the Lord!

Here are two shots of the sun coming up over the frosted vineyards.  They were taken last weekend on one of my first days out, after a two week bout of shingles.  The chicken pox virus the second time around was as no fun as it was the first time.  Round one was when I was in  fourth grade, and missed Trick or Treating as a result.  Round two was virus versus Adult Eloise and it kicked my @$$.  Caution to virus:  I look sweet, but beware.  I can kick back. Hard. Six week healing period?  No, thank you.

Eloise set her mind to getting better.  I prayed a lot.  Thank you, Lord.  I drank a ton of smoothies.  Thank you, Tracy Southern.  I tried to rest.  I kept thinking just make it to Thanksgiving and things will be better.....  They are.  Much better.  Although I still have some healing to do.

The Single Shingle as I've so named the cold sore-like blister on the side of my nose, is a barometer for my health.  Until it is completely gone, the virus is still active.  Every time I try to do more, or push it too much, it glows red and Eloise looks like Rudolph with his nose offset.  It is a lovely shade of amber today.

I've got some fun things planned, 188 Dr. Seuss tests to grade (we studied him first quarter), and my Mom List is growing by one or two bullets by the hour.  Still, I plan to try to rest and finish healing all of the way.  I am thankful for the time off. Thank you, Lord.

I'm also thankful for the beautiful vineyard across the street from the Lamp Post.

I caught a ray of light the other morning.  

I was thankful for that.

I'm most thankful to be spending time with them:

We experienced some really nice weather in my Lake Erie region today.  As of this writing (Wednesday afternoon) it's 51 and sunny and I'm headed out for a very slow trot soon.  Maybe I can sweat this sucker out of me.  Thank you, Lord.

Ellen and Sam played catch all afternoon, and Eloise had some peace to clean up my house.

Thank you, Lord.

Ellen got to use sidewalk chalk in the driveway today instead of a snow shovel.

Thank you, Lord.

The boys gathered in my backyard for a game of football.

Sam made a macaroni turkey. 

Natalie couldn't wait to paint.

A little down time is good for everyone.  Readers, I hope you all get at least one day of rest over the holiday.  That is one hard lesson that I learned.  Rest is important.

Sometimes the only rest I get, is to get away from the Lamp Post as there is always someONE or someTHING than needs my attention.  A good escape for Eloise is a movie.  A two hour confined place for me to sit down for a little bit and watch something for enjoyment.  I only like to go to movies during the winter months though; from Thanksgiving through about March.  After that, I can't stand to be cooped up inside.  

This weekend I have several to choose from:

My girls and my two friends Tracy--Northern & Southern can't wait to see how Stephenie Meyer ends this saga.

Sam has his eyes set fists set on this one:

I'd kind of like to see the one about this man:

That is Abraham Lincoln, Slovenians.  He was the sixteenth president of the United States.  Lincoln was our best president in Eloise's opinion.  He governed when the strength of our union experienced its most severe test.  A movie has been made of his life and opened on November 9th.  

The movie stars Daniel Day-Lewis, Tommy Lee Jones, and Sally Field--all fantastic at their craft.  It looks to be a good one.  

I love my presidents.  I read about them all the time.  Most of my energy goes to the presidents in my lifetime--from Nixon through Obama.  Jimmy Carter is my favorite person who was ever president---a real and honest individual.  He's written a multitude of books and when I read them I can almost hear his southern drawl.  I'd like to get to Plains, Georgia soon while he is still living.  I'd love to get the chance to meet him.  In all honesty, if given the choice, I'd choose a backstage pass to meet Jimmy Carter over Tim McGraw, if you can believe that!  

I got into Lincoln again because the sixth grade in my daughter's school studied the Civil War.  She was bringing home tons of research material and books on the subject and many an evening the two of us leafed through them and talked history.  Lincoln is most famous for his image on our penny and the five dollar bill.  He's hailed for holding our nation together through the Civil War.  

What I almost forgot about, but was reminded of this fall, was that it was President Lincoln who declared the first national day of Thanksgiving in 1863.  However, we don't have Abe Lincoln to thank for that.  Thank her:  

This is Sarah Hale.  

Sarah knew the power of the pen.  She was a magazine editor.

Sarah felt that the nation needed a national day of Thanksgiving.  This was a seventeen year long project for Sarah that began years before Lincoln's time in office.  She sent requests to four presidents prior to Lincoln:  Taylor, Fillmore, Pierce, and Buchanan.  None considered a unifying day of thanks top administrative priority.  Then came Lincoln.

She sent President Lincoln her letter in September of 1863, right smack dab in the middle of the Civil War.  Part of Sarah's request was worded as follows, according to Abraham Lincoln Online--Speeches & Writing:

You may have observed that, for some years past, there has been an increasing interest felt in our land to have the Thanksgiving held on the same day, in all the States; it now needs National recognition and authoritative fixation, only, to become permanently, an American custom and institution."

In a war torn nation, it seemed very unlikely that such a request would be recognized.  Yet just a week later, President Lincoln read her letter and responded immediately.  Lincoln composed a written document that is known as The Thanksgiving Proclamation.  Google that, and you can read it in it's entirety in just a couple of clicks on line.  Lincoln had a passion for the pen.  His words are beautiful.  A good writer always impresses Eloise.  The document's language is somewhat difficult, so I broke the words up in phrases for you for easier reading.  I can't help it.  I'm a teacher.  

I also took the liberty of hi lighting my favorite words and phrases.  Words are cool, and old Abe really had a way with them.  

Some of the wording from Lincoln's Thanksgiving Proclamation, October 3, 1863:

By the President of the United States

A Proclamation

The year that is drawing to a close,

has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields

and healthful skies.

To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed

that we are prone to forget the source from which they come

others have been added, which are of so extraordinary a nature, 

that they cannot fail to penetrate and soften even the heart

which is habitually insensible 

to the ever watchful providence of Almighty God. 

In the midst of a civil war of unequaled magnitude and severity, 

.....................

...................

Population has steadily increased, 

notwithstanding the waste that has been made in 

the camp, 

the siege 

and the battle-field; 

and the country, 

rejoicing in the consciousness of augmented strength and vigor, 

is permitted to expect continuance of years with large increase of freedom. 

No human counsel hath devised 

nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. 

They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, 

who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, 

hath nevertheless remembered mercy. 

It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, 

reverently

and gratefully acknowledged 

as with one heart and one voice 

by the whole American People. 

I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, 

and also those who are at sea 

and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, 

to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, 

as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens. 

And I recommend to them that while offering up the ascriptions justly due to Him

for such singular deliverances and blessings, 

they do also, with humble penitence 

for our national perverseness and disobedience, 

commend to His tender care all those who have become 

widows, 

orphans, 

mourners 

or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife 

in which we are unavoidably engaged, 

and fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty Hand 

to heal the wounds of the nation 

and to restore it as soon as may be consistent 

with the Divine purposes 

to the full enjoyment of 

peace, 

harmony, 

tranquillity 

and Union.

Done at the City of Washington, 
this Third day of October, 
in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, 
and of the Independence of the Unites States the Eighty-eighth.

By the President: Abraham Lincoln

Impressive, wouldn't you say?

Here's another impressive fact:  4,000 are running our local Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning!

Erieites, don't look for me to be running under the name of a dead US President. I'm up to William Henry Harrison, but he won't be making an appearance.  Eloise will be at the Lamp Post enjoying a morning off.  Thank the Lord! I don't like crowds and am no good at math, but I know that means 4,000 runners to 6 port a potties does not make a favorable ratio.  No thanks.

To Kenyan, Northern, Doc, and all of my team mates--trot tough.  I'd lie and say something lame like I'll be with you in spirit, but Thanksgiving is a day declared by Honest Abe so I can't do that.  I won't even give you a second thought.  I'll be sipping my coffee in my pajama bottoms, watching the Macy's day parade.  Thank the Lord!

One of the things Eloise is most thankful for is Sam's smooth transition into our public school system in the Great State of Pennsylvania.  Eloise was worried.  He's a hard kid to channel, and I'll be the first to admit that.  My boy loves school though and is doing very well.  Thank the Lord.

Sam has been drawing these "sky scrapers" lately.

Sam's art intrigues me.  I am not sure why the building is rainbow striped,

or what exactly those USA things are on the sides.

He's made at least five of them this week.

Here is another example of a "sky scraper."

Read closely under Mom & Dad.

All Eloise has to say to that is Thank the Lord.  

And here is one final Thank You, Lord, meant very literally.  Thanks to the Erie Lord Manufacturing Plant for the nice tour on Tuesday.  My students and I enjoyed it.  You are proof that manufacturing can hold its northern roots strong.  We're glad you are staying with us, and best of luck in the transition to your new facility.  I brought you some smart ones.  You may have just had your first encounter with your future boss.

In your Thanksgiving prayers today, borrow some words from Abe Lincoln.  Remember to thank The Most High God for the bounties, healthful skies, and a day full of blessings.  To bless not only those around our tables, but also the widows, orphans, mourners, and sufferers, too.  To heal the wounds of our nation, and bring peace, tranquility, and unity to all people.  

Lincoln movie trailer is posted below.

Bountiful blessings,
Eloise

Lesson 194: It's the Little Things

Hello, Readers! 

I'm recovering from my illness that was the topic of last weekend's blog, The Agony of Defeat.  Eloise is operating at about 75% capacity now, and getting better every day.  The steroids I was given must have accelerated leg growth along with healing as you can see in this photo.  To all of you who extended well wishes, I say this:

Once the searing pain of the shingles along my trigeminal nerve subsided, the headache came on.....and lingered......for days.  It rendered poor Eloise useless.  I was under advisement to rest, both physically and mentally.  No exercise.  No reading.  No computer, music, or watching TV.  I said my doc, "What am I supposed to do?  Sit there and watch the birds out the window?"  The doc replied to an exasperated Eloise, "Basically, yes."

I was well enough to return to work this week, only to slog in the door at the end of the day.  I'd take a nose dive into the couch and stay there for the rest of the evening.  Twice this week my family ate convenience food for dinner.  "How many vegetables do we have to eat?" my children asked me out of habit.  "There aren't any," I'd yell from the couch.  "Potato chips are close enough this week."  Did I mention my delirium, too?

I couldn't take many photos again this week, but I did snap this one the other morning while following doctor's orders.  Out the window, the sun was rising over the frosted vineyard across the street from The Lamp Post.

 Pretty, isn't it?

That perfect combination of light and shadow,

which is often at its prettiest as the sun rises.

Eloise was thankful that I got to see the morning sun, had a camera good enough to capture the light, and a means to share it with you.  Instead of wallowing in my misery, I decided to change my attitude.  It was time to do this:

And that I did.  Gave thanks for all the good things in my life, and I began to feel better.  This next message is a good reminder for all of you during this holiday season.  Consider this your weekend homework assignment:

Do this before you fall asleep tonight.  Thank the Good Lord for all you have.  I'm going to ask you if you did when I see you next.  Teachers always know when their students don't do their assignments.  No excuses.  Do your homework.

Eloise does not like idle time.  I'm always thinking about someone or something, it seems.  It's hard to stop the freight train of my brain, so made my own adaptation.  I decided that I would still think this week while I rested, but I'd put myself on a thinking diet.  I'd Think Lite. So instead of thinking of ways to bridge the divide in our government, or figure out ways to help clean up the east coast as quickly as possible, I'd try to think of the little things.  Because you know what they say about the little things:

Eloise has compiled a list for you.  This list:

I put this phrase into the search box on pinterest and hundreds of pins popped up.  If you have a pinterest account, do this happy exercise.  It will make you smile.  I have posted my favorites below.

I went back to school this week, so I got many of these.

I told you we ate fast food this week.

The kids ate a lot of this, too.

True:  Carrie Underwood is coming up for us November 27th.

False:  Kenyan went to see Madonna and it was a big disappointment.

Speaking of music......

...and this one is for you, Leanne!

It's Christmas shopping time!

It's getting cold out.

This NEVER happens at the Lamp Post.

Nor does this for poor Eloise.

But sometimes this does, and it is the best!

I've spent a lot of time in these the past two weeks.

 

Always a favorite.

Thanks, Book Woman.   Awesome capture.  You have talent, too.

 Birthdays are always nice.

But this is the absolute best!

Someone remembered what color shirt I wore on the first day of Seventh Grade.

Or recall your name after meeting you just once.

Eloise has a nose like a bloodhound and never forgets a scent.

I never forget a good hug either,

especially when the person doesn't want to let go.

This includes people, as well as things.

Always a nice feeling to know you aren't crazy.

Hugging is good, but kissing is better.

Mental telepathy--even better yet.

And a salute to schadenfreude from last week's post.  There's always someone......

Grandmas telling stories can cure all that inner yucky.

Well, except for my children's Grandma, that is.  She's not much for reading stories.

Grandma brought over a case of wine glasses this afternoon and told Ellen to "paint 'em up."

Looks like we're having a fun holiday here at the Lamp Post this year.

And this is the very best.  Eloise loves her tunes.

The band below is not really new, but Eloise did discover just how good they are together.  One Direction has released their Sophomore album.  Posted below is their song Little Things, as performed on the X-Factor recently.  It gets a big HUGE WOW from me.

Simon Cowell can really pick 'em.  If you aren't familiar with One Direction's rise to stardom, you must have been living under a rock for the last year.  Ask any teenage girl and you will get the full story, along with each boy's birth date, favorite color, and last time each visited the bathroom.  They've got quite a following.

Ladies, enjoy Harry, Niall, Zayn, Louis, and Liam in perfect harmony.  The song hi-lights each voice in just the right way to make any girl swoon.  Harry is my favorite.  He's deep and raspy.  You can hear English accent in Liam when he sings.  Zayn bears a striking resemblance to my niece Cora.  I want to live next door to the only Irishman in the group, Niall.  He's very boyish and charming.  I married Louis, but I assure you---not this one.

Guys, you should pay attention.  Don't pass up a listen on this song.  Chicks dig 'em. If you can't sing, then download the song and play it for your girl.  Listen to the words and find the little things you love about her and tell her once in awhile.   It will cement your relationship.  These boys are charming in interviews, too.  If you don't have a personality, then go to K-Mart and buy yourself one.  No girl likes a dud.

So far these boys are holding it together and I am pulling for them.  I hope they don't lose their talent to the ills of such widespread fame.  They are young enough to be my own sons.  I always think of their mothers.  How hard that must be to lose your child to instant celebrity.  I hope their mums are trying to keep them grounded and healthy, more focused on others than on themselves.  Best wishes, Chaps.  I'd like to hear more music from you from across the pond.  Stay clean.

Enjoy the song (video below).  Listen for Harry.  He comes in at 1:45.  And most of all:

Forever,
Eloise