It's actually christmas plus four days. I'm sitting inside our glass castle, just cat and I, awaiting another sunrise. Sometimes I wonder; sometimes I try to guess or estimate how many more sunrises I'll get. How the numbers range: doctors don't/won't tell, "you understand that each cancer patient and their prognosis is different", research: one year to two stats suggest...time, worry, distractions. Pulling me away from this day, this morning's edge of grey skyline, these blended mute shades of desert scrub and distant butte. Pale blue ceiling of star empty sky, lighter now than when I even began these words. I wonder, does another sun rise inside us, an awakening or early light that sets the long day of our life with the same hope and beauty and promise I find in each dawning day? Sometimes I feel, in memory, a similar dawn. My warming families by birth and marriage and parenting, my childhood of dreams and endless, sky-infinte words, how I discovered that reading was the spreading wamth of a sun's illumination with a light that strikes all our reasoning, all our future horizons and shows more real the desert scrub and distant buttes that we reach for and wander thru later in life. I love sunrise. And I'll have as many as this long day of life allows. Sunlight dismisses distractions, worry and time.
Ok, the light is off the the edge and it's time to talk about what was most recently good and interesting. Isn't that why you read these blogs?
What's that song? "I went to a canyon party, and much to my surprise, memories and near retirees' dancing to old rock n' roll?" Maybe it that other tune? "Saturday night at the ET, who cares what picture you see?" So much fun. Peg, after spending a day with Laura and Wendy and Sheila primping and pimping, reminded me of the power of a little black dress. Peggy sue you looked beautiful. i wanted to strut and sway like a lusty young peacock. But hey, at the party, "The joint was jumping, and we went round and round" - thru dinner and dessert and a few drinks, I danced half of every third song, thank you very much. I felt good. Later in the evening, I tired. So I sat, and chatted and shared stories and smiles with so many happy folks, that I thought I was sitting at a happy, happy, joy, joy banquet. we stayed late and after a late burst of energy, like a shadow of Ken ( I can lift you higher!) Phillips, I danced like there was no tomorrow, no sunrise ahead of me or any of the dancing devils, feeling only a liviness of laughter and love that shared moments of joy create.
I know Precious Peggy and I are lucky; cus dog-gone it, people like us. Thank you canyon cousins, your love is as real and deep as the wonderland you live beside. I will be at the Christmas Rotary dance, next year, and that's lot of sunrises isn't it?. I'll stop off here as the bright light of memory is making my eyes feel funny...
See you next sunrise, laughter and love, marcus
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28 comments:
It's funny to think that such lovely words were written just this morning, in a chair that I am looking at, in the same glass house that I am in right now. And here they are on the internet, in an instant running wild and free across the cyber waves of information and exchange. It's pleasant for the unpublished to know that someone is reading what you have to say, that your thoughts are reaching out with long, lettered fingers and touching thinking minds and beating hearts. That they aren't just stored in a dusty journal somewhere, sitting on a nightstand.
At the same time though, even as a young adult whose schoolmate was the internet, a child of the 80's who has known no simpler times, I miss the idea of dusty leather journals and fountain pens. Funny to think of Shakespeare and Austen pounding the keyboard and staring into the glowing light of the monitor, instead of scratching away with quills and fountain pens about pairs of star-crossed lovers and the unrequited love of an inveterate matchmaker.
But I digress. Dusty leather volumes and fountain pens be damned! I am glad that when I am not here, cyberspace can shorten the distance of real space, that surfing the information super highway can serve as some sort of substitute for traveling all the real highways that separate us.
In other words, I appreciate your writing for all of us. So Thanks.
Now let's take down that tree!
Though Wesley has mad language skills, especially when writing about fish and other sea creatures, Peggy is making me take credit for that last comment. Still, it's funny to think of Wes commenting about the subject matter of Jane Austen. If only...
Still lots of x's and lots of o's
-A to the Lena (Beans)
Thanks for the sunrise, Marcus Thanks for you and Peggy, Wes and Alena, and all the rest. I've landed in a family now, and here came the sun.
I wanted to begin with a quote I find relevant, and I still will, although what you and yours have written says so much more. I'll put it here anyway, then try to paste in some photos from our exquisite/wondrous/glorious time with you.
"Before the rain stops, we can hear a bird. Even under the heavy snow, we see snowdrops and some new growth." Suzuki-roshi
Uh Oh How do I put my photos on here? I've tried many things, but none has worked. Help!
Daaaaaaaaaaad... sending you love. I'm ready for some Mexican sunrises... though not of the tequila-nature. See you soon!
xoxo
Mandy
Hey, Marcus, my bro...
Sitting here in the garden room with more than a sun rise, we've got a full sun showing! Warm and toasty in here, tho a bit too cold and windy outside. I keep trying to go work in the gardens but the chill is still there, so maybe later this morning.
Well, the last day of 2007 is here. The sun rises tomorrow on a new year, with hope for you and all of us who love you so. Hope that we both have many, many more of our sunrise phone calls together. Hope that the chemo gives you relief and is attacking those cells that we all hate so much. Hope that a miracle is working inside of you. Hope that those digestive systems keep working as well as yesterday. I hold onto the hope.
It's a quiet New Year's here for PK and me...not like those years ago when we rang in the new year with the bell out by the front gate of the Shell Beach house. And those ice cream sundaes the kids all made late in the evening with everything possible to add to them giving everyone have a collywobble! This morning I added the waistband to Mandy Mae's skirt and we're meeting her for lunch before she flies back to AZ. Then off to meet you all in Mexico!!! Loving you, Marcus, now...let's go enjoy some Mexican sunrises.
Julie
HI there friends in Big Water. I can amost see the sunrise when you are describing it Marcus. I understand how the bright light of memories can make the eyes feel funny. That has been happening to me today as I try to pack for Mexico and looking at all my dive gear and T-shirts from the various places I have been with John...well here I go again. It's all good memories though and I will make more as will you as the year goes o. You are indeed well liked Fuhrmans, and have wonderful family and friends. You are the best and Marcus you continue to be my here. See you in a few days. Love Normie
HAPPY NEW YEAR, MARCUS!!!
It's only 6:30PM but I'm thinking if you here in AG. We just got back from the MOST beautiful sunset at Grover. So pretty, so warm. We drank Emily's best champagne and thought of wonderful memories of our year...camping with all the Fuhrmans in Colorado and the bubbles, the fishing, the fun. Then there's the Thanksgiving time with KJ and Mia and Neeve. And of course our trips to celebrate Pk's and my 60th birthdays. Such a year. Best of all...Mandy's graduation and Wesleyman's wedding...so many shared times with you.
Just know we love you completely and we're hoping for a miracle to happen here in 2008. I love you as does Paul Louis, duh!!!!. We're ringing in a new year with our dreams of more times and memories made with you.
Loving you always,
Julie
hey you people! Post a comment if you're reading. We check several times a day and sooooo love it when there are new posts. We're headed for Flagstaff tomorrow and then to Mexico on Thursday. Every day is truly a gift. We love being with family and friends.
Peggy
Marcus sitting with you and Peg in the El Tovar after the dance will be a memory that will last a long time. It is a fantastic feeling to be with people who have a special place in their hearts for the canyon and the lodge.
The party was over and the lobby was still, only the mounted heads keeping an eye on us the feeling was magical.
The Music Never Stops and we are Going to Hell in Bucket, Going Down the Road Feeling Bad are all sung by a musical poet that can rock you to Peggy-o and give you meaning to life in Black Peter. Now marcus you have something to do to. Look up these songs and listen to them as you watch your endless sun rises.
Peace, Love and GD
Dave
Dear Friends,
I'm heading off to school again today after break, in the Iowa cold. The windchill is -21 this morning, and my mind is slow to start.
With this new year brings hope. With it we send our energy and strength, and wishes for peace and renewal in Mexico. So, go to Flagstaff and let the magic potion do it's work, then head south with your precious clan to renew yourselves. You are always, always in our thoughts!
"reading was the spreading warmth of a sun's illumination "...and reading your blog renders me warm and smiley...
Have had lots and lots of family (36 for dinner/overnight on Christmas Eve...a grand time was had by all :) for the holidays and they are starting now to wander to those (somewhat!) colder, far away places of Minnesota, Pennsylvania, and England. Thinking of you always...and sending Much Love.
"FISH ON"
Kahuna Time in Mexico... Hope you an DanTan get out and catch some Big Uns... Thinking of you: Love from the Harley Charley Gang
Such beautiful words, Marcus. So full of meaning-it made us tear up at the thought of it all. Loving you all the more!
Lori, Scott and Everett
Marcus and Peggy,
It was really wonderful seeing you both at the Rotary Dance. It was made even more fun for all; seeing you both enjoying yourselves. I have a few pictures that I attempted to e-mail, but wouldn't go through. I'll get them on a disk to Bob for you.
Take care and keep warming our imaginations and hearts with your wonderful writings.
Cheryl
Hi, fam of mine! I'm hoping Mexico is warm, calm, and beauteous to the eye. In Ioway, it's BBRRR. MV had over 10 inches of snow. We've tunnels of sidewalks, trying to peer past piles of snow on the main street as we turn corners. I do love the seasons. I'd trade it all to spend more time in the desert with you, though:)
I am also thankful for the technology that connects us!
love and hugs,
Patty
Mr. Fuhrman, or maybe it should be "Marcus" - - would that be weird? If I called you that? It is your name, certainly, so why would it be strange to call a person by what they are rightfully always called? But oh well, after all, a rose by any other name would smell just as sweet; I might even call you... say... Snieldelburg - - strange, but it's the person behind the name that really is the focus, yes? Ahem, so I'll begin again... [insert preferred name here]
I sit here and I read in utter admiration and I contemplate how strong you must be, how beautifully mighty you are -like good ol' Brutus himself- and how lovely it was to share two years of my life with you, every other day, for an hour and a half each day. ^-^
There are very few people who I can say have ever really gotten under my skin, who have ever really delved into my soul and tattooed themselves onto the little memory box inside. You are one of them.
You taught us ignorant English students something more valuable than Shakespeare, something more valuable than grammar and spelling and punctuation (with lovely sound effects, I might add), even something much more valuable than that a Porche is the best car known to mankind - - you taught us about respect, about friendship, about learning, and most of all, about love. Never have I once sat in another classroom and felt like I was one with every other beating heart in the room since your welcoming and engaging classroom. You made us feel like a family, and I guess we still are. Yes, some of us have moved away, and will be moving away, moving on, going forth into this world (hopefully with a little more sense and appreciation than most people have) and towards that peachy orange horizon. But I've discovered that there are things about your past you cannot, no matter if you want to or not, erase from your memory.
We will not remember all of those vocabulary words you taught us. We won't remember the development of a sentence, or the effects syntax has on the meaning of a poem. We won't recall the specific prose used to describe parts of speech. We probably won't remember the initiation song with coordinating conjunctions and semicolons and commas (and how we laughed when Corey had to sing it), or how many drops of paint we accidentally dropped on the carpet painting your room.
No, no. We won't remember any of that heavy-until-after-college English curriculum.
We'll remember the smiles. The jokes. The laughs. All of those times we sat around in complete silence when moments became awkward because reality hit us a little bit harder than expected. We'll remember the lessons learned and the trials overcome. We'll remember the debates that got us questioning our own beliefs. We'll remember the warmth. We'll remember the love.
And we'll move on as kids often-times do (hard to believe, I know). But we will remember you always, Marcus (or Sniedelburg - - whatever), and how you taught us that life was not something to be afraid of enjoying.
Caring for you always, deeply, and lovingly,
Mello
PS: Porches rock and Dubbya' is almost history!! =D
Ah Marcusman, I love you and miss you. Hope you're completely and greatly enjoying Mexico with your fam. We had a wonderful time in Florida, in the 80's, swimmin, golf cart ridin, fishin, roller coastin, and listening to many Marcusisms coming from my little offspring. He misses you most buddy (we argue who misses you most:) ). We can't wait to see you and have Christmas/Birthdays when you all come back. Can't wait to relive our vacations in ole Bilge Water. F and B is doing fine, we stopped by your casa on our way back from LV.
p.s. Back to my reality, back in Page, teaching and the kids were sent home at 12:30 (bad weather, it's SNOWING) can you believe it? We will be on late start schedule tomorrow (Tuesday)and Wednesday (as usual). Laugh heartily! Love you, Shell
p.p.s. Gracie blows kisses, gives the "I don't know" sign with her arms and hands, scrunches up her little face (when she doesn't like you answer), and says "papa".
HA! Snow day in Grand Canyon-large snow-much snow-extending our vacation one more day-snow.....and you all thought YOU had it good....hangin' out on the beach in sunny Mexico--HA!
-TT
PS A note to Melanie (the tree-hugger): I dont' know you, Melanie, but I'd say Porches don't rock near as much as.....YOU DO! So heartwarming to read a student's perspective on Mr. Fuhrman. I'm thinking you hit a bull's eye with that blog post!
I don't know you either, TT, but thanks for the comment. ^.^ Mr. Marcus was perhaps the most influential teacher I've ever had the pleasure of learning from. If I were to blame my desire of becoming a high school English teacher on any sole, it certainly would be him. And I know that, when I stand in front of a classroom of students and unfold my master plan for molding their minds (even though I'm not crafty and I'm not creative - - remember my pillars, Mr. Eff - yeahhh, not so beautiful), I'll think of the someone so very special and unique (it just adds to the wonder in my life to ever have met him) who taught me in 9th and 10th grade (what were we supposed to do again???) of the beauty and quirks of the human spirit (*sings song about coyote in strange cowboy poetry film*). And maybe when I do, I'll smile. I'll look down at those students and hand them a copy of To Kill a Mockingbird or Julius Caesar, listen to the groaning and complaints, and I'll know - - this is what it feels like to be alive. :]
Mello
Tonight is our last night in Mexico and what a trip it has been. I won't reveal too many of the details because I'm sure that Marcus will do so much better than I ever could. Needless to say the sunsets superb, the cerveza cold and perfect after a hike up the driveway, and my dog-bitten foot...healing. Healing like we always do from the love and the loss, the meetings and partings, the splitting of the path in separate directions.
Funny, it's been a perfect vacation for most of me, but the mind- it rarely takes a break. And the heart?? What can you say about the muscle that pumps all day every day, all night every night? Despite the best and the worst?
There are still six days together once we get back and I will do my damndest to appreciate every one of them. And I will do my damndest to appreciate all the ones that come after that. Because in the short time we have known each other, that is something you have reinforced in me. To appreciate- yourself and those around you and all you have together. To share yourself with others and the universe without expectation of return. To, in the words of Dr. Seuss, "be who you are and say what you feel, 'cause those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind."
Anyway, it's about time to get off the computer and appreciate our last night in Mexico.
Much love,
Alena
I hope your trip home was as peaceful as the being there. How lovely to read what you have to say, Marcus, and what all of your friends and family have to offer. I feel so lucky to know you. At this juncture in my own life, the comings and goings mean so very much; the sunrises and sunsets and all that's in-between.
Denny and I have been in Texas for a week or so, and have enjoyed my sons, the weather, and the beauty of the hill country. We've seen a few sunrises ourselves, alone on a lake in the hills (if you can call anything in TX a hill!)
We're searching for a place to spend some warm winter time, and have found a tiny, inexpensive town that just might do it. Maybe we could all have Christmas together there come December again.
Take good care--all of you--and take good care of one another.
much love,
Sharon
Hi Brother and all:
Loved your post of New Year's, Marcus. Makes me jealous, the writing I mean. Are you really in Mex.? You sound great and loved. I admire you, brother. All my (and Mary's) love. Harry
Hey Mr. Furhman...
It's been a time or two since I've seen or heard from you. I hope you remember your favorite high school english student.
I'm sitting at work with a co-worker and no work. So here I am to give you some appreciation, love, and greetings.
Glad to hear that your holidays were awesome, and I hope you bring more joy and inspiration to the new year.
Living, studying, learning, and loving down here in Tucson. Recently finished the school semester and am now an EMT, although an EMT looking to be paid for being an EMT.
Hope to hear from you soon.
If you wouldn't mind you could write me at alfred.evorevo@gmail.com.
Peace and Chicken Grease
Alfred
Welcome back, Fuhrmans, from Mexico! (At least I think you're back.) This is your friendly related weather girl of the upper Midwest trough. I'll be looking for some pics when you recover from sun and sand. Here in Iowa, it was almost 60 a couple days ago. Mucho snow has melted away into rivers (literally) and flood advisories threaten us like the other shoe, waiting to drop. Now it's co-o-old again. Just not right!
I have warm memories of our first Fuhrman/Ankrum/Klopping Christmas together. These will carry me past Spring to the next one! But I won't wait that long to see you next. :)
all my love, you know you got it!
"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, we had everything before us, we had nothing before us, we were all going direct to Heaven, we were all going direct the other way....."
Of course the words of Charles Dickens. Point is that each new day our task, our job, our quest is to choose what it will be for us, the season of light or the season of Dark?
Seems you choose the season of Light, the age of wisdom, the best of times!
I admire the hell out you dude!!!
(Couldn' figure how to make the direct link here but copy and paste these links to see the Marcus video and the Sereena video in which Marcus makes his cameo appearance.)
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-8625490866442334031
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-7449732489174976137
Hey hey neighbor(s)- Eric here! Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, and here's to getting thicker skin and feeling less cold eh? Marcus & Peggy, you guys are always in my heart and prayers. I look over to your little kingdom with a watchful eye all the time. From reading the latest, your world (extended included) sure has been busy! Wonderful. I'm so very happy to see it. Sorry for the lack of contact but a hernia surgery a little over a week ago, a $7k under-foundation plumbing leak since October, and general fussbuckitiness has prevented the casual visit. Gee - I AM jealous now too! (smiles). Much love your way, you guys look great, the pics and site are inspiring. Keep up the quality living and prayers and blessings are being sent your way.
Hugs,
Eric
Ooops, hey Marcus, let me clarify the jealosy comment for a quick second: It's not all the world travel, all the friends, festivities, and food - IT'S ALL YOUR HAIR!
Ok, rant over.....love ya bud!
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