I lived in New England for two years. My first winter was spent in New Hampshire and Massachusetts, my second winter in Maine. Both winters were brutal. I was cold all the time. Nor’easters or down’easters were common. I survived the blizzard of ’78. One storm was so bad we couldn’t open our apartment door because the snow drifts were too high. We had to climb out the window and dig out the snow so we could open the door. Another time, we lost power for days because the ice storms had stripped the power lines and trees. The damage was horrific. But the world was sparklingly beautiful. It was during this time that I fell in love with the poetry of Robert Frost. His words evoke imagery and meaning with powerful poetic device which transcends place.
I no longer live in the east. Yet the seemingly simple home spun lessons of the New England poet stay with me. The words resonate in my western surroundings in spite of their New England sensibilities. Frost’s poetic imagery transcends time and place. The inspiration I found in the New England woods is also to be found in the Wasatch Mountains.
STOPPING BY WOODS ON A SNOWY EVENING
by Robert Frost (an extract)
Whose woods these are I think I know.
His house is in the village though;
He will not see me stopping here
To watch his woods fill up with snow…
…The woods are lovely, dark and deep,
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep.
MENDING WALL
by Robert Frost (an extract)
…He is all pine and I am apple orchard.
My apple trees will never get across
And eat the cones under his pines, I tell him.
He only says, “Good fences make good neighbours”…
I try to live in the moment, as much as possible; yet, many of the moments I live in become memories and the moments are gone. I would like to hold some of those moments and return to them often. Other moments, I am glad, have become memories. Some memories I would like to fade, except that I learned much in those moments and the experience shaped my life. Still other moments have faded and only return with sense memory–the smell of baking bread, the metallic taste of anesthesia, a favorite song, a familiar breeze, a majestic sunset or the troubled sleep of repeated dreams.
Moments
I haven’t been good at capturing them. Often, when I try, the moment is lost.
Nevertheless, I thought I would share my top ten list of Moments from 2015, at least, the ones I captured. Be sure and check out the hyper-links to past blogs.
10. Western Caribbean Cruise
Sunset on the Yucatan Peninsula.
Anytime my wife and I can get away, it’s a good moment.
Mayan ruins in Belize are spectacular, many have not yet been excavated.Jim and Anne on vacation in Central America.
In January we went on a Western Caribbean cruise–Mexico, Belize and Honduras.
I never thought I would enjoy cruising; however, I was pleasantly surprised. The food was good. The company was friendly. The entertainment was fun. The weather was great. The water was warm. The snorkeling was incredible. And, we explored ancient Mayan ruins. Cool.
It can get hot and humid on the Caribbean side of Central America, but cold drinks are never far away.
9. Seattle
A view of the Seattle skyline from Kerry Park.
I grew up in Seattle. I love the city. I love the scenery. I don’t like the rain.
I’d rather be sailing.
When I was growing up, my parents used to tell people who were coming to visit that if you wanted to see the sun you should come to the city during the last week of July or the first week of August. It rains the rest of the year. Now, my son and his wife live in Seattle. We came for a visit–the last week of July, along with everyone else. It was fun and crowded.
Good food, interesting smells and entertainment make Seattle’s waterfront a popular destination.
Seafair week is amazing. It took us three days to get home flying standby. Next time we’ll buy tickets.
Delicious blackberries grow wild near Seattle, Washington.
8. Capitol Reef National Park
Capitol Reef National Park.
Located in South-central Utah, Capitol Reef National Park is a geologic wonder. We spent a night and a day in the park this summer. It was transformative. It would be hard to visit the park and not be changed in some way. However, the change may be so subtle that you won’t notice it for a millennium.
Anne and I spent a week in Aruba. It wasn’t enough. I now know why the Beach Boys sing about it. If you have a chance to visit the friendly Friendly Island, don’t miss it. You will create some amazing moments.
Swim with the fishes while hipwreck diving in Aruba.
6. He is risen–New Testament Films
Director James Dalrymple works with actor Casey Elliott playing the role of Jesus of Nazareth.
In the fall of 2014 I was privileged to write and direct a series of New Testament Films on the life of Christ.
A mob comes to the Garden of Gethsemane to arrest Jesus of Nazareth.
I have a profound belief in Jesus Christ as the Son of God and Savior of the world. Writing and directing these films was a profound experience and served to deepen my faith in and love for Christ.
Jesus of Nazareth is crucified. From the short film, “It is Finished.” James Dalrymple–writer/director. Brandon Christensen–director of photography.
We finished the films in the spring. I’m hoping they are released to the public this coming year.
The resurrected Lord appears to Mary Magdalene at the Garden Tomb. Photo credit–Jason Allred.
In August, my first full-length novel, Death Comes at Night, was published by Black Rose Writing. It was a challenging and rewarding process. I would get up early and write from 5:30 am to 6:30 am. My goal was to write at least one page per day. It took me about a year-and-a-half to write the book. It took longer to get it published.
You can buy the book online at Amazon or Barnes and Noble. Check out my book Facebook page. Buy my book, PLEASE. If you do, I’ll sign your copy next time we meet. And, if you like it, I will write more 🙂
The author takes a moment to read Death Comes at Night, in the Cemetery.
4. Carrie Graduates from College
Carrie Dalrymple Edmonds graduates from the University of Laverne.
My daughter Carrie graduated from the University of LaVerne with her bachelor’s degree. I am so proud of her effort and accomplishment. She finished her degree while working full-time, getting married and having a baby. Congratulations, Carrie.
Carrie Dalrymple Edmonds with her diploma from the University of LaVerne.
3. Chloe Graduates from High School and goes to College
Chloe graduates from Lone Peak High School.
My youngest daughter Chloe graduated from Lone Peak High School this year. She is a bright and talented young woman. I’m so proud of her. She started college at Brigham Young University this fall with a scholarship.
The downside is that she no longer lives at home. The upside is that she often comes home to eat and do laundry.
Ryan Dalrymple and Sheri Dougall just got married.
My son Ryan, the one who lives in Seattle, was married in the Portland, Oregon LDS Temple in the spring of this year to Sheri Dougall. We are thrilled for them both. They are a wonderful couple. We love Sheri and welcome her to our family.
Ryan Dalrymple and Sheri Dougall with Sheri’s family at the Portland, Oregon LDS Temple, following their marriage.Heart Surgery
I have been an athlete all my life. I make an effort to stay in shape. So, when I started getting light headed during cardio workouts, I went in for a physical. The doctors thought I may have a clogged artery. They ran some tests. My arteries were clear and my heart was strong, it just wasn’t beating right. They thought they could fix it.
No such luck. Instead, they installed a cardioverter defibrillator. It’s kinda like having a combination insurance policy and time bomb in my chest all the time. It keeps my heart from going too slow. If my heart beats too fast, and out of sync for too long I get shocked.
CLEAR.
I have to admit, I don’t like it. I can feel it all the time. I went to the heart Doc last week for a checkup. It is doing it’s job. I’m not. I need to change my lifestyle. I don’t want too, but I guess my life depends on it.
So, my number one moment of 2015 has to be my heart surgery, even though I was asleep for it. I do remember the before, and I look forward to living the after.
At 3:00 am in the Cardiac Unit it can seem deserted, but if you listen closely, you’ll hear the ever present beeping of heart monitors verifying the patient’s are still alive.
2015 is now in the books. Happy New Year and may 2016 be our best year ever.
The resurrected Lord appears to Mary Magdalene at the Garden Tomb. Photo credit–Jason Allred.
A mob comes to the Garden of Gethsemane to arrest Jesus of Nazareth.
Jesus of Nazareth is crucified. From the short film, “It is Finished.” James Dalrymple–writer/director. Brandon Christensen–director of photography.
Director James Dalrymple works with actor Casey Elliott playing the role of Jesus of Nazareth.
A view of the Seattle skyline from Kerry Park.
The Gum Wall, near Pike Place Market in Seattle has a disgustingly magical vibe. Unfortunately, the city has removed all the gum.
I’d rather be sailing.
Good food, interesting smells and entertainment make Seattle’s waterfront a popular destination.
Delicious blackberries grow wild near Seattle, Washington.
Ryan Dalrymple and Sheri Dougall with Sheri’s family at the Portland, Oregon LDS Temple, following their marriage.
Mayan ruins in Belize are spectacular, many have not yet been excavated.
Sunset on the Yucatan Peninsula.
It can get hot and humid on the Caribbean side of Central America, but cold drinks are never far away.
Swim with the fishes while hipwreck diving in Aruba.
Anne sitting in a beach chair at Palm Beach, Aruba.
Front cover of my new novel, Death Comes At Night
The author takes a moment to read Death Comes at Night, in the Cemetery.
Chimney Rock, Capitol Reef.
Capitol Reef National Park.
At 3:00 am in the Cardiac Unit it can seem deserted, but if you listen closely, you’ll hear the ever present beeping of heart monitors verifying the patient’s are still alive.
I no longer live in the east. Yet the seemingly simple home spun lessons of the New England poet stay with me. The words resonate in my western surroundings in spite of their New England sensibilities. Frost’s poetic imagery transcends time and place. The inspiration I found in the New England woods is also to be found in the Wasatch Mountains.Whose woods these are I think I know.
…He is all pine and I am apple orchard.
