Journey to Croatia…Post # 1

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Croatia 371Welcome to a multi-post visual and literary description of our recent trip to Croatia. The purpose of these posts is to reveal the beauty of this country (limited to the areas that we visited) and to share some general information about the geography, people and culture. Croatia used to be a part of Yugoslavia, but became its own nation (one of seven) after Yugoslavia split into ethnic regions. Although this Balkan area of Eastern Europe has been a land familiar with ethnic conflict for centuries, the Croatian people are all about moving forward with a purpose of peace and progress. The photographs presented in these posts were taken by my wife, Cheryl, and myself…we snapped away throughout our journey. Thank you for joining us!

Our trip to Croatia began with a missed connecting flight from Frankfurt to Split. We detoured to Dubrovnik, which we were to visit later in the week, and had a five-hour layover before heading to Split. Although exhausted, this proved to be a blessing as we were personally escorted by a gracious taxi driver to a small seaside town near the airport for dinner. Cavtat (pronounced Savtaut) proved to be one of the highlights of our vacation and garnered a second visit when we returned to Dubrovnik as planned.Croatia 024Croatia 008That evening, we witnessed a beautiful sunset over the calm Adriatic Sea while dining at a wonderful seaside cafe. Upon our return to this enchanting city, we began to explore and enjoy the history, beauty and people. We found Croatians to be friendly, hard-working, fashionable and confident people. Also, we were impressed that all spoke English which gave us more opportunities to easily interact with them.Croatia 364With an abundance of steep paths traversing buildings, we occasionally encountered a cat or dog-none of which bothered us. Cafes are abundant in every town, and Cavtat was no exception. The local cuisine is terrific, with sea food reigning supreme throughout the coastal towns. Octopus seemed to be a regular menu item ! Italian dishes are common as the Venetians controlled this area for centuries before Napoleon’s reign over Europe. Prices are reasonable and the food fresh and of high quality. The service is exceptional. Also, the country has made a concerted effort to keep the cuisine uniquely native. We did not see one American fast food restaurant in the areas we visited. However, we did see some unique food signage along the way, such as Fast & Slow Food cafes! Croatia advertises her own beer in many places.Croatia 695Church steeples dot the landscape throughout Croatia, as do prominent cemeteries. Mountains flank the sea and provide a vivid backdrop to the azure Adriatic. A wide range of architecture has been generous to this region due to the variety of conquering peoples over an extended period of time. Most older towns have multiple churches, narrow streets between buildings, a multitude of stairs and steep paths, and breath taking views of the sea and mountains. The red-tiled roofs are as common as our shingled roofs, and provided a vivid reminder that we were not in Kansas!Croatia 353Croatia 011Croatia 357Croatia 017 As we strolled through the shops, enjoyed a light lunch, and walked along the paths adjoining the sea and up the mountains, we were overwhelmed with a deep appreciation for this experience. Not only was the scenery beautiful, but the climate was moderate with temps in the 70s and low humidity. Cavtat is truly a gem among many gems along the coast of Croatia.??????????Croatia 699Croatia 843

It’s Never Too Late For Lilacs

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??????????When I was a child, my mother shared a tradition with my two sisters and me which continues to serve-up fond memories at this time of year. Mom was from the country formerly called Yugoslavia.

Every May Day (May 1st) was a day of celebrating the end of a long winter, the promise of a fruitful summer, and a pinch of kindness. The act of kindness which our mother taught us involved flowers and anonymity! The flowers were usually lilacs because our home was blessed with a row of bountiful lilac bushes. These bushes often produced bumper crops of the largest, most colorful, and fragrant lilac blossoms I have ever seen. Simply to view them from afar and catch a whiff of their scent was pure joy.

Rather than call our sharing of these wonderful blossoms a random act of kindness, it was actually a deliberate act of kindness. Randomness has no place in my way of relating to kindness…either you are kind and perform acts of kindness on purpose or you don’t. Simple, but that’s how I see it.

This particular act of kindness went something like this; we made construction paper baskets with paper handles. The colored construction paper was decorated with warm messages and the best child drawings we could create. Mom would encourage us, but left the designs to us. The ‘baskets’ were shaped into a curve to hold the flowers. We would select the biggest and most colorful blossoms, clip them from the bushes and fill our baskets to the brim. Sometimes we would make three or four baskets each.

Next, we would give serious consideration as to whom would receive our treasures. This took some effort as we graded our neighbors based on their kindness, perceived need, whether they received a basket the previous year, and so on. Again, mom would offer her input, but left the final decisions to us.

Then came the exciting part. We would stealthily walk the neighborhood, hiding behind cars, trees and bushes until it was time to strike. I shudder to think what would happen to us if we did such a thing in today’s culture of fear. Back then we were free. When we thought the ‘coast was clear’ we would run to the front door, hang the basket on the door knob, ring the bell and scurry to hide…and wait…and watch.

The anticipation of waiting for the door to open was exciting. As the lady of the house opened the door she would look around for someone. Upon seeing no person, she would notice the basket of fresh blossoms, take them from the door, glance around once more and then retreat inside. The smiles on the recipient’s faces was worth every ounce of energy and time spent on creating these gifts.

The simple joy of blessing someone anonymously still warms my heart and brings a smile to my face, too. Mom knew something wonderful and chose to share it with her children: giving is far greater than receiving. And, for that eternal truth, I and my sisters are forever grateful. Thanks mom for teaching us how to give without expecting something in return, except for the satisfaction of ‘making someone’s day’ !

P.S. I posted a photo of Tulips because Lilacs haven’t bloomed yet. It’s not what is given that really matters as much as why and how the gift is offered.

Daffodils Springing Forth Hope

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??????????????????????????????? It is the advent of another spring in the Midwest. As usual, the weather is unpredictable, with one day sunny and 78 degrees and the next rainy and 43. It is this rain which ushers in an abundance of green. From the hardened cold earth of winter, life erupts in vibrant shapes and colors. Each plant and tree is unique. I have found that with some flowers and plants, the unopened blossom can be as beautiful as the fully bloomed flower. Such is the case with these gems. The green will give way to bright yellow in short order, and the stems will sway toward whatever direction the sun’s rays fall upon them. Nature is simply so wonderful to behold !   ( Psalm 96: 11 & 12 )

STAFF of LIFE

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Wheat Field (Olathe) 6-1-12 am 014

Wheat, the staff of life, and so much more. The green blades to golden grains not only provide food for the world (sorry to all those who are gluten intolerant), but create a collage of beauty as they germinate from bright green sprouts in the winter, then grow into light green stalks in spring, and eventually turn into golden strands with prickly heads of grain in summer. Wheat is at its most exquisite best when a gentle breeze blows the mature stems in patches of waves that seem as light as clouds. Mesmerizing to watch. When shafts of early or late sunlight ply across a wheat field, an intense gold color presents itself in majestic panorama. Absolutely beautiful. And, when the combine or scythe take down the grains in early summer, the transition from a dormant seed to a life-giving grain is powerful. Quite transforming. To witness the staff of life develop from seed to strand is nature’s art in progress. I count this process a privilege to witness every year. So, I encourage you to grind some wheat, knead some dough, bake a loaf, and enjoy a hot slice of bread with a fresh pad of butter on it. Yummy to be sure, and one of life’s simple pleasures!

MARK-ING ST. PATRICK’S DAY

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DSC00738Whenever I think about St. Patrick’s Day, my mind immediately goes to an old friend of mine. His name is Mark Manning…Irish through and through. My friend in not physically with us anymore. He left us almost three years ago. It doesn’t seem that it’s been that long, though.

Occasionally, we are blessed to cross paths with a truly remarkable person. Mark was this and so much more. I could easily lavish a plethora of positive adjectives concerning this unique and gifted man. However, I will share only a couple of his most endearing qualities. I almost failed to mention that Mark was a quadriplegic, an accomplished artist, history teacher, and faithful servant of Christ.

Mark entered my life, or I should say we crossed paths, while attending the same church many years ago. One of my fondest memories is when he invited me and Cheryl to attend his family’s St. Patrick’s Day gathering. This was an honor, and a rather large gathering, too. The Manning clan is numerous and knows how to throw a good St. Pats party! Mark’s brothers, sisters and mom are the most welcoming group of people I have come across. Mark stood out among them all. He engaged us from the moment he noticed we were at the clubhouse. He made us feel comfortable, and talked to us like we were old friends. Not many people have this ability.

One of the qualities I want to share about Mark was his unassuming, and humble personality. Although he sat in a wheelchair, he was the tallest person everywhere he went. He reached out to others and made them feel special. He always asked how one was getting along in life, and he meant it. He would encourage. He would teach without you even knowing it. He would point you in the right direction, and encourage you. I never walked away from spending time with Mark saddened because he was crippled physically. Instead, I always left him a better person than when I greeted him. Amazing how he had that effect on everyone.

Mark was an inspiration. He accomplished more than most, and without the use of his legs and only with very little function of his arms and hands. As I mentioned, he was an excellent artist who used the medium of watercolors to express his inward poetry. Mark created an annual  community outdoor art exhibit which was sponsored by his city and local businesses, and which received much recognition. He majored in art history and shared his passion with others. He became a Christian and was responsible for leading his family and many friends to the Source of his strength.

For those of you who know the difficulties of paralysis, Mark handled this disability with strength and grace. He was forced to rely upon the aid of others to perform even the most mundane personal tasks, yet he  maintained his dignity. Finding reliable and good care was always a challenge, but he never complained about that. In fact, I don’t ever recall Mark complaining about anything! Being around him was refreshing.

Mark was a great listener, and offered wise counsel, but not too much of it. He was insightful and could be firm when necessary, but was gentle by choice. I miss him. I miss his smiling face and kindness. I miss his advice. I miss our fellowship. However, I don’t miss his physical handicap, and am so looking forward to seeing my friend run and jump and walk when I reach my final destination. I am confident that Mark will be among many who will greet me. What a day that will be!

Happy St. Patrick’s Day, Mark.

13 on 14

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???????????????????????????????Before I knew you, I loved you. The image I had of you then is not much different than the image I now behold. The early love I had for you has blossomed into today’s love. Both are right. Both are dynamic. Both are real, as are you.

A great many days have transpired between that first glance and this morning’s kiss. Some days have been fun while some difficult. Many have been happy and a few tragic. Mostly, they have been satisfying. Today is such a day. And, I am the better for every one of them.

Thirteen is my favorite number simply because we chose to be wedded on that day…a Friday as I recall. No superstition and nothing mystical. Magical, perhaps. Since this is 2013 and we were married on the thirteenth, I have decided to honor you with thirteen reasons as to why I love you so much. Valentine’s Day should be on the thirteenth!

Before I begin my list, I am compelled to state the obvious. My feelings run deep and strong for you, like a powerful mountain river as it empties into the ocean. You captivate me. You always have. It’s hopeless, your influence over me. I am drawn to you as steel is to a magnet. I couldn’t resist even if I tried.

Sweetheart, here are thirteen reasons as to why I love you and what I see in you. They are by no means comprehensive.The words I write are inadequate, but I must try. Please forgive my omissions.

1. Inward beauty so rich that it would take a notebook full of words to describe.

2. Outward beauty so full that I still can’t take my eyes off of you.

3. A tender heart, full of compassion, which grows each year.

4. Creative abilities too numerous to mention, but obvious to all who know you.

5. Character that is undergirded by integrity, honesty and fairness.

6. Intelligence that logically reveals itself daily.

7. Insight that defies my understanding, but which I rely upon.

8. Sense of humor that continues to put a smile on my face each day.

9. Courage to stay the course, even when the road can’t be seen.

10. Wisdom that knows what and when to speak, and when to be silent.

11. Strength of will, especially when each day can be tougher than the day before.

12. Humility in everything you are and do.

13. Love that stretches to Heaven, and back again to those entrusted to your care.

Simply amazing is what you are. To be associated with you would be enough, but to have the privilege of being your husband is oh so wonderful. School girl to my girl…is like a dream come true for me. Thank you, Cheryl, for making my life so refulgent. With all my love, Michael.