Time Experience Thoughts

This entry is related to one on Carrie's blog where she posted a couple of cute pics of herself as a young gal. I said I would put up a couple of even cuter ones. So, here they are; plus one of Sydney for good measure. (Carrie and Sydney from the 80s.) We have, of course, many more such cute pictures. Carrie spent some time during her vacation this summer to Virginia with The Boys organizing our pictures from the various places of storage. Thanks Carrie. Now Becky and I can get to more of the pictures to sift and sort for the nuggests. (Picture of Carrie in the late 70s.)

I. Sometimes, When I least expect it , I happen to catch a brief glimpse of, say, The side of your face, As you are talking in a crowd. Just then, In an instant , My heart leaps, then burns with a cool freshness -- A crisp blast of a winter breeze That burns in and through and out of my chest. II. I simply want To sit there and stare -- Slack-jawed and wide-eyed -- And enjoy the sensation, the revelation, the vision; To drink it all in, And taste it fully to my soul’s satisfaction. I want To freeze this moment in time And gaze and wonder and enjoy -- Though I quickly avert my eyes So as to not make a scene by staring at you. III. But, just as quickly, I glance over at you again And again without letting anyone -- not even you -- notice; Stealing a few more peeks ; Warm reminders Of the many insights and experiences and ideas we've shared For all the decades we’ve been together. IV. How many times I have marveled at how, for so long, I've known Who you really are, and who ...

Lately, Becky has been letting her hair grow out just a little longer. She us also wearing some longer earrings than has been her habit over the past 40 years. I think she may be borrowing some from Sydney. (Becky driving, August 2007) And it goes without saying that I really liked her hair way back in the early 70s. (Becky with gold dress, Christmas 1971) Regarding her hair length, I like it whatever length/style it happens to be. I particularly liked the shorter length it was for our Duarte High School 30-year reunion for the Class of '72. (Summer, 2002)

(Father-Mother-Son; Man-Woman-Boy; Husband-Wife-Child) The spark lay buried; Dormant—smoldering—comforting, deep within; Waiting to jump into flame. Long hidden from view, Never really known; though almost shown By inklings, and flashes and glimpses. Anxious, now, To make it to the air, finally did it pierce through; at just the perfect, select moment; No more to be concealed. Impatient waiting, and now seeing, The flame grows into an enduring, Eternal light; Capable of sparking others. The burning, now, Creates life on its own; now sees the full light of day. This “burning” Sets on fire the souls that now perceive; and comes together as One; Over altars, and glances, and (kind) words, and gentle (forgiving) hearts. Wiggling and vibrating Long, and strong, and sure; echoing again and again new found freedom. The Child Comes in an instant to Father and Mother, Who seek to erase any pain, and gain the desire to impart… all. Everything. Every good thing. Child grows old; Child grows wise;...

We were driving from Logan, UT where Sydney just graduated from Utah State University to Roseville, CA where Scott, Carrie, Ryan, and Sean live. Along the way we paused at a rest stop in the midst of the Great Salt Lake's Bonneville salt flats. As soon as we got out of the van, Ryan darted for the salt flats and began running . . . and running, and running. He was leading the way (without looking back to see if we were all following him). I followed him WAY out into the salt flats. He may have run a good half mile of a mile. It looked like he was heading for those mountains in the distance. I caught up and we finally turned around. He knew this wasn't snow, or concrete, but salt (he took us at our word). So when I suggested we lick it, he was all for it. It was kinda 'inviting' . . . licking-wise, that is -- AND in its natural wonder. (May 2006)

Sean wiggle-walking. (Was titled, "Wiggle When You Walk; Giggle When You Talk . . . ") He went on like this for a long time. I thought he might stop; but he kept going. I finally got out my cell phone to take this movie. He went on and on and on -- what a "journey." Kids laugh. Kids skip. Kids smile. Kids love. And ALL so naturally . . . and so full of life! (4 August 2007)

Poems written while on my mission in the mid-70s. ~ ~ ~ Glad From a song, from a friend For the Melody and Harmony Of your soul they fill The wide expanses of within . Scott L. Vanatter, 11 March 1975 ~ ~ ~ Inside Looking Out Too many times I (Deeply) wonder, And often I decide, Pondering and considering The day of this Life. Hidden revelations begin to sink in; Things I had but didn't comprehend. Often come they with softness Of the spirit most sublime. The spirit of man -- to develop; The Holy Spirit -- to confirm. With the knowledge And the Path stretched forever in eternity... You slip. With the Majesty of a Testimony you Ponder, Pray, and Plan. Thanks be to God repentance is real And the Key to the Inner Man . Scott L. Vanatter, 12 March 1975 ~ ~ ~ Revelation You sit and you've been wondering; Thinking of that thing ahead. All creation seems to sit beside you . Crowded. Feelings of uselessness tempt you. And it's all relative. Coming too subtly faith whispers To go ...