But still, I've missed things like Wal Mart a lot, and it was exciting to be Carlee's escort for her Herceptin treatment yesterday. It was only a one-nighter in Anchorage, but it was a fun flurry of shopping and bumming around the big city! Nathan was sweet to fill my usual shoes and watch the kids, and Carlee, Caleb and I had a wonderful, if busy, time. I loved seeing the mountains again in Anchorage. They are indescribable.
I've been enjoying some "for fun" reading at night before I turn off the light for bed. I haven't read a book just for fun in a very long time and it's kind of refreshing! It's "Anna and the King of Siam". I did now know that the romanticized story "The King and I" is actually based on a very true story... and it's a very moving one, too. I love the Rogers and Hammerstein version; have nearly all the songs memorized, absolutely adore Yule Brenner's kingly skills, and am reduced to sobs at the end of the movie EVERY TIME even though I know he's going to die! (I inherited my Grandma Oriti's love of theater!) The true story, though, is one of amazing courage and inspiration. Of a woman whose influence on the next generation of royalty led to the abolition of slavery in Siam. Not very romantic, perhaps, but unbelievably inspiring. An ordinary woman who suffered incredible hardships during her life, quietly changing the course of a nation through her influence. Wow.
Honestly, I feel almost envious that Anna had the chance to do what she did. There are very few people who get the opportunity to influence the royalty of a barbaric nation. I'm sure I'll never be called on to do something that the world would label "great". But I think of Mother Theresa's words, and am inspired and somehow comforted: "We can do no great things. Only small things with great love." I don't agree completely: we can do great things. (Anna did.) But I don't think we can do anything "great" unless it is done with love. And any tiny deed, done with love, becomes great in God's eyes. That includes diaper duty.
I guess, after knowing the true story, I should be indignant at Rogers and Hammerstein's dramatization of it. But this will probably always be one of my favorite musicals!
Have you seen the movie Anna and the King? It's based on that... Has Jodi Foster in it
ReplyDeleteHi Dani Girl,
ReplyDeleteSo glad that you were able to go with Carlee & have a "change of scenery" for a short time. You need that once and a while! It sounds like it's very different in Anchorage. Also, it's nice to lay in bed and read at night. I do that a lot and it seems so relaxing. You take care & give everybody a squeeze for me!!
Love you bunches,
Mrs. Mac
dearest lizzie,
ReplyDeletei too am glad that you got a change of scenery and a bit of a little break! civilization can be a good thing.
glad you are getting some reading in too! that is also a great escape.
was re-reading your journal and chuckled at the title you gave to the one of the woman in the painting. you are such a drama mama and i love it. wish we could visit in person.....
i have a little jillian quote for you that happened during last night's dinner which was chili. she is not a fan of chili and was staring into her bowl with her nosey posey all scrunched up and said "i don't like all these jellybeans in here....."
do you have any idea when you will be in ohio?
hugs dahlink,
sheila