Tragically Hip

Our culture is consumed with following the tragedies of the real and unreal, a trend which is played out in all media. The hit series Degrassi: The Next Generation, and an interview with Lindsay Lohan featured in the November 2005 issue of Flare magazine present a worthy comparison. These are just two examples of how the media has created an unhealthy obsession with troubled teens leading to the belief that they are not hip if something tragic hasn’t happened to them, such as extreme change and outside pressure.
These media disclose the secret lives of popular adolescents who have been faced with tremendous tragedies. The issues are presented in such a glamorous way that one can’t help wanting to be the same. By blowing these troubles out of proportion and plastering them on tabloid covers and daily commercials, the wrong idea becomes the right idea, and it is the diligent followers and faithful disciples who pay.
Both Degrassi’s fictional teens and Flare’s real life teens have undergone drastic changes which caused them to become popular and important among their peers, family and fans. For example, the character of Jimmy in Degrassi used to be the sportsman of the school, the basketball star, the champion of the gym. He was shot in the back causing him to be completely paralyzed from the waist down. Merely being in the wrong place at the wrong time chained him to the seat of a wheelchair for the rest of his life. In that moment an entire life was turned upside down and everything he had worked for was blasted away. A sudden physical change alters the course of his life forever.
Similarly, Lindsay Lohan talks about her sudden transformation “when I got out of the hospital after, [Herbie: Fully Loaded] I lost a lot of weight- nearly 25lb- so there is pressure to keep the weight of”. (Flare Magazine, November, 2005, p72.) Featured in the top left hand corner of the article is a full body shot of the actress wearing a silky sleeveless cocktail dress and black pumps. She looks quite different in this photograph, as Lohan’s locks are not her famous auburn, but rather, suddenly bleach blond. Using the cliché cover girl image, Lindsay grabbed the attention of the press, and now the world wants to hear all about it.
There are instances in both examples where pressure from others has motivated the teens to be or do something to be ‘cool’. Jimmy had been training to play professional basketball, a dream he shared with his father. Even while bound to a wheelchair, Jimmy’s dad continued to push him, “. . . be a champ . . .” (Degrassi, “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For.”) and never give up on his dream. Jimmy’s father pushed him so hard that he forgot who’s dream it was. Quickly, the dream vanished like the sharp sound of that fateful revolver.
Dreams of living the Hollywood life came as second nature to Lindsay Lohan. But when those dreams became reality she feels pressure to keep off the weight she lost. Her image as a young teenage icon sparks the response of young hopefuls. To this point in her career she had managed to stay true to herself, not being tainted by the demands of popular culture and style. Her sudden weight loss and change of characteristic hair attracted so much attention that it would be ludicrous for her to go back to her natural ways. It is clear that outside pressure has led to this new direction.
The medium is clearly the message here. The glamorization of trouble and tragedy cause the audience to believe popularity will follow notoriety. They have become tragically hip.

The Meaning of A Life

A photograph freezes a single moment of time, but this one captures a lifetime of meaning. I think that my grandfather’s whole life can be summed up in this one picture. The fragility of a teacup, the symbol on a necklace, the sound of a hand-crafted grandfather clock singing in the corner, and a letter from the Prime Minister are all elements of what makes a life so meaningful. The whole reason for an existence; an entire lifetime of meaning is all bottled up in a five by seven glossy matte in a golden frame.
It seems as though it happened yesterday, and yesterday took place a thousand years ago. He sat in the living room as the grandfather clock sang noon. He noticed a little golden frame hugging a newly taken photograph, a snapshot really. Picking it up, he looked at it, eyes peering into the almost forgotten memory, “This is my favourite picture,” he said. Those words still linger in my mind, echoing in the hallways of my heart.
Sixty years they spent together in marital bliss; my grandparents. That’s over three times longer than I’ve been alive. This picture was taken on their diamond wedding anniversary. The Prime Minister, Jean Chretien, had sent a letter of congratulations to them which my grandpa is reading in this photograph. I remember it well. I was sitting of the floor in front of them as the grandfather clock sang noon, watching them open their gifts. My entire family was there, everyone he loved. When this picture was taken we were all sitting around him, eating cake and drinking tea from china cups.
Tick . . . In the photograph my grandma balances hers between her praying hands. Some of my favourite memories of my grandparents are of when we used to play “Tea Party”. My grandma would get out biscuits and napkins, and set the table with the good silverware. They would use the good china tea cups, but for my brother and me, we had our own special miniature ones to choose from. They were kept under the buffet table in a little cupboard and were only ever taken out on such special occasions as these. We would put on funny accents and call each other names derived from our individual teacups, such as Mr. and Mrs. Flowers, Mr. Brown, or my personal favourite, Mrs. Rainbow. We would chat and laugh together for hours.
Tock . . . As he opened the letter from the Prime Minister he cocked his mouth to the side and mimicked a funny French-Canadian accent. He wasn’t more that a full sentence into it before he began to laugh hysterically. Face red, eyes streaming, barely making it through the introduction, he continued to laugh. Hardly a word he said was understood. Soon the entire room burst out roaring!
Talk about a Kodak moment. My dad snapped the shot, a picture perfect moment of sheer joy and abandonment. As though the clock had stopped and I stole a second of ecstasy, spellbound forever within the walls of a frame. I remember not knowing who Chretien was or even understanding the joke, but I remember the excitement that filled the room when he began to laugh. I remember the way he used his index finger to wipe the tears from his left eye. I remember the wheezing sound his chest made during those pauses in human laughter where all you can hear is the abrupt shocks of constrained air.
That was probably the one of the last times I saw him healthy. That was probably one of the last times I heard him laugh. My grandfather died five years ago in the winter of 2000.
Grandpa’s anniversary gift to my grandmother was the necklace she is wearing in this photograph. It’s made of diamonds, fitted to the shape of a heart and is most likely more expensive than anything I own. Boy, did she wear it proudly. Even today she bears it gracefully around her neck, but has lost the memory of why, or when, or from whom she received it.
Tick . . . In all my life I have never met two people more in love than my grandparents. I have memories of the family sing-a-longs, all standing around the piano. I can still see the two of them, singing and dancing cheek to cheek, as though there wasn’t another soul around for miles. It was quite fitting really; the heart shape necklace. How else can you symbolize love than with something so simple and pure? It takes two halves to make the shape of a heart. This image really is a symbol for what love is; the joining of two separate beings, perfectly made for each other to create a perfect whole.
For me and for my family, the meaning of life is captured in the glimpse of an eye, the chime of the quarter hour, the flash of a camera. This snapshot, above all others, holds the key to sixty years of marriage, the meaning of life, and a lifetime of meaning. Love.

Cinderfella

I was the director of Cinderfella, a children’s play my drama class put together as part of our credit. All in all it was definately a learning experience. I did not think that I would be able to direct a play simply because I’ve never tried. I’ve always been the one on the stage, performing, I’ve never tried something like this before. As the director it was my job to create blocking for the actors for all the scenes. Because of the outrageous content of this play I got to create murder attempts, completely mimed. Also as the director I made creative decisions and had input into just about every sector of the production i.e. the script, makeup, costumes, lights, sound and sets.
The creation of Cinderfella was one of the most enjoyable experiences for me. I learned about the production side of theatre and have gained a new, stronger respect for the work of the director and all the “behind the scenes” roles. Not only that but I have gained a different kind of respect for the actors and the work that they do.
Working with the whole picture in mind was definitely a new experience for me. At the very beginning I knew exactly what the end result was going to look like. I have always been the one on the stage, barely ever behind it working on only directing. So, that means that during the course of rehearsals I would always be working on character development and what my body is doing, what my lines are, what my voice sounds like, that sort of thing. I’m also on the improv team and so for most of my performance time this year, I’ve never even know what was going to happen next. So, for me to have the whole picture in my mind of what everything was to look, sound and feel like was very neat.
During the rehearsal process I learned a lot of things about what the actors look like from the audience’s perspective and how rehearsals feel from the director’s point of view. Strangely enough I have gained a different kind of respect for actors. It’s the little things like being flexible while you are still on book, using your body as much as you can and not just saying, “I’ll do it later when I know the lines.” Always coming to rehearsals prepared is definitely the key to making the director happy. That means, don’t be asking for a new script every single class, or come in saying how tired you are. Ability to do things over and not get angry when the director is trying a new thing are also important.
I have learned that those who work on the production side of things get very little recognition. Whenever I have gone to a show, I have always looked at the cast, who’s playing who, not who’s directing or producing. Really it should be the other way around, because they’re the ones who do all the creative thinking and processing, organizing and directing. Because of this experience I have a much greater respect for those who put all that time and effort behind the scenes.
All in all this was a wonderful experience and I wouldn’t change a thing. I’ve learned so much and would do it all over if I was given the chance.

Company 150

Eleven youth, six guys, five gals, two months, three vans, one passion. It's a team, a company, an army of dancers, singers, actors and technitians. It's a creative outlet of worship and praise. It's a the Word in action, it's a whole summer of outreach and teaching, growing and supporting.
Word's can't express how excited I am for this summer. It's my first summer job, probably the longest time I've ever been away from my parents. One could say this is my first real look at indipendance.
Time is going to flash by but I'm hoping to keep a log of all my going's on in this here blog, that way all you who are not in contact with me on a regular basis will always be able to know what's going on in the life of Kathryn... according to Kathryn.

Cabaret

This is really a little bit of advertising for my highschol musical. We have been working on "Cabaret" for several months now and are performing next weekon the 13th, 14th and 15th of April. The character of Sally Bowls has been double cast between myself and the fabulous Lauren Libfield. Cliff Bradshaw is being played by none other than A.J Stewart and Shnider by the lovely Jessica Willis. I encourage anyone who reads this to come because I know it will be a wonderful show. I will be performing on the Wednesday and the Friday at 7:30. Tickets are $10 at the door. However I would advise you to arrive at least a half an hour early to get a good seat. Rosdeale Heights School of the Arts is located across the road from Castle Frank Subway St. at 711 Bloor which is just before the Danforth bridge.
Thankyou and enjoy the show.

A Deeper Look At The Psalms

Living two centuries BC, one can not imagine the lack of communication and technological absences. The people lived out of rugged houses, off of home-grown foods and most of all; their traditions. A religion that followed one God and one God alone was far from average. One might go as far as to say it was revolutionary. The people yearned for communication between the supernatural and the human, and thus discovered prayer. It was more powerful than anything they had ever known, the ability to talk with and give praise to a higher, greater Being. The Psalms were simply an expression of prayer and worship that allowed for creative output and spiritual gain.
Most of the Psalms were written in Judea and Israel during a time when kings ruled the land. The Dead Sea Scrolls found at Qumran revealed that the Psalms were written before the Maccabean period, second century BC. (Alexander, David, Eerdmans’ Handbook To The Bible,327) They began as an oral tradition, but the best were put together at the time of King David.
Seventy three out of the one hundred and fifty Psalms had King David’s name on them. (Alexander, David, Eerdmans’ Handbook To The Bible,327) Some were dedicated to him while many of them he wrote himself. King David was described as,”The singer of the songs of Israel,” in 2Sam 23:1. Two other names are commonly seen through out the Psalms; Asaph and Korah. These men were also known to have written Psalms and or have them written in their name. However it is still not possible to pinpoint the author to each psalm, (Fontana, The Psalms,6) because of thousands of years of development.
Unlike most other forms of poetry, the Psalms focus on many different themes and issues. They describe hope, loss, vengeance, grace, beauty but most of all, love. This is not the type of romantic love that most would think of to be used in poetry, but the unconditional love between the ultimate Father and his children; the watchful Shepherd and his flock. The Psalms touch on every emotion, every thought and every yearning. One can find a psalm for each situation and all occasions. They are an expression of the human condition and the constant battle of sin. Yet, every Psalm comes back to one thing; God will always love.
Most Psalms were written as a reflection of the author’s spiritual well-being because they were personal prayers. They also reflect social issues and culture of the time. Many speak about nature because that is what was relevant to the people. Most were farmers or carpenters, and therefore understood things regarding their field of work. Now, if one were to write a Psalm it would most likely speak of troubles with the author’s computer or perhaps their boss.
Many of the Psalms’ word-oriented poetic devices do not exist in the English un-tampered translations. This is because of the years of language transitions the psalms have undergone. Any forms of alliterations, onomatopoeias, and syllable timed rhythms, assonance or consonance have been lost by the time they made it to the English language. In order to receive the full poetic impact, one must listen to the original Hebrew and Greek texts. However, there is still a good message to be learned in the English translation. If one is still craving for more of a poetic influence, many books have been written that simply take the Psalms, create rhythms and bring them to life by adding the lost rhetorical devices, for example, “A New Translation, The Singing Version, The Psalms”.
The Psalms were intended as an aid for prayer and worship. They were written for the voice and instrument. They gave hope and encouragement to many, and still do today even on the other side of the world. A movement has begun where youth reach out to their own generation by bringing the Bible to life. Today, the Psalms have been re-created into many popular “Praise and Worship” songs used in the Christian church. The Psalms were written to be accompanied by instruments and percussion, and they still are, only with an electric guitar and a good bass. They are still spoken aloud during traditional and contemporary church services but are often given a twist such as dance, drama or mime.
One can not pinpoint the death to the Psalm movement because it was so long ago. A collection of one hundred and fifty of the best was gathered together in the times after they were long since written. That collection was later found in the Dead Seas Scrolls.
There are several types of Psalms. The ones most commonly used in today’s society are the praise and reflective psalms. These give the reader a tool, the words to use when one has run out when praising God. Sometimes a worshiper runs out of words to express the beauty of God’s creation and needs a little help. The reflective Psalms are usually used at significant occasions such as weddings, births or funerals.
There are also many psalms that are barely ever read in today’s society. These are usually the psalms that express vengeance or tell stories of evil people. These were written at times in the author’s life when there was turmoil or angst. For example, in the Psalm 55, King David talks for twenty-five verses about how much he wants God to destroy his enemies and of how much chaos he is in. Today in the Western culture, many find it difficult to relate to these particular Psalms because of their dark message.
The Psalms have lived for thousands of years on the lips of hundreds of thousands of people. They have survived war and toil, governments and laws. Yes, one could say that the poetry has been lost throughout the years of translations but its message still rings true. The relevance of the Psalms will not die or wither away with time, because there is someone much greater giving it life.

Psalms 151, 152 and 153

Psalm 151
A Psalm of Kathryn.

Praise be to the father who makes all things new
He builds me up to be a strong man
He nourishes me with sweet fruit and gives me a pure water
I will not grow thirsty
He establishes himself upon my heart
Praise be to him
Who grows me tall so that I may reach the clouds
He loves me day in and day out
Always keeping his promises

He raised me up out of the dry ground
He holds me firm through the traffic
Praise be to him
Who keeps me stead-fast
With my lord I will not grow thirsty

My Lord brought me out of the dust
He carries my soul upon his shoulder
He re-builds my heart
And sees all my wicked ways
The Lord my God rids me of my faults
Washes me white and makes me new


Psalm 152
For the director of music,
accompanied by stringed instruments. A psalm for Kathryn.

How beautiful Oh lord are your ways
You cover the earth with your greatness
You dance with the sun and moon
Holding me up in your palm
Even the stars bow down to you a
As you pass them by

How beautiful are your ways Oh lord.
Your grace floods the seas
And your holiness fills the heavens
Even the darkest of places are beaming now because of your works
Now I will sing for all time
Telling of your wonders

How beautiful are your ways Oh lord
Your peace reigns over all the earth
Your hope settles in the hearts of all those who come to you
Even in the darkest of nights
Your spirit enters into my dreams
Comforting me until the morning

How beautiful are your ways Oh Lord
Your blood covers the sins of the world
Every mountain sings and every valley praises you
The very air lifts you up to be glorified above all Gods
The creatures of the air fly about your presence
And the lungs of the people are filled with your purity

How beautiful are your ways Oh Lord
Fire goes before you
Consuming my enemies
A deep roar comes over the waves
as they crash at the sight of your face
Your ways are so beautiful


Psalm 153
A song.

Open the heavens lord and let me in
Allow me to enter your temple
Hold out your hand and guide me lord
For my heart is filled with sorrow
My mind is clogged with misery
Show me your truth
My eyes grow weary
My enemies stand around me
They swarm me
Day and night

Save me oh lord
Hold me high
Lead me to your truth
For I mm blinded by lies
My heart is like a heavy sack
A burden to carry through the wilderness
I have walked for so long and yet
You do not hear my cry


Bring me home lord
To the place where I have refuge where your house is tall
And your wings are strong

Jesus, Sex and a Call To Love

Sexual orientation has once again become front page news. The government is looking into changing the definition of marriage so that gay and lesbian couples can join in matrimony. Self expression is becoming a by-word among youth and artists and in the process, the Church is being judged for its narrow definition of right and wrong. It’s the minority who is innocent and the Christians who have it wrong, correct? Research plastered all over the media tries to prove that one can not help being attracted to the same sex. This article is dedicated to the expression of information that begs to differ. There is such a thing as a developmental view of homosexuality and the possibility to change. It’s about time that those who follow the teachings of Christ take a step back and remember what they’re Savior called them to do.
A developmental view on homosexuality is something that is a learned behavior. For example, an adopted child might grow up to become interested in computers because his/her adopted father was always working on the computer. There is no biological connection between the adopted child and father and therefore there is no genetic reason why the child might like computers, only that someone who he loved liked them too. From a developmental view point, a child is not born gay. Bad life experiences, poor relationships with the same sex parent and or abuse are all factors that could lead someone to thinking that they were homosexual.
If, growing up, a little boy did not feel subject to love because his parents divorced when he was very young and his father moved out, that child could feel the loss of not having a father there to support him. This could create feelings that he needs to have the love and attention of another male because of the lack of love and affirmation he received as a child.
If a female child is abused at a young age it could cause them to feel that because they were abused by someone of the same sex, that they are in fact homosexual. The abused child in later years may become sexually active with persons of the same sex in attempts to regain they’re femininity or masculinity.
This view however, does not mean that homosexuals are “doing it” on purpose or can easily slip in and out of homosexuality. It is a way of life, a sexual orientation that is very difficult to change. Yet whatever the circumstances may be, how horrid someone’s life has been or whether they were in fact just born that way, one must love them.
Somewhere through the ages humans have somehow gotten the wrong idea of what Jesus was trying to say, although he was very clear. Jesus commanded his people five times in the book of John to love one another, three times in Matthew, twice in Mark and three times in Luke. The one message that Jesus was trying to get across during his stay on earth was to love one another! In Jn.14:21Jesus says,” He who loves me will be loved,” then again in Lev. 19:18 he stated,” But love your neigbour as yourself,” he said in Mt. 5:44 to,”Love your neighbour and pray for your enemies.” One must wonder how the world has grown to hate the Christian faith so much if their one most important commandment was to love others?
Whether or not someone is going to hell is up to the only one who is righteous and just enough to make that decision. It was never laid on the shoulders of those who read the bible to remind anyone of their faults. Jesus commands his people to remove the plank in one’s own eye before they brush out the speck from one’s brothers. Jesus said, “You who is without sin may cast the first stone,” and that, “no one is truly good”. This reminds that we are all in sin. Not one person is perfect or without fault.
God is the ultimate judge; he knows one’s heart and mind. He is the only one who is truly good, truly perfect and truly fair. Whether someone becomes or is born homosexual is something we may not know for many years, but God knows. He calls us to love no matter what the circumstances, no matter what our views or sexual orientation.