Tonight it is supposed to snow. Actually, it's supposed to be snowing right now. But it's not. I mean, not in the way that was advertised. In fact, it's pretty much exactly like things were on Monday-Tuesday, when things went exactly in the way they were not advertised. In that case, just a trace of ice. And of course, we were covered in it. That was a few days ago. With tonight, we're supposed to get 1-3 inches of snow, starting at 1pm, and then 4pm. Nothing on the ground. Either that, or the snow plows are coming through really quickly.
Not to say that driving conditions are not hazardous out there. There has been a light snow and sleet falling on and off. And there have been some accidents and places where there is black ice. Daddy drove home a little later than he should have, because of the ONE Marriage Conference that is going on at the church this week. Many people came to the event, couples in love and anxious to hear about the five or so languages of love. It was a great conference, but there was such a funny feeling of faith there, as if to say God will keep everyone from harm, and we will in fact enjoy every moment of this conference despite the doom and gloom forecasts for the night. Here they are, hundreds of couples having the time of their lives inside. Meanwhile, outside, there were cars turning over in Forsyth County because of black ice, and every social network in the area warning people to stay off the roads. How would these couples get back to their hotels or homes? Drive, of course. And by gum, they'll leave as late as they want to!
And as far as I know, they all made it back just fine. Our friend Josh had trouble getting home again. Last year, he had an accident. He lives in Habersham County, much further north. This year, he said he was slipping and sliding on the way home, when he was nearly there. But he made it safely, so that's good to hear.
Anyway, it was odd - that's all I'm saying. It reminded me of the Titanic, where all these revelers are dressed up for a nice party, completely oblivious to any danger, and meanwhile there's this big ice berg out there. Of course, nothing sunk tonight, so that was good.
Madison and Mommy had an easy time getting to and from Speech Therapy this afternoon. The weather hadn't shifted yet by that point, so all was well and everyone got back safely. Madison is working very hard on her letter "R." She was practicing on the way home, and even when Daddy arrived home. It was a funny call from Mommy that prompted Daddy to get out of Dodge. That means, scram! Get home quickly, because the weather is getting colder. He got home in time to wish Madison a goodnight. We said our prayers, and prayed for all those Titanic passengers back at the church. Who once again were covered in grace, rather than ice. Everyone had a great time at this conference, and made it home just fine. Faith indeed!
So what happened with this forecast? Again, the pendulum is swinging in the direction of being overly cautious and warning everyone to death about things. So we are all braced for something epic that could potentially happen. That sometimes doesn't, hence the term "potentially."
This is all because of last year's Snow Jam. You can't be too careful... that is, until everyone gets sick of getting false alarms. Then it is time to ignore the false alarms, because who wants to hear someone crying wolf all the time, when the wolf doesn't come? And even those doing the false alarms start toning the conversation down a bit so they don't feel sheepish. Who wants to get everyone running to the grocery store in a panic for milk and bread, for no apparent reason? My conspiracy theory on this is that there is a bread and milk cartel out there, secretly fueling all this talk of snow. They make a fortune every single time a meteorologist cries out in terror about a potential significant winter weather advisory. So somehow they are involved, right?
Anyway, Daddy was busy with the ONE Marriage Conference today - that, and a bit of writing. We're finishing up the "Northern Lights" drama this weekend. This is partly because one of the Vikings can't make it next week, the guy who plays Gardar. But I just feel it is time to end the drama, even though we have one more week still left of the series. We'll do something else that final week, a sort of celebration of what I think is one of the best series we've ever done.
Until then, here's our script. There's a surprise coming on Sunday, one that we are very blessed to have - hopefully a new costume that we are free to borrow, one related to "Frozen." Stay tuned for that one!
We'll see what the weather is like in the morning, whether the weather is clear... or "Frozen."
Not to say that driving conditions are not hazardous out there. There has been a light snow and sleet falling on and off. And there have been some accidents and places where there is black ice. Daddy drove home a little later than he should have, because of the ONE Marriage Conference that is going on at the church this week. Many people came to the event, couples in love and anxious to hear about the five or so languages of love. It was a great conference, but there was such a funny feeling of faith there, as if to say God will keep everyone from harm, and we will in fact enjoy every moment of this conference despite the doom and gloom forecasts for the night. Here they are, hundreds of couples having the time of their lives inside. Meanwhile, outside, there were cars turning over in Forsyth County because of black ice, and every social network in the area warning people to stay off the roads. How would these couples get back to their hotels or homes? Drive, of course. And by gum, they'll leave as late as they want to!
And as far as I know, they all made it back just fine. Our friend Josh had trouble getting home again. Last year, he had an accident. He lives in Habersham County, much further north. This year, he said he was slipping and sliding on the way home, when he was nearly there. But he made it safely, so that's good to hear.
Anyway, it was odd - that's all I'm saying. It reminded me of the Titanic, where all these revelers are dressed up for a nice party, completely oblivious to any danger, and meanwhile there's this big ice berg out there. Of course, nothing sunk tonight, so that was good.
Madison and Mommy had an easy time getting to and from Speech Therapy this afternoon. The weather hadn't shifted yet by that point, so all was well and everyone got back safely. Madison is working very hard on her letter "R." She was practicing on the way home, and even when Daddy arrived home. It was a funny call from Mommy that prompted Daddy to get out of Dodge. That means, scram! Get home quickly, because the weather is getting colder. He got home in time to wish Madison a goodnight. We said our prayers, and prayed for all those Titanic passengers back at the church. Who once again were covered in grace, rather than ice. Everyone had a great time at this conference, and made it home just fine. Faith indeed!
So what happened with this forecast? Again, the pendulum is swinging in the direction of being overly cautious and warning everyone to death about things. So we are all braced for something epic that could potentially happen. That sometimes doesn't, hence the term "potentially."
This is all because of last year's Snow Jam. You can't be too careful... that is, until everyone gets sick of getting false alarms. Then it is time to ignore the false alarms, because who wants to hear someone crying wolf all the time, when the wolf doesn't come? And even those doing the false alarms start toning the conversation down a bit so they don't feel sheepish. Who wants to get everyone running to the grocery store in a panic for milk and bread, for no apparent reason? My conspiracy theory on this is that there is a bread and milk cartel out there, secretly fueling all this talk of snow. They make a fortune every single time a meteorologist cries out in terror about a potential significant winter weather advisory. So somehow they are involved, right?
Anyway, Daddy was busy with the ONE Marriage Conference today - that, and a bit of writing. We're finishing up the "Northern Lights" drama this weekend. This is partly because one of the Vikings can't make it next week, the guy who plays Gardar. But I just feel it is time to end the drama, even though we have one more week still left of the series. We'll do something else that final week, a sort of celebration of what I think is one of the best series we've ever done.
Until then, here's our script. There's a surprise coming on Sunday, one that we are very blessed to have - hopefully a new costume that we are free to borrow, one related to "Frozen." Stay tuned for that one!
We'll see what the weather is like in the morning, whether the weather is clear... or "Frozen."
KidPak Adventures: Northern Lights
Better Together
Better Together
CUE SLIDE: SNOWY BACKDROP
VLAD, IVAR, TORNY, GARDAR and CRESCENDO enter STAGE RIGHT, moving to stay at STAGE LEFT.
NARRATOR: "The Vikings had never seen a storm like that – it came from out of nowhere! Yet now it has ended just as suddenly! As the sun begins to heat things up once more, the Vikings are emerging from their shelter …with sinister purpose!”
VLAD: “No running off this time, monk.”
CRESCENDO: “What on earth do you hope to accomplish with all of this?”
GARDAR: (moves to STAGE RIGHT) “We’re going to kidnap the queen, and use her powers, of course.”
CRESCENDO: “To make snow cones for everyone?”
GARDAR: “Ivar said she could make an army of snow monsters, and shoot out dozens of sharp spears of ice at a time.”
CRESCENDO: “And then she’ll make snow cones for everyone?”
GARDAR stares at CRESCENDO a moment. And then turns abruptly to the others.
IVAR: “Father, what can you possibly hope to accomplish with this?”
GARDAR steps forward dramatically towards CENTER STAGE
GARDAR: “Power. With this sort of power, we can make anyone do whatever we ask. We can have all the riches in the world!”
GARDAR looks around, consumed with passion for power.
CRESCENDO: “And then make snow cones?”
GARDAR gives a stern look to CRESCENDO, who scurries over to STAGE RIGHT.
IVAR: “Look, all this is well and good – but I don’t think this is the way to go. You don’t lead with fear, Father. You lead …with love.”
GARDAR: “What? You are no Viking! I do not like what I’m about to do, but it must be done: I cannot allow any more defiance to my orders!”
IVAR shrinks back to STAGE RIGHT, where CRESCENDO is.
IVAR: “But father!”
GARDAR goes to VLAD and TORNY at STAGE LEFT.
GARDAR: “Vlad. Do what you must.”
With much menace, VLAD slowly and deliberately approaches IVAR at STAGE RIGHT, who appears fearful. And yet, after a moment, VLAD breaks.
VLAD: “I cannot.”
GARDAR gasps.
VLAD: “The boy is right.”
GARDAR: “What?”
TORNY moves to STAGE RIGHT as she speaks.
TORNY: “We have learned something here, something from these monks. And what you’re suggesting is not the way.”
GARDAR looks around in disbelief, alone at STAGE LEFT.
GARDAR: “So this is how it is. Betrayed by my own. Well I’ll show you how to be a Viking!”
INCALZANDO rushes in STAGE RIGHT, standing behind well at CENTER STAGE.
INCALZANDO: “Wait! You don’t have to do this!”
GARDAR: “Says who?”
ELSA enters STAGE RIGHT.
ELSA: “Enough.”
INCALZANDO: “Says the Queen. I brought her here.”
GARDAR steps towards ELSA
INCALZANDO: “I wouldn’t do that if I were you.”
GARDAR marches towards ELSA again.
ELSA: “I said enough!”
ELSA extends her hands towards GARDAR, who steps over a GEYSER LIGHT hidden behind well.
CUE GEYSER LIGHT, a BLUE FLASH with STEAM SHOOTING FORTH
GARDAR falls back, hands covering eyes, making his way to STAGE LEFT.
ELSA: “Stay away!”
IVAR rushes to GARDAR at STAGE LEFT. GARDAR is shivering on the ground, as ELSA calmly walks towards him.
ELSA: “My power flurries through the air onto the ground. I never knew what I was capable of.”
IVAR: “Your highness. Don’t do this.”
ELSA: (staring down GARDAR) “And what power do you have to stop me?”
GARDAR: (shivering) “Are ..are you here to vanquish me?”
ELSA: “No.”
VIKINGS look confused.
ELSA: “I’m here to ask you to join me.”
TORNY: “Join you?”
ELSA: “Stay within our kingdom. Change your ways from thievery, to members of my royal guard.”
VLAD: “I don’t know if we can do that.”
ELSA: “You’ll be paid handsomely.”
VLAD: “Okay, we can do that.”
IVAR: “But we’re Vikings. The scourge of the North Seas!”
INCALZANDO: “And God can give you a new identity. When you arrived here on our shores in your long boats, you rowed as one. You used your strengths in unity. And now you can do that again, for a more noble cause!”
TORNY: “This… is new. I’ve never been anything but a Viking before.”
CRESCENDO: “You can move with faith. No one knew what was beyond the great seas – in fact, some thought the world was flat, one you could fall right off of. Yet nearly 500 years before the Columbus set foot in the new world, the Vikings were there. We can’t see what is beyond the horizon, but with faith, we can move together, and discover the new world that lies waiting for us.”
ELSA: (to TORNY) “Are you ready?”
TORNY: “Do I get to keep my horned hat?”
ELSA nods.
TORNY: “Then yes.”
ELSA: “And what of you, Gardar the Fierce? We can use your talents to keep our royal guards on their toes.”
INCALZANDO: “Come to church with us. Hear of God’s wonderful love for you!”
GARDAR rises slowly.
GARDAR: “We Vikings are masters of navigation. We traveled so far using something called a ‘sunstone.’ We followed the sun, because it led us to victory. But today, I believe we will follow a different Son: this Jesus you have spoken of.”
GARDAR and IVAR share a warm moment.
INCALZANDO: “He will not lead you astray!”
ELSA: “Then it is settled! You will all come to my palace at once. I will introduce you to my sister!”
IVAR: “Does she want to meet real Vikings again?”
ELSA: “No… she just wants her shoes back.”
VIKINGS laugh at this.
VLAD: “So the gates are open once more, huh?”
ELSA: “We are never closing them again.”
ELSA leads VIKINGS and MONKS off STAGE LEFT as NARRATOR concludes.
NARRATOR: “True to history, the Vikings did change their ways, becoming a powerful force that spread the gospel further than ever before. And as our friends go back to the castle, remember that adventure awaits you as well when you follow the Son. Remember this, and the other remarkable lessons learned …in the land of the Northern Lights!”
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