Day 365!!!!!: 12/31/11 New Thing: A Sweet End to a Sweet Year: Hershey's Chocolate World

Day 365!!!!!: 12/31/11
New Thing: A Sweet End to a Sweet Year: Hershey's Chocolate World                    
Inspiration: 365 Alive, Hershey's, PA         
Cost: $20   
Time: A few hours             
Bottom Line: Here's to the Sweetest Year of my Life!

That's right- this year was so sweet, they put it on the candy label.

Reflection: Wow! All I can say is: wow. This year has literally changed my life. Over the next week, I am going to spend some time here reflecting on this year and its many joys (so feel free to tune in here for that), but I want to start with a word of supreme gratitude. To begin with, (and and the risk of sounding like a pro-athlete) I would like to thank God for shining his light into my life at every turn. If I have learned anything from this year, it is that God is more than happy to revel himself to those who are looking. Secondly, I have been so grateful to all of you who have shared in this blog, in experiences, and who have shared encouragement. I have felt blanketed in love every step of the way. I often come across people in my line of work who are going through hardships and life changing struggles. They often say, " even though this time is hard, I have learned just how amazing and important my friends and family were because of this experience." Well, I feel as though I have been show that illumination about you all through the opposite path. I have come to love you even more because of the experience of joy that we have shared this year. Thank you all for everything. 

ok- So before I start crying, here is today's new thing: Since we were so close to "the world's sweetest town," we decided to head over to Hershey Park to celebrate the new year in sweet, delicious, sugar-rush style. We started by going on the Chocolate World ride and then made our own desert creations. We saw this impressive ginger-bread house made with over 3 tons of Candy:

Finally, we had lunch and made the above chocolate bar to remember the year by. Then we headed home because D. and I are a little under the weather. I sweet adventure to mark this sweet year.

PS- Do you think I should do another year? I am going to be taking the next week to post my favorites of the year with reflections while I make my decision, but I would love you feedback. What say ye?

Day 364 (some how I misnumbered- how disappointing is that?!): 12/30/11- Christmas At Dad & Andi's

Day 364 (some how I misnumbered- how disappointing is that?!): 12/30/11
New Thing: Christmas At Dad & Andi's                  
Inspiration: Dad, Christmas          
Cost: $??   
Time: All day             
Bottom Line: A very, merry final Christmas.

Reflection: Ken, D. and I piled into the car today to have our Christmas celebration with Dad and Andi out in Boiling Springs. I think what I appreciate most about my family is the way we can all sit around, laugh, talk, and tell stories for ever. We are definitely the kind of family that has our back-catalogue of remembrances named and filed, ready to be shared again and again. I love you guys. 

Day 362: 12/29/11- "The Descendants"

Day 362: 12/29/11
New Thing: The Descendants                    
Inspiration: Movie Night         
Cost: $30ish   
Time: A few hours             
Bottom Line: Well worth the watch but we missed the book club.

Reflection: Today, Ken and I went to see The Descendants. It was really enjoyable, and I'm big enough to admit I shed a few tears at the end. We were supposed to see The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo with my book club which would have been supper fun, but they were sold out. Sorry, guys!

Day 361: 12/28/11- A Visit to the Howes!

Day 361: 12/28/11
New Thing: A Visit to the Howes!                   
Inspiration: The Howe Family         
Cost: $0   
Time: A few hours             
Bottom Line: What a wonderful way to spend the afternoon!

Reflection: Today we traveled into Philly to visit the lovely Howe Family! We received a warm welcome (and pizza!) at the home of Jeffrey, Zuly and their two beautiful children Jordan and Abigail who were joined by Fr. Ray! Fr. Ray was my parish priest growing up at St. Peter's in Tunkhannock. He was such a huge influence on my spiritual life and always encouraged me to follow my calling no matter how young I was. Truly, he is someone I always sight as one of the most important people in my life. Also, Jeffrey and his sister Rebecca could not have been cooler in my eyes as the older kids in my church. Ali and I worshiped them! So, this visit was indeed a treat since we all were able to catch up as well as meet the new members of our families. What a great day! We love you guys!

Day 360: 12/27/11- Make the "2011 Year in Review" Video

Day 360: 12/27/11
New Thing: Make the "2011Year in Review" Video                  
Inspiration: The Family and The year of Our Lord 2011        
Cost: $0   
Time: A few hours             
Bottom Line: A most amazing year

Reflection: Last year, I threw up my hands in defeat when it came time to doing Christmas Cards and I made a "Year in Review" video instead. So, I decided to do the same thing this year. It has been a blessed year, and all I can truly say is "thank you" to all of you who have shared your time and love with us. We love you all so very much. Enjoy!

Day 359: 12/26/11- A Very In-Law Christmas

Day 359: 12/26/11
New Thing: A Very In-Law Christmas                 
Inspiration: Christmas         
Cost: $???   
Time: All Day            
Bottom Line: Over the river and through the woods...

Reflection:  Today was rounds two and three of our family Christmas visiting. It was the in-law day and we traveled to the Reading area to first visit Bill and Jean and then to Connie & Randall's. As always, we were greeted with great food and lovely generosity at both houses. Thanks to everyone--we love you!

Day 358: 12/25/11- Christmas!

Day 358: 12/25/11
New Thing: Christmas!                 
Inspiration: Christmas         
Cost: $???   
Time: All Day            
Bottom Line: God rest you merry, gentlemen/Let nothing you dismay/Remember Christ our Savior/Was born on Christmas Day; /To save us all from Satan's power/When we were gone astray./O tidings of/ comfort and joy,/Comfort and joy,/O tidings of comfort and joy!

Reflection: Merry Christmas, Everyone!! I have to say, I am such a sucker for Christmas. Theologically, the Incarnation is truly awe inspiring. What, other than eternal salvation, could be a more loving example of God's grace? But I even love some of the the more "secular" trappings of the seasons: the lights, the music, the movies. In fact, D. and I even watched one of my favorite Christmas movies today: A Muppet's Christmas Carol. We both loved it. We also had a lovely Mother/Daughter Christmas morning service at the old church after opening our stockings. It was a wonderful way to celebrate God's comining to dwell among us. God bless us, everyone!

Day 357: 12/24/11- Christmas Eve at St. David's and New BBQ Tradition

Day 357: 12/24/11
New Thing: Christmas Eve at St. David's and New BBQ Tradition                 
Inspiration: Christmas Eve         
Cost: $50ish   
Time: Several Hours           
Bottom Line: I bring you glad tidings.

Reflection: We started a new Christmas Eve tradition today. Since I never have time to cook on CE (what with it being one of the two biggest services of the year), I normally just get a pizza. This year however, I decided to mix it up and try out a BBQ feast from Jimmy's. It was amazing and I very wisely ordered enough for all our family guests. It could not have been easier--all I had to do was pick it up after making a pastoral care call and then enjoy a delicious pre-church meal.

Christmas Eve was pretty unbelievable at St. David's. I was blessed to celebrate at the 4:00 and 11:00 at the large church and the later had 900 people in attendance! I have never seen a crowd like that. The music was unbelievable and I'll never forget it. What a wonderful way to celebrate the birth of Our Lord and Savior!

Day 356: 12/23/11- First Christmas Family Gathering of the Year and Visit to Gram

Day 356: 12/23/11
New Thing: First Christmas Family Gathering of the Year and Visit to Gram                
Inspiration: Christmas          
Cost: $??   
Time: All Day           
Bottom Line: I do love the fam!

Reflection: Today, we all went up to North to visit Mom, Ali & Doug for Christmas. We actually have 4 family visits to make over the holidays, so we have to start them early this year. As always, the presents were amazing (seriously, thank you guys again) and we only stopped laughing when Delia threw a tantrum.

There was a pretty somber part of the day, however. Ali, Mom and I went to visit my Gram who has been in a nursing home for the last three years following an onset of severe dementia caused by brain damage during a stroke. She was able to receive communion and oscillated between being happy and very agitated. It was good to be with her, but is always very sad to see her in this sate, so unlike the strong woman I remember. I will continue to pray for peace for her.

Day 355: 12/22/11- Winter Solstices Yoga Advent Spiral

Day 355: 12/22/11
New Thing: Winter Solstices Yoga Advent Spiral                                   

Inspiration: The Winter Solstices, Amy, Advent         
Cost: $0   
Time: About a hour and a half          
Bottom Line: An amazing practice

Reflection: Today is the winter solstice when we enter into the longest night of the year and start our journey back to the light. To celebrate, my yoga teacher, Amy, set up an Advent spiral on the floor of our practice space. An Advent spiral is a large path (like a labyrinth) created of pine greenery which made the room smell amazing. In the center stands a large pillar candle, lit. Outside of the spiral stands a tray with several small candles. One person at a time carries an unlit candle into the center of the spiral and then lights their candle from the large central candle symbolizing the Light of Christ. On your way out of the spiral, you are invited to leave you candle on the path and by the end of the meditation, the whole spiral is glowing with people's lights. Then we went through our yoga practice around the spiral.

It was so beautiful and a powerful reminder of the light of Christ which shatters all darkness and is about to be born at Christmas.

Day 354: 12/21/11- Send Ken Flowers

Day 354: 12/21/11
New Thing: Send Ken Flowers                                  

Inspiration: Ken        
Cost: $ (A lady never tells)   
Time: About 10 minuets         
Bottom Line: A little bit of luck and love.

Reflection: I decided to surprise Ken and sent him a lucky bamboo plant as a token of my love and appreciation for him. He always holds down the fort during these busy church seasons and I love him for it. Thanks, Ken!

Day 353: 12/20/11- Hush in the Rush

Day 353: 12/20/11
New Thing: Hush in the Rush                                 

Inspiration: Advent, St. David's        
Cost: $0  
Time: About 45 minuets        
Bottom Line: Some much needed spiritual space.

Reflection: This evening, St. David's had a "Hush in the Rush" silent prayer service. The Chapel was softly lit with beautiful music playing and the space to sit in the stillness. It was exactly what I needed today.

Day 352: 12/19/11- Watch "Homeland"

Day 352: 12/19/11
New Thing: Watch Homeland                                

Inspiration: Ken       
Cost: $0  
Time: About an hour       
Bottom Line: One of the best shows of the year.

Reflection: Today, Ken and I watched one of this season's most celebrated new shows, Homeland. It stars Claire Danes as a CIA agent who suspects a recently rescued POW of having been "turned" by the enemy. It was really intriguing and I would recommend it. 

Day 351: 12/18/11- Ann'e's Baptism and St. David's Pageant

Day 351: 12/18/11
New Thing: Ann'e's Baptism and St. David's Pageant                               

Inspiration: Ann'e, St. David's, Jesus        
Cost: $0  
Time: All Day      
Bottom Line: Yeah, Ann'e!!

Reflection: On this blessed Sunday, one of our family friends, Ann'e, was baptized in the beautiful old church! We had a sweet little ceremony with her family and the Holy Spirit truly moved. It was such an honor to help welcome our new sister into the family of Christ. Congratulations, Ann'e!

Following the baptism and fun lunch, it was time for the St. David's Christmas pageant. They hold three of these each year, all with live animals. It was really impressive. D. was one of the children who brought up a "manger gift" to the Christ Child. Once in place, she promptly sat on a bale of hay to watch the sheep-her favorite animal.

Day 350: 12/17/11- "The Nutcracker" Ballet

Day 350: 12/17/11
New Thing: The Nutcracker Ballet                             

Inspiration: Connie        
Cost: $0 (Thanks to Connie!)  
Time: Several Hours     
Bottom Line: Stunning.

Reflection: Today, D. and I were treated to an amazing afternoon of culture and imagination by the generous Connie. We all went to see The Nutcracker with music performed by the Reading Orchestra. Not only was the performance wonderful, but we had box seats! D. was absolutely memorized and has been talking about it ever since. Honestly, it was just perfect. Thank you, Connie!

At the show.

Day 349: 12/16/11- Book Club Movie Night: Capote

Day 349: 12/16/11
New Thing: Book Club Movie Night: Capote                            

Inspiration: In Cold Blood        
Cost: $0 
Time: A few hours    
Bottom Line: Such a great film.

Reflection: You may recall that my book club read In Cold Blood by Truman Capote awhile ago. Tonight, we watched the great film Capote which dealt with the story about the story: Capote's involvement with the case. It was fascinating to hold these two narratives in comparison and draw new conclusions from it. If you have not seen this film or read the book, I suggest you do both. We also had a blast with our White Elephant gift exchange.

Day 348: 12/15/11- Decorate the Christmas Tree

Day 348: 12/15/11
New Thing: Decorate the Christmas Tree                            

Inspiration: Christmas        
Cost: $70ish (that is so much to pay for a tree!) 
Time: A few hours to get it and to decorate it.    
Bottom Line: It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas.

Reflection: Today we got to do one of the things I look forward to all year round: decorating the Christmas tree! We found a beautiful one (a Frasier) and timed it tonight. I always think that turning on the lights for the first time in a darkened room is magical.

Putting the star on top!

Day 347: 12/14/11- Little D.'s Christmas Play

Day 347: 12/14/11
New Thing: Little D.'s Christmas Play                            

Inspiration: Little D.'s School, Christmas        
Cost: $0 
Time: About 30 minuets   
Bottom Line: I have never seen a better performance by anyone, anywhere, ever.

Singing her heart out.

Reflection: OK- So, I know I am a little behind in posting! It has been pretty crazy around here what with it being Advent and all. Thanks for your patience.

Today, Ken and I had the delight of seeing Delia in her first Christmas school play! She did a wonderful job, and I could not have been prouder. It had a cute factor of 11 out of 10. See for yourself:

Day 346: 12/13/11- New Television

Day 346: 12/13/11
New Thing: New Television                            

Inspiration: The 20 year old one       
Cost: alot 
Time: About 20 years   
Bottom Line: Did you know that television is "highly defined" now?

Now with color!

Reflection: We have replaced Ken's 20 year old television with a shiny new one. It is certainly way more then we ever like to spend, but we saved up to get this as our Christmas preset this year. The picture is definitely sharper than the old one!

Day 345: 12/12/11 New Thing: New Book: "Meditations from the Mat"

Day 345: 12/12/11
New Thing: New Book: Meditations from the Mat                          

Inspiration: Advent, My New Yoga Teacher      
Cost: $11.59
Time: A few minuets a day. 
Bottom Line: Very inspirational

Reflection: Today I started reading a new book that my yoga teacher, Amy, recommended. It is Meditations from the Mat: Daily Reflections on the Path of Yoga by Rolf Gates and Katrina Kenison. The authors use wisdom from many different sources (including Christianity) to talk about the different lessons that we can learn from yoga. So far, I have really enjoyed the food for thought and it has already deepened my practice. A perfect new Advent addition.

Day 344: 12/11/11- Stir-Up Sunday & Lessons and Carols

Day 344: 12/11/11
New Thing: Stir-Up Sunday & Lessons and Carols                         

Inspiration: Advent, Today's Collect     
Cost: $0.80 
Time: About two hours
Bottom Line: Delicious and Musical!

Reflection: Today is "Stir-Up Sunday"...USA style. This tradition started in England and is celebrated the week before Advent begins. But, in this part of the Anglican Communion, we celebrate it today. Here is a wikipedia description of the day:

 

Stir-up Sunday is an informal term in Anglican churches for the last Sunday before the season of Advent. The term comes from the opening words of the collect for the day in the Book of Common Prayer of 1549. Since most recipes for Christmas pudding call for the mixture to stand for several weeks before cooking, the day subsequently became connected, in countries which used the Book of Common Prayer, with the preparation of Christmas puddings in readiness for Christmas. Supposedly, cooks, wives and their servants would go to church, hear the words 'Stir up, we beseech thee, O Lord...', and be reminded, by association of ideas, that it was about time to start stirring up the puddings for Christmas. In the Episcopal Church, USA, the collect appointed for the Third Sunday of Advent in the Book of Common Prayer (1979) begins with the phrase "stir up your power O Lord." Thus, in many Episcopal Churches, the Third Sunday of Advent, also known as Gaudete (rejoice) Sunday, is referred to as "stir-up Sunday." 

So, today, D. and I made a little pudding after church. Granted, it was just Jell-o Pudding and not a proper English Christmas Pudding, but we stirred it up non-the-less. 

Later, I officiated at our Lessons and Carol service which was heavenly! A perfect way to sink deeper into Advent.

Here is the "Stir Up" Collect: 

Stir up your power, O Lord, and with great might come among us; and, because we are sorely hindered by our sins, let your bountiful grace and mercy speedily help and deliver us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen.

Day 343: 12/10/11- Advent Energy Fast

Day 343: 12/10/11
New Thing: Advent Energy Fast                        

Inspiration: Advent, The Environment     
Cost: $0  
Time: Several Hours   
Bottom Line: Hush in the Rush

Painting by Candle Light

Reflection: Today, the family unplugged and spent 6 hours on an energy fast. The only thing that we did not unplug was our refrigerator (and that includes our heater). It was really nice. We did arts and crafts, got caught up on "thank you" cards, read and even took naps.  It was good for the soul and for the earth. We really needed this time to unwind and I think that Advent is the perfect time to get rid of the electronic distractions to help create a space for quiet.

Day 342: 12/9/11- Amish Hymn Sing

Day 342: 12/9/11
New Thing: Amish Hymn Sing                       

Inspiration: The Amish, Randall    
Cost: $0  
Time: Several Hours   
Bottom Line: Once in a lifetime!

Reflection: Tonight, I was lucky enough to wittiness an Amish Hymn Sing. Thanks to Randall, (who has been part of a movement at Penn State Berk's Campus to help preserve a local Amish Heritage site) I joined with a group of onlookers who gathered to listen to this very special style of music. Here is a wikipedia description on this music:

Amish music is primarily German in origin, and includes ancient singing styles not found anywhere in Europe, as well as modern hymns derived from the Pennsylvania German culture. Older Amish hymns are monophonic, without meter, featuring drawn-out tones and slowly-articulated ornamentation. Usually there is no harmony in the music. Pennsylvania spirituals are more modern, and include a wide variety of influences from African American and British music. Although a few Amish learn to play traditional instruments, such as the harmonica or the accordion, instruments are not played in public. Thus, singing is usually unaccompanied. In church, singing is in German, but singing outside of church is sung in English. Singing is a major part of Amish churches and some songs take over fifteen minutes to sing. A song called Loblied is a well known Amish song. It is always the second song sung at an Amish church service and is often sung at Amish weddings. "Sings" or "Singings," attended by young people approaching marriage-age, and usually held in barns on the Sunday evening after a worship service, are an essential element in Amish courting practices as the young participants are encouraged to engage in social discourse between songs.

It was amazing. They sang a few hymns in the traditional PA Dutch (including a really interesting version of "Come Thou Font of Every Blessing"), lots of hymns in English using their own specialized  harmonization, and one of their German Church songs which is completely unique to the Amish (although it reminded me a little of the Jewish Cantoring tradition). It was a true blessing and they could not have been nicer. Thank you so much, Randall & Connie! 

Day 341: 12/8/11-Positive Parenting Webinar

Day 341: 12/8/11
New Thing: Positive Parenting Webinar                      

Inspiration: The Six O'Clock Scramble    
Cost: $0  
Time: One Hour   
Bottom Line: Good tips, but could have used a little more.

Good Tip.

Reflection: Tonight, Ken and I attended a webinar given by the founder of "Positive Parenting." It was pretty good and gave alot of good advice for why normal parenting techniques do not work. But then it only gave one suggestion to change that followed by a commercial for their online guide. So, it was only pretty good.

Day 340: 12/7/11- A Tour of Winterthur

Day 340: 12/7/11
New Thing: A Tour of Winterthur                     

Inspiration: The Women's Ministry Group   
Cost: $0 (Thanks to the generosity of the group!) 
Time: Several Hours  
Bottom Line: A beautiful tour of an American Palace

Reflection: Today, the St. David's Women's Ministry Group, my Dad, and I went on a fantastic tour of an American Palace and former home of the du Pont family: Winterthur. Here is the description from the website: 

Almost 60 years ago, collector and horticulturist Henry Francis du Pont
(1880–1969) opened his childhood home, Winterthur, to the public. Today, Winterthur (pronounced “winter-tour”) is the premier museum of American decorative arts, with an unparalleled collection of nearly 90,000 objects made or used in America between about 1640 and 1860. The collection is displayed in the magnificent 175-room house, much as it was when the du Pont family lived here, as well as in permanent and changing exhibition galleries.

Winterthur is set amidst a 1,000-acre preserve of rolling meadows and woodlands. Designed by du Pont, its 60-acre naturalistic garden is among America’s best, with magnificent specimen plantings and massed displays of color. Graduate programs and a preeminent research library make Winterthur an important center for the study of American art and culture.

Time Magazine calls Winterthur one of the "Top 100 places to see before you die" and I can see why.  This was an amazing tour. We started with a guided drive around the impressive grounds. The meadow boasts the largest oak in all of Delaware. We then moved to the mansion which was decorated for Christmas and holds the astounding antique collection. The group who went was lovely, and the best part was having Dad there to share it with. Thanks Dad, and thank you St. D's WM for this great time!

Day 339: 12/6/11- Celebrate St. Nicholas Day

Day 339: 12/6/11
New Thing: Celebrate St. Nicholas Day                    

Inspiration: The Feast of St. Nicholas   
Cost: $5ish
Time: An hour  
Bottom Line: A delicious saint

Before and After Chocolate Ordination

Reflection: Today is the Feast of St. Nicholas. Here is a brief bio found here:

The true story of Santa Claus begins with Nicholas, who was born during the third century in the village of Patara. At the time the area was Greek and is now on the southern coast of Turkey. His wealthy parents, who raised him to be a devout Christian, died in an epidemic while Nicholas was still young. Obeying Jesus' words to "sell what you own and give the money to the poor," Nicholas used his whole inheritance to assist the needy, the sick, and the suffering. He dedicated his life to serving God and was made Bishop of Myra while still a young man. Bishop Nicholas became known throughout the land for his generosity to the those in need, his love for children, and his concern for sailors and ships.

Under the Roman Emperor Diocletian, who ruthlessly persecuted Christians, Bishop Nicholas suffered for his faith, was exiled and imprisoned. The prisons were so full of bishops, priests, and deacons, there was no room for the real criminals—murderers, thieves and robbers. After his release, Nicholas attended the Council of Nicaea in AD 325. He died December 6, AD 343 in Myra and was buried in his cathedral church, where a unique relic, called manna, formed in his grave. This liquid substance, said to have healing powers, fostered the growth of devotion to Nicholas. The anniversary of his death became a day of celebration, St. Nicholas Day, December 6th.

 

To celebrate, I told Little D. the legend of Nicholas leaving dowry money in the shoes of three sisters who could not afford to be married and would have otherwise been enslaved. Then, I put a chocolate gold nugget in her shoe for her to find. Next, we converted a chocolate Santa into a Bishop Nicholas (directions found here). Lots of Saintly fun!

Day 338: 12/5/11- Beef Wellington

Day 338: 12/5/11
New Thing: Beef Wellington                    

Inspiration: St. David's Fellowship Commission   
Cost: $0
Time: 2 hour  
Bottom Line: So good!

Reflection: Tonight we had our Fellowship Committee Meeting which is held over dinner. Our host made an amazing beef wellington which was something I have only ever read about in descriptions of pristine Victorian Christmas Dinners.  It was extravagant, but delicious.

Day 337: 12/4/11- Parish Carol Sing

Day 337: 12/4/11
New Thing: Parish Carol Sing                   

Inspiration: Advent, St. David's  
Cost: $0
Time: 1 hour  
Bottom Line: Jingle Bells!

Reflection: Today, D. and I went to the St. David's Carol Sing and had a blast. She also decorated a tree cookie which she was very happy about.

Day 336: 12/3/11- Little D.'s 4th Birthday Party

Day 336: 12/3/11
New Thing: Little D.'s 4th Birthday Party                   

Inspiration: D.'s Birthday  
Cost: $??
Time: Several Hours  
Bottom Line: Such a great time!

Reflection: Wow! What a party! I want to say a huge "thank you" for all who came out to celebrate this special little girl. We are very touched. D. had a blast running around with all the kids and Ken and I could not have been more grateful to everyone. Thanks again!

Day 335: 12/2/11- New Devotional Book: "Daily Feast"

Day 335: 12/2/11
New Thing: New Devotional Book: Daily Feast                    

Inspiration: Advent 
Cost: $12ish
Time: A few minuets daily 
Bottom Line: A very nice tool.

It's even leather bound.

Reflection: For Advent, I have been using a wonderful new devotional book called Daily Feast. It is a collection of meditations based on the upcoming week's Sunday Lectionary and is compiled from the same people who write Feasting on the Word which is a very handy sermon prep series I use. It has really helped me to think about the upcoming Sunday's message all throughout the week. Today, I used the question prompted for my prayer journal topic for the first time.