Rachel's Valentine's Article

To appear in the entertainment guide of the Hannibal Courier Post on Saturday, Feb. 1

February is upon us again, That chilly month of ardor that seems to produce equal amounts of warm fuzzies and bitter resentment, depending on who has a current romantic interest. Personally, I am a sucker for all things Valentine, I swoon over countless love songs and I always get teary-eyed at the final scene of The Wedding Singer. I think that, for many people, the reaction is similar. Art can warm the soul just as fast as a bowl of my mom's famous white chili. After all, what is art if not an exclamation of love for something or someone?

For centuries, art and love have been inescapably entwined. From the first time a caveman scratched an account of his conquests into a rock wall in order to impress whichever Cro-Magnon beauty caught his eye, to the sonnets of Shakespeare, and the confessions of passion scribbled inside public restroom stalls, human beings have always felt the need to express their affections for one another in a tangible manner. Although hooting and hollering may have worked for Prehistoric Pete up there, people nowadays have turned to slightly more refined methods of demonstration. Why else would love songs still be so popular? (I recommend "So Close" by Jon McLaughlin -- it'll melt your heart right out of your chest cavity.)

Whether it's a marble sculpture dedicated to the artist's beloved or a misspelled poem given to you by your 7 year old niece, the human race is drawn to those precious moments of adoration, romantic or otherwise. That's why people continue to flock to the love story, whether in a movie, painting, or poem. It's why songs are composed, odes are penned, and portraits painted. Our history has shown that by putting forth effort, by using our hands and minds rather than just our mouths to say those monumental words, "I love you", the sweetness lingers that much longer.

Have a wonderful February, everyone. Spread the love!

mamacat tells all

2008 the year we join the 21st century. The year started for us at the Fox Theatre in St. Louis on New Years Day, Kent and I, Rachel and Jeremy joined a sold-out crowd to watch "Wicked." It was an incredible way to start out the new year, even if it was freezing cold. The play couldn't have been any better. Thanks to Jessitron who gave Re and me tickets for our birthday, and made the trek to the Fox to pick them up before Christmas.

Rachel has not only been accepted to Mizzou at Columbia, she has also been accepted into their highly acclaimed School of Journalism, no small feat as a freshman. Grandmarti and Pa would be so proud of her.

Seth finishes middle school this year, and heads to Crow Canyon immediately afterwards for the big Leap finale. Another Hefley grandchild to follow the tradition. Jessi was in the first group to go.

Kent is going 90 to nothing as usual. He leaves this Thursday for California to see his paternal grandmother whom he hasn't seen since he was a young boy. Her health is starting to fail and wants to reconnect with family that his stepfather ostracized them from. He's also looking forward to his sister Kelly joining him for the long weekend. This will make the adventure even better.

I'm teaching my classes as usual and trying to keep up with everyone and everybody. Not an easy task. Sad that Celia and girls weren't able to make it here for Christmas break. Hopefully they can make it here this spring. Looking forward to Evy's 3rd birthday. This grandmother thing is way better than I ever imagined. Time just goes even faster than it did when my kids were little though. Before we know it Lindy Lou will be coming for week long visits like Evy does now.

That's all for now folks. Leave me comments so I know if it's worth the trouble.