A Night at the Movies
Monday, July 18, 2005
It was a good morning. Collette had forgotten how good it was to read through a theology book with OLeif, as they had in the old days. “Knowing Scripture” by R.C. Sproul was first on their list, and they would make it a habit every morning to read through such works. Also, in Mom’s book that morning, she had written a verse which brought extra meaning to Collette during those days:
“Be joyful always; pray continually, and give thanks in all circumstances.” – I Thessalonians 5:16-18.
It was good to be reminded of those things, and to begin each morning with the Bible and an insightful theology reading from the great men of faith. It made Collette sad in some ways to think of the hermits in the mountains of the far east, in their monasteries. The idea of solitude, of quiet and prayer and meditation was a most welcome thought. But they did not understand. Their foundation was in themselves, in their own abilities. The Taoism, Buddhism, Islam, Confucianism, etc… (which she had studied more extensively in her religion class), all focused on their inner strength to save themselves. And it was a sad thought. However, Collette (who still kept the missionary spirit from those years past in Hungary) still wished to be of use that way. Who knew – but perhaps one day she would even travel to Mongolia herself – the land of wind and stars and high mysterious mountains.
And there were storms coming, it seemed. Likely there would be more by the end of the week from Hurricane Emily after she hit the Yucatan. However, the Southwest would likely receive more of that than the Midwest.
Back on the home front, Collette cleaned out the toy room, coming across several old treasures, including Carrie-Bri’s journal from 1989 when she was only two and a half. She worked to the soaring and triumphant melodies of gladiators and battle ships from the stereo.
Meanwhile, Tennessee and Wally lifted weights with Joe. Upstairs, Carrie prepared one of her term papers and Mom made caramel popcorn with a glaze mix she purchased at an Amish country store over the weekend. Carrie was excited to hear from Louis Tecumseh that he had just purchased a motorcycle. And a package arrived from Zurich, Switzerland, for Carrie while Mom took Joe, Wally, Francis, and Linnea to use the paddle boats on the lake before Linnea’s piano lesson.
Meanwhile, Carrie and Collette were trying to eat more healthy. Collette had seen a good organic section at Dierbergs (though she was more inclined to the foreign cheeses on the other side of the produce section). There was a sort of crunchy green salad substance which looked like a kind of evergreen grown in pure sea water. Packages of edible flowers including marigolds, pansies, and petunias were available as well as a basket of fresh winter peas. Packages of mint too… Mom used to grow a forest of mint by the back patio before Dad dug it all up as it was threatening to take over the back yard. It grew faster than killer vine.
Meanwhile, outside a great storm had just shifted over the horizon after Collette and Carrie both thought they had heard thunder while the sky was still quite sunny. There was nothing better than a summer storm.
Peals of thunder rolled in from the hills and Carrie prepared for the movies while Collette went about vacuuming out the toy room. There would be coffee later (although The Crooked Tree closed too early) and so they would head to the Saint Charles Coffee House once again.
Later, as the rain came down hard, Carrie called Elizabeth to confirm the show time. And low and behold, Elizabeth’s mom’s airline attendant friend had some sort of connections to get Elizabeth’s mom, Elizabeth, and Carrie into an elite New Year’s party at the Lemp Mansion (one of the most “haunted” buildings in America, in downtown Saint Louis).
“Finally I have an excuse to wear my fur coat,” Carrie said excitedly. “It’s such an exclusive party. There will be a dinner and a show. And we may even be able to stay there overnight!”