In the Eyes of the Beholder

Have you ever considered that what we think of as “the norm” is typically only cultural?  A number of things in the last few weeks have stirred those thoughts up for me again:

• We were at an auction where people were paying big bucks for antiques, primitives, etc.  In the midst of all of this was a gentleman who spotted an “invaluable” used game that he thought his grandchildren would like.  When he won the highest bid of $1.00, he carried the game with his head held high as though he’d received a trophy.
• We’ve been considering whether or not we should demolish our old farm house and build a small rustic home.  While most would determine the farm house not worth salvaging, those without homes or small shanties would consider it the “mansion” they’d never even dream of having.
• My brother, Art reminisces about a time in his boyhood when he played “basketball” for hours shooting a ball that would not hold air against the side of our old outhouse as a backboard.  Unbeknownst to Art, our neighbor, who drove by our place everyday, noticed Art’s determination.  He arrived at our house on Christmas Day with an inflated basketball, a hoop and a back board.  Art had never received such an elaborate gift!

Who determines what’s “normal”?  How do we conclude what’s “good” and what’s “bad”?  Customs and traditions in one culture would never be considered in another.  What’s perceived as beautiful to one is determined as repulsive to another.  What one values, another considers unworthy.  This song came as I’ve pondered these thoughts.

In the Eyes of the Beholder

By Bonnie Jaeckle

Flame-branded scars disfigure her face.

To him she’s a princess, to others disgrace.

Most keep their distance from the “monster” they see,

While his loving hands caress her face so gently.

CHORUS:

In the eyes of the beholder another can’t see,

‘Cause we’re blinded by perceptions of how life should be.

We can’t understand ways that are not our own

‘Til we walk in their shoes and live in their home.

Life in a shanty is all she dreams of.

It’s her constant request to her Father above.

It isn’t a mansion over-looking the sea,

Just something better than life on the streets.

CHORUS:

In the eyes of the beholder another can’t see

‘Cause we’re blinded by perceptions of how life should be.

We can’t understand ways that are not our own

‘Til we walk in their shoes and live in their home.

A new born calf and the sweet smell of hay;

Others go shopping while she gladly she stays

At home in simplicity when they go to work.

She enjoys her family while they pay the clerk.

CHORUS:

In the eyes of the beholder another can’t see

‘Cause we’re blinded by perceptions of how life should be.

We can’t understand ways that are not our own

‘Til we walk in their shoes and live in their home.

One more bottle to help ease the pain.

Those who knew him say he’s never been the same

Since his wife and children were killed in a feud.

How would you respond if it happened to you?

CHORUS:

In the eyes of the beholder another can’t see

‘Cause we’re blinded by perceptions of how life should be.

We can’t understand ways that are not our own

‘Til we walk in their shoes and live in their home.

Never satisfied with all that they get

His friends complain that, “This isn’t it!”

He knew his family could never afford

The ball that they bought which he had adored.

CHORUS:

In the eyes of the beholder another can’t see

‘Cause we’re blinded by perceptions of how life should be.

We can’t understand ways that are not our own

‘Til we walk in their shoes and live in their home.

Whole-Heartedly,

Bonnie

P.S.  Please feel free to contact me with questions, thoughts, topics you’d like to ponder or to read past articles at: http://whole-heartedlife.blogspot.com/.  You may also contact me at:

             Bonnie Jaeckle

             In Search of the Whole-Hearted Life

             Diagonal Progress

             505 Jefferson St.

             Diagonal, IA 50845

Grandpa’s Way of Life

It wasn’t so long ago that my life was so out of control that my emotions and body were screaming to get out of the raging river.  There never seemed to be enough time to complete my growing “to-do” list and I had no idea how to rest and enjoy.  While my personality is such that, even now, I can easily acquire a project list longer than any day is long, my attitude and approach toward those tasks have changed greatly.  I’m learning to not be so over-whelmed by it all, but to enjoy the journey along the way.

While generations of the past were certainly not idle, I’d guess that the difference between years gone by and the typical modern American lifestyle is the mind-set.  However, it seems that the tide may be changing and that more and more people are seeking a less complicated life.  I recently came across a Mark Brinkman song that speaks of this longing.

Grandpa’s Way of Life

He drank his coffee from a saucer,

Rolled his smokes from an ol’ tin can.

He could play Sally Goodin on the fiddle.

Yeah, he was Grandma’s kind of man.

Spent six days a week behind a plow mule

Turning acres into rows.

Yea, he’d even get up early Sunday morning

And put on his only Sunday clothes.

CHORUS:

And I wonder how things got so complicated.

You know it’s hard to find a good ol’ Barlow knife.

I’d love to throw computers out the window

And go back to Grandpa’s way of life.

In the 30’s he tried to give up farmin’,

Sold electric power door to door

He swore he’d never buy a German auto

After he got back in 44

His words and hand were stronger than iron.

Yea son, you could take that to the bank.

And every year when we brought in the harvest,

Well, Grandpa always knew just who to thank.

CHORUS:

And I wonder how things got so complicated.

You know it’s hard to find a good ol’ Rando knife.

I’d love to throw cell phones out the window

And go back to Grandpa’s way of life.

He could fix anything with balin’ wire or duct tape;

He called them God’s essential tools.

He never had much use for the TV,

All except for Walter Cronkite’s evening news.

He only had an 8^th grade education;

No Diploma hangin’ just for show.

But when it came to teachin’ me a lesson,

He will always be the smartest man I know.

CHORUS:

And I wonder how things got so complicated.

If I could hear his fiddle play tonight,

I’d throw my computer out the window

And go back to grandpa’s way of life.

I’d just go back to my grandpa’s way of life.

While I recognize that God’s timing is perfect in all things, sometimes I wish I could have learned a lot sooner that life was not intended to be complicated, rather it is simply about learning to enjoy His presence along the way!

Whole-Heartedly,

Bonnie

P.S.  Please feel free to contact me with questions, thoughts, topics you’d like to ponder or to read past articles at: http://whole-heartedlife.blogspot.com/.  You may also contact me at:

             Bonnie Jaeckle

             In Search of the Whole-Hearted Life

             Diagonal Progress

             505 Jefferson St.

             Diagonal, IA 50845

1st Annual Lloyd Loar’s Hometown Bluegrass Festival

1^st Annual Lloyd Loar’s Hometown Bluegrass Festival

to be held at

Marigold Meadows

1212 N. Cedar Street

Lewistown, IL 61542

Tel: 641-344-8284

wholeheartedlife1@gmail.com

Why Lloyd Loar?

Lloyd Loar's parents moved to Lewistown, IL in 1889 when Lloyd was three years old.  Lloyd attended Lewistown High School from 1899 to 1903 and began performing in local music programs.  Loar went on to study harmony, music theory, orchestration and piano. 

Loar's earliest claim to fame, as a performer,

was for his proficiency on the mandolin, violin and the musical saw.

According to various documents*, Loar returned to his hometown later in life and established an Acoustical Research Laboratory.

Loar & Bluegrass Music

While Bill Monroe may have been “The Father of Bluegrass", the sound we associate with Monroe’s mandolin came from Lloyd Loar.

As acoustical engineer and instrument designer for Gibson Mandolin-Guitar Manufacturing Co., Loar designed the 1923 Gibson F-5 model which was Monroe’s trademark instrument.

Loar’s design and development of the “Master Model” instruments revolutionized the tenor banjo of its day and laid the foundation for Earl Scruggs and Bluegrass music, 20 years later.

Loar at his work bench holding the 10-string mando-viola.

Loar's Legacy Lives On

Loar’s contributions to string musical instruments rank among other musical geniuses such as Antonius Stradivari, Orville Gibson, Leo Fender and Christian F. Martin.

Today an original Loar mandolin is valued at $175,000 to $200,000 — a true sign of appreciation for the work of this master designer. The result of his years of research and passion for his craft is a legacy of durable instruments and designs that have truly stood the test of time.   - Gibson.com

As one of the most fabled names in American instrument making history, we want to dedicate a Bluegrass festival to the memory of Lloyd Allayre Loar.  Please join as we continue to make Bluegrass Music history in his hometown!           

Lloyd Loar's Hometown Bluegrass Festival will be held annually,

the last full weekend in June, having a main focus on promoting scholarships for young Bluegrass Musicians.

1^st Annual Lloyd Loar’s Hometown Bluegrass Festival

June 28-30, 2013,

Gates open Friday noon & close Sunday noon:

* Friday-Stage Show 7 pm

* Saturday-Open Stage-?am/pm

(contingent upon number of bands)

Stage Shows - 1pm/7pm

* Sunday - Gospel jam 9AM

* Bluegrass jamming all weekend.

*Workshops

* Primitive camping (No service).

* Shows rain or shine.

* Free will donation.

* Bring lawn chairs & umbrellas.

* No drugs or alcoholic beverages.

* All pets must be on a leash, but not allowed in food or stage area.

* No electric instruments, please.

* Generators off at 10PM.

* Not responsible for accidents/theft.

DIRECTIONS (once to Lewistown):

* Take 12th Ave. East off of Main.

* Continue curving South as it turns into Broadway.

* Take Marshall St. East across tracks.

* Turn North onto N. Cedar St.- Continue onto gravel.

* Follow signs entering into Marigold meadows

Whole-Heartedly,

Art & Marcia Jones and

Gary & Bonnie Jaeckle

Note:

·          Photos courtesy of Roger H. Siminoff, reproduction rights reserved.  Unless otherwise noted, all Lloyd Loar information reproduced by permission, www.siminoff.net.

·          *Illinois Census 1920 & 1930

·          *Letterhead for Lloyd Loar Acoustical Research Laboratory, Lewistown, IL dated 1931

P.S.  Please feel free to contact me with questions, thoughts, topics you’d like to ponder or to read past articles at: http://whole-heartedlife.blogspot.com/.  You may also contact me at:

             Bonnie Jaeckle

             In Search of the Whole-Hearted Life

             Diagonal Progress

             505 Jefferson St.

             Diagonal, IA 50845

Aunt B’s 1st Annual Nieces’ Night Out

I’m excited that we have moved closer to many of my nieces.  I’ve been away for so many years that I’ve missed out on a lot in their lives.  The reality of everyone’s busy life tells me, though, that living closer doesn’t necessarily mean being more closely connected.  So… I’ve decided to hold an annual “Aunt B’s Nieces’ Night Out!”

Purpose:

·        To build forever friendships with and among my nieces.

·        To leave a legacy and make memories that will last for generations of nieces to come.

·        To have lots of fun, good food and most importantly fellowship.

Who will I invited:  Nieces, wanna-be nieces (engaged to one of my nephews), honorary nieces (married to one of my nephews), great-nieces and great-great nieces.

First year’s theme: “All in the Family”.

While I’m still having fun planning, I’m considering:

Activities:

§                                 Interview Game - Pair up each guest with the person they know the least.  Give each person a list of personal family questions, such as how many children do you have, what type of work do you do, favorite family vacation spot, and most embarrassing family nickname.  Have each person interview the other for five minutes, then talk about their partner to the group.

§                                 Family Trivia - Before the party, ask guests to tell me a little-known fact about themselves.  At the party, have someone read the facts aloud and have guests guess who the mystery person is.  The one with the most correct guesses will win a gift.

§                                 Favorite family dishes - Before the party, ask guests to send me a recipe card for a favorite family dish, i.e. grandma’s homemade noodles.  Ask them to bring the prepared dish to the party for our meal that first evening.  Have the guests vote for their favorite dish.  The winning chef will receive a gift.  Compile the recipes cards into a keepsake family cookbook.

§                                 Cultural Recipes – Prepare a meal of dishes related to our family culture.

§                                 The Family Tree – Make or purchase a tree from which to hang childhood pictures of my nieces.  Place a number on the back of each picture and have the guests guess who is in each picture.  The one with the most correct answers will win a prize.

§                                 Story telling – Share a memory about cousins, aunt & nieces, a family event, etc.  As Madeleine L’Engle says,

If you don’t recount your family history, it will be lost.

Honor your own stories and tell them too.

The tales may not seem very important,

but they are what binds families

and

makes each of us who we are.

§                                 Family Heritage table – Family photo albums.  Copies of genealogy for each guest.  Culturally appropriate flags, symbols, flowers etc.

§                                 Gifts - Family history oriented.  Family keepsakes etc.

§                                 Care packages – Work together to prepare for nieces/cousins unable to attend.

While I’m having fun planning activities, I want to leave plenty of time to just visit, peruse albums, and reminisce together, etc.  I’m getting excited!  As I’m planning, I keep pondering a quote I read from Lee Iacocca,

No matter what you’ve done for yourself or for humanity,

if you can’t look back on having given love

and

attention to your own family,

what have you really accomplished?

I don’t want to look back and feel as though I’ve accomplished nothing.

Whole-Heartedly,

Bonnie

P.S.  Please feel free to contact me with questions, thoughts, topics you’d like to ponder or to read past articles at: http://whole-heartedlife.blogspot.com/.  You may also contact me at:

             Bonnie Jaeckle

             In Search of the Whole-Hearted Life

             Diagonal Progress

             505 Jefferson St.

             Diagonal, IA 50845

‘Neath the Old Oak Tree

How have we come to the point of resigning from the privilege of personally preparing the bodies of our loved ones for burial?  While it may be true that most funeral directors have the sincerest desire to offer a helpful service, a brief study of state burial regulations reveals that we have been swindled into yet another system that has stolen the privileges and responsibilities of God’s children.  The funeral industry has turned the “final act of love” into a dehumanizing, commercial ritual.  May the lyrics of this song encourage you in reclaiming one of life’s most intimate experiences.

‘Neath the Old Oak Tree

By Bonnie Jaeckle 04.19.13

When the days are rough and times are hard

You know where I will be:

Nestled in the hole of the oak,

Just my Katie and me.

CHORUS:

So, bury me ‘neath the old oak tree

Where Katie and I sat alone.

Lay me to rest ‘neath the old oak tree

When this world no longer I roam.

Ain’t no law against old flannel shirts.

Don’t need a pin-striped suit.

And why buy a fancy burial vault

When an ‘ol pine box will do?

CHORUS:

Bury me ‘neath the old oak tree

Where Katie and I sat alone.

Lay me to rest ‘neath the old oak tree

When this world no longer I roam.

If you wanna pay your respects to me,

Don’t fall for this money makin’ plot.

Why would I want to look alive

When in reality I’m not?

CHORUS:

I wanna be buried ‘neath the old oak tree

Where Katie and I sat alone.

Lay me to rest ‘neath the old oak tree

When this world no longer I roam.

There’s no need to attempt to preserve

What God has made out of dust.

When my days on earth come to an end,

It’s His promises that I will trust

CHORUS:

Bury me ‘neath the old oak tree

Where Katie and I sat alone.

Lay me to rest ‘neath the old oak tree

When this world no longer I roam.

Please lay me to rest ‘neath the old oak tree

When this world no longer I roam.

For further information on this topic, Caring for the Dead: Your Final Act of Love by Lisa Carlson, executive director of the Funeral and Memorial Societies of America is an excellent resource and gives the requirements for each state. You may also find the following link helpful: http://consumerist.com/2009/03/06/save-money-on-a-funeral/.

Whole-Heartedly,

Bonnie

P.S.  Please feel free to contact me with questions, thoughts, topics you’d like to ponder or to read past articles at: http://whole-heartedlife.blogspot.com/.  You may also contact me at:

             Bonnie Jaeckle

             In Search of the Whole-Hearted Life

             Diagonal Progress

             505 Jefferson St.

             Diagonal, IA 50845

DISCLAIMER:

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All content of this article is commentary or opinion and is protected under Free Speech. The author sells no hard products and earns no money from the recommendation of products. The information herein is presented for educational and commentary purposes only and should not be construed as professional advice from any licensed practitioner. The information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease.  This is best left to the Creator of the universe.  In all health-related situations, “qualified healthcare professionals” should always be consulted.  The author deems THE GREAT PHYSICIAN to be most qualified.  The author assumes no responsibility for the use or misuse of this material.

The Disclosed Secret

When I was in the Philippines, I had the opportunity to enjoy some hummus that was out of this world!  I tried, to no avail to get the restaurant owner to share his recipe with me.  He smiled at me and said, “If I share this, I’ll be dead in the morning!”  I think he was teasing about being dead, but he was serious about not sharing his secret.

I’ve had a hunger for hummus several times since returning home from the Philippines, but nothing that I’ve tried compares to that which the Filipino chef prepares; plus, hummus in the grocery store is terribly expensive!  A few weeks ago, I decided to try my hand at making hummus and developed a recipe that, in my opinion, comes pretty close to the hummus that I’ve longed for.  In fact, I may be developing a new addiction!

If you are a hummus connoisseur, I think you’re taste buds will be delighted with this recipe.  If you’ve never had hummus, my recipe may be a good place to establish a taste for it. 

Let’s see… what shall I call it?  How about…

Disclosed Secret Hummus

¼ cup tahini paste

1 tsp. honey

¼ cup lemon juice

1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil

2 Tbsp water

1 tsp. ground cumin

½ bunch fresh cilantro, chopped (or 1 Tbsp dried)

3 cloves chopped/minced garlic

1 tsp. salt

¼ medium onion, finely chopped

1 tsp. chopped jalapeno pepper

2 – 15.5 oz. cans drained chickpeas (garbanzo beans)

Place all ingredients in a food processor or blender and process until smooth.  Add more oil and/or water if too dry.  Serve with crackers, pita bread, and/or vegetables.

Note: Hummus takes on many different faces.  Don’t be afraid to play around with various ingredients i.e.: tomatoes, olives, various spices, basil pesto, etc.

Hmm... should I warn my Filipino chef that his secret is out or simply enjoy my recipe and hope that he is spared?

Whole-Heartedly,

Bonnie

P.S.  Please feel free to contact me with questions, thoughts, topics you’d like to ponder or to read past articles at: http://whole-heartedlife.blogspot.com/.  You may also contact me at:

             Bonnie Jaeckle

             In Search of the Whole-Hearted Life

             Diagonal Progress

             505 Jefferson St.

             Diagonal, IA 50845

Searching for Truth in a World Full of Lies

In the process of seeking purpose in life and attempting to get a hold on Truth, I’ve looked to and trusted in many things.  As Father has walked me through various stages of understanding, He has shown me that although most of us place high stakes in such worldly things, there is no hope in any of them.  While I’m sure the journey and lessons are not finished, I’ve come to recognize that unadulterated purpose and Truth can not be found in this world, even within the religious systems.  The lyrics below express the journey which often leads to that understanding.

                                                                                          

Searching for Truth in a World Full of Lies

                                                                                    By Bonnie Jaeckle, April 2013

CHORUS:

Searching for truth in a world full of lies.

Don’t look to the altar; don’t look to the skies.

We won’t find answers; it’s all a disguise,

If we’re searching for truth in a world full of lies.

Climb that ladder toward riches and fame.

Fend for Myself to gain a great name.

Seek more education.  Don’t stop for a rest

‘Til finally I question, “What IS success?”

Sit back and enjoy!  Get out for some fun!

It’s all about ME.  I am the one!

Games and parties, retirement and wine,

‘Til I’m old and lonely with only a short time.

CHORUS:

Searching for truth in a world full of lies.

Don’t look to the altar; don’t look to the skies.

We won’t find answers; it’s all a disguise,

If we’re searching for truth in a world full of lies.

One more study.  They’re finding a way

To keep me young and healthy always.

My faith is in science and the next helpful pill

‘Til my body starts screaming, “They’re designed to kill!”

“Religion’s the answer,” the self-righteous will say,

“Going to church is the only way!

I’ve got the answers!  My preacher’s got it right!”

‘Til my eyes are opened, I’ve been blinded by pride!

CHORUS:

Searching for truth in a world full of lies.

Don’t look to the altar; don’t look to the skies.

We won’t find answers; it’s all a disguise,

If we’re searching for truth in a world full of lies.

My nation’s the greatest…My country’s the best!

I must fight for my freedom…Take it all from the rest!

My trust is in warfare and I’ll stand ‘til the end!

‘Til the truth is exposed that the nations are friends!

There’s Something bigger, more powerful, you see,

Than the systems of religion or Global policies.

When the facts sink in and hard reality hits

We’ll all come to see that this world isn’t it!

Searching for truth in a world full of lies.

Don’t look to the altar; don’t look to the skies.

We won’t find answers; it’s all a disguise,

If we’re searching for truth in a world full of lies.

Whole-Heartedly,

Bonnie

P.S.  Please feel free to contact me with questions, thoughts, topics you’d like to ponder or to read past articles at: http://whole-heartedlife.blogspot.com/.  You may also contact me at:

             Bonnie Jaeckle

             In Search of the Whole-Hearted Life

             Diagonal Progress

             505 Jefferson St.

             Diagonal, IA 50845