Mike & Elizabeth! 9.5.10

Michael & Elizabeth Pavlis

September 5^th 2010

Processional Music

Stand for bride’s entrance.

Greeting

The grace of our Lord Jesus Chris, the love of God and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

And also with you.

Presentation of the Bride

Who presents Elizabeth for marriage? We do.

Do you then give your love and blessing to this new family? We do.

Invocation

Gathering together in wedding celebration, on this beautiful mountain top, each of us may be tempted to examine our own lives… to look at the place of love in our personal relationships. Love is powerful like that. We can withhold it, or we can freely give it. I pray we can each take this time to rededicate ourselves to living lives of love and compassion.

Dear friends, we have come together today, in the presence of God, to celebrate the marriage of Michael and Elizabeth, to surround them with our prayers, and to share in their joy.

The union of husband and wife in heart, body, and mind, is intended by God for their mutual joy; for the help and comfort given one another in prosperity and adversity, as lover, companion, and friend. Therefore marriage is not to be entered into unadvisedly or lightly, but reverently, deliberately, and in accordance with God’s purpose for our lives.

Prayer

Let us pray for God’s continued blessing,

Beloved God,

We welcome your presence in our hearts today.

We have come together as a community of family and friends to bless the vows of Michael and Elizabeth and the beginning of their journey together as husband and wife.

We pray that they enter into the deepest mysteries and wonders of love and therein create a safe haven in their hearts for each other.

May they know the peace that comes from truly being received, and known, and accepted, by another.

May their love for each other enrich them as individuals and provide a safe and loving environment for the family they are creating.

Guide them and bless them, that they may know that there is nothing more priceless than the gift of loving one another, as they journey through life side by side.

We also ask for a blessing of renewal, of devotion and kindness

For each of us present, and for peace in the whole world, that we may demonstrate our love for you, through our love of each other in all of our relationships.

Amen

Michael and Elizabeth please turn and face me as I share these words,

A reading by William Penn:

Never marry but for love; but see that thou lovest what is lovely. If love be not the chiefest motive, thou wilt soon grow weary of a married state and stray from thy promise, to search out thy pleasures in forbidden places...

Between a man and his wife nothing ought to rule but love ... As love ought to bring them together, so it is the best way to keep them well together.

A husband and wife that love and value one another show their children... that they should do so too. Others visibly lose authority in their families by their contempt of one another, and teach their children to be unnatural by their own examples.

Let not enjoyment lessen, but augment, affection; it being the basest of passions to like when we have not, what we slight when we possess.

Here it is we ought to search out our pleasure, where the field is large and full of variety, and of an enduring nature; sickness, poverty or disgrace being not able to shake it because it is not under the moving influences of worldly contingencies.

Nothing can be more entire and without reserve; nothing more zealous, affectionate and sincere; nothing more contented than such a couple, nor greater temporal felicity than to be one of them.

Sermon –

Mike, Elizabeth, I have to admit, writing a sermon befitting this occasion was difficult for me. To be honest I just wrote this last night while sitting on my bed in the hotel. And I’d struggled over the last few weeks wracking my brain for scripture that would be appropriate, and meaningful. My biggest problem is that every wedding sermon sounds like the next. They all use the Corinthian words of Love, love is patient love is kind…, or the Jesus’ wedding miracle as their text.

Mike you know me better than to think I’d get up here and use anything ordinary. And Elizabeth, I certainly hope Mike’s warned you enough that you knew you weren’t getting Sister Mary Grace up here leading this party.

Finally last night I came across something I could use. Its from Ecclesiaties, which in its fullest form isn’t found in most Bibles.. Also known as Sirach (sirock) , Chapter 26, and sounding much like a fortune cookie.

“Happy the husband of a good wife, twice-lengthened are his days.”

My immediate reaction, Elizabeth wasn’t to tell you to be a good wife in order to make this man happy. No, I’m too liberated for that. In fact I usually avoid these verses of submission and dominance to the male…

But then I thought about it for a few moments and it occurred to me, No, no,. This itty bitty slice of the bible that most have never heard, has a strong and powerful message for us today. And its dead on. God is very clearly speaking to the two of you... Or at least I’d like to think so because it makes up my sermon.

Mike, I’m afraid to tell you this, but although it seems to be directed Elizabeht on why she should be a good wife, this scripture is actually directed towards you.

Because the way I see it is this, try and follow please, If it is the happy husband that has a good wife and “twice legnethne days” to his life, than it must be the unhappy husband who has half has many days. See the happiness of the husband doesn’t depend on the goodness of the wife. For, if you have a good wife, and you’re not being happy about it, darn right your life will be cut short, your wife, I, your family won’t stand for you to be unhappy with Elizabeth as your wife. See, you’re not going to have a good wife, you’re going to have a great wife and we’ll make sure you stay happy about it. If you don’t your days will assuredly be cut short.

Now Elizabeth don’t get too excited. I promised you I wouldn’t bring up those submit to your husband passages, but I will say this. In a world surrounded by ideal visions of happily ever after it can be hard dealing with the true grit of being married. Men are more complicated than they want us to believe, and let’s be honest, us women, we’re not the simpliest creatures to deal with either.

And there may be times when you will feel you are more worried about feeding and clothing your family than he is. Rest assured, this won’t be the case. Men are strange beings that like to provide for their families in secret. Working their hardest behind the scenes, providing for their family without excpecting to be recognized for such. Mike is commiting to you today all that he has and all that he will be. I have no doubts he will be a happy husband for being with you.

But this I give to you during those times when you are worried, and the daily life is a struggle… a reading from Matthew, …

Now another reason I do not like the Corinthians text is that its not even speaking of the kind of love we celebrate here today. Its not about the passion and commitment these two lovers have made. I share with you a reading from Song of Solomon….

That is the kind of love I pray is lived out between you. So be happy, do not worry, and have a passion for one another that is an intertwining of independence and intimacy.

There’s one more I’d like to share with you. … a reading from Isaiah, God speaks to us…

So with the Lord’s help you two will be happy, not inclined to worry, live long fruitful days, and have kids that won’t be juvenile delinquents or worse.

All glory be to God, Creator, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.

Declaration of Intent

Michael and Elizabeth, I have shared with you, in word and prayer, the means and intentions of a loving, faithful, supportive union.

Is it in this spirit and for this purpose that you desire to be joined together?

M&E: It is.

Declaration of Vows

Michael and Elizabeth, I invite you now to make public your intentions toward one another as husband and wife. Please face each other now (hold hands, pass bouquet).

You will be tested by the daily routines of life, by chance and by circumstance. Together you must encounter life’s sorrows no less than its sweetness, and its frustrations with grace and ease. You must keep enthusiasm for one another, being caregivers, and living out a life of trust.

Michael, do you understand and accept such responsibility and do you promise to do your very best each day to create a loving, healthy, and happy marriage?

M: I do

Elizabeth, do you understand and accept such responsibility and do you promise to do your very best each day to create a loving, healthy, and happy marriage?

E: I do.

Jon, I’m hoping you remembered to bring Elizabeth’s ring.

Michael, holding her left hand prepare to place her ring, and repeat after me:

I, Michael William Pavlis, recieve you Elizabeth Marie Fernandez…

as my wife, my lover, and my best friend…

I am choosing to share with you all of life’s blessings…

The joys and sorrows, the successes and disappointments…

Elizabeth, I will love you and cherish you always..

I promise you this for all the days of my life…

Elizabeth, repeat after me:

I, Elizabeth Marie Fernandez, receive you Michael William Pavlis …

as my husband, my lover, and my best friend…

I am choosing to share with you all of life’s blessings…

The joys and sorrows, the successes and disappointments…

Michael, I will love you and cherish you always..

I promise you this for all the days of my life…

Acclamation

Michael and Elizabeth, please turn and face those present to support you today.

Family, friends, and all those gathered here with Michael and Elizabeth, now I ask you,

will you support and care for them, sustain and pray for them in times of trouble, give thanks with them in times of joy, honor the bonds of their covenant, and affirm the love of God reflected in their life together? If so, answer, “we will.”

Michael and Elizabeth, have declared their intentions and vows before us this day. Those whom God has joined together, let no one separate.

Amen!

Turn again to face me, please.

Now this is where most would say, Husband, you may kiss your bride. I’m not a fan. So instead, I’ll say this, Bride, you may kiss your husband!

Applause!

Blessing

I offer this blessing for you,

Now you will feel no rain, for each of you will be the shelter for the other.

Now you will feel no cold, for each of you will be the warmth for the other.

Now you are two persons, but there is only one life before. Go now to your dwelling place to enter into the days of your life together.

And may your days be good and long upon the earth.

May God almighty send you light and truth to keep you all the days of you life. The hand of God protect you, the holy angels accompany you , and the blessing of Almighty God, Creator, Son and the Holy Sprit be with you now and forever.

Amen

Sending

Go in peace to serve and love God and all of God’s majestic creation.

Thanks be to God.

I present to you Michael and Elizabeth Pavlis!

Applause and recessional

I do? I did.

Yet another week has gone by and I’ve yet to spend the time writing a blog. Its not that I haven’t had the time – believe me, I have spent many more hours sleeping this week than I have in a long time – I just have yet to make this thing a priority.
On Sunday September 5th I officiated at Mike Pavlis and Elizabeth Fernandez’ wedding. The celebration took place on Lookout Mountain, just south of Chattanooga but actually in Georgia. The Grandview is a breathtaking sight for a wedding. A stone terrace provide the perfect place for the ceremony and the mountainside patio was perfect for the reception.

It was my first time planning a wedding ceremony and I’m so glad I know the bride and groom personally. It made it much easier, but at the same time, it also meant I wanted it to be even more perfect. It was a time consuming ordeal but I enjoyed every minute of it. I had to trust my instincts when it came to the sermon. I debated with myself for weeks over whether or not to write it before I arrived in Chattanooga. I’m glad I waited. I wanted to have a feel for the tone of the wedding, and the bridal party. Yes, I knew Mike well, but Elizabeth and I had only met once. I wanted to make sure that I could keep the service light and carefree, what I knew Mike would want, and still give Elizabeth exactly the wedding she wanted and deserved.

Mike and Elizabeth seemed to like the service I’d written. I’ll post it here so please judge for yourself.

The reception was great! It helps to have bottomless glasses of wine too. ☺ I even changed out of my more formal brown slacks, to a fun skirt that matched the green jacket.

I had been giving Mike a hard time for not inviting more single young men to the wedding… sure, there was only one… but he was fun. I’m happy to consider Niels, Aimee, Pat, Ripal, and Sunil some of my newest friends. We had a great time swapping stories about Mike during the wedding, but it was after the wedding that the real fun began.

After a quick wardrobe change (the third of 5 for the day as Sunil pointed out) I met the rest of the gang at the Chattanooga Billiards Club. It’s a really neat place to go if you ever make it to Chattanooga. Its downtown at 8th and Cherry. Don’t be deceived. The downstairs looks only like a cigar shop and bar, but there are about a dozen pool tables upstairs, along with another bar and dining tables. We took in more alcohol on top of all the free stuff we’d drunk at the wedding, and smoke our cigars while having some pretty hilarious discussions about our lives. It was great getting to know everyone. Of course the fact that the “minister” of the wedding was now drinking and smoking with them just added to the hilarity. I criticized the overuse of Corinthians in wedding sermons, so now everything we did turned into a Corinthians reference. Sunil had me in tears – “Corinthians 2:12. Jesus said we are to smoke cigars, drink whiskey and shoot pool” “Corinthians 6:13 And Jesus said, ‘Let’s get liquored up.” It’s one of my favorite memories from the weekend.

While at the CBC we discovered that each of us, except for Ripal ☹ , was headed to Atlanta the next day. Niels headed back to Savannah before I made it to town, but I did get to see Pat and Aimee at the Five Seasons Brewery on Tuesday night, and then Sunil at the Havana Club on Saturday. Aimee and Pat live in Houston and since I have plans to head that way I do hope to see them again. Sunil is a party animal hopefully he and I can visit his girlfriend Ripal in Florida at the same time. Aimee and Pat, and Ripal and Sunil are such fun couples. They each seemed to be very genuinely happy in their relationship, and very comfortable with their significant others. I wish my new friends nothing but absolute happiness in their futures.

After closing down the bar..and two more wardrobe changes thanks to my convertible dress..It was time to go back to the hotel. I’d already noticed that there weren’t many people out and about but after the bar closed the streets were desolate. Niels and I did some dancing in the middle of the street just because we could.

So around 4am I called the front desk and asked for late check-out. “What time?” he asked. “I don’t know, what’s the regular check out time?” “Noon.” “Oh, ok, how about 2pm?”

Two came sooner than I wanted it to. I got up around 11 but almost immediately needed a nap after packing just a few things. At 1 I called the front desk again.. “Is it possible to have a 3pm check-out?” “Sure.” Wow, I love this place.

Uh, three also came sooner than I wanted it to. Hehehe, so it was about 3:30 before I called for a baggage cart and my car to be pulled around. The bellhop misunderstood me and before I knew it I had a woman at my door trying to give me someone else’s luggage.

I FILLED the luggage cart and made my way downstairs. The process of packing and repacking my car began. I made small talk with the bellhop, a University of TN: Chattanooga sophomore. He is studying economics. Something he doesn’t really want to do. I advised him to find what he loves and do it, and I wished him the best of luck…Unfortunately, I think he’s at that stage in life where money is greater than happiness. I can’t blame him when he makes his living by parking rich peoples cars. The temptation is always there.

I left Chattanooga on Labor Day, something I wasn’t considering when trying to find postcards. I’m not very happy with myself. I left the city without any souvenir or postcards to send.

I’d decided to make the trip to Atlanta after I found out an old friend of mine was now living in the city. This past summer I was working for the Boy Scouts at their Jamboree, celebrating the 100th anniversary of the BSA. There I met a lot of beautifully fascinating people I am so blessed to now call friends. One of those unique individuals is David Moffit. He too lives in Atlanta and had already invited me down. Honestly, having just seen Moffit a month ago, and knowing I would see him again soon in Baltimore, I wasn’t planning on going to Atlanta just to see him. It wasn’t until an old dear friend from WVU, Joao Neto, told me he was here that I decided it would be worth the trip. I hadn’t seen him in years, since he went to Hawaii for grad school and I never visited him there like I should have.

Monday night Moffit had to pick up a friend from the airport, so, since I would be arriving in Atlanta around 7pm, I made plans with Neto for dinner. He took me to The Vortex. A place famous in Atlanta, and known far beyond for its profiling on the show “Man v. Food.” I ate half of my Blue Shroom Burger and sweet potatoe tots. It was monumental. The menu claims I would see God after eating it…I’m not sure if I did or not but it was definitely nirvana in my mouth.

After dinner I went to Moffit’s. He wasn’t back yet and the roommate didn’t hear the doorbell. I sat on the steps for a bit, pet a cat that wandered by, and facebooked on my crackberry. Before long the roommate appeared at the door and got me settled in. Moffit arrived soon after. We watched a few episodes of an animated show that’s made right here in Atlanta. I can’t remember the name of it, but it aired on Adult Swim which is produced by TBS, also based here in Atlanta. Now, I’m not big on adult animated shows but this one was pretty good…gory…heads being blown up, that sort of thing.

We were both exhausted by midnight..which is really lame considering the business we’re in.

I went to bed on an air mattress in the living room… as hard as it was to turn down Moffit’s offer to join him in his bed, right next to his enormous pirate ship collection. Wow. I love my friends.

The Roof, The Roof, The Roof is on Fire.

On Friday morning Felici did laundry at Matty’s and then we all went to eat breakfast at a diner in Rural Retreat. The décor was slightly trendy with antiques and a lot of red. There were original paintings on the wall of churches and a framed baptismal gown too. The food was great, at least my omelet was, even if Matty describes it as “sketch.” After lunch Matt eventually went to work, and Felici went to see his fiance, Jess, so I hit the road too.

As it turns out I left my sleeping bag in Morgantown. I’d borrowed one of Pastor Jonathan’s sleeping bags while in RR but decided I should get one before I go any further. Using my Blackberry (God bless the crackberry!!!) I found an awesome outdoor sporting goods shop, Highlands Ski and Outdoor Center in Abingdon, VA. I got a Northface bag on sale 30% off. Its not blue and gray like the rest of my gear (Yes, I’m a girl and like stuff to coordinate), but it will do. It’s a three season bag so I’m excited to try it in the heat and cold to see how well it works.

I made it to Chattanooga around 8pm. I was in the lobby of the Sheraton Read House when I first saw Jon Pavlis – Mike’s little brother. He looked right past me..Ok, so its been a long time since we’ve seen each other, but geez, have I reallly changed that much? Yes, I guess I have. My constant hair changes do keep people on their toes.

The Pavlis family – Jon, his wife Sarah, his Aunt Frieda, mom Carol, and dad Jeff were having dinner at Porter’s in the hotel. I joined them and ate a fabulous vegetarian spaghetti and a goat cheese-eggplant appetizer courtesy of Mr. Pavlis. It was a great time to catch up with the Pavs. It was the first time meeting Jon’s wife too, and although we’ve been friends on facebook since they married it was great getting to really know her.

Saturday morning the phone in my room rang. And I ignored it. Then my cell phone rang. It was Mike’s mom Carol, “Did you know that rehearsal is at 10am.” “Uh,...no.” “I didn’t think so. Call Michael. At this rate it’ll be 11.”

She didn’t know, I didn’t know…really, I’m not sure who did know beyond Mike and Elizabeth. Now its OK if the parents didn’t know, but I’m sort of mission critical for this wedding. Mike called me in the spring and asked if I could perform his marriage ceremony. Of course I said yes. He said quickly that it was his mom’s idea. Should I be grateful to Mike or Mrs Carol for being able to be a part of Mike’s special day?? Sure he's my ex-boyfriend,

I was out of bed, in and out of the shower, dressed and to my car within 30 minutes. Speaking of my car, the hotel has valet service so every time I wanted my car I had to call the valet…and every time I did it I was asked if I was checking out. I was only there three days and it was getting annoying. I can’t imagine if I was staying for the week just how annoying those kid's questions would get. I felt bad for them though - my car is a fully packed disaster. They’re used to nice cars rolling through and they had to drive my dirty overflowing v-dub over and over and over.

I made my way to Lookout Mountain, just over the state line into Georgia. The venue was called The Grandview. It was a breathtakingly beautiful location. Rehearsal itself took less time than the drive up there, or the subsequent tour of the facility. Elizabeth did an amazing job at picking that place!

Immediately after the rehearsal was the ladies tea downtown. I wasn’t originally invited but Elizabeth asked if I was and quickly exctended the invitation. It was a cute little place. The other patrons were probably annoyed at all of our picture taking but we didn’t care. I was amused by the bathroom – there were keys to get in to each stall, and they hung in the main dining area – “Loo Keys,” the sign said. Silly Brits.

After the tea Mrs. Carol, Aunt Frieda, Sarah, Elizabeth’s mom and I walked down to the restaurant we’d be going to later that night for the rehearsal dinner. Mrs. Carol had a Mrs. Carol, Sarah and a few of the girls were going to the salon to meet with the hairstylist. I had a football game to watch so I headed back to the hotel.

While trying desperately to find the WVU v. Coastal Carolina football game on TV or at a local bar I was trying to figure out what to wear to the wedding. I wasn’t to wear an alb, formal church stuff, but I didn’t want to wear a pattern either. Black was also eliminated as a possibility because I didn’t want Mike and I to merge into this black blob up there at the beautiful flowered archway. The bridesmaids were in a deep red wine color and the groomsmen had on black suits and green paisley ties. I picked my green jacket and brown pants, with the skirt to match that I decided I would change into for the reception. Of course this all depended on what Elizabeth thought so I was sure to take a basic brown dress as a back-up.

In the middle of my wardrobe changes I received a message on facebook. Its from a new friend, and the news she shared with me put me in a great mood. It changed my perspective about the de-friending on facebook that I mentioned in my last post. It was freeing. I am liberated.

I had just finished trying on my potential outfits, and had put my WVU jersey and shorts back on, when my hotel room door flung open. I jumped quickly to the door to find a little kid with a keycard and the rest of his family behind him, staring at me in shock. No, sorry folks, not your room.

I lost the fight to find the game and ended up having to follow it on ESPNgamecast. Lame.

So I had an outfit picked out for the wedding but no shoes to match. I knew that there were plenty of shoe boutiques nearby, and although I likely couldn't afford a single shoe much less a pair, I really wanted to check them out.

I headed to Warehouse Row, a building filled with high dollar boutiques and trendy shops. I went to Embellish. I picked up a cute pair of heels just inside the door. The price? $265. Hmm. Not going to find shoes here.

I made a quick sweep of the place, hoping the sales woman wouldn't try to talk me into buying something. As I walked past her sales counter I glanced inside what I thought was the stock room. There was a baby in there, decked out in U of Georgia garb. And a young woman was in there too and she was trying on shoes.

I realized it wasn't a stock room, but a clearance room. I giggled. I walked in but figured even at clearance prices I couldn't afford $300 shoes. I was in search of something off-white, and comfortable because the wedding venue has a ground of stone pavers, and I'd be standing most of the time.

I was just about to give up. There were a few pairs that would have worked but they didn't have my size. I finally found a pair - tan leather sandal platforms. Comfy, the right color, and only $40!!! I'm so proud of my shopping skills.

Since I found shoes so quickly I had time to just drive around Chattanooga. I wanted to see more than just the touristy areas, and with the help of my Blackberry navigation I'd be able to find my way back.

I crossed the Tennessee river twice on two different bridges. Pictures while driving across them didn't turn out the best. :)
I stopped at a gas station to get gas. I was thirsty and needed some vitamins in me so I went in to buy my favorite Naked juice.

I had already noticed an old Camry in the parking lot. It had Ga Bulldogs flags flying high out of both windows. And the driver and passenger were both, well, trailer trash material. Now I'm not one to judge people based on their clothes, or car, but the female proved me right. Her skin tight black jeans, and tank top two sizes too small supported my opinion.

I walked into the convenience store behind her. She was behind the male she arrived with and was talking to him about 3 levels too loud. They yelled to each other across the store but eventually the male left.

I was at the check out behind her too. The young cashier was very friendly with her, and I'm amazed he kept a straight face through the conversation. She looked at the little displays on the counter and read one, "Night Bullet. Rock Hard for Three Days." Her laughter was hysterical, "If you last three days you've got a problem..three days..hahaha...Night Bullet." She just kept going. And sooo loud. I was embarrassed just to be standing next to her. She finally left and the cashier turns to me, "She is noooot right." "No, no she's not," I said.

On my way back to the hotel I found myself in a poorer area of the city. I was happy to see the real life there. I hate to feel like a tourist when I go somewhere. I want to see how real people...most people..experience life there. I had to stop in the middle of the road as someone crossed the street. It was a street person, clad in miss-matched clothes, and the tops of his or her shoes were flopping with every hobbled step. Over the shoulder was a large bag.

Within two blocks the neighborhood changed drastically. I saw a worn down high rise on the left and then a trendy coffee shop with outdoor seating on the right, just before the alternating brick crosswalk, and city street-scaping.

When I’d dressed for the rehearsal dinner and was headed out the door I realized my keycard would no longer work since they’d of cleared old cards to program this mystery family’s cards. ( I was really surprised by their entrance considering its only a king size bed, and it was a family of four) I went to the guest services desk and just for my troubles I received a free breakfast pass. . . One that I’d sadly never get to use.

I arrived at the rehearsal dinner 5 minutes late. I’d rushed to get ready and wasn’t fully prepared. I hadn’t wrapped their gift yet, and wasn’t pleased with my hair or make-up. Not that any of this mattered. I was only the 5th person to arrive. Almost none of the bridal party was there yet! I should have spent more time getting ready. :-/

The rehearsal dinner was great. Drinks were a bit pricey but the food buffet was great. Niko's Southside Grill is a greek restaurant and if their full menu is anything like what the Pavlis’ chose for our menu Saturday night its sure to be good. We were served sauteed squash and zucchini, Greek chicken, beef, and potatoes. The desert was a choice of strawberry cake or crème brule. Jon asked if it tastes better than pudding. Yeah, Jon. Such discriminating taste, you have.

I left the rehearsal thinking that I really needed to work on the wedding service. I still hadn’t written a sermon. I also was thinking about how it was my first night in Chattanooga, and likely the only night I’d be able to go out. Well I chickened out. I didn’t want to wander the city alone and although Mike had tried to play matchmaker between myself and his buddy Niels, we hadn’t met yet so I stayed in my room for the night.

I wrote the sermon…finally. I’d struggled to find relavant scripture so I couldn’t figure out where and how to start. I ended up starting with just that – I explained how I couldn’t find the right verses and why. I kept it light and hoped that Mike and Elizabeth would both be amused and pleased with the result.

Around 3am, before I even made it to bed, the fire alarm in the hotel sounded. Ever had that happen? I felt like I was back in Summit Hall at WVU, though the alarm wasn’t nearly as annoying. Outside 5 fire vehicles arrived a few trucks and a few engines. Ask Sarah for details, her dad’s a firefighter. ☺

I wandered around and found the Pavlis’ on the other side of the building. When we made it back inside there were half a dozen firefighters posing for pictures... I'm not sure how I feel about that.

Rumor was that a kid pulled the alarm. Turns out it was some drunk woman. We should all get a free night’s stay on her tab.

I made it back to the room and headed to bed. The wedding was scheduled to start at 4:30 the following afternoon. I still had to tweak the sermon but figured fresh eyes on Sunday would be best.

Endless Summer: Dog Days

I left the campground Thursday morning and arrived at Matty's around 7:30am. I thought that Matty would be leaving for work, his office is at Grace Lutheran, and I would just hang out at his place, do some work and then tour the town. Instead he was “ordered” to take me to breakfast at Joey’s. If you ever go to Rural Retreat, go to Joey’s. You’ll meet all the important people in town, and they have great breakfast with silly names at great prices. Not that the prices mattered. Pastor Jonathan was sitting in a corner when we got there. We didn’t sit with him because he had his laptop out, but when it came time to pay for our meal (Matty was going to pay for mine, too.) we suddenly had no check. The waitress just shook her head, and said, “don’t worry about it!”

“Are you responsible for this no charge for breakfast nonsense” I asked Pastor Jonathan once he was within hearing range out in the parking lot. He said, “no,” I said, “thank you,” and we left.

Back at Matt’s the lack of sleep and a full stomach took hold but I first had to find a place for this dog. It took the amount of footwork I hadn’t done since my days of beat reporting in college. Phone call after phone call I would get leads on who to call. Did you know that in Virginia it is legal for government dog pounds to euthanize after just 7 days? If you’re a dog lucky enough to be running lose while wearing a color they’ll be so kind as to let you life for at least 10 days. No one could help me! The pound would put him down, and the SPCA and Human Society of the area lack any sort of holding facilities. Thank God I’m from Maryland. My girl Selah had been in the Anne Arundel Co pound for 18 days already and was about to be the featured pet of the week. If in Virginia, she’d be dead.

Well, God bless him, instead of working at his office, Matty was sending out emails to the prayer circles and making phone calls, all in an attempt to find a home for this dog that I’d brought to his doorstep. I was so excited to hear that a woman from Grace named Louise had agreed to take him in for a few days (the dog, not Matty) while the Human Society tried to find him a home. I took Buster, as Louise called him, (“Loose” was Matty’s idea but I decided it sounded like he was sexually promiscuous) to Louise’s house. I made it back to Matty’s and fell asleep immediately. 20 minutes later he called to see if I wanted lunch. I said no, and passed out again.

I slept for a good long time. It felt great. I hadn’t been able to sleep in the middle of the day, and with no alarm clock, in a very long time.

Pastor Jonathan invited us over to his new house for dinner. They hadn’t moved in yet, but his kids got a kick out of showing me around the place. Its on the top of a mountain surrounded by much acreage where their goats and chickens have already been living. I played with the kids, more so than Matty and Felici. Oh, yes, I forgot to mention. I had no idea until that night but Jason Felici, another seminarian on internship, is serving in Wytheville, Va. Since he is just 10 minutes up the road he joined us for dinner. After having a pleasant time at Pastor Jonathan's, Matty took us on a whirlwind tour of little Lutheran churches in the area. Some were one’s he was serving, others were closed. I love the architecture of old churches and one of them in particular I would love to convert into a home. We made it back to Matty’s wasted our time catching up for a bit and then called it a night. It was an exhausting day of raised blood pressure between getting angry over euthanization laws and playing with four never tiring children. I got a good night’s sleep. I had to. The next day meant driving to Chattanooga and getting ready for Mike and Elizabeth’s wedding!

Endless Summer: The Good the Bad and the Ugly

9.2.2010

On the morning of Monday August 30, 2010 I left Kerry’s house in Scott Depot and slowly made my way towards Rural Retreat Va. It occurred to me not a half hour down the road that I was going to pass by Beckley. I decided to make my way down 64 and sent my cousin Heidi a text.

“Are you home?”… “Yeah, why?”

...and so I called her.

What was going to be a quick visit turned into two days and nights in Shady Spring, WV just outside of Beaver and Beckley. Monday evening Heidi borrowed a UTV (Utility Vehicles – a golf cart on steroids) to take me trail riding. She said there was a chance we’d cross some bears while out so she grabbed her Ruger and we put eventually put it in my purse for easy access. We set out through her residential neighborhood, crossed two main roads, and were eventually headed down an unlined (but paved!) road through some farms. As we made our way up Whitby Mountain I learned what bear poop looks like. I also learned how to fire the gun just in case the bears leaving the poop decided to surprise us. The terrain got rocky – and exciting for me. For Heidi, not so much. I was allowed to drive once we hit the spots where she was afraid we’d tip the UTV over. No worries. I handled it like a pro..  There were even some attempts at not-so-expert frog catching.

Under the canopy of trees the remainder of the day’s light did little to light our path. Eventually we had to turn the UTV’s lights on. We quickly discovered there’s a draw in the system….Our headlights dimmed and eventually went out, and our overhead spot lights nearly disappeared too. It was quite the adventure. I was already amped for contact with wild bears and here we are in the middle of nowhere IN THE PITCH BLACK. I couldn’t see my hands in front of my face. Just imagine it. Heidi in the driver’s seat, I in the passenger’s. The Plexiglas window was scratched and reflecting the little bit of light the overhead spots were emitting so we each have our heads sticking out either side trying to see the road ahead! It was quite a sight. “Where’s the road?!” Is not something you want your driver to say…ever. It got so bad we were using the focus light on my camera to see..FLASH – FLASH – FLASH –FLASH ..over and over and over just to see 10 feet ahead of us.

We eventually made it back to a paved part of the road, still miles from home. As we pass a house to our left I hear the deepest dog bark I’ve ever heard. My first instinct was to look at the CB radio to see if it had made noise. (Of course I’d already turned the thing off to save juice) I heard it again and looked left just in time to see Heidi nearly jump out of her seat, headed my direction. In the dark a black dog had chased us down. Heidi says she could feel its breath graze her leg.

Surviving yet another adventure of the evening we finally made it back to her neighborhood. The UTV owners were having a cookout in their outdoor oasis so we joined in. Oh, while on the mountaintop, at the point in which we thought the battery was completely dead and we’d be stranded in the dark, I managed to quickly turn on Heidi’s dying cell phone, retrieve the owner’s phone number, and then call him from my cell - We thought he might need to rescue us! The first thing he says to us when we get back is “well I wasn’t going to come and get ya.” He’d been drinking a bit too much at that point..we’d of been out there all night!

I joined in on the fun with a couple Schmirnoff premixed fruity something-anothers. Highlight of the oasis party being my graceful maneuver directly into the sliding screen door. Yup, I face planted right into it. I wasn’t even half done my first drink yet! I’m sure I’m made quite the impression on Heidi’s neighbors.

That night I got to sleep in Josh’s room since he’s at school in Fairmont now. It was nice to be in a bed for the first time in over a week. The next day I did a whole lot of nothing all day. Lounging at the house was nice. I went out on the deck in my bathing suit and did eventually start working on the wedding service I’m conducting in Georgia on Sunday. The day was going well until not long after 4pm. I had planned on driving to Rural Retreat Virginia that night, but after getting some upsetting news I decided to put it off until the next day.

Around 4:15pm a good friend, someone I’d spend hours chatting with every day for the past month, told me that we could no longer talk…or even be friends on Facebook.

Now, I get the whole not talking thing. It was an unhealthy situation, as much as we loved talking to one another. But as funny as it may seem to say, the use of technology in this situation made it worse. I am really hurt by this move to “de-friend.” It’s a low blow. It feels as if I’m being made to disappear. Like any trace of our knowing one another can be erased.

Its been a rough couple of days for me. I’ve tried distracting myself with friends and other things but taking long drives down the highway are difficult. I hate myself for loving music so much. I hear a song and it makes me cry. Sometimes I’m so girly I make myself sick.

On Wednesday I finally left Shady Spring and headed for Rural Retreat. I made it to Grace Lutheran Church in time to join Matt Day and his supervisor, Pastor Jonathan Hamman lead Compline service. Only three other people joined us, three older women of the congregation. Louise was one of them. I like her. At 60 years old she runs 2 miles a day at Rural Retreat Lake, she works with the Human Society, and she drinks bourbon. That’s my kinda lady.

On my way down I realized that I’d left my sleeping bag in Morgantown. Matt said Pastor had one I could borrow so we went to his house to pick it up. We then headed back to his town house. This is where I get annoyed with church hypocrisy. I had to spend all day trying to find a campsite for me stay at for the night, because my staying at Matt’s might be made gossip in the small town. So what, I say! Let them ask me or ask him the truth and they might learn that there are responsible adults in this world that can co-exist without wanting to get in each other’s pants. Instead, I had to sneak into Rural Retreat Lake after hours, set up camp at 1am, and try to sleep in my hammock in the cold and dense darn woods alone.

When I left Matty’s at about midnight I saw a dog curled up on the side of the road. I decided to take him with me after Matty said he couldn’t have pets in the house and there was no convincing him otherwise. To tell you the truth I was very grateful to have him. I had no idea I’d be the only camper there and with no personal protection (like say a gun to shoot bears…notice a trend?) it was comforting to have him curled up under my hammock.

I nearly died of a heart attack at 3am.

I heard rustling, loud enough to wake me. And this, on top of dense trees, the dark, the fog, the howling, chirping, buzzing, hooting, and other wild noises had been preventing a restful nights sleep. I slowly reached for my flashlight, trying not to make my hammock swing, and thinking about what the best escape would be for me since I was basically trapped inside my hammock set-up, and all the while wondering why this damn dog hasn’t barked or anything. My heart was pounding. My eyes were useless. I have great night vision but still couldn’t see a thing. I finally found the flashlight and turned it on to scan the area to my right – facing the deeper woods.

I could of killed that dog.

He was pacing in his circle, remaking his bed of leaves.

In the 6 hours that I was there I’m sure I woke up about 6 times. By 6:45 I had to pee so bad I was forced out of the hammock. It was cold, and I had no idea where the nearest bathhouse was. No worries though, I packed toilet paper and with no one around finding a place to go was easy enough. The dog barked the whole time.

Thinking sleep would be impossible again, I loaded up the car with my gear and the dog and went back to Matty’s house. Since I left at midnight, and arrived at 7:30am anyone really wanting to gossip would likely conclude I’d never left. Oh well.

Just the way I like to start my Thursdays…