Moving

Hello!

I will stop posting here and this blog is moving to wordpress.

Now please go here for my blog.


You can still comment there even if you don't use wordpress...I just liked some of the features better (such as no delays for changes or post updates!).

In Company With Sparkles, my craft/art/doll blog, will still be on blogspot for now.


love,
Cait

My Blogging and Sarah Palin

Hello dearies!

A bit of business first - I'm considering merging my two blogs (which are now in the basic categories of life and art&crafting) but am not sure how or even whether I should. Another possiblity is keeping them separate but moving Dance the Road to a different host, since I have a thing about not liking two blogs on one account. Any thoughts? A lot of my art blog readers are not personal friends...and that's how I intended it to be. So if I merged them, it might scare a few off...on the other hand it would make me update more regularly and perhaps would widen the sphere of influence a bit, since they'd be forced to read my every-so-often more substantial or deeper posts! On the other hand you all would be bombarded with a great more whimsy (and acrylic paints) than you are here.
Thoughts?

Also, with the elections coming up and lots of (friendly =) discussions around here, I thought I'd mention my view on Sarah Palin, Mr. McCain's running mate. I cannot vouch much for either her or Mr. McCain, though I support their values. I need to research more about their actual policies (but would like you to have your own opinion on them anyway!!).
One thing I will say - I do not think she should be running. I also don't believe she is qualified to. Yes, she has great morals, and may even have great policies! But in the Bible, a woman leading the country is a sign of its judgement. In Judges 4:1-3, it speaks of Deborah, the judge who guided Israel...and did so most effectively by trying to get a man to actually step up and lead. Her position, though wisely used, was an indication of God's judgement on the Israel that had strayed.
Mrs. Palin is married and has 5 kids, the youngest being a baby with downs syndrome. I do not want to vote her away from that responsibility - to her family - which I believe should come first. I believe that a woman's role is to support to her husband, not the president.

To assert that God’s Word permits a woman to hold civil office and that Christians have the liberty to support a woman for the position of civil magistrate means that one has to deny the biblical teaching on the headship of man, reject the qualifications for civil rulers set down in the law of God, ignore the biblical picture of the virtuous woman, and close his or her ears to the biblical lament of women ruling over men.
- Pastor Bill Einwechter, Th.M

As a young lady I desire to see men step up to leadership, whatever the context is. It is heartbreaking to see the opposite happening all over the world, but especially in America.
Anna Sofia and Elizabeth Botkin write on VisionaryDaughters; "It has rightly been observed that women have already been elected to the highest position they can hold," that of a daughter, wife, mother, sister. Mrs. Palin is already occupying the most important, impacting, and beautiful position there is. The all too cliched phrase "the hand that rocks the cradle rules the world" is utterly true, which is why it is my own personal purpose, along with the Botkin sisters and many others who are left.

Part of their article says -

So why are we inspired by Sarah Palin? Because her example puts a stronger fire in us to answer the cry, the way we believe God intended. We are more inspired than ever to help our father, brothers, husbands and sons to fill the role we are not called to fill.

It has rightly been observed that women have already been elected to the highest position they can hold, and that any “promotion” in the civil sphere would be a step backward. Their womanly sphere is where this hurting nation needs them most.

So let us resolve to give the world what it really needs, in the way that only women can give it. We have our work cut out for us, building strength into our men; It will call out every gift and talent within us. In doing so, we’re not just answering the cry — we’re obeying God, Who holds our first allegiance.

Mrs. Palin, you have inspired us to take stronger action for our God and for our country.

As for us, we don’t aspire to become the presidents we wish we could vote for. We aspire to raise them.

And with that, I think I have given myself an answer - at some time in the future this blog will move and In Company With Sparkles will remain as it is, since I can better be a light by not offending, however true the subjects =)

Love, Cait

Vignettes

There were three things I can think of that were unpleasant, from our time in Holland - not at all bad for a three week holiday. The first was a broken friendship the first week, that my friend and I did not even know needed mending - but it is taken care of and our friendship is whole again. The second was an upsetting and frightening incident that took place in Amsterdam, but I won't talk about it here. The third is more silly than unpleasant - in Delft I took something out of my hair, thinking it was a fallen leaf, only to realise I was holding a wasp between my fingers! I then proceeded to jump up and exclaim "oh my gosh" like an obnoxious twelve year old. Hehe.


One of the things I was hoping for our time in Holland was to find out if working there someday was just something I thought was a good idea or if it was something God wants me to do. I still couldn't say finally, but seeing how much I absolutely loved the country (it's been five years since we were last there) and am slowly learning to love the people as well, I think I'm a bit more certain. We stumbled upon a Christian book store in Amsterdam, where we talked to the owner for awhile. It turns out that they do red light and drug ministries, and that there are a lot of little places like them that do as well. How amazing! Though when I first go it will probably just be staying at l'Abri for a few months, next spring or something. l'Abri is still an experience that intrigues me, and I think would be a challenging and growing time - though perhaps not where I would want to end up. And perhaps I won't end up in the Netherlands at all! Maybe my motives are wrong. Maybe I just like Holland itself, or because I love Europe, or because I like European fashion, or because there is blue sky and stunning clouds and rain. Maybe I want to fit in rather than serve - but that isn't true.
Right now only God knows what will happen but I would like clearer leading before...say, Christmas, so I know what's happening in the coming year. Do I stay here first or the second year? Do I go to Yemen for the first half or the second half of the school year? Is the culinary school a whim or a call?
I suppose I'll be thinking a lot of this sort this year.


On another note - I desperately need more art supplies (I'm out of canvases and need acrylic paints) and have been painting and drawing up a storm, hoping to have enough to have a table at the ARTE souk in the next two months. How exciting that would be!

Vincent .

(I'm having a lot of trouble with blogger formatting right now, so I'm sorry if this appears very strangely.)

Starry, starry night.

Paint your palette blue and grey,
Look out on a summer's day,
With eyes that know the darkness in my soul.
Shadows on the hills,
Sketch the trees and the daffodils,
Catch the breeze and the winter chills,
In colors on the snowy linen land.

Starry, starry night.

Flaming flowers that brightly blaze,
Swirling clouds in violet haze,
Reflect in Vincent's eyes of china blue.
Colors changing hue, morning field of amber grain,
Weathered faces lined in pain,

Are soothed beneath the artist's loving hand.

My grandma and I had the chance to go to the van Gogh museum in Amsterdam. Van Gogh is a person and painter I admire, and it was amazing to stand in front of these paintings and think "ok, this is real; this is what he painted, what he dreamed, what he hoped for other people, what he saw." I so appreciate what he stood for - he wanted to express things, and make everything beautiful, and he was all about people even if he didn't particularly like being around them or have much luck with them. I'm glad I've read about him before because the museum told very little about his story.

The entire time in Holland (and especially on the bike ride, which was at a nature reserve about 30 minutes from Barneveld) everything reminded me of his paintings, and the way he thought about people. I am convinced that Dutch clouds are the most beautiful in the world :) The colours, and contrasting landscapes were so beautiful. Grey, blue, and white sky against fields of purple heather and shades of gold and green. Then there were plains of sand, with bare, stark trees, and empty roots. It was so breathtaking and fresh!

Psalm 19:1

The heaven declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims His handiwork.

For they could not love you,
But still your love was true.
And when no hope was left in sight
On that starry, starry night,
You took your life, as lovers often do.
But I could have told you, Vincent,
This world was never meant for one As beautiful as you.

Starry, starry night.
Portraits hung in empty halls,
Frameless head on nameless walls,
With eyes that watch the world and can't forget.
Like the strangers that you've met,
The ragged men in the ragged clothes,
The silver thorn of bloody rose,
Lie crushed and broken on the virgin snow.

They would not listen, they're not listening still.
Perhaps they never will...

(some photos taken by Kyleigh)

Abroad Again

We are in the middle of our 3rd week in Europe now. There are many fun and colourful details I would love to share, but sadly I have a ton of homework...and some of you have short attention spans!
Basically what we have done is flown to Germany, spent two days, hopped trains (due to a convenient Lufthansa strike) to Zwolle, and were there for a week. Though the week in Zwolle was amazing and our primary reason for the trip; I can't really share stories or photos of that.
Since then we have been staying at a little house in Barneveld, owned by my old Dutch tutors who are away. It's a really nice town! We don't fit on the bikes but have been into the square a few times to walk around.
Two days were spent in Belgium, one in Amsterdam, one on a bike ride (which I'll talk about later), and today in Haarlem and Delft.
Now just a couple pictures.
Dahlia at Mini Europe in Brussels - The flower carpet in Brussels, which we were lucky to see as it happens every two years
I like this picture. Taken from a German castle wall.
Again from that German town wall -
At a doll museum in Rothenburg, which was amazing!


This weekend we'll be in Maastricht, Luxemburg, and Germany (Koln), then back to the house in Barneveld to pack before flying to Germany for two days and then home to Dubai.

I'll probably write in greater length later about the bike ride and just things in general, but while I have time...

It's been an amazing trip, in short. Europe is so beautiful, and has such a rich history that is so apparent...you don't have to dig as deep to find it.
The week in Zwolle was fun, challenging, and very much a learning experience. God seems to very much like to teach me things by long ordeals with people/relationships/friendships. This was no exception! I got to see dear old friends again, practice my bagpipes overlooking a windy canal, and go to Walibi World, an awesome amusement park (and I'll have you know that I went on the biggest roller coaster, which I'm very proud of!! And enjoyed every second of it!).

This summer God has changed more things in me than I could think of. There are so many things around the bend or to figure out (or even realise about myself) but a lot of that has been clearer this summer.

Another analyzation of our time I'll save for when we've actually left Holland so I have more to look back on, but really, I can't wait to serve here someday, and doors open and open and open.


with love (and hopes that you're having a delightful August),
Cait

mercy on our country.

Our family has read so much lately about the continuous progression of - I'm not sure what to call it so I will say liberality - in America. It is sickening, but more so tragic. It would be easy to despair that the fate of our nation is to spiral down in a crumbling mess of hate, homosexuality and abortion; disguised as tolerance, love, and choice.
What is tolerance when it is selective? As in turning against Christians...or turning against themwhen they actually stand for what they believe in. This is a repetetive phase.

This is merely a short side note, a burst of steam. I guess it would be good to think and write more deeply about the late happenings involved.

(I know that many of you strongly disagree and have different convictions. Shall we agree to disagree instead of judging?)

with love,
Cait
a person, not always tolerant and not always loving, but trying to be; like you.

A Few Weeks 'Rest'

Well, now we've got about 3 weeks in Dubai before heading off to Holland. Aside from seeing friends and lots of music, we're getting ready for the next school year. I've also been trying to find piping students and pubs I can play at or outside of.
How are your summers going?

Home again, with time for photos.

Ohio Scottish Art School

Some of the people I hung out with most; Chris, Roberta, Carl, Stephen, and Gwen. In the photo is Stephen, Heather, Carl, and Roberta.

Erin and I

Stephen...with shaving cream all over his face...don't ask =P

Gwen and I!

Kaitlyn and Chris, two of my room mates

Michigan
dear friend Kristen and I at Naomi's wedding

Sara's mom's birthday at church =)

Green tea latte...which I couldn't finish, sadly

Starbucks before sleepover with the homeschool girls

Best friend Sara

Pennsylvania

At the ceili - Carl storytelling

Ceili - talking pipes

Dahlia with strawberries we gathered in the backyard

Brother and Sister

Best friends

Table spread for the ceili
Making Cranachan for the ceiliWashington
Hannah at the gum wall...where we all left our mark =P

Pike's Place Market Gum Wall

All of us silly cousins

Sparklers!

Sophie, Chloe, and Candace

Hannah, Kyleigh and I all have claddaghs.

One of mom's old dolls

Making ice cream

Lucy, cousins' darling dog

Goofy cousins Luke and Mason

Sophie, cousin

"This one time at bagpipe camp..."

We leave tomorrow! Time has rushed, and I'm not excited per se, to return, but it will be good.
I can't wait to see Dad and my Sunny (who allegedly is tearing up my room).

This will be just a summary - facts post, which photos to follow when we arrive back in Dubai. It's been a crazy time!

I've already written about the visit with Katie - then I flew to Ohio for the games and Scottish arts camp. The Games were fun; I hung out with my friend Erin and we watched celtic rock (Needfire) and our friends' highland dance competitions. Oh, and competed...the reason we were there. I played TERRIBLY and messed up; but placed 5th and 6th in a new, high grade. Not too bad for someone out of practice and expecting only good comment sheets.
Camp itself...pretty indescribable as always. The teaching was amazing. I was in advanced piping and advanced piobaireachd, both of which were beautiful and helpful. Andy Rogers and Reay MacKay were my instructors. I won a scholarship which was very exciting! It slightly increases my chances for getting to go back next year. Four of us piped for the Variety Show to represent the advanced class, which went really well - though we broke tradition and didn't dress up like the wacko pipers that we are.
Relational-wise it was fun; lots of crazy times and mixed up conversations, though by the end of the week it was frustrating because people are, well, disappointingly human! We did have a great time together though. There was a newer girl I was able to try and draw into our little group, though I think she felt a bit intimidated. There was also Gwen, a friendship I intend to keep! We were remarkably similar.
There are a million memories I can't really list or describe, but it was the best week of the year, as usual.

The time in Detroit was great too; visiting friends, having too much coffee (the last two weeks I have lived on coffee and chocolate...camp food not exactly being edible), talking with my best friend Sara, going to Naomi's wedding and seeing lots of old Dubai friends, including Kristen, a very dear friend.
There have been overwhelming things...plans, emotion, thinking about figuring things out for the next year and the future. It's scary but thrilling. Right now I'm me, with no strings attached and it is delightful. I'm not the one in control!

More packing awaits;
Love, Cait

Pennsylvania

Well, we're safely in the states. It's very green and fresh! Katie lives somewhat in the country so it's really nice. I can't post photos yet so this is just a quick update. There probably will be no photos or real posts til I get to my grandparents'.

Last night we had a ceili - which consisted of cooking all day to have a good Scottish meal, singing, piping, dancing, with bodhran and low whistle. It was lovely! We had it at a park.
We've been watching Wives and Daughters, a great old fashioned long film, though at the moment I'm a bit frustrated with all the characters except the main one. We'll see when it ends!

Right now I'm about to cut Katie's hair for her; she wants to donate it to Locks of Love.

I'd better go. The competition is on Saturday, followed by camp, so I'm getting nervous and practicing a ton!


Love,
Cait