leap day index.

from jessica hagy's indexed blog.

anyone have a good leap year tradition?

happy february 29th!

fathers and sons.

my dad passed on to me an article this morning about frank schaeffer's recent book, crazy for God. frank schaeffer is the son of francis schaeffer; the theologian, philosopher, and (perhaps most notably) founder of the international network of l'abri communities. i have no personal connection with the l'abri communities, but many of my friends and family members have been forever changed by the positive impact l'abri has had on their lives. the book is frank's memoir, in which he epically mocks the life and work of his parents, effectively impaling their integrity. the article was a response to the book, written by a very close, very old friend of the schaeffers: mr. os guinness. the article is, simply put, a defense of the schaeffer's integrity by someone who for years was intimately involved with their life and work. i was quite saddened after having read the article, even though guinness ends his response with great hope of a journey home.

others will no doubt be discouraged after this reading, not least of whom will be my superhuman godmother gini andrews, who also lived and worked with the schaeffers in switzerland for many years. i know she loved and respected them deeply. also my mother and uncle, whose lives were dramatically altered after experiences at l'abri. i feel in this way my brothers and i (and all our amazing cousins) are somehow marked by the work of the schaeffers, which has played a pivotal role in the history, redemption, and reconciliation of my family.

half-taxed and unburdened: the story of the danes.

an interesting piece by morley safer. more isn't better, and the american dream seems to be taking it's toll. the best predictor of happiness is close friends and close relationships. oh, and six months paternity leave doesn't hurt either.

baby di!

friends and family rejoice. my brother and sister in-law are with child. i am currently in the first trimester of the formation of my identity as uncle ben.

recent blomster.

dendrobium burana mini.

(applause).

an afternoon with my new camera.

so about two years ago, my precious camera was stolen. on several occasions, i've nearly bought both simple and extravagant replacements. i had made up my mind to make the digital switch, but my plans have been foiled. as a birthday gift, my two housemates bought me a 35mm SLR that is almost identical to the one that was lost. it was a moving few moments. quite a thoughtful gift, i think.

i'm delighted to share the first few photos from the first roll of film i shot with my new camera. and even though the process to get film photos here is more labor-intensive now, i'm happy to start shooting again.

check it. word.