Jephnol

So You Want to Write a Novel

2011-02-05T10:57:43Z

At the Feeders - V

2011-02-01T19:24:15Z

At the Feeders - IV

2011-02-01T19:23:19Z

At the Feeders - III

2011-02-01T19:22:12Z

At the Feeders - II

2011-02-01T19:21:01Z

At the Feeders-I

2011-02-01T19:19:07Z

Birds of a Feather and Then Some

2011-02-01T16:24:57Z

It's snowing. The predictions are for a big storm. I was thinking last night that I should cover the seed I've put out for the ground feeding birds to keep it from being covered with snow. It's easier to brush the snow off of a piece of plastic than it is to brush it off the seed. But the birds aren't put off by the weather just yet. There are at least thirty birds of all kinds on the porch eating to their hearts content. It's nice to see them coming in such numbers. They've grown accustomed to my presence in the window, so much so that they hardly even seem to notice me. If I move too quickly they fly off for a minute or two but come right back.

The squirrels also have been visiting the feeders. I put walnuts and almonds out specifically for them. The nuts had been sitting in the fridge for a long time so I put them to some use. Interestingly, birds were quick to make off with the walnuts! Little ones were flying off with pieces of walnut the size of their heads! I have seen one or two squirrels working on the treats, but they're late to the party. One was just outside the window gnawing away at a nut, content to let me stand there watching him while he ate his meal. As long as they don't try to move into my attic for the winter they're welcome to a seat at the table. I enjoy guests, not roommates!

Apologies

2011-02-01T02:40:26Z

For those of you who have been reading Jephnol recently, you may have noticed a few posts mulling my indecision as to the future of the site. Those writings have been deleted and I'm chalking up my puckish posts to the winter blahs. So, instead of tossing the site I'm deep cleaning my house. I'll try to check my impulsive posting at the door.

Jets Go Down in Flames

2011-01-26T22:36:11Z

The New York Jets got their comeuppance in a 24-19 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday. Rex Ryan, the head coach of the Jets, set the bar low for sportsmanship by mouthing off prior to the Patriots/Jets game two weeks ago, with his team following his lead. Immediately after the clock ran down in their loss to the Steelers, Ryan was seen on the sideline tearing off his hat and headset and throwing them to the ground in a fit. Later it appeared as though he'd had a good cry before emerging from the Jets locker room to give a bleary-eyed, post-game interview.

Good on ya' Rex, for getting what you deserve and handling it like a man. See you next year...

Yeah Write

2011-01-25T23:50:15Z

Laying in bed the other night I was giving a lot of thought to a fiction I've been crafting over the last few weeks. It seemed for the first time the narrative arc of the story was wholly before me, and though that bit of twine may unravel after a day or two of writing, I'm convinced the feeling of the tale will remain. I can hear the voice of my narrator, so the telling must begin...

Paul Simon Gives Bach

2011-01-25T23:27:19Z

If you get the chance listen to the instrumental version of O Sacred Head Now Wounded and then listen to American Tune. Paul kiped Johann's tune....

O Sacred Head Now Wounded - Chorus

2011-01-25T22:53:43Z

O Sacred Head Now Wounded - Lyrics

2011-01-25T22:52:42Z

O sacred Head, now wounded, with grief and shame weighed down,
Now scornfully surrounded with thorns, Thine only crown;
O sacred Head, what glory, what bliss till now was Thine!
Yet, though despised and gory, I joy to call Thee mine.

What Thou, my Lord, hast suffered, was all for sinners' gain;
Mine, mine was the transgression, but Thine the deadly pain.
Lo, here I fall, my Savior! 'Tis I deserve Thy place;
Look on me with Thy favor, vouchsafe to me Thy grace.

Men mock and taunt and jeer Thee, Thou noble countenance,
Though mighty worlds shall fear Thee and flee before Thy glance.
How art thou pale with anguish, with sore abuse and scorn!
How doth Thy visage languish that once was bright as morn!

Now from Thy cheeks has vanished their color once so fair;
From Thy red lips is banished the splendor that was there.
Grim death, with cruel rigor, hath robbed Thee of Thy life;
Thus Thou hast lost Thy vigor, Thy strength in this sad strife.

My burden in Thy Passion, Lord, Thou hast borne for me,
For it was my transgression which brought this woe on Thee.
I cast me down before Thee, wrath were my rightful lot;
Have mercy, I implore Thee; Redeemer, spurn me not!

What language shall I borrow to thank Thee, dearest friend,
For this Thy dying sorrow, Thy pity without end?
O make me Thine forever, and should I fainting be,
Lord, let me never, never outlive my love to Thee.

My Shepherd, now receive me; my Guardian, own me Thine.
Great blessings Thou didst give me, O source of gifts divine.
Thy lips have often fed me with words of truth and love;
Thy Spirit oft hath led me to heavenly joys above.

Here I will stand beside Thee, from Thee I will not part;
O Savior, do not chide me! When breaks Thy loving heart,
When soul and body languish in death's cold, cruel grasp,
Then, in Thy deepest anguish, Thee in mine arms I'll clasp.

The joy can never be spoken, above all joys beside,
When in Thy body broken I thus with safety hide.
O Lord of Life, desiring Thy glory now to see,
Beside Thy cross expiring, I'd breathe my soul to Thee.

My Savior, be Thou near me when death is at my door;
Then let Thy presence cheer me, forsake me nevermore!
When soul and body languish, oh, leave me not alone,
But take away mine anguish by virtue of Thine own!

Be Thou my consolation, my shield when I must die;
Remind me of Thy passion when my last hour draws nigh.
Mine eyes shall then behold Thee, upon Thy cross shall dwell,
My heart by faith enfolds Thee. Who dieth thus dies well.

American Tune

2011-01-24T21:17:20Z

O Sacred Head Now Wounded

2011-01-24T21:16:26Z