November To Remember

Hello Grafted In Reader,

Note:  Story Snippet at the end of this post if interested!

Today is November 18, 2024 in my corner of blog-land.

Thanksgiving in the USA occurs in ten days; my mother passed away some years ago on November 22nd; former USA President, John Kennedy, assassinated on another November 22nd.

Another Presidential and local state election occurred in early November; results somewhat satisfying for this citizen.

I left Facebook before November, but have been doing more writing and taking more actions to improve and expand my writing craft. I do miss the 'online socialization' FB provided. However, posts on Reddit and exploring Mastodon are future endeavors to be carried out.

What is November to you?

One thing seems certain, It's a month of change here. November could be March in Reverse, weather-wise.

I want to conclude with a story snippet that was a writing exercise from a group I belong too.

The title is, Post Cards: Wishing You Were Here

and mine features a few short vignettes imagining 'someone' at each event but wasn't. Do enjoy.

PostCards

 

Christmas Day

You were thought of by the three of us as we drove 2-hours to Frankenmuth Michigan, (little Bavaria). The fried chicken dinner with trimmings, and slides at the indoor water-park provided some sense of relief. Wishing you could have been here, but you made other choices.

 

Niagra Falls

I sit on a bench in what is known as the oldest state park in the USA; established in 1885. Birds overhead, squirrles scurry about, gentle breeze blows across my forearms. Your choice makes for a very different day. Stupid choice!

 

Pike Peak

The train ride rickety as we descended to the top of Pike Peak near Manitou, Springs, Col. A headache tablet taken to cope with altitude. Missed you again, cyber-pal, while looking over top the peak. Hold hands, feel skin touch.  Enjoy the sunny day, the view, the immediate and distant. Again, wishing you were here.  

 

Comerica Park, Detroit

A modern major league baseball park is the picture, and I recall the time you got a player to autograph a baseball. Smooth move, I mused. Now, you face a full count in life. Your next choice will either make - break you. Numb from wishing you were here.

 

End

 

May the Holy One be present with us today and tomorrow!

Mellow Rock,

David C. Russell

 

Blues Is My Medicine (acoustic, Lisa Mann)

Hello Grafted In Reader,

Today Is Tuesday, Oct. 29 in my corner of blog-land.

I awoke to the sound of rainfall, occasional thunder, and the prediction that today the high would be in the mid twenties Celsius, 75 Fahrenheit. We are one week away from another national election. Problems seem to be occurring with regard to vote safety in that some ballot boxes have been set afire across the NorthWest United States. So, votes have been eradicated and the election will probably be a topic of discussion well after November 5.

War continues in the Middle East and Eucraine regions of our world.

Inflation continues to be a concern for many as food prices continue to hold steady or rise steadily. I notice from recent purchase, a can of dog food raised in price by about fifty-cents within one week from $2.69 -  to $3.19. Granted, I can make a can of dog food last for our pooch for up to three days.

Little wonder Lisa Mann is beleaguered by the blues, per our post title. How about you?

I have been reading Isaiah chapter 42 this week, which is about the Prophet Isaiah talking of God's justice being meaded out in the end and protection for the marginalized: esp the blind and deaf people in our world. There is definite tension between the now, the present, the future and forthcoming.

For pleasure, stories from "Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine" are found to be entertaining for me. Imagination is a wonderful thing when used aright!

Finally,  thankful you chose to drop by today. Feel free to leave a hello or comment. Meantime, may the Presence of Adonai (the Lord) guide our steps today and tomorrow.

Mellow Rock

David C. Russell, Author

 

Reference To Prayer: (Whitney Houston, Madonna)

Hello Grafted In Reader,

Today is Friday, October 25, 2024 in my corner of blog-land. This post may appeal to those of you who observe a reflective time known as Sabbath, or quiet rest and contemplation during some hours between Friday and Sunday evening.

In the '90s, pop singers Madonna and Whitney Houston make a brief reference to prayer in two songs by each, respectively.

- Whitney prays about someone she has feelings of love for and desire for connection.

- Madonna says a prayer in the midnight hour for her love interest.

This blog, in its original purpose, was to inform us about the influence of Judaism with regard to Christian practice. Prayer is one of those practices within both faiths.

Here is a simple explanation offered by the website: bible.com.

TEFILLAH: Which means PRAYER

How often do we use prayer as nothing more than an emergency call or a cold call to God?

Too often we only pray when we need or want something from God - which is understandable considering the English word "pray" means to "ask or beg". But the Hebrew word for prayer - tefillah - means to "self evaluate”. So to the Jews of the Bible, prayer was not a time when they asked God for things … it was a time when they examined themselves. They would use prayer as a way to compare their actions, behavior and attitude against God’s holiness.

Could this idea change your prayers today?

Note: Whitney and Madonna in some ways reflect the Hebraic understanding of prayer in the two songs by each mentioned.

They entreat, request, ask, even beg God for intervention.

I encourage you to ponder this word during your quiet time.

Comments welcomed, and thanks for our visit today.

Mellow Rock,

David C. Russell, Author