INSOMNIACS place to talk in the wee hours

Kath this summer I went to an exhibition of Japanese dolls in Dublin. Among the many beautiful dolls there were dolls for Hinamatsuri and Tango no Sekku and the festival of Shichi-Go-San was also mentioned in the catalogue. I had never heard of any of these festivals before. The guide who brought me round the exhibition was a member of Japanese embassy staff who was Irish but had lived in Japan for 20 years.

It's a festival day when boys 3 and 5 years old and girls 3 and 7 are presented at the temple to celebrate their growth and well being. Feline, those dolls are beautiful. I have really come to appreciate Japanese craftsmanship and artistry after watching NHK World. Most of the shows are very educational. I was in awe of their pottery and such but after watching the shows I have come to appreciate it so much more

Copied from another thread for sheer laziness and because I want you to see it:

The following is a bit long, but I wanted to share with you the amazingly delicate way my husband's eulogist and long time friend explained what led to his death. He is a theologian so it's a bit deep in places. It was originally written for my facebook page when DH was in a coma, and revised for his service program.

Targeted for Destruction – Downfall of a Good Fellow Soldier of Christ

While Tolkien's Elves ironically termed mortality as "the gift of men," the Apostle Paul describes death as an enemy, to eventually be destroyed in the light of eternal life and truth of divine love. Thus do Christians hate the devil, the father of lies and aboriginal murderer (John 8:44). Within this larger warfare we lament the demise of our dear friend, Christian brother, and most beloved husband David.

Although all are imperfect with many faults, David seemed in some ways too good for this dark world, which he brightened at every point he touched it. As his long-time friend and fellow labourer in the fields of the Lord, I saw him wield his ministry upon the dramatic stage where I met him as my director. In this sphere alone did David touch thousands of lives for the better. Then he strongly supported my bid to re- enter the academic arena in hopes to make contributions that will in that way build up Christ's kingdom. And many others will testify to other such fruits born from David's obedient love and selfless giving acts. Truly, he has long been a "good and faithful servant" (Matthew 25:21).

For such reasons the enemy of our souls craftily abused even his deep and abiding love for his wife in order to ensnare him in despair– –a tactic that has reduced many a good person in the history of this present darkness in which we must abide as best we may for all too short a time. Succumbing to the subtle temptation to hopelessness, David inherited (we think) a predisposition to alcohol abuse, which was apparently the concealed weapon by which he was isolated from supporters and led, despairingly, to seek escape from this world of woe.

Suffering general failure of major organs––liver, lungs, kidneys, heart– –David was kept alive by machinated methods in a state of induced coma, unresponsive, yet loved ones––friends, fellow-workers, family from afar, his everlasting helpmate –– all spoke to him, just in hopes he might hear. Eventually he came around enough, thankfully, before the end to bid farewell to his wife, for whom we pray unceasingly in this dark hour.

Let us all pull together in loving support of one another, trusting to "the Shepherd and Guardian of our souls" (1 Peter 2:25), and not lose the blessed hope (Titus 1:2) that we will be reunited with David in a more peaceful place. A place, as Sam sang amidst Mordor's darkness of despair, "where stars forever dwell," immune to the stormy clouds obscuring our tiny portion inside the vast reality of God's eternal love.

Amen. Mags, that is beautiful. Cherish the good memories.

Mags - Wow, that was beautiful!

Kathindc - Hope You're having a great day!

Happy birthday Kath, and many more!

My family doesn’t seem to have traditions per say. We all used to go home to my parents for the holidays. Since my dad has been gone, mom usually gets in a big funk this time of year and stays there until March. She hasn’t even seen the baby yet. Her last great grandson! Now the the 3rd generation is in their 40s, they have taken on some of the holidays. This year will be at my nephew with the new house. They can handle everybody if they showed! I’ll probably host Christmas this year, I’ll find out at thanksgiving.

H is now 1 week old. They probably are not coming to TG.

JunieB, any new pics of the Kribey?

Smaarty, That is one good looking kid. I wouldn't take him around a crowd at T-giving either. Are they close enough that someone could bring them a plate? 25 years ago DH had heart bypass surgery on a Friday and came home on Monday. The kids asked what we wanted to do for T-giving and we said we wanted someone to bring us plates of the meal. They were great and did it. It was so nice not to lift a finger.

Blue - I think your Thanksgiving Day dinner sounds comfy and cozy. Not at all stressful, like when you're trying to make everything just right for a large group of guests. Some who may or may not like each other, or whatever family dynamic there might be.

Sas - Sounds like a fun time with the humans and dogs for your thanksgiving dinner. The menu sounds great too.

We do turkey for Thanksgiving and usually salmon for Christmas. DH and I don't eat red meat. This year 1st Lt will be coming and bringing his lovely vegetarian girlfriend. I'm trying to think of a veggie main dish that would be festive. I love turkey sandwiches a lot more than turkey itself.

Sas, Skype is easy peasy to install on your computer. I'm a Mac person and DS/DDIL are Vaio. We Skyped when DGS was a baby. We now do FaceTime on our iPads. Sometimes I'm on my laptop when the call comes in and connect that way. No cost involved with either one. John was at a swim meet once and walked around with the iPad so I could see what was going on. Stood next to his coach and introduced me. Then took me to the room his teammates were chillin' in. It was a hoot. Had to give his dad back the iPad so he could go back with his team.

Juni (autocorrect wants to name you Janie), Kirby is a good looking boy. My how he has changed from being a puppy.

Babies are beautiful. Lover, I think John and Maria will be our only grandchildren. DD who got married lost both tubes and part of an ovary to endometriosis. She was misdiagnosed with IBS for several years and suffered the consequence. Before she and her hubby got married, they asked us the grandchildren question. I said that was strictly their call as I remembered how much I hated hearing "when are you going to have children." It's a very personal decision that only the two of them should be involved in. Did talk IVF and I did say they also had the option of adopting. Also, pointed out how your life totally changes so think hard about any decision they make.

Here is His Highness sound asleep hogging my chair this evening.

And, yesterday staring outside to spot squirrels.