Real People

I drove with my to eldest children to Alexandria, Indiana this weekend to attend a concert featuring the Isaacs. We were excited to be able to see this group in person, because it usually helps make them seem more real.

I must say, I was not disappointed. The concert was incredible. This group, made up of mostly family, showed such comeradery on stage that everyone seemed drawn right into the music. I especially enjoyed it when a song was given a prologue. Understanding the "why" of a song, generally endears me to that piece permanently.

As wonderful as the concert was, I was most impressed with the after-concert activities. This family stayed out front. They mingled. They took pictures, gave autographs, and allowed for people like me to get to know them a bit. The building where the concert took place needed to have chairs put away and sound equipment stowed. This family showed they weren't even above the menial tasks of set up or tear down.

It is a rare thing to see people so greatly gifted, remain at the level of the "common people".

Thank you Isaacs family, for being "Real People".

New Day

Here we are, beginning a new month and the beginning of the Jewish new year. I love the Jewish feasts, although I know little about them. What I do know, is their symbolism to the Messiah promised by God in Isaiah and Daniel. The time between October 1 and October 10 is a time of awe, or reflection. On the 10th, according to a Jewish calendar I viewed, is the Day of Atonement. I would love to learn more about these feasts if anyone has information.

Another thing I love about the beginning of October, is the induction of fall midway-the end of the month. I live in Michigan, so the trees begin changing their color, then dropping their leaves to the ground, providing a new and fun activity for children. I always looked forward to raking the leaves into a pile then jumping in them, or burying each other in them.

Throughout the month, fall festivals are celebrated throughout the communities. Depending on faiths, or purposes, the festivals take on different forms. Some have harvest parties, while others celebrate Holloween.
I personally look forward to the bonfires and the hayrides. It's always such fun, for some reason, to climb aboard a wagon full of hay in the dark and ride through a field or down a country road in the cold. We bundle our children in hats, gloves, scarves and maybe even a blanket or two. Everyone is set in place, nice and cozy, but the no one arrives serene and ready for a long night's nap. Those waiting for the wagon's return may find a crowd of rowdy, laughing, hay-covered children, young and old alike. Those who dislike the hay fight, choose a later ride with the "adults" who just like the quiet ride.

Then November comes and a whole new focus comes into play.