Ruminations from the Temple

Have you ever heard the saying that if you want a friend, you have to be a friend? I'm afraid that many, many people just don't know what it takes to be a friend. Lots of folks do really well at being acquaintenances, but are a little unclear as to what it takes to be a friend. I am by no means an expert, but I think the following needs to be considered: To be a friend, you have to be willing to give of your time. I have blogged in the past about the use of our time and how important it is to give it to others selflessly. However, in the arena of friendship, I think it is most valuable and speaks the loudest. A friend builds a history with you. To be a friend, you have to be willing to listen. Are you willing to listen and care, sincerely? When is the last time someone listened to you...I mean really listened? Most of us feel the brush off frequently, but we all need to feel like what we are saying is important, and want to be heard. A good friend is a good li

Ya know, I get 'gigged' for liking to live in a happy little fantasy, but sometimes I guess it's just necessary. In my happy bubble... everyone actually cares about those close to them. everyone wants to say things to build others up instead of delighting in hurtful mocking. everyone wants to help. everyone tries to be pleasant. no one is concerned only about what they want. nobody takes out their frustrations on others. everyone actually wants to do the right thing. everbody has compassion...really. nobody manipulates to make others feel small and insignificant. everyone really means it when they say they care. no one feels trapped by their circumstances. everbody knows what it means to give of themselves. everyone loves to share important, and not so important, things with others. everyone is sensitive to the needs of those around them. everyone takes the initiative to make decisions. as to not just push everything off onto somebody else. everybody takes responsibility fo

So, we just returned from seeing The Clone Wars, the newest installment to the Star Wars Galaxy. The following review is written from the viewpoint of a TOTAL Star Wars geek, so be forewarned… My expectation for The Clone Wars movie was much less than it actually delivered. I guess it was a good thing to read several reviews, both good and bad, prior seeing the movie. The most thorough review I read was on the StarWarsAddiction site; they described the movie's good and not so good facets. However, I was thrilled from the opening moments of the title clear through to the last posing scene. My favorite characters, Obi-Wan and Anakin, were portrayed just as they were in the opening sequence of the (novelization of) The Revenge of the Sith - as total and complete heroes of the Clone Wars, and a great team, as well. Other well-known characters were presented exactly in keeping with the ongoing characterization of them; Yoda was wise and very short, Mace sounded just like Sam Jackson, an

MISSION REPORT: SpoCon 2008 It's Monday morning immediately following a Con… SpoCon, to be exact. It was held on the beautiful campus of Gonzaga University in Spokane. I had never been to Gonzaga, nor have I spent any time in Spokane, so I was in for a treat. The weather was clear and sunny, but not too hot. I found Spokane to be such a nice place; clean and friendly, with a small town feel. We stayed downtown and had quite a time figuring out all the one-way streets! Spokane has everything you could ever want; great shopping, wonderful parks, easy parking, great old buildings, excellent eating choices - who knew Spokane was such a great place?! My Padawan and I were invited to tag along with the 501st Legion, the premier Star Wars costumers organization. It was absolutely fabulous; the people and costumes were incredible! Stormtroopers, a Tuskan Raider, a Tie Pilot and of course, Darth Vader himself, were all in attendance. Even Chewbacca made an appearance, even though he is not