At the end of August, I get to be in "Sweets & Songs," our theatre program fundraiser. And here is one of the songs I get to participate in... I get to sing a couple of the lines -- can you guess which ones?

"I'm a Woman," from Smokey Joe's Cafe

I can wash out forty-four pairs of socks
And have them hangin out on the line
I can starch and iron two dozen shirts
Before you can count from one to nine
I can scoop up a great big dipper
Full of lard from the drippin's can
Throw it in the skillet, go out and do my
Shopping and be back before it melts in the pan
'Cause I'm a woman
Double U O M A N
I'll say it again

I can rub and scrub till this old house
Is shinin like a dime
Feed the baby, grease the car and
Powder my face at the same time
Get all dressed up, go out and swing
Till four a.m. and then
Lay down at five, jump up at six
And start all over again
'Cause I'm a woman
Double U O M A N
I'll say it again

If you come to me sickly, you know
I'm gonna make you well
If you come to me hexed up,
You know I'm gonna break the spell
If you come to me hungry,
You know I'm gonna fill you full o' grits
If it's lovin' you're lackin', I'll kiss you
And give you the shiverin' fits
'Cause I'm a woman
Double U O M A N
I'll say it again

I can stretch a greenback dollar bill
From here to kingdom come
I can play the numbers, pay my bills
And still end up with some
I got a twenty dollar gold piece says
There ain't nothin I can't do
I can make a dress out of a feed bag
And I can make a man out of you
'Cause I'm a woman
Double U O M A N
I'll say it again
'Cause I'm a woman
Double U O M A N
And that's all

Recovery

Camp has finished - with 320 kids, 120 volunteers, 15 Sequoia trees in the hallway, 8 good sam's meals, and 1 super pooped Children's Ministry Director. I was sick all week, so no chance of up to date posting during the long haul of fun. But, we had a great time. One kid mentioned to his mother, "All they talk about is Jesus, Jesus, Jesus." At least we're doing our job!

I started this blog last week. So, don't let the date fool you into thinking this has been here all the while. I just couldn't think of what to write. Whenever I finish a big event - a missions trip, VBS, vacation, it's often difficult for me to put into words what exactly I'm thinking about it. As time progresses I'm able to note more of what I did or didn't liked, what worked, if it was beneficial, etc. So, camp -- it was good. We had fun, we talked about Jesus' journey from the manger to the tomb -- it don't end at the cross -- it's all the way back to heaven when his journey is complete! We had 5 different folks being our story tellers -- the kids loved it and had no idea who some of them were. Even some of the adults were hoodwinked!

Oh, so I've got a new movie to tell you about -- Young@Heart -- it's a documentary about a 70+ year-olds chorus. They sing rock and roll songs. That's right - the Ramones, the Clash, RadioHead, James Brown -- all are covered by this chorus. Go out and rent the movie -- I got it at the library (good to use if you don't have any fines!) It made me laugh and cry all the way through. I even made my new small group watch it that evening instead of doing any "studying." But, we did study -- we study lives being well lived. People enjoying what they love and doing what keeps them alive.

My mom turned 70 this year. It boggles my brain that she might actually be getting old. And as a 70 year old, she really is quite active. She crochets like a mad woman -- all so she can give the blankets away to those in need. She plays her flute -- it's her act of worship. She drives a blind 90 year old to church each week -- because she can. She excercises each day -- lifting weights, swimming and walking. She does these things to keep active, to keep her mind sharp, to live life. So, in September, we are going on a cruise to Alaska. And what does she really want to do while there -- go Kayaking!!! Yup! She told me that's really on her heart to go kayaking! We'll see how that goes!

Living life -- how's it going for you?

Sweet Summer

Summer is upon us.  I do enjoy summer for many reasons.

1. I love that I actually read books in the summer.  TV is the pits all summer long.  So, I get to read books.  Just finished listening to "To Kill a Mockingbird."  Loved it!  And yes, when you listen to it, you've read it!

2. I love venturing out and visiting new places.  A few weeks ago we wanted to hit the falls, but the weather didn't seem to allow it.  So, we went to Union Bridge's Train Expo.  Of course, we really went so we could see the Lehigh Cement Facility.  We were denied in the Cement Facility ambitions, however they are paying us back with our own personal tour.  Will keep you posted. But, we did hit the train depot, the train gardens, and the town square.  FUN!  Here's me at the depot!

3. I love the Farmer's Market!  It just makes me happy!  I have missed it the last 2 weeks in hopes of being frugal.  But, that market just rocks.  Last time I enjoyed some Basil-Lime Shortbread.  Delish.  What I really enjoy is the people, the produce and the crafts.  It does my heart well.  Here is a peach pie I baked for July 4th -- a former farmer's market purchase -- had made and frozen the pie filling last summer.  Still good!

4. I love exploding things!  What?! I mean, the fireworks. I love fireworks.  This year for July 4th, I headed to Catonsville to see the local parade.  And I mean local.  Here is a view of the street.  It really was a treat to see all the hometown folks get into it.  They put their chairs out 3 days in advance.  Amazing.  

5.  Finding new things is always a treat.  Check out this loaf of bread we found at Wegmans -- 10 pounds of Rye Bread!!  Talk about a sandwich!

And Summer brings Camp - it's coming, next Monday.  We've got our helpers!  Thanks for praying.  We have 136+ helpers.  We have 320+ campers.  We have the building being transformed into a forest of fun.  Praying that I can keep my sanity, strength and spirits up!

Ah, Summer.  What sweet things you bring!  And perfectly timed pictures!