To Blog or Not to Blog

Happy Easter! Now that Lent is over, I'm back online. That's right - I gave up the Internet for Lent - at least, inasmuch as that was reasonable, meaning I was still online at work (technically all of our work systems are online, without even counting the times I go to the web for work-related information) and I used my lunch half-hour to respond to email, pay bills, and check my accounts online. But that was it: no Internet usage at home, no blogging, no random surfing, no news, no comics, nada. Plus, no TV, DVDs, or movies, period. The idea was to go as free from electronic visual media as possible.

In a way, I'm sad it's over. Lent has a way of forcing me into self-control that I might otherwise lack. However, the idea that this self-imposed media fast would bring about reflection on relationships and spiritual needs over material over-consumption may not have exactly panned out.

As for the blog... I'm not sure what step to take next. I enjoy the writing, but sometimes the banal, "hey, look what I did today, come read all about it!" aspect of blogging can be wearing. It was good to take a break. Maybe it's time for something a little different.

But first - Rutabagastories goes on tour again. I'll be flying into Frankfurt next Monday, and spending five weeks in Europe. Where will I go? Follow along, if you're curious. I know I am.

Easter Greetings

It's Easter! Alleluia! What with recovering from illness, painting the bathroom, and trying to catch up on housework, I've haven't had time to write recently, but I wanted to take a quick moment to wish everyone a happy holiday. Despite the rain, and the fact that our guest bathroom is currently a shambles, Easter still feels like a time of renewal. In church, I sing especially loudly, partly happy by the simple fact that I'm finally able to sing again after two weeks of a nagging cough, but mostly from the sheer exhilaration that comes with this holiday.

Easter isn't as popular with the general public as Christmas, probably because celebrating Jesus rising from the dead isn't as simple and neat and believable as a baby being born, and also because the holiday has failed to develop any serious secular meaning, unlike the call to "spend time with your loved ones and give gifts" which has become so prevalent in December. Sure, there's the Easter Bunny, but he doesn't have much clout except with the youngest children, and he's never given Santa any serious competition.

Personally, I can't think of anything more wonderful than Easter. To me, it's the celebration of God's triumph over sin and death - for everyone. No exceptions. Jesus died and rose for us all, as a living demonstration of God's love for us and desire to forgive each and every shortcoming we have. That's amazing!

So, whoever you are and whether you celebrate or not, I hope you have a wonderful Easter! As spring comes, what a great time to remember that we all have a chance at new beginnings and a cause for joy.