naked lady alert (oh my!)

 

i can remember visiting my very proper aunt grace in the heat of a bakersfield summer.  once, when i arrived, she told me to go and look in her backyard at the naked ladies.  as i breathlessly ran to the yard at the ripe old age of 8, all i saw was the gardener and a bunch of pink lilies.

i was going to look up the proper name for these flowers, but thought i might get a porn sight, so, just settle for my aunt's name; and, as it turns out, i discovered one in the front yard of the parsonage this week ... parents be forewarned!  the santa cruz parsonage has a naked lady (but only one, with about 6 blossoms!)

my other delight this past week was the tour of university of california, santa cruz; the first class at ucsc began in 1965.  it is like being in a national park; it is huge, filled with beautiful nature, and sever wonderful pieces of artwork; the sculpture of the squiggle was created by kenney farrel as 'untitled', and sits in an area by porter college, where on a clear day you may not see forever, but you can see clear to monterey!

also in the area in the expanded library is a tribute to the grateful dead; this group's archive is housed here in a wonderful display, complete with a dvd worth viewing!  nature and academia come together to forge a perfect pair!  should a student be looking for a place to further their education, with a united methodist church near-by, uscs is well worth a look-see!

the united methodist church of santa cruz has been recovering from a fire which affected a classroom.  but because of the nature of insurance, our building is all inter-connected; with smoke damage, etc, and a connecting roof-line, we are getting a major face-lift, thanks to the insight of those within the congregation.

natural light has been added to the worship center and the fellowship hall; a new color pallet graces the neighborhood, and the worship center will be updated with new carpet, polished stone, and paint.

we are due to receive new signage as well; and because of the issue of having a parking lot that extends to the back of the building, we are adding a gate (a way of saying, nicely perhaps, that is really is a place of sanctuary and safety; so please keep it available to everyone to enjoy.

on our 17th street property, gardens grow, but weed abatement continues to be a need.  so occasional work-days are called, and if you'd like to join in the fun and help provide a happier neighborhood, come join us at 9 am on saturday, august 10th.  no previous experience is required; bringing gloves, shovels, a good sense of humor, and other yard-cleaning equipment is encouraged, but not mandatory.

and if you know of someone desiring to be a part of this garden project, invite them to contact us; members of our congregation are invited to sponsor one other person; it is a great way to be engaged with other christians on our collective journey of faith, and a creative way to grow organic produce.

you can reach our website through umcsantacruz.org, or by calling the office and leaving a message at (831) 429-6800.

one of the final outdoor projects is being completed at the california street property this week; a new parking lot!  i am constantly amazed to discover the persistence of our over-seer to this project, and the skill he has making sure the work is done on or before time, under-budget, and with the quality that will last for years to come.

now, trying to work while others are working can be a challenge, as the noise level at times can be distracting ... partly because i am curious about what's going on.

but when the noise becomes overwhelming, the sun beckons and the sound of the waves calleth.  so, off i go to explore another area of santa cruz, or visit a community ministry or someone in the hospital.  of course there is always housework and working in the yard, but those naked ladies will just have to wait!