Fairytale Part 4 - Orders

(See here for part 3)

The Queen had just put down "The Prince's Deeply" as Yakovarol proudly marched in. 

"Huntsman," she began, for she never could get the new employee's name right. "I've just finished reading a very interesting fact." She stood and began to pace. "It concerns my stepdaughter, Snow White. According to the Prince in the Well, my dearly lost froggy-prince hero, she has surpassed me in beauty. This cannot be. The Human Resources manager, who appears to be very knowledgeable in all matters, assures me that since I am her stepmother, I must be more beautiful. As this is apparently not the case, he informs me that I must have Snow White driven from the castle." Here she paused, and turned to Yakovarol, who stood quietly confused at attention. "Huntsman, what are your thoughts right now?"

Yakovarol was about to answer "I've something stuck in my tooth" when a question plopped itself in his head. "Your majesty, if Snow White goes, Rose Red, her sister, is sure to follow. One cannot be separated from the other. What of this?"

"Very good point, my huntsman." The queen for a moment thought, then rang a bell. In came Napoleon D.,  the Human Resources manager. "Napoleon, Rose Red will not abide here if Snow White departs. What does the book say?"

Napoleon reached into his carpet bag-like pocket, and drew forth a book, whose title Yakovarol knew to be "How to Run an Evil Castle for Dummies." He thumbed around for a moment before responding. "My queen, it appears that she shall then also be driven from the place."

The queen was obviously very touched by this, for she loved her stepdaughters rather dearly. However, she knew that her position, as described by Napoleon, dictated her to behave in certain ways. She could not be benevolent and run an evil castle, could she? And she still had three years left on her employment contract. "Very well. Huntsman, may you please escort the princesses out of the castle. Don't forget to give them enough food and resources to get as far as the magical woods."


Yakovarol bowed deeply, and departed. He was unsure of how to proceed, so he sought the assistance of the second eldest brother, Leper Khan (You see, many years before, Khan had gotten leprosy, but this version of the disease primarily affected his follicles, and resulted in his hair turning completely red. Thereafter, he was known as Leper Khan). After a brief consultation, the two brothers tramped to the princesses' room, and hesitatingly knocked on the door. Rose Red answered the door.

Agape

I've recently completed a Bible study on the Fruits of the Spirit. We went through each characteristic, and spent an entire study on each word. Then we tried to piece together what characteristics "build" on others, and how this is related to that. It was seen rather early on that Love is indeed the fundamental characteristic of the Christian faith. Passages such as 1 Corinthians 13 and Matthew 22.37-40 confirm this. All the fruits of the Spirit are linked to love, and without love they crumble. So what is this love?

The specific Greek word is "ἀγάπη" (or "agapē" for those of you who don't read Greek). The beauty of the Greek language is that there are four words with different aspects of the meaning of the word love. In the New Testament, two, agape and philos/phileo, are predominantly used. Agape means "sacrificial love" (as determined by the said Bible study), and phileo emphasizes emotional fondness. Essentially, agape is the giving of yourself even if it means harm to yourself. You will put yourself in "dangerous situations" for the other person, regardless of what it costs you, or whether they'll thank you for it. Agape-love is a choice.

Consider Philippians 2.5-11 (as translated by J B Phillips) - "Let Christ Himself be your example as to what your attitude should be. For He, who had always been God by nature, did not cling to His prerogatives as God's equal, but stripped Himself of all privilege by consenting to be a slave by nature and being born as mortal man. And, having become man, He humbled Himself by living a life of utter obedience, even to the extent of dying, and the death He died was the death of a common criminal. That is why God has now lifted Him so high, and has given Him the name beyond all names, so that at the name of Jesus "every knee shall bow", whether in Heaven or earth or under the earth. And that is why, in the end, "every tongue shall confess" that Jesus Christ is the Lord, to the glory of God the Father."

This is agape-love "at its best." God became man, so humbling considering our state, and lowered Himself to the humblest of mankind, dying the death of a common thief. And why? For a stubborn race. But God so loved us...me, you, all...that He considered it worthwhile for His Son to die, pay our penalty, so that we could live eternally with Him. "What wondrous love is this, oh my soul!"

As you celebrate Christmas, please do consider that God humbled Himself for YOU! (Not only that, but He also humbled Himself for all your siblings, cousins, parents, friends, etc. If God humbled Himself for them, how should you, a mortal man, treat them?)

Immanuel - God With Us

The song that ended last week's post spoke of a great God who came to earth to save created man. No where else do you see that. If you look at the fantastical gods of the Greeks and Romans and other early civilisations, never do the gods show unbound love toward mortal man. Never do you see the gods sacrifice themselves for an erroneous man. You do see the gods passing (often times skewed) judgement on man. In essence, all gods of past civilisations had very man-like characteristics, and never would man show unbounded, sacrificial love. Hence, the beautiful history of the Creator-God weaving His redemption plan for fallen man stands out. 

"Light of the world/ You stepped out into darkness/ opened my eyes, let me see/ beauty that made this heart adore You/ hope of a life spent with You...King of all days/ oh so highly exalted/ glorious in heaven above/ humbly You came to the earth You created/ all for love's sake became poor...I'll never know how much it cost/ to see my sin upon that cross..."*

Have you tried to fathom the enormity of God's sacrifice? How about the fact that the shepherds, the dirtiest, grimiest workers, were with in a short, measurable distance of the God of glory? As the lyrics of the previous post's last song goes "...His infant eyes have seen the dawn of time...His ears have heard an angel's symphony, but still Mary had to rock her Savior to sleep."

Here are two more Christmas songs, both sung by Michael Card. "Immanuel," and "Joseph's Song." I highly recommend them.

*Here I am to Worship

It's Christmas!

This is usually the day when I say "see here for the continuation of the story." However, that is not to be this week. My cohort, Ben, has been rather busy as of late, and has not gotten a new part of the story out. I shall therefore proceed to a regular post, in hopes that he gets his pen together...figuratively speaking, of course.

Here's to Christmas traditions! We (try) to set aside a night wherein all members of the Coder Clan may participate in a family-wide evening of decorating (specifically) the tree and (non-specifically) the house for Christmas. With Christmas CDs that we've grown up on playing in the background, and handling decade old decorations, this evening is a perfect way to reminisce of "the old days" (when we were younger - quite a paradoxical statement). Nonetheless, all enjoy it, and sometimes it can get crazy - it all depends on the song currently playing and how much chocolate had been consumed by that point.

The decorated Christmas tree

The inset picture is of these two many years ago

I tried a new version of photobombing - a selfie-bombed photo

The twins being twin-like

A similar photobombing stunt. 

However, let's not forget why the season is celebrated. Indeed, it would be very poor of us to get so caught up in fun activities and traditions to forget what Christmas is really all about. Over two millennium ago, the God of the universe was wrapped in a piece of cloth, a midst the cows and sheep of His creation.

The following two Christmas songs are very good, hence why I'm showing them. Take the time to not only listen to them, but consider their words and meaning.

Please don't lose size of God's love.

Merry Christmas!!!

But God...

There are currently two words in the New Testament that have absolutely captured my fascination, as they both reference and imply quite profound ideas. For example, I was dead in my trespasses, disobedient, and a child of wrath. I did not care for anything that did not benefit me, and was thus very worldly. From a worldly perspective, I was rather unpleasant. From a spiritual perspective, I was dead. Nothing in me would attract the attention of a Creator-King, at least in the positive sense. I was condemned to eternal punishment. My methods of escape were limited (meaning none) and faulty. I was a hopeless wreck.

But God.

And with these two words, my entire life, future, and eternal state were quite literally reversed. 

"But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest any man should boast." Ephesians 2.4-9 (emphasis mine)

That says it all. What could I add to that? To think that God loves me for no reason at all, save that He does, is completely beyond my comprehension. 

I cannot recommend the following artists, Casting Crowns, but these lyrics hit it absolutely bang on (the entire song is not repeated here).

"Who Am I"

Who am I, that the Lord of all the earth
Would care to know my name,
Would care to feel my hurt?
Who am I, that the Bright and Morning Star
Would choose to light the way
For my ever wandering heart?
...
Who am I, that the eyes that see my sin
Would look on me with love and watch me rise again?
Who am I, that the voice that calmed the sea
Would call out through the rain
And calm the storm in me?

Not because of who I am
But because of what You've done.
Not because of what I've done
But because of who You are.

...

"Thanks be to God for His inexpressible gift!" II Corinthians 9.15

A Fairy Tale Continued

(to read part one)

Once upon a time…long ago…in times past…

         
  Thanks, Ben.

There was a prince...

  Wait a second, there's always one prince. What could we do to change it up (without it being overly weird)?
  I don't know, Josh. How 'bout make the prince have brothers? That way, the princess has a couple options to choose from.
  Great idea, Ben! Thanks!

There were four princely brothers. They were, as stated, brothers, who shared the occupation of princes (their resumes were quite impressive). However, the four brothers were rather eccentric, each in his own way. Of course, if they weren't eccentric, this tale would be nigh-on boring. Therefore, they are eccentric.

The first and eldest of the brothers was Charles Charming (of course the last name is Charming...what else could it be?). Of the four brothers, Charles was the first to accept the full-time position of prince, and was therefore the most experienced

The second and second eldest of the brothers was Maximilian Augustus Charming.

  Josh, you better not make Maximilian's bio as boring as Charles's...
  ...okay Ben.

 Max was in a strange quandary at the time of our story, but his quandary requires a short story. Several years previous, he had had the misfortune to be turned into a frog. Of course, the only way to turn him back was for a princess to kiss him. He was most fortunate in an unfortunate way. He was fortunate to find a princess in distress, who had dropped her magic mirror down a well (it had been dried out many a year - do not ask what the princess was doing that caused her mirror to drop down such a hole, as that's another story). Being nimble in frog limb, he immediately made it known that he would fetch her magic mirror. In one bound, he was down. He began to tug on the mirror. However, it took him some time to figure out a way to carry it. That's the unfortunate part of the story. The princess was so taken by the little frog's endeavor, that she blew him a kiss; since everything's wireless nowadays, it had very much the same effect as a physical kiss: it changed the frog prince into a prince prince (a human one, that is). Dear Reader, a frog may easily escape the warming pot, but a prince has no chance. He was therefore, and still is, stuck at the bottom of the well, his only consolation being the magic mirror, by which he began to know everything, and write books and periodicals on the same. His weekly, the Prince's Deeply, is a well read newspaper, and very informative.

The next brother was Philosophically Charming, or Phil for short. In the nature of his name, he sought humanitarian relief for all underprivileged classes. He even went as far as to subsidize poor, forgotten animals. His housing plans for such creatures were his greatest failure, as his pilot program involved determining the structural analysis of various building materials for the razorback breed, being of straw, sticks and bricks. His initial plan called for three of the breed to be housed in each of the buildings. This failed because of the carnivorous and enchanted nature of his younger brother Fred.

The last and final brother, as well as the youngest, was Frederick Charming. Like Max, Fred had the inconvenience of being shape-shifted, but he into a carnivorous canine. You see, Fred, a vegetarian, liked dogs so much that he had 127 different breeds, hosted 3 dog shows a week, and provided the famous Canine 9k Scholarships for veterinarian students. However, when a representative from the Safeguarding Animals Against the Tyranny of Living in Cramped Quarters with Others of Different Breeds Legal Association (SAATLCQODBLA) arrived and determined that 127 dog breeds living on 381 acres was too cramped, he complained to the Princes Behavior Correction Agency (PBCA), which determined Fred's sentence: he was to be turned into a generic dog and be carnivorous, unto the point that he had been kissed by a princess (which they were sure was never going to happen).

And so...

...At a date undetermined, in a land not found on modern maps, there once was four princely brothers...

  That's great Josh! Much better than "There once was a prince..."
  I'd quite agree. It'll keep our readers guessing...

  Stay tuned on Ben's blog.

A post about Not-Much

I've finally done it. Since I'm lacking inspiration for things to write, I went ahead and videoed myself playing the bagpipes...rather vain, in my opinion. But oh well. Since this is the first video that I've uploaded, I'm not quite sure I have all the strings tied on how to do it, so forgive the mishaps. 

And on that note...

I do know that the drones are not in unison. This does not help with the effect of the bagpipes. I need to learn how to tune them accurately. It's quite a chore, believe me!

In regards to the challenge issued, the first part has been published! I will be posting a second part on Monday the 10th. Just a hint - Ben and I will be trying to get every single fairy tale possible mentioned throughout this story. Be alert.

Until Monday!

My Weekend

This is a post about my past weekend, as well as a blogging challenge. Customarily, here are a few pictures:

My little sis Megan...

 The gent in this picture is my grandfather, and is the reason for this weekend excursion, for on Thursday he turned 80! We were blessed to spend the weekend with not only him and grandma, but also with my aunt and uncle from Indiana, my aunt from France, and my cousin from France who is currently living in Spokane. It was a very special time, and good to see them all again!

A different little sis Grace...

 This was just later the same day. It was beautiful the entire time, probably one of the best weather conditions at the beach that I've been at, personal opinion.

Okay, now I'm sure you're all dying to know what this new challenge is. This challenge was issued to me and my brother Ben at White Knuckles Holding Fast. Essentially, we are to tag team writing a fairy-tale story. But don't worry, we plan to make it memorable. Stay tuned to figure out how distorted Ben and I can make a simple story...or, stories.

Untitled/Work-in-Progress

I was hoping to have this a little more polished/expanded, but alas, I need a post. INPUT is appreciated!!!

(Beginning/setting)

The mighty host of heaven watched,

As God declared the world to be,

And breathed in man the breath of life,

Then man did sin, the fruit of the tree.

And so they saw throughout the years,

As God did work on earth a plan,

And fashioned history to make

Redemption for the fallen man.

They heard Him speak through many men

Who told a strange, prophetic cry

Of God to come and make man right,

And He man's sinful soul to buy.

(Redemption/climax)

And then a hush was spread,

the host did wonder now,

 for God had gone to earth,

but not for knees to bow.

They sang a song of praise,

for HE was born that night,

but wondered what He did,

for it did not seem right.

They watched the Devil tempt,

the Lord as He was weak,

and wondered why the King,

did turn the other cheek.

Then awestruck did they see

Him beaten, shamed with scorn,

and mocked, for on His brow,

a crown of thorns was worn.

And still they wondered why,

their God allowed this shame,

for Him to dwell with men,

who'd curse His holy name.

(unfinished)

(Conclusion/conclusion)

(being worked on)

I Peter 1:12 - "To [the prophets] it was revealed that, not to themselves, but to us they were ministering the things which now have been reported to you through those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven -- things which angels desire to look into." (emphasis mine).

Notes - I do understand that there is a change in meter/rhyme in the fourth stanza. This is purposeful, and unless it goes against all poetic licensing, I'd like to keep it that way. Basically, I'd like the poem to be in three parts - the Beginning (st. 1-3), the Redemption (4-x), and Conclusion (x-end). I will be posting it again in a "more final" draft (probably in the next "two weeks"...), but I thought I should show ya'll what I've worked on recently.    

Tag! Some of you are It!

On Monday the first, I was nominated by SarahJayne at Lass of the Lord for a blogger questionnaire-thingy. Therefore, and hence, this post. It's a bit of a longer one, so bear with me.

First, the rules:
1. Thank the person who nominated you and link to their blog. Thank you SarahJayne (link above)!
2. Answer his/her 11 questions.
3. Add to these 11 random facts about yourself.
4. Come up with your own 11 questions.
5. Tag (up to) 11 other blogs (with under 200 followers) to answer your queries and follow the previous 4 steps.

The questions are as follows, and answered respectively:

1. If you had tomorrow cleared of any previous commitments, what would you do with it? Read and/or play frisbee/soccer/sports in general.

2. What is your favorite book? :) Yah, good one. I think I'd have to echo your sentiments here, SarahJayne. There isn't just "one" favorite, as I like different books for the different themes portrayed in each. Here are a couple that I do like: I Serve, The Three Edwards, and Hebrews, in no specific order.

3. What is the coolest place you've ever visited? Without a doubt, that'd be Corbridge Roman Site. 

4. Who is your favorite author? I've not read many authors widely. I would say that C S Lewis and R M Ballantyne are in the Tops, though.

5. If you could learn another instrument, what would it be? Possibly, it would be piano or classical guitar.

6. What is your favorite sport? {and you don't have to be good at it... :p} My favorite sport is soccer. I played that good game for many years. I tally it at six, and spanning from Recreational soccer to Select, and from outdoor to indoor. 

7. Favorite soundtrack? I'm not one of those musical people who enjoys listening to soundtracks very much. However, some of my favorites do include "Master and Commander" and "How to Train Your Dragon".

8. Best movie adaptation of a book? I believe one of my favorite movie adaptions is the 2005 "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe." The next two movies in the series gradually strayed from the book (some of those "good-as-movies/not-so-good-as-book-adaption" cases), but this one, in my opinion, is very good.

9. Favorite chore? I'm sure this is a misprint...once I've begun a chore, I don't usually mind it. The biggest detriment is just simply starting.

10. Most thought-provoking concept you've come across in the last week? Concept of agape-love. Basically, this is the love that you show toward your enemies. Consequently, it's the same love that God showed toward us. We are to be willing to die, or to live in "persecution" for, those who seek us harm. This is also the basis, really, of Christianity, summed up in two laws by Jesus Himself (see Mark 12:30-31 and I Corinthians 13).

11. Favorite type of tea? Despite being surrounded by tea addicts, both inside and outside my family, I've not found the same enjoyment in that beverage. Not to say I don't mind tea, I just don't have the same sense of appreciation for it. However, I did once receive a lose leaf tea that had cinnamon, cocoa, and other homey spices in it, and that was rather good. But I forget the name of it.

Now, for the 11 facts about myself...which seems kinda vain, but oh well.

1. I will begin my junior year of high school with taking classes at Clark Community College.
2. I've been playing the bagpipes for a little over a year now.
3. I've been involved in 4-H sheep raising since 2008...sadly, however, it's not been that entirely successful.
4. I've traveled the Chunnel (which is a train that goes beneath the English Channel, from France to, well, England). 
5. I've held a "conversation" with an elderly lady in French...but in Dublin, not France.
6. Part of #2 has involved me playing the bagpipes in a CEO's 9th story office in downtown Vancouver during business hours.
7. I'm currently reading a book that claims that the Chinese discovered America between 1421-1423. Quite fascinating.
8. I love the smell of old books. You'll know what I mean if you do too.
9. I enjoy the making and eating of pizza.
10. When it comes to sports, I'm all in. Golf is not considered in this grouping, as I'd agree with Mark Twain when he said "Golf is a good walk spoiled." 
11. I want to write a book. Problem is, I don't know what about, or how. But the desire is there, nonetheless.

Here are those whom I will nominate to continue the fun. Just look at the beginning of the post for the rules to follow:

Benjamin at White Knuckles.
Jonathon at Haiku Gardener.
Nathan at Adventures in Imagination.
Rachel at Windows through my Life.

And here are my questions to be answered:
1. What is your favorite board game?
2. A favorite quote of yours (humorous or thought provoking)?
3. A book/series that disappointed you?
4. Furthest place you've traveled from home, and why?
5. Your favorite non-board-game activity (sports, reading, card games, eating, etc...)?
6. A favorite character from a book/movie, and why?
7. If you could have any car, which one would it be?
8. If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go?
9. How many states have you been in (driving through, staying at, but not flying over)?
10. What is your favorite type of pizza?
11. What's the story behind your favorite (or most infamous) nickname?

Until next time!

A Ponder

Not so large, and broken down,

A sign of might and glory past,

A tale of kingdoms, warring oft,

Over which a shadow cast.

In its midst, I stare in thought

Spellbound by its ancient age,

Caught in history and time so long,

Weathering all nature's rage.

On the Road, I look around,

And see with thought the busy street.

I hear the silent, ancient noise,

And feel the tramp of many feet.

I ponder for a moment's time,

And muse that where I stand,

Was where a soldier readied stood,

In a fort by hundreds manned.

But if it was, it is no more,

For as I sweep my gaze around,

The fort had given its face to age,

And no more gave its lively sound.

It once the fringe of kingdoms was,

And kept the Celts at large at bay.

It held the lives of many a man,

But that was in an ancient day.

But oh, the tales it has inside,

Though crumbled down and old,

Of all the men who in it lived,

But who by now are buried, cold.

All pictures are of Corbridge Roman Site

Crecy - Part II

To see part one, go here...

England's plight was great indeed
'Twas four to one in France's favour.
With chivalry renowned and famed,
Phillip would this battle savour.

But Edward planned with skill unbound,
And, confident his men would fight,
Did place his son to lead a troop,
Against King Phillip's battle might

The second Prince of Wales did have,
From Wales, a thousand men with knives,
And horseless knights and men-at-arms,
Who together were eight hundred lives.

But the French stood not a chance that day,
Against the bowmen under Edward's care.
For twice a thousand yeoman could,
Reign death and mayhem from the air.

And so was each division made,
Left and right and reserve, all.
Bravery of France was tried that day,
Against the mighty English wall.

At three o'clock that afternoon,
Did France arrive upon the field,
Having trekked some eighteen miles,
To face the waiting shield.

Enraged at England's banner flown,
King Phillip ordered his to fight,
But oh, if only he had waited,
To assemble all his might!

More coming...

Pizza Night!

Though I don't do it often, I sometimes enjoy baking/cooking in the kitchen. I figure that if I can make such things as pizza, Top Ramen, oatmeal, and cookies, I'll be set for life. This evening, I tried my hand at pizza (the first time in almost a year), with Madsie as a helper. We used a recipe that's been in my family ever since it began...25 years ago!

The first step was to put 2 tablespoons of yeast into 3/2 cups of warm water, and let it rise.

Next step, we mixed in 2 dashes of salt, 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil, and 4 cups of flour. If you can't tell, we were doubling the recipe...and we had to repeat the above steps, for a total of making 4 times the recipe (you kinda have to make a lot to feed twelve people).

Next, we (actually, I) rolled out the dough. However, we didn't roll out all the dough right away, but I'll explain that later. Madsie then did the honor of spreading the sauce, cheese and pepperoni on two of the four pizzas.

We left some crust off the edge of the pan, and folded it over
after the goodies were spread. This created a nice, thick crust
with cheese in the middle of it

Thus went the first two of four pizzas. The other two were destined for the grill. A while back, we were introduced to the concept of grilled pizza, which quickly became a favourite. As I am more of a traditionalist (and enjoy a thick crust, baked, pepperoni pizza), I took charge of baking the pizzas, whilst SarahJayne and Mom took charge of the grill.

Working the first crust off the grill

Grilled pizza definitely cooks faster. You roll out the dough, grill one side, bring it back in to dress it up (on the side that was just grilled), then bring it back out to grill the raw side and melt the goodies together.

Displaying the effects of the first grilling

I did get a before...

The first two are grilled pizzas, and the further
 ones are baked.

...and after dinner picture.

Same as above caption...leastwise, the leftovers.

Needless to say, Madsie and I were quite satisfied with our success...we hope the rest of the family was as well!

Crecy

Please know that this is the first part of a draft poem that I am writing. Again, if you see something in meter or phrasing, please let me know!

A tired, footsore, weary troop,

Did England have upon that night,

Who set their banner on the hill,

The one with Crécy-town in sight.

Th'English army had been chased

Across the land of France that day.

But now the time had come to turn,

To turn, and fight, in France to stay.

King Edward knew, from scouts abroad,

The French at Abbeville were stayed,

Who in the morn would move to fight,

So plans the king of England made.

The Valois king of France had been

Lacking plans for what to do.

"Attack" and "stay" the orders came,

But then reversed the whole night through.

The morn did dawn at Crécy-town

On English men awake and set, 

Who saw the sky of clouds so full,

Which forbode the battle to be wet.

Then came king and Prince of Wales,

Edward three with Edward four.

And though the lad was sixteen years,

He was here to fight this war.

For from France his mother came,

The kings her brothers were.

But they had died, and heiress all,

So who should reign, had right but her?

But England could not rule France,

And she to Edward had been wed,

And so the lords her cousin crowned,

Phillip Valois in her stead.

Now contested, Edward came

To claim the crown, twas his by right.

Back and forth the tide did turn,

And now to this, a desperate fight...

Valois - val-wah

Crécy - creh-say

Our Last Day - Dublin

It came all too quickly. We knew that once the plane rides started, our trip was soon to be over. Thus it was that when Ben and I got up Monday morning (a crazy idea) to catch our plane ride to Dublin, it was to be over in two short days. Dublin was, therefore, the place that I remembered our entire trip. We didn't plan to see much in Dublin (as compared to our first day in London), so it was easy to realize that this was indeed our last stop in Europe. Thankfully, these thoughts did not make me sad, but grateful for the time I was able to spend with Ben and in Europe.
Enough said. Here are some pics of where we went.

Inside Dublin Castle's walls.

Add caption

Throne made for King George IV in 1822.

It's hard to see in this picture (it was hard to see in person also), but this chandelier is made of roses (symbolising England), thistles (symbolising Scotland), and shamrocks (symbolising Ireland).

St. Patrick's Hall

A cool story about this room. This room is called St Patrick's Hall, as it was built to be used by the Order of St Patrick (an attempt by the English king to unite the Irish nobles under England's name). After the Irish War for Independence (1918-1922), the Irish wanted to do was at with all things that tied them to the UK. In the early 1930s, the debate for the absolute demolition of this gorgeous room came to the floor. The president of the time was completely adamant...that it could NOT be destroyed. His argument was that Ireland needed to learn to turn the pages of history, not rip them out. If Ireland forgot why it had taken its independence (by the removal of such memorials), then their work was in vain. As it was, he won the debate, and St Patrick's Hall remains the inauguration site of Ireland's presidents and a banquet/reception hall for foreign dignitaries (including Queen Elizabeth in 2011). There, that's probably more history than you wanted to know...so let's move on.

Ben and I have a strange obsession with colleges...this one is Trinity College.

This is the Long Room (at Trinity College), which houses 200,000 of the college library's oldest books. It has had multiple expansions since it's creation in 1732.

St Patrick's Cathedral. Over to the right is a pool where it is believed St Patrick baptised Irish converts.

Inside St Patty's.

These banners are those of the knights of the Order of St Patrick.

St Patrick's (again) from the outside.

A beautiful sunset

This picture is not so much in Ireland...in fact, it's about 6,000 miles away. This is fifteen minutes or so outside of landing back home in Portland. The flight home was interesting. We left Dublin at about 12:10 pm, and arrived home at 9:30 pm the same day...but about 17 hours later. A nice, long flight followed by a good night's rest ended our European journey.

I had loads of fun on this trip with Ben. Though there were some times that we had different ideas on what a day was to look like, it was overall a very pleasant trip.