In my heritage, I think there are possibly traces of Scottish, Irish, Anglo and American Indian - Cherokee . . . I am pretty sure there is no Italian as evidenced by the fact that my earliest recollection of pizza was from a box of "Chef-Boy-Ardee" (and what mother would name her son Boy Ardee!?).
Not until I was seven or so did I realize that real pizza had gooey cheese and not that powdery parmesian-looking stuff.
My mother always made ground beef pizza and served it up with navy beans or large limas.
For some time now, I have had a hankering for one of those pizzas - didn't even know if "Chef-Boy-Ardee" was still alive.
But recently I had grocery duty (a task that I sometimes secretly enjoy) and I found my old friend, "Boy" (we are now on first name basis).
So last Friday when it became apparent that Mom was going to be working a little late, the kids and I took on a new adventure and a new twist on Family Pizza nite. . .
Monday, August 31, 2009
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Never Saw it Coming
In my sojourn through the Bible, I have come across one of my favorite love stories in the Bible - the story of David and Abigail.
I like that Abigail!
I can really see what David saw in her.
But for this post, I want to focus on leadership - since this time around I am drawn to those principles as they relate to David.
The blogosphere is replete with leadership tactics and strategies and for the most part I enjoy learning new methods or concepts - but I am for the most part a story guy when it comes to learning. I am captivated by stories. So for me, the better way to learn about leadership is to watch it person or to see it played out in stories. That's why I have so much to learn from David.
Now I do not occupy a real - official leadership role - but I am a Dad, and I hope that my role in the relationships I have in my job and among family and friends will display principled, Christ -centered leadership.
In the story of David and Abigail, David's leadership is best displayed when compared to that of Nabal, Abigail's churlish husband.
At this point in David's story, he is a fugitive from King Saul and has amassed a growing militia of "not-so-merry" men - first 400 and at the point of today's story - 600.
Apparently, it was the custom in those days for militia-men to sometimes camp in the vicinity of shepherds abiding in the fields, keeping watch over their flocks. When they did this, the soldiers would act as something of a guard for the shepherds - protecting them from wild animals or from vicious humans.
I understand that it was further custom that when payday came around -"payday" would come for the shepherd when the sheep were sheared - the owner of the sheep would invite those militia-men in to join the celebratory feast and would pass along something of the profits.
That's why David sent ten young men to Nabal when it was learned that he was shearing his sheep at Carmel. David's men had been living with Nabal's shepherds and by the testimony of the shepherds, they had often protected them.
So David sent the young men top see if Nabal may want to follow the usual customs and reward his men to some degree.
Abigail is mentioned at the beginning of the story as having a "good understanding" and a "beautiful appearance"; Nabal, on the other hand, is said to be "harsh" and "evil in his doings".
What a pair!
My personal opinion is that Abigail was the brains behind the man and was likely responsible in great part for his success and his great wealth.
Nabal had a closed style of leadership; David's was open:
When David's men made their request to Nabal, they invited him to investigate the evidence of their protection. They told him that he could ask his own shepherds and they would tell him about the safety afforded them by the presence of David and his men.
Nabal did not have an open leadership style. He wasn't asking them anything!
He rejected outright, the claims of the young men. Even questioned their integrity and the integrity of David their leader and the Bible says they "turned on their heels" and returned to David empty-handed.
"turned on their heels"
I love the illustrative language of the Bible. It draws such a picture for my imagination to capture.
So Nabal's leadership style is stubbornly closed - unwilling to question anything or allow that he may not know the entire story. Compare this to David's open leadership style. Even in my last post on this subject, David's men let him know that they did not want to take on the Philistines at Keilah. David had listened to their concerns - even though he already had God's direction on the issue - and so he went back to God a second time.
David "went out and came in among the people"; he was right their with folks - he could see things from their perspective because he was one of them.
Nabal's style of leadership was self-centered - "me-focused":
When Nabal responded to the request by David's young men, his offered a "me-focused" response. There was no question that in his eyes it was "all about him". Seven times in the one verse response - he uses the words "my" or "I".
..."my meat"...
..."my bread"...
..."my shearers"...
This selfish style of leadership was further illustrated by the "closed hand" with which he tightly held to his stuff.
Is there anything today that you are gripping a little too tightly?
If so, it is very visible to those under your scope of leadership, whether it be your children or the employees you serve.
Closed leaders get blind-sided:
When David received word of Nabal's rejection - he rallied his troops for war: mustering a group of 400, David set out for vengeance on Nabal.
In the meantime, one of Nabal's more savvy servants went to the "unofficial" leader, Abigail. He explained to her (because she would listen) how that David's requests had been rejected and how that David's men had indeed protected them in the fields.
He further pointed out that he had discerned that trouble was brewing and that David would surely retaliate. He punctuated his remarks to Abigail with a statement on his boss's character:
"He is such a scoundrel that one cannot speak to him!"
In other words - he is not approachable; he just won't listen.
Abigail, whose leadership style is notable and similar to David's, sized up the situation quickly because she listened. She then formulated a rapid response; she dispatched servants left and right and barked out orders. Soon she had assembled a wagon train of delectable goodies to send out to David.
Then she went herself and no ambassador has ever been more successful!
She met David humbly and begged for him to hold her responsible for the foolishness of her husband (though she does give further evidence of her role as "unofficial" leader by telling him that she was not aware of the visit from David's young men implying that she would have responded differently).
She went on to actually show compassion to this man that was en route to completely destroy her entire household. She gave David wise, godly counsel about how he should behave in view of the destiny God had prepared for him.
And David, again, listened.
Hearing her words, he understood that if he defended himself and lashed out on his own behalf against this superficial "slight", it would haunt him the rest of his days.
He accepted the gift and -I believe- went home with a heart siezed with thoughts of this amazing woman.
Abigial also returned home to find her husband feasting in the style of a great king. It was his party.
The next day after the effects of the wine had worn off - she explained to him how he had jeopardized everything with his harsh foolishness.
With that revelation, Nabal suffered an apparent stroke and died ten days later.
As demonstrated by his name (Nabal means "fool") he apparently never even saw the possibility that consequences would follow his actions.
Who is under your sphere of leadership?
Who is watching you?
What kind of leadership style are you displaying?
Open or closed?
You can read this story for yourself in 1 Samuel 25. Scripture taken from New King James Version. Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
I like that Abigail!
I can really see what David saw in her.
But for this post, I want to focus on leadership - since this time around I am drawn to those principles as they relate to David.
The blogosphere is replete with leadership tactics and strategies and for the most part I enjoy learning new methods or concepts - but I am for the most part a story guy when it comes to learning. I am captivated by stories. So for me, the better way to learn about leadership is to watch it person or to see it played out in stories. That's why I have so much to learn from David.
Now I do not occupy a real - official leadership role - but I am a Dad, and I hope that my role in the relationships I have in my job and among family and friends will display principled, Christ -centered leadership.
In the story of David and Abigail, David's leadership is best displayed when compared to that of Nabal, Abigail's churlish husband.
At this point in David's story, he is a fugitive from King Saul and has amassed a growing militia of "not-so-merry" men - first 400 and at the point of today's story - 600.
Apparently, it was the custom in those days for militia-men to sometimes camp in the vicinity of shepherds abiding in the fields, keeping watch over their flocks. When they did this, the soldiers would act as something of a guard for the shepherds - protecting them from wild animals or from vicious humans.
I understand that it was further custom that when payday came around -"payday" would come for the shepherd when the sheep were sheared - the owner of the sheep would invite those militia-men in to join the celebratory feast and would pass along something of the profits.
That's why David sent ten young men to Nabal when it was learned that he was shearing his sheep at Carmel. David's men had been living with Nabal's shepherds and by the testimony of the shepherds, they had often protected them.
So David sent the young men top see if Nabal may want to follow the usual customs and reward his men to some degree.
Abigail is mentioned at the beginning of the story as having a "good understanding" and a "beautiful appearance"; Nabal, on the other hand, is said to be "harsh" and "evil in his doings".
What a pair!
My personal opinion is that Abigail was the brains behind the man and was likely responsible in great part for his success and his great wealth.
Nabal had a closed style of leadership; David's was open:
When David's men made their request to Nabal, they invited him to investigate the evidence of their protection. They told him that he could ask his own shepherds and they would tell him about the safety afforded them by the presence of David and his men.
Nabal did not have an open leadership style. He wasn't asking them anything!
He rejected outright, the claims of the young men. Even questioned their integrity and the integrity of David their leader and the Bible says they "turned on their heels" and returned to David empty-handed.
"turned on their heels"
I love the illustrative language of the Bible. It draws such a picture for my imagination to capture.
So Nabal's leadership style is stubbornly closed - unwilling to question anything or allow that he may not know the entire story. Compare this to David's open leadership style. Even in my last post on this subject, David's men let him know that they did not want to take on the Philistines at Keilah. David had listened to their concerns - even though he already had God's direction on the issue - and so he went back to God a second time.
David "went out and came in among the people"; he was right their with folks - he could see things from their perspective because he was one of them.
Nabal's style of leadership was self-centered - "me-focused":
When Nabal responded to the request by David's young men, his offered a "me-focused" response. There was no question that in his eyes it was "all about him". Seven times in the one verse response - he uses the words "my" or "I".
..."my meat"...
..."my bread"...
..."my shearers"...
This selfish style of leadership was further illustrated by the "closed hand" with which he tightly held to his stuff.
Is there anything today that you are gripping a little too tightly?
If so, it is very visible to those under your scope of leadership, whether it be your children or the employees you serve.
Closed leaders get blind-sided:
When David received word of Nabal's rejection - he rallied his troops for war: mustering a group of 400, David set out for vengeance on Nabal.
In the meantime, one of Nabal's more savvy servants went to the "unofficial" leader, Abigail. He explained to her (because she would listen) how that David's requests had been rejected and how that David's men had indeed protected them in the fields.
He further pointed out that he had discerned that trouble was brewing and that David would surely retaliate. He punctuated his remarks to Abigail with a statement on his boss's character:
"He is such a scoundrel that one cannot speak to him!"
In other words - he is not approachable; he just won't listen.
Abigail, whose leadership style is notable and similar to David's, sized up the situation quickly because she listened. She then formulated a rapid response; she dispatched servants left and right and barked out orders. Soon she had assembled a wagon train of delectable goodies to send out to David.
Then she went herself and no ambassador has ever been more successful!
She met David humbly and begged for him to hold her responsible for the foolishness of her husband (though she does give further evidence of her role as "unofficial" leader by telling him that she was not aware of the visit from David's young men implying that she would have responded differently).
She went on to actually show compassion to this man that was en route to completely destroy her entire household. She gave David wise, godly counsel about how he should behave in view of the destiny God had prepared for him.
And David, again, listened.
Hearing her words, he understood that if he defended himself and lashed out on his own behalf against this superficial "slight", it would haunt him the rest of his days.
He accepted the gift and -I believe- went home with a heart siezed with thoughts of this amazing woman.
Abigial also returned home to find her husband feasting in the style of a great king. It was his party.
The next day after the effects of the wine had worn off - she explained to him how he had jeopardized everything with his harsh foolishness.
With that revelation, Nabal suffered an apparent stroke and died ten days later.
As demonstrated by his name (Nabal means "fool") he apparently never even saw the possibility that consequences would follow his actions.
Who is under your sphere of leadership?
Who is watching you?
What kind of leadership style are you displaying?
Open or closed?
You can read this story for yourself in 1 Samuel 25. Scripture taken from New King James Version. Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Surreal Cereal
Mom took the picture among others on the first day of school this year.It belongs to my son and is an accurate display of his handiwork.
It is also why we tend to prefer cereal that quickly goes limp in milk and doesn't talk back to you. We really do not enjoy noisy - energetic cereal, bouncing around on top of the milk and snap - crackle and poppin' all over the place.
Give me shredded wheat any day.
When asked why Mom took the picture, I explained to AA that it was probably so that when he is grown and married and has children of his own ...
...and he comes to her with crestfallen countenance and says "why do they do the things they do?!?!"....
...Mom can just pull this picture out and say ...
"That's why!"
and it will all have been worth it.
Two-Wheeled Teacher
It has been a perennial goal for me over the past 4 or 5 years: to give my kids a healthy, active Dad.
It has often been a goal that didn't actually materialize. But thanks to a kick-start from Ab last year, I have been fairly consistent for about a year in running a few times a week - until lately.
Lately I have been trying to transition my practice of running - which I just cannot seem to grow to love ... to biking.
Thanks in part to a my brother-in-law's renewed interest in biking, we have frequented the "Silver Comet Trail" a lot more this summer than in the past. And over the past month, I have mapped out a bicycle cycle that takes in some pretty scenic areas near our home in "the country".
My wife grew up in this area and rode her bicycle all over these back roads, but some of the roads are narrow and are now a little too busy for my taste at times.
But I am enjoying my riding time. After finishing about a mile of busy road, my regular route takes me to a much quieter setting. Suddenly, in my mind, I am just a kid again, trying to eak a little more adventure out of the waining days of summer. I'm peddling my stingray blue "Western Flier" complete with high handle-bars and a banana-split seat (adorned with "STP", "King of the Road" and "Wynn's" stickers).
Every trip seems to bring back a smorgasbord of memories - I guess because I am taking in the sights and sounds from the same rolling vantage point that I took them in as a child.
The smell of sweet- but souring grass that was mowed the day before.
The occasional soft puddles of tar along the road - now cooling in the setting sun.
A cow raising her head to watch the strange sight of a boy - now a man - passing by on a bicycle.
The symphony of God's tiny creation - tree frogs, crickets, cicadas and many more!
Barbed wire fences and fences that protect vegetable gardens... the latter of which are often armed with Walmart bags to ward of would-be-sneak-thieves.
Miniature crevices and canyons alongside the road eroded by summer rains.
The musty, dusty smell of hay, all cut and waiting to be bailed.
The random aroma of various wildflowers and weeds volunteering along the side of the road.
And the yap of dogs.
When I was a kid - you always knew where the bad dogs lived. Those were the houses by which you peddled at great speeds or you lifted your vulnerable ankles to the height of the middle bar on your bike.
I have had very few dogs to actually come near - but some bark in a menacing manner from behind a fence or storm door.
This brief period has awakened memories that haven't been stirred in quite some time.
Bicycling is a wonderful thing - and for a kid, it is a necessary rite of passage. But I think that - like most every thing else - we've organized and sanitized the adventure right out of the practice. I think kids need some time to just loaf around on their wheels - not necessarily going any where in particular.
The opportunity for creativity and the absence of artificial entertainment might just result in that "bicycle" suddenly being transformed into a fiery steed or a souped-up motorcycle. Before you know it, said kid might even prefer to be outside riding that bike . . .
. . . and breathing in all those wonderful sights and sounds of the last vestiges of summer...
I've seen it happen.
It has often been a goal that didn't actually materialize. But thanks to a kick-start from Ab last year, I have been fairly consistent for about a year in running a few times a week - until lately.
Lately I have been trying to transition my practice of running - which I just cannot seem to grow to love ... to biking.
Thanks in part to a my brother-in-law's renewed interest in biking, we have frequented the "Silver Comet Trail" a lot more this summer than in the past. And over the past month, I have mapped out a bicycle cycle that takes in some pretty scenic areas near our home in "the country".
My wife grew up in this area and rode her bicycle all over these back roads, but some of the roads are narrow and are now a little too busy for my taste at times.
But I am enjoying my riding time. After finishing about a mile of busy road, my regular route takes me to a much quieter setting. Suddenly, in my mind, I am just a kid again, trying to eak a little more adventure out of the waining days of summer. I'm peddling my stingray blue "Western Flier" complete with high handle-bars and a banana-split seat (adorned with "STP", "King of the Road" and "Wynn's" stickers).
Every trip seems to bring back a smorgasbord of memories - I guess because I am taking in the sights and sounds from the same rolling vantage point that I took them in as a child.
The smell of sweet- but souring grass that was mowed the day before.
The occasional soft puddles of tar along the road - now cooling in the setting sun.
A cow raising her head to watch the strange sight of a boy - now a man - passing by on a bicycle.
The symphony of God's tiny creation - tree frogs, crickets, cicadas and many more!
Barbed wire fences and fences that protect vegetable gardens... the latter of which are often armed with Walmart bags to ward of would-be-sneak-thieves.
Miniature crevices and canyons alongside the road eroded by summer rains.
The musty, dusty smell of hay, all cut and waiting to be bailed.
The random aroma of various wildflowers and weeds volunteering along the side of the road.
And the yap of dogs.
When I was a kid - you always knew where the bad dogs lived. Those were the houses by which you peddled at great speeds or you lifted your vulnerable ankles to the height of the middle bar on your bike.
I have had very few dogs to actually come near - but some bark in a menacing manner from behind a fence or storm door.
This brief period has awakened memories that haven't been stirred in quite some time.
Bicycling is a wonderful thing - and for a kid, it is a necessary rite of passage. But I think that - like most every thing else - we've organized and sanitized the adventure right out of the practice. I think kids need some time to just loaf around on their wheels - not necessarily going any where in particular.
The opportunity for creativity and the absence of artificial entertainment might just result in that "bicycle" suddenly being transformed into a fiery steed or a souped-up motorcycle. Before you know it, said kid might even prefer to be outside riding that bike . . .
. . . and breathing in all those wonderful sights and sounds of the last vestiges of summer...
I've seen it happen.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Follow
I think David's defining moment as a leader of men was in 1 Samuel 23. It was an event that melded the hearts of his men with his.
David's distinguishing characteristic -the attribute that defined his character - was that he followed the heart of God. It was the thing that caught God's attention. It was David that said, "...my soul followeth hard after Thee..." - his lifestyle was marked by the way he submitted to leadership.
For a time, the way David followed God was evidenced by the way he followed those in authority over him. He obeyed his "commander-in-chief", King Saul - without question. I believe David saw Saul as an extension of God's authority and as long as he was under that rule, he led men, but he followed Saul . . . presumably, Saul was following God.
But Saul wasn't following God.
It is really interesting to see that even when Saul was acting purely from a selfish and evil point of view - as in the times that he sent David out on extremely risky missions and into dangerous battles in hopes that the enemy would kill him - God was moving on David's behalf and David always came out on top!
So the leadership example David left us - the thing that we should emulate - was his practice of submitting to the proper authority as a means of following God . . . . obeying that authority without question and letting God handle the outcome.
This is a point R. and I have stressed to our kids all their lives: that they should obey us without question now, so that when they are older it will be easy to obey God without question.
In chapter 23, things have changed: Saul has cut off the relationship between himself and David. And a band of men have gathered themselves to David - about 400 of them. They gravitated to David because they were discontent ... or in trouble ... or delinquent on their taxes and they were afraid.
When the opportunity arose for David and his recently formed militia to take offensive action and defend and save the city of Keilah - David turns directly to God (the other "authority" is no longer in place).
"Shall I go up?"
David would ask God that question time and time again. But I think this was the first time.
God's reply to him was "GO". But when David approached his men, they had a different idea - they were afraid. You see it was those wicked Philistines - the perpetual nemesis of Israel that was causing all the trouble for the city of Keilah; David's band of merry men weren't so merry as they explained to him that if they had been afraid of Saul and the armies of Israel - how much more would they be afraid of the Philistines!
...not a lot of hubris in this group at this time ...
David displayed the excellent leadership skill of listening to his men, and so he went back to God a second time to pose the former question.
Again, God answered in the affirmative and even elaborated a little - assuring David the He would deliver the Philistines into his hand.
Here's where the defining moment comes in...
There is no record that David went back to his men again to see if their opinion had changed - he did not lead by consensus - he did not wait for them to catch the vision or to see the "big picture".
Those men had to be shown. He had to show them non-questioning obedience.
They went into battle.
God delivered just as He said He would and the city was saved.
I think from that point forward, the chemistry of that group was changed forever. Their hearts became one with David's.
It was a "win under the belt" that would solidify their allegiance to David and their trust in his God.
Real leaders follow.
David's distinguishing characteristic -the attribute that defined his character - was that he followed the heart of God. It was the thing that caught God's attention. It was David that said, "...my soul followeth hard after Thee..." - his lifestyle was marked by the way he submitted to leadership.
For a time, the way David followed God was evidenced by the way he followed those in authority over him. He obeyed his "commander-in-chief", King Saul - without question. I believe David saw Saul as an extension of God's authority and as long as he was under that rule, he led men, but he followed Saul . . . presumably, Saul was following God.
But Saul wasn't following God.
It is really interesting to see that even when Saul was acting purely from a selfish and evil point of view - as in the times that he sent David out on extremely risky missions and into dangerous battles in hopes that the enemy would kill him - God was moving on David's behalf and David always came out on top!
So the leadership example David left us - the thing that we should emulate - was his practice of submitting to the proper authority as a means of following God . . . . obeying that authority without question and letting God handle the outcome.
This is a point R. and I have stressed to our kids all their lives: that they should obey us without question now, so that when they are older it will be easy to obey God without question.
In chapter 23, things have changed: Saul has cut off the relationship between himself and David. And a band of men have gathered themselves to David - about 400 of them. They gravitated to David because they were discontent ... or in trouble ... or delinquent on their taxes and they were afraid.
When the opportunity arose for David and his recently formed militia to take offensive action and defend and save the city of Keilah - David turns directly to God (the other "authority" is no longer in place).
"Shall I go up?"
David would ask God that question time and time again. But I think this was the first time.
God's reply to him was "GO". But when David approached his men, they had a different idea - they were afraid. You see it was those wicked Philistines - the perpetual nemesis of Israel that was causing all the trouble for the city of Keilah; David's band of merry men weren't so merry as they explained to him that if they had been afraid of Saul and the armies of Israel - how much more would they be afraid of the Philistines!
...not a lot of hubris in this group at this time ...
David displayed the excellent leadership skill of listening to his men, and so he went back to God a second time to pose the former question.
Again, God answered in the affirmative and even elaborated a little - assuring David the He would deliver the Philistines into his hand.
Here's where the defining moment comes in...
There is no record that David went back to his men again to see if their opinion had changed - he did not lead by consensus - he did not wait for them to catch the vision or to see the "big picture".
Those men had to be shown. He had to show them non-questioning obedience.
They went into battle.
God delivered just as He said He would and the city was saved.
I think from that point forward, the chemistry of that group was changed forever. Their hearts became one with David's.
It was a "win under the belt" that would solidify their allegiance to David and their trust in his God.
Real leaders follow.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Respect
Respect.
Why would a soldier who already had invested so much of himself into the protection of his country, go a step further and take on the monotonous duties of standing guard at the Tomb of the Unknowns?
Respect.
The proud tradition of our military shows us how to behave.
One time we are cheering and applauding when they walk through airports, other times we are spitting on them and calling them names . . . still other times we just ignore them. Yet they respond to any or all of those reactions with the same attitude.
Respect, Devotion to Duty.
On my recent trip to Washington, the only item on my list of "must sees" that I almost missed was Arlington and the Tomb of the Unknowns.
I arrived at the airport several hours early and it was raining.
When the rain finally let up, I overcame my hesitation, made a quick attempt at figuring out the Metro Rail system - including navigating the proper route to Arlington, checked my time and decided to give it a go.
The rain returned, but it was fitting.
The walk was longer than I anticipated but, this was not the place to complain about sacrifice or inconvenience.
Row upon row.
Families walking by silently.
A soft patter of rain.
Like most of the sites on that historic visit, this one moved me.
Such devotion and care.
Thank you.
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Not for Sissies
On a whim, the kids and I took off on an impromptu visit to the Silver Comet Trail again last night after work.
Mom - somewhat overwhelmed by a week of getting kids in school, preparing lunches, and checking to be certain that no assignments were missed-did not join us.
We decided to try a new portion of the trail that has been recently completed between Rockmart and Cedartown. We traveled a few miles on that leg of the trail last Saturday but I wanted to explore a little further west. So we found the Grady Road trail head and put in.
Now I had already read some less that flattering reviews of this portion of the trail - unlike most of the trail, it is not located on abandoned railroad tracks. The grades were said to be a little drastic. We had already experienced that last Saturday. In fact I had noted on http://www.silvercometga.com/ that there was a pretty wicked precipice known as "Surprise Hill". There were no signs to actually indicate which hill was the legendary "Surprise Hill" and I assumed that we had overcome that obstacle last week.
Last night, we had no sooner gotten onto the trail than SURPRISE!
We rounded a corner and our pleasant little smooth ride turned .... well ... challenging!
Ahead of us lurked the mother of all hills. This had to be "Surprise Hill"!
I didn't have my camera and the picture I found is very small - if you can squint your eyes tight enough and really employ your imagination, you may be able to sense some of trepidation we felt.
The thing just kept going... the trail would wind out of sight and when you reached the turn ... it kept going up! I was sure we would soon be in the clouds.
Since we are "lucky" - according to AA - and have bikes with gears, Ab and I quickly began clicking down our gears to try and cool our burning legs! AA has a bicycle with coaster brakes and one gear, which he often points out when we hit challenging terrain.
Though some of us were on foot, we finally made it to the top. It was time for the payoff.
And SURPRISE!.... the downhill wasn't that far down and just ahead, we could already see another steep grade in our future.
That was the story of this ride: steep grade followed by a good coast and another grade....
... then we came to the "dog-leg".. .
And tragedy seemed to lurk closer with every rotation of the pedal.
We had taken a break at one of the hilltops to enjoy the sights and sounds of that secluded portion of the trail - and to cool down. There are some pleasant views from that vantage point and we could barely hear traffic or any signs of civilization other than the barbed wire fence that bordered a nearby pasture.
From there we rode a bit and I had allowed the kids to lead the way. That's when we approached an area in which the trail dropped rapidly. There were no extreme alarm warnings - just a single sign indicating that the trail took a "jack-knife" pattern ahead.
By the time I saw that - gravity and inertia had taken over and the kids were speeding ahead. I called to them to keep control but my calls seemed to fall on deaf ears.
I had a momentary panic when it briefly appeared that at the bottom of this high-speed downgrade, the trail would dump us onto a highway.
Fortunately what I had seen was just more of the trail that almost turned back on itself below.
When we hit the first sharp turn in the dog-leg, AA hit his breaks.
And apparently he locked them up, because he performed what I think a guy in high school used to refer to as a chin-duster! In slow motion he laid the bike down skidding off the side of the trail.
Ab and I were able to stop fairly quickly and I was visually trying to assess the damage.
AA jumped up and ran around saying "I didn't even FEEL that!"
I was somewhat relieved until I asked him to be sure he was okay and reality set in.
Now he just had a GRADE - A, regulation size, strawberry on his knee; but we all were something taken aback by what could have happened.
Since it was getting late and we already knew there were a number of hills between us and our car, we decided to turn back at that point. AA walked his bike for a time, but I convinced him to "get back on the horse" and he did. He was soon coasting down those hills we had earlier climbed, though this time with a little more caution.
We didn't quite make four miles on that little ride and on our way home we discussed whether we would want to go back to that section. The immediate response was "no" but I think we would re-visit it - if for no other reason, just to be able to say that the Grady Road section hadn't beaten us.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Leadership Principles from King David
I saw a quote today that was attributed to Peter Drucker... "Managers do things right. Leaders do the right things."
The distinctive nature of leadership has grown more noticeable to me these days - by it's absence.
I am reading I Samuel and for some time now I have been enjoying picking apart the narrative of King David's life. We can learn a lot about leadership -not from any maxims that he embraced but simply from the examples he lived out in his stories.
Here are some I have noticed:
A leader is undeterred by -and is not defensive when facing - criticism.
David, still in his youth, was deliberately stepping onto the scene of his own destiny when he took on Goliath. His older brothers criticized him.
As David asked serious questions about Goliath and probed into the reasoning behind a lack of response from Israel, his older brothers said something that I think would have sounded like this today:
"Listen you snot-nosed punk! You're always meddling! Who's feeding the dog while you're sticking your nose where you got no business!"
Being the "baby" of my family, I understand how that there is some natural animosity between the eldest child and the youngest. So maybe I can cut his brothers some slack. But I think they almost had to have known that the old prophet, Samuel had visited their home for the expressed purpose of anointing David as the next King of Israel. They should have known he would soon embody his destiny.
David did not respond in kind. A true leader recognizes that he will be misunderstood. Instead he just responded with the simple truth - "Is there not a cause?"
David might have reacted to his brother's scolding by pointing out that he was failing to see the big picture; but he remained humble - not defending himself - and remained steadfast at the task.
A leader understands the common man.
There has been a trend that I have spotted this time around with reading I Samuel, it has to do with the relationship between David and King Saul's servants. I believe there is some significance to the fact that this mutual affection keeps popping up. But it remains a mystery to me.
As discussed in an earlier post, it was Saul's servants that first recommended David for the job of Music Therapy. This apparently occurred before David's encounter with Goliath.
In I Samuel 18:5, we learn that David began to find favor and he was "accepted in the sight of all people and in the sight of Saul's servants"
In verse 22 of that same chapter, Saul dispatched his servants to David to coax him into accepting Saul's daughter, Michal, as his wife. When Saul rehearsed what the servants should say, he referenced their love for David.
I think these servants saw David as a man unafraid to get his hands dirty.
Peter Marshall was once the Chaplain of the Senate and was married to Catherine Marshall who wrote Christy. When he first came to America, he had to work. He sullied his hands digging ditches and working with piping. Those experiences of hard work added an element of earthiness to his sermons - he understood people, knew where they were coming from.
Show me a man who has the respect of common working-class stiffs, and I'll show you a man with leadership skills.
A leader takes the "high road"
That's what we call it when someone refuses to respond to vicious attacks in kind.
I cannot point to a single instance in which David treated King Saul with anything but honor and respect.
Saul, on the other hand, went from a deep devotion to this youth that saved Israel with his rustic military prowess - to a deep hatred, only matched in depth by the affection he had felt earlier.
As jealousy was aroused in Saul, he began to "eye" David. About a chapter later, he was commanding the servants of his household (there they are again) to kill David. Demanding in one instance that they go to David's bedroom and bring him back -bed and all - to Saul so that he might personally kill him.
David's attitude toward Saul never changed. And his respect seems to be heartfelt - not just a "Sunday-Put-On".
Leaders have their focus on the objectives before them, they understand that bitterness, hatred, revenge - all of these are empty exercises that only distract one from his God-sent destiny.
True leadership is a burdensome task.
I read the account this morning from I Samuel 21, in which David -escaping from Saul's hot pursuit- had stopped in to see Ahimelech, the priest. The priest had given David and his men some food and the sword of Goliath which he had.
Even though the priest knew nothing of Saul's hatred for David and his desire to kill him; that wicked king lashed out against the priest. He dispatched his men to destroy Ahimelech, and most of his family and most of his city.
Later in chapter 22, one son of that priest escaped and went to David. David said, "I have occasioned the death of all the persons of your father's house".
What a heavy burden he bore.
Leadership is painful - and most suffer in silence.
That burden comes out in Lincoln's "Gettysburg Address". He seemed to have been torn throughout the war, between the necessity to end the war as quickly as possibly with aggressive action; and the compassion he felt for the loss of life the conflict was bringing about on either side.
God's HIStory is replete with examples of God's standards for leadership.
How we need for someone - anyone .... everyone .... to adopt them.
The distinctive nature of leadership has grown more noticeable to me these days - by it's absence.
I am reading I Samuel and for some time now I have been enjoying picking apart the narrative of King David's life. We can learn a lot about leadership -not from any maxims that he embraced but simply from the examples he lived out in his stories.
Here are some I have noticed:
A leader is undeterred by -and is not defensive when facing - criticism.
David, still in his youth, was deliberately stepping onto the scene of his own destiny when he took on Goliath. His older brothers criticized him.
As David asked serious questions about Goliath and probed into the reasoning behind a lack of response from Israel, his older brothers said something that I think would have sounded like this today:
"Listen you snot-nosed punk! You're always meddling! Who's feeding the dog while you're sticking your nose where you got no business!"
Being the "baby" of my family, I understand how that there is some natural animosity between the eldest child and the youngest. So maybe I can cut his brothers some slack. But I think they almost had to have known that the old prophet, Samuel had visited their home for the expressed purpose of anointing David as the next King of Israel. They should have known he would soon embody his destiny.
David did not respond in kind. A true leader recognizes that he will be misunderstood. Instead he just responded with the simple truth - "Is there not a cause?"
David might have reacted to his brother's scolding by pointing out that he was failing to see the big picture; but he remained humble - not defending himself - and remained steadfast at the task.
A leader understands the common man.
There has been a trend that I have spotted this time around with reading I Samuel, it has to do with the relationship between David and King Saul's servants. I believe there is some significance to the fact that this mutual affection keeps popping up. But it remains a mystery to me.
As discussed in an earlier post, it was Saul's servants that first recommended David for the job of Music Therapy. This apparently occurred before David's encounter with Goliath.
In I Samuel 18:5, we learn that David began to find favor and he was "accepted in the sight of all people and in the sight of Saul's servants"
In verse 22 of that same chapter, Saul dispatched his servants to David to coax him into accepting Saul's daughter, Michal, as his wife. When Saul rehearsed what the servants should say, he referenced their love for David.
I think these servants saw David as a man unafraid to get his hands dirty.
Peter Marshall was once the Chaplain of the Senate and was married to Catherine Marshall who wrote Christy. When he first came to America, he had to work. He sullied his hands digging ditches and working with piping. Those experiences of hard work added an element of earthiness to his sermons - he understood people, knew where they were coming from.
Show me a man who has the respect of common working-class stiffs, and I'll show you a man with leadership skills.
A leader takes the "high road"
That's what we call it when someone refuses to respond to vicious attacks in kind.
I cannot point to a single instance in which David treated King Saul with anything but honor and respect.
Saul, on the other hand, went from a deep devotion to this youth that saved Israel with his rustic military prowess - to a deep hatred, only matched in depth by the affection he had felt earlier.
As jealousy was aroused in Saul, he began to "eye" David. About a chapter later, he was commanding the servants of his household (there they are again) to kill David. Demanding in one instance that they go to David's bedroom and bring him back -bed and all - to Saul so that he might personally kill him.
David's attitude toward Saul never changed. And his respect seems to be heartfelt - not just a "Sunday-Put-On".
Leaders have their focus on the objectives before them, they understand that bitterness, hatred, revenge - all of these are empty exercises that only distract one from his God-sent destiny.
True leadership is a burdensome task.
I read the account this morning from I Samuel 21, in which David -escaping from Saul's hot pursuit- had stopped in to see Ahimelech, the priest. The priest had given David and his men some food and the sword of Goliath which he had.
Even though the priest knew nothing of Saul's hatred for David and his desire to kill him; that wicked king lashed out against the priest. He dispatched his men to destroy Ahimelech, and most of his family and most of his city.
Later in chapter 22, one son of that priest escaped and went to David. David said, "I have occasioned the death of all the persons of your father's house".
What a heavy burden he bore.
Leadership is painful - and most suffer in silence.
That burden comes out in Lincoln's "Gettysburg Address". He seemed to have been torn throughout the war, between the necessity to end the war as quickly as possibly with aggressive action; and the compassion he felt for the loss of life the conflict was bringing about on either side.
God's HIStory is replete with examples of God's standards for leadership.
How we need for someone - anyone .... everyone .... to adopt them.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Clunker Cash
Well, early into it's inception - the government's "Cash-for-Clunkers" program went bust.
Who would have thunk it?
A government program
that gave away money
garnering a lot of attention...
...and running out of money.
Lawmakers almost immediately spun the program as a great success!
The Senate, in her infinite wisdom has seen fit to keep the program afloat a little longer.
I have some very deeply held philosophical reasons for disliking the program, but I am casting those aside for the sake of harmony.
Instead, I would like to offer some suggestions for some additional ways the government can give away something for nothing:
Cash-for Cluckers!
Cash-for-Klackers!
Klackers - those of you old enough to remember when this fad swept the nation, will also remember that soon after they became so popular -their insidious dangers were revealed. These very loud, weapon-like toys could shatter sending small glass slivers flying at high velocity all across the playground. If there are any left, it would be a good idea to collect them before someone gets hurt. Thank you, federal government, for once again protecting us from things we are too stupid to understand!
If I remember right, this guy was around during our last "Malaise Adminstration", I guess it would be nice for all those folks waxing nostalgic for the last Carter Administration to pull out their autograph pictures of Corporal Klinger and turn them in for cash.
Cash-for-Clogs!
If your arches haven't fallen from wearing these the first go round, its only right that you should be able to trade in the old ones for cash toward a new pair. 
...you're right, who'd pay money for that....
Who would have thunk it?
A government program
that gave away money
garnering a lot of attention...
...and running out of money.
Lawmakers almost immediately spun the program as a great success!
The Senate, in her infinite wisdom has seen fit to keep the program afloat a little longer.
I have some very deeply held philosophical reasons for disliking the program, but I am casting those aside for the sake of harmony.
Instead, I would like to offer some suggestions for some additional ways the government can give away something for nothing:
Cash-for Cluckers!
This program should be able to succeed solely on the fact that it sounds so much like the other one! Chickens are often raised on farms where there are often cows - long known to leave huge carbon foot-prints with their production of methane gases... and chicken leavings are chocked full of nitrogen; there's no telling what that's doing to our environment - not to mention the bottom of our shoes!
Cash-for-Klackers!
Klackers - those of you old enough to remember when this fad swept the nation, will also remember that soon after they became so popular -their insidious dangers were revealed. These very loud, weapon-like toys could shatter sending small glass slivers flying at high velocity all across the playground. If there are any left, it would be a good idea to collect them before someone gets hurt. Thank you, federal government, for once again protecting us from things we are too stupid to understand!Cash-for-Klingers
If I remember right, this guy was around during our last "Malaise Adminstration", I guess it would be nice for all those folks waxing nostalgic for the last Carter Administration to pull out their autograph pictures of Corporal Klinger and turn them in for cash.Cash-for-Clogs?
"Now you can turn in your clump of drainage clog for cash"? I don't know...
"Now you can turn in your clump of drainage clog for cash"? I don't know...Cash-for-Clogs!
If your arches haven't fallen from wearing these the first go round, its only right that you should be able to trade in the old ones for cash toward a new pair. Cash-for-Cloggers?!
Wouldn't it be fun to turn in all your clogging friends? And think how much quicker you'd get served at Denny's on a Saturday night!
Cash-for-Coopers?
...ah...maybe not . . . but what about....
...ah...maybe not . . . but what about....Cash-for-Cooper?
...you're right, who'd pay money for that....Cash-for-Spelunkers?
Cash-for-Punkers?
That's about all the ideas that I have for now; although we could combine the Cash-for-Clunkers program with the "rat-out-your-friends" program on flag@whitehouse.gov ... the program would pay cash to people who turn in their friends that speak out against universal healthcare legislation - call it Cash-for-Debunkers.
Monday, August 10, 2009
A View of Restraint from a Bridge
At the pinnacle of the Woodrow Wilson Memorial Bridge one can get an impressive view of Washington, DC.
There a placard bears an interesting story.
George Washington had the plans drawn up for a Federal city that would be separate from the states as called for in the Constitution. The area that would later become the "District of Columbia", was a 10 - mile by 10 - mile square on the Potomac, taking land both from Virginia and from Maryland.
The city of Alexandria bordered the land on the Virginia side, Georgetown on the Maryland side.
Because George Washington hailed from Virginia and owned property very near to the new District, he did not want to do anything that would profit himself - or even give the appearance of impropriety. So the new President decreed that none of the federal buildings would be built on the Virginia side of the Potomac - only on the Maryland side.
Thus, Alexandria missed the economic boom that would later flood the region.
Washington was displaying one of those "Great America!" traits - restraint. I suspect that I won't be able to fully explore this subject in one post, so you may see it again sometime.
It was restraint that caused Washington to deny an offer of monarchy; and again later, it was restraint that caused him to set the standard of only serving two terms as President.... a standard that has stood for centuries with only one exception.
In the many wars this nation has faced and won - it is that same spirit of restraint that has caused this nation to immediately show mercy to the vanquished foe.
It is why the founders installed three branches of government and a series of checks and balances that would hold each one back from becoming too powerful.
Even as late as Gulf War I, Bush 41 showed restraint when General Schwarzkopf told him that he could march right on in to Baghdad and unseat Saddam Hussein - George H.W. Bush said "no".
It is why Americans can practice the freedom of assembly without getting out of hand; restraint keeps them within the limits of the law.
It is why a neighbor mows his lawn right up to the property line - careful not to usurp anything that belongs to his neighbor.
When offered a piece of cake, we teach our children not to grab the whole thing - that's restraint or self-control.
The Bible would call it Temperance and describe it as a natural outgrowth of the Spirit of Christ dwelling within a person.
I'm afraid restraint has fallen out of vogue in recent years. We see little focus and little promotion of the man or woman who follows the rules - and practices ruling well their own appetites. In our entertainment industry, even the "good guys" display little self-control. Athletes declare that they "don't wanna be no role model!" and so they destroy their lives with excess.
I long for a return to restraint.
I long to see those in "power", once again restrain themselves from abusing that power.
The accolades don't fall quickly on those that practice restraint - sometimes it may be generations later before the impact of their character really takes effect.
I think those accolades are the best kind though. When people who have little understanding of one's culture and dress and hairstyle and technology (or lack thereof) can still recognize the goodness that was displayed ...
...and learn from it...
...and be inspired by it ...
...and quickly teach what they have learned to their children ...
... and then continue across the bridge to live their lives differently on the other side.
There a placard bears an interesting story.
George Washington had the plans drawn up for a Federal city that would be separate from the states as called for in the Constitution. The area that would later become the "District of Columbia", was a 10 - mile by 10 - mile square on the Potomac, taking land both from Virginia and from Maryland.
The city of Alexandria bordered the land on the Virginia side, Georgetown on the Maryland side.
Because George Washington hailed from Virginia and owned property very near to the new District, he did not want to do anything that would profit himself - or even give the appearance of impropriety. So the new President decreed that none of the federal buildings would be built on the Virginia side of the Potomac - only on the Maryland side.
Thus, Alexandria missed the economic boom that would later flood the region.
Washington was displaying one of those "Great America!" traits - restraint. I suspect that I won't be able to fully explore this subject in one post, so you may see it again sometime.
It was restraint that caused Washington to deny an offer of monarchy; and again later, it was restraint that caused him to set the standard of only serving two terms as President.... a standard that has stood for centuries with only one exception.
In the many wars this nation has faced and won - it is that same spirit of restraint that has caused this nation to immediately show mercy to the vanquished foe.
It is why the founders installed three branches of government and a series of checks and balances that would hold each one back from becoming too powerful.
Even as late as Gulf War I, Bush 41 showed restraint when General Schwarzkopf told him that he could march right on in to Baghdad and unseat Saddam Hussein - George H.W. Bush said "no".
It is why Americans can practice the freedom of assembly without getting out of hand; restraint keeps them within the limits of the law.
It is why a neighbor mows his lawn right up to the property line - careful not to usurp anything that belongs to his neighbor.
When offered a piece of cake, we teach our children not to grab the whole thing - that's restraint or self-control.
The Bible would call it Temperance and describe it as a natural outgrowth of the Spirit of Christ dwelling within a person.
I'm afraid restraint has fallen out of vogue in recent years. We see little focus and little promotion of the man or woman who follows the rules - and practices ruling well their own appetites. In our entertainment industry, even the "good guys" display little self-control. Athletes declare that they "don't wanna be no role model!" and so they destroy their lives with excess.
I long for a return to restraint.
I long to see those in "power", once again restrain themselves from abusing that power.
The accolades don't fall quickly on those that practice restraint - sometimes it may be generations later before the impact of their character really takes effect.
I think those accolades are the best kind though. When people who have little understanding of one's culture and dress and hairstyle and technology (or lack thereof) can still recognize the goodness that was displayed ...
...and learn from it...
...and be inspired by it ...
...and quickly teach what they have learned to their children ...
... and then continue across the bridge to live their lives differently on the other side.
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Town Hall Meetings
I have been following a number of the Town Hall meetings taking place during the congressional recess and I have a couple of thoughts:
- These outbursts are the direct result of a lack of principled leadership.
- People resort to this type of discourse when they feel they have no other recourse.
If our representatives were supporting sweeping legislation based on some solidly held belief - they could defend it. They would not be afraid to enter a public arena in which opposing views would be put forth, because they would have confidence that what they were doing was the best thing for the people.
Real leaders are not afraid to explain why they believe in something.
Outside of George W. Bush and his prosecution of the War on Terror, we have seen nothing that looks like principled leadership coming out of Washington in a long time.
I get the feeling that we are back to the era of "machine politics" in which party-bosses run the show and tell folks how to vote. I think that deep down these Senators and Representatives know that they are being dangled over the fire and forced to try and defend the indefensible.
Secondly, real leadership flourishes in an atmosphere of open debate, where people are allowed to voice opposition. When the White House is asking folks to "rat out" their friends who speak negatively against the Health Care Reform bill - that is not promoting open debate.
I would venture to say that most of these folks who were truly interested in this Health Care Reform have contacted their representatives. And they probably all got similar sounding letters back thanking them for taking the time to write and then explaining their position in a manner that reveals that the representative didn't think that what they had to say was all that important.
All these folks are making noise and sounding off - yet there is no indication that anyone is listening! So this results in frustration - and that's what we are seeing at these town hall meetings.
When I was a kid, I had a friend in LaFayette, Georgia named Eric. When Eric and I would get into some kind of verbal discussion and he began to feel that he was losing the debate, he would invariably pick up something and throw it at me. He had exhausted his reasoning and had no other recourse but to give vent to his frustration.
I think that may be why a bunch of hooligans dressed up like Indians and dumped a bunch of British tea into the Boston Harbor. They were frustrated because they were being taxed yet not represented.
For some time now, (and frankly it started before this last bunch took office) there has been a sense that folks in Washington don't really care what the folks back home think.
Maybe they should remember that thing about those who govern, deriving their power from the governed. it would pay us to remember that as well.
Concluding the DC Ride
Well once I made it to the Lincoln Memorial on my cycle around DC, the pressure was relieved a bit. There were a couple of things that had to be accomplished on this trip: I had to make it to the convention and register so that my friend (who made it possible for me to take the trip) would have a representative there and would reap whatever benefits that involved; the second must do was to see and photograph the Lincoln Memorial for R., she had put in a special request.
Having achieved those goals, I could now relax - as long as I could make it back to the bike rental place by 6 PM. You see, that's how I operate at times, from one "have to" to the next "have to".
My next stop was the Vietnam Veteran's Memorial Wall. It was a solemn walk. I kept reminding myself that each name represented a full lifetime.
With the pace of the traffic, I would walk past literally hundreds of names in just a few steps, but for every name I passed so quickly, some Mom or Dad or loved one had spent countless days and even years, grieving.
After going through the exhibit once, I located an index and was able to find the location of a cousin's name. I don't recall ever meeting him, he was killed in '67 so I was very young. I do remember his portrait over the fireplace in my Granddad's home.
Before taking in any more sights I had to have sustenance. Food choices were very limited. Just outside the Mall area there were almost identical hot dog stands on a couple of corners, I made my way to one and plunked down the better part of Ten DOLLARS for one hot dog with chili, chips and a bottle of water.
I lunched with Albert Einstein (monument) and a bold little squirrel who scrounged chips near my feet.
Feeling refreshed and somewhat lighter - at least in the wallet region - I was off to view more sights. This time it was the newly completed World War II Memorial. I am so proud of my country's behavior during that era. People, Organizations, Industries from diverse origins pulled together on behalf of the cause of freedom. They were united, and every effort from Hollywood, to the local Ladies' Garden Club was aimed at pulling folks into the cause.
It worked. We beat back the malignancy of despotism and liberated a better part of the world.
An amazing thing about that war after we won - our arch enemies (Japan and Germany) became our friends: that says something about how this nation responds to victory - immediately they went to work rebuilding the nations they had had to destroy.
I circumnavigated the Washington Monument but missed an opportunity to go inside, I did spend a little time cooling off in the shop at the base of the monolith. From Washington's Monument I could view the White House and the Capitol but didn't care to try and get any nearer on this trip.
I'm not a big fan of Jefferson - oh I think he was eloquent when penning his draft of the Declaration of Independence, but it seems I may have read that he bore some jealousy toward Washington. I really like Washington. In a match between the Father of our Country and the man credited with founding the Democratic party - I going with the patriot -George Washington. . . I'm just kidding... I do appreciate much of Jefferson's actions and writings. I think the famed "wall of separation" statement he made regarding church and state has been grossly misinterpreted and misused; and that has probably coloured my opinion of him.
The Jefferson Memorial was on my way so I stopped by. I found it inspiring. I also found it helpful in that I was able to pick up a map there which assured me of the proper track back.
After leaving Jefferson, I stopped off for a Gatorade (highly over-priced but worth it).
Finally, my travels brought me back to Alexandria just across the Potomac from my Hotel. I had some time to spare and it looked like some things were going on on the harbor boardwalk there, so I locked up my bike and explored.
There were some entertainers there, a magician, a musician and some folks with live parrots.
I walked around and listened but -along with a number of other folks - walked away as they made their pitch for donations (I'm being real transparent here!).
I hope to post some pictures soon - it was a neat walk.
As I approached the Woodrow Wilson Memorial Bridge I had to detour under a portion of the bridge and it was a tough pedal up the hill to the bridge. Earlier, I had considered taking in "Old Towne" which was near there before returning the bike, but by this time I was beat.
When crossing that bridge the first time earlier in the day, it had seemed that the majority of the bridge was up hill - I looked forward to the downhill run on my way back... somehow it seemed that this bridge was up hill both ways.
I got the bicycle back with an hour to spare. I expected a surprised look from the attendant who had suggested that morning that I "just go across the river to Old Towne, and see how I felt" instead of making the trek to the National Mall -HA!
Unfortunately, he registered no surprise neither did he seem to remember me at all.
By my estimation (and I don't think I am exaggerating) I logged in about thirty miles that day.
It was quite an adventure and one that has me jazzed about the possibility of taking my family back there some day.
One week later, I am already having trouble recalling the inspiring words that I read in those hallowed halls, but I haven't forgotten how they made me feel.
Having achieved those goals, I could now relax - as long as I could make it back to the bike rental place by 6 PM. You see, that's how I operate at times, from one "have to" to the next "have to".
My next stop was the Vietnam Veteran's Memorial Wall. It was a solemn walk. I kept reminding myself that each name represented a full lifetime.
With the pace of the traffic, I would walk past literally hundreds of names in just a few steps, but for every name I passed so quickly, some Mom or Dad or loved one had spent countless days and even years, grieving.
After going through the exhibit once, I located an index and was able to find the location of a cousin's name. I don't recall ever meeting him, he was killed in '67 so I was very young. I do remember his portrait over the fireplace in my Granddad's home.
Before taking in any more sights I had to have sustenance. Food choices were very limited. Just outside the Mall area there were almost identical hot dog stands on a couple of corners, I made my way to one and plunked down the better part of Ten DOLLARS for one hot dog with chili, chips and a bottle of water.
I lunched with Albert Einstein (monument) and a bold little squirrel who scrounged chips near my feet.
Feeling refreshed and somewhat lighter - at least in the wallet region - I was off to view more sights. This time it was the newly completed World War II Memorial. I am so proud of my country's behavior during that era. People, Organizations, Industries from diverse origins pulled together on behalf of the cause of freedom. They were united, and every effort from Hollywood, to the local Ladies' Garden Club was aimed at pulling folks into the cause.
It worked. We beat back the malignancy of despotism and liberated a better part of the world.
An amazing thing about that war after we won - our arch enemies (Japan and Germany) became our friends: that says something about how this nation responds to victory - immediately they went to work rebuilding the nations they had had to destroy.
I circumnavigated the Washington Monument but missed an opportunity to go inside, I did spend a little time cooling off in the shop at the base of the monolith. From Washington's Monument I could view the White House and the Capitol but didn't care to try and get any nearer on this trip.
I'm not a big fan of Jefferson - oh I think he was eloquent when penning his draft of the Declaration of Independence, but it seems I may have read that he bore some jealousy toward Washington. I really like Washington. In a match between the Father of our Country and the man credited with founding the Democratic party - I going with the patriot -George Washington. . . I'm just kidding... I do appreciate much of Jefferson's actions and writings. I think the famed "wall of separation" statement he made regarding church and state has been grossly misinterpreted and misused; and that has probably coloured my opinion of him.
The Jefferson Memorial was on my way so I stopped by. I found it inspiring. I also found it helpful in that I was able to pick up a map there which assured me of the proper track back.
After leaving Jefferson, I stopped off for a Gatorade (highly over-priced but worth it).
Finally, my travels brought me back to Alexandria just across the Potomac from my Hotel. I had some time to spare and it looked like some things were going on on the harbor boardwalk there, so I locked up my bike and explored.
There were some entertainers there, a magician, a musician and some folks with live parrots.
I walked around and listened but -along with a number of other folks - walked away as they made their pitch for donations (I'm being real transparent here!).
I hope to post some pictures soon - it was a neat walk.
As I approached the Woodrow Wilson Memorial Bridge I had to detour under a portion of the bridge and it was a tough pedal up the hill to the bridge. Earlier, I had considered taking in "Old Towne" which was near there before returning the bike, but by this time I was beat.
When crossing that bridge the first time earlier in the day, it had seemed that the majority of the bridge was up hill - I looked forward to the downhill run on my way back... somehow it seemed that this bridge was up hill both ways.
I got the bicycle back with an hour to spare. I expected a surprised look from the attendant who had suggested that morning that I "just go across the river to Old Towne, and see how I felt" instead of making the trek to the National Mall -HA!
Unfortunately, he registered no surprise neither did he seem to remember me at all.
By my estimation (and I don't think I am exaggerating) I logged in about thirty miles that day.
It was quite an adventure and one that has me jazzed about the possibility of taking my family back there some day.
One week later, I am already having trouble recalling the inspiring words that I read in those hallowed halls, but I haven't forgotten how they made me feel.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
The DC Ride - The Adventure Continues
I think it was the Theodore Roosevelt Bridge that finally got me back across the Potomac and into Georgetown - about two miles beyond my goal.
If you have been following my account of my DC bicycle ride, you will remember that I reached DC from my hotel in Maryland, but couldn't find access across the Potomac, the Mt. Vernon Trail I was traveling kept leading me beyond my goal.
Georgetown was a little busy and not as bike-friendly ... I ended up in some alleys and along some narrow streets but soon was back near the river's edge on a sidewalk that appeared to be taking me toward the National Mall. 
I finally arrived at my destination, it had taken me almost two and one-half hours.
I finally arrived at my destination, it had taken me almost two and one-half hours.
My goal was to spend time at the Washington Monument, Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall, the World War II Memorial - maybe Arlington - and then to wind up at the Lincoln Memorial.
My convoluted travels had dumped me out at the wrong end of the National Mall and so I had to start with the Lincoln Memorial.
Earlier that morning, I had tried to take note of the times when I faced a steep upward grade - knowing that that would be coasting territory on the way back; now I noticed that all the monuments seemed to be situated on hills and there were steps - multitudes of steps!
The Lincoln Memorial was crowded and hot. Though there was some noise - it was relatively quiet and respectful.
I first read the text to Lincoln's second inaugural speech.
I was moved.
It read almost like a sermon.
He made such a strong and compelling case for the argument that the War Between the States and all it's heartbreak and bloodshed - could very well be God's exacting judgment for slavery.
As I just scanned it again before this post, I feel that movement again within me as my soul responds to the Truth.
Senator Jeff Smith, in Frank Capra's Mr. Smith Goes to Washington said Lincoln was just sitting there like he was waiting for someone to come along. . . How wonderful it would be for someone to "come along" and pick up the legacy of this common man.
I was disappointed and offended by a video playing in one of the rooms of the Memorial - now I only saw a portion of it and perhaps I am judging it without examining all the evidence- if so I will gladly stand corrected. The video was apparently based on the concept of standing up and speaking out for freedom. With the possible exception of some icons of the Civil Rights Movement, I saw instead people speaking out and standing up for excess. The "Equal Rights Amendment", "Keep Abortion Legal" and "Gay rights" were depicted as legitimate movements for true liberty and life. Supposedly on equal footing with the emancipation of slaves.
I saw no depiction of those who truly stand against the tide and speak up for the rights of the unborn - who cannot speak for themselves.
I saw a huge disparity between the few moments portrayed on the screen - and all that Lincoln stood for. The "rights" demanded by those on the video were at best a matter of convenience - acceptance ... or financial ease; President Lincoln spoke out for a people who could not speak out for themselves. He stood up for a people who were unable to demand anything. They were a people who were suffering and dying under the lash.
My solemn mood continued as I walked slowly past the countless names on the black stone wall...representing those taken from us in the Vietnam War. It was sobering. I found the name of a cousin of mine that I suppose I never met. He was killed in 1967.
I found a street vendor and paid and exorbitant price for a hot dog and bag of chips but after my strenuous journey - it was very satisfying.
I sat at the base of the Albert Einstein statue in the shade. I was soon joined by a squirrel, I guess they are so accustomed to people that they aren't afraid. I share a chip and I believe he would have taken it from my hand had I not been afraid of catching rabies.
Monday, August 3, 2009
The DC Ride
I am surprised that I really loved Washington DC.
I think the thing that drew me - aside from all the AMERICA that is there - was the pedestrian opportunities.
R. and I purchased bicycles some time after AA was born. We are not biking enthusiast; I realized this while biking on my trip - real biking enthusiasts wear clothing made of synthetic "breathing" fabrics and the guys have fancy shirts with pouches in the back for stuff like bicycle pumps, peanuts and toilet paper. We do enjoy a brisk little ride now and then. In recent years, we have taken our bicycles with us on most vacations.
DC is a bicycler's paradise!
I could not figure out the Metro bus or rail lines (being from the South where we don't really cotton to public transportation . . . we even take a weary eye toward those HOV lanes). The hotel's shuttle was way too costly and I just didn't want to deal with a taxi (so many questions:
how much is this gonna cost?
"Haven't I already been around this block twice?
And how much should I tip... or do I have to tip?
What if I don't tip and I get this same driver on the way back?
Or what if he tells all his friends that I didn't tip so they all blackball me and I have to spend the night under the Woodrow Wilson Memorial Bridge?!?)
Or what if he tells all his friends that I didn't tip so they all blackball me and I have to spend the night under the Woodrow Wilson Memorial Bridge?!?)
so bicycling was the obvious choice for transportation. Besides - I do not believe I saw a single gas station the entire time I was in the DC area - not one! Here in Georgia, we have gas stations everywhere! I mean, what do folks around there do when they just have to have a Slim-Jim and some Nacho-Flavored Doritos?!?
I awoke early on Saturday eager to begin my quest, but no attendant was available at the bike rental outlet I had found the day before. I ended up watching "Mr. Bean's Holiday" (R. said she couldn't believe I would stay inside and watch a movie with so much to see!). Rowan Atkinson reminded me of myself a little too much what with all that self photography.
Anyway, I finally was able to get a bike (for about $10 more than I was hoping to pay) and hit the trail around 10:30 AM.At the end of the riverwalk and the beginning of the bicycle path, I had seen a large map the previous day. I had traced the path to my destination - the National Mall - paying closest attention to the first portion of the trail.
When I finally started out on my journey on Saturday, I didn't stop and check the map again - didn't have time, I was on an adventure! Adventurers don't have time for trivial things like maps - besides- I had to get the bicycle back to the rental place by six o'clock!
I knew that I would first cross the Woodrow Wilson Memorial bridge from Maryland into Virginia. Then blah-blah-blah- cross another bridge back over the Potomac into DC...blah-blah-blah- HEY! there's the Washington Monument, I'll just ride to that.
Shortly after crossing the first bridge, I lost my path.
I naturally - and wrongly- assumed that there would be signs and maps all along the way; there were signs, but they didn't tell me what I wanted to know, they directed me to places that did not provide a clear point of reference for me.
I thought a couple of times that I had wandered into some of the neighborhoods the guys at the bike rental place had warned me to avoid.
I was only in Alexandria, the first leg of my trek, yet my adventure had taken on a somewhat ominous tone.
I soon regained my perspective - I was on an adventure and even now my surroundings in those quaint historic neighborhoods were rich with culture.
And like due North my two points of reference were always nearby - the Washington Monument and the Potomac river.After leisurely passing through the streets and byways of Alexandria, I soon worked my way back to the trail. I had felt it necessary to spend some of that time praying so as not to get too worked up over my situation or the fact that I didn't take the time to read that map.
The Silver Comet Trail, part of Georgia's "Rails to Trails" program, has directional signage of some sort every few miles; on this path, I went through a long informational draught, I don't think I came across another map until I reached the vicinity of Arlington Cemetery. I did figure out that I was on the "Mt. Vernon Trail" - a destination that I knew lay a good ways beyond the National Mall. My hope was that the trail would pass through the DC area, so I kept pressing on.
The Silver Comet Trail, part of Georgia's "Rails to Trails" program, has directional signage of some sort every few miles; on this path, I went through a long informational draught, I don't think I came across another map until I reached the vicinity of Arlington Cemetery. I did figure out that I was on the "Mt. Vernon Trail" - a destination that I knew lay a good ways beyond the National Mall. My hope was that the trail would pass through the DC area, so I kept pressing on.
Soon the once distant and hazy sight of the Capital Dome came into clearer view. . . I was on my way! I cast caution to the wind and really began to enjoy the brand new sights along the way: the Reagan National Airport and a park that lay just beyond the runway, an old manufacturing plant of some type that clung to the side of a steep hill right on the banks of the Potomac, there the trail became a boardwalk that jutted over or near the water's edge. 
There are several Bridges that pass back over the Potomac into DC, but this "Mt. Vernon Trail" I was on kept skirting them! A couple of times the trail teased me by winding me up steep hills with the promise of a bridge at the top - only to take me over a minor tributary to the Potomac and dump me back on this endless trail - still in the Commonwealth of Virginia!!
There are several Bridges that pass back over the Potomac into DC, but this "Mt. Vernon Trail" I was on kept skirting them! A couple of times the trail teased me by winding me up steep hills with the promise of a bridge at the top - only to take me over a minor tributary to the Potomac and dump me back on this endless trail - still in the Commonwealth of Virginia!! What a cruel taskmaster this once playful trail had become...but I digress.
My "true North" - the Washington Monument loomed vivid and large and just ahead of me - but always the other side of the river.
I stayed true to the trail - despite the fact that she seemed bent on breaking my heart.
One by one I missed, first one bridge then another. Finally I came to the cold realization that the Washington Monument was now behind me!
Sunday, August 2, 2009
What 2C in DC
I was able to visit the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum on the night of my arrival in DC, it was very interesting but not as "big" as I expected. I think given the fact that all the convention attendees were invited and there was an open bar and free food - the otherwise expansive museum shrunk.
I was especially interested in the space exploration exhibit and checked to see if the Command Module and Lunar Module from the Apollo 11 craft looked anything like those lawnchairs in my carport as a kid.
The event came at the close of a day in which I had been herded about numerous times in the airport - so being herded onto the shuttle buses with the rest of the "cattle" was tiring.
A lot of my spare time on the first day here was spent trying to figure out how to best (translation: "most cheap")to navigate the areas I wanted to visit.
The guy who held up the sign at the airport and made sure I had a ride to the hotel, suggested renting a bicycle or a Seg-way to move more quickly from site to site. So I thought the bicycle was a great idea.
This was compounded by the discovery that the riverwalk just outside my hotel at National Harbor led directly to bike paths that went everywhere!
I took a walk on my first day and explored this path, signs indicated that it was a little less than 10 miles to the National Mall where I could tour the Historic sites I wanted to see.
I also discovered that a bodacious rain was coming in about the time that I was approximately 1/2 mile from any shelter. I headed back to and eventually found refuge in this tunnel...
Now, I am -at best- a weekend Warrior on the bicycle - actually I am a 5-or-6-weekends-a-year- weekend- warrior... and until the past year or so, at least one member of my crew was always on training wheels and thus moved at a slow pace.
As a family, we were proud of a five-mile day. Last year, Ab and AA and I took off on a somewhat longer trek and made 11 miles on the Silver Comet Trail. Once this year we went almost that far. So to take on a ten miles down and ten miles back trip was a little daunting.
However, I was pretty sure the sheer adrenaline of discovery would fuel me.
When you are stuck without transportation it is hard to learn about things like bike rentals - I tried the internet and the phone book trying to figure out if anything was nearby (translated: "close enough for me to walk so I would not have to pay for a cab"). There was, I discovered, a rental outlet adjacent to my hotel, but I was unable to get information about the cost or the terms they offered until around ten o'clock Saturday morning.
Thus began my DC Ride adventure which I hope to post soon.
I was especially interested in the space exploration exhibit and checked to see if the Command Module and Lunar Module from the Apollo 11 craft looked anything like those lawnchairs in my carport as a kid.
The event came at the close of a day in which I had been herded about numerous times in the airport - so being herded onto the shuttle buses with the rest of the "cattle" was tiring.
A lot of my spare time on the first day here was spent trying to figure out how to best (translation: "most cheap")to navigate the areas I wanted to visit.
The guy who held up the sign at the airport and made sure I had a ride to the hotel, suggested renting a bicycle or a Seg-way to move more quickly from site to site. So I thought the bicycle was a great idea.
This was compounded by the discovery that the riverwalk just outside my hotel at National Harbor led directly to bike paths that went everywhere!
I took a walk on my first day and explored this path, signs indicated that it was a little less than 10 miles to the National Mall where I could tour the Historic sites I wanted to see.
I also discovered that a bodacious rain was coming in about the time that I was approximately 1/2 mile from any shelter. I headed back to and eventually found refuge in this tunnel...
Now, I am -at best- a weekend Warrior on the bicycle - actually I am a 5-or-6-weekends-a-year- weekend- warrior... and until the past year or so, at least one member of my crew was always on training wheels and thus moved at a slow pace.
As a family, we were proud of a five-mile day. Last year, Ab and AA and I took off on a somewhat longer trek and made 11 miles on the Silver Comet Trail. Once this year we went almost that far. So to take on a ten miles down and ten miles back trip was a little daunting.
However, I was pretty sure the sheer adrenaline of discovery would fuel me.
When you are stuck without transportation it is hard to learn about things like bike rentals - I tried the internet and the phone book trying to figure out if anything was nearby (translated: "close enough for me to walk so I would not have to pay for a cab"). There was, I discovered, a rental outlet adjacent to my hotel, but I was unable to get information about the cost or the terms they offered until around ten o'clock Saturday morning.
Thus began my DC Ride adventure which I hope to post soon.
On to Washington!
I'm taking a trip to Washington, DC, and despite the rumors (all of which originated from me) I am not hear to consider becoming a part of Obama's brain trust. . . nor am I under consideration for becoming one of the latest in a long line of czars. The whole czar thing seems - well anti-American... and that 's strange coming from this administration (oh did that sound sarcastic?).
Anyway I was given a great opportunity to spend a weekend in DC and what I have seen of the town so far is very impressive.
For this post, I want to go ahead and pass along some of the happenings on my trip up yesterday, this was typeded out while on the plane:
Waiting on runway due to 45 minute delay in Charlotte – almost exactly the length of time allowed for my connection – this should be interesting.
The two-hour early arrival suggestion was a good one since I had “paper” tickets.
This meant that I first waited at check in to be told I could proceed to security if I was not checking bags; the attendant asked if I had a “Boarding Pass” – I remembered seeing the term –“Boarding Pass” on my ticket, so I proceeded to Security where I waited out the line only to be told that I needed to go back and get a Boarding Pass.
I returned to the original Check-In desk and made several attempts at using the self-check-in services. After gaining an attendants attention by displaying an utterly helpless countenance, someone took pity and checked me in.
Then it was back through the cattle stalls and into the public humiliation arena where we all removed various articles of clothing and placed items into plastic bins.
This was followed by a steady stream of instructions and re-instructions about how to place items in the bin and how to rearrange them and what else to take off and-“Sir, pick up your drivers license…it’s there – THERE ! You dropped it – BEHIND you, sir…” . I had attempted to select the proper number of bins for my stuff so as to not inconvenience those behind me – but did not take into account that my jacket had to be removed… In a desperate attempt to escape the momentary humiliation of holding up the line and causing someone to miss their flight – I just flung my sport-coat onto the conveyer belt in a disheveled heap and pushed it through the x-ray.
Upon boarding I had a moment of self-examination, I realized that I still often deal in stereotypes. We have a male flight attendant – who incidentally sports something of a “mullet” – I assumed he was the pilot. I assumed that men were pilots and only women, or effeminate men, were flight attendant. I realized my error whe the guy was giving the safety demonstrations and the plane was moving.
It is a grey, rainy day. It would be good for napping – especially since I had to arise just after 3 this morning.
Maybe I’ll try.
The rest of my trip was very smooth (I found out later that R. and the kids had prayed for me that morning that the trip would go smooth). I made my connections, found my transportation and arrived at the Gaylord National Hotel in style in a shiny black Cadillac.
Our driver - a huge and gregarious African-American gentleman, treated us to Cool Jazz music on the radio and some tales of local political squabbles over the new 12-lane Woodrow Wilson bridge spanning the Potomac. He also compared the "stick-in-the-mud" nature of the Virginians as compared to the more elite nature of Maryland residents.
As I sit at on the banks of the Potomac, I am plotting strategy for the day - and plan to follow some of your suggestions toward making this trip significant from an American History perspective ( I did get some emails - thank you).
Anyway I was given a great opportunity to spend a weekend in DC and what I have seen of the town so far is very impressive.
For this post, I want to go ahead and pass along some of the happenings on my trip up yesterday, this was typeded out while on the plane:
Waiting on runway due to 45 minute delay in Charlotte – almost exactly the length of time allowed for my connection – this should be interesting.
The two-hour early arrival suggestion was a good one since I had “paper” tickets.
This meant that I first waited at check in to be told I could proceed to security if I was not checking bags; the attendant asked if I had a “Boarding Pass” – I remembered seeing the term –“Boarding Pass” on my ticket, so I proceeded to Security where I waited out the line only to be told that I needed to go back and get a Boarding Pass.
I returned to the original Check-In desk and made several attempts at using the self-check-in services. After gaining an attendants attention by displaying an utterly helpless countenance, someone took pity and checked me in.
Then it was back through the cattle stalls and into the public humiliation arena where we all removed various articles of clothing and placed items into plastic bins.
This was followed by a steady stream of instructions and re-instructions about how to place items in the bin and how to rearrange them and what else to take off and-“Sir, pick up your drivers license…it’s there – THERE ! You dropped it – BEHIND you, sir…” . I had attempted to select the proper number of bins for my stuff so as to not inconvenience those behind me – but did not take into account that my jacket had to be removed… In a desperate attempt to escape the momentary humiliation of holding up the line and causing someone to miss their flight – I just flung my sport-coat onto the conveyer belt in a disheveled heap and pushed it through the x-ray.
Upon boarding I had a moment of self-examination, I realized that I still often deal in stereotypes. We have a male flight attendant – who incidentally sports something of a “mullet” – I assumed he was the pilot. I assumed that men were pilots and only women, or effeminate men, were flight attendant. I realized my error whe the guy was giving the safety demonstrations and the plane was moving.
It is a grey, rainy day. It would be good for napping – especially since I had to arise just after 3 this morning.
Maybe I’ll try.
The rest of my trip was very smooth (I found out later that R. and the kids had prayed for me that morning that the trip would go smooth). I made my connections, found my transportation and arrived at the Gaylord National Hotel in style in a shiny black Cadillac.
Our driver - a huge and gregarious African-American gentleman, treated us to Cool Jazz music on the radio and some tales of local political squabbles over the new 12-lane Woodrow Wilson bridge spanning the Potomac. He also compared the "stick-in-the-mud" nature of the Virginians as compared to the more elite nature of Maryland residents.
As I sit at on the banks of the Potomac, I am plotting strategy for the day - and plan to follow some of your suggestions toward making this trip significant from an American History perspective ( I did get some emails - thank you).
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)