out of the dust

It’s not our first Christmas together, but it is our first Christmas with a tree. 

We only have a few ornaments, each one special to us. Our new one this year is the lumberjack. Kadeem and I were thrilled to find an African-American lumberjack in Target--it’s so lovely to see a variety of races represented.* But we almost died of laughter when we saw that the lumberjack had white hands. Clearly, we had to purchase it. (I tried--and failed--to get a discount because of this manufacturing defect. But it’s okay; we think it’s hilarious.) 

*This is something that I had never thought about until dating Kadeem. I never had to think twice about finding an ornament or a doll that “looked like me” because these things tend to be white.** Since being married to a minority, I’ve discovered the joy of diverse representation, even in the small things like Christmas ornaments. It’s beautiful. 

We went out to get a Christmas Tree this morning. It was one of the most outdoors-y things we have ever done.

This movie was delightful. And this song--especially the last verse--is beautiful and heartbreaking. (I don’t know the exact translation, but I think I get the picture.)

Race has been on our minds a lot lately, with everything going on. Kadeem and I aren’t sure what to think about a lot of things. Between all the bad research and sneaky political agendas on all sides, it’s difficult to know what the truth is.

One thing is for certain: I’ve loved Leon Bridges’s music for a long time now. (Also, Kadeem and I agree that his unique sense of fashion is impeccable. And that haircut . . . so cool.)

Bridges’s new music video is a work of art. Authentic, refreshing, and beautiful.

This song is a masterpiece. Much like “One Day More” from Les Miserables, “Non-Stop” borrows refrains and lyrics from other songs, seamlessly connecting the main musical and literary themes. 

“I know it’s a lot to ask, to leave behind the world you knew . . . “ Washington’s part reminds us that the ideal character for a political leader is somebody who recognizes the cost of leadership. This foreshadows his humble stepping down from presidency after just two terms, thus setting a brilliant precedent for future presidents to follow. Hamilton’s interjections in between Washington’s lines--”Treasury or State?”--reveal that he is far too eager for political power. The play does not highlight how these types of leaders can be destructive to free government. Instead Miranda shows us ambition can destroy love and family. “Helpless,” Eliza Hamilton sings, but this time with a different tone. Before she was helplessly in love, and now she is helplessly left behind: “If your wife could share a fraction of your time, if I could grant you peace of mind, would that be enough? . . . . Look around, isn’t this enough? Could it be enough?”

Like Washington, Burr’s “wait for it” attitude sharpens our awareness of Hamilton’s determination not to stand firmly for his beliefs. Unlike Washington, this highlights one of Hamilton’s positive qualities: his passion for good and free government. Even though he made enemies in the process, Hamilton was willing to fight for how he believed a government should work. Agree with him or not, this consistent, outspoken passion is admirable. 

Hungry for success and out to prove himself to the world, Hamilton emulates a character trait detestable to free and good government, much less to a marriage. His passionate pursuit of ideas that he believes are true and good is one small redemption; the audience is left wanting more. (See: “It’s Quiet Uptown”)

{Pictures from my mountain flight through the Himalayan Mountains}

The first and second pictures include Mt. Everest. Guess which one is Everest?