A Tour of Courthouse and Casino

My afternoon started out with a tour of the Rush Limbaugh federal courthouse.   Security was tight and they confiscated my camera but I finally got in and Sandy Moore, the secretary, came down and vouched for me.   She then gave me a tour of the court itself and all its intrincacies.    I met with Gary Kremer and an advisory committee from the State Historical Society and it was a lively discussion and fight between the University and the State.  I was the buffer along with others.  

Then Steve took eight of us to the Isle of Capri to have dinner.  I had not been there before and it was fun.   We toured all of that so and ate in one of the five restaurants.  The casino, which we gazed into, was packed on a Thursday night.   It was an experience.

Steve, Don Dickerson, Al Spradling, Bob Hamblin, Frank Nickell, Ned Matthews from Sikeston, Gary Kremer from the State Historical Society and me (the only woman) went to eat and we told all kind of stories from past political years.  The State took the papers of J. V. Conran, who helped elevate Truman to president.   We all shared our memories and Al Spradling talked about meeting Truman at his house when he came down to Sikeston to make a speech.  

Don Dickerson took me home and we laughed all the way home.  A super evening.  Not bad being the only woman either!

Proofreading ---not for sissies!

I hate proofreading!  I suck at it!  But I have to do it in order to turn this book over to the printer and never see it again!   I am up to my ears in proofreading but I am determined to read another page and mark mistakes.  Liz Matthews has been here knocking it out, changing size of pics and type and she is good!   There is hope ahead!

I stopped long enough to get dressed, check out the work that Greg Lowry is doing on my gripping rail and to eat lunch.  Now I have to run to a meeting downtown for State Historical Association.  When I get back, I can't proofread.  First, I will have had a couple of drinks (You can go faster in the reading but accuracy is out the window).  Also, I can't work at night when I'm tired!  

 

But I will hit it in the morning.

Thanksgiving and Black Friday revisited!

Finally sat down and looked at pics.  Colin looked good in his new suit and I looked like a fat pig.  Layne is busy opening presents.   These are great mementoes of some fun days.   That is what life is and we should enjoy it moment by moment.   

The days travel by so fast these days.   It is fun to have the house filled with people --like today--Jordan helping me clean the yard of Thanksgiving decorations.  Greg putting a handle up to help me maneuver the living room steps, Annie and Holly talking about Holly's gown for her Ball,  Joan and I are going out to eat tonight, Meleia and I at Dollar General Store stocking up, etc and me working on my book.    I am making progress!  Hallelujah!   I have a busy, busy few days but I intend to find some time to get the individual citations finished.

BAILEY, THE VAMP IN OUR VIDEO WE MADE FOR lANDON.  

Housecleaners!

Gloria, my housekeeper of many years, comes today!  Yea!   She normally comes here twice a month but now she is coming weekly since Jennie is not at home.  I needed her today.   She will do all the cleaning while I work on the computer and that is great!   It is a mental blessing to know that I don't have to change beds and sheets and wash all the dishes and do the laundry that is left over from Thanksgiving and having a full house.  

Leaning over a bed changing sheets is the hardest thing on my back.  And I would do anything or not do anything to keep my back intact.   My plans for the day need to be revised.   And I am quickly a revisionist of daily history.

Now my problems are:  Get my fireplace fixed (I can call Greg or Mark Spinks)  Work on section l of my book and call Bobby Brune about it; and pitch out some of the crap left over from Thanksgiving (already been to the trash with left over rolls and pumpkin pie!   Outside of all this, Thanksgiving is over and on to Christmas!

Miscellany

This is one of those days when I could not get caught up with anything and too much of miscellany going on to make any progress.   I stayed after it all day:  hair done, house cleaned (somewhat), lights put up on outside (Thanks to Greg's help),  ran to Nursing Home to sign papers for Jennie, took Jordan, Holly and Greg out to eat, did an interview with Caroll Eggemeyer for my book, and paid bills.   That was progress!

But the miscellany is still there -- nothing was done and finished.  Nothing was done.  It is waiting for me tomorrow.  I need to get a long list ready.  Maybe I will pick up where I left off or maybe  I will just start on a new miscellany or minutia.

I started to turn on my fireplace and watch MSNBC and the fireplace starter won't turn in.  I'm trying to figure out these things.  I will turn up the furnace, get out the Christmas blanket and hope that tomorrow brings some real progress!

Sunday morning coming down

Johnny Cash had his lyrics right.He talked about getting up on Sunday morning and "no way to hold  my head that didn't hurt" and putting on his cleanest dirty shirt.   Well, my head is not hurting and I have more than enough clean clothes and I didn't have too much marijuana last night and a beer for breakfastI But there are similarities of title and I am facing the Sunday morning coming down of realizing that all the family is gone but I am still here, a little downhearted, at the prospect of the day.  I don't want to do what I have put off to enjoy the holiday!

 But I am sitting here in the maze of paperwork I need to do and thinking of ways I can avoid it.   Too many details which need to be seen to:   old decorations given to Salvation Army and Safe House, pay bills, make list for the week, do scheduled interviews and go to meetings.   Get Greg Lowry to come over and put up my outside lights,  do laundry, clean out refrigerator and watch television.   I have spent the last thirty minutes reading the story of General Petraeus and his love life!  I am sick for reading it in People no less.

What I want to do today is get ready for next week and then take a nap.   I have a hearty soup on from leftover turkey and brussel sprouts and I will enjoy that all day.  I will light my fire and sit here going and doing what I am led at the moment.  Not a bad life!  I just need to grab ahold and cope today!

**By the way, if Mama Cooper were here she would say that Johnny Cash was born in Kingsland, Arkansas and they knew the family well.  Sing on Arkansas Johnny!

Bryan's Birthday!

 Today is Bryan William Stacy's birthday!   Yea!  

Bryan is his unique self and thank goodness he is!   He has brought me such joy with his kind spirit and his sweetness to his core!   I have five grandchildren and they all bring their uniqueness with them.

When I think of Bryan, I think of his laugh and his artistic persona.   He laughs when I say I can't draw a straight stick because he knows that is a true statement.   He likes me and I double like him!  We know how to laugh about the good things and the not so good things.   Happy birthday, my darling Bryan!

Project Friday

We are busy! Sara went to trees and trends and got Xmas decorations! She has put up the mantle and hall tree! Bailey is making a so papilla cheesecake and Adam and Leah are making barbecued chicken on the grill and sweet potatoes for dinner! I set the table'. Dan is fixing my computer!


So we are busy and choking strong!

Thanksgiving aftermath

Turkey has been eaten and dishes washed and people are up early for Black Friday! Sara,Bailey and Leah have left for Trees and Trends and Coldwater creek! Annie is struggling to get Holly home from A bad situation, Adam, Colin and Idan are going to Garbers with me and I am waiting to see the magic they will bring me!

Definitely rid the season! I am happy and grateful! Pasta house for lunch!

Think about Thanksgiving!

It is almost here!   Cooking has started!
Sara and Dan and kids will be in today.  I am cooking birthday party tonight for Leah and Bailey and then tomorrow is Thanksgiving.   So I am hard at it.

Menus are set, grocery shopping has been done.   Table is set and I am waiting.  The most thankful I am today is that I can get Jennie and her problems off my mind for a few sacred minutes.   If I can get a few minutes off from doctors and investigators, it will be wonderful.   I can take stress but sometimes I need sanity.  Yesterday I went to a meeting with Steve Limbaugh and he asked me how my day was going;  I said, I only came to this meeting to sit down and eat with normal people.  He laughed and laughed.   I said, " When I die and if the Lord says I can go back to earth, I will add one condition -- I have to be an only child!"

So do your worst today, my fate!   I will have a houseful of people who don't have to decide if I am a bitch, unreasonable (though no one ever wants to really make the decisions I have to make);  they think I am a saint in this world for putting my life on hold to take care of siblings.   I think I am too; why else would any fool take on this responsibility and face such anger and decisions!   Anyone else would put their arm in the fire and let it burn off.  

Dealing with doctors

It seems like I did interviews all day yesterday with doctors about my sister! I was exhausted wanting to be certain to give them factual information and not opinion! So I worked mentally at it and, as always, you remember glimpse that are insightful to the listening professional!

Little things sometime tell more about a person than all the big things!

Computer is back!

Bought a new computer, Mark Stacy has been here and he helped me, finally got all the data transferred and it is up and running for everyone but me.   I am getting ready for the onslaught of Dyer family and Thanksgiving meal!   Cranberries are being bought today and the pies!  Yes, Jennie is in the hospital, yes, we have been going thru hell;  yes life has been better, but it is life and it is where we are. 

So say thanks for the mess and sit down and eat tomorrow!

Alka Seltzer relief

i used to sit in front of the radio (before the days of television --The Coopers got their first television when I was a sophomore in high school) when we knew when every radio program came on, and when one of the best commercials was, Alka Seltzer --what a relief it is! wording became imprinted in my mind, and I wondered if Alka Seltzer could cure everything.  My dad was always trying everything because he was always stressed and tired (with good reason)!   He loved medicine and doctors!  

I never took even a dose of Alka Seltzer.  He was always afraid I was going to get hurt or die and he watched what I ate --"Shag, you eat too much mustard, we need to cut down "--Daddy, who ate a lot of everything he liked with no attempt to go into moderation! C'mon.   But that is an aside!.

My point is that I do feel an enormous relief this week.   I stepped down, after two years of being POA for my sister, Jennie, and turned it over to her daughter, Annie.   Last night, Annie and her two daughters, Layne and Holly, and I went out to eat to Pagoda to celebrate.   It was way past time for me to step down and I finally have gotten all the details in order so that Annie can take over.   It will never be easy!  I know better than anyone!   But, I stepped down and oh, what a relief that is!  I don't need the Alka Seltzer.  I just needed the letting go!

Slopjar Minutia

I  can remember going to my Grandfather Cooper's house in Melbourne, Arkansas and since they did not have an inside bathroom, there was a slopjar under the bed to catch all drippings.  While this was fun the first night, it wasn't fun for long.  There was also a slopjar in the kitchen so Grandma Cooper could put all the garbage in it.  It smelled.  I took the lid off once.

 

But today that is what I am doing.  My bathroom is fine and so is my wastebasket but I am going through a pile of stuff that is sitting there --with many subjects and many avenues for follow-up.  I am trying to deal with:   Laura Bennett Smith and the Missouri Mansion invitations which need to go out today, book details  --Caroll Eggemeyer phone interview and Stephanie Skornia --email interview,   handing things over to Annie Finnegan from her mother's financial affairs, making arrangements for Mark as he will be here tomorrow, trying to make a perfect "Bloody mary" for a Bloody Mary bar for Thanksgiving, washing the dishes for Thanksgiving since dust can be blown off of them,  finding pictures to go in the book and making the list of SEMO's greatest fans!  Can anyone ask for different subjects!   But the slop jar is opened and I will take each subject down one at a time!

 

And I remembered to remember that little hut on the side of the hill and my wonderful, kind Grandpa who never raised his voice.  But all his sons did!  They were like my red-headed Grandma, Mary Edna Clem Cooper, who died before I was born!  My Grandma was his second wife, aka Miss Lillie.

Daily Manna

Today is one of those days that decisions have been made and more decisions are being made in light of making the previous decisions.   It is like a house of cards.   I made a decision, yesterday, to resign from a position I have held for two years which was draining me of my own life, and now I have loaded up stuff in a laundry basket and am waiting for the next person to come take it out of my house and my thoughts.  My best regards to them and in a few months, they will be screaming for someone to take it from them.   It won't be me!

But, as soon as it was all packed up, I had to start making plans for what I had put on hold for these two years --like a book I was writing and a party I was giving for my son on Friday night and the miniscule arrangements like a permanent I was getting this afternoon.

So I started with my notebook and made my daily list, including setting up a phone interview this morning with Carroll Eggemeyer in St. Louis, Football team of 1955 and I was so surprised to hear myself really laugh with him again.  I knew I had made the right decision for me.   Lop it off, count your losses but don't fixate on them, and move on!   Daddy taught me that and it was a hell of a lesson.  (Sorry, Daddy, for the bad word!)  (I once heard him say, "Heck, fire," and I thought that the Lord would strike him down and me, too for standing so close.)

So, I will be waiting for the Daily Manna and will take it and run with it.   My book is at the tedious part and you can't work on it all day long.  I need more manna to sift through.

My Fair Lady, Revisited

Last night, Vickie Boren and I went to River Campus for a concert.  Two of the voice teachers did a medley of Lerner and Lowe songs, including two from My Fair Lady.  It brought back all kinds of memories to me  --memories you want to rekindle.

It was right after I graduated from high school in 1956 and my best friend, Harriett Goodin, and I went to New York with Mrs. Goodin and Glenda Brock to visit Aunt Harriett.  She got us tickets to see My Fair Lady with Julie Andrews and Rex Harrison.   We also went to see Paul Muni in Inherit the Wind.   I loved, loved, loved the experience and loved every song from My Fair Lady.   It was a wonderful time and I treasure it.

So I sat in the River Campus, listened to two singers do "Show Me"   "My George, she's got it" and remembered.  I also remembered that my Dad went to the bank and borrowed $100 so I could make the trip.  

It prepared me for the terrible day I have had today, making decisions and dealing with the pain of such decisions.  Thank God for the music that comes in my life;  it prepares me for the thud of unwarranted pain with which I am forced to deal by virtue of relationships which should have been lopped off years ago.  I am learning how to lop off and not look back!   It is so releasing!

Veteran's Day, 2012

November 11 is Veteran's Day.   It is more than symbolic to me.  My grandson by marriage, Landon Cheben, is serving in Afghanistan and I pray that he and his friends will be safe.  My part is sending him prayers and Skittles.  He is a pilot there.

My brother, Dr. James Cooper, served in Vietnam and I spent much time praying for him and for my mother, who never rested the entire time he was there.  Many of my family, including Warren and Harry III also served in the military.

But I have two vivid memories of World War II.   I was seven when the war ended and I remember the horns honking all over town in celebration.   Daddy did not have to go--too old and too many dependents.  But three of Aunt Minnie and Uncle Ollie's sons went --James, Bill, Robert Lawrence--and they were pilots.  When a plane flew over the house, I would run to the backyard and wave and wave just in case the pilot was James, Bill or Robert.

The other memory which is imbedded in my brain is that Sam Henderson and Essie Tarver (black couple who farmed our land on share crop) had a son, Leroy.  We called him "Rabbit Ears" and he was the first man from Mississippi County who died in the war.   Essie asked Daddy to do the service at the Mercy Seat Baptist Church.  This was unheard of in that predjudiced county but he agreed and did so.  I was worried.  I asked Daddy why he was doing it.  He said, "They didn't look at the color of his skin when they killed him."      Oh, Daddy, how much you taught me about everything!  How lucky could a child be to have such a father!

Getting ready for Christmas

 

We should not have even thought about Christmas today but Annie and I went to Trees and Trends, got gas, went to the bank and then went to Hutsons.   It was a mistake.  I am not ready to get ready for Christmas --we have not even celebrated Thanksgiving!   I loved the mailbox covers and the beautiful ribbon but I gave up.   Too early.    I get ready for Christmas onThanksgiving afternoon or the next day!  But the mall was packed and so was everything else in town.  Rack that up to a beautiful day.  Didn't even need a coat!

 

I want to get in the mood of Christmas.  And I will.  It just won't be today!

 

So I came home, worked on my book and made a broccoli casserole for tonight.  I am going to a concert tomorrow on camput.  Maybe that will help me find the mental road to Christmas.  I'll get there!  

Jesus walking on water

I love the story of Jesus walking on water.   Some think the disciples were caught up in the excitement of the moment and this really did not happen in the light of day and some think it was a created story or a fable that grew up in the time.  I happen to take it literally because I believe that He can and did!     It's a simple story that testifies to the need to have faith.   It stresses that we should step forward in faith and keep our eye on the ball always.

Christ had fed the thousands and he was exhausted.  So were his small group in the rowboat who were mentally spent by the emotion of the moment.  Christ stepped out in faith and Peter,  wonderful Peter, jumped out to join him.   When his faith began to waver and his sandals started feeling the rush of water, Jesus took his hand and carried him through.

I have seen his hand upon me when I have been out in the sea struggling.  It has given me the courage to step up and keep on going.  I believe that he walked on water because he has kept me from drowning in a sea of sorrow.   I continue to believe that he lives and reaches out to those in trouble.
I have felt his hand reach out to me.

A day of rest

Christ commanded that we take a day of rest.   That is assumed to be Sunday but I find that I need snippets of mental rest on other days as well.  This is one of those days when I need mental rest.  I can snatch the hours where I can find them.  Debbie came to do my hair, I put on a new outfit from QVC and I loaded up the jewelry.  Joan Gohn and I are going to Pagoda to eat lunch and visit.  We rest with each other mentally.  Debbie asked me what Joan felt about the election and I said I had no idea.  It is not a subject we discuss.  I don't know why!  It may be that we don't wish to trample on guarded ground but it does not come up.   That will be a conversational relief.

And we know so many people in Cape that we will run into all sorts of people.  Our time together is fun and different.  If I want to expound okay, same goes with her.  We have traveled the world together and she is, first and foremost, for me!  She always has my back and I have hers.  That is a wonderful gift to give to another at any season of the year!

 

I think of Joan as a person who "stills the storms" for me.  I think Christ put people into other people's lives who serve as "storm-stillers".  I hope that some people think of me as one also.

Layne Finnegan, the first-time voter

Yesterday's election was quite different.  Layne went with me to the polls --first time voter and she wanted me to walk her though it.  We even took pictures.  It was fun!  First, I knew every person who was working the polls and we had conversations about all of this and secondly, it was almost closing time when we got to the polls --Annie, Layne and me.

Layne asked me questions that seemed so natural  --do I have to vote for people who don't have anyone running against them?   Do I have to use a certain pencil?   Where do I sit to mark my ballot?  Layne actually read all the amendments  --not like me! 

I had put on a pot of porkchops and rice and we were joined by Jordan for a late supper and election watching.  It brought back a flood of memories.  And yes, I was happy not to stand in a line for 8 hours.  I walked right in.  Voter no. 1539 in my ward.

Now the results are in and the barrage of ads will stop.  Life goes on.   My guy won this time.  But sometimes this is not the case.   Shad Burner sent out a FB about wishing he had started a deportation business for those who planned to leave the country today;  they will either get over it or they won't! It's their choice!  Been there!  Got over it!

Election Day 2012

Today is the big day!   After months of ads and talk shows, it is election day. Annie, Layne and I were going to the polls together (Ward 2, Westminster Presbyterian Church) and I woke up running for the bathroom.  Then Annie called and said that her purse was stolen out of her car last night.  Wait till the afternoon at least to vote.

Everyone I know is sick to death of the television.  Personally I have never seen an election where one candidate can lie and not be held accountable or change views in the middle of the stream.  I am thoroughly turned off by Paul Ryan, vp Rep.  His views about women's issues strike me in the face and the stomach.  He reminds me of all the smart aleck politicians I have known who think they know everything.   I hope he learns something before he runs for anything again.   He is way too immature to be President of the US and too cocky about his own views.

The Republican Party has moved too far to the right to include non-whites or women.  I hope that they analyze who they will have left to campaign to or does the GOP slip into the oblivion of Whig-ness and Horace Greeley.  I like the two-party system and I hate to see them implode.

Now I need to quit running to the bathroom and go vote my conscience! 

The Death of a Friend

Mrs. Cathryn Webb Clack Adams, age 92 years, of Jefferson City, MO, passed away Thursday, October 25, 2012 at her home.

Cathryn was born on October 1, 1920 in Cairo, IL, the second child of the late Elsie Webb and Ernest Clack. She was raised in Jackson and Cape Girardeau, MO, graduating from Central High School and Southeast Missouri State College with a B.A. in Business and History. While attending high school and college, Cathryn formed a lasting friendship with five southeast Missouri women: Pattie Seabaugh, Betty Dunklin, Mary Spitzmiller, Mary Lou Montgomery and Mary Blue, forever known for as the “River Girls” in recognition to their annual summer gatherings at the Current River.

On March 17, 1942 at the Presidio in San Francisco, CA, Cathryn married her college sweetheart, Laurence B. Adams, Jr. When the youngest of their five children entered school, Cathryn began work as a secretary for Dr. A.C. Magill, State Representative from Cape Girardeau, who shared an office with Representative Warren E. Hearnes. Cathryn continued her work as executive secretary for Hearnes for fourteen years in the House of Representatives, Office of the Secretary of State, and the Governor’s Office, retiring in 1973.

Cathryn lived in Jefferson City for 65 years, serving on the Cole County Library Board, Grace Episcopal Church Vestry and as a faithful member of the Century Study Club. She also served as Docent at the Governor’s Mansion. Discovering tennis after retirement, she played regularly with Betty Coil, Meg Doll, Emma Stockard and Marge Blosser.

She is survived by her five children: Victoria Kornblum (Guy) of San Francisco, CA, Brigadier General Patrick Adams, USAF (Retired), (Jean) of Bulverde, TX, James Adams of Sugarland, TX, John Adams (Sandra) of Kirkwood, MO and Jeannie Doesburg (James) of Gig Harbor, WA; and by nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Major General Laurence B. Adams, Jr. USA (Retired); her brother, Alan M. Clack and her sister, Mary E. Goodwin.

A Celebration of Cathryn’s Life will be held at 3:00 PM Thursday, November 8, 2012 at Grace Episcopal Church with the Reverend Shariya Molegoda officiating. A reception will be held immediately after the celebration service in Grace Episcopal Parish Hall.

Graveside services and interment will be conducted at 11:15 AM on Friday, November 9, 2012 at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis, Mo.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Grace Episcopal Church.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Freeman Mortuary.

Like as the hart desireth the waterbrook

Last week I was with Bev Hickam in the car and we drove one block up the street where Paul and Dorothy Miles used to live.  I looked out and saw four deer.   Did not want to get out but took a pic thru the car window.  The buck was furious with the car and I thought of the song, I had to sing years ago, taken from the Bible, "Like as the hart desireth the waterbrook, so longeth my soul after thee, O God."  The photograph is terrible but the thought and intent of the writer is unfathomable.  My soul often seems so mired down with details that I don't have time to think if my soul longs for any deeper meaning!   And that is my shame!   Like the deer, emerging from the trees, I believe all of us search for something meaningful when we allow ourselves to emerge from the shadows which often swallow us up.

So my intent, this Sunday morning, where I have gained an hour back from Daylight Savings, is to uncover my soul and give it room to breathe again.  Just like taking a dose of medicine, I need to calendar that time and make it happen.  I am in charge of my own schedule and my own thinking.  If I choose to do it, I will. 

The day is sunny and bright.  I hope that the deer have found shelter and food and that the victims of Hurricane Sandy find a spot of joy in their hurt today.  That is my prayer of the morning.

Jim and friend, Bryan

Yesterday, Jim Stacy drove 7 hours for the visitation and Funeral of Bryan Walker, his longtime friend.   First, before anything, Jim and Mom made a trip to Garber's to see Rodney Bridges who has dressed the Stacy men for years.   And Yes, he knows how to do it!  Check this out --shirt, coat, tie, socks, pants and shoes.  Clothes don't make the man but they sure help!

Even bought a casual shirt for last night.  Jim and I went out to the funeral home and visited for about two hours.  Jerianne and John Wyman and others sat with us as we took it all in.   Today Jim went to the funeral since he was a pallbearer and had duties.   He had plenty of reinforcement and so did Rob Mehner who did the service and Jon who did the eulogy.  It will be a time to finish tying ends up.  I would have been an intrusion on these private moments for all of them.

I am proud of Jim.  He cared enough to drive these hours, bring a card and care about what he looked like.  I take some credit, but mostly I give it to him for being well-grounded in what is important.  What more can a parent ask?  Except to see them looking spivy in Garber's!

Caveat Emptor

No, I don't speak Latin but I like hearing words discussed that are not in my vocabulary.   My brother, Jim, used to use words that I had no idea of the meaning and I would run to find someone to read the dictionary to me.   Like "You wear garments!"  or "You hesitate on the bathroom floor", both of which I protested and the very worst, "You have ancestors".  Such pride I had when I told him that he did the same thing!

I watch MSNBC (channel 47 to me) all the time from noon to bedtime and I love all the shows,   I get my opinions from a combination of people, however, including the smarmy group at Fox and the living end, Mike Huckaby of Arkansas who should still be confined to the state.

Last night, Chris Matthews used this Latin phrase which means "Let the buyer  beware!"  Whatever the right-wing Tea Party is selling, I am not! buying.  And let's hope that others are feeling the same uncomfortability .   And it will soon be over --thank God for that!   The worst part is that they lay their sins on God and say they are doing it for him.   God does not need their help.  He can handle this job all by himself!

The Woman at the Well

The Woman at the Well is a familiar Bible story.  (John 4)  Nothing simple about it.  Christ needed to go through Samaria, needed water, woman drawing water, he asked for a drink and she gave it.  People do stuff like that every day, right!   Wrong!

Jesus asked for water from an unclean woman in an unclean land.  He did the unexpected.  He took his message to people who would receive it.  He knew what he was doing before he did it and he did it in spite of other people's ideas of what was okay!   She responded to him and spread the word to everyone!

Wonder what would happen if we all just did what our heart tells us to do.  Yesterday we were shocked at the conciliatory tone between President Obama and Governor Chris Christie of New Jersey.  Opposites but they reached out over the nasty partisanship of this election and worked together, even praised each other.  It made national headlines.

Christ, by his example, taught us that there are no boundaries when there are people in need.  And all of us are people in need!  Go thou and do likewise--the commandment is for me!