Inglath Cooper's Blog, page 23

Do Not Forget

As the awareness of the shooting in Newtown, Connecticut last Friday begins to lose its edge of disbelief and settle around us into acceptance, I keep thinking about what I felt when I first visited the Nazi Concentration Camp of Dachau in Germany several years ago.

I’ve never had an easy time putting into words what came over me as I walked through that place, taking in the horror, the absolute inhumanity of the atrocities committed there against innocent living beings. Babies, children, teenagers, mothers, fathers, husbands, wives, grandmothers, grandfathers. All individuals, with hearts and souls.

It was beyond anything I knew how to process.

And that is the case for what was done to those twenty beautiful children. To the six adults who acted in their defense and gave their lives as a result. And to the mother who no doubt loved her son only to have her life taken by him.

It’s unfathomable. Unthinkable. Unconscionable.

But it’s not impossible. If we have learned anything by recorded human history, it is that the depths of human cruelty can be boundless. Certainly, it was in Dachau, Germany. And it was in Newtown, Connecticut.

Innocents. Victims. Beautiful lives extinguished in a moment.

Do we call it madness? Anger? Hate? Is there a difference?

I think of the monument at the Dachau Concentration Camp. Do not Forget.

Do Not Forget

How can we possibly forget the horrible things human beings are capable of? But how do we prevent them from happening again?

I wish, oh, I wish. . . I knew the answer.

 

Pumpkin Coconut Farro

In addition to writing, I like to cook, but my creative brain resists recipe books in the same way it used to resist reading maps. (Thank goodness for the invention of GPS!)

I usually wander into the pantry to see what ingredients catch my eye. Tonight, it was Farro, a tasty grain I have come to love cooking with. I poured the bag into a pot, covered it with about two inches of water, put the lid on and let it cook until soft. About twenty minutes or so.

Farro Whole Grain

While that cooked, I thought about what else I could do with it, spotted a jar of Butternut Squash Pasta Sauce on the shelf and decided to go with that. Once the Farro had cooked, I drained the water with a colander and then returned the Farro to the pot.

Dave’s Butternut Squash Pasta Sauce

In deciding what else to include in the dish I went back to the pantry, chose a can of coconut milk, a can of pumpkin, my Ginger spice, sea salt and a pack of frozen shredded coconut. Sounded like it could come together nicely, maybe with an Indian bent.

Coconut Milk

I added each of these to the pot, stirred until everything was blended and the shredded coconut dissolved and blended in. Last thought was some fresh spinach. I added a small container and cooked it until it basically wilted, but was still bright green.

The result was pretty good! If you’d like to try it, here’s the recipe!

Pumpkin Coconut Farro

 

Pumpkin Coconut Farro

17 oz. bag of Farro

1 16 oz. can of Pumpkin

1 16 oz can of Coconut milk

1 pack of frozen shredded coconut

1/2 tsp. Sea Salt

1 tsp. Ginger

1 bag of fresh baby spinach

handful of fresh cilantro

Cook the Farro until soft. Drain excess water. Return Farro to pot. Add can of coconut milk. Add can of pumpkin. Add frozen coconut. Stir to blend. Add salt and ginger. Return to low heat and stir until all is blended. Add fresh spinach and heat until just wilted but still bright green. Add a handful of fresh cilantro to the top and serve!

Thank you, Robbie Parker

Life, Love, Goodness – Emilie Parker – photographed here by her mother Alissa.

We watch the initial news reports of horrors like the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting on Friday, facts and statistics laid out in a way that we can almost convince ourselves it might not be real.

Until, that is, we begin to hear the individual stories. The reality of parents who have just lost their six or seven-year old baby.

Robbie Parker, father of six-year old Emilie Parker, chose to speak on CNN last night as a way to honor the memory of his daughter and to let the many people who have reached out to them know how much their gestures are appreciated.

At thirty years old, this young father and husband painted us an instant picture of what family really means, how precious it is and how fragile. He had been teaching Emilie to speak Portuguese, and their last words to each other that morning before he left for work were spoken in that language.

His love for his beautiful child was so apparent, so crushingly transparent that I instantly began to cry for him and his family.

In his face, I could see the true impact of Friday’s events, the indescribable reality of hearing that your child’s school is under lockdown, that shooting has occurred and the disbelief of standing in a fire department building waiting for your baby to brought to you. Only to realize that yours is one of the twenty who will never be brought back.

These moments in human history show us the very worst of humanity, and too, the very best. In Robbie Parker, we see a heartbroken man, standing in the wake of an unimaginable blow, unimaginable loss, telling the world he will use his own free will to resist succumbing to anger, revenge or any other soul-destroying emotions. He says, instead, that he will use his free will to forgive.

I am grateful that I was able to hear these words from this amazing young father last night. I realized how much I needed to hear them. How much I needed to be reminded of all the people in this world who try to live right, to do right by others, who choose to be led by love, compassion and kindness instead of hatred and anger. To hear them from someone who could not be blamed for hating, for seeking revenge, was a gift.

It is easy to start to wonder if there is good left in this world. We see so much of it every day in the headlines of the news, in the reporting of atrocious acts like this shooting. We need to see more of the Robbie Parker’s, human beings who choose to walk in light and not darkness.

May God bless him for the example he has set. May God bless his wife and two other precious daughters. And May God bless and ease the hearts of every family and friend affected by this tragedy.

**********

“What can you do to promote world peace? Go home and love your family.”

― Mother Teresa

The Emilie Parker Fund has been set up at https://www.facebook.com/EmilieParker...

 

Christmas Trees and Floyd

We loaded up the car with teenagers and dogs today and headed to Floyd for a Christmas tree.

Floyd may be one of Virginia’s best-kept secrets, the kind of small town that makes you feel like you’ve stepped back in time at first glimpse.

On this particular December Saturday, we weren’t the only ones with the idea of seeking out a Christmas tree farm in this beautiful little place. Our destination of choice was Clark’s Christmas Tree Farm. I called just to make sure they were open and had lots of Christmas trees available. The cheerful voice on the other end told me, “We sure are. And if you were already here, you’d be late.”

That’s the kind of thing you’d expect to hear out of Barney on an Andy Griffith rerun, and that’s the kind of place Floyd is.

Clark’s Christmas Tree Farm

Clark’s had every size tree you could hope for, and the people working there were as cheerful and helpful as they could be. You can opt for a tractor ride to peruse the rows for the perfect tree or just walk. We walked with two of our dogs on leash. My oldest daughter brought her Beagle Bea-Bea along, having proudly dressed her in a reindeer jacket that make her extra adorable. Unfortunately, a rolling encounter with a too-much-to-resist unidentified pile of pooh, left both her and the jacket SMELLY. Nothing a water hose couldn’t almost remedy for the ride home though.

Once the tree was secured to the top of our vehicle, we drove back into town for lunch at the Blue Ridge Restaurant, the quintessential small town café with a menu of homemade mashed potatoes, coleslaw, peach cobbler, cornbread, brown beans and too many other good things to mention.

Blue Ridge Restaurant

Just down from the diner is the Farmer’s Supply General Hardware store, a charming example of what hardware stores used to look like. Red, yellow and green wheelbarrows, Radio Flyer red wagons and pink tricycles line the front, and you can’t help but want to go in and see what else the place has to offer.

Floyd Hardware Store

The whole town is a throwback to simpler times with local businesses like DJ’s Drive-in, the Floyd Beauty Shop and the Floyd Country Store. Whether you’re looking for a Christmas tree or just want to spend a day in a town where the people are friendly, the food is great and the views are unforgettable, Floyd is the place.

Floyd Views

 

Floyd Views

It’s the Story: Every Time

Twin Falls Idaho

I wish I could say that every movie I see makes me feel as much as Twin Falls Idaho did. Released in 1999, the movie was directed by Michael Polish who also co-wrote and co-starred in the movie with his brother .

The two play conjoined twins Blake and Francis Falls. Rejected by their mother at birth, the two have spent their lives enduring the gawking and disbelief of others. When they meet Penny, a girl on a path to messing up her life for good, Blake begins to fall for her. Francis doesn’t like her and wants Blake to forget her.

Blake has always been the stronger of the two, physically well when Francis is often sick. When Francis’s heart becomes too weak to continue supporting him, the two are faced with the physical separation that will allow Blake to survive.

To watch this story unfold is to have your heart take wallop after wallop of emotion, at first, pity and then admiration and like Penny, we are soon fully in love with everything they are and represent.

I actually came across this movie when searching out work by Mark and Michael Polish. I had watched their For Lovers Only, a film they made together with Stana Katic. This was one of those films that I immediately had to watch again. The story was so magnetic, so engrossing that I knew I had stumbled across a gem.

For Lovers Only

What these two films have in common, other than the brothers involved in their creation, is a story that reaches out to its viewers and reels them in with a band to the heart. Story is the thing. It’s the Polish brothers thing. It’s my thing, too. All the bells and whistles of mega dollar productions can’t glue me to my seat, but a story where I am immediately compelled to care about the characters in front of me can.

I fell for Blake and Francis. I think you will, too.

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Inglath Cooper

I love books! From my earliest memories, I loved being read to and then reading practically every book in my elementary school library. There’s something about taking a little trip into a wonderful story that is its own unique pleasure. Over the years, my favorite authors have provided me with glimpses into worlds I would never have known had I not picked up their books. From Beverley Cleary to Lavyrle Spencer to Jodi Piccoult to Anita Shreve and so many others, I am grateful they chose to become storytellers. A great story has the power to move, change and shape its readers. To me, that’s an honorable calling and a task I aspire to.

Follow me on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/#!/inglathcooper

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Calvin is the Coolest!

Calvin’s Message to You!

I just love this boy. Calvin came to the Franklin County Humane Society in Rocky Mount, Virginia with a chain and padlock around his neck, scars on his handsome body. He is so deserving of a kind, loving home because he’s a kind, loving dog. Please share his message.

Calvin

Safe: Champagne and Grimm

Video of mama and son playing:

Champagne and Grimm

From being at risk of losing their lives in the Roanoke, Virginia regional pound, Champagne and Grimm, a nine-year old mother and one-year old son, play together here on the day after their rescue. From the moment I saw the faces of these two, sad and scared behind the cage door of their pound kennel, I couldn’t quit thinking about them and fearing what would happen to them.

Champagne

Grimm

Their rescue is just another example of what happens when caring people reach out and find help for pets who have been left at places where their fate is uncertain. I was drawn to these two from their pictures alone, but that didn’t compare to meeting them in person. They are such treasures, so full of joy today, able to leave the fear of just a day ago behind them.

Today, I am grateful for their safety. Thankful for their lives. And so, so glad I got to spend time with them. Their happiness makes me happy.

Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

It would be hard to miss Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn if you scan the Bestseller lists on Amazon.com with any frequency.

I’d been noticing the book for a while, intrigued by the obvious response to it.  On a recent driving trip to Florida, I decided to listen to the audio version.

The book is told in two points of view, those of a husband and wife, Nick and Amy. Promotional blurbs for the book describe it as a tale of a marriage gone horribly wrong. This is no understatement.

One of the more alarming threads for me in this story is the awareness of how little we can actually know someone when we think we know them extremely well.

Gone Girl is an exceptionally well-written story that unravels seam after seam to reveal yet another layer of realization and surprise.  I won’t go into too much detail because the unraveling of these seams is what gives the book its allure.

I really liked listening to it on audio because it deepened that sense of being in another person’s thoughts. These were often unsettling, to say the least. I would categorize this book as a psychological thriller, but one with very broad characterization. By the end of the story, I truly felt like I knew Nick and Amy as well as the writer had to know them herself.

Whether you read it in book form or listen to it in audio, this is an engrossing story that you’ll fidget to get back to just so you can find out what’s going to happen next.

As the last few minutes of Gone Girl played out, I clearly understood why so many readers have shared their enthusiasm for it. I immediately wanted to do the same.

5 Stars.

Thriller Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

It would be hard to miss Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn if you scan the Bestseller lists on Amazon.com with any frequency.

I’d been noticing the book for a while, intrigued by the obvious response to it.  On a recent driving trip to Florida, I decided to listen to the audio version.

The book is told in two points of view, those of a husband and wife, Nick and Amy. Promotional blurbs for the book describe it as a tale of a marriage gone horribly wrong. This is no understatement.

One of the more alarming threads for me in this story is the awareness of how little we can actually know someone when we think we know them extremely well.

Gone Girl is an exceptionally well-written story that unravels seam after seam to reveal yet another layer of realization and surprise.  I won’t go into too much detail because the unraveling of these seams is what gives the book its allure.

I really liked listening to it on audio because it deepened that sense of being in another person’s thoughts. These were often unsettling, to say the least. I would categorize this book as a psychological thriller, but one with very broad characterization. By the end of the story, I truly felt like I knew Nick and Amy as well as the writer had to know them herself.

Whether you read it in book form or listen to it in audio, this is an engrossing story that you’ll fidget to get back to just so you can find out what’s going to happen next.

As the last few minutes of Gone Girl played out, I clearly understood why so many readers have shared their enthusiasm for it. I immediately wanted to do the same.

5 Stars.

Carrot Cake and Dog Rescue

Champagne

It occurred to me this morning looking at the post listings of my blog that a reader might wonder how I could write about something so flimsy as carrot cake cheesecake one day, and the next, the atrocities that happen in a place like the Roanoke Center for Animal Control and Protection.

Grimm

Sometimes, I wonder myself.

But then I realized that it’s a pretty accurate picture of my life. Or maybe life in general. We have moments of laughter and carefree indulgence, like those I shared with my mom, sister and daughters on vacation last week. And then moments like those I experienced in church Sunday, where I sat crying for Champagne and Grimm, the two dogs I had read about that morning who were left by a very ill owner at the Roanoke regional facility and were at great risk of not getting out.

Mountain tops and valleys. The older I get, the more I realize this is our journey here on earth. When there’s joy, we should absolutely revel in it like a Lab taking its first swim of the summer. And when there’s pain or difficulty, reach out, step forward, help in whatever way we possibly can. Little or big. Step beyond it with the knowledge that we did what we could. That we tried somehow to make a difference.

Champagne and Grimm, the nine-year old mama and one-year old son left at the Roanoke pound are getting out today. A volunteer will drive them to the Franklin County Humane Society in Rocky Mount, Virginia, where they will start a new journey. And I look forward to seeing the fear leave their eyes. Watch them run in the adoption center’s great big play yard.

It’s only in reaching out to help where I can and when I can that lets me enjoy the carrot cake moments in my life. And I never want to stop enjoying those moments.