Dono's Dump

Number 80

2006-10-10T10:58:00.000-04:00

After learning how to resize pics, I can return Ben with Mama and my sister Anna. Taken after the JV game at the Stone Castle in Bristol.

Singing on Sunday

2006-10-10T08:11:00.000-04:00

We sang at St John's in Rutherdfordton, North Carolina. It is one of the best venues - wood, glass and high ceiling, but not too high. There were 20-25 singers representing four states and good balance in the parts. Could have used a few more. I wanted to try lead more, but stayed in the bass section except when I led two times.

Julianne, Larry Beveridge, Scott and Anna Swanton. The two men have been in this for years. Anna is ten years old. We were pleased to see her and get to know her a little.

Anna took a picture of me.

And here is linkage to Anna leading "Wondrous Love."

My first youtube effort.

Buy a CD.

Jane Spencer and Dot Lane have produced a fine collection of lessons recorded at St. John's. There are 22 songs and the sound quality is very good.

We sang on Saturday

2006-08-14T19:51:00.000-04:00

The singing at Rocky Mount is unique, in my experience. We sing from two different books, Christian Harmony in the morning and New Harp of Columbia after a dinner on the grounds. I know that there are other singings that are dual book. Some people can groove to it. Others cannot.

Reminds me of the Orthodox Christian who was marooned on a tropical island for many years. Finally, he was rescued. His rescuers were interested in all the details of his years of survival, and especially of the two beautiful churches he had constructed.

They asked, "But, why build two churches?"

"That is the one I attend. That is the one I don't"

Rocky Mount.
We had several visitors drop by. And one new singer. We glom on to newbies like a mission parish.

It was the smallest group I have ever sung with - 7, if I recall correctly. Numbers to mean something when it comes to the sound. The one bass (that be me) was plumb tuckered out by about 2:00.

But, what I love is that, despite small numbers, those who came, came with love in hearts. And sitting in the square, you get to express it to each other via the songs. Rather like what I once thought a church community might be.

I have no idea what most of my fellow singers believe. (Though, one did some time at Spruce Island and one is the music director at an Episcopal church.)

The old hymns are where we can meet. Those words are enough.

We had meatloaf, macaroni, bananna pudding and more for dinner.

The Secret Message of Jesus - Part 2

2006-07-01T10:49:00.000-04:00

Perhaps because I did read ahead, I used something in my Part 1 post that appears here in Part 2. I was not aware that that I was doing it. Nevertheless, I did and the idea strikes me deeply. From the first full paragraph on page 70, “…the scandalous truth that no human system can be trusted…” and “…the horrible truth that even church and state with their sacred ideologies and theologies …given the chance – execute God so they can run their own petty kingdoms.”

Now, 99% of Christians would, I believe admit that there is at least a kernel of truth to Brian’s statements here. But, with a qualifiers. It goes something like this. “Well yes, the church is full of sinners and hypocrites and there’s room for many and more. The implication being that it is a normal state.

But, what is actually done to combat that within the institutions themselves? I fled the “Bible church” tradition for this reason among many. Not only the glorification of great teachers and mega church constructors but the emphasis of “meeting people’s needs” in the most superficial ways. And the people filling these places are wealthy beyond measure compared to the truly needy of this world.

Broad brush? Yes. Totally off base? I don’t think so. Of course, even the most garish and silly of these do good works. But, is that their prime directive? And even if it is, something happens along the way, so that “petty kingdoms” are indeed constructed.

Something McLaren has not yet directly tackled is the scandal of the divisions of the thousands of groups claiming to be Christians. That is probably not subject matter for this book. But, as a current sitter on the sidelines, what I see is that the “packaging” for lack of a better word, has become more important that the message. Whether it is air tight dogmatics or proofs of ancient lineage to bolster the claims to genuineness; or user-friendliness or creative theologies to use the gospel message to unleash “God’s power in your life“

Ludlow Porch (Lewis Grizzard’s half brother) had a radio show back in the day before the explosion of chatter. His was folksy and humorous. His sign-off was, “Now, no matter what else you do today, you go out and find somebody to be nice to.”

Ludlow got it!

Is there more to it? I reckon.

Can there be less? I don't see how.

Brethren

2006-06-20T23:51:00.000-04:00

Here is the first verse of the hymn that we open our shape note singings with.

Brethren, we have met to worship and adore the Lord our God;
Will you pray with all your power, while we try to preach the Word?
All is vain unless the Spirit of the Holy One comes down;
Brethren, pray, and holy manna will be showered all around.

This is the one I was called to lead at Greeneville. The first time I ever heard this was at First Baptist in Atlanta. It was not among the hymns we sang when I was growing up. The whole thing has a decidedly "Eucharistic" tone.

Is there here a trembling jailer, seeking grace, and filled with tears?
Is there here a weeping Mary, pouring forth a flood of tears?
Brethren, join your cries to help them; sisters, let your prayers abound;
Pray, Oh pray that holy manna may be scattered all around.

Let us love our God supremely, let us love each other, too;
Let us love and pray for sinners, till our God makes all things new.
Then He’ll call us home to Heaven, at His table we’ll sit down;
Christ will gird Himself and serve us with sweet manna all around.

The Secret Message of Jesus

2006-06-20T11:42:00.000-04:00

Part 1

Before my friend, Huw, organized a reading group around this book, I had paid only enough attention to the so-called “Emergent Church Movement” to summarily dismiss it as a bunch of bleeding heart, half a heretic, loosey gossey, touchie feelie liberals. That is my habitual reaction to about anything that might challenge me to examine what I think I believe.

However, as a registered, card carrying church burnout, I am ready to take a look at this whole Christianity thing from a different perspective. Coincidentally I am fortunate to be seeing a counselor who had an ideal background (DMin and wide experience in the church world.) He has challenged me to examine my presuppositions and to look at things, including my spiritual life from different angles. This is what grabbed my attention in McLaren’s book,

Page xi of the introduction ”These unsatisfied people – and I’m one of them – have the unshakable intuition that both He and His message are better than anything they’ve heard or understood or figured out so far. They – I should say we – feel that there’s a missing puzzle piece without which the big picture won’t snap into place. There’s a hidden door somewhere behind a curtain or bookcase….”

Yes. I have always wished to go to Narnia.

Past Sunday was the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ and the OT reading was when Moses sanctified the altar and the people with bowls of animal blood. It called to mind something I heard John MacArthur say years ago about the Passover – there was literally blood running in the street gutters, What a stinking mess! I was present one time (and only one) when my Granddaddy slaughtered a hog. I had nightmares for a time. Multiply that by what, a hundred? Thousands? Not only the sight of the blood and guts, but the smell. What possible sense could there be to this?

Well, I think it was a lesson that something was very seriously wrong with man in his present condition. So here comes this street preacher, from out in the sticks, confirming that, yes indeed, something is bad wrong. And the Priests, Pharisees and Scribes ain’t getting it done as far as rectifying the situation.

The five chapters in Part One do a wonderful job of stripping away traditions and mindsets and interpretations of Jesus’ message that are set as hard as concrete. Brian is carefully giving us the opportunity to have “ears to hear.” I love the compare and contrast between who was attracted and who was repelled by Jesus and His message.

_________

WOULD JESUS WEAR A ROLEX
(Margaret Archer / Chet Atkins)

Ray Stevens - 1987

"Woke up this mornin' turned on my TV set
There in livin' color was somethin' I can't forget
This man was preachin' at me.. yeah.. layin' on the charm
Asking me for 20 with 10,000 on his arm

"He wore designer clothing and a big smile on his face
Selling me salvation while they sang Amazing Grace
Asking me for money when he had all the signs of weath
Almost wrote a check out.. yeah.. but then I asked myself…

"Would He wear a pinky ring, would He drive a fancy car
Would His wife wear furs and diamonds, would His dressing room have a star
If he came back tomorrow there's something I'd like to know
Would Jesus wear a rolex on His television show

"Would Jesus be political if he came back to earth
Have his second home in Palm Springs.. yeah.. but try to hide his worth
Take money from those poor folks when He comes back again
And admit He's talked to all those preachers who said they'd been-a talking to Him

"Would He wear a pinky ring, would He drive a fancy car
Would His wife wear furs and diamonds, would His dressing room have a star
If he came back tomorrow there's something I'd like to know
Could ya tell me - Would Jesus wear a rolex
Would Jesus wear a rolex
Would Jesus wear a rolex on His television show
Would Jesus wear a rolex on His television show"
__________

This is a good shot at the snake oiler huckster frauds. Over the years, disdain has been poured out on Christianity from many for blatant hypocrisy like this and more subtle manifestations, such as aligning with the power of this world, in opposition to those who Jesus specifically reached out to when He walked this earth. The standard answer to this that I have heard, is that, “Well, the Church is full of sinners. You’ll have some of that.”

True that. But, what if the very concepts necessary to create institutions that involve human beings inherently tend to corruption? I know, I know. There IS the Holy Spirit. And the assurance that the gates of hell shall not prevail. I believe that. But, how does that line up with “The kingdom (empire) of God is at hand” “or “available to all” or “within you”?

My “talking to guy” has mentioned the dance of grace. I know he did not make that up. I have heard of it. But, I am hearing a rhythm. Tapping my toe. Who knows? Maybe I’ll stand up and look for the dance floor. It’s gotta be around here, somewhere.

Singing

2006-06-04T09:19:00.000-04:00

Dono's Dump

Yesterday Mrs D and I were able to attend this singing down in Greene County - it was a beautiful "June is Bustin' Out All Over" day. We had three in the bass - two in treble - five in the alto and maybe eight in the lead. I was honered (and surprised) that Jeff asked me to lead the opening lesson "Holy Manna."

I do not have a lot of experiences to compare, but for for me this singing was unique. I think some monastics speak of a "oneness of soul" with their brothers / sisters. Maybe it was something akin to that. Everyone seemed to be just delighted to be there. Yes, there was great deal of arguing (about proper pitch, how to interpret the sometimes confusing notation on repeats in a song); but, it was all done without anger. And the protocol is the the leader of each lesson (song) is the final authority on any dispute.

But, regardless, there is a palpable mutual respect for each other, which I suspect comes from a love of the music. Having been touched deeply by our involvement and experiences in the square, we suspect the same thing applies to our brothers and sister.

Although we have no preaching and very little commentary on the content of these old hymns, there is sharing going on. Sometimes, when I am leading a song I know well, I will look and make eye contact with a singer and it's kinda like we are connect around a line of the poetry or an especially sweet harmony.

Of course some of the books have "Harmony" in their titles - "Southern" and "Christian" that I know of. Maybe that what I experienced yesterday - harmony.

Whatever it was, I want more and more of it. I have had an intention to get busy on organizing a singing school. Since reviving my Dump, maybe I will get that at least in the works.

Old Time
Shaped Note Sing

Saturday, June 3, 2006
11 AM until 3 PM
Dinner on the Grounds at Noon

New Bethel Cumberland Presbyterian Church
Cox Road, just off Hwy 70 North (Rogersville Hwy)

Hosted by the Franklin Old Harp Singers.
The Franklin Old Harp Singers meet monthly at Greeneville CP Church. Anyone interested in traditional shaped note singing is invited to participate. Copies of the 1867 New Harp of Columbia are available for loan or purchase. For more information call Jeff Farr, 257-6737.

Shape Note Singing

2006-03-10T19:45:00.000-04:00

There is an attraction that draws me when I know folks are going to be gathering. Tomorrow to Brevard. Sunday to Knoxville.

I can listen to CD recording / sound files on my computer. But, that is a bit like looking at a picture of food, when you are hungry. Not exactly - one can sing along with recordings.

The attraction is toward the reality of the experience. Folks forming the square. Four parts. Harmony. Human voice. Songs my daddy and his daddy's grandaddy might have sung.

Hymns of bare bones praise, hope and warning.

The Incredible Shrinking Head Count

2006-03-07T00:03:00.000-04:00

And so it begins. Duane's last day for possibly three months. After Wednesday Shawne will be in transit to the Kentucky relocation. Then week after next Sally off to play in the snow.
Cue "Jaws" soundtrack.

I want this!

2006-03-05T09:47:00.000-04:00

How I make iced tea

2006-03-04T12:17:00.000-04:00

The challenge is that I am about the only one in the house that drinks it as beverage of choice. Ben drinks milk (up to a gallon a day); Vanya will drink a little milk of the chocolate variety, but mostly juice; Julianne does not need the sugar. Mr. Edward is a Sanka / ginger ale man.
So, I need to make it in small batches.

Very simple. Four Luxianne tea bags and two bags of herb tea. We keep Celestial Seasonings - orange, apple/cranberry, peppermint, peach, raspberry.... Was a lifelong Lipton drinker until I tried Luzianne. They claim more tea per bag. I like the heavy tabs on the end of the string to the paper thingies that often get dragged in at the pour with Lipton.

As to flavored iced tea - I cannot abide flavored coffee. And I take it black and French press strong. (The French do actually get quite a few things right.) And this may just be a phase.

proper coffee making 101.

For a large single serving of tea: Place bags into a 2 cup measure and pour the boiling water. Let it steep. Add sugar to taste. (I evidently take mine a little less sweet than average judging by what is served in restaurants around here.)

Then, pour over ice cubes in a tall glass; taste and dilute if needed, remembering that the melting ice dilutes.
I used to think that steeping time was critical. Not so. I have had good tea from a 15 minute as well as an overnight steep.

It is true that putting ice in still warm tea will tend to cloud it. However it does not affect the taste. I use colored opaque tall glasses (well, technically, plastics,) so I don't see the clouds.

Brown Supper

2006-03-01T20:41:00.000-04:00

Not really planned that way, but beef stew left over from the weekend, hash brown taters, brown 'n serve rolls; and for dessert, yup, brownies. The iced tea is even a shade of brown. Tonight's is a Luzianne / Red Raspberry blend.

Mr. Edward

2006-03-01T00:24:00.000-04:00

He has been on a decline lately. A little shakier when he walks, though he still walks. A little less appetite, though he still eats. He ate some potato tonight.

New element in the mix is that tonight he cannot fall asleep. I wonder if each new development is a sign that his end is imminent. He's thrashing around in bed and calling out. He mentions some pain, so I gave him a pill. The pain is something new.

He's a lot like Uncle George, pushing back death. He was given six months two years ago. He's like Uncle also sharing a sweet and gentle spirit.

When he was last in the hospital, a whippersnapper of a doctor was discussing DNR with us. He remarked, "Well, he doesn't have much of a life." We were not flabbergasted. In fact, that may be a majority opinion. At one time, back when I knew it all, I might have thought and said the same thing.

Just last night, he was babbling about "singing, and dancing and everybody will be happy!" He was happy and it made us laugh to hear that. No, not much; but something. Couple of weeks ago, he was declaring that "everybody must go under the Hanseatic League." (I know that was something German, must look it up.) It was funny - especially his earnestness. Not much at all. You had to be there.

I am thankful and grateful that we have him with us. I have learned a little bit from his mere presence. The words "take up your cross" have become awe inspiring as I have watched him do that very thing for nigh on 15 years. His is his failing body and mind. But there is more to a man than that. And whatever "that" is, his shines like gold.

Tuesday Supper

2006-02-28T19:31:00.000-04:00

I have been trying some new things since I am doing a lot more of the cooking around Little House on Unaka. Tonight, my first attempt at twice baked potatoes. I have a piece of Parmesan cheese that needs using. Will also have some of the meat loaf I made last night and probably corn (a vegetable the boys will eat.)

I bake the meat loaf on a rack in a roasting pan. Lets the grease drain. For the mixture, I am an experimenter. For this one I used a pound and a half of 93 / 7 lean beef and about a pound of 80/20 chuck and 1/3 pound sausage; two eggs; breadcrumbs of various origin; two eggs, some tomato paste, finely chopped ontion, just a bit of minced garlic and this and that from the spice rack. Sprinkled a little brown sugar on top and laid two slices of bacon cut in half on top.

Baked a little over an hour and a half at 350 (I think my oven is a little cool - note to self - get oven thermometer) until internal temp was 160.
I like the results. It's a little on the dry side, but the taste is to my liking. I have a bunch of condiments to add to slices on sammitches.

This Explains a Lot

2006-02-25T10:12:00.000-04:00

" Bullshit is unavoidable whenever circumstances require someone to talk without knowing what he is talking about. Thus the production of bullshit is stimulated when a person's obligations or opportunities to speak about some topic exceeds his knowledge of the facts that are relevant to that topic. This discrepancy is common in public life, where people are frequently impelled - whether by their own propensities or by the demands of others - to speak extensively about matters of which they are to some degree ignorant. Closely related instances arise from the widespread conviction that it is the responsibility of a citizen in a democracy to have opinions about everything that pertains to the conduct of his country's affairs. The lack of any significant connection between a person's opinions and his apprehension of reality will be even more severe, needless to say, for someone who believes it is his resoponsibility, as a conscientious moral agent, to evaluate events and conditions in all parts of the world."

pp 63-64
"On Bullshit"
Harry G. Frankfurt
Princeton University Press cr 2005

Crunchy Cons

2006-02-21T19:42:00.000-04:00

Tradition!!! Links to some original thinking and observation from our friend Rod Dreher.

Crunchy Con blog.
Free Republic Thread.
Original article.

Where I grew up: Part 2

2006-02-20T17:48:00.000-04:00

I started first grade in 1956 here.. We moved to Newport from Johnson City. My daddy got a position with a new company from Detroit that had opened a facility there. After Daddy graduated from USCarolina (special program for WW2 vets), he had first taken a position in Knoxville, where I was born in 1950; then up to Bristol, where Linda was born in '52. Anna Margaret was born in '54 in Johnson City. Janis was born in 1961 in Newport. So there are my three sisters.

I remember two things about the move. I got my finger stuck in a buckle on my coat. Mama soaped it and released it. Second was my Uncle Leon (Daddy's brother) strapping the refrigerator on his back and carrying it to the truck. Mama still has that Hotpoint in her basement.

I also have a memory from those early days in Johnson City. I was in the car when Mama rode Daddy to his office at Baylor & Backus on Roan Street. There was a train passing and Mama told me that maybe Burnett Palmer (husband of a first cousin) was the Engineer.

Mama taught first grade at NGS. Of course, I expected she would be my teacher, NOT.

I was put in Miss Seehorn's class. An old maid, smelled funny and not at all "motherly." In later years, Mama told me that it was not as much an issue of my being her son as it was Miss Seehorn was the best teacher in first grade.

I attended seven years at this school. Probably learned more in that time than any in my life.

Where I grew up

2006-02-20T09:06:00.000-04:00

We moved from Newport to Kingsport in 1962. Previously, for big city amenities, we d travel the 45 miles to Knoxville for shopping at Rich's or Miller's; eat at the S & W; browse the Gateway News; see a movie at the Tennessee. I ate my first McDonald's burger for 15 cents on Magnolia Avenue and there was a Krispy Kreme close by. I was able to go to a few Tennessee football games.

I do not recall the occasion, but one time, we even took rooms at the Farragut Hotel on Gay Street in the middle of everything. I was allowed to bring a friend along.

The big picture is from Kingsport ca 1955. I like looking at it. There was an actual downtown. The Saturday treat was a movie at the State, where admission was either bottle caps or Bunny Bread wrappers.

That's not sold here anymore, though the brand is still produced.

I don't know any more about the Palace than this picture. I seems to be a barber shop news stand combination. I had never heard of Click Magazine, but it must have been a good seller based on its front and center display position.

Could that policeman be related to Deputy Fife of Mayberry?
February 25, 2006 - Memory Eternal; Rest in Peace, Don Knotts

I am glad that my current town, Johnson City, is continuing to work on our old downtown. My home is on Unaka Avenue, which along with Watauge Avenue are the oldest residential strets in town. Downtown is six blocks west and six blocks south from my house. Some commercial property has been rehabbed for residential. This is a fine old bank building. I believe it has seven floors.

There is a barber shop, also called The Palace which is a couple of doors down. Couple of black brothers own the place and Ben will not have his hair cut anywhere else. Since I am getting haircuts again, I have gone there as well. Vanya, when he can be compelled, is satisfied with Wal Mart.

Jury Duty

2006-02-18T15:19:00.000-04:00

Last month, I received notice to report for jury duty for Criminal Court for Washington County. "Fail not to appear under penalty....." So I did not fail.

I had one previous experience in a civil court in Johnson City, and tried one case. But, I was not happy with the prospect of having this added to my obligations. I had equated jury duty in the same category as filling out a 1040 or calling Dell for tech support. The actual experience was not what I dreaded.

First of all, Jonesborough, the oldest town in Tennessee is a good place to go to. History everywhere...three Presidents stayed at the Chester Inn, Parson Brownlow (mentioned below) published an abolitionist newspaper there, some of the meetings attempting to form Franklin as the 14th state were held here...

Probably 150 citizens showed up "under penalty of law" not to. And we received an orientation talk fron the Judge Brown as well as a booklet explaining the process. Though he was witty and charming, he got into a gravitas mode that convinced me that this was something very important, nay, vital. This is where citizens, regular folks like me, have an awesome responsibility and power to do justice both to the accused and to society.

Speaking of society and stuck on stupid, the judge told us that during the security search at the entrance, a prospective juror had some dope in her bag. So she got a quick trip to the jailhouse.

After the judge finished his orientation, the first business was selecting the Grand Jury, which would hear state's evidence and determine if there was enough to proceed to a trial. The judge indicated that they would hear almost 100 cases in 2 or 3 days. This was becoming so interesting that I was disappointed when I was not chosen. There is a permanent foreman of the Grand Jury. He was introduced to us as a forrmer Navy Commander who had taken on this task and would help the jurors through the process.

Just last Monday, I ran into this man again at a Black History program at Rocky Mount. It is a film series that I may write about later.

The jury pool is active for a two month period. We call in and hear a recorded message that tells us when to report. After begging off once because of a scheduled appointment, I reported on Thursday. As names were called, maybe five out of 50 were absent. The judge said they most likely would be serving an additional two months beginning in March. Yikes!

The case to be tried was a DUI (of Percoset). I was not chosen, but had to remain as the prosecution and defense questioned and challenged the 12 jurors and the 8 alternates. Again I was disappointed, because the defense attorney was Rick Spivey, who has a huge physical and psychic presence. He is about 6'4" with a eyes that remind me of a basset hound, very impressive black eyebrows, silver white hair tied in a pony tail and a deep tan. He has a powerful and deep voice that was quite the contrast to the almost mousey demeanor of the Assistant D.A.

So I was tempted to remain and spectate, but we are short handed at work (all the time, even when all are present) so I did not stay. All that is left for this term is a week of civil cases. The judge has said that it has been years since a case actually went to trial. They are mostly arbitrated.

War of Northern Aggression

2006-02-18T14:52:00.000-04:00

My interest in this period of American history comes from my daddy. I believe his opinions were formed when he attended the University of South Carolina.

I have a book "War at Every Door: Partisan Politics & Guerilla Violence in East Tennessee 1860-1869" by Noel C Fisher. While Tennessee did secede, East Tennessee was strongly pro-union. In fact, only Sullivan County (Kingsport) voted in favor.

Parson Brownlow is a man of great interest. I was looking at a marker to him when I was in Jonesboro yesterday for jury duty.

2/28/06 - Found a picture .

"If I had the power," Parson Brownlow said, " I would arm and uniform in the Federal habiliments every wolf and panther and catamount and tiger and bear in the mountains of America; every crocodile in the swamps of Florida and South Carolina; every negro in the Southern Confederacy, and every devil in hell, and turn them on the rebels in the South, if it exterminated every rebel from the face of God's green earth ...Every man, woman and child south of the Mason Dixon line. I would like to see Richmond and Charleston captured by negro troops commanded by Butler the Beast. We will crowd the rebels into the Gulf of Mexico, and drown the entire race, as the devil rid the hogs in the Sea of Galilee. (Long and loud applause)

Reminds one of some of the rhetoric of the current day, methinks.

more.

Zippyity Doo Dah....

2006-02-18T11:46:00.000-04:00

Why not?

2006-02-18T11:31:00.000-04:00

It's free. Question arises what do I have to say that I will not maybe need to deny some time in the future.

Well, with a three day weekend before me, I'll take some time to give it a go.