Hmm. Let's start with: pretzel m&m's, Богородица (the Theotokos), the curious interaction between a sense of protection and suffering in Russian intellectualism, and relationship dynamics of a shy couple. Sounds like a good laundry list to write about at 11:30 at night. But I ought to introduce myself and my blog, oughtn't I?
Well... I am a Russian major at the highly pretentious "girls in pearls, guys in... orange bow ties?" University of Virginia, about to start her junior year this coming August. I am also an Orthodox Christian, with a curious propensity toward liturgical practice (one friend calls me a "liturgical junkie," and I do not deny the moniker) because of its distinctive beauty and peace. I also fall into the category of those with an active mind and too much time on their hands. This means that I think rather a lot, approximately between the hours of 8 PM and 1 AM EST. I also happen to give some credence to my ideas (a folly, I am sure), and generally focus on gender relations, suffering, the nature of sin, hypotheticals, historical Russian grammar, and etymological linguistics in Indo-European languages. This is all greatly assisted by chocolate, green tea, and sangrias. So, in summary, I am currently listening to Bulgarian chant (which just transitioned into techno... odd. Time to switch to Russian), I have the shameful habit of checking facebook too often, my favorite color is blue (синий, as opposed to голубой), and I find it a damned shame that both the Рублев Троица AND the Владимирская Богородица are in the Tretyakov Gallery.
And if you have no prior knowledge of the subject, the title of this blog is rather simplistic, and really kind of silly. "Scarves" because I really do enjoy scarves to an inordinate degree, and am a passionate defender of the use headscarves for women throughout both Christianity and Islam. Have you ever seen the Theotokos' hair? Neither have I. But we've got to live with what we've got. On the other hand, scarves are just so pretty! "Lattes" are included because, as a college student, I enjoy my coffee. Also, I nearly live in the cafe located near the religious studies department at school (conveniently located directly across from the main humanities building!), which unfortunately has a Starbucks in it. This is highly dangerous, and involves far more white mocha, caramel macchiatos, and strawberry frappuccinos than I likely need. The fact that my parents regularly provide me with a fully stocked Starbucks card only exacerbates the issue. And "intellectual minutiae" because, well... as you may have noticed by now, my scatterbrained thoughts produce little else of worth. So, to collate these terms, we have (by association): orthodoxy, femininity, highly gendered thinking, conservative religious quirks, a fondness for brand names with lots of frothed milk, sweet pleasures, and life theories that a dozen other people on the east coast give two wits about. There are a few other things left out here, such an an addiction to coconut and cucumber scents, cooking, domesticity, Middle Eastern food, thunderstorms, skirts, babies, and heels.
And now that we're acquainted, back to the original point! I must admit, I include pretzel m&m's only because I consider them one of the better inventions of the 21st century. The concept of pretzel and chocolate combined is something I dearly embrace. My only edit would be to add caramel, and perhaps a bit of a mocha tang. Any takers? But yes, we're done with that. I haven't quite found the Virgin in a pretzel m&m yet, so we'll lay it to rest.
Let us, however, consider the Mother of God. Isn't she awesome? She is both deeply personal, and very public, in presenting and lifting up her Son. She protects us, her children, in all adversity, even as her heart was pierced with a sword. I personally consider that very generous of our Lady, but that is the extent of her compassion. Recently, she has conveniently inserted very curiously specific people in curiously specific places in my life (whilst traveling, no less!) that I cannot ignore, while her Son has simultaneously been whipping me into shape with my recent technology issues. The relationship dynamics here are clear, and almost overwhelming. The Mother is a wonderful Protector and source of mercy in the light of her Son's highly deserved judgment. She wisely allows us to suffer- her children must do their own homework - but once we learn our lessons and glean the spiritual benefit of suffering, she quickly helps us up, and gives us comfort to help in times of trouble, before it all becomes too much.
Which leads me to relationship dynamics. Mary is incredibly personal, and she cherishes both her Son, and her children through Him (all of us wretches!). And while Christ our God is strict, and a harsh Master, He is the only Lover of mankind. He knows precisely what is good for humanity, and gives it to us- it is to our own detriment (and judgment) if we do not produce positive results. So, how comfortable do I feel with God? Well (warning: this may shock Protestants), pretty comfortable. With qualifications. I am acquainted with Christ as I imagine a small child would likely know his father a hundred or so years ago. He is loving and caring, but very strict and authoritative. Thus, like any other three year old, I hide behind my mother's skirts shyly, so she can introduce me to Him, and keep me from His scourging.
And it is rather late, and I suppose I have neglected both the "couple" and the "Russian intellectualism" elements I promised to explicate. Alas, they shall await another day.
After all, I can't explain my entire way of thinking to you in one post, now can I? You'd really get very bored.
Well... I am a Russian major at the highly pretentious "girls in pearls, guys in... orange bow ties?" University of Virginia, about to start her junior year this coming August. I am also an Orthodox Christian, with a curious propensity toward liturgical practice (one friend calls me a "liturgical junkie," and I do not deny the moniker) because of its distinctive beauty and peace. I also fall into the category of those with an active mind and too much time on their hands. This means that I think rather a lot, approximately between the hours of 8 PM and 1 AM EST. I also happen to give some credence to my ideas (a folly, I am sure), and generally focus on gender relations, suffering, the nature of sin, hypotheticals, historical Russian grammar, and etymological linguistics in Indo-European languages. This is all greatly assisted by chocolate, green tea, and sangrias. So, in summary, I am currently listening to Bulgarian chant (which just transitioned into techno... odd. Time to switch to Russian), I have the shameful habit of checking facebook too often, my favorite color is blue (синий, as opposed to голубой), and I find it a damned shame that both the Рублев Троица AND the Владимирская Богородица are in the Tretyakov Gallery.
And if you have no prior knowledge of the subject, the title of this blog is rather simplistic, and really kind of silly. "Scarves" because I really do enjoy scarves to an inordinate degree, and am a passionate defender of the use headscarves for women throughout both Christianity and Islam. Have you ever seen the Theotokos' hair? Neither have I. But we've got to live with what we've got. On the other hand, scarves are just so pretty! "Lattes" are included because, as a college student, I enjoy my coffee. Also, I nearly live in the cafe located near the religious studies department at school (conveniently located directly across from the main humanities building!), which unfortunately has a Starbucks in it. This is highly dangerous, and involves far more white mocha, caramel macchiatos, and strawberry frappuccinos than I likely need. The fact that my parents regularly provide me with a fully stocked Starbucks card only exacerbates the issue. And "intellectual minutiae" because, well... as you may have noticed by now, my scatterbrained thoughts produce little else of worth. So, to collate these terms, we have (by association): orthodoxy, femininity, highly gendered thinking, conservative religious quirks, a fondness for brand names with lots of frothed milk, sweet pleasures, and life theories that a dozen other people on the east coast give two wits about. There are a few other things left out here, such an an addiction to coconut and cucumber scents, cooking, domesticity, Middle Eastern food, thunderstorms, skirts, babies, and heels.
And now that we're acquainted, back to the original point! I must admit, I include pretzel m&m's only because I consider them one of the better inventions of the 21st century. The concept of pretzel and chocolate combined is something I dearly embrace. My only edit would be to add caramel, and perhaps a bit of a mocha tang. Any takers? But yes, we're done with that. I haven't quite found the Virgin in a pretzel m&m yet, so we'll lay it to rest.
Let us, however, consider the Mother of God. Isn't she awesome? She is both deeply personal, and very public, in presenting and lifting up her Son. She protects us, her children, in all adversity, even as her heart was pierced with a sword. I personally consider that very generous of our Lady, but that is the extent of her compassion. Recently, she has conveniently inserted very curiously specific people in curiously specific places in my life (whilst traveling, no less!) that I cannot ignore, while her Son has simultaneously been whipping me into shape with my recent technology issues. The relationship dynamics here are clear, and almost overwhelming. The Mother is a wonderful Protector and source of mercy in the light of her Son's highly deserved judgment. She wisely allows us to suffer- her children must do their own homework - but once we learn our lessons and glean the spiritual benefit of suffering, she quickly helps us up, and gives us comfort to help in times of trouble, before it all becomes too much.
Which leads me to relationship dynamics. Mary is incredibly personal, and she cherishes both her Son, and her children through Him (all of us wretches!). And while Christ our God is strict, and a harsh Master, He is the only Lover of mankind. He knows precisely what is good for humanity, and gives it to us- it is to our own detriment (and judgment) if we do not produce positive results. So, how comfortable do I feel with God? Well (warning: this may shock Protestants), pretty comfortable. With qualifications. I am acquainted with Christ as I imagine a small child would likely know his father a hundred or so years ago. He is loving and caring, but very strict and authoritative. Thus, like any other three year old, I hide behind my mother's skirts shyly, so she can introduce me to Him, and keep me from His scourging.
And it is rather late, and I suppose I have neglected both the "couple" and the "Russian intellectualism" elements I promised to explicate. Alas, they shall await another day.
After all, I can't explain my entire way of thinking to you in one post, now can I? You'd really get very bored.
I think Protestants could learn a thing or two about our relationship with God. It is great to be comfortable, as you say, but too many of them (us) treat God as a "great big buddy" and don't think too much of his extreme Holiness.
ReplyDeleteNow as to thinking between the hours of 8pm to 1am...I just hope you don't have any early morning classes! :)