Gathered Notes
March
Welcome to the March edition of Gathered Notes, a monthly collection of art, poetry, book, movie, and music recommendations that have brought beauty into my life this past month.
Art:
The Expulsion of Adam and Eve from Paradise, Adam West, 1791
As we move through the season of Lent, my thoughts have been focused on the events leading up to the cross. This painting has a lot of detail, and I love the rich meaning. It gives you a lot to think about. If you click on the credit link below, you can learn more about it and zoom in on the details.
Poetry:
While the following lyrics are open to interpretation, I believe they allude to the theme above…creation, the fall, and the love of the Father for his children. It’s a beautiful song that you may listen to here.
Original of the Species by U2
Baby slow down
The end is not as fun as the start
Please stay a child somewhere in your heart
I'll give you everything you want
Except the thing that you want
You are the first one of your kind
And you feel like no one before
You steal right under my door
I kneel 'cause I want you some more
I want the lot of what you got
And I want nothing that you're not
Everywhere you go you shout it
You don't have to be shy about it
Some things you shouldn't get too good at
Like smiling, crying and celebrity
Some people got way too much confidence, baby
Watching, Listening, Reading
Movie: Jesus Revolution
Summary: The true story of a national spiritual awakening in the early 1970s and its origins within a community of teenage hippies in Southern California.
My review: I almost didn’t go see this movie, because a few low-budget, badly-acted Christian films have just about ruined the genre for me, and I was afraid this one would be another of those. It wasn’t. The acting was well-done, and the story moved me to tears several times, and it didn’t gloss over the more problematic aspects of this movement. I loved this movie.
Listening:
Bitter and Sweet, a Spotify playlist by Tsh Oxenreider for Lent.
Reading: The Italian Ballerina by Kristy Cambron
Summary: Based on true accounts of the invented Syndrome K sickness, The Italian Ballerina journeys from the Allied storming of the beaches at Salerno to the London ballet stage and the war-torn streets of World War II Rome, exploring the sometimes heart-wrenching choices we must make to find faith and forgiveness, and how saving a single life can impact countless others.
My review: This five-star historical novel grabbed my heart from the beginning and didn’t let go. I loved the characters, the setting, and the story's excitement.
Quote of the Day:
“No” is a complete sentence. -Anne Lamott
Writing life: I recently had the pleasure of chatting with Melanie Redd on her YouTube channel for Ordinary Women. Extraordinary God. We talked about getting quiet to hear from God, contemplation, and empty nests. If you’d like to check out that video, you may do so HERE.
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May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you: wherever he may send you; may he guide you through the wilderness: protect you through the storm; may he bring you home rejoicing: at the wonders, he has shown you: may he bring you home rejoicing: once again into our doors.