I agree:

Great Article on Marriage and Divorce

This was written by Apostle Dallin H. Oaks:

http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2007/04/divorce?lang=eng&query=saving+your+marriage+%28name%3a%22Dallin+H.+Oaks%22%29

Interview with Daniel Peterson on PBS

http://www.pbs.org/mormons/interviews/peterson.html

How to say what you mean without being mean

I need to do this:

http://www.ksl.com/?sid=21322350&nid=1010&title=how-to-say-what-you-mean-without-being-mean&s_cid=queue-1

Blog of lady who was at CO theater

I like this:

http://aminiatureclaypot.wordpress.com/2012/07/20/so-you-still-think-god-is-a-merciful-god/

Mormon Conspiracy

Brothers Joseph Smith and Hyrum Smith

Today my family and I visited the LDS Church History Museum in downtown Salt Lake City. Of an interesting note were the death masks of Joseph and Hyrum Smith:

 (click on each photo to enlarge)

We also saw a touching painting about his death:

Here is the plaque to the side of the painting:

For more information about Joseph Smith, click here.

And for information about how he was killed, click here.

John Rowe Moyle

Today my family and I visited the Daughters of the Utah Pioneer Museum. Among the fascinating artifacts we saw was the prosthetic foot of John Rowe Moyle:

(click on each photo to enlarge)


What a story of determination, faith, and focus.

Click here to read a speech about his life.

Here is his Find a Grave site.

And here is a wonderful video about his life:

Doldrums

Doldrums must be fought against. Doldrums will eventually suck you down. Combat them with faith, structure, and effort.

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I grow tired of the same. There must be sincerity and variety.

Oppressed? Really?

Sometimes I feel very oppressed to say what I truly feel. On the other hand, that is probably a good thing. Much of what I feel or think is fleeting, anyway, and if said would only hurt and cause regret.

Oppression

There are times when I feel oppressed by negative, deprecatory voices that would have me shut up, lower my head, and let them bash my beliefs.

I will fight that feeling.

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There is nothing more to say at this time.

Faith

Have faith.

Twitter

Twitter can be dangerous because one's words are limited and impulsiveness is increased. People often say things they don't mean, and readers often misunderstand the intended meaning.

Poetry

People should write more poetry, and contemplate it more. It is art with words. It is liberating, profound, and insightful.

Open criticism

I tire when people constantly harangue my culture, my religion, my ethnicity, my beliefs, my practices. There needs to be more acceptance, more tolerance, more zipped mouths. To think it is one thing; to say it is another, and those words, once spoken, are very difficult to take back. Makes me think I need to keep my mouth shut more often too.

Five Smooth Stones

A wonderful blessing today:

I had the occasion to teach the young men today, and our topic was "Faith in Jesus Christ." Part of our lesson was to read and discuss the fight between David and Goliath. In 1 Samuel 17:40, we read that David picked up five smooth stones to use with his sling.

We discussed the rest of the story. I wanted to apply it to our lives, equating Goliath to any challenge or obstacle we face. Spontaneously I asked our bishop about his work with members who face "Goliaths," or in other words, challenges or obstacles. I asked him: What is the difference between those members who successfully overcome their challenges versus those who don't? His answer: the successful ones do five things:

1) study the scriptures daily
2) pray daily
3) attend church regularly
4) attend the temple regularly
5) hold Family Home Evening regularly

On the spot, it came together in my mind. The five smooth stones David picked up have symbolic significance. They can represent the five things the bishop mentioned that help members overcome challenges or obstacles. If we are to conquer our Goliaths, we need those five stones in our pouch.

This was a spiritual experience for me. Unplanned for. Unanticipated. Wonderful.

Great Service from Shoe Carnival

Letter I wrote to Shoe Carnival:

Dear Shoe Carnival,

I just wanted to send a shout-out for your West Jordan, UT store.

Last month I bought a pair of Doc Martens from there, and didn't realize how tight the right foot was in the ankle until a week or two later, when I noticed that the skin on my heel was rubbing off because of it. I tried to fix the problem on my own by stretching out the heel, but that didn't work.

Although I had thrown the box away a long time ago, fortunately I still had my receipt. Yesterday I returned the shoes, and your employees were nothing but professional, cheerful, and helpful. They immediately took back the pair and had me get a new pair.

When I got the new pair home, I realized that in my rush I had inadvertently gotten a size too large. Ugh! So I returned back to the store a couple of hours later. The employee who greeted me was not the one who had helped me earlier in the day, yet he still recognized me and immediately helped me switch to the right size, saying in essence, "We just want you to find the right shoes for you and for your feet to feel comfortable."

I have bought my last four pairs of shoes from Shoe Carnival, and have experienced nothing but excellent service there. I intend on buying there over and over again. Your West Jordan store definitely deserves recognition for outstanding service.

Just thought you'd like to know.

The Terks have a new album out

Give this awesome band a listen: http://www.reverbnation.com/tunepak/3522219

Mormon Scholars Testify

This evening I came across a fascinating website where scholars share their belief in the truthfulness of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon). Check it out: http://mormonscholarstestify.org/

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Hey! I'm a Mormon!

http://mormon.org/me/6X4F/#

Are you looking for the Gospel of Jesus Christ?

If you are, try here: http://lds.org/general-conference/sessions/2011/10?lang=eng

Here you can read the words of modern-day prophets, speaking under the inspiration of the Almighty God.

Leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ (Mormon)

Every time I sit down and listen with an open heart to the speeches of the leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ (Mormon), I am touched. Their words speak inspiration to my soul. They emanate truth. I believe their words. They make me want to do all I can to please God, to keep His commandments, to repent, to forgive others, and simply to be a better person.

http://lds.org/?lang=eng


Do you know about the Book of Mormon? I have read it many times. It speaks to my soul, and rings of truth. It teaches so many of God's truths with clarity, simplicity, and power. Here's the book: http://lds.org/scriptures/bofm?lang=eng

Hear a Living Apostle

Elder Holland's words move me. He is an Apostle of Jesus Christ: 

http://lds.org/general-conference/2011/04/an-ensign-to-the-nations?lang=eng&media=video

Havoc. Insanity.

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Havoc.




Insanity.



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Don't look at me.

Napoleon Dynamite's House and the city of Preston, Idaho

Last week our family toured the sights and sites of the great film Napoleon Dynamite:

Napoleon's house

Pedro's house (vote for him, by the way), where Pedro got about three feet of air on his bike jump.

Napoleon's high school. These steps probably gave him inspiration to draw a liger.

The bike rack, where Napoleon's bike was nearly stolen until Pedro's cousins offered their protection.

Where Napoleon bought his sweet suit for the dance.

King's Store, where Uncle Rico dissuaded Napoleon from buying the 24-pack of markers because they could only afford the 12-pack.

Why didn't Napoleon want Deb's hair styling services? Because he already had his hair done at the Cuttin' Curral!

There is so much garbage to sift through...

possessions, emails, voice messages, junk letters, invitations, sales pitches...




priorities.

Why I Love Portugal

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I will not follow you

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I will not follow you on Facebook.

I will not follow you on Twitter.

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17 Miracles

I saw the movie 17 Miracles over a week ago. An amazing movie.

Here is their website: 17 Miracles.

And here is the journal of Levi Savage, narrator of the movie: Levi Savage's Journal.

Believe.

Believe in God, and believe God. Shake yourself; humble yourself so that God doesn't have to. Be an instrument in His hands. Go out and do. Serve others; help others.

Friendship

If you cannot tolerate my opinions or values, you are not my friend. If you criticize me with disparaging remarks, you are not my friend. Leave my presence then.

Funny Dog

New You Tube account: elephantnavel

Due to changes in the way You Tube is insisting upon me, I will no longer be posting on my "Umbigoelefante" You Tube account, which was http://www.youtube.com/user/umbigoelefante.

As of today, all of my future You Tube posts will be on my new "Elephantnavel" account.

My new You Tube account is:  
http://www.youtube.com/user/elephantnavel

Please stay with me on this incredible journey.

- T.

....

Who cares.

"Empty Soul," by The Terks

Ladies and gentlemen, I give you THE TERKS - a great band - a great sound. Give them a LISTEN.




Peace.

"This is My Letter to the World," by Emily Dickinson

This is my letter to the world,
That never wrote to me,--
The simple news that Nature told,
With tender majesty.
Her message is committed
To hands I cannot see;
For love of her, sweet countrymen,
Judge tenderly of me!

E-mail

I am caring less and less for my personal email account. So much of it is cluttered with unnecessary communication. Weeds. And I sometimes feel this obligation to answer every email personally. I am fading away from emails.

I am strangely enjoying the connections established with Facebook. I like the idea of throwing up a few words, catching up with good friends, and the sort.

But, no, email is not enticing me much any more. Less of a priority.

I love the feel of the pen in my hand, and the real paper of a journal or a book.

"Shaving," by Unshaven Abrasion

Homosexuality, again

My family and I just completed a trip to Disneyland. Compared to our last trip in 2008, I noticed more homosexual couples than ever before. It caused me to contemplate this topic once again. As those in favor of homosexuality are quite vocal, and those who are opposed to it seem almost mute, once again I feel a need to assert my position.

The practice of homosexuality is not natural. It does not follow what nature intends. Male species are not designed to copulate or propagate with other males; nor are females with females. (See Harry Jaffa's excellent article on this premise.)

The practice of homosexuality promotes the spread of sexually transmitted diseases, including AIDS.

If the practice of homosexuality were to become widespread, it would eventually kill off the human race, because it does not allow for the propagation of our species.

The practice of homosexuality confounds gender roles. Men and women, fathers and mothers, fulfill specific roles in the raising of children, and children need both.

While I do believe there are those who are born with homosexual tendencies, most homosexual people I know have somehow been groomed toward that lifestyle; they have either been molested at an early age, or had a gay peer or role model. In other words, most have been taught to be gay.

There are those who argue that it's OK if two adults willingly enter a homosexual relationship. But if our society continues to approve of homosexuality as a viable, alternative lifestyle, we are condoning a practice that will harm our entire race.

I have several friends and acquaintances who are gay. I consider them my brothers and sisters. I care for them. I do not want to hurt them, and I condemn the practice of any hate crimes against the homosexual community.

But I cannot sit back any longer and act like it's OK to be a practicing homosexual -- because it's not OK.

There are those who would label me as narrow minded, a bigot, prejudiced, stupid, etc. If you feel that way, look at my arguments and show me where I have erred. There needs to be an open dialog on the issue; but to just say my argument is "stupid" accomplishes nothing.

Elder Oaks Regarding Speech on Religious Freedom

Here is an Apostle of God steeped in constitutional knowledge:

Backwards Video... these guys copied us!

Here's theirs:



Feel free to compare to my backwards videos: http://www.youtube.com/user/umbigoelefante

One More Reason Why I Like Neil Diamond

FAIR LDS

With all the bashing against the LDS faith,... well....

If you want a great site that refutes the numerous accusations levied against the Mormon Church, check out FAIR LDS. It's a site like Wikipedia. Click here. Very interesting, useful, and informative.

The Role of an Apostle

I loved viewing this:

Disco Parents

Personalize funny videos and birthday eCards at JibJab!

High School Musical

Personalize funny videos and birthday eCards at JibJab!

Disco Kids

Personalize funny videos and birthday eCards at JibJab!

Diving

Personalize funny videos and birthday eCards at JibJab!

The Terks

My buddy Adam Reader is lead vocalist for an up-and-coming band, The Terks. Check out their You Tube Channel!

Click here to see them  on You Tube: THE TERKS

Click here to learn about them: Terks Bio and Other Info

I was in a car crash on my birthday....

on the way to a Jazz game. My buddy and I came out OK, but the car didn't:

Drive slowly.

Call me Senator

"Twilight: Honeymoon Over" spoof

My buddy Lance Caselman made this:

Articles about Homosexuality

1) "The Hypocrites of Homosexuality," by Orson Scott Card: http://www.nauvoo.com/library/card-hypocrites.html

2) "Homosexuality and the Natural Law," by Professor Harry V. Jaffa: http://inclusion.semitagui.gov.co/Subjects/SexualImmorality/Homosexuality/HomoAndNaturalLaw.htm

3) http://elephantnavel.blogspot.com/2008/11/homosexuality.html

The Beatles in India

Check this out.

George Brooks (1845-1930): web sites about him

View buildings he helped build in St. George, Utah: http://wchsutah.org/index.htm

Specifically, read about his participation in building the Dixie Academy Building: http://wchsutah.org/buildings/dixie-academy-building.htm

See historic pictures of the St. George Tabernacle he helped build (scroll to the bottom for the full list): http://wchsutah.org/churches/st-george-tabernacle.htm

Even more pictures of the St. George Tabernacle: http://memory.loc.gov/cgi-bin/ampage?collId=pphhphoto&fileName=ut/ut0100/ut0146/photos/browse.db&action=browse&recNum=0&title2=St.%20George%20Tabernacle,%20Main%20Street%20and%20Tabernacle%20Streets,%20Saint%20George,%20Washington%20County,%20UT&displayType=1&itemLink=r?pp/PPALL:@field%28NUMBER+@%28ut0146%29%29

Read about the ship he sailed on in 1856 in order to migrate from Wales to Utah after his family joined the Mormon Church: http://www.lib.byu.edu/mormonmigration/voyage.php?id=327

Download/read a very rare book Juanita Brooks wrote about him: http://www.autobahnsoftware.net/Autobahn/MS2.htm (scroll down to Brooks)

See where he's buried at Find a Grave: http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GSln=brooks&GSiman=1&GScid=109372&GRid=111286&

See/download a picture taken of him late in life with his wife and extended family in front of the St. George Tabernacle: http://elephantnavel.blogspot.com/2010/07/george-brooks.html

More pictures on the Dixie Academy Building he helped build: http://www.gly.uga.edu/railsback/BS/BS-SGU.html

Read about his participation in the construction of the St. George Temple and Tabernacle: http://library.dixie.edu/info/collections/temple/temple.htm

Edward Lloyd Parry (1818-1906): web sites about him

St. George Temple quarry, which (as master stone mason) he would have accessed frequently during the construction: http://www.sonsofutahpioneers.info/hs/a11-templequarrytrail.html

Historic sites of St. George, many of which he helped to build: http://www.dostgeorge.com/historic-sites.html


My blog entries:

* His patriarchal blessings: http://elephantnavel.blogspot.com/2009/12/patriarchal-blessings-of-edward-lloyd.html

* The Edward Lloyd Parry Papers: http://elephantnavel.blogspot.com/2010/08/edward-lloyd-parry-papers.html

The U of U Library info for the "Edward Lloyd Parry papers": http://content.lib.utah.edu/cdm4/item_viewer.php?CISOROOT=/UU_EAD&CISOPTR=1910


Search this site for newspaper articles about him, particularly in the Manti newspapers: http://digitalnewspapers.org/

Allen Hackworth wrote a book about his family line, which you can purchase or peruse on line: http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/1163840

Download an article Hackworth wrote about him: http://www.autobahnsoftware.net/Autobahn/MS2.htm (scroll down to Parry)
or
Read it on-line: http://allenhackworth.com/prose/parry.htm

Read about his grave site, as well as other biographical information at Find a Grave: http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GSln=Parry&GSfn=Edward&GSmn=Lloyd&GSby=1818&GSbyrel=in&GSdy=1906&GSdyrel=in&GSst=47&GScntry=4&GSob=n&GRid=34630527&df=all&

Read about his participation in the building of the St. George Temple and Tabernacle: http://library.dixie.edu/info/collections/temple/temple.htm

Read about his participation in the burial site for Martin Harris: http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~utcache/clarkston/harris/index.htm

Order pictures of him from the photo department of the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers: http://www.dupinternational.org/

See historic photos the St. George Tabernacle he helped build: http://memory.loc.gov/cgi-bin/ampage?collId=pphhphoto&fileName=ut/ut0100/ut0146/photos/browse.db&action=browse&recNum=0&title2=St.%20George%20Tabernacle,%20Main%20Street%20and%20Tabernacle%20Streets,%20Saint%20George,%20Washington%20County,%20UT&displayType=1&itemLink=r?pp/PPALL:@field%28NUMBER+@%28ut0146%29%29

Read about his trek across the plains with the Joseph W. Young Company of 1853: http://lds.org/churchhistory/library/pioneerdetails/1,15791,4018-1-14326,00.html

See photos of buildings he helped build in St. George: http://wchsutah.org/index.htm

See historic pictures of the Manti Temple he helped build: http://lcweb2.loc.gov/cgi-bin/ampage?collId=pphhphoto&fileName=ut/ut0000/ut0065/photos/browse.db&action=browse&recNum=0&title2=Manti%20Temple,%20Main%20Street%20%28U.S.%20Route%2089%29,%20Manti,%20Sanpete,%20UT&displayType=1

Finally, read his autobiography on-line: http://www.welshmormonhistory.org/index.php?/resources/view/2397

Finally, if you are a member of Facebook, search for the group "Descendants of Edward Lloyd Parry" and join!

Dad Life - the video

This is hilarious, clean, clever, and creative:

Do you know of a baby in need of adoption?

If you do, or know of someone who does, please refer them to this web site: https://www.itsaboutlove.org/ial/profiles/24857992/ourMessage.jsf

Thank you!

The Edward Lloyd Parry papers

(Edward Lloyd Parry (1818-1906), master mason of both the St. George and Manti Temples)


Recently I came across some fascinating documents of my ancestor, Edward Lloyd Parry (1818-1906), at the University of Utah Library. They detail the construction and dedication of the Manti Temple, as well as the construction of the St. George Temple. They were compiled by his son, Edward Thomas Parry (1859-1938) in the 1930s. If you are interested in obtaining a transcript of them, and are a descendant of these men, please email me at elephantnavel@gmail.com.



(Edward Thomas Parry (1859-1938), son of Edward Lloyd Parry, who also worked on the stonework of the Manti Temple)

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Sometimes I don't think enough.



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I'm a Believer

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Though the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is frequently slammed in the media, particularly here in the Salt Lake Valley, I believe the Church is true. The more I study its doctrine, particularly in the scriptures, and the more I listen to the speeches given in General Conferences, and the more I listen to Church music, and the more I learn of Church history, and the more I sit and think about it, and the more I sit and mull over a particular passage of scripture, and when I learn about temples .... the more I believe, the more I know it is true. Its doctrines are profound, touching, and comforting.

The Church offers so much of goodness, and light, and hope. And in this world spiraling out of control in every aspect, I need that.

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George Brooks (1845-1930) & Emily Cornelia Branch (1855-1929) family photo

This picture was taken in front of the St. George Tabernacle, probably in the 1920s. Click on it for a better, more detailed resolution.

Peterasaurus vs. Weeterasaurus

One of my former students, the brilliant Adam Hawker, has made a three-part movie that you just might find entertaining:

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I tire of inhibition.




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President Eyring, "Act in All Diligence," April 2010 General Conference

"I close now with this counsel to the Lord’s priesthood servants. Ponder deeply and diligently in the scriptures and in the words of living prophets. Persist in prayer for the Holy Ghost to reveal to you the nature of God the Father and His Beloved Son. Plead that the Spirit will show you what the Lord wants you to do. Plan to do it. Promise Him to obey. Act with determination until you have done what He asked. And then pray to give thanks for the opportunity to serve and to know what you might do next."

1830 Book of Mormon

Recently I had a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to hold an 1830 first-edition of The Book of Mormon. This one was owned by a woman named Vienna Jaques ((see DC 90:28) one of only three women mentioned in the Doctrine and Covenants -- the other two being Emma Smith and Eve), who in 1832 received it from the Prophet Joseph Smith himself.

Underneath her name and the date it reads: "The writing above is Joseph Smith own handwriting which he wrote the day he gave the book to me Vienna Jaques on the 22nd of November 1832."

While I am fascinated with a book that collectors value at $250,000, for me it was a holy, faith-promoting privilege to hold the book in my own hands, because I knew that it had been held by the Prophet of the Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. That made it priceless.

I went to the Paul McCartney concert in Sandy 7-13-2010

The concert was splendid. Here is the t-shirt I decorated and wore to the concert.








Here is what his "Live and Let Die" song was like (this version was recorded in New York City):

Commune-icate

We reach out, to know that we are not alone.

'Trololo Man' Eduard Khil online now! Skype song session with fans

This... needs no explanation:

Youth

Visit from President Thomas S. Monson, our prophet

Cool stuff:

http://crazycluffcrew.blogspot.com/2010/05/we-thank-thee-oh-god-for-prophet.html

I love his inspired spontaneity.

John Daker

Here he is live:




And here he is subtitled, in cartoon form (totally classic!):

Tralalalalalalalala

Behold the union of Lawrence Welk, Slim Whitman, Engelbert Humperdinck, and Communism, conveniently combined in one solid performance:

Too long

Too long to go without publishing to the world
Too long to go silent
Too long to allow myself to be squelched

Let this funk, this doldrum, dissipate in this arid climate

Let this not be the end to expression, to Voice, to speaking out and up

For silence is grave-bound, and death

BLA BLA BLA!

"Annabel Lee," by Edgar Allan Poe

I like this poem, and the voice with which the narrator reads it:

Television, Roald Dahl

Speaking broadly, I am sick of television. It wastes my time. It does not awaken my brain. It lulls me. It bores me. It does not depict reality. It distorts values. It promotes vanity and selfishness.

This poem, by Roald Dahl (author of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory), details many of my feelings on the issue:

The most important thing we've learned,
So far as children are concerned,
Is never, NEVER, NEVER let
Them near your television set –
Or better still, just don't install
The idiotic thing at all.
In almost every house we've been,
We've watched them gaping at the screen.
They loll and slop and lounge about,
And stare until their eyes pop out.
(Last week in someone's place we saw
A dozen eyeballs on the floor.)
They sit and stare and stare and sit
Until they're hypnotised by it,
Until they're absolutely drunk
With all that shocking ghastly junk.
Oh yes, we know it keeps them still,
They don't climb out the window sill,
They never fight or kick or punch,
They leave you free to cook the lunch
And wash the dishes in the sink –
But did you ever stop to think,
To wonder just exacts what
This does to your beloved tot?

IT ROTS THE SENSES IN THE HEAD!
IT KILLS IMAGINATION DEAD!
IT CLOGS AND CLUTTERS UP THE MIND!
IT MAKES A CHILD SO DULL AND BLIND
HE CAN NO LONGER UNDERSTAND
A FANTASY, A FAIRYLAND!
HIS BRAIN BECOMES AS SOFT AS CHEESE!
HIS POWERS OF THINKING RUST AND FREEZE!
HE CANNOT THINK – HE ONLY SEES!

"All right!" you'll cry. "All right!" you'll say,
"But if we take the set away,
What shall we do to entertain
Our darling children! Please explain!"
We'll answer this by asking you,
"What used the darling ones to do?
How used they keep themselves contented
Before this monster was invented?"
Have you forgotten? Don't you know?
We'll say it very loud and slow:

THEY... USED... TO... READ! They'd READ and READ,
AND READ and READ, and then proceed
TO READ some more. Great Scott! Gadzooks!
One half their lives was reading books!
The nursery shelves held books galore!
Books cluttered up the nursery floor!
And in the bedroom, by the bed,
More books were waiting to be read!
Such wondrous, fine, fantastic tales
Of dragons, gypsies, queens, and whales
And treasure isles, and distant shores
Where smugglers rowed with muffled oars,
And pirates wearing purple pants,
And sailing ships and elephants,
And cannibals crouching round the pot,
Stirring away at something hot.
(It smells so good, what can it be?
Good gracious, it's Penelope.)
The younger ones had Beatrix Potter
With Mr. Tod, the dirty rotter,
And Squirrel Nutkin, Pigling Bland,
And Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle and –
Just How The Camel Got His Hump,
And How the Monkey Lost His Rump,
And Mr. Toad, and bless my soul,
There's Mr. Rat and Mr. Mole –
Oh, books, what books they used to know,
Those children living long ago!

So please, oh please, we beg, we pray,
Go throw your TV set away,
And in its place you can install
A lovely bookshelf on the wall.
Then fill the shelves with lots of books,
Ignoring all the dirty looks,
The streams and yells, the bites and kicks,
And children hitting you with sticks –
Fear not, because we promise you
That, in about a week or two
Of having nothing else to do,
They'll now begin to feel the need
Of having something good to read.
And once they start – oh boy, oh boy!
You watch the slowly growing joy
That fills their hearts. They'll grow so keen
They'll wonder what they'd ever seen
In that ridiculous machine,
That nauseating, foul, unclean,
Repulsive television screen!
And later, each and every kid
Will love you more for what you did.

Patriarchal Blessing of William Henry Branch, Sr. (1820-1889)

The following is a scan of William Henry Branch, Sr.'s patriarchal blessing. As it is extremely difficult to read, I would be glad to email you a transcript of the blessing, which I obtained with the help of a professional handwriting analyst. My email address is elephantnavel@gmail.com.

Also, if you have any history or photos of him, would you please send them to me?

Thanks!

Patriarchal Blessing of Emily Cornelia Branch Brooks (1855-1929)

The following scans are of Emily Cornelia Branch Brooks's patriarchal blessing. If you would like a transcript of it, email me (elephantnavel@gmail.com) and I will send it to you. I also have some photographs of her that I could send to you. Direct descendants only, please.

Also, if you have any photos or history of Emily, would you be willing to send them to me? Thanks!

Patriarchal Blessings of Edward Lloyd Parry (1818-1906)

The following are scans of the three patriarchal blessings that Edward Lloyd Parry received during his lifetime. They are difficult to read, but if you email me (elephantnavel@gmail.com) I would be glad to send you the transcripts of them (which I obtained with the help of a professional handwriting analyst). I also have some rare photographs of him that I could email to you. Direct descendants only, please.

Also, if you have any photos or history of his, would you please send them to me? Thank you.

Funny videos!

Silent monks singing "Halleluia" from Handel's Messiah:


Straight No Chaser singing "The Twelve Days of Christmas," along with anything else that drifts through their transom:


Nick Pitera singing both sides of "A Whole New World":

My Dearness Nearness Yearning You

My dearness nearness yearning you,
With hopeful shoulder nestle do.
Become, be with, be helping me;
Bespouse, bedraw, be make-me see.

Year turns a glass, year lives life by,
Year hopes to see thee by my side,
With emblems hid but still intact,
Rem-embers burn within God’s pact.

Cruise Control

The way cruise control ruins things,
turns off the mind, promotes numbness, reduces the wonderful stimulus of variety, stabs creativity, and eliminates the opportunity for wisdom.

Live life deliberately.