Chagall Windows

These are Marc Chagall's window's in the Hadassah Hospital in Ein Kerem, Israel. They were inspired by Genesis 49, where Jacob blesses his 12 sons, and Deuteronomy 33, where Moses blesses the Twelve Tribes. There are 12 windows, but the window in the middle represents the tribe of Joseph (Benjamin on the right, Naphtali on the left). Beautiful.

A creative way to travel

After several attempts to drive without overheating, we found a mechanic near Orderville who was kind enough to drag us to his shop and provide us with a concoction of antifreeze. After many prayers and fluid refills, AAA finally brought us the rest of the way. We will miss the smell of orange blossoms and the Arizona weather, but it is nice to be back in the snowy mountain tops.

Antifreeze!

I went to Mesa for the weekend with my friend Kristin, and a new friend Katrina. It was good to see some family and friends in Arizona. The trip back to Utah was an adventure. Kristin's car broke down, and we were grateful for the many people along the way went out of their way to help us, such as family, friends and strangers... a generous motel manager, a kind small-town mechanic, and a friendly tow-truck driver. Thank goodness for angels, seen and unseen.

Snow Guardian

This was the best packing snow that has fallen in some time. It started with one little snow ball, and before we knew it, we had created a giant. All that is left of him now is a heap of snow and sticks. Oh well, Abby has many other friends who are less imposing and much more attractive.

Miles to go.

Whose woods these are, I think I know
His house is in the village though
He will not see me stopping here
To watch his woods fill up with snow

My little horse must think it queer
To stop without a farmhouse near
Between the woods and frozen lake
The darkest evening of the year

He gives his harness bells a shake
To ask if there is some mistake
The only other sound’s the sweep
Of easy wind and downy flake

These woods are lovely, dark and deep
But I have promises to keep
And miles to go before I sleep
And miles to go before I sleep - Robert Frost

For us, there was no little horse. Orem is probably the nearest thing to a village... but Frost's poem is timeless, and universal. Some friends and I went snowshoeing in Big Springs canyon. We created a beautiful snow family. Then we watched Kung Fu Panda (excellent film). One of the secrets of life was revealed in this film, namely that yesterday is a dream, tomorrow is a mystery and today is a gift... that is why it is called the present. The woods, the snow, the mountains, kind people and the present... all gifts. Snoeshoeing was a great way to start the new year. What is that? Harness bells shaking? Miles to go. Miles to go.

Skiing (Spanish: Esquiar)

Christmas in Las Vegas was splendid, but it was great to get back to Provo, and to spend a day skiing on the beautiful slopes of Sundance resort with one of my best friends.

The acquarium.

On our way to the Mandalay Bay acquarium, we passed yet another symbol of a thriving civilization, one in which the institution of marriage is upheld.

A lioness, at MGM grand.

I think I'll win this time... one more try... I know I can win the jackpot!

All things testify of God, even the back of a leather jacket.

Fortunately, we were able to find other holy places, right in the middle of a Casino shopping mall. Finally, we found it, true religion.

Las Vegas, from the temple hill.

Lest one consider Las Vegas to be nothing but a completely hedonistic environment, it is appropriate to include a picture of at least a small sign of God's presence.

This same fan was even more excited to see the temple on the outskirts of Las Vegas. It was refreshing to experience the contrast between the dirty downtown "strip" and the clean temple grounds.

Is a Touchdown Really That Exciting?

Although this BYU touchdown is not representative of the less than stellar Cougar performance in the pioneer Las Vegas bowl, at least it captures the excitement of the game, and especially the enthusiasm of a young girl to the left of the camera.

Seasons Greetings!

Hi. My name is John Hancock. Yes. That is really my name, and no, I did not sign the Declaration of Independence. That computer you see in the corner is where I am now writing this web log. Why do I keep this blog? The truth of the matter is that I am waiting to move my belongings from this basement apartment, and perhaps to go skiing, and then to take a trip to Las Vegas with my parents and at least one of my sisters.

In the mean time, elves are preparing Christmas cheer for good little girls and boys. Mrs. Claus is working overtime on the cookies and egg nog, while Santa is on the treadmill. The North Pole is all a bustle. How do they do it? No. Really. How? A lot of people don't even have chimneys, let alone a house, or even a place for reindeer to park.

What a wonderful time of year this is to remember that Jesus Christ, the Creator of all things, our Lord and Savior, was born to Mary in a humble stable, because there was no room for them in the Inn. Angels appeared to shepherds, and wise men came to worship the babe and to give him gifts. Surely they recalled that which Isaiah had prophecied centuries earlier: "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace." (Isaiah 9:6)

Happy Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving was a delight. I have a lot of pictures, and much to record, but for now I will be terse in writing. Thanks for visiting this blog. If you were here, you could sit in this chair, and I would offer you a glass of Kangen water, or orange juice. You could choose a book to read, or strum the guitar. I would show you some artwork (see side panel - albums). We could play a game of backgammon. No. There is not time! It will be Christmas before we know it. There are places to go and people to see. Feel free to relax, rest here for a while, but I must away. Fare thee well.

I suppose what I learned in General Conference can be summed up by what the Lord said: These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. (John 16:33)

And the extra point is...

good! 7 TD passes for Max Hall. This was an inspired performance, a 59 to 0 win for the cougars!

I went to my friend's wedding reception at the Joseph Smith memorial building the night before the game. Jason and Sheali are a cute couple. Jason's in laws are from Wasilla and know Sarah Palin and her family. After the reception JHenry's dad took us to La Cucina, a 5-star Italian restaurant near the Jazz basketball stadium. The owner, Walter, special ordered salad with figs and melon, bruschetta, San Pellegrino water, spinach ravioli and fettucini ragu- and deserts. Ottimo! That was Friday night, the game was Saturday, and after Church on Sunday, Desi and her friend Jessica came over for dinner. These were some of the highlights of this weekend.

The salon

Jared and Lucinda and their kids gather at the Hancock home. The kids love to play with Aunt Abby, but I think C is discovering some amazing things behind the couch.

We had a wonderful stake conference this weekend. The Spirit was strong and we were reminded about the centrality of the family in Heavenly Father's plan. The conference focused on the doctrine that happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when based upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. The principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work and wholesome recreational activities are best taught and practiced in the home. We were privileged to have President Packer, Sister Dibb, Elder Jensen speak in the Marriot center, and later that night Elder Holland gave a CES fireside on the Prophet Joseph Smith and the liberty jail revelations. Elder Holland taught that often the Lord is closest to us in our most trying times, and that these experiences can bring us closer to our Heavenly Father. The choir sang a stirring rendition of Nearer My God to Thee, and My Kindness Shall not Depart from Thee. Thanks for saving me a seat Desi!

Today has been a day of packing boxes with the EEI gang, studying Arabic and pricing laptops.

Last night Mom, Abigail, Annie Shore and I went to the Story Telling festival. They had rows and rows of Crispy Creme donoughts. A Japanese lady told a story about a frog going to the king of heaven to ask for rain... she really got the kids involved. It rained tonight, so maybe that frog did a good job.

Annie's birthday was today... 21 yrs old. We just finished watching The Sound of Music. Classic. I would have liked to take some pictures of the party, but I didn't have my camera with me. We ate hamburgers, jumped on the trampoline and now as I write the VonTrapp family is escaping from Austria. Mom got out her wedding dress and another dress she purchased some time ago, and the Lopez girls tried them on. Annie was sweet to invite me to her party.

This is a picture of Dad and I just before playing a few games of tennis. Thanks Dad.

I enjoy art, drawing, painting, and just creating things (like a blog). This is a watercolor painting I did as a freshman at BYU. Recently my interest in art was rekindled when my Uncle Mike, my cousin Jacquie and I went to a Leonardo da Vinci exhibit at the University Mall. There were 60 or more replicas of his machines and inventions. After watching a video about Da Vinci's life and works and touring the museum, creative juices were flowing, so my Uncle Mike and I sat at a table in the Lobby to draw while Jacquie shopped for clothes. Maybe I'll post more drawings to make sure I keep it up. I'm going to try to bring my camera around with me more so that I can take pictures of the people, places and things I write about. This week has been one of packing boxes at the warehouse (Emergency Essentials), working on a French to English translation project with my dad, and engaging in wholesome recreational activities. My ward went wakeboarding a couple of days ago, and my sun-burn is slowly turning into a tan. Next time I'll bring a camera. Hopefully I can post some more exciting things in the near future, but for now you will just have to be content with a picture of candles and vases.

And the rockets red glared...

The stadium of fire was all it was meant to be, and it reminded me of the freedoms and privileges that we enjoy that were bought at so high a price. The Higginson reunion was a success that further reminded me of the privilege and blessing it is to belong to a loving family. I don't have much to recount, but it has been a good day, and I am grateful to be alive.

"In His Constant Care"

"For behold, I say unto you there be many things to come; and behold, there is one thing which is of more importance than they all- for behold, the time is not far distant that the Redeemer liveth and cometh among his people." (Alma 7:7)

I like this painting of the Savior Jesus Christ, by Greg Olson. I have a small card print of this painting in my room. It reminds me of His loving kindness, meekness and mercy. I know that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that He was crucified for our sins. Heavenly Father loves each of us. I know that He watches over us and takes care of us, like Jesus watching over these small birds. I know that Jesus Christ lives, and that He will someday return to earth (Isaiah 40:5). I know Joseph Smith is a true prophet of God, and that he translated the Book of Mormon by the power of God. I also know that President Monson is the living prophet today. I love the Gospel and the hope that it brings to my life and the lives of others.

Last weekend my cousin Lorna was sealed to her eternal companion in the Bountiful Temple. My mom and I were privileged to be in attendance. We were also blessed to reunite with so many Higginsons, and to eat at Masburger's sandwhich shop after visiting the Adam and Rachel Pike's lovely home.

Horton Hears Who?

I knew that Horton heard something! Sure enough, there were little people living on that speck of dust, just like Horton thought. I don't know what all those whos were worried about though... it looks like they were having a great time.

This week I helped out a bit at Red Mountain, since secretary's day (or the politically and nonsensically correct administrative assistant's day) was upon us, and Mother's day around the bend. Thank heavens for a day in which to be thankful for mothers... even though that should be every day.

On Balance

Beautiful, but chilly day. Abigail was awesome as usual in her feats of bravery on the pitch. She had a great pass that could have gone for an assist, and her team played well today.

Tonight is her last night of Seussical the Musical - I went last night and was thoroughly entertained. Abby was a who. As Horton sat on the egg and thought of his little friends on the speck of dust, with an encumbered Gertrude McFuzz trying desperately to capture his attention, I could only think: how lucky you are. It was an impressive and colorful performance.

Tonight was ward party night at the Rock Canyon Park. We ate hamburgers and enjoyed each other's company with a view of the temple spire and the sunset over Utah lake. On balance, it has been a blessed week.

In the bubble

Last weekend Uncle Mike, my Dad's youngest brother, came to town and we went to watch Anne Marie's soccer game. She was awesome, so much so, that her coach told her not to score any more goals. She already had a hat-trick in the first half, and her passes are on target. Annie's team came out victorious.

Abby graciously agreed to pretend like she was stealing the ball from me. I look forward to playing more soccer.

Today was a good day. I felt somewhat productive at work, and I ate a couple of MREs for lunch. I think they are good... nothing like Annie's pasta al forno or Desi's lucky irish sauce, but definitely comestible. It makes me feel grateful for the troops in Iraq. On Monday, my mom and I attended a presentation on the country of Morocco, given by a native Moroccan man. The country is fascinating to me... the culture, traditions, and especially their attitudes toward the importance of the family greatly impressed me. Fez seems like a place I would like to visit. I would like to take some more Arabic classes, in sha'allah (God willing). But I am happy with life in the bubble.

Sour Power!

Isn't she beautiful! Abby is the kind of person who always brightens my day. She has the ability to make lemonade when life brings lemons, and even better then that, she can get electric voltage out of a lemon for a science fair project.

Thank you Abigail. You are the best. You are a blessing to this blog.

Preparation for Spring

While I'm on the subject of warehouses, this is a picture of where I used to work, gathering flowers, packing and transporting them to various clients, or, when the occasion arises, to a special someone who might come my way.

All this until I have my own warehouse I suppose.

It is good to have a reminder of spring even in the cold of winter.

Back to Essentials

One may be brought to ask, what does this picture have to do with anything? I would respond, very little. Except that this is where I am working part time. It's nothing fancy, but it pays the bills, and there are good people involved.

Basically I get to play warehouse man with a bunch of warehouse buddies, picking, packing, shipping the goods - from water filters and buckets of wheat to medical supplies and books on how to grow your own sprouts. It can be a good workout as well.

In cucina di nuovo (In the kitchen again)

My sister Anne Marie and I became Italian chefs for a night to make this pasta al forno Bolognese. We adapted a recipe to the ingredients that were available at Reams, and to our taste. At one point we had all four burners going, the oven on, pasta straining in the caulinder, and ingredients scattered about everywhere. It was a lot of fun. Dad and Abigail came over to sample the final product, which was, in my humble opinion, quite palatable. Buonissimo!!! Bravissima Anna Maria... you are a true cookin' mamma!

In cucina...

This is Desi, in her beautiful sleeping bag coat, gracing my kitchen. She taught me how to make a delicious tortilla soup, and a magic condiment that I like to call lucky Irish sauce. I brought some lucky Irish sauce to work and some co-workers were charmed by its gaelic goodness.

Strike!!! actually, dad had a turkey in the last 3 frames, but this was a gutter ball.

Old School Versaball

A good friend

This is my first blog! My friend Desi (lovely young lady in the black shirt) sent me this picture of us at a party with some friends from her ward. Desi and I have carved pumpkins together, attended a benefit concert, a Jewish festival, BYU and ward basketball games, etc. Needless to say, she is, as the French might say, "tres sympa."