Archive for June, 2011

The Museum of Russian Icons was founded in 2006 as a non-profit educational institution by Massachusetts industrialist, Gordon B. Lankton. The collection includes more than 400 Russian icons, the largest collection of its kind in North America, and one of the largest private collections outside Russia. The collection spans six centuries, and includes important historical paintings dating from the earliest periods of icon “writing” to the present. Located in Clinton, Massachusetts, in a 150 year old restored mill building, this museum is a hidden treasure to icon aficionados.

Though my husband and I are not ones to ask about best new movie picks, we do have an extensive dvd collection of tried and true classics. We recently worked our way through The Thorn Birds, Colleen McCullough‘s tragic epic tale of a priest and the woman he loved, and it is still resonating in my soul.

So sport is currently a running commentary in my life right now.

Recently, I bought a new bike and have been enjoying cycling out on some country lanes here in the UK. I have been relishing the sense of well being that exercise, raising your heart-rate and good old fresh air bring.  Yesterday, I got an email from the London Olympics confirming that I have been one of the lucky ones and have four tickets for ‘Artistic Gymnastics’ (OK, not the most exciting event in my mind, my two young girls are very excited—but I would happily trade them in for the 100metres final if anyone wants to swap!?)

My rural home’s screened in porch, two stories up and in view of my own private nature preserve, has been a sanctuary for me where God has met me so often that it formed within me the same kind of space inside my heart. We might have to downsize in a move this year, but its gift is now in me and I will take it wherever I go.

It leads me in a powerful vision for the Lord’s Prayer.

There are few movies on the subject of faith that linger with me, inviting me to examine my assumptions about life with God, prodding me to consider my sins and the price paid for them. There are fewer still that inspire me to love God more deeply, to follow Christ more closely. In the past years, I can could them on one hand: Into Great Silence and Doubt are two that spring to mind. In the past month, I have added a third: Of Gods & Men.

I’ll admit that whenever a movie touches a place deep within my soul my obsessive/compulsive tendency kicks into high gear.

If you’re catching my drift, then you won’t be too startled to hear me say, You absolutely must see “Get Low”!

Since the age of 12 when my grandmother introduced me to the outlandish and extravagant 1958 film, Auntie Mame, I have been an avid lover of film and television classics. In fact, I have often remarked jokingly to family and friends that I was born in the wrong century, for my preferences, mannerisms, and demeanor tend decidedly toward the old-fashioned.

A few weeks ago I watched “The Dilemma” on a cross-country flight. I don’t want to say too much about the movie, so here’s a synopsis from the official website:

“Vince Vaughn and Kevin James headline an all-star comedy from director Ron Howard. Ronny’s (Vaughn) world is turned upside down when he inadvertently sees something he should not have, and makes it his mission to get answers. As the amateur investigation dissolves his world into comic mayhem, he learns that his best friend Nick (James) has a few secrets of his own. Now, Ronny must decide what will happen if he reveals the truth.”

Uh . . . it’s not viewing that is forming my soul. I gave up watching television several years ago, sort of by accident. I was already upset by how I woke up every morning thinking about murder after watching reruns of Law and Order. I’d also had a spiritual director for ten years who didn’t watch television. He had a sense of peace I needed.

Finders Keepers

Some people collect stamps:
rare, colorful and old;
or coins from countries,
small and large;
or watches to wear
a new old one every day.