Tag: family

Fluffy

James HoganLeave a comment

And so I return to this posting apparatus, though not as quickly as I thought when I wrote last post. It is now Thanksgiving Eve and I sit with my mug of coffee here, about to do some more reading…but thought I should continue my chronicle first, while it is still fresh in my mind! I must say as I type this, I am much enjoying the Tampa home keyboard…it is very mechanically responsive and fun to type on. Much more bouncy than my laptop keyboard, I approve. This may or may not contribute to my being even more verbose than usual…apologies in advance.

Anyways! I think I ended my last post talking about game night with Laura and Caisson and friends and getting to bed far too late. Thankfully the next morning we were able to sleep in a little…had some coffee together, then we went out to get breakfast(/brunch?) at one of their favorite breakfast spots – a diner that had definitely not been around when I was in Gainesville! Actually…this was a running theme throughout my time in Gainesville…so much had changed since my residency there, even though it’s been less than nine years. Whole new roads had appeared and new shopping centers and other things have replaced woods and fields(my favorite open field at corner of University and 13th is now a shining uber-modern apartment complex – the horror!). Progress(in shape of concrete and steel) marches on unimpeded by more poetic concerns…

Pardon that interlude – but onward! We had a lovely time eating breakfast(I had a delicious breakfast pie with eggs and cheeses and meats and it was wonderful alongside the good strong coffee) and of course talking. We had so much good talking times throughout this trip that I shall soon neglect to mention them, but just know they happened because Laura and Caisson are truly both so dear. Following breakfast, I’m trying to remember what we did next…if I recall correctly, it was a trip to campus! We spent a few hours wandering the gameday-crowded campus, seeing old spots(the Bunker at Graham! the new-(and improved??) Union! the Florida bookstore – I think we spent the most time there perusing random books!) and eventually ending up at Pascal’s Coffeehouse. Oh Pascal’s – truly the holder of so many memories. I even have an old adolescent lit story I wrote back in ’09 where this coffeehouse was featured prominently. And I am actually wearing one of their shirts as I write this now, randomly! Anyways – it was great fun being there again, walking past the table where Laura remembered first getting a text from Caisson, peeking into the room where so many good Creekside College Ministry Wednesday night meetings were held…and eventually, we got some drinks(a hybrid London-fog/peppermint mocha for me!) and ended up talking there for a while, the three of us. Expounding on the power of poetry and the characteristics it should contain. Caisson has a good “Three Laws of Poetry” summary that I really need to heed when I’m writing. I have discovered that I’m not really that good in presenting a clear and easily understandable theme to my audience in my works. I may know what’s there, but the readers most definitely do not always understand what I’m getting at! But I shall not attempt to summarize our whole conversation here.

Eventually, it was time to part ways…for I had told Laura and Caisson that I had wanted to spend a few hours by myself. These hours that I spent wandering campus…I don’t know if I can fully and properly put them to page here as it is something maybe best left to my heart and soul alone. But I had long desired to undertake what I have now called a pilgrimage back to the lands of my youth. And so I did walk through campus, stopping at the sites of so many hallowed memories. At each spot I was able to sit and reflect and think and meditate and pray on what God has done in me and for me and through me these past years. And as I brought back many memories…some bitter and some sweet…I could not help but thank my Father God for holding me fast throughout every dark night and every raging storm. I was able to write various things in my little notebook throughout this pilgrimage and while I shan’t reproduce them all here(partly because they’re very crude and quickly written and not at all amenable to proper editing and partly because I want the majority to remain truly personal), I will put down one…

Lake Alice
gleams prettily
in glow
of setting sun –
its quiet beauty
thrills my soul.
A heron rests
atop the stillness.
I shiver
at the
crickets’ song.

That is the least emotional(and/or personal) so I think it’s ok for sharing here!

Now eventually I realized that even over two hours of walking around by myself was not sufficient for my purposes…but I knew I must return to Laura and Caisson’s place for dinner! Laura came and picked me up and after a quick detour to Target(where asparagus and…er…the long desired new Taylor album reputation were acquired), we returned to the apartment. Caisson was in the middle of crafting a delicious Guinness-beef stew..full of beef and carrots and onions and parsnips and other savoury ingredients. This was poured over mashed potatoes and it was definitely a proper and hearty dinner! After we enjoyed that, we eventually decided a quiet movie night was in order. It may have taken us a while to decide on a movie, but eventually we did settle on an old classic I’d never seen before…10 Things I Hate About You and it was much enjoyed – full of classic Shakespeare references and fun 90s nostalgia! I do so love fun high school movies from my era and this is a well-deserved classic…Heather Ledger and Julia Stiles..simply perfect.

Now…this entry is far too long and I’ve decided to end it for the now. Going to go off with my coffee and have more reading time. Also listening to some classic hymns(And Can It Be currently playing) and I just can’t focus on writing anymore. Peace and love.

Muffy

James HoganLeave a comment

I really don’t have long to write so my fingers must fly! I may come back and edit this post later this afternoon, we shall see…anyways, I’m soon off to pick up Katheryn from the airport and have a nice catch-up lunch with her! I haven’t seen her since…a few years ago at Laura(once Garrow, now Helmly!)’s wedding. So – a proper face-to-face conversation is due and eagerly awaited! So that gives me approximately ten minutes to chronicle the past few days here in Tampa(also Gainesville). Hm.

Anyways! Yes I am in Tampa – arrived last Thursday morning…Dad picked me up and it was simply wonderful seeing him again(for first time since my surgery back in August – so very glad to get to properly talk with him now!). I was quite exhausted from my last few nights in Houston(in which I did a simply terrible job in going to bed at all on time…especially the last Wednesday night in which hot chocolate and good conversations figured prominently!). Anyways, I got some good naptime in on Thursday afternoon and then Mom came home and we had great times all together – a delicious homemade spaghetti dinner. Nothing better than Mom’s spaghetti. True?

And so that night ended with more lovely conversations with parents(and watching a bit of the Steelers/Titans football game!) and soon enough I woke up on Friday morning and embarked upon my Gainesville adventure! It’d been over a year(and a half?) since I’d been in Gville – so a return was due. I got to stay with Laura and Caisson for the whole weekend and it was amazing!!! On way up, listened to my classic eyes closed, Heart Open – I’d forgot how good that CD was. Then arrived at their apartment in Gainesville…got to hang out with Caisson and chat for a few hours – then Laura came home from work – hurrah! We had a delectable dinner of cube steak and mashed potatoes…though we did have to eat a bit quickly since they’d planned a game night with friends. The game night was amazing even though I didn’t know any of their friends – I’d heard some of their names but now I got to meet them and talk with them! – and so the evening was full of fun games(Four on a Couch, Code Names, Avalon…oh Avalon – what a web of lies and deceit and laughter do you weave…) and yummy Laura-made chocolate sheet cake and I have to say I’ve almost never had a more fun game night – Laura and Caisson have pretty cool friends, I must admit! When the last people left after the last cutthroat game of Avalon(in which me and Laura assassinated Merlin to win my first Avalon game of the night, hah!)…we wondered why were so tired then realized it was 12:20 and it was probably bedtime. Yup, quality game night indeed.

Now…I think I really need to roll off so I shall attempt to either finish this post later or maybe just write another one to further chronicle my Gainesville adventures…

Eschatos

James HoganLeave a comment

Hello all!! I have a few spare moments…as I sit here in the family room at home in Tampa! I just finished laying mulch on the rose bushes out back and now before I shower figured…might as well update briefly! Am nearing the tail end(oh no…) of a simply wonderful mini-vacation here with the fam. I may write in more detail at a later date, but for now, suffice it to say I am much blessed and I am ever so relaxed right now! Being at home is always encouraging, but I feel like this time has been even more so. Hanging out with Dad and Mom and Laura…so many good times at the church(Prophecy Conference at our church – with Alan Kurschner and Marv Rosenthal and Dad speaking…wonderful, beautiful biblical truth being taught and gorgeous, enlivening worship songs being sung and oh such encouraging fellowship with my fellow brethren, reminding me of the day we shall all one day be in the presence of God Himself, worshiping Him forever and ever – “Worthy is the Lamb that was slain!”)

And…I did say I wouldn’t get into the details, but let this just be a reminder to you all(and myself) of how much God blesses us. As much pain and sorrow is on this earth – and yes, we are a party to so much of it! – God grants us such peace and grace as we abide in Him and seek His face and cry out to Him, resting in the comfort of His Spirit and the joy of being redeemed through Christ Himself – oh glory to His Name! So that grace and peace is filling my heart and I know not why the struggles and cares of this world should give me any pause at all.

May your souls be warmed by the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ our Lord. He who died for us will surely continue to work in us until we are fully sanctified and consequently wondrously glorified at the day of Christ Jesus. Peace and love, dear friends.

Oh So Spartan

James HoganLeave a comment

Happy Sunday, friends!! Shan’t write long, just thought I may as well write a few words this rare moment I have my laptop on and humming away. I sit here on the comfy chair as the afternoon wanes away, having enjoyed a lovely day of rest. And no, it is not over yet! Was able to attend church today and be heartily encouraged – by the preaching of God’s Word, singing songs of praise and talking with dear friends. And then…had a nice salad for lunch, hanging out with John…took a quick nap then a quick workout then a not-quite-as-quick chat with Maryanne! All in all…a good day.

And now I watch the Kansas/Michigan State basketball game and read a bit more of my book…and even though I feel sleepy and in a bit of a contemplative mood at the moment, I will thank God for what He has granted me this day and I shall rest in the joy that is my salvation – fixing my hope completely at the grace to be brought to me at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Love you, my friends.

Sunshine State

James HoganLeave a comment

Hello friends!! I have a couple quick minutes here before me and Maryanne go off to meet Mom for lunch(her work break!). I’m definitely a little more awake than the last time I posted here a few days ago…it definitely helps that it’s not almost midnight! We’ve been staying up late pretty much every night I’ve been here, but that is entirely proper and not a bad thing at all! Last night(Christmas night!) following our epic dinner of burgers, oven-roasted potatoes, asparagus and the remnants of the sweet red wine…we watched another episode of Jack as we enjoyed ice cream(with Dad’s honey-based chocolate sauce!)…then even though I think we meant to get ready for bed after that, we got distracted watching a 60 Minutes feature on Hamilton and I of course couldn’t say no to that. Hearing Miranda talk about his emotions and inspiration behind writing the musical – and seeing clips of it! – was well worth staying up a little later! Then…did we go to bed? Nah. Me and Dad and Maryanne stayed up even later watching the end of the Broncos/Chiefs game! Good times.

And I probably should describe more of Christmas day, but I shall not now. It was indeed sad that Laura and Caisson couldn’t be with us…we missed them dearly. But thank God for the miracles of technology – namely, the cellular phone – that enabled us to chat to Laura anyway!!

Now – I need to fly off to meet Mom…and then shortly I shall literally fly off to Houston. Sad day. I always get a little depressed on my leaving day, especially as I know not when I shall return. But now, I simply thank my God for giving me such precious times here in Florida with my wonderful most favorite family in the world…being here and having such lovely times talking with Dad and Mom and Maryanne…I cannot express all that is in my heart. And even above that joy…the peace and love that fills my heart as I think on the gift of God to me. The precious gift of salvation – eternal peace and unbounded joy and unsought for love and bliss indescribable. Oh Lord my God, I love you so – my light, my song, my salvation. Be near to me, God I pray – let me ne’er forget all You have done for me. My words are feeble, my eyes dim, yet I shall offer all I have in worship to my God.

What more can I say? Peace and love, dear friends.

Wonderful Life

James HoganLeave a comment

Evening, friends. And…Merry-almost-Christmas!!!!! It’s 18 minutes away and I really should be asleep by now!! But I can’t help it – must write a few words, especially as I haven’t posted anything this whole holiday thus far!! I could write so much about how delightfully relaxing this past week has been, here with the family…but I shall refrain. Just know it’s been lovely. And tonight – oh what a perfect Christmas Eve night. Begun by a perfect dinner(Mom’s fettucine alfredo, salad, shrimp, and red wine….), after doing dishes, we(Mom, Dad, Maryanne and I – oh how I miss Laura, but she and Caisson are with his family…) continued by opening a few gifts and then reading the story of Christmas – God becoming man.. for us!!! Truly the most wonderful story ever told. We then proceeded on our annual Christmas walk. Went outside, and walked around the block and looked at all the Christmas lights and gazed up at the stars shining bright in the night sky. It was beautiful. Soon enough, we made it back to our house and we got down to watching another episode of Jack(…I mean, 24!! We’re continuing our grand tradition of watching 24 over Christmas break…season 6 currently) along with cherry pie. Once that was done(the episode and the pie!), we watched the end of It’s A Wonderful Life together and I just soaked in the beauty of the moment….

And so – yes, I have described much of the fun things we did tonight(and the food we enjoyed!!!), but the best part was just talking and laughing and discussing life and love and God Himself with my dear, dear family. Oh how deeply am I blessed. All my thanksgiving and praise to God most high. Forever and always.

Merry Christmas Eve, my most loved friends. Tonight, rest in the arms of our Lord Jesus Christ and be full of joy and peace as you think on the mercies of God. Oh! How good it is to be near God.

Bohemia

James HoganLeave a comment

Happy Sunday, dear friends!! I really need to get some work done this afternoon(and by work, I mean prep for community group on Tuesday night. Ecclesiastes chapter 3…some great words contained therein!). But firstly, as I begin sipping on my peppermint mocha frap(yes, it is one of those very rare occasions I’m actually getting a chilled drink…since summer is stubbornly continuing to exert its influence upon us and it is far too hot outside to even consider drinking a hot drink. And I have to say…a drink made of milk, peppermint syrup, chocolate and espresso is a pretty fine lunch. Just saying), thought I’d write something quickly. This morning, got some quality worship time in. And because the word quality does not quite convey the meaning I wish it to…I suppose I will just say that I was able to stand in church with my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ and lift my voice in purest song to the God of the universe as I thought on the mercies and lovingkindnesses and grandeur and sovereign power and most perfect wisdom of our God. It was a humbling and most awesome morning – to worship the living God.

And now, while I need to write my study notes(fueled by this beautiful caffeine contained in my mocha!)…I’ll tarry yet a little longer. Yesterday was also a wonderful day, even though I did burn myself out rather too quickly!! I meant to wake up early for a run, but sadly that waking up early part was a distinct failure. Once I did manage to drag my lazy self out of bed though, I went to Buffalo Grille and met Earnie for breakfast!! So a few cups of coffee and a fine egg and hash-browns and beans breakfast later…we had enjoyed a most fine catch up. We hadn’t talked properly since well before my Scotland trip!! It was so good to talk to him…such a dear friend and brother to me. Following that, did a few random errands before making my way down to Sugar Land to meet Lea for lunch! We hadn’t had a proper in person chat in quite some time…and as I knew it would, a most enlivening and encouraging conversation over lunch was had!! Lea…another dear friend – and sister!! Again…I am far too blessed to have such good friends that my God has given me.

Now – I’m going to end this entry and buckle down and actually study for my community group upcoming time. Have a most joyous afternoon, my friends!!!

Peace and love.

Neon Haze

James HoganLeave a comment

Morning, all!! Quick update time. It’s a wonderfully sticky Monday morning here in Houston and as the day slowly lightens, thought I’d let you know what I’ve been up to lately as I sip on my peppermint mocha…

In actuality, this weekend was a nice and calm one, which I appreciated much. Friday night, went with Sammy to a random church’s young adult group meeting, where he was engaged to preach. He was much blessed by God and preached mightily on 2 Samuel 11 and the effects sin has on us. Powerful, convicting and encouraging – God be praised! Saturday, I got many random errands done, then went to Natalie and Andrew’s engagement/wedding party in the afternoon, where it was awesome to celebrate their soon marriage!! Sunday was church and afterwards, I went straight home and did various household chores before finally sitting down and having my dinner of leftover lasagna and a tomato salad. And…with my dinner, watched Return of the King. It’d been far too long. And even more fun was me and Maryanne watched it in sync, so we got to text each other random comments back and forth as we watched. Fun times…just wished we lived closer so we could watch in person!!! Alas. Oh! I also was much engaged in writing yesterday afternoon…got a powerful urge to put a story to paper, even though I am now doubting my literary powers and ability to do the themes of this story justice. I’m about 2200 words in and halfway done, but it is most rough so far and I am unsure whether it will get to where it needs to be. We shall see. I need to fly now, but shall leave you the opening…sorry to be such a tease. Love you all, my friends!!

A window stained, spattered with raindrops and grim in both general aura and appearance. Thunder rumbled in the far off distance and the harsh neon lights glared into the window, through the rain streaked plastic and into the cramped room. The room, mean in appearance and dim lit with a single lamp beside the bed, had a singularly utilitarian appearance. A bed, a sink and a mirror. Nothing more, nothing less. Nothing more was needed. Nothing less was used.

Rio

James HoganLeave a comment

Hello friends, happy Monday!! A quick post before work…hope that’s acceptable to you all! I realise I haven’t posted in quite a while, so thought I’d write something just to break up the monotony here! August is steadily rolling on here in Houston and I am quite ready for summer to hurry up and leave. It’s been quite sweltering these past few months and I’ve reached that point where I’m not really welcoming the constant sunshine and heat any longer. Oh well, suppose I shouldn’t complain, since at least there hasn’t been any flooding in Houston for approximately two months. A new record!

Enough of the weather though…a fun weekend has been had here – actually a quite busy one! We had our community group barbecue on Saturday afternoon. That was a relaxing time, full of yummy burgers and other assorted foods of course, but the best part was just hanging out with friends and having quality conversations. Then last night, went out to celebrate Annie’s birthday. More good food, more good conversations…and some quality game playing(featuring Four Men on a Couch – which is always hilarious when played late at night when everyone is tired and not entirely thinking clearly…). Besides all that, just good times talking with people, including but not limited to Julian, Isaac and Julie…)

And of course, the other notable part of this weekend was the beginning of the 2016 Summer Olympics! I do so love the Olympics and it’s been just grand watching them yet again. So very excited for these next few weeks!! Julie came over Friday night and we watched the opening ceremonies in Rio – it was a joyous and exuberant beginning of the Games and much enjoyed watching the athletes of over two hundred nations march into the stadium. Love it! The past few days, have watched much volleyball and swimming and road cycling and other various sports…and for the next few weeks to come, will enjoy much more daily sport in the form of Olympics. Hurrah! It’s also a bit bittersweet as I remember back to the last Summer Games – the London 2012 Olympics. And when I was – of course – in Aberdeen as those occurred. (And yes, even was in London for a few days with Joel to witness some of the events in person!) And so as I think back to those fun days in Scotland, I do get a bit nostalgic…remembering how blessed I was to enjoy the time I did there. God blessed me much no? And oh yes – He blesses me still. Always remember. Always.

Now, I must be off. Peace, one and all!

Wonders

James HoganLeave a comment

Good morning, friends, from New Orleans!!! This is a quick entry as I wait for my breakfast to arrive at the table…already had a delicious biscuit and my fresh hot coffee tastes simply amazing just now. Of course part of the reason for that may be I got very little sleep last night…since I was rocking out to Mumford and Sons – they put on an incredible show and I definitely don’t regret driving here from Houston to see them!! …of course, the main reason I was here was to see Maryanne and enjoy the show with her. Hurrah for good times!!! Reading Psalm 105 just now and reminded how good it is to thank and praise the Lord for all his many blessings to me. So…praise the Lord!!!! Now, my chicken and waffles and potatoes have arrived. Breakfast time. Peace and love.