♫May I have this dance?♫

This reminds me of "Piano Man."

Wannabe Hair

Confession: I can't french braid hair. Yes, it's true. Having no sisters, I didn't practice with other's hair... And I was always "too busy" with other activities to practice with my own. However, with the popularity of The Hunger Games movie, many of my friends are sporting Katniss' braid. And being somewhat fashion illiterate, I look to my friends for tips. So, I decided to try it.

Browsing a HG fan-site, I stumbled upon this hair website and her several Katinss-hair tutorials. With trepidation, I attempted her original Katniss braid. And after several fits and starts, I achieved this result:

While it's certainly NOT perfect, I was excited that I tried it and it worked! There is more practice in my future...

Happy Birthday, Mama!

I love you! God is so good; He gave me to you.

Quotes of the Day

"However, a quiet voice inside her argued that it was worth dying, if death would prove that truth was more powerful than physical strength. " ~Elantris (p.245)

"Truth can never be defeated... Even if people do forget about it occasionally. " ~Elantris (p. 246)

I've been given:

Two Blog Awards! Thanks Ana & Emily!

What's the Scoop?
1. Post these rules
2. Post 11 random things about yourself
3. Answer the questions the tagger asked you
4. Tag three more fellow bloggers.
5. Go to their blogs and tell them they've been tagged

11 Random Things:
1. Orange toe-nail polish is my favorite toe-nail polish.
2. I love to study.
3. Especially literature, theology, history, and economics.
4. I'm a presuppositionalist.
5. So, Van Til is my hero.
6. Owls are my new fad.
7. I think graphic novels can be entertaining.
8. Les Mis & The Hunger Games top my current playlist. Or "Life After Death & Taxes" by Relient K.
9. In my 18 years of education, I have dabbled in five languages. Some, more than dabbled.
10. I like hats, but they don't always like me.
11. Driving with the windows down is the tops.

Ana's Questions:
1. What do you want to do with your life when you're an adult? Like, job and stuff?
Since I am an adult, I would say that if God grants me a family of my own, I want to serve them as a wife and mother - home educating and managing our home. But, if I remain single, I am blessed and excited to continue working for my father, serving my church, and glorifying God in my various jobs.

2. What's your favorite band?
Celtic Thunder? I've seen them in concert twice.

3. Where's your favorite place?
My Room.

4. What's your FAVORITE thing to do?
Read.

5. What do you do to vent?
Talk to my family or friends. Though in general, I try not to vent.

6. Favorite sport.
FOOTBALL!

7. Favorite holiday?
My Birthday?

8. If you had one super power, what would it be?
Flight? No, super-speed. Imagine the reading I could accomplish!

9. Do you like writing?
Sometimes, depending on the subject. I am NOT a creative writer. I need a concrete subject.

10. Winter or summer?
Both.

11. What instruments do you play?
Piano.


Emily's Questions
1. What are your least-hated and most-hated household jobs? (example: taking out the garbage, cleaning the catbox... Yuck....)
Least-hated: Organization. In fact, I LOVE it. Most-hated: Toilets.

2. What Bible verse is your favorite, and why?
I don't have a favorite, but I do love this one: After these things the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision, saying, "Do not fear, Abram, I am a shield to you; Your very great reward." Genesis 15: 1 This verse reminds me that we will enjoy God forever. He is our reward - thanks to the work of Christ.

3. Do you have a school subject that doesn't feel like school because you enjoy it so much? (Feel free to say no!) What is it?
English! Literature! Economics! History! Um... Yeah, I'm a nerd.

4. If you were kidnapped and dropped on a desert island, what one thing would you want to have with you? I'm really interested in this one... :D
A bookshelf - filled with books including my Bible.

5. Do you think that it's kidnapped or kidnaped?
Kidnapped.

6. What's your love language?
Not something I care to share online. :)

7. Do you like moonlight or sunlight better?
Depends on my mood.

8. What impossible/ridiculous thing have you always wanted to do?
Um... Act in MECHE skits?!

My Questions:
1. Science Fiction or Fantasy?
2. Batman or Superman?
3. Action or Drama?
4. What's your favorite genre of music?
5. Favorite day of the week?
6. TV or Movie?
7. Lord of the Rings or Chronicles of Narnia?
8. Philosophy or Science?
9. What is your current favorite hymn?

I'm breaking the last rule. I'm only tagging Kelsie from Sailboats and Circle Skirts.

Picture Credit: Google Search

There is no going back

My poor, dear friends are probably sick and tired of hearing me rehash again and again my qualms about and my support for The Hunger Games. And I can't say that I blame them. Round and round I go. The Hunger Games Trilogy has captured my attention and make me contend with it. I love digging for the worldview behind a story. But, THG is something more; it is quite complex and worthy of even further discussion. For that reason alone, I adore this series. After reading this review however, you may ask yourself: "This is what she calls adoration?" What can I say? This series challenged me to ruminate further.

If I were describing myself to you, I would confide that I view myself as optimistic. Not that I necessarily am... my family and best friends who understand me, often better than I understand myself, might confess a different story. Regardless, this idea of optimism may be what draws me toward dystopia. A strange notion - I grant you. But, those grim futures captivate me. Worlds characterized by mankind's mistakes amplified and examined. Within the pages of these stories, I maintain hope. The reason for this hope is unmistakable. God is sovereign; there is no need to despair for the future.

Despite having finished The Hunger Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins and seen the movie come to life, my jury is deadlocked. Half the jury is soundly in favor of The Hunger Games; they cheer loudly for dystopia, love a well-written, fast-paced story, and relish the philosophical knots. The other half is conflicted; they worry for those who don't consider deeply enough, believe the message isn't clear enough, and suspect that THG attempts to justify murder. In the end, my thoughts, at times, seem too muddled to make a comprehensible decision. While the moral philosophy of these books is in question, I have not encountered a series this poignant since The Lord of the Rings. Certain elements of the book trouble my conscience, but Collins communicates the evils of despotic government in an unforgettable way.

Katniss and Prim

WARNING: Spoilers.

The Story:
Sometime in the future, the North American political landscape has changed. In the country Panem, the dictatorial Capitol rules over the Districts. Years ago, the thirteen Districts attempted to overthrow the Capitol. In crushing the rebellion, the Capitol destroyed District 13 and instituted the annual Hunger Games to remind the Districts of the price of disobedience. Each year, two adolescent tributes, one male and female, are chosen in the Reaping and sent to fight to the death in the arena for the entertainment of the Capitol citizenry. During the Reaping, Katniss Everdeen watches as her twelve-year-old sister, Prim, is selected. Without hesitation, Katniss steps forward and volunteers. The game has begun.

Pondering the moral philosophy of the Hunger Games:
Katniss' sacrifice for Prim seems noble (and is). However, by agreeing to participate in the game, she has implicitly acknowledged their rules as morally upright - or at the very least, morally neutral - like painting your room yellow. Yet, Katniss' soul is vexed; tormented, she ruminates about the atrocities that the Capitol forces her and her fellow tributes to commit. However, the truth is that "The Devil Made Me Do It" is not acceptable. We are ultimately responsible for our own actions - regardless of what the higher authority requires of us. The Capitol's arena requires one to kill another so that the former might live. Yet, the desire that others should die in your stead isn't following the Biblical model of self-sacrifice (excluding self-dense and the like). In fact, this idea flows from Satan's seed and the Fall. I determine good and evil. It is ultimately an outworking of self-worship.

President Snow

The question then becomes, what is the correct or morally appropriate choice? After being chosen at the Reaping, should the Tributes participate? If not what should they do? Most of them recognize that the game is evil, but none of them acts. As Christians, we understand that if the government commands us to sin, we must refuse. We answer to a higher authority. The Hunger Games are a choice. It seems, at first, as if the first book attempts to argue that the tributes are forced to capitulate to the Capitol's demands. This, on the surface, seems to make sense. Play or Die. However, there is still a choice. Why is death a bad decision? Why is standing for righteousness not considered? Death may come, but there is nothing wrong with being a martyr for righteousness.

The above being said, Suzanne Collins has a knack for manifesting the effects of sin. Katniss and Peeta may have survived the arena, but they are not without scars. Suffering from nightmares, these teenagers are traumatized by the atrocities they saw and committed. Peeta himself confesses that no one leaves the arena unless they are a murderer. Our heroes capitulated to the Capitol; they fought in the games. But they do not rejoice over it. It reminds me of The Lord of the Rings. At the end of the story. Do you remember? Middle Earth isn't the same. The characters have been affected by the evil they saw and experienced. Frodo said it best, "How do you pick up the threads of an old life? How do you go on... when in your heart you begin to understand... there is no going back? There are some things that time cannot mend... some hurts that go too deep... that have taken hold." (As an aside, it makes me think of heaven. Where there will be no more pain. Or tears.)

Peeta

Part of the pain that Katniss experiences is a realization that the potential, new government system is worse than the Capitol. District 13 is communistic. Like the government of the French Revolution or Communist Russia before it, District 13 dubs its people ("citizens"), rules with an iron fist, and forces the people to conform to their daily, government-regimented schedules. What a powerful example of why we don't look to government parties or powers to save us!

Collins' series is not primarily a commentary on communism, however. In fact, it's primarily a commentary on the similarities between our culture and Roman culture. (More on that subject below...) And she's not subtle about it. From character's names (Caesar, Cato, Plutarch - to name a few...) to the "arena", to the direct statement of "panem et circenses", she hits you over the head with a two-by-four. Frankly, I admire her for that. There is a time for subtlety, and there is a time for bluntness.

Collins has much about which to be blunt. Katniss oldest friend, Gale, believes that in order to battle a repressive government, like the Capitol, you must play their game. But, Katniss has played their game - literally. And she experiences the heartbreak and tragedy that come the hard way. Fighting evil with evil is not the answer. A resounding statement in the THG made grimly obvious by terrible consequences.

Gale

Even within the sadness of Panem, however, there are glimmers of hope. Peeta, the love interest of Katniss, is one such glimmer. Ever the morally upright character, Peeta is selfless. Willing to sacrifice himself at every turn for others. By the end of the series, Katniss realizes she needs this one. The one who would give up everything...

Thoughts on the film:
The best compliment that the movie deserves is its faithfulness to the source material. (I can see cheers and glares all directed at me. Just from that one statement. :) But, as I watched the movie, I grew increasingly disturbed. It was one thing, I found, to read this book and examine its worldview, and entirely another thing to watch it on the big screen. Suzanne Collins compares the Capitol citizens watching the arena to American watching reality TV shows. Both groups delight in the pain, anguish, and torment of others. Cultures of death and destruction - all neatly packaged as entertainment. As I sat through The Hunger Games film, I couldn't help but wonder if the joke was on me. After all, I paid my money. Purchased my ticket. All to see the show.

Conclusion:
Sometimes, it is clear to me that I am too hard on THG. A story must have a beginning. A place where the characters may not necessarily understand the truth. Or perhaps they comprise where they should stand firm. But this is not a reason to reject a story outright. Within the Christian worldview, we understand progress. Growth. Maturation. (Dare I say sanctification?) So we must ask questions such as: How does the author treat the failures of his creations? With applause? Or condemnation? Do the characters learn from their mistakes and sins? Do they develop? Collins doesn't leave Katniss stagnant. Katniss grows in wisdom and understanding. For this reason, the Katniss' journey is remarkable and worthy of a second look.
________________________________________________
Other thoughts on The Hunger Games Trilogy:
WORLD Magazine on the movie
Redeemed Reader on the book
Redeemed Reader on the movie
Doug Wilson. Again.
Kevin Swanson - Generations with Vision Again:

My Current Playlist

Besides the "Red & Black" of Les Mis, etc., I've been obsessively listening to The Hunger Games soundtrack. It's fantastic. From songs about the Capitol to the mines, from the mockingjay to the games, and from Rue (Prim?) to Peeta, it captures the spirit of the book (and film?) so well. With that in mind, I couldn't resist sharing this song... Whom do you think it's about?

Chuckle

Les Misérables

Les Misérables is one of the most profoundly Christian stories I have ever heard. Weaved throughout the whole is a message of mercy, forgiveness, and a home in heaven with our God. I've loved it since I saw the musical performed on Broadway almost four years ago, and it amazes me every time I watch it. 

Which is why I was delighted to discover that the musical will be making a big screen debut this December. Hugh Jackman and Russel Crowe are set to play the roles of Jean Valjean and Javert, respectively. There are no words. *grins* Unfortunately, this is the only photo I've been able to find online... Just a peek of what is to come!

Jean Valjean

Booklist: March 2012

In March, I had the pleasure of reading many compelling and fun books. I finally fell down the rabbit hole with Alice and discovered the adventures waiting there. Now the phrase "Curiouser and curiouser" springs my lips often. Alice in Wonderland is much like The Phantom Tollbooth in its use of puns, while not quite as humorous as the latter. Lies Women Believe is both encouraging and convicting by turns. The chapters about God, self, and family were particularly good! I would heartily recommend it. I would regale you all with more thoughts about dystopia, but I've blogged about it once. There are more blog posts on the way... and you're probably tired of hearing about it... *grins*

March 2012
9. Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll
10. Lies Women Believe: and the Truth that Sets them Free by Nancy Leigh DeMoss
11. Divergent by Veronica Roth
12. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
13. Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins
14. Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

Now that I can Dance

It's that time of year once again! We're putting on our dancing shoes (or taking them off... Dancing barefoot is awesome!)

In our four years, the OSB group has learned ~35 dances. With all those lively dances from which to chose, we aren't learning any new ones for the upcoming ball. But, we're having a blast with the old favorites.

Can't wait until next practice...

Booklist: February 2012

Whew! Almost no reading was accomplished in February. Bummer. But, the two books I did read were definitely worth reading. Gatto's perspective on the current public school system is insightful and refreshing. Unfortunately, Gatto's humanistic tendency does overshadow an otherwise worthy book. Stockett's The Help is extremely popular, and now I see why. While not without flaws, it is an absorbing story filled with colorful, complex characters. These two imperfect works - I confess I enjoyed.

February 2012

7. Dumbing Us Down: The Hidden Curriculum of Compulsory Schooling by John Taylor Gatto

8. The Help by Kathryn Stockett 

Picture Credit: Google Image Search

We Have a HULK

Booklist: January 2012

Yikes! I haven't blogged my monthly booklists yet! And it's April!! Sigh. This season is quite busy for my family. Suffice it to say, I didn't blog along with YLCF's March of Books either. Double sigh. Well, now I'm trying to play catch up. I was delighted to finish Christopher Paolini's Inheritance Cycle. At last! And despite the strange philosophies tossed in, Eragon's adventure was fun. It wasn't what I had hoped for, but I know I'll read it again someday. It was my intention to finish Dicken's famous Christmas story in December, but good intentions don't necessarily guarantee good results. At least I did finish it, right? If I could recommend one book from my January list, it would be 7 Toxic Ideas. Definitely 5/5 stars. I'm sure some future "Quotes of the Day" posts will be taken from this book. And Abigail Adams may be a children's book, but I liked it. If the Lord blesses me with children, I'll read it to them... What a diverse list this month!

January 2012
1. Eldest by Christopher Paolini
2. Brisingr by Christopher Paolini
3. Inheritance by Christopher Paolini
4. A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
5. 7 Toxic Ideas Polluting Your Mind by Anthony Selveggio
6. Abigail Adams by Evelyn Witter

Picture Credit: Google Image Search