We Return to Our Regularly Scheduled Post

Nothing like a before and after photo to fully explain my recent blogging break.  I have been on vacation, but used the time to paint and rehab my study. 

The above is a photo from 1979 of my wife and I in what was then our living room.  We even had a Maranatha dove on our wall!

Below is a picture of us in the same spot 30 years later!

My dear wife ditched the Farrah hair-do, I ditched hair altogether, and together we ditched the Maranatha dove.  Our former living room has been my study these last twenty years and had grown tired and worn--you can only vacuum and dust so many times.  Its now freshly painted, completely rehabed, and ready to go.

Yes, we still have the same lamp!  And no, I still don't have enough bookshelves.  Please don't give me that "you're getting older and better" rot.  I'm so sore from being on a ladder and from painting ceilings and woodwork for the last week, I can hardly move . . .  I'm just getting older.

By the way, I'm still on vacation and my writing sabbatical through mid-August.  I've got a number of deadlines to meet.  So, posting will still be a bit sporadic.

Comments

[Denise M.]

What about posting a nice big Yankees poster on the wall? :-)

[Kim Riddlebarger]

Denise:

Not to worry. My autographed 16 x 20 of Don Mattingly is on another wall!

[R. Scott Clark]

That lamp now qualifies for historic preservation status in California!

[Lloyd Cadle]

Pastor Kim:

You are a beautiful guy (with or without hair), on behalf of all of the Riddlebloggers, we hope that you never change!

[wayne pelling]

You both still look cool

[Brian Davilla]

Couple of great pics of a couple of great people!

[John Y]

When I first glanced at the old photo I was thinking a cross between Abbie Hoffman, Alan Ginsberg or the guy who starred in Welcome Back Kotter (I forget the actors name); or, maybe a Eric Clapton wannabee.

I wonder what was going on in your fathers mind when he found out that you wanted to go into the ministry? From what I know about your father he was a staunch republican who worked for the CIA. Your photo does not fit the mold. Do I perceive a bit of the rebel in you back then? Even with that Maranatha dove in the backround. I think I would become quite rebellious if I was taking in large doses of dispensational and premil. literature during that time. Eric Clapton was probably a healhy thing which may have been a factor in your theological transformation. I am speculating of course and drawing way to much from a simple photo. Because I enjoy your writings so much it is nice to get a bit of self-revelation at times. Come to think of it, that is the most refreshing thing about the confessional movement- the self always takes a back seat to our redeemer and king. I join Lloyd in his appreciation of your ministry.

[Susan Vader]

Awww,these are great photos. Wow! Pastor Kim with beautiful black hair and full beard; nice Cat Stevens look;-) With the sweater you already looked like a professor. Micki is beautiful, as always. Congratulations on your study redo and 30 years being togther you dear, dear people!

[pb]

Your wife in the current picture has that long-suffering look. As don't all of ours...

[DSY]

In the second photo you both look kind of tired.

[Kim Riddlebarger]

DSY:

Of course I was tired--ten days of painting, etc.!

[Timimator]

Ten days of painting! How big was that study? I understand about not having enough book cases. Woth wrotong there is no end. Looking forward to the fall when you resume midweek bivle study.