Studio 60 -- Rumor Has It

I will watch the next episode of Studio 60 in 10 minutes. I just finished reading some blogs on the show that aired in other time zones already. Now I know this is the last episode. Now I know it wraps up a lot, but rather quickly. Now I know it is coming out on DVD. I already knew the cast was an amazing ensemble, the banter was intelligent and witty, and the characters compelling. I also knew the topics ran the range from humorous to deeply touching and/or troubling. I really enjoyed it, though it was on too late for this working woman. I miss West Wing. Studio 60 inspired hope for engaging TV, but it struggled. I'm not versed enough in the industry to interpret that. All I know is that I really enjoyed it, and TV viewing is less interesting than ever for me now. Good thing I love to read. Good-bye for now Studio 60. I'll consider getting the DVD.

Cheap Talk -- Costly Consequences

It is destroying community in my mind. It is lowering our levels of connection. It is often hurtful and cheap...though costly at the same time. I'm talking about the level of bashing others, especially public figures, with disrespectful words. Sometimes it is humor at the expense of someone else. It is dragging someone down with verbal weapons of destruction. All of a sudden, I'm acutely aware of it and becoming more sensitive to it.

I think the Paris Hilton and jail event brought it to my attention. The amount of sarcastic remarks about this situation is staggering. Though I am not a Hilton fan, I was actually outraged on Miss Hilton's behalf by the insulting and gross comments made be a female comedian hosting an awards show on TV the other night. The level of vulgar disrespect cannot possibly be considered humor, but evidently it was.

Hillary Clinton bashing is also aggressively prominent among the people who might be labeled Christian conservatives. I am tired of the snide remarks and forwarded e-mails degrading her. And I actually would like to have lunch with her someday. I think she is intelligent, articulate, and has good ideas on how the world works. Does putting her down some how secure some sort of moral safety or something for some people?

So, I've had enough. Often I don't respect certain choices made by certain famous people, as if I have the truth on what happened as represented by reporters. But, as a stranger to them, what business do I have putting them down in my random conversations? I am studying Scripture and examining the life of Christ. To tell you the bold truth, I can't find that kind of treatment to people others deemed unworthy of association. He was very direct with religious leaders.

I have become increasingly aware of community founded on relationships or caring, and how essential this is to growing. I'm working to reform my words, so that I do not participate in people bashing. Shutting up or deleting certain e-mails before reading is the easy job. Calling people on it is another issue. I've not gotten to that point, yet. That feels uncomfortable. Words are so powerful. Community of caring people is our hope and Christ's design, if you ask me. I'm learning a big lesson about this. I'm still learning. Sweet speech that is sincere on behalf of fellow humans is my goal.

Backyard Inspiration

I love our backyard. It is a mini-park in my urban world. It is a place of solitude and refuge or a gathering place for enjoying good friends and good food. Big trees surround it, a premium in some neighborhoods of Southern California. One tree is an avocado, and two others are orange trees. Delightful and a privilege to have those trees thriving.

I've decided to work on some landscaping. I'm designing a plan in my mind. I will consult my husband, who has a great head for solutions and practical steps, and he is very handy with many home projects. I will consider the two large dogs who have been known to eat a plant or two from time to time. I may even talk with a landscape design professional. I have a couple worthy recommendations. We need to paint the exterior of the house first.

I'm most excited about creating a fountain. I've been collecting ideas from various local fountains I like. I look forward to the beauty of the design, the soothing sound of falling water, and the possibility of cooling my feet on a hot day. I don't want a pool nor a jacuzzi -- just a beautiful fountain crafted from natural materials and perhaps some artsy tile. I want it to visually connect with the rest of the yard and the arts and crafts style of our 1915 home. Of course, I want to stay within our budget. I also want to enjoy the view of it from our den windows.

So, I'm sketching and taking photos, and pacing it out, and researching the project. That in itself has been rewarding. The processes of learning, growing, and creating something of beauty to share with others is a feast for my soul. I need an outlet like this project to get my mind off other clutter in the daily grind that I have no control over. I just ordered some books to study to further fine tune my ideas before I seek some construction bids. It's fun! When someone asks, like on the Actor's Studio, "What else would you like to try [as a career]?" I'd answer landscape architect or designer.

[Photo: Palm trees at shopping center near my home]