In The Land of Provo

I was on my blog page recently and noticed that my popularity had rocketed up, as I now had 18 followers for my blog. I was feeling pretty good about my social standing in life, and was experiencing an increase of self-esteem points, when I realized that my following was almost purely obligatory. 15 of my followers are my peers who are REQUIRED to follow my blog for class participation points and the other 3 or so, I'm sure feel obligated to read once a week because we are related. But let's be honest, I'm sure Britney Spears (in her prime) didn't say, "All of my followers and concert attendees are only there because I dance around in scanty attire". So I won't say it either.

More important this week were other matters. I've had a few cultural experiences this past week that have been enriched by a mind full of the arts. Monday and Wednesday were film screenings. Thursday evening was a Blues Jam Festival in Spanish Fork. Saturday morning was watching Hot Air Balloons take off and land on Bulldog Fields. I think one my more culturally uplifting moments, though, was a walk to my car. I had spent Friday morning with friends and siblings at the Provo 4th of July Festival. With the smell of cotton candy, and Comcast salesmen in the air, it was teeming with everything that a festival should. I ate with my small, semi-related party and once food was gone, it was decided that a 'parting of the ways' was necessary. I walked with them to their car and then began the 15 block walk toward mine.

I miss walking. In Germany, I spent every day walking. There is something freeing about a good walk. As I walked, I decided it might be a good time to put my new acquired knowledge of architecture to use. Provo has some interesting architectural feats. I wish I had taken pictures for proof, but I found every kind of column (at least, every kind that I now know) on my 15 block march.

They are ionic, doric, and corinthian columns (respectively). The main differences lay in the 'capitals' or the top parts of the columns. I saw multiple houses sporting columns. I had no idea that Provo had such proclivity to Greek and Roman architecture. I admired amid nods and greetings from those who were setting up/camping out for the apparently beloved Provo Parade. I guess that is somewhat of a symbol for American culture. We say, "Do not limit me to Doric style, neither Ionic, nor Corinthian." We say rather, "I'll take one in Doric, one in Ionic, and one in Corinthian. And the 4th one I just want in blue."

On a side note, I was invited this week to read the Declaration of Independence and decide whether I believe it or not. Sometimes we take things, not necessary for granted, but just for 'given'. We think to ourselves, "Well, America has been around awhile and it seems to work ok, so it must be the best." I love the language of the Declaration: 

"But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such government, and to provide new guards for their future security." (Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson, p.1)

Government for the people, by the people. I am truly grateful for a body of men who loved liberty and truth enough, to lay aside the garment of comfort and dutifully defend the causes of the Creator. I do believe in the words of the Declaration. I believe also that we should have whatever types of columns we wish. I was listening to the words of Dr. Martin Luther King the other day and will wish you a Happy 4th of July, concluding with his words:

"Well, I don't know what will happen now. We've got some difficult days ahead. But it doesn't matter with me now. Because I've been to the mountaintop. And I don't mind. Like anybody, I would like to live a long life. Longevity has its place. But I'm not concerned about that now. I just want to do God's will. And He's allowed me to go up to the mountain. And I've looked over. And I've seen the promised land. I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight, that we, as a people, will get to the promised land. And I'm happy, tonight. I'm not worried about anything. I'm not fearing any man. Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord."