Sunday, March 24, 2024

Wrapping up March and Looking Forward to April

Hello, Friends.

Out like a lion or a lamb? This is the big question as we wrap up the month of March. We have seen winds for kite flying, hints of beautiful weather to come day after day, more sunlight, sprouting plants and flowers, returning birds. These hints and promises of great weather and growth are an exciting time for us. April brings our International Friends Spring Break!

Holy Week

Holy Week began with Palm Sunday (March 24). This Sunday celebrated that day that Jesus returned to Jerusalem to celebrate Passover (the Jewish holiday celebrating the Hebrews' freedom from slavery in Egypt). Maundy Thursday (March 28) observes the day Jesus celebrated the Passover meal and instituted the sacred act of Holy Communion or Eucharist. Jesus is condemned to death on Good Friday (March 29)  and rises from the dead on Easter Sunday (March 31).

You are invited and welcomed by Cornerstone Lutheran Church to join us as we celebrate these dates. Find out more and come and see!

Cornerstone Lutheran Holy Week Service Schedule


Meetings and Classes

International Friends Spring Break April 1-5: No meetings or classes!

International Bible Study: Monday, 8:00-9:00 PM EST (UTC-5), Zoom

We finished reading the New Testament with the last chapters of Revelation 19-22. These chapters are filled with the glory of the Lord. We see the description of Jesus as the one who is Righteous and True and now comes to exact judgement.

March 25: Let us read Mark 15 and 16 and revisit the first Holy Week and the saving work of Jesus who came out of love to save the world and not condemn it (John 3: 16-17) and who comes in glory in the last days. We will pick our next read.

American Sign Language: Tuesday, 5:00-6:00 PM EST (UTC -5), Zoom

We met and told each other briefly about a situation or experience. We are discovering gaps in our vocabulary as we encompass new topics and extend our attempts to communicate in different contexts.

March 26: Take a half an hour or hour to "interpret" a radio program, a television news article, a written article. Be prepared to tell us about your mad skills and enlighten us with the message.

American English and Culture: Thursday, 9:00-11:00 AM EST (UTC-5), Zoom

This week we met at the iWi International Women's celebration luncheon. We had a great time seeing our Friend's tabletop presentations of their home countries. Our Friend Feddy performed stand-up comedy that explained how we "split our brains" and become two people when we are bilingual. What happens when we are multilingual?!!

Kris, Cynthia, and I enjoyed talking with everyone. We loved watching everyone chatting comfortably and noticed how far everyone has come. 

March 28: We are back on Zoom and wrapping up our business/professional language with the following topics: considering options and choices and presenting ideas. The United States is the land of opportunities. How do you consider and prioritize? 

April 4: Spring Break but, you won't catch a break! Pick a tune and write a song (in English)

April is creative month. We are exploring writing poetry and songs. Fine tune your English cadence and pronunciation. Expand and explore and play with English.

April 11: Were you up to the challenge? Bring your song to class to fine tune.

April 18: Explore some more. What are--

April 25: Meet at CLC for open mic.

Kids' Conversation and More: Friday, 5:30-6:00 PM EST (UTC-5), Zoom

Wow! What a fun meeting. We learned about a Japanese Youtuber and his dog Tempo. We found out that you can meet with Youtubers that you are a fan of. How do you find out where they will be? Here

And speaking of dogs and dragons...Tbe NeverEnding Story is a great movie. It is available on The Internet Archive (this is seriously a wonderful source for documents an so much more!).

And then there is Taylor Swift! She the phenom sweeping the music scene. Fans are called "Swifties" and have a huge impact on the music world. When Taylor tries a new genre of music, they follow and embrace the new style. 

March 29: Watch The NeverEnding Story. Let's talk about it! 

Words and Phrases

embrace: welcome, accept, include

encompass: include, comprehend

enlighten: teach us but don't school us

exact: call forth

extend: reach beyond

fine tune: a pun!

genre: classification or type

mad skills: slang for excellently trained and performed talent

out of [love]: an action that is the result of [love]

up to the challenge: successful

Thursday, March 14, 2024

March Winds and Weather

Hello, Friends.

What keeps you up at night? This is the popular question for what bothers you or what is your pet concern. What do your worry about and then how do you plan and work to remove what bothers or concerns you? We had some severe weather locally that kept some of us up at night toward the end of the week. Fridays sirens are tested each week. Review siren 

National Weather Service Outdoor Warning Sirens FAQ

This Week's Hot Topics

When something is going down, bystanders can be in the line of fire. Some people get involved and become and active bystanders. Notre Dame AU offers some specific suggestions for students. RAINN offers more tips and techniques. One diffusing tactic includes offering food to the people involved. This was a tactic my mom always used.

Summer School (or Summer Camp for language learners) and Classes: IU in Indianapolis is offering six week intensive English classes. Learn more: Program for Intensive English.

Meetings and Classes

International Bible Study: Monday, 8:00-9:00 PM EST (UTC-5), Zoom

Revelation 18 tells in detail about the fall of a decaying society. Reading these accounts often generates sympathy and concern for the people that go along with the evil actors. Revelation 18 forewarns what happens. People who profit from the evil in city stand back and watch God's judgement. The fall occurs in just an hour. Righteous are warned to leave before the destruction.

March 18: Next week we begin with reading Revelation 19.

American Sign Language: Tuesday, 5:00-6:00 PM EST (UTC -5), Zoom

We were not able to meet as a class, but a couple of us met in person. Exploring and talking in person is different from online. ASL is a physical language and talking with each other is easier. It is time to continue to grow our vocabulary and skills by capturing events our lives.

March 19: 

  • Choose two events or programs on TV and spend a half an hour to an hour narrating/interpreting the event in ASL. Tell us how it went.
  • Review up to Unit 6 in ASL at Work from the Internet Archive. Be prepared to tell us what was new and what you knew.

American English and Culture: Thursday, 9:00-11:00 AM EST (UTC-5), Zoom

Solving problems and taking responsibility are an important of conducting business both privately and in the workplace. We had a great discussion about working together and delivering and receiving goods and services. We talked broadly about respect, transparency, smiling, offering and negotiating solutions. Apologies can a part of problem solving as well as accepting an apology. The bottom line? Recognize people and acknowledge their needs. Be open to suggestions. Be authentic. Keep your sight on the goals and the steps to achieve them.

March 21: In-Person at the IWI Women's Day Banquet.

Kids' Conversation and More: Friday, 4:30-5:00 PM EST (UTC-5), Zoom

No leprechaun traps! Therefore, no leprechauns were caught. Carolyn was on a road trip, so Zoom did not work as well with cell phone handoffs.

March 22: Share birthday parties and weekend trips.

Words and Phrases

an hour: "an" is used here rather than "a", which is the usual rule when using "a" or "an"

authentic: sincere

bottom line: important points

going down: is happening; usually used with something negative or illegal

handoffs: transfers from one thing to another

how it went: what happened

in the line of fire: at danger

keep your sight on: focus

stand back: withdraw; become a bystander

tactic: something done to achieve a goal

that go along with: accompany

Sunday, March 10, 2024

Making Up and Lost Time

Hello, Friends.

Spring breaks are sprouting up all over! Many local colleges are breaking mid-March. Students flock to Florida looking for fun, but there are plenty of things to do and see around Indiana. 

This month is business month. As we go about our business, be thinking about how often you connect with people and conduct business. We are highlighting spoken events and Google translate (or other apps) fill our conversational gaps. Written American English plays a big role in our conversations and expressing ourselves. Presenting ourselves to others smooths relationships. The same goes for how we present ourselves on paper. AI is proving to be a great tool for bridging written communication. 

Perfect Your Elevator Pitch(es)

What is the one phrase that describes you and your intentions. This can be different from moment to moment or event to event. How do you communicate who you are and what you can give or what you need? 

  1. Introduce yourself?
  2. What makes you unique?
  3. What are your goals?
  4. What can you offer?

The Oscars and The American Heart

Enjoy this Oscar nominated short about music and people who fix broken instrument provide children with the tools to live life to the fullest and pursue happiness. The Last Repair Shop. People come together to work to help children achieve their dreams. Do you hear their stories? 


Do you hear their elevator pitch in their stories?

Local Indiana Fun

Hamilton County 

Anderson Madison County Visitors

Spring Break in Madison County


Minnetrista Glass Egg Hunt: March 23, 10:00 AM-1:00 PM free event. Hunt for beautiful glass eggs ($20 each, created by Ball State glass artists (in training)). Carolyn vouches for this event. It is worth the drive. Let her know if you plan to go!

Cornerstone Lutheran Church Egg Hunt: our host and sponsors have great plans for our children. Join the fun with a secular event: Easter Egg Hunt for kids up to the fourth grade. Sign up and enjoy!

Daylight Savings Time

We did "spring forward" on Sunday. This can be rough over the next few days depending on your schedule. Here in central Indiana, our kids get on the bus in the morning in the dark, so be sure to keep your eyes open! 

Daylight-saving time is literally killing us. It's time to end this switch.  

Count Down to the Eclipse: April 8, from 1:50 to 4:25 PM

A swath of the Midwest is in the path of the total eclipse. Get excited!

There is no school that day. Get prepared! You do not want to look at the sun. Cool Creek Park has glasses for $3.00 each. There are other outlets in Hamilton County to pick them upWhere to Get Glasses

Solar Eclipse at Minnetrista Enjoy a weekend of Eclipse activities and festivities April 6-April 6.

In America: Things to Know

COVID now falls under respiratory viruses. Check the CDC website for recommendations.

St. Patrick's Day (March 17) celebrates all things Irish. But who is St. Patrick and why the shamrock is a symbol of Ireland? This lovely article The Shamrock and the Holy Trinity from Finnish author Mari-Anna StÃ¥lnacke describes St. Patrick and his mission.

Ramadan is the next 40 days (March 10-April 18) and is observed by fasting during daylight hours. Be mindful of our Friends and neighbors. Invitations for lunch and coffee need to be saved for another time. And speaking of time, here is a great article about iftar (fasting time) Ramadan: Fasting hours and iftar times around the world. And, speaking to your neighbors: Ramadan Mubarak! 100 Ramadan Wishes and Greetings to Honor the Holy Month.

Tweaking English: One Word or Two? 

“In any language it is a struggle to make a sentence say exactly what you mean.”

 —Arthur Koestler 

American English includes many “problematic pairs” that provoke native speakers and language learners alike.  In many cases, the pronunciation is the same, but the grammar and usage may be quite different, especially in formal writing.  Do you know these?

 A lot, alot, or allot? 

A lot (adjective):  many/much. Example: 

He made a lot of money last year, so he had a lot of friends.

 Alot: “Alot” is NOT a word.  There are a lot of other words you can choose.

Allot (transitive verb): To portion or dole out an amount of money or goods. Example:  

  • Social Security allots her $800 per month.  
  • Her allotment (noun) arrives on the first of the month.

 Already or all ready?

Already (adverb): describes a completed action. Example: 

They already consulted a realtor about buying a new house.

All Ready (adverb): fully prepared. Example: 

The cooler is packed; we are all ready for the picnic. 

All right or alright?

All right (adverb):  satisfactory, good, pleasing; safe, well. Example:  

Is it all right if I call you this evening?  I want to make sure you are all right after the accident.

Alright: Alright is NOT a word.  It isn’t all right to use it in formal contexts.

 All together or altogether? 

All together (adverb): two or more people or things assembled in a group or united in goals; at the same time. Example: 

We were all together for the first family reunion in ten years.

Altogether: (adverb). Entirely, wholly, or completely. Example: 

They were altogether foolish to overspend on vacation.

 A while or awhile?

A while (noun): a period or amount of time. Tip:  A while is often used after a preposition e.g. in a while, for a while, after a while. Examples: 

  • A while ago I talked to the team on a conference call.  
  • We will delay the changes in policy for a while.
Awhile (adverb): for a while; for some time. Tip:  Awhile usually comes after the verb. Examples: 
  • I usually read awhile after I go to bed.
  • I exercise awhile each day.  

Buy into or buy-in? 

Buy into (transitive verb):  To agree with, accept, or believe; to purchase part of a business in order to have some control over it. Examples: 

I don’t buy into the idea that the Midwest is boring.

He bought into the new software company in Indianapolis because he liked living in Indiana. 

Buy-in (noun): The acceptance or support of something (an idea, plan, or policy); the actual purchase of a part of a business. Example:  

Without buy-in from the players, the new basketball coach will fail, and the team co-owner’s buy-in wouldn’t earn him a profit.

Meetings and Classes

American Sign Language: Tuesday, 5:00-6:00 PM EST (UTC -5), Zoom

We continue to stretch our abilities. Now that we have a comfortable vocabulary in our close community, we are looking outside of this to expand our capabilities by practicing. We are using ASL at Work from the Internet Archive. You can subscribe to the videos that are companion through Dawnsign Press.

March 12: Review up to Unit 6. Read and practice Unit 6. The goal here is to validate what you know and to help you understand ASL grammar and word order. Practice this week by interpretive signing along for at least an hour. What did you know? Where did you get hung up? What words/phrases did you need to fingerspell for the moment? Some examples: Watch basketball or racing (number review, ordination, names)

And here are some Workplace Signs.


Thinking about apologies. Here is Apologize interpreted by Bella 

Thinking about your "elevator pitch."

International Bible Study: Monday, 8:00-9:00 PM EST (UTC-5), Zoom

We read and talked about Revelation 16 and 17. Revelation 16 tells about the final plagues. There is justice and consequences (verses 6-7) that are the result of the people refusing to repent (verses 9 and 11). Observations included:

Revelation 16:14: Be careful not to be tricked by miraculous sights and get deceived by those that only wish to harm others and self-gain.

Revelation 16: 15: Jesus says to be ready. He also says to stay clothed so as not to be shamed. We reflected that in Genesis and the Garden, Adam and Eve were naked until they sinned and God provided them with clothing to cover their shame. Jesus continues to "clothe believers in righteousness" through His actions. 

Revelation 16: 18: There is an earthquake bigger than what has happened. For those of us who have lived through massive earthquakes and still live with rebuilding from the destruction, this hits home.

Revelation 17: This chapter provides a vision accompanied by an explanation. People continue to struggle with understanding even the explanation (which could indicate that this time has not come). What is clear is that the evil who are destructive and rejoice harming others ultimately hate turn against leaders and destroy each other.

March 11: Join us as we continue to read and learn together beginning with Revelation 18.

Sidebar discussionJohn 3:16-17 describes Jesus' mission (His elevator pitch). Does Holy Week portend Revelation? Jesus cleanses the temple. Depending on where you read the story, there could be a question of whether this event happened once or twice. Take a look at each of the Gospels: Matthew 21:12-16, Mark 11:15-18, Luke 19:45-47, John 2: 13-16

American English and Culture: Thursday, 9:00-11:00 AM EST (UTC-5), Zoom

Our study for the week was negotiation and arguments. Lucky for us our casual conversation opened with the week was vaccinations which opened the discussion for arguments. Arguments are not always hostile discussions. An argument can be a disagreement or opposing positions on a topic. Arguments can be thought provoking. Keep your cool and don't let your opponent get your goat. Check our Handouts page for handy phrases.

  • Negotiation is not just limited to business transactions. Family members negotiate throughout the day to solve problems and make decisions.
  • In the United States many things are nonnegotiable (or non-negotiable). Do not expect to negotiate prices at stores like Walmart and Target. Do not expect to negotiate your medical costs (that is the job of your insurance provider-call them. Also, the pharmacist may help you find alternative pricing but they do not set the price, this comes from your insurance).
  • Large ticket items like cars and appliances and houses can be negotiated, although many car companies have flat rate pricing now (because car salesmen have a bad reputation for high pressure sales).
  • Americans usually do not care to negotiate so if you are at a yard sale, don't expect to get a lower price (but it may not hurt to try).
  • Negotiations are not limited to money; intangibles can be part of the deal.

March 14: Solving problems and taking responsibility requires the ability to communicate and gain consensus. How do you solve problems? Do you own up to mistakes? How do you make amends? What are the usual positions of Americans when confronting problems and taking responsibility? Find handy phrases on our Handouts page. And 

Kids' Conversation and More: Friday, 5:30-:6:00 PM EST (UTC-5), Zoom

We talked a little bit about St. Patrick's Day and how we celebrate it (or not) in our home countries. In the United States, we love to celebrate St. Pat's. It is a fun excuse to get together and celebrate. We talked about what we would wish for if we caught a leprechaun. It's fun to compare notes about what would be good to be able to do or to have.

Since we Spring Forward on Sunday, March 10, our class runs from 5:30-6:00 PM EST (UR

March 15: Create a leprechaun trap! Myths and Legends of Leprechauns: 20 Facts from Discover Something New Every Day can help you plan a trap that would be attractive and catch one of these tricky creatures!

Want to read some fun books about Leprechauns? 21 Awesome Leprechaun Books for Kids has a good list of picture books as well as books for older readers for everyone to enjoy.

Words and Phrases

get your goat: do not get angry or annoyed

go about our business: live our daily lives

hits home: is relevant; strikes our heartstrings

is proving: demonstrating that something works

just to be safe: when something isn't necessarily necessary, but you do it anyway

lucky for us: conveniently

keep your cool: stay calm (here are Five Ways to Keep Your Cool and Ten Tips for Keeping Your Cool)

miraculous: amazing

on paper: in written form; this is also encompasses (includes) e-mails, etc.

opened: started, began

outlets: stores or other places to get something

own up to: admit when you do something (usually wrong or offensive, but maybe when you did something nice...I got a bouquet of flowers, but I don't know who sent them.

pick [them] up: get something

portend: foreshadow

saved for another time: take a rain check

sidebar discussion: something that is related but not

swath: a broad strip or area of something

take a look at: read through or review something informally

time has not come: 

Want: Do you want


Sunday, March 3, 2024

Welcome March!

 Hello, Friends.

This year is flying by. I am always surprised when March rolls around. March is coming in like a lamb in the Midwest, but the Western mountains saw amazing amounts of snow. 

Listen and watch this YouTube video for a great explanation. BUT listen to the automated voice. What qualities do you notice? What qualities are lacking?

Tickle your fancy and brush off your poetry skills with this read aloud.

The Farmer's Almanac is the source for predicting weather patterns and declaring lore in an intersection way. Ben Franklin wrote Poor Richard's Almanac which was published once year for 25 years. Ben Franklin is known for more than his publishing; he was an inventor and investigator. He is credited for discovering electricity by flying a kite that had a key hanging off the string (read this account in the National Archives), 

And to bring it all back to March...This month is famous for winds and stormy weather.

It was one of those March days when the sun shines hot and the wind blows cold: when it is summer in the light, and winter in the shade.~ Charles Dickens

March Madness 

March Madness goes beyond the weather. It is all about collegiate basketball. Make your picks and fill out your bracket. No matter how close you follow the teams, you can be sure that underdogs will triumph and the unexpected is the norm.

The NCAA comprehensive guide the explains brackets, mascots, legends, and lore. Your picks based on mascots, colors, or just because you know someone that attends or attended the school is valid!

March Dates to Celebrate

There are many opportunities to celebrate in March (what's up with this?). Don't be afraid to own a day or two and celebrate from this list from USA Today.

March 4: National Grammar Day--Ahhhh! Here is a day near and dear to our hearts!

March 8: International Women's Day

March 10: Daylight Savings Time (DST) Spring your clocks forward ...and read the Indiana perspective

March 10: Ramadan begins (read more from Britannica)

March 14: Pi Day (3.14, get it? Celebrate all things circle and pie)

March 15: St. Patrick's Day: Everyone is Irish today! Celebrate with corned beef and cabbage (not Irish) and green beer (not Irish).

March 15: The Ides of March-Beware! 

March 17: March Madness-Selection Sunday

March 19-20: March Madness-First Four

March 19: Spring Equinox

March 20: Purim is a joyous Jewish celebration. Check the bakery for triangular hamantaschen pastries.

March 21-22: March Madness-First Round

March 23-24: March Madness-Second Round

March 24: Palm Sunday is the first day of the Christian Holy Week.

March 25: Holi is the Indian festival of colors celebrating the beginning of spring. 

March 26: Make Up Your Own Holiday! As if there are not enough fun days in March, just make up your own holiday and custom.

March 28: Maundy Thursday celebrates the Last Supper Jesus celebrated with His disciples. The Christian sacred practice of Holy Communion or the Eucharist was instituted on this night.

March 29: Good Friday is the day Jesus died on the cross.

March 28-29: March Madness-Sweet Sixteen

March 30-31: March Madness-Elite Eight

March 31: Easter is the day Jesus rose from the dead fulfilling the Gospel. Easter is also a secular holiday celebrated in the United States. Chocolate Easter bunnies, marshmallow Peeps, and egg hunts celebrate this spring holiday.

American English

Quotation marks play a bigger role in written English that for letting you know when someone is talking or has said something. Quotation marks are also used to indicate title of a book or article. Quotation marks can be used to show that a particular word or phrase has a significant meaning or that the word is a topic of the sentence rather than used in the sentence. There are double quotation marks (" ") and single quotation marks (' '). In American English, we only use single quotation marks when someone being quoted is quoting someone else:

Carolyn said, "I really don't like when we spring forward. It feels too early! But, as Benjaman Franklin said, 'Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise.' I guess there might be an advantage to this afterall!"

Notice the punctuation marks (periods, exclamation points) are inside the quotation marks. This is the American way. Periods and commas always go inside the quotation mark when in America, but in the UK they may go outside (or check your style manual).

Let's not forget about "air quotes." When people use two curly, bunny ear fingers either once or twice when they are talking. Watch this YouTube video to learn more.


Want to "geek out"? 

Meetings and Classes

American Sign Language: Tuesday, 5:00-6:00 PM EST (UTC -5), Zoom

We giggled over signs featuring the "L" shape. Moving forward we are concentrating on building our phrasing and ASL grammar. The team has continued to grow and is moving beyond basic language. 

March 5: We begin our study of "business" language and ASL. Come prepared to talk about negotiation and arguing. Is there a difference? How do you interrupt or ask for more information? What things are negotiable? 

International Bible Study: Monday, 8:00-9:00 PM EST (UTC-5), Zoom

Revelation 14 proved to be a rollercoaster ride. Verse 7 announces that "the hour of God's judgment has come." While it is human nature to get caught up in dramatic and terrible scenes, this chapter has a great deal of information about God and the motives and reactions of people. 

Revelation 14: 1 and 9 tells that people will be identified whether they are the people of God or follow Satan by marks on their foreheads. 

Angels announce events and outcomes. Yet, even to the last hour, verse 6 and 7

6 Then I saw another angel flying in midair, and he had the eternal gospel to proclaim to those who live on the earth—to every nation, tribe, language and people. 7 He said in a loud voice, “Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come. Worship him who made the heavens, the earth, the sea and the springs of water.”

Revelation 14-20 describes what God's justice looks like. This vision portrays justice that comes only when the time is ripe. Jesus is given the task of meteing out justice just as He was the sacrifice for all. 

Revelation 15 opens with victory and a glimpse of heaven and the glory of God. The stage is set. Angels are sent out with final plagues. The power of God's glory fills the temple and no one can enter until after the final plagues. Awesome!

March 4: We begin with Revelation 16 and the final plagues on the people with the mark of the beast and their response.

American English and Culture: Thursday, 9:00-11:00 AM EST (UTC-5), Zoom

Civil discourse is talking about topics that are emotionally charged. Handling controversial subjects is important 

March is Business Communications month at American English and Culture. Business "language" is a formal "language" in the U.S. Meeting expectations at work or interacting with other people in a "business" environment. This can include shopping and stores, yard sales and informal markets, attending concerts, movies, or other entertainment events, obtaining services like hair cuts, massages, etc. 

March 7: You aren't off the hook! How many compound words did you find in the February 25 Update post? The writing prompt for that week was to write a short piece using 20 or more compound words...share your work.

Negotiating and arguing. Is there a difference between these? What are the words and phrases and behaviors to drive your point or communicate your position. 

How do you negotiate? Do you split the difference? Are you a proponent of win win? How do you "get to yes"? Should everyone be satisfied at the end of a negotiation? In the United States we do not negotiate as a matter of course. Do not expect to talk down your pharmacy costs or your purchases at the grocery store or any big box store. You may negotiate with people at a yard sale or for a car, but most Americans shy away from negotiating with their neighbors.

March 14: Solving problems and taking responsibility requires the ability to communicate and gain consensus. How do you solve problems? Do you own up to mistakes? How do you make amends? What are the usual positions of Americans when confronting problems and taking responsibility?

March 21: In-Person at the IWI National Women's Month Celebration. Kris still has space at her table, so join us. Email us at indyintlfriends@gmail.com if you would like to attend or have a guest you would to accompany you. Practice professional communications such as showing interest and expressing appreciation, making small talk, questioning, and maintaining understanding.

March 28: Considering options and choices and presenting ideas. The United States is the land of opportunities. How do you consider and prioritize? 

Kids' Conversation and More: Friday, 4:30-5:00 PM EST (UTC-5), Zoom

Thanks for a super fun meeting! Our Friend described what is Leap Year and Leap Day and why this day is important to our calendar. Our Friends voted whether "time" was a natural or manmade construct. What do you think?

March 8: Let's talk about fun March dates and lore: St. Patrick's Day

Words and Phrases

drive your point: convince the your opponent in an argument

emotionally charged: makes us react on an emotional level

big box: Walmart, Costco, Kohls, etc.

construct: invention or ideology created to support a human idea or something that helps us to work together

in: we would often say "from the National Archives" but if you click the link you are taken to the archives and are literally there, not taking the article out of the archives

manmade construct: something made up by people to make life easier

meteing out: deciding

near and dear to our hearts: Love it!

own a day or two: This is a little complicated! Sooooo here is the long view: own=make it yours, celebrate or admit that this is something you do. "a day or two"=this is not limiting in number, please pick all that you want as an excuse to celebrate life with your family and friends.

rollercoaster ride: something that is positive and negative and positive and negative and positive

super: excellent or most wonderful when used idiomatically

talk down: negotiate a lower price for something

What/s up with this: Why is this happening? Why is this important? What is wrong with [fill in the blank-like "with mom"]


Sunday, February 25, 2024

Wrapping Up February

Hello, Friends.

Do you miss spring and summer activities? Spring is on its way, but meanwhile, enjoy some indoor markets:

Favorite you pick farms that continue to have a storefront throughout the winter months:

Friend Media Recommendations

The Moth Podcast: the art and craft of storytelling

Born a Crime by Trevor Noah: a story about apartheid in South Africa. Read the book. A You Tube summary


Heros and Gratitude

This article in Positive Psychology talks about the importance of gratitude and our wellbeing. Expressing gratitude can be done in many ways...Fair warning: I feel a song coming on!


Famous Hoosier Word Hunt

Find Hoosiers to admire or emulate in this word hunt. 


Why word hunts? They help us to recognize letter combinations typical in a language. This particular one indicates historical naming conventions of our Hoosier community. Any of these people is worth the time to read a Wikipedia article (or dive deeper) to learn more about the people that are important in shaping American culture.


Tweaking English

Compound words are interesting. Apart, the words mean one thing, but when combined the take on different meaning. 

Webster describes three types of compound words:

  • Solid: firefighter, sometimes, babysit, bedroom, airport
  • Hyphenated: up-to-date, double-check, cost-effective
  • Open: health care, ice cream, jack in a box
More fun facts:
  • Not all compound words are listed in dictionaries and style (or the way these words are written and used) are up to the writer-editor and can vary.
  • Compound words can be any part of speech: noun, verb, adjectives. 
  • When compound words are verbs they are often called phrasal verbs.
  • Compound Words: Open, Closed or Hyphenated offers more information about these words (that may be phrases)
  • Cut to the chase with this list of 1000 Compound Words (have some fun and search a few of them; you will discover that they may or may not be written as "closed" words across the internet-which is not a compound word).
How many compound words are in this Update? The winner gets a prize!


Meetings and Classes

American Sign Language: Tuesday, 5:00-6:00 PM EST (UTC -5), Zoom

Talked about Abraham Lincoln. One fun and funny "mispronunciation" is that if you miss sign Lincoln (for the president) the common slang sign loser (slang for someone who doesn't fit in).


February 27: Sign about your heroes. Tell about Leap Day.


International Bible Study: Tuesday, 8:45-9:45 PM EST (UTC-5), Zoom

The first portion of our meeting was spent on logistics. We are moving this Zoom meeting to Monday, 8:00 PM Eastern Time, beginning March 4.

We read and talked about Revelation 13. This chapter may be difficult to imagine and to understand. Many people have equated the stories to specific times in history or try to equate what is being described to current events. Verse 7 gave us pause. The people of the earth worship the beast, but not the people of God. God reminds his people to endure and be patient. We discussed that this is not a horrible or impossible task because we have the community of believers to support us. We have God controlling the situation. Verse 15 highlights severe intimidation and global deception by the beast to control the people. Verse 18 offers the clue: "Wisdom is needed here. Let the one with understanding solve the meaning of the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man." 

February 27: Join us as we begin with Revelation 14.


American English and Culture: Thursday, 9:00-11:00 AM EST (UTC-5), Zoom

Thursday's meeting included telling about our heros. We talked about people who are close to us and our lives as well as people who had a great impact on the world. Presenting and/talking to a larger group can be intimidating, but everyone presented a confidently. We learned more about each other. We learned more about ourselves.

We recapped honorific titles and talked about when and where we use them. Words include:

  • Mr.
  • Mrs.
  • Miss
  • Ms

Professional titles:

  • Dr. or doctor
  • Pastor
  • Father
  • Professor
  • Military ranks
  • President
  • Senator
  • Justice (judge)

There are opposing perspectives on the terms sir and ma'am. This CNN article talks about how some women feel old as opposed to being respected when called ma'am. Alternately, this Q&A explains how it is rude or disrespectful for people living in the Southern states. This Stack Exchange provides specific direction.

February 29: Happy Leap Day! 

Kick off the morning talking about compound words and their uses. Writing prompt for the week is to write a short piece using 20 or more compound words.

Civil discourse (an open compound word) is an important part of living in a community and in American culture. The arena of politics is given a bad rap when it comes to discussing diverging points of view. Lee Hamilton and Dick Luger of Indiana are heroes of political discourse. Watch this PBS special to spark our conversation. What are phrases and strategies to keep discussions from becoming arguments or confrontations?


Kids' Conversation and More: Friday, 4:30-5:00 PM EST (UTC-5), Zoom

We chatted about George Washington. Our Friend reported on President Washington's historical significance. We filled in folklore: cherry tree, wooden teeth, "I cannot tell a lie."

March 1: What is Leap Day? Why do we add a day to the calendar? What are local traditions and lore about Leap Day?

Here are helpful articles: 

The Consequences of Eliminating Leap Years Explained by ScienceAlert (msn.com)


Words and Phrases

emulate: imitate

honorific: speaking to or about a social superior


Sunday, February 18, 2024

Week 3: Thaw and Freeze

Hello, Friends.

The United States is finally seeing true winter weather, for a day or two. Watch the ground. Crocuses are already blooming under the snow. Ducks are returning. Surprise snows spur spring sprigs. (Say that one fast five times!)

People are tapping maple trees. It seems early for trees to be sending up their sap and waking up. Other trees that can be tapped for syrup include walnut, birch, boxelder, and sycamore. This delicious treat requires time and patience but people are saying it is worth the effort and satisfaction.

Let's Dine Out: Northside

Our conversations always turn to delicious food and memorable meals. Valentines Day was a great opportunity to explore new restaurants or to visit favorites. Many of these destinations offer upscale food in a comfortable atmosphere.

In America

Motor Sports

A sure sign of spring is motor racing. There are two major types of racing in the U.S.: NASCAR and IndyCar (yes, this type originated in Indiana at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway). Many people don't get hooked on racing and find the event to be boring. Other enjoy watching the competition and strategy each race brings. Lucky for us, the race was rained out and we can tune in Monday after 4:00 PM. If you read this after the fact, you can compare how the race was run.

Daytona 500 schedule and how to watch 2024 NASCAR Cup opener

What's Going Around?

Do you have the a runny nose? Are you tired? Do you have body aches? It is that time of year! Do you ride it out or need some help. Read more on the National Foundation of Infectious Diseases. Practice saying and asking qu

If you just have the sniffles, you may just be having a histamine or allergic reaction. 

Tweaking English

Say or tell? These words are not interchangeable. When do you say something? When do you tell someone something? 

  • You can tell a story or tell a tale.
  • You can tell me directions or tell me when to come over. 
  • You can say the Pledge of Allegiance. 
  • You can't tell whether I have the flu or COVID, can you?
  • Let's say we meet a 9:00.
  • She told me to meet a 9:00.

Try the worksheet on our Handouts page for some fill in the blank practice.

Love is...

For meditation: Love is not a feeling or emotion. Love is action. 

Here are many ways of loving.

Meetings and Classes

We welcome new friends to share our linguistic journeys! This year is a master class: learn to learn what you need.  Sign up and join us!

American Sign Language: Tuesday, 5:00-6:00 PM EST (UTC -5), Zoom

We talked about different groups. We found that our vocabulary was lacking from limited topics of conversation and needed some sprucing up! We are selecting topics to stretch us away from our everyday conversational vocabulary.

February 20: Let's talk about Abraham Lincoln. What a person has to say tells a lot about them and the world they live in. Rather than talk about Lincoln's life and history, let's talk about what he had to say and tell what we think about his perspective. Here are two different links for Lincoln quotes.

International Bible Study: Tuesday, 8:45-9:45 PM EST (UTC-5), Zoom

We read Revelation 10 through 12. Below are brief observations, but we find that we are enriched every time we read these vivid descriptions and chapters. A new image sparks thoughts and feelings of awe in God's power and confidence in his love for us.

Revelation 10: John is given a small scroll to eat. He is told that it will taste sweet in his mouth and sour in his stomach from a massive angel. Verse 7 tells that "the mystery of God will be accomplished" when the seventh trumpet is blown; there will be no more delay. Observations: the Bible is like food for us; an acceptance of the whole of the message which is bigger than we are; many times things seem to "taste" good in the beginning, but as we "digest" them they can cause worry and anxiety.

Revelation 11: This chapter refers to two prophets that are referenced and described in Ezekial and Zachariah (two prophetic books from the Old Testament). John is given some specific timelines and some horrifying details. Verse 18 offers insight into God's fair judgment and physical, environmental results.

Revelation 12: Tells the story of Satan being evicted from heaven after a battle. Verse 12 tells heaven to rejoice that the devil is gone, but that he knows he is running out of time and Earth will suffer his anger and panic. He accuses believers in the creator God and the Savior Jesus. But the people are able to withstand evil. Satan accuses. God is the judge.

February 20: We continue our reading and commenting with Revelation 13.

American English and Culture: Thursday, 9:00-11:00 AM EST (UTC-5), Zoom

We spent time talking about the plurals of they and them and then broke into smaller groups to compare home country they/them cultures or we/us. Stereotypes and prejudices can inform how we speak to and about different groups. The United States is full of many people and many cultures. As we reach out to our neighbors, having an open mind helps with communication.

  • Police are helpful.
  • Firemen are attractive.
  • Lunch ladies are mean.
  • Nuns scare me.
  • Rural Americans are not well educated,

February 22: Let's talk about our heroes and respectful language in general. Please read and/or write a short biography about a hero. This can be an everyday person or a person of renown. Here is a short read about my hero and something about him that connects with all of us: Richard P. Feynman.

Bring your crayons and your stretchy band to continue alternative practice. 

Kids' Conversation and More: Friday, 4:30-5:00 PM EST (UTC-5), Zoom

Our Zoom took us on the streets in the snowstorm (timing can be everything). We talked about Abraham Lincoln. 

February 23: Let's talk about George Washington.

Words and Phrases

after the fact: when something has already passed in time; reflect on something in the past

enriched: improve the quality of something

everyday: something you encounter regularly and may overlook

fortified: provided with defense or increased value

interchangeable: can used equally or in the same context or situation

lacking: missing something

linguistic: study of language

observations: examine to gain information; notice; remark about something or a situation

on the streets: outside of the classroom or office or home environment

prophetic: accurately describing something happening in the future; relating to a prophet or prophecy

ride it out: endure something to a more postive end

running out of time: a deadline is rapidly approaching

sniffles: a stuffy nose

spent time: were occupied with something

turn to: move to consider a new topic

upscale: on the expensive side

vivid: produce powerful feelings and images

withstand: offer strong resistance; are not affected

Tuesday, February 13, 2024

Week 2: I Love You

 Hello, Friends.

I posted this in the wrong place! My apologies! 

This week has so many days and events to observe and celebrate. 

Mardi Gras or Fat Tuesday or Carnival, February 13: In many Christian-based cultures a day of celebration precedes Ash Wednesday and Lent. Everyone celebrates a little differently: in the United States Mardi Gras parades and parties in New Orleans, Louisianna are famous. Here is a calendar of the events in NOLA.

Ash Wednesday, February 14: Ash Wednesday kicks off the Lenten season in the Christian church. You may see people with ashes in the shape of the cross on their foreheads (or hands). Ashes are a symbol of repentance for sins against others and God.  This article from the Indy Star describes the practice of Ash Wednesday and answers common questions. You are welcome to attend services at Cornerstone Lutheran Church at any of the sites. Click on the link for more information.

Valentine's Day, February 14: Be sure to show your love to your Valentines! Flowers, candy, cards, jewelry and sweet words and punny phrases. Here are some catchy tag lines and slogans from Brandon Gaille: Small Business & Marketing Advice.

Chinese New Year Celebrations, February 10-25: Celebrate over 15 days! This CNN article covers popular customs and explains more about the Year of the Dragon. Many of these practices are plays on words and puns both by sound and by the characters they represent. Examples:

The Chinese character for hair is the first character in the word for prosper. Therefore washing or cutting it off is seen as washing your fortune away.

You’ll also want to avoid purchasing footwear for the entire lunar month, as the term for shoes (haai) sounds like losing and sighing in Cantonese.

 

Tweaking English

Our Worksheets and Handouts Page has a fill in the blank practice exercise using talking words.

Meetings and Classes

American Sign Language: Tuesday, 5:00-6:00 PM EST (UTC -5), Zoom

We had a wide-ranging conversation. Our vocabulary was stuck in review mode. 

February 12: Let's stretch! We will talk about "others" this week including using the pronouns "we" and "them" and naming, describing, and discussing groups and their characteristics. Be on the lookout for people groups to describe and talk about but not gossip...or maybe...

International Bible Study: Tuesday, 8:45-9:45 PM EST (UTC-5), Zoom

We read and talked about Revelation 6-9. These chapters can be difficult to understand because they are written about frightening and potentially unknowable events. We discovered that disasters listed are repeatedly suffered by humans. That Jesus is the one to open the seals demonstrates that he is in control of the situation. We know from the Bible and from Jesus, himself, that he loves and protects us. There is comfort in knowing that God is in control of these events, and we can rest easy when we keep our focus on him.

Prophetic books are unusual; we talked about how we have to take the written words at face value.

Revelation 6 When we considered the five horsemen and what they bring to the Earth, we realized that humans have and will repeatedly disasters, but knowing that God has our back and that Jesus is in control is a comfort.

Revelation 7 This chapter is itemizes and describes who will be preserved. The heavenly realm worships. John (who is in the throne room of Heaven) is quizzed by an elder and is given the answer. The poem at the end of the chapter describes God's people and how Jesus leads and preserves them. Comforting reminders to face the things to come.

Revelation 8: Jesus breaks the seventh seal. All is still then trumpets are given to seven angels to announce the next events. One angel is given an incense burner (a double edged sword: prayers and salvation; judgment and destruction) and the smoke brings the prayers of God's people to him. Fire is thrown from the burner to earth carrying physical destruction of 1/3 land, water, and the heavens.

Revelation 9 The Fifth and Sixth trumpets announce disaster as never before seen pours out on the earth. Imagination can run wild as we try to envision what John is witnessing. He describes using the words "is like". Even through these terrors and plagues, some people persist to follow evil paths.

February 13: Join us as we begin with Revelation 10.

American English and Culture: Thursday, 9:00-11:00 AM EST (UTC-5), Zoom

We met in person and celebrated Valentine's Day and birthdays. Our mixer was to take on an identity and use "I" statements to promote our identity. We also shared delicious sweets and exchanged White Elephant gifts. The morning passed too quickly, and we had great fun.

One suggestion that came out of our meeting was to share our pictures via Instagram. I am looking into creating an Instagram account for International Friends. Help!

February 15: We are back on Zoom. We practiced presenting ourselves and role play alter egos. But, speaking another language is about connecting with other people. This next we week are focusing on "them and they". How does a person connect with others? What are opinions and values that can get in the way? 

Get your crayons and a blank piece of paper ready as we get colorful with doodling to explore how drawing and color can help us creatively process and retain information.

Many of us are on job hunts. Let's continue to talk about the practices of getting and retaining a job as a reflection of ourselves as well as the "others" in American organizations. What is acceptable and unacceptable and how do we avoid burning bridges?

Writing prompts for reflection:

  • What is different about how your home country approaches a job search and what is expected in the U.S.?
  • It's a Gamble: reflect on a time when you took a risk and the outcome.
  • How do you move from "them or us" to "we"?

Kids' Conversation and More: Friday, 4:30-5:00 PM EST (UTC-5), Zoom

We shared Martin Luther King's life and learned a little more about him. We discussed whether there are human rights figures in Japanese culture

February 16: Look in to the early life of president Abraham Lincoln. What was he like as little boy and growing into a man. What events shaped his character to become one of the United States greatest presidents.


Words and Phrases

alter ego: an alternative personality

be on the lookout: watch for

burning bridges: damaging relationships beyond repair and creating a negative reputation within a community

covers: reports about

double edged sword: something that has two seemingly favorable and unfavorable consequences

figures: heros...try searching Japanese human rights figures and see what you get?

NOLA: New Orleans, Louisiana. New Orleans is pronounced N'AWlins, locally (and by those who have been there)

plays on words: clever or creative ways words can be used to convey a different meaning

preserved: kept safe and whole

role play: act out or perform a character or situation 

take [something] at face value: the apparent significance or value; as stated