Friday, December 24, 2010

The Story of the Whipping Post




As you have gathered, I am from the South. A lot of people associate the American South with racism and backwardness. And to an extent, that is true. The South has definitely had its periods of hatred and bigotry and that kind of thing takes generations to phase out. The leaps and bounds since the Civil Rights Act in the 60s have been incredible in places like Mississippi, where I'm from. That's not to say we're perfect. Nobody is that. I've spent some time outside of Mississippi. I've been to South Africa, Boston, Colorado and California. I've done most of my traveling in the South, however. And my Master's degree in Southern Studies definitely comes in handy for looking at your own society in a way that can be critical. I like to say that I love the South, but don't like what individuals do in the South. But, in my opinion, there is definitely a discrimination of the South, especially Mississippi, from those outside the South and Mississippi. We in Mississippi have served as a whipping post for racial relations gone wrong. Here's the truth... as said by Malcolm X, "Mississippi is everywhere South of the Canadian border." That's definitely the case. When I was in South Africa, as an American, I was treated with respect and awe. However, the Afrikaans descendants who were on the trip were dismissed and even ignored and antagonized by Xhosa descendants. In Boston, we forget the consolidation of schools and integration being ignored and protested to the point of violence. Equally so, California has its own issues with illegal immigration and the Hispanic population and the Asian population. But especially, as I saw in Berkeley, the Pakistan culture and Indian culture. All this to say that there are whipping posts for each region.
            In the theology sense, we discover since we are all dealing with discrimination in some form, that to me is the argument that we are all sinners and lucky for us, Jesus, the ultimate whipping post, died for our lack of perfection. But, anyone who knows the gospels also knows that Jesus tried his hardest NOT to be the whipping post. He prayed to God that he didn't have to die for everyone. But, obeying God, he did die on the cross.
            Now, I'm not suggesting that we all become martyrs. That's not completely necessary since Jesus was the ultimate martyr. What I am saying is that we all need to realize that there is no Utopia where everyone gets along and treats each other kindly on this Earth. We all have out problems. We all have our judgments, whether or not we want to acknowledge them or not is up to us.
            Jesus' story, especially his sacrifice, should put us both at ease and also up for a challenge. We should at least strive to not discriminate. We should attempt to be forgiving, even when it seems impossible. Jesus essentially threw down the gauntlet, issued the ultimate, "double dog dare you" in his example.
            How this ties into being a young adult in my generation is that to other generations, we are being challenged and guided as a generation of, "good for nothings." We don't even have a generational name. We're not baby boomers, we're not the hippies of the 60s. We. Are. What. We. Are. Choosing to be. And, for most people in my generation, it is translated into rising to the occasion when others say, "you can't do that." We are rebellious and determined to correct the mistakes that other generations have made. That is very Christian and very noble. So I guess we're generation, "Watch what I can do."
           Keep your eyes open, so you don't miss our miracles every day.

Monday, December 20, 2010

Why Sam Cooke rocks my face off.

From "A Change is Gonna Come" by Sam Cooke:

 "Oh there been times that I thought couldn't last for long,
 But now I think I'm able to carry on,
 It's been a long time comin',
 But I know a change gonna come, oh yes it will"

Sam Cooke, had a seven year period of making music. Seven years was all he had before he was shot dead outside a Hotel in Los Angeles, CA. But his song, "A Change is Gonna Come" might as well have been written today, for all I know.

 I'm at a point in my life, and others are too, young and old, where something has to change. Unemployment is still high, people are getting sick without receiving the help they need and all around those who need help the most are being ignored. Why? 

 In a used book store I saw a book that was titled something along the lines of "Why God is Irrelevant." It was titled underneath that as "or why we can't answer why we suffer." That has long been an issue with Christianity and Religion as a whole. Why do people suffer so much? Why are people killing one another? Why are there bullies? Why aren't the people in power helping anyone, and if they are, why are others trying to stop that help?

 I can't help but keep listening to Sam Cooke's song. I can't help thinking, "this new year, things will be different." Will they? That has yet to be determined. 

 Christianity, historically, was about change. It was about changing the system. It was about introducing a new way of thinking at a time when things were bad for those who practiced Judaism. Real bad. The Romans were breathing down their necks. They needed a messiah. And, according to Christianity, they got one. In a big way. 

We today, young and old, 25 and 65 and 13 and 2 need that change. And a Change is Gonna Come, oh yes it will.

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

The Mobile Office

So, considering I don't have an "official" office, I now have a mobile one. Being on the coast of Mississippi my mobile office of choice is the Mockingbird Cafe in Bay St. Louis, MS. While I'm in Oxford it's my Dad's dining room table. Having a mobile office has its perks and disadvantages:

 One: I can pack up and go as I please (perk)

 Two: I have to pack up and go whenever I want to do something (disadvantage)

 Three: I can dress however I want because of the lack of professionalism (perk)

 Four: I am not a professional, ergo I am not paid (disadvantage)

 Need I go on?

 In other news, I am in the "waiting game"... I'm waiting to hear if I get accepted for a PhD in history. I'm waiting on several job opportunities. I am waiting to get on MediCaid.. I am waiting for my Unemployment check.

 But moreso than that, I just came to the realization that it's ten days till Christmas.

 It used to be that Christmas was a time to wait on what Santa would bring. And also, when Dad would drag me to church (let's be honest- I WANTED to go to church with Dad). Christmas also meant that the night before I probably served as an acolyte for the Christmas Eve service at Trinity Episcopal Church in Pass Christian, MS. Now, this year, I'll be on the coast and will probably choose to be at St. Patrick's Episcopal Church in Long Beach, MS for Christmas Eve- my parish home on the coast of Mississippi.

 So that's how I'll be spending my Christmas, how will you be spending yours?

Saturday, December 11, 2010

Ideas for Personal Statement

Ok, so here are some beginnings for the personal statement:

I am a musician by trade. I am a reader by trade. I am rebellious. But before all those things were established, I became a historian. My freshman year at Sewanee I believed I would be an Environmental Policy major, funneling into an Environmental lawyer. I saw myself as a renegade, being brought in by the National Resource Defense Center as a hail Mary when all things subsided, bringing down those who sought to destroy our Earth, our island home. But then, in the midst of that track, I took an Environmental History class. Not only did I discover that I did in fact love history, I discovered I had a knack for it.
 After completing my bachelor's in history, I decided once again to be a renegade and not funnel into a PhD program for history, but instead take a Master's in Southern Studies. I found it crucial to understand the interdisciplinary nature of History, to understand the cultural shifts that caused people to consider their options for their choices, ultimately culminating in our history. With my Master's I focused on Civil Rights' history from several angles: Education and Restorative Justice, the History of the Civil Rights Movement and finally with an internship assisting in a Youth Organizing tradition.
 Completing my Master's I once again bucked against the system and decided I want to work for the Episcopal Church. I found myself in California, trying to be the Southern Ambassador, trying to explain to people that in the South, we do have things to offer. Trying to explain that the movie 'Mississippi Burning' was not at all historically accurate. I faced discrimination and rebelled against it, ultimately moving back home down South. In the midst of that move, I realized that I do indeed want my PhD in History.
 I want my PhD in history simply because I can tell the story of the underdog and the rebel at the same time. I have those skills because I am that underdog and rebel. Storytelling is in my blood and I feel there aren't enough stories told about those discriminated against for reasons beyond their control. Stories about those who risked everything to buck against the system that turned the other way. Please consider my renegade underdog application. Thank you for your time.

Friday, December 10, 2010

Personal Statement

So, now that I've officially applied for my phD in History here at The University of Mississippi, as well as applied to two jobs with the William Winter Institute for Racial Reconciliation, it looks like I'm pretty much committed to Oxford for at least a while. Now, here's the funny thing. I have all of my application ready for the phD program except for my Personal Statement.

 When I wrote my personal statement for the Southern Studies program, I'll admit, I had a little whiskey before hand and tried to use some Southern charm. Now I find with my personal statement for the History Program here to be daunting. I have until the 15th of January to write it, so I've got time. It's more likely that I've just got too much to say for the personal statement at this time. Growl.

 Why is it that I'm in the most prolific point in my life but I can't write one little personal statement for the phD program? Hmmm?

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Unemployment Tuesday!

I am told that today I should hear back from the Unemployment office in Mississippi. It is now 2 pm on Tuesday and I have not heard back from them. This doesn't unsettle me as much as you would think. What does unsettle me is the amount of spam text messages I have received since applying for said unemployment.

 Do you think I have nothing better to do with my time than to "find out who my secret crush is"... I totally have better things to do. This is both unfair to my cell phone plan and an annoyance. I have texted back "stop" to all of these nonsensical offers.

Please stop bothering me, spam texting. I will unleash the wrath of unemployed Margaret Blount Montgomery on you and you won't like it, I guarantee it. 

Sunday, December 5, 2010

Just in case you didn't notice...

The Saints V. Bengals game was INCREDIBLE football to watch, but ultimately, the Saints pulled through. WHO DAT?!

Saints Game

May the beloved New Orleans Saints defeat the Cincinnati (that looks like a wrong spelling) Bengals. May the Saints ever be prosperous. Amen. 

Saturday, December 4, 2010

Obviously, the poker game didn't go well...

I lost the poker game, but have continued to hang out with my friends as they are playing. There's something about being able to hang out and not feel compelled to play that's a little relieving. It might help that I'm broke at the moment and need my cash for other things.

 Anyway, the best quote of the night (so far):

 me: "I mean, Jesus might have picked up a hitch-hiker or two on that donkey riding into Jerusalem."
 friend: "That's what Jesus was crucified for- picking up hitch-hikers. He did at least, have twelve of them."

 There's something oddly right about that sentiment. If we pick up the hitch-hiker theory, then we are all hitch-hikers... eh.

 Back to my magazine.

My my my my pokerface...

After near on three months or so of Poker-less action, I will be enjoying the company of friends at the poker table. All this to say, wish me luck!

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

We are... Survivors...

Here I am, sitting in a coffee shop in Bay St. Louis, MS, writing this blog post about Surviving.

 I can't think of a better place to write about surviving than the MS Gulf Coast. Some of you might remember a little storm (sarcasm intended here) named Katrina.


This picture is taken from the City Park in Pass Christian. On the opposite side of the park is a Hurricane Camille placard (looks similar). The names that you can't read are those who lost their lives to the storm in Pass Christian.

 One would think this is still a raw subject. And it is for many people. Because, we are rebuilding in the best way possible. And that means creating something new out of what remains. For example, Live Oak trees that didn't survive "The Storm" (as locals call Katrina) have been carved into beautiful sculptures by chainsaw artists.

 Now, when I was in California, I experienced a "new" concern for the Mississippi Gulf Coast. BP and its Oil Spill was seen as a disaster. I remember where I was when I learned that the explosion happened. I was at a youth retreat called Happening in Mississippi (I think specifically I was at the Staff Training, or maybe it was the actual weekend). Anyway, the most people were upset about at the time were the lives senselessly lost in the explosion (which, as it turns out, could have been avoided).

 But back to California. I would say that I'm from the Mississippi Gulf Coast and I would get this response, "how is your family managing with the Oil Spill?" Now, I understand the concern. I get that. But, considering my family is not directly involved with the seafood industry (which, by the way, took a rough hit, but is bouncing back) and also considering that the Gulf of Mexico will eventually heal itself (an oil spill like this apparently happened on a smaller scale in the 70s or so).

All this to say, I've taken some rough hits in my life. So have many of my friends in Mississippi, in South Africa, in Tennessee, in California, in Massachusetts.

We have all had rough hits in our lives, but...

 We. Are. Survivors.

 There is nothing more simply said than that.

Christianity is a life of surviving. Christianity is a (no matter how you put it), a way of life where you experience the ups and downs of a man who ultimately gave his life for everyone all in a year. Phew. Talk about a rough hit.

But there's always Christmas. There's always Easter.

 When Hurricane Katrina hit, I went to a retreat at Camp Bratton Green in Mississippi. It was an emergency retreat, for me and for the youth on the Coast who had found themselves scattered throughout the state.

 I'll leave you with this. The prayer from the group in Pass Christian written started with, "God, we're flippin' pissed" but ended with, "we're ready for the Resurrection"...

...Think on that...

Monday, November 29, 2010

Christmas=Funeral dirge???

So yesterday was the first Sunday of Advent in the Episcopal Church. Having slept in and missed the family service (my favorite), I tried going to the "adult" service.

Bad idea.

I was behind the prelude being "O Come O Come Emmanuel", but then, the procession sounded like a funeral dirge. I'm sorry. When I think Advent, I don't think funeral. Had I been in charge, it would've been almost as lively as Christmas itself.

 Mainly due to the fact that in the Episcopal Church we're coming off of the longest season of "Ordinary Time," it's about time we had some excitement. And what could be more exciting than the coming of Jesus? Hmmm?

 Get rid of funeral dirges for processions during advent. Who's with me?

 Long story short, I ended up leaving under the excuse of "I can't find my Dad".... but really, I was offended at the funeral dirge procession.

Sunday, November 28, 2010

Here's a Game we can play...

What's your hands down, all time FAVORITE Christmas album? Hmmmm?


To start the conversation, mine is the Charlie Brown Jazz Christmas album.

Annnnnd your response is....

Advent

It. Is. Oficially. ADVENT!!!!! (Cue Christmas music, NOW!)

Friday, November 26, 2010

Square Books

Tomorrow I hop back on the "semi-employed" wagon with a 10-7 shift followed by a 12-6:30 shift on Sunday at Square Books. Booyah!

Well, hello winter

Winter caught up to Oxford, MS rather quickly. I JUST got my sandals and flip flops on yesterday and now I'm looking for socks. Growl. I guess North MS just made up its mind that it's officially winter. I heard that there was "tornado" weather in Memphis, TN... always makes me nervous.

BUT... a new Montgomery tradition has begun. Which is, having Thanksgiving on Black Friday. This is fortunate for a few reasons. ONE: no pressure to buy Christmas gifts yet (no matter for I have only about ten dollars to my name)... TWO: doing whatever I want (a reoccurring theme these days)...

AND, it's almost officially Advent. Which rocks my face off.

That's about it for now. Take care and God Bless.

Saturday, November 20, 2010

California

Well, now that I'm home in MS, and living with my Dad, there's a part of me that really wants to go back to CA... go figure.

Friday, November 19, 2010

Home at Last, Home at Last, Thank God Almighty I'm home at last...

So, now that I'm surrounded by boxes of my books, have experienced a Tonic water (no vodka) and lime decoy out and about in Oxford, MS... have eaten at my restaurant home away from home, have my dogs with me, went to a Southern Studies party.. slept on a couch because I was too tired, not that I was too intoxicated... woke up... long story short, I think I'm finally where I need to be (for right now) and am just grateful to have (what I think I'm detecting) is my accent back. Not a twang, mind you.. but definitely a detectable accent. phew.

More later.

Monday, November 15, 2010

Home

Annnnnnnd I'm home on the coast. And it's raining (of course)... will be headed through Jackson to Oxford, MS on Thursday. Give me a shout on the cell if you wanna hang.

Friday, November 12, 2010

Well Folks

Hey y'all...


So due to some health issues, I'm moving back down south to Mississippi. I have mixed feelings about this, of course, because I like to complete things I start, but ultimately this is a good thing for me to do right now. So, I'm going to rename the blog and set things accordingly.

-Blounty

Monday, October 18, 2010

We are... Nomadic

So. I'm 25, right? Quarter of a century old. Born in 1985 and the world is radically different. I had cassette tapes that would buzz in my walkman whenever my mom would use her car phone- which came in a bag that was the size of my backpack. Now jr. high students have cell phones and some people don't even have landlines anymore. Technology is moving at a high pace...

...I digress...

Speaking from where I am right now in my life, I am nomadic. I am searching for a place to call home, a person to share that home with, and a meaningful engagement and improvement of the world around me. This might sound like navel gazing, but I think that it's an important realization.

Now. I work for the church. And largely, the established church is one in which from kindergarten (sometimes earlier) till senior year of high school, you are supported and formed in doctrine and practices and community.

But, what happened to me... and what has happened to a lot of folk my age, once reaching college is this sentiment:

"See you back in church when you're a real adult and have a family"

Now. Quite frankly, that pisses me off. Especially if the church also says the mantra, "youth are the future of the church".... pardon my language, but that's bull. The youth, the young adults...


ugh. we are ALL part of the body of the church. Stop ignoring us!

God (theology warning) chose the nomadic people to be his chosen people... The Hebrews were CONSTANTLY moving and not very happy with it...

"By the waters of Babylon we sat down and wept, when we remembered you, O Zion,
As for our harps, we hung them up on the trees in the midst of that land.
For those who led us away captive asked us for a song, and our oppressors called for mirth:
"Sing us one of the songs of Zion"
HOW SHALL WE SING THE LORD'S SONG UPON AN ALIEN SOIL?
If I forget you, O Jerusalem, let my right hand forget its skill.
Let my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth if I do not remember you,
if I do not set Jerusalem above my highest joy.
Remember the day of Jerusalem, O Lord,
against the people of Edom,
who said, "Down with it! Down with it! even to the ground!"
O Daughter of Babylon, doomed to destruction,
happy the one who pays you back for what you have done to us!
Happy shall he be who takes your little ones, and dashes them against the rock"

psalm 137

Ya know, half of that isn't in the Episcopal Lectionary. Want to know why? Because the idea that God's people could be so angry that they would harm children is not pleasant. Well, newsflash: Christianity wasn't meant to be pleasant. Duh!

And so, Jerusalem (follow me a lil here)- childhood attention and incorporation into the church and formation... is taken down to the ground... to give us "space" to figure things out.

What the hell? Really?

So here we are, nomadic in our "young adult" stage of life, trying to figure out who we are, what we want, what God wants... and the church is ignoring us.. is tearing down our community....



God is with us, and if you're not... you should reconsider your commitment to your baptismal covenant.

Sorry.

This is very close to me.

As lay ministers, we are all the first order of ministers in the church- and as such, we should all read the ordination service.

BECAUSE, it is our call to respect the dignity and worth of all human beings.

Even if they're in a frat, even if they're a hipster, even if they work in a cubicle and just graduated from college.

Especially in those cases, for we are God's chosen ones and the so called, "future of the church"

so... put your money and time and gifts where you're mouths are or shut up.

This might be harsh, but I keep hearing the same thing all over.. In MS, in CA, in friends of all places... we're looking for something and we're coming up short because it feels like nobody cares until we have kids and careers and spouses... ugh.

Friday, October 15, 2010

A long day



Music: me playing guitar.

Today's Daily Office

So part of the Episcopal Service Corps is that we say morning prayer together during the week. Which is nice and comforting to me. Growing up in my family, my Dad would wake up early to have coffee and say his prayers and read the Bible. I always saw him and knew that he was in a sacred space. I guess this practice gives me a taste of home. Especially considering the Book of Common Prayer he commonly would use was the one my Godparents gave me at my baptism (at three months old). That same BCP is what I use now, and the pages are yellow with the oil from my Dad's fingertips touching the pages... the cover is duct taped a little bit. The book is rough around the edges, nothing new about it... but it has a great legacy that I respect and love about it.

Now, I'll be the first to admit that I don't really know the bible all too well. I mean, I get the story... but specific passages, nope. However, I remember there being a passage in Romans, but not knowing where, that talks about how the angels lift up sighs as prayers to God. Now, I don't remember when I particularly noticed this passage, but it hit me. Hard.

Anyway, today in the Daily Office, that reading (Romans 8:22-27) came up. Funny.


We know that the whole creation has been groaning in labour pains until now; and not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly while we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies. For in hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what is seen? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.

Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words. And God, who searches the heart, knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.


I've always liked the whole, "don't know how to pray" thing... cause to be honest, most times when I'm not praying from the Book of Common Prayer, silly things come out of my mouth. FOR example:

Happening 71:

"Cause we all know California's a crazy place... uh, yeah."- Blount Montgomery

Interesting thing is that quote came before I knew that I had an offer from the Episcopal Service Corps in San Francisco and definitely before I moved out here.

Funny.

Gratefulness

Things that I'm thankful for this morning:

(in no particular order)

cameras
Bruce Springsteen
coffee
fresh air
labyrinths
energy
giddiness
the concept of my Monday off (and maybe Tuesday if I can swing it)
Mississippi
Camp Bratton Green
honesty
compassion
Love
friends
music
did I mention coffee?
my office

Thursday, October 14, 2010

So, maybe I'm not so great at video editing....

Start this vimeo video at 4 minutes, 10 seconds...


http://www.vimeo.com/15855833
Mumford and Sons- After the Storm

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YqUsAHTUPTU



And after the storm,
I run and run as the rains come
And I look up, I look up,
on my knees and out of luck,
I look up.

Night has always pushed up day
You must know life to see decay
But I won't rot, I won't rot
Not this mind and not this heart,
I won't rot.

And I took you by the hand
And we stood tall,
And remembered our own land,
What we lived for.

And there will come a time, you'll see, with no more tears.
And love will not break your heart, but dismiss your fears.
Get over your hill and see what you find there,
With grace in your heart and flowers in your hair.

And now I cling to what I knew
I saw exactly what was true
But oh no more.
That's why I hold,
That's why I hold with all I have.
That's why I hold.

I will die alone and be left there.
Well I guess I'll just go home,
Oh God knows where.
Because death is just so full and mine so small.
Well I'm scared of what's behind and what's before.

And there will come a time, you'll see, with no more tears.
And love will not break your heart, but dismiss your fears.
Get over your hill and see what you find there,
With grace in your heart and flowers in your hair.

And there will come a time, you'll see, with no more tears.
And love will not break your heart, but dismiss your fears.
Get over your hill and see what you find there,
With grace in your heart and flowers in your hair.

Friday, October 1, 2010

Home

Ok.

Let's go ahead and talk about the elephant in the room.

Take the Southern raised girl out of the South and you get...?

Don't know yet.

However...

There's something I'm already butting up against and here it is: there are several kinds of transplants to this part of the world from the Southern United States. And while I won't go through and explain them, the one I don't understand is the Transplant who has based everything they see wrong with Society in the South...

Here's why I don't understand.

Yes. The South has a troubling history. Slavery (which, by the way, the north also had a big part in), Racism (which, by the way, is a problem ALL over the United States-and I speak about Racism not only in terms of black and white), poor education (California isn't that far ahead in National rankings), poor health... etc etc.

Here's the kicker. Most people in the South KNOW ALL OF THIS. Now, whether they choose to admit it out loud or just think it to themselves sometime, that's another issue. AND furthermore, the South, knowing the history (and continued legacy of these issues), is in an eternal state of becoming. Now, whether the South is becoming a better place or not is another question, but trying counts a lot in this case.

Other areas of this country use the South as a whipping post. Something and somewhere they can project and promote the stereotypes of bigotry, and therefore, not notice their own issues. No place is perfect. Take the damn log out of your own eye before you remove the speck in someone else's...

And you know what? It's ok to not like the South. I understand that Southern people have done many hurtful things and that's not ok. BUT, (speaking from my Christian formation) I feel compelled to love the South, not entirely like Jesus has called us to love our enemies. You don't have to like. I don't have to like everything the South represents and everything the South has done and does etc. But, I love it. I love it in the way that sometimes I want to whomp it outside its head. And sometimes I want to hug it.

Also, the South, whether or not I love it and definitely whether or not I like it, is my home. And that has influenced who I am and who I will be. Just to clarify, though, I like it and love my home.

Ugh.

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Public Transit is a funny thing

I've noticed that the hours in which I have to travel between Berkeley and San Francisco, and thus, hop on the BART or the TransBay bus, or MUNI, whatever... are the hours when the crazies are in full swing. For example:

Waiting on a bus, I notice two girls clad in metallic bronze, faces and exposed skin to match, silently holding a sign saying, "Faeryland or Bust" and posing as a statue.

Riding the bus back home today, noticing a man talking WAY too much on his cell phone to actually be holding a conversation. My theory is (and this might be a stretch) that (judging by his seemingly sermon-eske rants) he poses as talking on a cell phone to talk loudly about the declining state of American life from the "Christian way of America" in order to influence those around him.

Let's see. Then there was a dude who had no idea:
a. where he was
b. where he needed to go
c. where his shirt was...

...but he boarded the bus I was on anyway.

So, it might be that California has eccentrics, but something tells me they're on their A-game when I'm around. Just a thought.

Saturday, September 25, 2010

Just a lazy Saturday

I figured that a lazy Saturday would be a good time to update y'all on what's going on out here in California.

Where do I begin?

Work: I'm really enjoying the office and the people I work with. Right now we're all gearing up for Diocesan Convention (in a matter of weeks) so there's an atmosphere of busy-ness all around. So far, work wise, I've been doing a lot of reading and familiarizing myself with Curriculum programming for youth, which has been interesting and new. For the most part, youth programming that I'm familiar with is a whole lot of "make it up as you go" kind of thing.

House: Roomates and I still get along. Which is definitely important. I think I've finally gotten used to the space and have done a good bit of personalizing my room, which is important to me. Today I did a minor guitar repair and put on new strings, as well as go down to half price books. At half price books I found Mama Dip's Kitchen and Louisiana Real and Rustic for very cheap, so I immediately got them. Also found a spanish translation of the Hobbit and a Second Printing of Sanctuary by Faulkner. I figure it might be a good test of my spanish to try and translate the Hobbit. Although, I haven't taken into consideration that I actually haven't read the Hobbit in english either. Eh, we'll see how it goes.

That's about it for now. I'm way behind on my written correspondence. I've been trying to send out postcards and I have a huge stack of them that need to be written on and mailed. Tomorrow might be a good day for that.

All and all, a good report.

Sunday, September 12, 2010

An Unlikely Pause for reflection

Warning: this post pertains to Hurricane Katrina.

This morning while at All Souls', Berkeley, I found myself thinking of the Mississippi Gulf Coast. The sermon given mentioned fires in California, and the experience of realizing how temporary "ownership" is. And there I was, in Berkeley, California... and I could smell in my nostrils the stench of standing water and possessions in various states of decay. I could see the foundation of my house (that was all that was left) and remember the "treasure hunting" for personal belongings. Not wanting to start crying when I had just met these people, I thought of kittens and puppies playing with rainbows behind them. Anything, really, to keep my heart from breaking again thinking about what my family, my hometown, went through five years ago.

Maybe it's because I've spent the past year reading about Katrina, or maybe it's because I'm a little homesick. Or maybe it's because once I say that I'm from the Mississippi Gulf Coast (maybe I should pretend I'm from Illinois, right?), Katrina and the Oil Spill come up. And I'm used to that. I even got that in Oxford, MS. And for most of that small talk, I can compartmentalize the pain and sadness.

Something about today. Something about the combination of forces of homesickness, the way the priest giving the sermon talked so plainly and passionately about the experience of loss. There are a few times when I've felt overwhelmed by emotion enough to walk out of a church (interesting reaction, huh?)... and this was one of the times.

No matter how much I process Katrina, she'll always piss me off/make me depressed. In that order.

There's so much about this experience so far that is new and exciting with a lot of opportunities, but there's not much familiarity. I suppose I'll have to wait a while for things to get familiar and routine.

I apologize for the sappiness/non-chirpiness of this post.

Goodnight.

All Souls', Berkeley

Trumpets, Banjos and a parade of children. Oh my.

We visited All Souls', Berkeley today for their 10 am service. There were the following instruments used in the service:

banjo
organ
piano
trumpet
guitar
mandolin
washtub bass
washboard

The music. Incredible. Even more incredible was the willingness and enthusiasm of the congregation to sing along with the hymns.

Children were incorporated in the service. They even had a processional song for their entrance. The proximity to the University made a seemingly diverse crowd and there are many programs set in place for the parish.

I don't know if it was the trumpet or the childrens' sermon, but something about All Souls' felt like home. Of course it is way too early to pick a parish as a parish home.

But.. it felt right.

I have to remind myself that there is still a month of church visitations to see the diversity of the diocese. One thing that is remarkably clear is that there are a TON of ordained priests in this diocese. And not enough churches.

Tomorrow, I meet with my supervisor, a contractor comes to do some finishing touches and that's my Monday.

All for now.

Sunday, September 5, 2010

Sunday Sunday Sunday!

I've now been to my first official church service in Berkeley at the Church of the Good Shepherd. For you theology nerds out there, William Countryman attends there periodically and preaches from time to time.

Ok.

The congregation was very very welcoming, which is great considering we're living in the house next door. The service was... well... interesting. Above all, I keep reminding myself that I need to be open minded. I've been used to an Episcopal service that is similar throughout most of the South. With the exception, of course, of the services at Camp Bratton Green.

Lots. Lots. Lots of inclusive language. I don't think the pronoun "he" was used at all, even in reference to Jesus. Which confuses me since, as not only a biblical figure but also a historical one, Jesus was man. Not woman. But that's not anything that will make me get up in arms about. I mean, for a while now I've responded with "God" where the BCP says "his" or "he"... I guess I just never considered the same kind of thing to replace the pronoun of Jesus. The service was great, though and I did enjoy it. Also, it's interesting to go to a coffee hour where EVERYONE went to and wanted to really talk to you. Not just the usual sit around and mill about kind of thing.

Still haven't begun the actual work yet. We're still settling in and making the house a home etc. etc.

Overall, I think this year will be an amazing time of challenges and learning and I'm really looking forward to it. Oh. And it'll be fun. Not all work.

Wednesday we're leaving to go to the Bishop's Ranch to discuss what our "rule of life" will be. That'll be important. However, I feel as if we're already developing it as we go along. But. It'll be good to have it all talked out.

My room is almost done and I promise I'll have pictures up soon. I'm just waiting to be completely settled in. Hoping for a small table desk so that I don't have to use the dining room table (which I am right now).

OH! For those reading, if you would like postcards/letters in the mail etc., please comment with your address ooooorrrrrrr send me a facebook message.

That. Is. It. For now.

Friday, September 3, 2010

So three 20-somethings walk into a house...

I officially arrived in Berkeley Wednesday night and made it to the house that I'll call home around 11:40 Pacific time. Dombos was already asleep, but Brittain was up. I was absolutely a ball of nervous energy so I quickly separated myself from conversation and went to sleep.

And so I've been in the house for a full day now and it's the morning of the second day. I figured it was time for an update.

First and foremost, the house is great. Fully furnished and stocked (with a few kitchen exceptions) and very cozy. We have a backyard that's secluded from our neighbors by a fence and lots of vines/trees. My room, having been the leftovers since I arrived last, is actually (don't tell my housemates) the best room. Here's why: I don't have a bathroom connected to my room and actually have to go into Brittain's bathroom through her bedroom or Dombos's through his room. Dombos also has the washer and dryer in his room. But all that is in my room, is my room. Nobody has any reason to tiptoe past me sleeping etc. So, actually I think that's really nice.

The three of us in the house seem to get along really well so far (and I don't say "so far" with the intention of implying that we won't get along later). We've mainly been talking about various things and trying to get to know each other.

Now, I know I've said before that the program was waiting to meet the three of us before assigning jobs. That was halfway true. True in the sense that we didn't know where we'd be working until we arrived. False in the sense that it had already been decided for us where we'd be working. And with our assignments, Brittain and Dombos both will be working with Episcopal Community Services. I, however, will be the intern for the diocesan youth program. Which I'm really excited about, mainly because of the opportunity to learn about youth programming here and be able to maybe bring some of the Mississippi youth program ideas and philosophy here.

As far as the city goes, I've done a little walking about, not much.... and I haven't seen San Francisco properly because I arrived at night. BUT, today we're going into the city (if you immediately thought of Eddie Izzard's Dress to Kill, fifty points go to you, my friend) to do paperwork at the diocesan office. Fun. Times.

Well that's an update.

Monday, August 30, 2010

Ok folks, Margaret or Blount?

So. I mentioned earlier in this blog the possibility of going by Margaret again in California. It has come to my attention, that some people feel that this decision isn't the best idea. So, I'll put it up to you.

So, Margaret Montgomery or Blount Montgomery?

I see the benefits of both, so I would appreciate feedback.

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

One Week Away

So it's one week away from the epic plane flight/move to California. I've almost got everything in order for the flight. My things have been dispersed for the most part between Goodwill, friends and strangers who bought my stuff from craigslist. It's kind of amazing, this whole process of narrowing down my things to what's important to me. I highly suggest it to anyone who wants to spend some time hunkering (is that a word?) down and making some tough decisions. Books. That's been the hardest one. I've avoided going through them again. I'm going to mail three boxes out before me to CA, but in all likelihood have about five boxes of books that haven't been finalized as "dad's crawlspace" or "my books in CA." It's tough.

Also, I'm about to head out on an epic road trip. Nashville. Sewanee. Back to Oxford. Then maybe Jackson?... All in the span of a weekend. I just figure I need to get the driving bug out of my system. Granted, it's not in my car, it's in my sister's (thanks, Jane-Claire), but still, once I arrive in CA, I will not have a car. Mine's been sold and I don't plan on buying one until I have a job that I can afford to have one/live in a place where it makes sense to have one.

I think I've just gotten to the point where I'm ready to be settling in somewhere. Having my things occupy space in the living room of my Dad's place is kind of unsettling. I want those things to have homes. I guess I won't have to wait long. In the meantime, I'm going to try and visit with as many friends as possible before I leave (and also work in some Dad time too, provided he's not exposing me to fox news). I know I'll miss home. I'll miss the South. I'll miss family and friends, but in all honesty, this is going to be one hell of an adventure for me. Challenging, yes. But an adventure nonetheless.

Here's to adventure!

Tuesday, August 3, 2010

Step One... Be a Gypsy

So, in order to go out West, and also in order to save for the trip out West... I will be a gypsy for the next month. Step one was to move in with Dad. Done. I just have to figure out where I'm putting all this stuff.

I've been asked a lot about how I feel about moving away from the South. I've lived in the South all my life (with the exception of six weeks in Boston with Episcopal nuns), and now I'm getting more and more conscious of "Southern" things that I do... like say "darlin" and "ma'am" and "sir"... even a few "I'll be damned"... It's interesting because I want to say I'm going to retain that way of life, but there's something necessary with me moving to step back and say, "is that really me?" Or maybe more importantly...

"Is that how I want to be?"

As far as the nervous thing goes, yes, I'm nervous about living farrrrrr below the poverty line and adjusting to that budget. Yes, I'm nervous about living with two other people I've only exchanged e-mails with. Yes, I'm nervous about what exactly my day to day will be like...

Nervous is one thing.

I'm horrified at thinking about the reality that not only will I be able to have an outside perspective of the South, but an outside perspective of myself. A huge part of these past two years back in Mississippi has been getting adjusted and used to how I operate. Grad school has taught me a lot. Living in the same town as my Dad has taught me a lot. Being single for two years has also taught me a lot. Getting back into diocesan youth work has been invaluable. In college I thought I had burned out when it came to youth ministry. These past two years have shown me otherwise.

But all of that realization and getting used to Blount Montgomery as Blount Montgomery could come crashing down. And that terrifies me.

I guess the change of perspective will start with the fact that I'll be returning to Margaret Montgomery instead of Blount Montgomery. Simple enough, right? Just a name. Went by Margaret and Margaret only (with the exceptions of a few nicknames) for about 15/16 years... but have been growing more and more into going by Blount in the past 10 years.

And don't worry... I won't insist on people who know me as Blount call me Margaret. I guess I just figure that...

A. easier to introduce myself without including "it's a family name" and "no, my parents weren't/aren't hippies"
B. more professional?? is that really a concern that I have. I must be getting old.
C.... yeah, can't think of a C...

Friday, July 23, 2010

Here's Hoping...

It's been years since I've been an active journal keeper or blogger, but I can't let this next year happen without some sort of documentation. So, here it goes.

This September I will be embarking out West to work in the Bay Area of California with the Episcopal Service Corps. What exactly will I be doing? I honestly don't know. Have I been to California before? Nope. So, am I nervous?...

Absolutely.