The Holidays are upon us once again; the advertisements on TV went from political to Christmas shopping in a heartbeat. Thanksgiving is next week and just a scant few weeks after will be the Big Day itself.
To many, the Christmas Season is not the joyous time that we would like it to be. I'm not talking about the seasonal depression that many get (although that could be included here, I guess). I mean that folks tend to concentrate too much on the gift-giving aspect of the holiday rather than enjoying the season for what it is.
Yes, we all know that, although Jesus was not born on Christmas (more than likely He was born in the springtime), it is the day that most Christians celebrate His birth only because that's the way it's been for close to 1700 years, since the mid-300's. And the way we celebrate it today is a somewhat successful blending of religious and secular festivities.
Yes, this blending angers folks on both sides of the issue. The secularists and Pagans want Christ totally out of the picture, while the Christian purists look to blot out all aspects of non-Christianity in the celebration.
Where I stand, as a Christian, is, well, kind of on both sides of the issue. It is true that the Christians took over the solstice celebrations of long ago, with its greenery, singing, and merriment-making, and turned it into a Christian celebration which, at one point in many areas was a very solemn occasion. Of course, the merriment would continue to sneak in until the puritans had all but wiped out the celebration that we all know. It was the 1822 poem "A Visit From St. Nicholas" by Clement C. Moore, and especially the early Victorians, such as Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" that brought Christmas back in full force. And it was at this time that the Christmas Carols of old ("The First Nowell," "Deck The Halls," and "Here We Come A-Wassailing" for example) became popular once again.
And, as the 1800's turned into the 1900's, the holiday and celebrations grew.
Of course, now it's as big as ever, and the stores and society in general have come to depend on people spending their paychecks and racking up credit card bills in gift purchases: $300, $400, and even $500 or more per child or per family member is not unheard of.
But, I have to say, in my family it's not like that. First off, we spend just over a hundred bucks per child (maybe $125), as well as that amount on each other. So, for my wife and our four children we spend no more than $800 total. Throw in the the name exchange (about $20 to no more than $25 per person), plus the Christmas Tree and we're still under a thousand bucks.
You may say to me, "I could never buy what my kids want for Christmas for $125!"
So?
One Christmas, about 13 years ago, I changed jobs in the fall and took a pay cut to do so. Because of this, money was at an all-time low, and my wife and I, who previously would spend the large amount of cash on our kids, could not do it that year. So, we bought our children the two or three things each that we knew they would be happy with. Come Christmas morning, they were every bit as excited as if they received five times as many gifts! Honest to God! But, how we opened the presents helped here as well: one present at a time. Child "A" opens his and we all watch and enjoy what he received. Then it's child "B's" turn to do the same, and so on and so on. This way, everyone was able to see what everyone else got and get excited with them. This also made the gift opening ceremony last longer and increased the anticipation.
Let me tell you - it WORKS!!! And we continue in this manner to this day.
And, just so you know, we have not used credit cards to purchase Christmas gifts since the 1990's. Yep - everything is paid by cash or debit (no credit cards at all!). We put the amount we plan to spend aside when we receive our income tax refund in the spring and do not touch it til late October, when we're ready to begin the shopping.
And, if you really want to get more bang for your buck, shop on line. We do most of ours' that way and have been able to buy more for less. Check out Amazon.com - they're my favorite place to shop.
No malls or Kmarts...ahhhh....
Give this a try, if only once, and see if I am right.
Now, there is much more to the Christmas celebration than opening of gifts. In an upcoming blog, I will update one I wrote last year on how to get the most out of your Christmas celebrations at minimal costs.
Monday, November 17, 2008
Monday, November 10, 2008
Unmentionables
I had a very interesting discussion the other day on how far one should go when they reenact. No, I don't mean travel-wise - I mean in your total make up. Specifically underdrawers.
There are those who feel that they shouldn't have to wear period correct underdrawers because, well, no one sees them. It is true, however, that no one sees them (hopefully!). But, if you are a female, by not wearing proper underpinnings can take away that Victorian silhouette that was so prominent in the era.
Dressing to the nines (as they said) is so very important to the Victorian shape of a woman that it is easily to spot one who is not wearing correct underpinnings.
What about the men? Well, I was surprised to hear during a recent conversation while at an event that more than I thought in our unit wear period correct underdrawers - you know, the kind that button up the front and are ankle length.
But, does it make a difference?
You bet it does!
In my opinion (and it's just my opinion, mind you) one cannot fully experience that "you are there" feeling with fruit of the looms squeezing your mid-section. One cannot know what our ancestors felt when they really had to "go" and had to unbutton their pants and drawers to relieve themselves. One cannot truly experience the past ("seeing the elephant") without having the same feel of clothing that those we are emulating felt.
Might as well wear a polyester sack coat.
I know I know - I can hear many now telling me that I'm an extremist. Yeah, maybe I am. But, I feel that if you want to do it right, then do it right. And, at least I know that I'll be ready when I suddenly find myself transported back to the 19th century!
Anyhow, this is my two cents.
.
There are those who feel that they shouldn't have to wear period correct underdrawers because, well, no one sees them. It is true, however, that no one sees them (hopefully!). But, if you are a female, by not wearing proper underpinnings can take away that Victorian silhouette that was so prominent in the era.
Dressing to the nines (as they said) is so very important to the Victorian shape of a woman that it is easily to spot one who is not wearing correct underpinnings.
What about the men? Well, I was surprised to hear during a recent conversation while at an event that more than I thought in our unit wear period correct underdrawers - you know, the kind that button up the front and are ankle length.My 19th century bvd's
But, does it make a difference?You bet it does!
In my opinion (and it's just my opinion, mind you) one cannot fully experience that "you are there" feeling with fruit of the looms squeezing your mid-section. One cannot know what our ancestors felt when they really had to "go" and had to unbutton their pants and drawers to relieve themselves. One cannot truly experience the past ("seeing the elephant") without having the same feel of clothing that those we are emulating felt.Might as well wear a polyester sack coat.
I know I know - I can hear many now telling me that I'm an extremist. Yeah, maybe I am. But, I feel that if you want to do it right, then do it right. And, at least I know that I'll be ready when I suddenly find myself transported back to the 19th century!
Anyhow, this is my two cents.
.
Sounds of the Season
Am I rushing the season? Some folks may think so but, well, as I write this, we have about a half inch of snow on the ground and it's still coming down; Thanksgiving is just over two weeks away and, well, in this dreary time in our country's history, a little Christmas music can't hurt.
Last year I wrote a blog about how a local radio station had begun playing Christmas music 24/7 by this time (and they're doing it again), as well as a bit about my favorite types of Christmas music:
But, mixed in with these somewhat popular songs are the lesser known carols of old, the ones that, at one time, were very well-known throughout out Europe and early America, such as 'The Gloucestershire Wassail,' 'The Holly Bears a Berry,' 'A Virgin Unspotted,' 'Riu Riu Chiu,' 'The Boar's Head Carol,' 'All You That Are Good Fellows,' 'In The Bleak Mid-Winter,' 'Bring A Torch Jeannette Isabella,' 'Past Three O'Clock,' 'On Christmas Night,' 'Seven Blessings of Mary,' 'Cherry Tree Carol,' 'Wexford Carol,' and so many others.
When one mixes in the known with the unknown what you get is a wonderful mix of traditional carols that you never tire of hearing, hence the reason I begin listening to the music in mid-November.
I have been collecting these once popular traditional Christmas carols for over twenty years. It began at (naturally) Greenfield Village when my girlfriend (who I eventually married) and I were there for an evening's Christmas meal at the Eagle Tavern. While waiting for the carriage to take us to the Inn, Christmas music was being piped into the room. Imagine, here we were, sitting in a shadow-filled old fashioned room, fireplace a-blaze, candles glowing, greenery placed strategically about, and a Christmas Tree decorated traditionally setting in the middle. Heard in the background were the beautiful sounds of the hammered dulcimer playing the sounds of the season - some familiar and some not so familiar. I told my date that it just didn't get any better than that. I knew I wanted to replicate the look and feel of that moment and, in order to do that, I would need to find the music they were playing.
Since I worked in a record store, I searched for anything hammered dulcimer or traditional sounding. What I found was "On This Day Earth Shall Ring," by Anne Hills and her group of vocalists. I bought it just from the description on the back cover of the album (CD's were just coming out at that time - albums were still the product of choice).
The first song was, of all things, a round called 'Christmas Is Coming.' Following this was a beautiful hammered dulcimer instrumental rendition of 'What Child Is This.'
This was a great album!
It also included a capella versions of 'God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlmen,' and 'We Wish You A Merry Christmas,' and wonderful instrumentals that I had not heard up until that time, such as 'Blessed Be That Maid Mary,' 'Kommet Ihr Hirten,' a medley of old carols played on a guitar.
This was a great album!
I was hooked - I had to find more. Unfortunately, it was nearing the end of the Season so it was nearly impossible to find and order any more.
The next Christmas...well, it was right after Hallowe'en, I began my search, remembering the fine LP from the previous year. This was 1984 and this instrumental group I was not familiar with put out a collection of Christmas music like no other: Mannheim Steamroller Christmas. I must admit, the first cut - a very modern sounding 'Deck the halls' turned me off. But, what followed was amazing: very pure and European sounding versions of 'We Three Kings,' Bring A Torch Jeannette Isabella,' 'Wassail Wassail (Gloucestrshire Wassail),' and a modern plus a traditional rendition of 'God Rest Ye.'
Oh, man! This was so cool!!
From there, each year I began to search earnestly for more - I couldn't get enough of this stuff! I found one called "An American Christmas" by Folk Like Us, Liona Boyd's "A Guitar For Christmas," "A Victorian Christmas" by Robin Petrie - nothing but hammered dulcimer instrumentals - The Chieftains' "Bells of Dublin" (where I first discovered 'The Boar's Head Carol' and "Holly Bears a Berry') and on and on. I eventually amassed over a hundred CD's of this old world style carols - I never knew there was so much great unheard Christmas music! It was much better music, I felt, than the mostly secular tunes of the 20th century, although I do love 'Do You Hear What I Hear,' 'Little Drummer Boy,' and some of the other more contemporary songs. And, yes, I do like the secular tunes as well - "Santa Coming To Town' (but not by Bruce Springsteen - ugghhh!), 'Winter Wonderland,' 'White Christmas,' 'Tennessee Christmas' and even the Pogues "Fairy Tale of New York' and The Ramones 'Merry Christmas I Don't Want to Fight Tonight.'
But, what you will hear most often in my house are the old world carols as described above. These are the songs my kids refer to when asked about Christmas music. Of course, they usually get a resounding "HUH???" when they tell their friends what their favorites are. And I think it's pretty cool to hear my seven year old daughter sing
"The boar's head in hand bear I
Bedecked with bays and rosemary
And I pray you my masters be merry
Quot estis in convivio
Capri apri defero
reddens laudis domino"
Here are some of my favorites that can still be purchased (except for one) through Amazon.com:
Last year I wrote a blog about how a local radio station had begun playing Christmas music 24/7 by this time (and they're doing it again), as well as a bit about my favorite types of Christmas music:
Christmas Music
So this year I thought I would write a little more in detail about my favorite music of the Season. First off, the old world Christmas music (European and American) is what I consider to be the best. As I wrote last year, this includes such well-known carols as 'God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen,' 'Good Christian Men Rejoice,' 'Here We Come A-Wassailing,' 'Silent Night,' 'Jingle Bells,' 'The First Nowell,' 'It Came upon a Midnight Clear,' and more.But, mixed in with these somewhat popular songs are the lesser known carols of old, the ones that, at one time, were very well-known throughout out Europe and early America, such as 'The Gloucestershire Wassail,' 'The Holly Bears a Berry,' 'A Virgin Unspotted,' 'Riu Riu Chiu,' 'The Boar's Head Carol,' 'All You That Are Good Fellows,' 'In The Bleak Mid-Winter,' 'Bring A Torch Jeannette Isabella,' 'Past Three O'Clock,' 'On Christmas Night,' 'Seven Blessings of Mary,' 'Cherry Tree Carol,' 'Wexford Carol,' and so many others.
When one mixes in the known with the unknown what you get is a wonderful mix of traditional carols that you never tire of hearing, hence the reason I begin listening to the music in mid-November.
I have been collecting these once popular traditional Christmas carols for over twenty years. It began at (naturally) Greenfield Village when my girlfriend (who I eventually married) and I were there for an evening's Christmas meal at the Eagle Tavern. While waiting for the carriage to take us to the Inn, Christmas music was being piped into the room. Imagine, here we were, sitting in a shadow-filled old fashioned room, fireplace a-blaze, candles glowing, greenery placed strategically about, and a Christmas Tree decorated traditionally setting in the middle. Heard in the background were the beautiful sounds of the hammered dulcimer playing the sounds of the season - some familiar and some not so familiar. I told my date that it just didn't get any better than that. I knew I wanted to replicate the look and feel of that moment and, in order to do that, I would need to find the music they were playing.
Since I worked in a record store, I searched for anything hammered dulcimer or traditional sounding. What I found was "On This Day Earth Shall Ring," by Anne Hills and her group of vocalists. I bought it just from the description on the back cover of the album (CD's were just coming out at that time - albums were still the product of choice).
The first song was, of all things, a round called 'Christmas Is Coming.' Following this was a beautiful hammered dulcimer instrumental rendition of 'What Child Is This.'
This was a great album!
It also included a capella versions of 'God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlmen,' and 'We Wish You A Merry Christmas,' and wonderful instrumentals that I had not heard up until that time, such as 'Blessed Be That Maid Mary,' 'Kommet Ihr Hirten,' a medley of old carols played on a guitar.
This was a great album!
I was hooked - I had to find more. Unfortunately, it was nearing the end of the Season so it was nearly impossible to find and order any more.
The next Christmas...well, it was right after Hallowe'en, I began my search, remembering the fine LP from the previous year. This was 1984 and this instrumental group I was not familiar with put out a collection of Christmas music like no other: Mannheim Steamroller Christmas. I must admit, the first cut - a very modern sounding 'Deck the halls' turned me off. But, what followed was amazing: very pure and European sounding versions of 'We Three Kings,' Bring A Torch Jeannette Isabella,' 'Wassail Wassail (Gloucestrshire Wassail),' and a modern plus a traditional rendition of 'God Rest Ye.'
Oh, man! This was so cool!!
From there, each year I began to search earnestly for more - I couldn't get enough of this stuff! I found one called "An American Christmas" by Folk Like Us, Liona Boyd's "A Guitar For Christmas," "A Victorian Christmas" by Robin Petrie - nothing but hammered dulcimer instrumentals - The Chieftains' "Bells of Dublin" (where I first discovered 'The Boar's Head Carol' and "Holly Bears a Berry') and on and on. I eventually amassed over a hundred CD's of this old world style carols - I never knew there was so much great unheard Christmas music! It was much better music, I felt, than the mostly secular tunes of the 20th century, although I do love 'Do You Hear What I Hear,' 'Little Drummer Boy,' and some of the other more contemporary songs. And, yes, I do like the secular tunes as well - "Santa Coming To Town' (but not by Bruce Springsteen - ugghhh!), 'Winter Wonderland,' 'White Christmas,' 'Tennessee Christmas' and even the Pogues "Fairy Tale of New York' and The Ramones 'Merry Christmas I Don't Want to Fight Tonight.'
"The boar's head in hand bear I
Bedecked with bays and rosemary
And I pray you my masters be merry
Quot estis in convivio
Capri apri defero
reddens laudis domino"
Here are some of my favorites that can still be purchased (except for one) through Amazon.com:
. On This Day Earth Shall Ring: Songs for Christmas
Christmas by Mannheim Steamroller
The Bells of Dublin by The Chieftains
American Christmas by Folk Like Us
A Victorian Christmas by Robin Petrie
A Victorian Noel by Robin Petrie
Christmas at The Eagle Tavern by Opera Lite (Greenfield Village singers!)
Celtic Christmas by Katie McMahon
Colonial Christmas by Linda Russell
A Scottish Christmas by Bonnie Rideout
Sounds of the Season, Vol. 1 by Maggie Sansone
The Christmas Revels by Various Artists
There are so many more that I haven't listed: Madeline MacNeil, Holiday Nights by the Greenfield Village Carolers (only available through the Village), Joemy Wilson, Silently the Snow Falls, Un-Reconstructed's "Christmas 1864,"...
So when you find yourself bored and tired of the same old same old, yet you enjoy Christmas music, you might want to experiment a little on something new/old. I don;t think you'll be disappointed.
(I do not know why this blog entry has gone haywire with my font sizes. If anyone knows and can tell me, I would certainly appreciate it. Thanks.)
Friday, November 7, 2008
Thoughts on Civil War Civilian Reenacting
More interactive than a book and more accurate than many movies, reenactments allow visitors to not just glimpse history, but to step back and experience a moment in time.
It's sad, now, knowing that the living history/reenacting season is over - my main solace from 21st century life. Oh yeah, I know that the Christmas Season is within arm's reach, and that makes me glad. But, still, I enjoy my excursions into the life of an 1860's citizen immensely. As I said, it's my solace.
I've had a few reenactors ask me why I do not portray a soldier. In the citizen/civilian realm of the reenacting world, there are very few of us males - most men prefer the military. Personally, I just have no interest in reenacting that part of history. I am not - and never have been - a military person (although I have nothing but respect for soldiers - actual and the reenacting "teachers"). Instead, since I have always loved social history, reenacting gives me the opportunity to pursue my 'fantasy' of living in the past as an ordinary citizen of mid-Victorian society.
You see, at the reenactments I portray a postmaster. I have period correct replica stationary, pen and ink, and a small post office set up for my impression.
During a number of events this year I have encouraged reenactors from multiple units to write letters and bring them to my "post office" where hopeful recipients can stop by to see if they received any mail. What I do is ask folks from many of the different units to write letters to soldiers, friends, and even family. They drop off their letters to my post office to hopefully be retrieved by folks knowing they may have mail (house to house mail delivery was a relatively new concept in the 1860's and was a rare occurrence - America was too rural of a country for home delivery. One went directly to the post office to get their mail). I also encourage the letter writers to use pen and ink. So far, it has been working great! My first time out I had dozens of letters in the slots, waiting to be picked up. By weekend's end, I ended up with only two pieces of mail that no one claimed - I located those people at the next event and told them they should visit my post office. They did and were happy.
At one particular event, my very good friend, Mike Gillett, who portrays a Chaplain with the 21st Michigan, read letters to the soldiers who were "illiterate" - an actual very touching (and historically correct) scenario.
Because of my post master impression, I have become known in the local reenacting scene. In fact, one veteran citizen reenactor told me that I was helping to make it more like an actual community.
I couldn't be happier. It sure beats camp sitting, this "having a 'purpose' while at a reenactment." And now I have an answer when I am asked by visiting patrons what my purpose is for being there, other than wearing period clothing. Now, I can give a short history lesson.
What fun!
It's sad, now, knowing that the living history/reenacting season is over - my main solace from 21st century life. Oh yeah, I know that the Christmas Season is within arm's reach, and that makes me glad. But, still, I enjoy my excursions into the life of an 1860's citizen immensely. As I said, it's my solace.
I've had a few reenactors ask me why I do not portray a soldier. In the citizen/civilian realm of the reenacting world, there are very few of us males - most men prefer the military. Personally, I just have no interest in reenacting that part of history. I am not - and never have been - a military person (although I have nothing but respect for soldiers - actual and the reenacting "teachers"). Instead, since I have always loved social history, reenacting gives me the opportunity to pursue my 'fantasy' of living in the past as an ordinary citizen of mid-Victorian society.
You see, at the reenactments I portray a postmaster. I have period correct replica stationary, pen and ink, and a small post office set up for my impression.
During a number of events this year I have encouraged reenactors from multiple units to write letters and bring them to my "post office" where hopeful recipients can stop by to see if they received any mail. What I do is ask folks from many of the different units to write letters to soldiers, friends, and even family. They drop off their letters to my post office to hopefully be retrieved by folks knowing they may have mail (house to house mail delivery was a relatively new concept in the 1860's and was a rare occurrence - America was too rural of a country for home delivery. One went directly to the post office to get their mail). I also encourage the letter writers to use pen and ink. So far, it has been working great! My first time out I had dozens of letters in the slots, waiting to be picked up. By weekend's end, I ended up with only two pieces of mail that no one claimed - I located those people at the next event and told them they should visit my post office. They did and were happy.At one particular event, my very good friend, Mike Gillett, who portrays a Chaplain with the 21st Michigan, read letters to the soldiers who were "illiterate" - an actual very touching (and historically correct) scenario.
Because of my post master impression, I have become known in the local reenacting scene. In fact, one veteran citizen reenactor told me that I was helping to make it more like an actual community.I couldn't be happier. It sure beats camp sitting, this "having a 'purpose' while at a reenactment." And now I have an answer when I am asked by visiting patrons what my purpose is for being there, other than wearing period clothing. Now, I can give a short history lesson.
What fun!
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
A Prayer and a Hope
I hope and pray that every American will one day open their eyes and ears to what our country was founded on and why.
I pray that they read and understand the true meaning of the U.S. Constitution and its Amendments.
I hope that they find and read a copy of the Declaration of Independence and understand that those who signed it put their lives on the line for what they believed in.
I pray that they understand why the Revolutionary War was fought. And just how tough that War was to fight.
I hope that every American will read the true history of the colonization of America and realize that, yes, for the greater majority of the colonists, religion was a major reason (and a way of life) for their settlements on these shores.
I pray that modern day Americans have not become so complacent that they are willing to forgo our freedoms so they can "have more."
I hope the new president realizes that, yes, he may have won the presidency but their are still millions who do not like nor want his socialist policies, for they go against every grain of our forefather's founding documents. I pray that those who voted for this man will see this before it's too late.
I pray that Providence will step in and guide this new president in the right direction - Providence being God and not the likes of Jeremiah A. Wright Jr., Louis Farrakhan, or Jesse Jackson
I pray that they read and understand the true meaning of the U.S. Constitution and its Amendments.
I hope that they find and read a copy of the Declaration of Independence and understand that those who signed it put their lives on the line for what they believed in.
I pray that they understand why the Revolutionary War was fought. And just how tough that War was to fight.
I hope that every American will read the true history of the colonization of America and realize that, yes, for the greater majority of the colonists, religion was a major reason (and a way of life) for their settlements on these shores.
I pray that modern day Americans have not become so complacent that they are willing to forgo our freedoms so they can "have more."
I hope the new president realizes that, yes, he may have won the presidency but their are still millions who do not like nor want his socialist policies, for they go against every grain of our forefather's founding documents. I pray that those who voted for this man will see this before it's too late.
I pray that Providence will step in and guide this new president in the right direction - Providence being God and not the likes of Jeremiah A. Wright Jr., Louis Farrakhan, or Jesse Jackson
Monday, November 3, 2008
My Other Historical Blogs
I have been trying to add a couple of houses every week to my Greenfield Village blog.
http://gfv1929.blogspot.com/
I look up each house (or other historical items) in virtually all of my GFV guidebooks (going back to the 1930's) to try to give as complete a description of a particular item as I possibly can. I also have info from Benson Ford Research Center, and will look up information on the internet to use as well.
I am pretty happy about the way it is turning out.
Won't you check it out? I'm nowhere near done - I have so many more buildings and other items to add to it. I eventually plan to show different scenes and include photos taken at Christmastime and at Hallowe'en, as well as some of the other events that take place in the Village.
Check back every-so-often as I continue to add, in order of appearance in the Village, more and more historical houses and artifacts to the blog.
(I have also started a blog for Flint's Crossroads Village http://crossroadsvillageofflintmichigan.blogspot.com/
I must admit that I haven't been working nearly as much on this one. Finding good information for the structures at Crossroads is nearly impossible (although it is a beautiful and very accurate Village), which is probably why I haven't been putting in as much effort. Some nice pictures, though. Keep checking back.)
http://gfv1929.blogspot.com/
I look up each house (or other historical items) in virtually all of my GFV guidebooks (going back to the 1930's) to try to give as complete a description of a particular item as I possibly can. I also have info from Benson Ford Research Center, and will look up information on the internet to use as well.
I am pretty happy about the way it is turning out.
Won't you check it out? I'm nowhere near done - I have so many more buildings and other items to add to it. I eventually plan to show different scenes and include photos taken at Christmastime and at Hallowe'en, as well as some of the other events that take place in the Village.
Check back every-so-often as I continue to add, in order of appearance in the Village, more and more historical houses and artifacts to the blog.
(I have also started a blog for Flint's Crossroads Village http://crossroadsvillageofflintmichigan.blogspot.com/
I must admit that I haven't been working nearly as much on this one. Finding good information for the structures at Crossroads is nearly impossible (although it is a beautiful and very accurate Village), which is probably why I haven't been putting in as much effort. Some nice pictures, though. Keep checking back.)
A Strong Reason for my Passion for the Past
The following was sent to me by my brother:
Today we mourn the passing of a beloved old friend, Common Sense, who has been with us for many years. No one knows for sure how old he was, since his birth records were long ago lost in bureaucratic red tape. He will be remembered as having cultivated such valuable lessons as: Knowing when to come in out of the rain; why the early bird gets the worm; Life isn't always fair; and maybe it was my fault.
Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial policies (don't spend more than you can earn) and reliable strategies (adults, not children, are in charge).
His health began to deteriorate rapidly when well-intentioned but overbearing regulations were set in place. Reports of a 6-year-old boy charged with sexual harassment for kissing a classmate; teens suspended from school for using mouthwash after lunch; and a teacher fired for reprimanding an unruly student, only worsened his condition.
Common Sense lost ground when parents attacked teachers for doing the job that they themselves had failed to do in disciplining their unruly children.
It declined even further when schools were required to get parental consent to administer sun lotion or an Aspirin to a student; but could not inform parents when a student became pregnant and wanted to have an abortion.
Common Sense lost the will to live as the churches became businesses; and criminals received better treatment than their victims. Common Sense took a beating when you couldn't defend yourself from a burglar in your own home and the burglar could sue you for assault.
Common Sense finally gave up the will to live, after a woman failed to realize that a steaming cup of coffee was hot. She spilled a little in her lap, and was promptly awarded a huge settlement.
Common Sense was preceded in death, by his parents, Truth and Trust his wife, Discretion
his daughter, Responsibility
his son, Reason
He is survived by his 4 step brothers;
I Know My Rights
I Want It Now
Someone Else Is To Blame
I'm A Victim
Not many attended his funeral because so few realised he was gone. If you still remember him, pass this on. If not, join the majority and do nothing..
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