Play Dough Can Save Your Relationship!

If you are having trouble relating to your little children, perhaps you should change your approach. Let me ask you something; Do you have homemade play-dough residue under your fingernails? Do you have some old clothes, somewhere, that are stained from finger paints and water-colors? If not, you should get you some. Here is a simple approach to play-dough/Papier Mache mentality:

The principle difference between Play-Dough and Papier Mache is the amount of water: you're either making "biscuits" or "gravy" -both are edible, but not desirable to eat -i.e., you could live on it, but it tastes like... salt.

There are only three ingredients to both mixtures: FLOUR + SALT + WATER

The reason for the FLOUR is to 1) give it substance and 2) help it to harden. The SALT is there to 1) make it undesirable to eat -even to a little kid and most dogs (there are exceptions, of course!) and 2) to cause the dough to dry out faster. The WATER is only there as an emulsifier (in layman's terms - it makes it wet).

Start with the FLOUR: this tells you how much dough/mache you are going to make. If you are using 2 Cups of flour, for instance, you won't get much more than 2 Cups of dough BUT (and this is important) you will get anywhere from 4-6 Cups of mache -depending on how thin you make it. Biscuits -Gravy, your choice.

Next comes the SALT: In principle, use enough salt to do its job (see above) but not TOO much. Don't worry -Play-Dough/Papier Mache is very forgiving. "Not enough" salt will make the dough dry too slowly and, thereby, allow the flour to mold before it's dry -NOTE: you'd have to be WAY off to get "not enough." We put a sprinkle of salt on our food -that's "to taste." We put a half-teaspoon, or so in a recipe to flavor the whole loaf. Salt is potent.

For two cups of flour, 1/4 to 1/2 cup (that's right, "cup") is plenty. If you add too much salt, the dough will die of thirst, literally. The flour will not bond to the other ingredients because the salt will cause the water to dry up too fast. Now, blend the flour/salt mixture so that it is evenly distributed.

The last thing you add is WATER. Cold water is inhumane. If you want children to actually stick their hands in it -don't use cold water. Hot water is out of the question because, chances are you are using self-rising flour. Hot water will "activate" the flour and mess up your recipe -it will begin to cook. We use "tepid" warm water. Something that is pleasant to stick your hands into.

This is the only "hard" part -it's the equivalent of cooking microwave popcorn without a preset button -it can be done, but you have to pay close attention or it's easy to overdo it -and we ALL know what it means when the microwave popcorn is overdue!

How much water is the key to everything else that happens. If you feel confident enough, you can draw the water straight from the tap, otherwise, have a smooth-pouring vessel nearby, filled with tepid water. It doesn't hurt to have an assistant, at this point, to pour the water while you stir the ingredients.

Add the water slowly, If you are making Play-Dough, you have enough water when the dough begins to "pull away" from the edges and takes on a consistency like biscuit dough. If you want it to harden rather quickly, make the dough stiff. If you want it to last a while, make it a little thinner. There will come a point when you can lay the spoon down and begin working the dough with your fingers. If it's still too tacky, sprinkle some flour into the bottom of the bowl and roll the dough into it and work it some more. Eventually, you should be able to work with it and not have it stick to your hands. Now it is ready.

If you want your project to dry out, leave it out overnight and it should do the trick -as long as you don't make the pieces too thick. Air drying is the principle at work, and once the dough begins to harden, it can form a thick, hard surface, but still be "wet" on the inside, which can encourage mold and mildew -you don't want that.

If you want this play-dough to be reusable, you can store it in a plastic zipper-bag (has to be airtight) and it should last for a couple of weeks. If it begins to stiffen with age, carefully add a little more water and work it in with your hands until it is pliable again. If this makes the dough too tacky, once more, roll it in a little flour and work it until it no longer sticks to your hand.

Add the water more quickly, if you are making Papier Mache, you have enough water when the mixture takes on the consistency of pancake batter. You can make it thinner by adding more water -if you go too far, however, you have the option of adding a little more flour. Bear in mind that the principle behind Papier Mache is to take strips of newsprint or other light paper and drag it through the mixture before applying it to whatever project you are working on. If you make the mixture thicker, it will "glob" up on your paper strips, if you make it too thin, it can get your paper too wet and cause it to fall apart. All of this takes a little practice. Don't be afraid to try again.

Some people like to ADD COLOR to their Play-Dough. This is simple to do, but not always easy. Remember, Play-Dough has just three ingredients. To add a LIGHT COLOR to the dough, add food coloring to the water before mixing the ingredients, however, if a BRIGHT COLOR or DEEP COLOR is desired, you should completely replace the water with whatever color you choose. You don't have to limit yourself to standard food coloring (which usually comes in only 4 colors: Red, Yellow, Green and Blue -there are more expensive colors available but hey, this is play-dough after all, isn't it? how expensive do you want to make this?

Some alternative color sources include Cranberry Juice; Grape Juice; Pickle Juice; Apple Juice; Olive Juice -bear in mind that a "clear" substance will bring more desirable results. For instance, Tomato Juice doesn't look too keen, and it makes an unsightly finished product when it dries. If you are using standard food coloring, mixing colors can be fun, as well. You also could get an "egg-coloring" kit, around Easter season and use those colors instead.

Some other ways of decorating Play-Dough/Papier Mache after the fact, is to use poster paints after the solution is completely dry, adding your detail with a paintbrush. Or, while the solution is still wet, you can apply glitter, or some similar decorating material, such as confetti.

If you intend to "bake" your play-dough, make the mixture stiff (less water) and work quickly with it, before placing it on a sprayed or greased cooking sheet. Try not to make your items too thick, this will allow even cooking and help prevent splitting. Bake at 350 degrees Farenheit, and keep a close watch on it, DO NOT LET IT BROWN. We are not baking cookies here, just rocks.

If you find that you are a complete failure at these activities, don't despair. You can always skip a rope with your kids. The point is to get involved in something that is important to them, not (necessarily) you. Who knows, you might enjoy being a kid again, so much, you won't want to come back to adulthood. Whatever you do, have fun -your kids will enjoy the activity a whole lot more if you do.

A Very Sad Story Part II

 Last week, it was reported (that is, before I was called upon to go investigate the "Mystery Man" story myself -in Yaak, Mt) that the, as yet, unidentified bride in our story, had just heard that her DOG had arrived with some important news for her ears only! Well, being the snoopy sort, we followed her out of the house, where she was led to where her dog was waiting (the dog, too, has requested anonymity, to we are not able to divulge its name or gender, at this time, sorry).

 Nonetheless, when we moved in with our secret camera, the dog acted as though he was onto us right from the start and refused to divulge any real details. Yeah, he clammed right up. When we asked the dog direct questions, he gave us a similar response to the one we got from the bride, in last week's article. Notice any similarities?

 Yeah, the dog didn't even bother telling the bride what he had come all that way to say! In fact, he just trotted off and seemed oblivious to the fact that everyone was waiting so patiently for some kind of response from him. Even his mistress -as can be seen in the reactions of both, in the picture above.

 Desperate for some kind of clue as to what this was all about, our roving cameraman followed the beast across the compound, and this is what we witnessed: the dog no sooner got a short distance from the crowd when more clues began to show.

 Our "Pet-Smart" camera operator quickly clicked on the "mammal-mind-reading" feature on his camera and picked up an interesting tidbit that might've otherwise gone unnoticed:

Problem is we still don't know what it all means. Perhaps there is more going on here than even WE have realized.

A Very Sad Story Part I



 Last week, while reporting on the "Mystery Man" story, our investigative team stumbled across another interesting tidbit that the authorities may have overlooked. We still can't reveal the names of the people involved, but we thought we would start by asking a few direct questions of the bride that was featured in our previous piece. The types of questions we were asking, were in keeping with solving the "mystery" part of the equation. Things like, "Has your new husband ever had problems like these in the past, to your knowledge?" She, of course, refused to comment, but the look on her face told a deeper reality. We decided to stick around.

Our hidden camera (cleverly disguised as a camera) picked up several anxious moments that seem to be uncirculated in the normal collections of pictures from the wedding. Although she wasn't answering our questions with words, her reactions were speaking volumes. We tried a different tack, instead of asking the questions of the bride, herself, we asked a few people who were nearby -using a stage whisper that would've awakened the dead. This is the sort of response we got: "How often does our "Mystery Man" go off and do things like this?"

"Do you think he's staying away for any particular reason? After all, it is widely reported (at least through our stories, that is) that the authorities only wish to ask him a few simple questions..."

So, on it went, for several moments. We just sort of followed her around, like a little puppy dog, really, and waited for these candid reactions. She wasn't giving us the time of day, as far as answering our questions with words, but Wowee! Her reactions (especially when we got in close, like this!) were just this side of recalcitrant! For a few moments, it looked as if she was going to slug our cameraman and stomp him into the ground -did we mention, this took place in Montana -you just never know! So then, she tried to duck around us and disappeared into the house. While it did take us a few moments to locate her, we ALL had a surprise when we found her. Somebody -we're not sure who, came running in and told her that her faithful DOG had arrived, and that he had some important things to tell her!

To be continued...

Mystery Man Wanted For Questioning

 

What began as a harmless post-wedding prank may have turned serious -the look on this newlywed bride's face says it all! Officials are reluctant to release the names of the couple involved, since, at least according to one witness close to the investigation, their "evidence is not conclusive at this point, but it certainly is provocative!"

Investigators are claiming that the man pictured on the right in this photograph might just be the "mystery man" who is wanted for questioning in one of the most bizarre cases to come out of Montana, since Ted Kazinsky was apprehended. One official from the Deputy Sheriff's office, speaking strictly off the record, stated that there has been a sufficient amount of "suspicious" actions in this case, which apparently started the investigation to begin with!"

Police investigators are wondering, at this point, just what this "mystery man" was hiding up his newlywed wife's dress. They are also wondering how something like this could be going on -even as one of the wedding guests is being robbed, in the background, as this series of photos would seem to indicate. One official, close to the case, stated outright that, "Although we don't have much evidence at present, everyone knows that we are experts at manufacturing evidence!"

In a surprise twist, Deputy Sheriffs led the "mystery man" away in handcuffs, presumably for more questioning down town. At this point, the judge has refused to offer bail. Just how serious this situation is, it is hard to determine, as investigators are remaining tight-lipped, at this point. In fact, we were unable to determine, at this point, just what charges the mystery man is being held on. But we will keep you updated with reports as they develop.

 

Family, Friends and Fans -That's Where the Heart Flies

Derrol Sawyer's name is spreading across hyperspace at the speed of thought, these days. Feuled by such YouTube videos as "Worry is Blind," https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eIY0qsH1N7w and the "Sinner's Prayer," https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iI1BLy1gn1A

Later, this month, Derrol will be departing for Germany, where he will be adding to his repertoire and blessing us with his newest videos. His message, however, is not about Derrol Sawyer, rather it is about his closest Friend. This Friend has stood beside Derrol for more than 15 years' worth of singing and performing, living and writing.
This is the sort of Friend you can cast your cares upon https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rskuwTK2GCc and Derrol is only too happy to share with others, the joy of this friendship. To that end, he created Moses' Song Ministries, a non-profit organization through which he has shared Hope, Courage, and Blessings upon this earth, spanning 17 countries and a large number of the United States, on his way. He has several steadily-selling CDs of his music, both, original songs and classics, written by others.

You can find him in all the usual places that people are found, these days. On Facebook, you can (if you hurry!) "friend" him https://www.facebook.com/derrol.sawyer?fref=ts (before Facebook says that "enough is enough," that is) or you can just "Like" his page, https://www.facebook.com/Moses-Song-Ministries-221737187843216/timeline/ and join his 500+ FB fans, in celebrating a life of ministry.

Derrol can also be discovered on Twitter - https://twitter.com/DerrolSawyer and LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=AAkAAAcrq0MBXR4NQq8-LiCnT-54B3H5Xxnbnws&authType=NAME_SEARCH&authToken=BJZr&locale=en_US&trk=tyah&trkInfo=clickedVertical%3Amynetwork%2CclickedEntityId%3A120302403%2CauthType%3ANAME_SEARCH%2Cidx%3A1-1-1%2CtarId%3A1442306251439%2Ctas%3Aderrol although, that last one is more private (i.e., you must be a LinkedIn member in order to see his profile).

If you'd rather, you could just go to Google or YouTube and type in the name Derrol Sawyer -you'd be surprised what kind of things come up, even from such a simple search as that! Derrol's fan base is as varied as it is broad. One thing that differs, however, with this gentle minstrel -he takes the time to reply to his friends, family and fans, because, for Derrol Sawyer, this is what it's all about!

 

Experience the Gentle Touch of Derrol Sawyer

For the past 15 years, one of Gospel Music's best kept secrets has been a gentle, unassuming minstrel who quietly travels from place to place, softly singing of the joy that is the knowledge of the Lord. It has not always been an easy road to travel, nor particularly rewarding -at least in worldly terms. But the music, the words, and the heartfelt passion and loving touch that is brought to the listener, through each song, has never faltered.

Derrol Sawyer does not fancy himself a great musician. In fact, one of his great desires is to learn to "really play" the guitar. That said, consider the fact that his music is perfectly complimented by the understatement of his own accompanyment. The stripped-down simplicity of his gentle strumming allows one to truly hear the message of the words as he sings. His timbre is, sometimes, deep and resonant (as on "Sinner's Prayer," but mostly, it is a compelling and gentle breeze that flows through each song like a zephyr.

His musical influences are not surprising, an interesting mix of Calypso (Harry Belefonte), Accoustic Singer-Songwriters (Gordon Lightfoot, and John Denver) and soft, smooth Balladeers (Nat King Cole, and Johnny Mathis) -somehow, he has combined the best of these influences and molded them into a style that is fairly unique by today's standards. One outstanding feature of his performances is how the words, the music and the gentleness of his voice combine to create a relaxing, non-threatening essence, like a "still small voice," that speaks to the heart from somewhere in the listener's own person.

In the course of his singing career, Derrol has traveled all over the Continental United States and to 17 different countries. Some years, he as covered anywhere from 60,000 to 80,000 miles, sharing his passion. His passion is singing. His message is Hope, Love and Joy. His touch is gentle, like the soft chording he picks out as he sings. His presence is unassuming and his shcedule still has a few spots left open, this season. If you have not had the pleasure of listening to Derrol Sawyer, you owe it to yourself and to those in your family and church family, as well.

Here are a few links where you can experience Derrol's music, or purchase CDs.

 

Where Would I Be: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d2sO0NdXpaE

Above the Clouds: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fi94duy-7Bk

I'm Never Alone: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=54Q9pbIoTKk

The Sabbath Song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B5TuRTNHAnU

 

https://www.steps.org.au/Shop/Music-CDs/heart-songs-cd.html

Graphics Specialist At Your Service

GraphicNotations is recognized by two major articles. 1) The Big Black Logo Button that ties it to Kaycee Graphics and 2) The tagline that reads: "Behind the Scenes With a Graphics Specialist."

Recently, it has become a minor controversy in certain circles. Part of the reason for that is the vagary aspect of the term "Graphic Design."

Industry is not the best place, sometimes, for coining terminology. Some graphic designers are merely artists, some are employees of an advertising firm, some are web designers, some are storytellers (in every sense of the word), but none are willing to clear the air regarding just what the term "graphic design" means.

Well, don't look at me. I don't know either. I'm not even going to touch that one.

Here at Kaycee Graphics, we are more than that -whatever it is "that" turns out to be.

A Graphics Specialist covers a lot more than just visuals. It is true that a single picture is worth a thousand words, but a hundred well-put-together words can, sometimes, paint a clearer image.

When people stare at a painting or a drawing, they very often, still have questions. "I wonder what this color is conveying?" or, "What's he intending to use THAT thingamajig for?" Sometimes images can be misleading.

What a Graphics Specialist does is to approach a project from a variety of angles at the same time. Not just words. Not just images. Not just copy. Not just rote. A Graphics Specialist takes into consideration a myriad of tools that are readily available, although not often used.

Multimedia exposure calls for multifaceted design. You don't always get the unexpected, with a Graphics Specialist, but you never truly expect what you eventually get. We take you into places where you never would've imagined yourself (or your company) going.

I can't necessarily tell you all there is to know about being a Graphics Specialist, after all, I have a business to run as well. But it's more than just that. What a Graphics Specialist is and does may vary quite widely from one job to the next. The simple fact is, if you are in doubt, you need a Specialist.

Now, let's talk Content:

Not to be contentious, but really, let's talk content.

At Kaycee Graphics, we have a motto: "Get Serious or Get Out." A lot of people misread what it is that we do. When in doubt, you need a Graphics Specialist.

Content.

It's where its at because, you can use AdSense to place your ad in front of a half million potential respondents. You can use Social Media to personalize your company image. You can use a Graphic Design firm to build you a kickass website that gets attention. But if you don't have content -you got nothing, my friend.

A Graphics Specialist is more than an artist, more than an ad creator, more than a designer, more than an SEO. A Graphics Specialist is all of the above and STILL more.

You need someone in your corner who doesn't just "think outside the box." You need someone who can redesign the box to fit your company's needs. A Graphics Specialist can do that for you.

You need more than a copy writer. You need someone with the innate ability to size up any situation on the spot and come up with real solutions and answers that are NOT "out of a box."

You need more than a company logo that reaches out and grabs attention. You need a company IMAGE that conveys what you are all about without that. That's right. Because there are apps that you can download from the internet that "create" a logo -but they are just about the same as every logo now in existence. Truly.

Now that we've talked about what you "need," let's talk about what you deserve. Think about it.

WA Wildfires -How Bad Could it Be, Really?

We live in a fear-based society where media, often times, gets accused of blowing things out of proportion in order to compel us to go raid the local Wal-Mart for supplies to make ourselves feel safer. Those of us who have played this game long enough, are a little bit on the jaded side. If you're like me, you probably even punctuate the scariest things with a little humor, just to keep your sanity.

So, these Washington Wildfires -how bad are they, really? I mean, does it truly constitute a "state of emergency," or do they pretty much have it all under control? After all, it did rain the other day...

Let me try to put it into perspective. Sometimes, large numbers are hard to fathom in the allotted space between our ears, so it helps to compare it to something we are more familiar with. My family and I live on a 40-acre lot, out in the middle of a farmer's field and, I read a report on the KREM website that was talking about 30,000 acres that had burned up in just one fire.



That's about 750 times the size of my little postage stamp that, when I'm standing on a hill, overlooking it, looks pretty sizeable to me. Of course, that's only ONE fire! Another estimate, from a couple of weeks ago, estimated the total damages to 300,000 acres lost to the fires: http://www.krem.com/story/news/local/wildfire/2015/08/12/wildfires-have-burned-close--300000-acres---northwest/31585745/ -just bear in mind that that report was conservative and it's weeks old. If you'd like more up-to-date maps and information, to crunch a few numbers for yourself, try the website for the Northwest Interagency Coordination Center:
http://gacc.nifc.gov/nwcc/information/firemap.aspx

Probably the worst fate for a firefighter is, to stand helplessly aside and watch a fire rage. This is nearly a daily scene in this great conflagration. How devastating then, for a family to stand and watch as their whole community burns to the ground -not to mention, their own humble abode. And what of the children?

When I say the need is great, I couldn't possibly understate that any more. People need blankets, clothing, personal hygiene items, food... People need hope. I'm not trying to make you feel bad. I know there are those of you who are already doing what you can. I know there are those of you who are praying day and night. I know there are those of you who may have suffered losses of your own. All I am saying is, help spread the word. We are all in this together, and next time, it might be your postage stamp... or mine, that lights up.

THANKS FOR CARING!

AND THANKS FOR SHARING!

Washington Wilfire Relief -How Can I Help?

Several people who read my most recent post, "Life is a Bird," have been waiting with baited breath for the follow-up article, wherein I promised to offer information on how individuals can help with relief for victims/volunteers/firefighters in the battle against the Washington Wildfires.

Let me just state that, the need is great. You might think it a small donation to buy a multi-pack of toothpaste and toothbrushes at Costco, or to donate some old worn-out jeans that you can't even fit into anymore. Maybe your kid has a few too many stuffed animals, cluttering up their room, or you might have some non-perishable food items sitting on your porch that the Boy Scouts of America never did come back to retrieve (after going to all that trouble to hand out the donation bags).

Allow me this indulgence while I shout:

NO DONATION IS TOO SMALL!

Firefighters and other volunteers have been waging a "hot war," in the truest sense of that term, for weeks! People have been on their feet for ages, now, without much rest. Families have been displaced from their homes -some of which will never seen their homes again!

Due to the extraordinarily dry, hot summer months (which began back in March) combined with blazing hot temperatures for weeks on end, through June, July and August, high winds, and (in some cases -astonishingly enough) arson, the battle has gone in the favor of the flames.

We can each do our part, by spreading the word, donating our money, time, or at least, urging others to do so. The need right now is keen -it will remain that way until the fires have been completely and totally extinguished! There are several donation centers listed below, as reported by the Seattle Times and reprinted via the link below.
http://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/northwest/how-to-help-with-wildfire-relief-efforts-in-washington/

If you live in the Spokane area, like I do, United Parcel Services is organizing a drop-off donation point in the Costco parking lot, in Spokane Valley. The 28-foot UPS truck will be collecting donations in the UPS parking lot September 2nd, and in the Costco parking lot September 3rd and 4th. Feel free to drop off your donations at your convenience and, take a moment to follow the link above, to see what other relief is being offered.

If you are in a position to do so -maybe through your church, or other organization, feel free to organize your own efforts on behalf of these brave volunteers and hapless victims. If nothing else, perhaps you could offer a prayer or two on behalf of those out there on the front lines.

Thanks for caring!

Life is a Bird

Life is a bird, flying just out of reach

Little lessons in life leave their marks where we can see them and be reminded that, none of us is perfect, none of us has all the answers and, none of us have all the pieces for the BIG puzzle -in other words, we need each other.

Teamwork always seemed, to me, like a quaint Corporate phrase that was bandied about in pep rallies and supposed "incentive" meetings that, usually only meant there would be no raise in wages, nor any bonuses handed out. But, as a husband, a father, an entrepreneur, an employee and, well, as a person, I'm finally beginning to learn the true value of "team" work.

I found out, recently, that I really cannot do it ALL by myself -and what a stunning revelation that was, let me tell you! All things are connected, in so many different ways, it's mind-boggling to ponder.

We help someone who is broken down by the side of the road because, who knows, next time, it could be us, sitting, watching the cars go by, wondering if anybody will ever stop. We help our kids learn their lessons the easy way, benefitting from our own experiences -because we don't want them to learn it the hard way, like we did. We help our neighbors with small tasks, here and there, attempting to live amicably with one another and help to keep the peace.

There are times, however, when conflagrations get out of control. The "Little Stuff," that we're told to "let go," tends to pile up, and then it overwhelms us. "Little Stuff," like losing our job when the economy is already on the ropes, bills pile up, taxes come due, late fees escalate our debt ratio and-suddenly, we're out of control. Or strong words are spoken, at home, at school, at work, any place, really... at church. Feelings get hurt, but no one notices until, like a teapot, the pressure becomes too much. Something's gotta give.

On the subject of "giving," -there's one nice thing about human nature, that you can almost always count on -where the need is greater, the giving becomes more generous. For instance, where I live, in Eastern Washington state, there is a spate of wild fires raging, incredibly, out of control. There are, however, literally, thousands of individuals volunteering their time and resources to help those whose personal property (oftentimes, their very homes) has been destroyed. But it's not easy.

This is where we come in. Several donation drives are underway right now, whereby we can meet some of the needs of the victims, the firefighters, and the other volunteers, with food, clothing, sundry items and many other things. Stay tuned for more information on where, when and how to donate.

How Can You Tell Your Dog Is Missing You?

Our dogs are acting a little unusual, these days. It began as subtle changes, you know, like following us around from room to room -so close, in fact, that when you stop, they plow right into your leg and, heaven forbid, you should back up, you're liable to step right on them, or trip over them, trying to avoid doing so.

I realize, we have been quite busy, lately, what with the ASI Convention and our time volunteering for "Your Best Pathway to Health," this month. As a result, we haven't been getting a lot of quality time with our pups, and they've been showing the strain.

Our dogs, Mao and Ming, are about a quarter Labradoodle and mostly, Golden Retriever -they're about a year-and-a-half old. Lately, they've been going well beyond "affectionate." It's been downright possessive! I called three times, for our daughter, Karali, to get in the car. Finally, I heard her trying to answer, "I can't -Mingy won't let me go." So I walked around the corner to see one of our dogs laying on the kitchen floor, hanging on tightly to her, as though she thought she'd never see us again.

But the strangest thing happened, just today. My other daughter, Anali, tugged on my shirt and asked me, "Papa, what is Mao doing?" I glanced over to where she was pointing and saw our other dog, pressing his ear up to the wall where my wife was in the other room, talking about our plans for next weekend.

I wonder if they're going to need counseling when this is all over?

Mark Finley: A Great Leader and an Above Average Guy

Recently, I volunteered to work Security, when "Your Best Pathway to Health," came to the Eastern Washington Fairgrounds, in Spokane, Washington. I was one of more than 1,600 volunteers, who shared their time, talents and investments, to bring FREE healthcare and dental services to under-privileged citizens in the greater Spokane area. My part was trivial, compared to the professionals, many of whom travelled great distances and paid for their own accommodations, and travel expenses, just to be a part of this massive gift. I was proud to be a part of this stunning act of love and outreach.

From my vantage point, as a security guard, I saw many things happening around me, that gave me pause to wonder -not the least of which, was the professionalism displayed on all sides. One man, in particular, stands out in my mind, and I want to introduce him to those who don't already know him from his decades-long work as an evangelist and point man for It Is Written.

Mark Finley, a man of many talents, not the least of which is humility. I have met celebrities in the past and, let's face it, with the wide exposure that Pastor Finley has received, around the world, it qualifies him as such. He is a man who might easily "rest on his laurels," as they say -and it is an impressive list of laurels, at that. But what I witnessed, was a man who gladly rolls up his sleeves to help those around him. I saw a man who treated each person, patrons and volunteers alike, as equals. He proved himself to be, not just a great speaker -but a great listener!

Pastor Mark Finley was never too busy to stop and listen to the smallest voice around him. He took the time to resolve issues, and, in many cases, head off a lot of "would-be" issues, by thinking ahead and proactively seeking solutions. He genuinely cares for people, and it shows in his treatment of them. He is also very passionate about "Pathway's" approach to evangelism. He sees this as an opportunity to reach out to many people who would otherwise, perhaps, never feel the love of Jesus. His enthusiasm was infectious and his professionalism was beyond reproach.

Overall, I was blessed by the opportunity to work side by side with all of my fellow volunteers. I was humbled by the massiveness of the project itself, and totally swept away with the reactions from the people who received this quality care for the price of showing up. I will never forget the experience. One day, I will be proud, as well, to say to my children and grandchildren that I met Pastor Mark Finley, face to face, and was proud to have him there as a fellow volunteer.

"Our Father" a Runaway Film Production

Review of the Runaway Productions film, Our Father (2014), by Kaycee Jay Kendall

"Shedding a little light into a life of lies" -An irony of steel, which grips the intestines of this short film based on true revelations. Basically, a one-act pageant, the diversity of character that splays itself across the screen in this brief docudrama is stunning. It is difficult to watch a film like this and not be moved by it.

Dementia is a fear that grips the heart of the victim and engulfs the lives of those closest to the fire. In this film, Jared (played by Michael Worth) is a full-grown, functioning adult father, coming to grips with his own relationship to his formerly estranged father. His mother is a three-inch screen projection on his phone, who lends more to the dialog by what she doesn't say, than in the brief patter she shares with her son at the outset.

The "father," in this case, played by Michael Gross, known to most of his fans, as the wisecracking father in the eighties sit-com, Family Ties, which co-starred Michael J. Fox, finally gets a roll that he can sink his teeth into. It is a role that he plays to the hilt.

Probably, this film would warrant a PG-13 rating, by today's standards, mostly for adult situations and themes. But as a vehicle for changing lives, and changing the way that one views the world around us, "This could change everything," to quote the film.

The dysfunction that drives the plot is, in essence, the secret that is revealed to Jared in the course of a disjointed argument between he and his father. It is obvious, through the interactions of the principle players, as well as through their dialog, as it comes rolling across the screen like so many random tumbleweeds of information, in a storm that blows relentlessly, if unevenly through the film. Bit by bit, the viewer is drawn into the equation and we realize, along with Jared, that the formerly unsolved mysteries that inhibited his relationship with this man throughout his entire youth, were all part and parcel to the secret -hidden so long, but now revealed with undeniable honesty.

Gross and Worth are exceedingly great in their respective roles. They play off of each other's beats as though they truly were flesh and blood related. This carries the believability of the plot safely into the hands of the bit players (Jared's son and wife), whose supporting roles are also exemplary.

Linda Palmer, scripts the action and the dialog well, weaving a web of intrigue through hints and allegations, as well as through full-on flashbacks, so brief and tantalyzing, yet insightful. The pacing is perfect for the length of the film and the tension is abtly abetted through the understated soundtrack by composer Andre Barros. The original score, "Afraid of Me," written by Al Detrolio and performed by Nolan Neal, adds the final allusion to the demons that haunt the father figure.

This film is a fine piece of art as is, but could easily become part of a larger picture. One is left with a yearning to know the characters more intimately. One thing that is certain, for the eighteen minutes, or so, of screen time, not one second is wasted.