Maris' Masterpiece

My wife painted these. She is very creative. Of course she wanted me to put them up with the lines going vertically and I misunderstood and made the lines horizontal. She likes it for now but I assure you, they will be vertical before you know it.

men holding hands

Don't worry, this is just my good friend, Bob, holding hands with a friend (apparently a very good friend) in Ethiopia. It's just part of their culture. It's interesting to think about physical affirmation and the place it has in our different cultures. In America it's ok to give the token "good game" (a.k.a. pat on the butt) during sporting events. It's alright to give a man hug as well (usually with a corresponding three pats on the back, signify "I'm not gay."). However, in Japan they don't give hugs at all (at least from my observation). At any rate, this picture just made me think about the whole physicality of cultures thing. Personally, I think physical affirmation is important to caring for others and being cared for. Let me hear your thoughts. In the meantime I'll be holding hands with my lovely wife...

17 inches of catfish

Daiki caught this one.

Pot. #2

Yesterday, July 24th, 2006, I caught my first fish that was big enough to eat. It was a 13-inch bass. Of course moments later Daiki caught a 17-inch catfish but I was happy nonetheless (I'll post some nasty pictures for you shortly). At any rate, it got us to thinking about how Jesus said to Simon and Andrew in Matthew 4:19, "Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men." To be a fisher of fish and a fisher of men takes great patience I've discovered. Sometimes all they want is a nibble of what I have. Sometimes they're not at all interested in my stink bait. But every once in awhile one bites hard and I've caught him. That is when we celebrate. I can fish all day long and catch nothing one day and then the next day I'm pulling them in like no other. I guess the important thing is that I'm always fishing. I think we're going to head back out to the lake tomorrow morning if you want to join us (Pottawatamie Lake #2).

Daiki Learns English

Learning a foreign language is difficult. Check out my wife's blog if you want to see me struggle through some Japanese. Don't worry, Daiki told me I could post this one. Please enjoy!

our green pepper

 All we have is one so far friends. I'm trying to nurture this one so I can get it in my belly. 

lightning from above

I took this picture at Colbert Hills. God is powerful and it is evident in creation. Enjoy!

My Trombone Solo

This is the third summer I've played for the Abilene Community Band's one jazz concert. The last two summers I played piano. This summer I was replaced by an old man on the ivories and asked to man the trombone. I have this connection because I student taught a couple years ago with the director of this band. This was a great evening because Maris joined me for the third time. I had other fans in the crowd as well; Tone-bone from Wyandotte, Daiki and Cholo from Japan, and Mansour from Saudi Arabia. My parents also drove up from Augusta and took us out for ice cream. To top it all off I got paid $50 and sweated profusely in the 100 degree heat. Here's a clip from one of my solos. I'm playing mostly rhythmic stuff (listen carefully for the paradiddle).

Fadhil's Audio Post

Translation: Peace be with you. Hi Ben. I am happy to know you. I wish to have happy times with you. Thank you.

Ben's Response

shopping with maris

Wow, I have a headache...