Commentary #21: “July TV Show Photo Challenge” (Day 16)

Image Credit gettingthroughanxiety

Image Credit: gettingthroughanxiety.wordpress.com

Show with Most Seasons

I’ve seen several shows with a lot of seasons.

My first instinct would have been Cold Case, since I’ve seen every episode of all 7 seasons.

As I started counting seasons of shows, I thought of Full House (8 seasons), and Castle (8 seasons), and Forensic Files (14 seasons).

However, I’ve also seen every episode of ER. I don’t own all of the seasons on DVD, but since ER ended with 15 seasons, that’s my choice!

ER - avclub

Image Credit: avclub.com

ER is action-packed and a great show!


Until the next headline, Laura Beth πŸ™‚

Commentary #20: “July TV Show Photo Challenge” (Days 1-15)

Image Credit gettingthroughanxiety

Image Credit: gettingthroughanxiety.wordpress.com

I just discovered / stumbled uponΒ Getting Through Anxiety through a few other blogs earlier this week, and I loved her TV show challenge posts so much, that I wanted to try this for myself!

I’ve tried month-long challenges like this before, typically through Facebook posts. Most of the time, though, I’ve failed miserably, or given up within a couple of days.

Since I discovered this challenge close to the halfway point of July, I’ve decided to summarize the first 15 posts here, and then post the remainder on a daily basis until the end of the month.

I think I’m up to the task!


  1. Favorite TV Show
  2. Favorite Season of Favorite Show
  3. Favorite Crime Show
  4. Favorite Animated Show
  5. Favorite Character
  6. TV Crush
  7. Show From 80s
  8. TV Best Friend
  9. Most Hated TV Show
  10. Show from 90s
  11. Show from 2000s
  12. Favorite TV Relationship
  13. Most Hated TV Relationship
  14. Show with Best Lines
  15. Favorite Superhero Show

Favorite TV Show

Ooooh, there are so many favorites!

But, my favorite show of all-time, one where I can watch episodes over and over and over again, is …

Cold Case

Cold Case - en.wikipedia.org

Image Credit: en.wikipedia.org

At this point, my understanding is you can only watch full episodes in syndication – The ION televsion channel has run regular marathons in the past, for example.

YouTube has a good collection of clips, but due to copyright issues regarding the music used in the show, I don’t think the series will EVER be released on DVD, and that makes me super sad!

I’m sure there are other websites that advertise the full episodes, but I’m always a little leery of these types of sites. I don’t want to give my laptop a nasty virus!

Regardless, Cold Case is one of my absolute favorite shows. I love the cast, I love the drama, and I especially love the history angle involved in the episodes.


Favorite Season of Favorite Show

Season 4 of Cold Case

This was one of the most emotional seasons, in my opinion.

COLD CASE

“Rampage” — Rush (Kathryn Morris, pictured here with John Finn, far left, and Jeremy Ratchford) reopens a 1995 case involving two teenage boys who committed suicide after going on a murderous rampage at the local mall, on the fourth season premiere of COLD CASE, Sunday, Sept. 24 (9:00-10:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network. Photo: Mitch Haddad/Warner Bros./CBS Β©2006 Warner Bros.Television/CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. Image Credit: tvguide.com

Here’s a few recommended episodes:

“Forever Blue” (Photo below)

Cold Case - sidereel.com Forever Blue

Image Credit: sidereel.com

“Saving Sammy”

“Lonely Hearts”

“8:03 AM”

“The Good-Bye Room”

“A Dollar, A Dream” – You may recognize Jennifer Lawrence in this one!

“Stand Up and Holler”

Each individual episode typically covers a different time period, and I feel the writers have done a good job of balancing the past with the present. They have always tried to show important facets and facts of life – Bullying, shootings, unwed mothers, homophobia, homelessness, loneliness, love, heartbreak, peer pressure, racism, sexism – Not only in this season, but in all seven seasons.


Favorite Crime Show

CSI: NY

CSI:  NY

Melina Kanakaredes and Gary Sinise star in CSI: NY, scheduled to air on the CBS Television Network. from left, Carmine Giovinazzo, Eddie Cahill, Gary Sinise, Melina Kanakaredes and Hill Harper. Photo: Anthony Mandler/CBS Β©2005 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved Image Credit: fanpop.com

New York is where I was born. Even though I have no memory of living there (We moved to Alexandria, Virginia when I was two-years-old), there’s a huge part of me that identifies with the city. I was born 15 weeks premature, and every summer until my 16th birthday, my parents took me back to the hospital where I was born to see the doctors and nurses that took care of me. My high school orchestra received the tremendous opportunity to play at Carnegie Hall in April 2007, so that was a thrill as well.

To this day, I enjoy visiting the city. I dreamed of living there when I was younger, but now I’m happy to have stayed in Virginia! My goal now is to get my husband to visit with me, at least once πŸ™‚

CSI: NY is my favorite of the CSI: series. I’ve enjoyed all of them, having some family connections to Miami as well, but the team and the city they live and work in captured my heart very quickly. Gary Sinise is perfect as Mac Taylor, and the rest of the cast fits very well. I found myself attached to all of them, at some point.


Favorite Animated Show

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!

Scooby Doo Where Are You - Wikipedia

Image Credit: en.wikipedia.org

I’ve always liked mysteries, and I’ve enjoyed seeing Scooby and the gang figure them out.

Scooby Do - dccomics

Image Credit: dccomics.com


Favorite Character

I couldn’t pick just one!

Lilly Rush – Cold Case

Cold Cash - Lilly Rush - tvguide

Kathryn Morris as Lilly Rush. Image Credit: tvguide.com

Lilly is smart, courageous, and hard-working. I admire her strength. She has quite a rough-and-tumble backstory, and her being one of the first female in the Philadelphia cold case unit is fitting.

Frank Reagan – Blue Bloods

Blue Bloods - Frank - pinterest.com

Tom Selleck as Francis “Frank” Reagan. Image Credit: pinterest.com

I fell in love with Blue Bloods because of my parents. The cast is stellar. And, no surprise here, the series is set in New York.

Frank Reagan has one of the toughest jobs – NYPD Commissioner. He’s excellent at his job. Besides work, he’s an awesome patriarch. I would’ve loved to have had him as a father or grandfather.

Jamie Reagan – Blue Bloods

Blue Bloods - Jamie - cbs.com

Will Estes as Jamison “Jamie” Reagan. Image Credit: cbs.com

Aside from his father, Frank, Jamie is my favorite. He’s handsome, tough, and just a great guy. He appears to be the epitome of a police officer – Tough, smart, funny, has a good rapport with his partner, colleagues, and family; and community-oriented. I think he would make a great brother.

I first fell in love with Will Estes on another show – American Dreams. It only lasted for three seasons on NBC, but it was a decent historical drama.

Eve Baxter – Last Man Standing

Last Man Standing - Eve - sidereel

Kaitlyn Dever as Eve Baxter. Image Credit: sidereel.com

Eve is my favorite of the Baxter girls (Read on for more about her siblings, Kristin and Mandy). She’s still in high school, but she’s funny, sensible, hard-working, and determined. I have great admiration for her character.


TV Crush

All-time favorite: Richard Castle from Castle

Castle - Nathan Fillion - masslive

Nathan Fillion as Richard Castle. Image Credit: masslive.com

Swoon! I’ve loved Castle from the beginning. I knew Fillion from Firefly and Serenity, but I took to Richard Castle immediately. I found myself wishing, a lot, that I was Stana Katic!

Close second: Derek Morgan from Criminal Minds

Derek Morgan - de.criminalminds.wikia.com

Shemar Moore as Derek Morgan. Image Credit: de.criminalminds.wikia.com

It was really hard to choose between Morgan and Reid (See below). But Morgan is a smooth-talker, tough, and hot! Haha.

I also love, love, love his relationship with Garcia (Read on for more!). I found myself going back week after week to see their interactions!

Third: Spencer Reid from Criminal Minds

MATTHEW GRAY GUBLER

CRIMINAL MINDS – “Criminal Minds” stars Matthew Gray Gubler as Dr. Spencer Reid. (ABC Studios/Cliff Lipson) Image Credit: criminalminds.wikia.com

Reid is goofy, and nerdy as all-get-out. I love his character! He’s a genius, and I love his interactions with the rest of the team.

Fourth: Barry Allen / The Flash from The Flash

Grant Gustin - tomandlorenzo

Grant Gustin as Barry Allen / The Flash. Image Credit: tomandlorenzo.com

Grant Gustin is a local boy (Norfolk, Virginia). So handsome! The show is pretty kick-ass, too. He’s a forensic scientist (Awesome), and doubles as one of the coolest superheroes ever (Fantastic)! He’s almost perfect for the character!


Show from 80s

Full House

Full House - abcnews.go

Image Credit: abcnews.go.com

I didn’t watch Full House while it was on the air; I was too young.

However, I discovered it in syndication on ABC Family in college, and fell hard. I found myself planning my classes around the TV schedule! I’ve seen every episode!

And, if you haven’t seen Fuller House on Netflix, I recommend watching it. It’s pretty good! Check out howΒ I plowed through season 1 within 24 hours.Β I can’t wait for season 2!


TV Best Friend

This was one of the toughest ones to pick!

For me, I would love to have Penelope GarciaΒ from Criminal Minds as my best friend.

Criminal Minds - Penelope

Kirsten Vangsness as Penelope Garcia. Image Credit: criminalminds.wikia.com

She’s smart, goofy, funny, and I absolutely adore the relationship she has with Morgan. Her style is a bit wacky, but it just adds to her character! She’s a seriously cool chick and I would absolutely love to be friends with her. I can see myself hanging out with her a lot.


Most Hated TV Show

Supergirl

Supergirl - CBS

Image Credit: cbs.com

Ugh. I tried so hard to like this show! I was very excited when I heard that Melissa Benoist (Glee) was chosen as the star. I’m hoping that the decision to move season 2 over to The CW will help. I’m not holding out much hope, though.


Show from 90s

ER

ER - avclub

Image Credit: avclub.com

I credit my parents (again) for getting me into ER. They recorded it first on VHS, and then the DVR, almost every week. Once I was old enough to stay up late and watch it, I loved the drama, action, and characters. It lasted for 15 seasons from 1994-2009, and was a juggernaut. I own most of the series on DVD!


Show from 2000s

Criminal Minds

Criminal Minds - CBS

Image Credit: cbs.com

Based on several character profiles already mentioned in this post, you can probably tell thatΒ Criminal Minds quickly became one of my favorites when it premiered in 2005. I like the work that the Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU) does, and in college, I even considered applying for the FBI because of the show.

The only drawback is that the show is so vivid for me, I can’t watch the show at night anymore. I’ve had several terrible nightmares from the graphic portrayals of crimes in the show.

Other than that, I’ve found myself getting attached to many of the characters and their interactions. The show is action-packed, too.


Favorite TV Relationship

This one is a three-way-tie.

Uncle Jesse and Aunt Becky – Full House

Uncle Jesse - mtv

John Stamos as Uncle Jesse and Lori Loughlin as Aunt Becky. Image Credit: mtv.com

When I first discovered the show in college, I quickly fell in love with these two and their relationship. They’re silly, funny, quirky, and great parents to their boys.

Derek Morgan and Penelope Garcia – Criminal Minds

Morgan and Garcia - pinterest

Image Credit: pinterest.com

Morgan and Garcia - youtube

Image Credit: youtube.com

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again – I love these two! They are perfect for each other.

Castle and Beckett – Castle

Castle - bustle

Image Credit: bustle.com

Castle and Beckett - tvguide

Nathan Fillion as Richard Castle and Stana Katic as Katherine “Kate” Beckett. Image Credit: tvguide.com

These two are amazing! They’ve had their challenges throughout their series, but I admire their determination.


Most Hated TV Relationship

This one was a near-tie between two of the sisters on Last Man Standing.

Last Man Standing - Kristin and Ryan - usatoday

Jordan Masterson as Ryan Vogelson and Amanda Fuller as Kristin Baxter (left and center). Image Credit: usatoday.com

Last Man Standing - Mandy and Kyle - pinterest

Molly Ephraim as Amanda “Mandy” Baxter and Christoph Sanders as Kyle Anderson. Image Credit: pinterest.com

However, the one that’s bugged me the most has been Kristin Baxter and Ryan Vogelson. I liked Kristin’s character early on, but I loathed Ryan, especially in the beginning. It made me so upset that he left Kristin when she got pregnant with their son. I can remember getting irritated as soon as Ryan came on screen in many episodes!

However, his character started to improve as the seasons have progressed. I’m still a bit leery of their relationship as a whole, but who am I to judge? They’re just characters on TV. Frankly, Kristin’s sister Mandy doesn’t treat Kyle very kindly, either!

Despite my personal opinions, I’m going to keep watching the series, in part, because of their relationships. We’ll see how this goes with the new season in fall 2016!


Show with Best Lines

Last Man Standing

Last Man Standing - netflixlife

Image Credit: netflixlife.com

I remember watching a few seasons of Home Improvement, and enjoying Tim Allen. He’s so funny! At this point, Al and I have watched every episode of Last Man Standing, and are eagerly awaiting the new season to premiere this fall. It’s a great comedy, and we’ve found ourselves quoting several lines over the years. If you haven’t watched it, we both recommend it. All seasons are currently available on Netflix.


Favorite Superhero Show

The Flash

The Flash - imdb

Image Credit: imdb.com

I’m not a huge superhero/sci-fi fan in terms of TV shows, but The Flash is the one that has stuck with me since the very first episode. It’s well-written, and the cast is great. I’m very excited for season 3 to premiere this fall!


Look for my daily posts for the rest of July, starting tomorrow!


Until the next headline, Laura Beth πŸ™‚

Commentary #19: “The Amazing Thing That Happened On Flight 4463”

“The spirit of Southwest Airlines is exuberant, it’s caring, it’s dedicated, it’s diligent, it’s fun, it’s rewarding, it’s a joy.”

~Herb Kelleher, Founder


I love Southwest Airlines. Ever since they came to Norfolk International Airport (ORF), my family has been flying with them.

Then, seeing this story from one of my local TV stations last week made me cry.

LouAnn

LouAnn Alexander on the job, a flight attendant for Southwest Airlines, November 2015. Photo Credit: Rex Ridenoure

In this photo, LouAnn looks so happy, so in her element. Most people that work for Southwest seem that way, at least to me.

I’m so glad that her brother turned this flight into something so positive, so inspiring. This renewed my faith in humanity.


Then, yesterday, whilst browsing the ABC News website, I found this:

I’m glad she’s no longer suffering. Cancer is tough on anyone. I’m glad that she was surrounded by her family, and that she knew about the final flight.


Until the next headline, Laura Beth πŸ™‚

Commentary #18: “Elevation Church Is Kind Of Unsettling – And Kind Of Beautiful”

ElevationChurch01

Image Credit: http://www.ls3p.com

“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”

~Hebrews 10: 24-25 (ESV)


Freckled Italian has done it again!

Megan included this link in her blog post onΒ Friday, March 25, as part of her recurring “Friday Favorites” series.

I took a sick day last Friday after having a massive panic attack (More about that later, in another blog post), so I was skimming through Facebook late in the afternoon and found Megan’s post. Her comments fascinated me, as well as the comments from her readers. I skimmed through the story, and let it marinate for a couple days.

Here’s the link: Elevation Church is kind of unsettling – and kind of beautiful


After the initial skim, I sat down and read through Katie’s account, and I found it fascinating. She went to Elevation Church’s Blakeney venue in Charlotte, North Carolina, where Megan lives. The photo at the beginning of this post is what you would see from your seat there on a Sunday morning.

Wow.

Katie’s main observation:

“…Β I thought I’d try out the Blakeney venue because it’s a broadcast location, which means it functions like an indoor concert hall that’s loaded with media equipment plus a giant camera swiveling on a long arm to broadcast the sermon to other locations, and the Internet …”

So much technology!

Don’t get me wrong – I’ve been to several Christian rock concerts in my time … but I can’t imagine experiencing that level every single Sunday.


I grew up in a traditional United Methodist Church – It’s been like a second home since I was four-years-old, and also where I married AlΒ nearly five months ago.

However, over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to worship in multiple churches of different denominations – Catholic, Lutheran, United Church of Christ, Baptist, Presbyterian, and a non-denominational church too.

In the last few years, I’ve seen the rise of more contemporary churches – Holding services in movie theaters, theater venues, and other modern spaces.

There’s a local one, called The Rising, that holds its services in The NorVa. I did some reading on it, and watched a few videos. I love the pastor’s enthusiasm and his messages about modern struggles and relating those to the Bible and Jesus’s time. I’m all for getting people interested in the church with different approaches – Rock music, modern messages, etc.

I think that’s great.

But, that’s not for me.


I agree with Sara – One of Megan’s regular readers / commentators.

She said:

“… I love how diverse they are and how enthusiastic everyone is, but it all feels like show and less like worship. I want my worship experience to feel honest, and it’s hard to feel that way when every Sunday is a production …”

She hit the nail on the head for me.

I don’t feel that way with Aldersgate, but I can see how that perception can be formed.

I’m on the team that runs the computers and projectors for the 8:30 and 11:00 services, and I’ve gotten a great perspective from sitting in the booth and watching everything unfold.

Our 8:30 service is contemporary – The praise band has guitars, electric drums, bass, and keyboard. It’s more relaxed – Come as you are.

Our 11:00 service is traditional – Our long-time organist plays, we sing the hymns. Most people dress in their Sunday best.

I feel comfortable, and it makes sense when you’ve attended the same church for over 20 years.


I thought Megan’s take was interesting:

“I tend to get obsessed with churches that end up with cult followings and this one is no different. I’ve been listening to podcast episodes and reading everything I can about Elevation ever since we moved here in 2014, so I was excited to see this piece on my Twitter feed.Β (Also I love the way Katie worded her beliefs: ‘be kind, love more, try to see the divine in others.’)”

I wasn’t sure about the “cult followings” comment at first, but after reading Katie’s account, it makes sense. She almost didn’t get into the venue that Sunday because of capacity. In seeing Aldersgate’s membership numbers go up and down over the years, I can understand how Elevation Church is attractive to many different people.

Again, I think that’s awesome that they’re booming and seeing overflow crowds, but that’s not for me. I’ve found that I prefer smaller gatherings, and Aldersgate fills that need for me, for now.


I loved Katie’s account, and I’m glad I read it and took the time to write this post.

“Be kind, love more, try to see the divine in others.”

Sounds perfect to me.


Until the next headline, Laura Beth πŸ™‚

Hot Topic #13: The Heroin Epidemic

Heroin

Image Credit: yourliferecoverycenter.com

This was a tough one to write about. It took a long time, I’m talking a couple of months, to get these words together.

Full disclosure: I cannot speak from experience here. I have never done any type of drug. I have not been directly affected by heroin addiction, in terms of my family or my friends.

However, my heart goes out to everyone who have been affected.


The main origin for this post started with a tragedy: One of my friends lost her sister to a heroin and cocaine overdose in 2015. Through her grief, she started a blog, called An Addict’s Sister. Her words have made me laugh, and they have made me cry. I look forward to every post, and I read every word. I never met her sister, but I feel like I’ve been introduced to her through these words.

I’ve said before that writing is one of my therapies. In this case, I truly believe this is helping her with the loss of her sister, and it has helped me learn about her, her sister, and learn a little bit about how destructive heroin can be.


Then, in early February, I found this piece on CNN.com:

I read this on my lunch hour at work, and I immediately wanted to dive into researching. It appeared that this new and different approach was becoming a success for this little town called Laconia – I wanted to see what else was being done.


I got my wish five days later – One of my local TV stations had this piece on their website:

This was fascinating to me. I’m a huge fan of Forensic Files. The show has profiled several cases where hair and fingernail testing was conducted to look for the presence of arsenic, orΒ ethylene glycol, the main ingredient in antifreeze. But, this is the first time that I have heard of fingernail testing for drugs, particularly in Virginia. The best part, as they mention in the piece, is this kind of testing is a lot cheaper. I look forward to hearing more about this down the road.


Then, at the end of February, that same station reported something exciting:

I was thrilled. So many die of overdoses. Many of them die alone.

I’m happy that my state, and a city a stone’s throw away from me, is jumping on board. This is a good step forward.


The best news – Less than three weeks days after that story aired, this happened:

Success! I’m sure that felt good. And so quickly! It’s nice to see actual good news.


However, the battle is far from over.

In my city alone, Chesapeake, 23 people died from heroin overdoses in 2014. That year, there were 132 deaths in the “seven cities” of Hampton Roads.

  1. Chesapeake
  2. Hampton
  3. Newport News
  4. Norfolk
  5. Portsmouth
  6. Suffolk
  7. Virginia Beach

Personally, as happy as I am with the recent success of the VBPD, I believe in establishing programs like Laconia. I hope that a similar type of program is introduced to every police force, eventually. I realize that this kind of effort will take time, and money.

But, I think it’s worth it, don’t you?

One overdose is too many.


For more information:


Until the next headline, Laura Beth πŸ™‚

Commentary #17: “Disney Princesses As Modern Day Girls Living In The 21st Century”

merida-disney-princess-quotes_gzm8jj

Image Credit: sheknows.com

I’ve jabbered on, from time to time, how awesome my friend Megan P’s blog, Freckled Italian, is. She’s amazing!

Thanks to one of her more recent “Friday Favorites” posts, I found this link in one of the comments:

I love this concept!

Anoosha’s artwork is fun and colorful. Her descriptions made me laugh so hard! I read it, and re-read it, and read it again.

Usually, that’s a sign for me to write about something.


To be honest, I don’t really have a favorite Disney Princess.

As a child, I dressed up as Snow White and Pocahontas. I loved the plastic Pocahontas jewelry set from Toys R’ Us. One of our dear friends even made me a more historically accurate Pocahontas costume, and I was so sad when I realized that I had outgrown it. (Time to ask Mom if she kept it!)

I keep forgetting that Anastasia wasn’t a Disney Princess, but she is, in my eyes.

Mulan made me want to stand up against bullies.

Jane made me want to see the world and interact with animals.

Tiana furthered my love of history, and wanting to see New Orleans someday.

Merida made me want to learn archery and get back on a horse.

I’ve seen all of the movies, multiple times, although I must confess that I never watched The Little MermaidΒ all the way through until college.


Out of all of them that Anoosha illustrated (Note: Not all the princesses are featured), I think I most closely associate with Belle.

My mom has a picture of me, at six years old, happily smiling as Belle at Disney World has her hands on my shoulders.

I have dreamed of / longed for / obsessed over having the library that she explores for years – Every single detail.

I love that she’s portrayed as a fangirl, loving books and Doctor Who and fanfiction. It reminds me of the Nerdy, Geeky, and Damn Proud Of It post I wrote last year.


I love this piece. I’ve saved the web link, for future reference. I want to show this to my future children, to show them that life is not all about pink and dresses and castles and fairytales.

These young women are graceful, strong, intelligent, beautiful, adventurous, and kick-ass awesome.

Plus, this is a reminder to myself, as well. I love getting dressed up, putting on makeup, and feeling like a princess – Occasionally.

Anoosha turned the princesses into images that we all can relate to – and I’m over the moon excited about it.

I wonder if these illustrations could be turned into dolls?


Check out more of Anoosha’s work here.


Until the next headline, Laura Beth πŸ™‚

Commentary #16: “The Roots of ‘America’s Best Idea'”

yellowstone-national-park

Yellowstone National Park. Image Credit: nationalparks.org

“Keep close to Nature’s heart … and break clear away, once in awhile, and climb a mountain or spend a week in the woods. Wash your spirit clean.”

~John Muir


In the beginning of February, I stumbled upon this article on CNN.com:

I didn’t know that the National Park Service was turning 100 in 2016, so that grabbed my attention immediately.

I love that CNN is launching a year-long series to celebrate. I can’t wait to see what they publish.

This first kick-off article focuses on Yellowstone National Park, the first federal park to be created, in 1872.

Its anniversary, the 144th this year, is March 1st.


The National Park Service was established on August 25, 1916, by way of the Organic Act. Back then, it protected the existing 14 national parks, 21 monuments, two reservations, and “those yet to be established.”

While reading this article, I recognized John Muir’s name immediately. I remembering researching him and the Sierra Club in high school. I took Visual Arts in my junior and senior years, and I had to have a focus, or an overall theme, for my final presentation at the end of my senior year. I was drawn (no pun intended) to flowers, nature, and landscapes, so I made environmentalism my overall theme. I remember being fascinated by Muir and his work to help conserve our land, dreaming of the day that I would get to experience the lands that he worked to protect.

Sadly, Muir died two years before the National Park Service was created. He died on Christmas Eve 1914, at age 76, of pneumonia.

However, his legacy lives on.

He helped establish Yosemite National Park in 1890, and has been lauded as an inspiration to both Scotland and the U.S.

His name, in the U.S., is on a 211-mile hiking trail in the Sierra Nevada, a national monument, a beach, a glacier, a college, a camp, and a mountain.

In Scotland, his name is on a 130-mile long distance route. In 2013, the first ever John Muir Day was celebrated in the country, to mark the 175th anniversary of the conservationist’s birth.


Reading this article, it’s chock full of history that you just don’t see in the history textbooks today. Personally, this article has inspired me to dig deeper. I want to learn as much as I can about the National Park Service, Hetch Hetchy Valley, artist George Caitlin, Stephen Mather, and the National Geographic Society.

It also makes wanna get away. Between reading this article and recently chronicling My Bucket List, I want to go West as soon as possible!


Until the next headline, Laura Beth πŸ™‚

Commentary #15: “The Best Explanation of Marriage”

 

1 Corinthians

Image Credit: pinterest.com

I wanted to share this graphic with you first. This passage has always been one of my favorites, and it was read at our wedding in November.

But, that’s not the main message I want to share in this post.

Take a look at this:

Image Credit: CatholicLink EspaΓ±ol on Twitter

Image Credit: CatholicLink EspaΓ±ol on Twitter

My friend Katie shared this infographic on Facebook recently.

What’s interesting, though, is when Katie originally shared this, the graphic had everything you see, except for the CatholicLink logo/symbol on the bottom. It makes sense, since it is a Bible verse, but still, it was an interesting observation to note.


As many of you know, I am a Christian. I was raised in the United Methodist Church. I have read the whole Bible. In the words of a Jeremy Camp song, I walk by faith.

This graphic struck me, hence why I wanted to write about it.

I wanted to break down this infographic and really dive deep.


“A man” – Maturity

I’m interpreting this as a man has matured from a boy when he decides to get married. That makes sense to me. The age of consent to get married varies by state though. Some states allow parties to marry when they’re 15 or 16!

“Leaves” – Transition

Transition is a big part of marriage, but it’s a big part of life, too. For me, I have transitioned several times. I left home for the first time in 2007, to attend college. I transitioned again in 2011, when I came back home after college graduation. In 2013, I left home again to move into my first apartment. In 2014, I moved back home, again, to save money, in anticipation of eventually buying a house. And then, in 2015, I transitioned into marriage with Al. Sometime in 2016, we will transition again – together – into our own home!

I used to believe that a person, whether man or woman, should experience at least some of these transitions before getting married.

That wasn’t the case with Al – He’s only moved once in his entire life, and he never went away to college. The biggest transition, that I think he went through, was a few years ago, when he didn’t have a job for six months. But, we’re married now (Tomorrow is our 3-month anniversary), and it’s amazing!

He’s shown me so many things through his experiences, like going to community college. It’s cheaper, and you get a great education, too!

“Father and mother” – Model of a complete family

This part, I disagree with. I get that this comes from the Bible – One of the oldest books, ever.

But, in today’s world, a “complete family” is not just a mom and dad anymore.

It can be two dads. It can be two moms. It can be grandparents, or other relatives. It can be either a mom or a dad. It can be a mom and stepdad, and vice-versa.

“Attached” – A new family

I’m not sure if “a new family” is the right/best way to interpret the word “attached.” With marriage, the idea is that you’re creating a new family, yes. And that the parties involved are creating a new chapter, together.

But the word “attached” is a bit strong, to me. I still have a strong attachment to my parents, I believe I always will. That’s mainly because I am an only child. It’s important to keep close ties with your family, unless you have solid reasons/beliefs to not to.

“His wife” – Complement

This interpretation confused me, at first, until I realized that I was thinking of the wrong word. My first thought was “compliment.”

Complement – Refers to something that completes or goes well with something.

I agree with “goes well with something.”

I don’t agree with “completes.”

The reason I say that is Al doesn’t “complete” me. I am my own person. I am Laura Beth. I wasn’t incomplete before I met Al. I was recovering from an extensive abusive relationship, and Al helped make me whole again, but he himself didn’t do that for me. He helped me heal, over time. He listened. He comforted me. He understood the journey I was on.

He wasn’t my missing piece. He’s a beautiful, wonderful addition to my life. I’m so happy that we fell in love, dated, got engaged, and are now married. I look forward to spending the rest of my life with him!

“They become” – A process of learning, friendship and trust

I like this one. To make a marriage, relationship, or friendship work, you have to put in the effort to learn about each other, be friendly, and trust each other.

For Al and I, we started out as friends. I didn’t know him from Adam, so to speak. Before we exchanged phone numbers and became Facebook friends, I had said hi to him maybe twice in their house between 2009 and 2010.

When I watched Inglorious Basterds with Al and Nick the night before I went back to Longwood in August 2010, I sat between them on the couch in their backyard garage. I remember thinking to myself, “I will be content if we are friends forever.”

I trusted Al from the very beginning. I felt like I could tell him anything, and I still feel that way now, all these years later. That’s one thing that will never change.

“One flesh” – Deep intimacy between two people

I get that intimacy and sex is a big part of marriage. And that’s wonderful. I don’t and won’t judge you.

But, it isn’t everything. And I’m glad this graphic shows that. It’s a significant part, but you have to have trust, friendship, and more.


Justin, a regular reader and friend, offered his two cents about this to me in a Facebook message:

“As someone not of religion, I can tell you this Laura Beth: Marriage is a grand adventure. It’s like finding a companion in an RPG, the healer to your fighter, the Sword user to your Bow and Arrow. It’s meeting someone who will fill that empty spot in your passenger seat where groceries once was. It’s finding someone who you want to annoy, or be annoyed by, for life. Someone who you love spending time with, but also can appreciate the time you spend apart, for absence does make the heart grow fonder. It’s finding someone who you may get really angry at but you’ll still hold the umbrella under them on a rainy day, and most of all it’s finding someone who you can say is THE ONE …”

I love his analogies. It’s hard for me to say anything better than this.

I’m so glad Al and I found each other. I was reflecting on the journey I’ve been on in the car yesterday. I feel so fortunate. I am blessed. My faith has guided me through my life, even when it has wavered.

It is true –Β Everything happens for a reason.


Until the next headline, Laura Beth πŸ™‚

Commentary #14: “2016 Reading Challenge”


Challenge accepted!

I found this on Facebook a couple days ago. I’m really motivated to do this!


Here’s what I’m thinking for accomplishing this list:

A book published this year: This Is Where It Ends, Marieke Nijkamp

A book you can finish in a day: The Language of Silence, Tiffany Truitt

A book you’ve been meaning to read: Go Set A Watchman, Harper Lee

A book recommended by your local librarian or bookseller: Black Rabbit Hall, Eve Chase

A book you should have read in school: Gone With The Wind, Margaret Mitchell

A book chosen for you by your spouse, partner, sibling, child, or BFF: The Red Tent, Anita Diamant (Recommended by my BFF Melissa)

A book published before you were born: The Man in the High Castle, Philip K. Dick

A book that was banned at some point: Tropic of Cancer, Henry Miller

A book you previously abandoned: The Vacationers, Emma Straub

A book you own but have never read: New Boy, Julian Houston

A book that intimidates you: The Casual Vacancy, J.K. Rowling

A book you’ve already read at least once: The Hunger Games trilogy, Suzanne Collins


Be prepared for many Book Review posts this year!

I’m probably a little too excited to be making time to read again, but, to paraphrase one of these books, I don’t give a damn. Reading is a true escape for me.

Are you doing a challenge like this?


Until the next headline, Laura Beth πŸ™‚

Commentary #13: “20 Ways Being Left-Handed Impacts Your Health”

Image Credit: wefollowpics.com

Image Credit: wefollowpics.com

“There are so many artists that are dyslexic or learning disabled, it’s just phenomenal. There’s also an unbelievably high proportion of artists who are left-handed, and a high correlation between left-handedness and learning disabilities.” ~Chuck Close


In one of my more recent Commentary posts, I mentioned how I peruse CNN almost every day. Well, I stumbled upon another nugget for you!

I give you: 20 Ways Being Left-Handed Impacts Your Health

Some of you may not know that I’m left-handed. And I’m damn proud of it!

Here’s my take on the 20 things. Enjoy!


It’s not just genetics

For years, I thought it was genetic and/or hereditary. My dad is left-handed, and I have his eyes and his hair. A few other family members, on my dad’s side, are left-handed. So that’s where my thinking laid, for a long time. And apparently, left-handedness does tend to run in families!

It’s linked to stress in pregnancy

Oh dear. This is gonna be fun in a few years!

In all seriousness though, reading the summaries of the studies in the article was interesting, and a little frightening. I was diagnosed with General Anxiety Disorder (GAD) earlier this year. I see a lot of yoga, coloring, reading, and writing when I get pregnant!

It’s more common in twins

This was interesting. I am not a twin, but my mom’s mom had twins that died at birth. When I first met Al, I quickly learned that twins are far more common in his family – His dad has an older brother and sister who are fraternal twins. In addition, there is a line of twins on his dad’s side, but there’s a twist: They historically skip every other generation. Since it occurred in his dad’s generation, and then skipped Al’s generation, it’s thought that I may have them one day. It was so weird to hear that though – I always had this notion of having twins, even as a young child. So strange! But, only time will tell πŸ™‚

It doesn’t make you “right-brained”

Huh. This was a doozy. The study of the brain – The left brain and right brain – has fascinated me for several years. We all use the entirety of our brains, all for different functions, but seeing the percentages in the article raised my eyebrows.

It may cause you to think differently

I had to read this section twice, but I understood it. I tend to be drawn toward things on my left side. I’m not sure how “good” those things are. I think of it in a scientific sense: Since I am left-handed, it makes sense that I would naturally be drawn to or pay more attention to things on my left, rather than my right.

It can affect school performance

I knew it!! Just in a different way, haha. My biggest struggle throughout my schooling has been math. However, the inference to mild learning disabilities is spot-on, for me. I was born at 25 weeks. I had massive early intervention, with all sorts of therapy – Speech, physical, occupational. You name it, I was in it. Also, I was essentially held back for a year in elementary school, and it was exactly what my brain and body needed. I believe it contributed to my maturity and early connection with adults.

It’s linked to a risk of mental health problems

Interesting. As I mentioned earlier, I was recently diagnosed with General Anxiety Disorder (GAD). I wish that this article had links to the cited studies. But, I agree with the links to ADHD and some mood disorders – Those fit my history.

It does offer an advantage in sports

For me, sports are unique. I throw with my left. But in terms of stances (batting, putting, etc.) or kicking, I stand to the right, or I use my right foot. But the article inferred something that makes perfect sense – When facing a left-hander, left-handers have an advantage, because it’s basically mirror imagery!

It may make for better fighters

Ha! Laura Beth, world champion boxer. Yeah, right! Although, I do like the idea of developing a strong left hook.

It doesn’t make you more creative

Interesting. I like the idea of “divergent thinking.” But, I also agree with examining the overall creative achievements of a person. Some people, no matter what hand they use, are just incredibly gifted and talented.

It doesn’t mean you’re artsy

Makes sense. Al is far more “artsier” that me, and he’s right-handed. And by “artsier,” I mean that he studied graphic design and animation. He’s a far better photographer and videographer. He has that eye for detail. He’s a whiz with Photoshop and InDesign.

On the other hand (no pun intended), we agree that I’m a stronger writer and editor. I grew up playing and performing music (piano, viola, and some voice), and I studied the visual arts in high school, enjoying pastels and a little bit of drawing.

It’s linked to a higher risk of breast cancer

Hmmmmm. According to the article, the highest risk is after menopause. Still – I’m gonna keep an eye on things.

It doesn’t affect your general health

With the exception of inflammatory bowel disease, of course. Yuck. Lucky for me, that hasn’t happened, so far!

It’s linked to some sleep problems

So, kicking my mom when I had a bad dream and slept in her bed wasn’t on purpose! It’s scientifically proven, Mom!

It doesn’t impact longevity

“Zero effect on lifespan,” says the author. Whew!

It may up the risk of PTSD

Interesting. I’m definitely not a horror movie fan, at all. I can’t watch certain shows anymore, like ones that I used to love years ago (CSI, Criminal Minds, etc.) I’m a visual person, so I’m easily scared if I can picture a graphic image. Even hearing someone recount a scene from a movie or TV show can make me jump or shiver. It’s strange, but true.

It doesn’t make you a bigger drinker

Left-handedness has nothing to do with alcohol consumption. I’m not a big drinker, by any means. I enjoy a Corona with lime on occasion and there are days where I need a glass of wine (or two), but I’m not going nuts every single night or hitting up the bars or clubs every weekend. Not me!

It might mean you earn less money

I was initially taken aback by this observation, but after re-reading it, it’s interesting to ponder. The research cited shows a significant difference in the gap between left-handed and right-handed women workers. Hmmmmm.

Overall, handedness doesn’t really matter

I agree with the statement that ” … the differences between righties and lefties are really rather subtle, and of much greater scientific interest than any kind of practical use …” Reading all these summaries of research and studies has certainly peaked my curiosity. I was also curious to see that research is planned for more right-handers and their brains, since so much focus has been placed on lefties and those who are mixed-handed or ambidextrous.


Until the next headline, Laura Beth πŸ™‚