not really...
i am just relocating...
my blog.
not relocating me just yet (though Nashville is growing on me now that I've found Anthropologie and the Whole Foods Market)...
but for now, just for now, the blog is moving to a new address: http://mfayn.blogspot.com/.
I imported my old blog, so the same posts are still there...
Check it out!
Friday, August 22, 2008
Monday, August 18, 2008
Words for Today from Distant Yesteryears
i am a lover of old things...especially old books. I love reading the different ways people have communicated through writing over the years. I love the old words, phrases, and mindsets that are discovered in old books. So...this week, I'm spending a few nights with a new friend that I have met here in Nashville on the Big Brothers Big Sisters staff. In the guest room, I immediately noticed an antique book shelf (the kind with the glass doors that you pull up and slide inside in order to open). On the top, my friend has a gigantic family Bible that weighs about as much as my suitcase...filled, it was printed in the late 1800's. It's a pictoral family Bible...absolutely fascinating, but also quite fragile. Inside the bookshelf, I noticed a few tiny books, small enough to fit in the palm of my hand. One is a friendship book - someone had a bunch of people write her notes, apparently at the end of school, sometime in the 1920's. Another tiny book caught my eye with its elaborate gold engraving on what used to be a white cover. It was titled "Advice to a Married Couple"...inside, in characteristic penmanship, was written, "Presented to Mrs. Charlotte .... on the morning of her marriage. February 20, 1868 by ....". I peeked inside this also fragile book and read some really beautiful thoughts that are so relevant...to today's society and concerns, to my own personal thoughts and desires, and to my own deep convictions about my work, society, and community. So, I share them with you...
"Smaller communities are the nurseries of larger ones. At a certain time of life a transplantation is made, and the larger field of society takes its character from those qualities which were brought into it from the little inclosures of family life. You are therefore not to consider yourselves merely as two friends who have agreed to share each other's trials or enjoyments; but as the founders of a little community of rational and immortal creatures, who may hereafter found other small communities, and from whom, in process of time, a multitude may spring. To this multitude, stationed here and there according to the allotments of divine Providence, you may give a cast of character, the influence of which may be matter of pleasure or of pain, both to themselves and those with whom they are connected, long after you have ceased to act in the present scene."
From The Christian Minister's Affectionate Advice to a Married Couple by Rev. James Bean, A.M.
"Smaller communities are the nurseries of larger ones. At a certain time of life a transplantation is made, and the larger field of society takes its character from those qualities which were brought into it from the little inclosures of family life. You are therefore not to consider yourselves merely as two friends who have agreed to share each other's trials or enjoyments; but as the founders of a little community of rational and immortal creatures, who may hereafter found other small communities, and from whom, in process of time, a multitude may spring. To this multitude, stationed here and there according to the allotments of divine Providence, you may give a cast of character, the influence of which may be matter of pleasure or of pain, both to themselves and those with whom they are connected, long after you have ceased to act in the present scene."
From The Christian Minister's Affectionate Advice to a Married Couple by Rev. James Bean, A.M.
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Thursday, August 14, 2008
a day off
So, things went along more quickly than expected in Nashville this week, so I got to come home a day early. Since things have been going at a maddening pace lately, I decided that I would use part of today to rest.
The alarm went off about 8:30 am or so. It's NPR...a woman is reporting a story about the rising number of mothers in prison. She goes on to highlight a program where babies get to live with their moms at a prison, i believe, in Ohio.
I just couldn't believe it. On my day off, that is the story that is on when the alarm radio goes off. What am I to do...just lay there?! Why? I wondered. Was God trying to say something to me? Of all the topics in the world being covered on public radio this morning, why was that the story that was on to jolt my brain awake this morning? I truly feel now that I cannot get away from this topic and this work, even if I want to!
At the same time, I am working a lot...and what else can I do? There is a lot to do, but I know that I can't take on much more until I finish what's already on my plate. I do wish for other people that would like to come along and get involved in whichever way fits them best. It could be offering Financial Peace to inmates or just released offenders. It could be helping provide a re-entry program for men or for moms. It could be helping provide Celebrate Recovery to juveniles involved with the Juvenile Justice system. It could be visiting with the families inside the prison...mentoring a child with a parent in prison...or providing art lessons to a child affected by incarceration. There's so much to do...for so many of us who have different talents and different passions. Yet, I can't make this happen. I'm trying to finish my dissertation...and trying to figure out what to do with that!!! So, I wonder what will happen...if others will come along to help...or if these people will continue to struggle alone. Not that no one is doing anything...in this work, I've come across so many generous, compassionate people that are doing what they can to help. Yet, I write what I've written because there's so much more to be done. There are still many that are without advocates and without help.
I really think we're all links in the chain of life. We all have to pull our weight and bear the strain of the purpose of our lives which will, in turn, contribute to the order and survival of civilization. In areas where we see break-down and chaos, i often wonder if it isn't partly due to our failure to do our part.
Just some things to consider. and i hope you all are inspired to action.
The alarm went off about 8:30 am or so. It's NPR...a woman is reporting a story about the rising number of mothers in prison. She goes on to highlight a program where babies get to live with their moms at a prison, i believe, in Ohio.
I just couldn't believe it. On my day off, that is the story that is on when the alarm radio goes off. What am I to do...just lay there?! Why? I wondered. Was God trying to say something to me? Of all the topics in the world being covered on public radio this morning, why was that the story that was on to jolt my brain awake this morning? I truly feel now that I cannot get away from this topic and this work, even if I want to!
At the same time, I am working a lot...and what else can I do? There is a lot to do, but I know that I can't take on much more until I finish what's already on my plate. I do wish for other people that would like to come along and get involved in whichever way fits them best. It could be offering Financial Peace to inmates or just released offenders. It could be helping provide a re-entry program for men or for moms. It could be helping provide Celebrate Recovery to juveniles involved with the Juvenile Justice system. It could be visiting with the families inside the prison...mentoring a child with a parent in prison...or providing art lessons to a child affected by incarceration. There's so much to do...for so many of us who have different talents and different passions. Yet, I can't make this happen. I'm trying to finish my dissertation...and trying to figure out what to do with that!!! So, I wonder what will happen...if others will come along to help...or if these people will continue to struggle alone. Not that no one is doing anything...in this work, I've come across so many generous, compassionate people that are doing what they can to help. Yet, I write what I've written because there's so much more to be done. There are still many that are without advocates and without help.
I really think we're all links in the chain of life. We all have to pull our weight and bear the strain of the purpose of our lives which will, in turn, contribute to the order and survival of civilization. In areas where we see break-down and chaos, i often wonder if it isn't partly due to our failure to do our part.
Just some things to consider. and i hope you all are inspired to action.
Saturday, August 09, 2008
from the 3rd floor looking out on the city...
what a crazy, crazy week...past few weeks. i'm so tired, but content as well. i feel like i've gotten to know Nashville quite well...all the highways and the byways. but, as i was driving through town to my hotel which is downtown...i realized that i know more about the project areas than i do the social scene. but the idea of walking around downtown alone at night was unappealing. so, i'm enjoying my night in the hotel, alone. it's a nicer hotel than earlier this week, so i'm able to take easy here a little more. i'm not bracing for a roach or anything like that!
so, i'm wanting to write a chit-chatty blog...absolutely boring. let's just hit the highlights.
i'm checking out the JCrew wedding attire...for ideas of a gown for Katherine's wedding. it's quite exciting to be in a wedding of someone who wants to make gowns for a living...so, she's wanting to make our bridesmaids dresses - we can pick any shade of green, and we can pick the style. i'm so excited that she wants to do a kind of Audrey Hepburnish/Jackie'O look for me. i'm just so excited to get a dress made - it will be a treasure forever!
some ideas...
I like the full skirt of this dress. i have a skirt that has a hint of that fullness...but i get too self-conscious to wear it in Johnson City. I keep it in my closet...it's a great emerald green, cotton skirt. i really think it used to be an old camp uniform!
and...dissertation update...my sample is possibly 50% recruited...the final numbers will be in tomorrow. Still...50% isn't quite enough. so, yes, i cannot believe it, i will be driving back to Nashville next week! i knew this project wasn't going to be easy, but i didn't anticipate 4 straight weeks in nashville. i should get an apartment!
ugh, midnight. time for sleep. tomorrow...i'll be in the sam levy projects handing out more backpacks! hope to see some of you again soon...perhaps this weekend. otherwise...man, i am loving not being in johnson city! isn't life crazy?!
Monday, August 04, 2008
CST
back in nashville and camping out at a hotel in the metrocenter area. it's not bad. it's my first hotel stay alone. again, not bad.
well, once again, i wanted to give an update, but i'm exhausted. let's just hit the highlights:
- wonderful time with family at Aunt Mary's - seeing Jennifer and Michelle was the best! i'm amazed at all the little children running around! it was also good to spend time at home with my fam!
- 33% of my sample has responded...not bad for this population. but more work needs to be done! i've really enjoyed calling just about everyone in the projects of Nashville and touching base about this study. it's like a whole 'nother world!
- 3 events are lined up for giving out backpacks to kids this weekend - my car is sagging to the ground with all the bookbags and school supplied ready to be stuff and handed out. i'm most concerned about 1. having enough kids come and 2. having volunteers and 3. finding a place to stuff the backpacks.
- i am not sure why i even am interested in having a boyfriend, when trying to relate to guys just seems to be so difficult.
- i feel like i need help with my dissertation. it's a bigger deal than some people's dissertation, but still i feel the pressure to do it all myself. but, i can't...but i don't know who in Nashville to ask for help. i don't have enough organization or leverage.
- and i feel sad that i haven't gotten to see Melissa and Craig's boys yet. i'm sure they are the best!
there you have it. exhausted.
well, once again, i wanted to give an update, but i'm exhausted. let's just hit the highlights:
- wonderful time with family at Aunt Mary's - seeing Jennifer and Michelle was the best! i'm amazed at all the little children running around! it was also good to spend time at home with my fam!
- 33% of my sample has responded...not bad for this population. but more work needs to be done! i've really enjoyed calling just about everyone in the projects of Nashville and touching base about this study. it's like a whole 'nother world!
- 3 events are lined up for giving out backpacks to kids this weekend - my car is sagging to the ground with all the bookbags and school supplied ready to be stuff and handed out. i'm most concerned about 1. having enough kids come and 2. having volunteers and 3. finding a place to stuff the backpacks.
- i am not sure why i even am interested in having a boyfriend, when trying to relate to guys just seems to be so difficult.
- i feel like i need help with my dissertation. it's a bigger deal than some people's dissertation, but still i feel the pressure to do it all myself. but, i can't...but i don't know who in Nashville to ask for help. i don't have enough organization or leverage.
- and i feel sad that i haven't gotten to see Melissa and Craig's boys yet. i'm sure they are the best!
there you have it. exhausted.
Monday, July 28, 2008
another update, interrupted
i'd like to give you all another update, but it's raining and i want to go to sleep to the sound of rain pattering on my window.
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