Memories of my Dad
Sixty-nine years ago today, my father was born and it’s been just over 20 years since he died. After recent conversations and events, I have been reminiscing and sharing different memories about him. Listed below are some of the stories I’ve been told, memories I have, and things I learned from him.
- He was a mechanical engineer and wore a pocket protector to work everyday. He always had a mechanical pencil and a felt tip pen with him. My brother and I probably destroyed quite a few of his pens over the years. A few years ago, I saw a fellow student with the same pen and I practically snatched it from their hand. It took me back to my childhood and reconnected me in a small way to my dad.
- My mother tells the story that when he showed up for their second date, he was wearing overalls. That was also the first time he met her mother. He was not a redneck, he just did his own thing. When he got married, he had 30+ dress shirts. That way he only had to do laundry once a month. Read more
Analog Artistry & Memories of my Grandmother
Over the last few months I have been wanting to get back into more analog hobbies. Growing up, both of my parents were weavers and we would go to the occassional fair and show off our work. I remember one time when we were living in Illinois, they let me demonstrate and I had a newspaper reporter asking me questions for his article. My dad did some woodworking when he had the time. My mother also did needlepoint and quilting.
I enjoyed weaving but I have never had the patience for stringing a loom. So recently, I have been trying to think of a way to make a modified Navajo loom that could be strung quickly but also have the advantages of treadles, the pedals or levers that separate the threads. I haven’t worked out all the ideas and I’ve been wanting to start on something. Then the other night I was over at a friend’s apartment and she pulled out a blanket she was crocheting. That got me thinking. My grandmother used to crochet. I tried to have her teach me a couple of times but I just never got it. Despite my previous failures, I figured with YouTube I could learn this time around. Read more
That Song Takes me Back
Attribution: minds-eye
I bought the latest album from Mercy Me this week. There’s one song that has really resonated with me. The rhythm is infectious plus the content of the song hits where I’ve been for the last year or so.
When life won’t play along, and right keeps going wrong, and I can’t seem to find my way
I know where I am found, so I won’t let it drag me down, oh, I’ll keep dancing anyway…
I might bend but I won’t break, as long as I can see your face
There are many things in my life recently that haven’t played out like I thought. There are days when the disappointment and frustrations feel overwhelming. But this song and others like it remind me of the promises of scripture. Read more
Winter, Snowfall & Memories
I woke up this morning and it was snowing. I walked around while at work today and it was snowing. I just came inside from playing in the snow. And it was still snowing. It looks like there is at least a half a foot of snow on the ground. I drove to and from work and I wasn’t worried or complaining about being out in this. I was actually enjoying it. I guess it reminds me of my childhood. Also seeing your everyday landscape instantly transformed by a blanket of snow just affects your perspective. Read more
Triggering Old Memories
I went out for a drive this afternoon. I needed to clear my head after a day of reading about the Synoptic Problem. I enjoyed watching the sky change hues as the sun slipped beyond the horizon. Later I caught a hint of wood smoke in the air. That smell combined with the crispness of the air, conjured up old memories. It reminded me of home. Read more
