another Lewisian insight

I've realize more and more the amount of stuff that has flown under my radar when taking a second look at things. Namely literature and all sorts of media from back when I was younger.

The pop culture references made by Animaniacs. The opera and classical music homages made by Looney Tunes. The numerous allegorical references made by countless authors in long forgotten short stories and novels I've read in my much younger youth.

Some of the most prominent novels from years before that comes to mind are the Chronicles of Narnia. Needless to say, jam-packed with allegory.

I've decided to read and reread the novels in the series and add my own commentary to the already countless writings on said novels.

The Magician's Nephew
-Aslan sings existence into being.
Biblical translations have said that God spoke existence into being. What if He sang it instead? Would it be any less beautiful?

-Aslan said to Digory that since man brought corruption into the world, it is through man that he will save the world.
One man.......يسوع .יֵשׁוּעַ. 耶穌. 예수님. Ἰησοῦς. Иисус. Iesus. Through His victory we no longer fear the death that comes from Adam's failure.

-Aslan makes Frank and Helen king and queen of Narnia.
God put Adam and Eve in charge of a newly created existence. With that, I daresay, it is implied that they were to look after and take care of the Earth. We should do likewise.

-Is it always the case that each family has a crazy/weird uncle?
-The horse was named "Strawberry", and then it grew wings and his name was changed to "Fledge". I personally think "The Flying Strawberry" should have been it.
-Did the idea of the green and yellow rings give rise to the idea of the red and blue pills in The Matrix?

Other books to follow.

Hitchcockian moment

Halloween has come early. For me that is.

It was a scene straight out of "The Birds".

I was driving through this neighborhood when what seemed like several flocks (emphasis on "several flocks") of dark colored birds descended on me. I know now how Tippi Hedren must have felt when filming.

Never had I seen so many birds. I empathize more dearly with ornithophobiacs now.

about MADANG time

English speakers have corrupted so many different languages through different opinions on spelling, bad pronunciation, and a plethora of other mistakes. The one I've made and have been making is of both the former and intentional.

16 October was much anticipated. This reunion was a long time coming. Perhaps happening at the right time, in my opinion. It had been 3 months since the MADANGs were all together and I'm pretty sure that the 3 of us can all agree, it was definitely needed.

We all met at an undisclosed place, bright and early. Except I was running on CP time and VR was on that RIDONK time. All is forgiven, us MADANGs are allowed to do so.

SB and I decided that we wanted to not be here shortly before VR's arrival. The following half hour was too funny.

The not so subtle Soviet-China-Audio-Love-Poems-(ing) tickets was interesting. Rent-A-Cops were ever present in every parking lot corner. It was soon home to a nice honorary MADANG couple. Props to them.

We all piled in SB's ride for the rest of the day. Props to SB for driving stick. Quite possibly the only chick I know who can.

The much adored, hated, and missed Shining Crown Jewel was our oyster for today. French food was requisite and our rendez-vous with M. Jean Jacques was a definite necessity. Le déjeuner was TOO good, my whole day could have been spent in that restaurant alone. But of course, M. Jacques could not be held up and has YET to have disappointed me every time we meet. I regret not sending HC some. Much apologies.

The rest of the afternoon was spent in SB's whip catching up, contemplating life, and exploring other parts of the Shining Crown Jewel. It seems so bizarre minus the other missed and loved folks being there. Mad props to VR for getting us those journals. VR knows which ones.

We parted ways at Chez Le Roi, just a few minutes away from our original destination.

Of course, another meeting is in the works. When that time comes, world just wait.

meaningful conversations

Genesis 1:3
And God said, "Let there be light," and there was light.

John 1:1
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

Much of our daily discourse is usually of frivolous matters which in the end amount to little or no worth at all. I realize the former statement is highly cynical even nihilistic. Bear with me though.

How long can we talk of the weather? How many times can we talk about the taste of food before we tire of both the food and the conversation? How much gossip and lies do we spread over the course of a day? How many times do we talk for sake of filling the void of silence?

Small talk is necessary for risk of offending people we've just become acquainted with, but after all is said and done, what else is there left to say?

Once relationships have been established and it is known that we are to and want to maintain them, by all means indulge in small talk, but know there are much more meaningful conversations to be had.

Why is the sky blue? Do my eyes pop out if I don't close them when I sneeze? Why do we need stinkbugs?

Why does the caged bird sing? What happens to a dream differed? How do I compare thee to a summer's day?

These conversations occur in hopes that they will lead to...

How can I help you through this time of need?
How can we move pass this situation?
How can I pray for you?

1 Thessalonians 2:8
We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us.

Paul wrote these words to the Church in Thessalonica because he knew there was something, Someone worth talking about.

I hope to remember such words everyday, in the meantime, I gotta work on my small talk.