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J_M_Richards
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Name: J. M.
Location: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
Gender: Female
Interests: Reading, writing, art, playing guitar.
Good stories--movies, books, music.
Beauty in Art and Nature.
God, and this amazing journey we're on together.
Occupation: Computer related
Industry: Nonprofit
Message: message me
Website: visit my website
Member Since:
1/4/2006
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| It's amazing to me how much power these stories still have over me.
I saw Prince Caspian for the second time this week, and no, it wasn't the most spectacular movie ever, but I loved it all the same. In fact, I liked it better the second time, but I was analyzing it less, and just letting the truth of the story wash over me.
By truth, I mean, mythic truth. In the Eldredgian sense.
After all these years, there is still so much I get out of these stories. Twenty-six years later, and they still move me to tears. Something about these stories touch the most elemental part of me. They get at my core. And why shouldn't they? they've been part of me nearly my whole life. It's part of my identity, when you get right down to it.
I was thinking the other day about how different I would be if my dad had not read the books to me--and at such a young age. he says that I would have found them anyway, and he's probably right; but still.... they've shaped so many parts of me. My love of British things, and fairy tales, and my belief that stories are powerful and have deep truths to tell us, and my understanding of who I am and who Jesus is--that all came out of those books.
I said in my last post that I've been think about Susan, and what happened to her, and I still am. But there are a lot of Narnain things I ponder, as only someone who's heard the stories as many times as I have possibly can. I was just listening to the Regina Spektor song that plays at the end of PC, and thinking about Lucy and how sad she is to leave Aslan every time. And wondering: when did she finally realize that Aslan is Jesus?
***
Lucy sat in the uncomfortable wooden pew and tried not to fidget. But her clothes were starched and itchy, and the priest's voice droned on. She let her eyes wander to the stained glass pictures and tried to guess who each person was. One boy had a lamb around his neck, and for a moment she thought of her last trip to Narnia, and that little island where she'd last seen Aslan--first as a lamb, and then as his Lion self. And he'd told her she wouldn't be going back. Her lip quivered at the very thought. He'd said she needed to learn to recognize him in her own world.
For months she'd tried to figure out what that meant. She and Ed had discussed it many times before that summer was over. She'd looked at every lion--at the zoo, as statues, on flags, even the ones that were only pictures--as though he might start speaking to her at any second. Edmund had said he didn't think that's what Aslan meant, and Lucy supposed he was right. But what had he meant? It was hard for her; she'd always been so close and so connected to Aslan...and she wanted to believe that she'd recognize him just as easily in England. So far, she hadn't had much luck.
She wished Peter or Susan would help her understand, but they always seemed to be too busy to really talk to her any more. Once more she despised the idea of growing up, if it meant letting go of Narnia and all that had happened...and Aslan. She noticed everyone's heads bowing, and followed suit, but still she wasn't really listening. Her parents made them go, especially at Christmas and Easter.
But she was too old for egg hunts and baskets...or at least, she felt like she was.
After the prayer, she stole a glance at Ed, who seemed to be intently listening. She wondered why on earth he was paying attention, when she knew he hardly made much of an effort when it came to school things. But he dutifully opened his hymnal, and began to sing with everyone else. He shared the book with her, and she pretended to sing.
Then a phrase caught her ear: "...who died and rose again..."
She looked down at the page to read the words for herself pulling the book closer to her.
"Lu," Edmund murmured, irritated. "Don't hog it."
"Just let me see it," she whispered back.
Her eyes flew over the words, and she saw that they told a story. The song ended, and the priest had everyone stand for a benediction; she was so enraptured, she only stood when Ed poked her. She heard nothing over the rush in her ears, until the bells began to ring.
"What's with you?" Edmund asked her, as the service ended. "You barely pay attention to a word he said, and then suddenly you want to read the hymnal?"
"Ed," she looked at him breathlessly, "Oh, Ed, don't you see? It's Him! It's like the Deep Magic! Only instead of a stone table, it was a wooden cross!" She pointed to the foremost stained glass picture. "He died, and then came back to life! Just like--"
"Aslan," Ed finished, in an awed voice. "By Jove, I do see. I knew...I knew there was something about the story..." he shivered. "It did remind me of my own." He looked down at his sister. "He said we'd have to learn to know him in this world, didn't he?" She nodded. "I guess this is what he meant."
They both gazed up at the stained glass depiction of the risen Jesus. "I should have known," Lucy whispered. "I should have seen it sooner."
Ed put his arm lightly around his sister's shoulders. "I think He would say, the important thing is that you did see it. And, you helped me see it."
"I'm so glad," Lucy said in a small voice. "I'm so glad I found Him again."
"Me too," Edmund agreed. "Me, too."
***
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| So I read this short story by Neil Gaiman the other day, in his collection "Fragile Things." (The title of it is the same as this post.) I really like some of his other work, but this particular story was highly disturbing to me. I don't recommend it, for explicit and repulsive graphic dream sequences that I personally have found hard to shake. The premise is that Susan has become a very lonely old woman, ever since her entire family died in the train wreck that sent them all to Aslan's country.
In the introduction to the book, Gaiman explains that he wrote the story because it always bothered him that she was left behind. He wanted to write something equally disturbing.
Personally, I think a more satisfying end to Susan's story could be conjectured--and one in better taste. As I said, I normally like his stuff, but dream sequence or not, the end of that story was just plain wrong. Of course, I am particularly sensitive to that kind of thing, since Narnia and Aslan are so close to my heart.
Truthfully, though I never much cared for Susan, I didn't really like her being left behind, either. So, if nothing else, his story got me thinking. I may just write my own ending to Susan's story.
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| So, right now I'm reading The Silmarillion by J. R. R. Tolkien. I started to read it once several years ago and never finished it. I'm trying again.
What I find interesting about it (and I'm really only a few chapters into it) is that it's this beautiful, complex, fantastically written work...and yet I kind of have to make myself read it. It's not that I don't like it; I really do. Every time I pick it up, I'm like, "This is beautiful. I love this." Yet for some reason, it's not the first thing I want to reach for.
Maybe it's because it's not fast-paced, full of humor, or dialogue driven. Or maybe it's because it's hard work to read and keep all the names straight. I remember now, the first time I attempted it, I wanted to make a list of all the people he mentions with a brief description of who they all were, and use it as a bookmark for quick reference. That's still not a bad idea. And I'm dismayed at how much I've forgotten about LOTR! It's like, these names are familiar, but I can't quite recall why I know them. So I guess I'm going to have to reread LOTR next. Then maybe I'll check out that one that just came out, The Children of Huron, or something like that. (Has anyone read that? Is it good?)
I love this stuff, I truly do. Despite my laziness, I really do want to get through it. Not just because of my Tolkien-geekiness, but because it really is worthwhile reading. It's making me think...and that's a good thing.
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| Okay, I don't really have anything profound or Narnia-related to say...I was just tired of seeing that insanely long quiz every time I glanced at this page.
Actually, I'm in much more of a Harry-Potter-Mode right now, re-reading all the books before the movie and final installment comes out. Perhaps later I'll post something I gleaned from those pages. I'm reading "Sorcerer's Stone" right now, and I'm always struck by how Harry is so very much like all of us--alone and friendless in the world, at the beginning; afraid; curious; striving to make friends and find his place.
Would that we were all so lucky to find Hogwarts, Griffyndor, Quidditch, Ron, Herminone, and Dumbledore in our own lives. Still, these things don't make Harry's life easy or perfect.
But when you are battling evil, it's good to know you have friends on your side.
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| Okay, this was on Erin's, so I kinda stole it. And it's super long, but it sounded like fun.
1. How old will you be in five years?
32. Wow. Now I'm depressed. Thanks.
2. Who did you spend at least two hours with today?
Nobody. I don't think I've even seen my cat for two hours.
3. How tall are you?
5'7" ish.
4. What do you look forward to most in the next six weeks?
Brianne is coming to visit!!!!!!!!
5. What's the last movie you saw?
In theaters--De ja vu. At home--Everything is Illuminated, Over the Hedge, and Cars. 6. Who was the last person you called?
the coffee shop, to find out my schedule
7. Who was the last person to call you?
my dad
8. What was the last message you received?
sadly, a message from verizon about our bill. before that, my dad. before that, Brianne--who texts me the most anyway.
9. Do you prefer to call or text?
Depends. Text, for little stuff. Call, for much-needed conversation, especially regarding big events and shocking TV moments.
10. Do you have any pets?
We have two cats.
11. What were you doing at 12am last night?
I was finishing a Monk I recorded and telling myself to go to bed.
12. Are your parents married/separated/divorced?
Married. 28 years.
13. When is the last time you saw your mom?
Last night, after Heroes, when she went to bed.
14. What color are your eyes?
greenish-blueish-grayish, depending.
15. What time did you wake up today?
Around nine. I couldn't justify sleeping in any later.
16. What are you wearing right now?
Ugh, I'm a mess. Still in pj pants, and a big gray hoodie. No one has to see me.
17. What is your favorite Christmas song?
Ooo. I don't know. I love "O Holy Night" and "Joy to the World"...but there are soem less classic songs I like, too.
18. Where is your favorite place to be?
My flat. It's cozy.
19. Where is your least favorite place to be?
There are a few places I'd rather not go back to. Like our last apartment. And a few jobs I wouldn't want to return to, either.
20. Where would you go if you could go anywhere?
SCOTLAND!!!!!
21. Where do you think you'll be in 10 years?
In Scotland. Writing. Maybe at a cafe, a la J. K. Rowling.
22. Do you tan or burn?
Burn. If anything, because my legs stay snow-white.
23. What did you fear was going to get you at night as a child?
Um...everything, at some point. I did have a particular fear of Mummies for a while.
24. What was the last thing that really made you laugh?
Geez--I laugh all the time. I watched some funny episodes of Monk yestereday, and even Heroes made me laugh. My cats also crack me up. And my family, for that matter. And the Anne books. I told you--all the time!! 25. How many TVs do you have in your house?
Well, I have one, in my flat. My family has four in their part of the house.
26. How big is your bed?
Teeny tiny.
27. Do you have a laptop or desktop computer?
No. :( I need to get one for myself.
28. Do you sleep with or without clothes on?
Definitely With. It's freezing in there!
29. What color are your sheets?
Right now, they are periwinkle with rainbow-y butterflies. Very girly.
30. How many pillows do you sleep with?
Just the one.
31. What is your favorite season?
Spring!
32. What do you like about fall?
The color, the smell of the leaves as they burn or decay.
33. What do you like about winter?
Christmas! 34. What do you like about the summer?
I like that it's laid back.
35. What do you like about spring?
I love seeing everything come to life again. It never ceases to thrill me.
36. How many states have you lived in?
Eight.
37. What cities/towns have you lived in?
Too many to list here. Seriously.
38. Do you prefer shoes, socks, or bare feet?
bare feet...but slippered now, in the winter
39. Are you a social person?
Sometimes. But other times I like my solitude.
40. What was the last thing you ate?
A cough drop.
41. What is your favorite restaurant?
Olive Garden, for fancy restaurants. Fast food, probably Wendy's.
42. What is your favorite ice cream?
Cookie dough or Moose Tracks
43. What did the five fingers say to the face?
Huh?? 44. What is your favorite kind of soup?
Pasta Fazioli, hands down. Either from Olive Garden or My mom's. She makes this other soup that I love, too, but it has no name.
45. What kind of jelly do you like on your PB & J sandwich?
Apple. Honest. I got tired of grape.
46. Do you like Chinese food?
Almond Chicken from Rainbow Garden.
47. Do you like coffee?
With enough sweetener, I can take it. But I prefer tea.
48. How many glasses of water, a day, do you drink on average?
I try for six-ten.
49. What is your favorite dessert?
Ice
cream.
50. Would you rather sleep with someone else or alone?
Hmmm....I've rarely shared a bed, and when I have, it wasn't much fun. But I suppose it would be different in a marriage situation.
51. Do you sleep on a certain side of the bed?
Yes, the side closest to the bathroom. (Gotta agree with you there, Erin!)
52. Do you know how to play poker?
No.
53. Do you like to cuddle?
I'll let you know.
54. Have you ever been to Canada?
Yes, for an afternoon.
55. Do you have an addictive personality?
Yeah. I get "stuck" on things.
56. Do you eat out or at home more often?
At
home. But if I could order out more often, I would.
58. Do you know anyone with the same birthday as you?
Yes. And oddly, her name was also Jessica. True Story.
59. Do you want kids?
Yes. Eventually.
60. Do you speak any other languages?
Well, I took some Spanish, but a real conversation would be painful. I also taught myself a little tiny bit of Italian. And I took one semester of Hebrew, which I LOVED.
61. Have you ever gotten stitches?
No.
62. Have you ever ridden in an ambulance?
Nope.
63. Do you prefer an ocean or a pool?
Pool. I always have the fear that something is lurking in the water. At least in a pool you can see.
64. Do you prefer a window seat or an aisle seats?
Window seat. I love the view, watching everything get smaller and smaller, seeing how perfect everything looks from above.
65. Do you know how to drive a stick?
No. *grumbles* But the way everyone brags about it, I guess I'll have to learn eventually.
66. What is your favorite thing to spend money on?
DVDs. And now, stuff for my apartment.
67. Do you wear any jewelry 24/7?
Yes. I have three earrings I leave in all the time--one is my cartilage hoop, which I will probably never ever take out. It's been in since my freshman year of college, and that was...eight years ago.
68. What is your favorite TV show?
Lost. Heroes. Veronica Mars. I also like Monk, What Not to Wear, Miami Ink, Psych, House, CSI, and some Disney shows. And I loved Alias, Everwood, Firefly, and MacGyver.
69. Can you roll your tongue?
Yes. Big deal.
70. Who is the funniest person you know?
Jill O'Dell and Brianne McGill (is it an Irish thing?). And my family is pretty funny, too.
71. Do you sleep with stuffed animals?
No...but I can't bear (sorry, pun not intended) to give up my old faves.
72. What is the main ring tone on your phone?
Turkish Delight, by David Crowder Band. I'm aiming to switch it to a Newsboys song, though, because I've had TD on for the better part of this year.
73. Do you still have clothes from when you were little?
The dresses that my mom made me when I was a very little girl, yes.
74. What red object is closest to you right now?
Besides the keyboard and mouse? I suppose my cell phone.
75. Do you turn off the water while you brush your teeth?
sometimes.
76. Do you sleep with your closet doors open or closed?
My last three closets haven't even had doors.
77. Would you rather be attacked by a big bear or a swarm of bees?
I'd rather not go camping at all.
78. Do you flirt a lot?
No. I might be incapable. Some of my most embarrassing funny stories come out of botched flirtation attempts.
79. What do you dip a chicken nugget in?
Either nothing, ranch, or a frostee.
80. What is your favorite food?
I don't know. I have a lot of faves.
81. Can you change the oil on a car?
No. I ask other people to do that. Scratch that. Other people insist it must be done, and so proceed.
82. Have you ever gotten a speeding ticket?
No, but I came very close. I got a warning. I think I wouldn't have gotten off, if not for my CofO sticker in my rear window. Who would think that would help me all the way in PA? But the guy had gone to training at FT. Leonard Wood. Go figure! 83. Have you ever run out of gas?
Not yet. But I let it go so far down that I always pray that God will get me to the station.
84. What is your usual bedtime?
Well...I stay up too late. If I'm not careful, it can be one or two AM before I know it. Not good.
85. What was the last book you read?
Anne's House of Dreams. I'm now on Anne of Ingleside.
86. Do you read the newspaper?
No, but occassionally I scan the headlines. I also see them when I log into email.
87. Do you have any magazine subscriptions?
Not anymore. I might resubscribe to Relevant. I could never tell if I really liked it or not.
89. Do you watch soap operas?
Not now. I did get into "Days" for a little while--between high school and college. I came for the Jensen Ackles, but I stayed for the Drama.
90. Do you dance in the car?
Yes. And sing.
91. What radio station did you last listen to?
Praise 910, which wakes me up every morning.
92. Who is in the picture frame closest to you?
No pictures at this desk. There are, however, three wise men beginning their journey to the manger.
93. What was the last note you scribbled on a piece of paper?
A not for Peg about something we were out of at the coffee shop. Last night.
94. What is your favorite candle scent?
Depends on the season. Now I have out all my cinamon and mint and pine-y ones. I just packed up the pumpkin-y ones, and later I'll put out the fruity, floral ones.
95. What is your favorite board game?
Clue. Though I do love a good wordy game.
98. Who was your favorite teacher in high school?
Well, I had some pretty awesome teachers in jr. hi, but in high school, I'd have to say Pat Edmondson. We actually called her Pat. It was so hard for me.
99. What is the longest you have ever camped out in a tent?
Not longer than I had to!
100. Who was the last person to do something extra special for you?
Extra special...hmmm. Probably my parents...though I was given some nice furniture for my apartment. And a good group of guys helped us move...And my boss did bring me a housewarming gift. That was nice.
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