searing heat
pours in the open window
while I clean

Now I'm Married!

Today we had our marriage validated in the Church. There is nothing cooler than being able to marry your husband again after 22 years!

My sister and her family as well as dh's brother attended. The ceremony took place after our parish's 11 o'clock Mass.

DH played and we sang at the Mass beforehand. I chose Song of Joy, How Great Thou Art, Come My Way, My Truth My Life, Breathe and God's Blessing Sends Us Forth. It is such a privilege and blessing to be able to do that every week together, and it was especially rewarding to be able to do the music for the Mass that preceded our marriage validation.

As I was returning from communion, I was thinking, "I just took communion at my Wedding Mass!" Our son was an impromptu altar server as Father needed someone to hold the aspersory and aspergillium so he could bless our rings. DS stood up there, handsome in his suit and tie, complete with long hair and new earring, and I couldn't have been prouder. It was thrilling and rewarding to be able to have what and who were important to us play a part.

Our priest arranged to have a small reception at someone's home afterwards. The entire experience made me realize again that we are very blessed.

Now I'm Married!

Today we had our marriage validated in the Church. There is nothing cooler than being able to marry your husband again after 22 years!

My sister and her family as well as dh's brother attended. The ceremony took place after our parish's 11 o'clock Mass.

DH played and we sang at the Mass beforehand. I chose Song of Joy, How Great Thou Art, Come My Way, My Truth My Life, Breathe and God's Blessing Sends Us Forth. It is such a privilege and blessing to be able to do that every week together, and it was especially rewarding to be able to do the music for the Mass that preceded our marriage validation.

As I was returning from communion, I was thinking, "I just took communion at my Wedding Mass!" Our son was an impromptu altar server as Father needed someone to hold the aspersory and aspergillium so he could bless our rings. DS stood up there, handsome in his suit and tie, complete with long hair and new earring, and I couldn't have been prouder. It was thrilling and rewarding to be able to have what and who were important to us play a part.

Our priest arranged to have a small reception at someone's home afterwards. The entire experience made me realize again that we are very blessed.

What are you saying?

When ds asked the inevitable question about getting an ear pierced a few years ago, dh said, "You can do it when you turn 18." Well, he turned 18 on Tuesday and got his ear pierced on Friday.

DH is still asking, "What are you saying?" by getting your ear pierced. We are still trying to convince him that the answer is, "I'm saying that I wanted to get my ear pierced."

What are you saying?

When ds asked the inevitable question about getting an ear pierced a few years ago, dh said, "You can do it when you turn 18." Well, he turned 18 on Tuesday and got his ear pierced on Friday.

DH is still asking, "What are you saying?" by getting your ear pierced. We are still trying to convince him that the answer is, "I'm saying that I wanted to get my ear pierced."

A very sad anniversary

It was twenty five years ago today that Lady Diana Spencer married Prince Charles of England. Who was to know that it would end as tragically as it did (except perhaps Charles, who had no intentions of giving up his mistress)?

Anyway, I got up in the wee hours of the morning to watch The Wedding, dreaming of my own wedding which took place 3 years later, on July 28.

The ironic words the Archbishop of Canterbury used to conclude his sermon on that day are haunting.

May the burdens we lay on them be matched by the love with which we support them in the years to come. However long they may live, may they always know that when they pledged themselves to each other before the altar of God, they were surrounded and supported not by mere spectators but by the sincere affection and active prayer of millions of friends.

A very sad anniversary

It was twenty five years ago today that Lady Diana Spencer married Prince Charles of England. Who was to know that it would end as tragically as it did (except perhaps Charles, who had no intentions of giving up his mistress)?

Anyway, I got up in the wee hours of the morning to watch The Wedding, dreaming of my own wedding which took place 3 years later, on July 28.

The ironic words the Archbishop of Canterbury used to conclude his sermon on that day are haunting.

May the burdens we lay on them be matched by the love with which we support them in the years to come. However long they may live, may they always know that when they pledged themselves to each other before the altar of God, they were surrounded and supported not by mere spectators but by the sincere affection and active prayer of millions of friends.

One more time

My readers, friends and family have been so good to pray for me during my recent outpatient surgeries, that I have one more request of you all. I will be going in for inpatient surgery on August 29th and will be "out" for a while. Any prayers will be appreciated.

"My guys", DH and DS, are busy wiring my room with more media than I am used to, in preparation for my recovery. Its nice to have them around!

One more time

My readers, friends and family have been so good to pray for me during my recent outpatient surgeries, that I have one more request of you all. I will be going in for inpatient surgery on August 29th and will be "out" for a while. Any prayers will be appreciated.

"My guys", DH and DS, are busy wiring my room with more media than I am used to, in preparation for my recovery. Its nice to have them around!

E-mail bullies

I have a vent about what I call e-mail bullies. These are those seemingly well meaning people who e-mail you nice things--prayers, poems and pics--that are supposed to lift you up and make you feel needed and grateful.

All well and good, until you get to the end of the post. It usually has something like, "You must return this to 10 friends and the person who sent it to you to see the good results." "Don't tell me you don't have time to reply to this." And the worst, "Show you're a true Christian and send this e-mail to 10 people within 10 days."

See, that negates any warm-and-fuzzy good wishes that were delivered in the rest of the e-mail. It is the equivalent of saying, "I'm your very good friend--only if you follow these 6 easy steps."

Give me a break!

I have also found that these e-mails usually come from people who have NEVER sent me a personal e-mail in their lives. I just get these "you-are-my-friend-now-prove-it" e-mails.

E-mail bullies

I have a vent about what I call e-mail bullies. These are those seemingly well meaning people who e-mail you nice things--prayers, poems and pics--that are supposed to lift you up and make you feel needed and grateful.

All well and good, until you get to the end of the post. It usually has something like, "You must return this to 10 friends and the person who sent it to you to see the good results." "Don't tell me you don't have time to reply to this." And the worst, "Show you're a true Christian and send this e-mail to 10 people within 10 days."

See, that negates any warm-and-fuzzy good wishes that were delivered in the rest of the e-mail. It is the equivalent of saying, "I'm your very good friend--only if you follow these 6 easy steps."

Give me a break!

I have also found that these e-mails usually come from people who have NEVER sent me a personal e-mail in their lives. I just get these "you-are-my-friend-now-prove-it" e-mails.

Of Pride and Change

It may be hard for an egg to turn into a bird: it would be a jolly sight harder for it to learn to fly while remaining an egg. We are like eggs at present. And you cannot go on indefinately being just an ordinary, decent egg. We must be hatched or go bad.

~C.S. Lewis

I find I often get paralized when dealing with a big change (or even sometimes a small change) in my life. I have discovered that this happens for 2 reasons--fear and pride.

Change often means that something I have been doing is now ineffective. I immediately, and often subconsciously, take this as a personal insult and the resulting guilt paralyzes me into inaction.

I resist change because of the embarrassement I feel at *having* to change! How prideful is that?!

Pride is an admission of weakness; it secretly fears all competition and dreads all rivals.

~Fulton J. Sheen

Of Pride and Change

It may be hard for an egg to turn into a bird: it would be a jolly sight harder for it to learn to fly while remaining an egg. We are like eggs at present. And you cannot go on indefinately being just an ordinary, decent egg. We must be hatched or go bad.

~C.S. Lewis

I find I often get paralized when dealing with a big change (or even sometimes a small change) in my life. I have discovered that this happens for 2 reasons--fear and pride.

Change often means that something I have been doing is now ineffective. I immediately, and often subconsciously, take this as a personal insult and the resulting guilt paralyzes me into inaction.

I resist change because of the embarrassement I feel at *having* to change! How prideful is that?!

Pride is an admission of weakness; it secretly fears all competition and dreads all rivals.

~Fulton J. Sheen

life is change--
like changing your clothes
in the public
of your own mind

what is hidden,
in the light of the blue moon,
is laid bare.

awakened at night,
I see shadows not perceived
in Standard Time.

tenderly
the rain falls; and
prayers rise

Games, games, games.

Stressed out? Here are some completely useless but highly addictive games.

The first is called The Queen's Jewels.

The other one is called The Princess' Tiara.

Games, games, games.

Stressed out? Here are some completely useless but highly addictive games.

The first is called The Queen's Jewels.

The other one is called The Princess' Tiara.

A Woman Gets Pulled Over for Speeding

Here is a joke I heard last week in church, believe it or not.

A police officer pulls an elderly woman over for speeding.

He asks to see her driver's license. She says, "Oh. I don't have it anymore. They took it away after I got too many DUI's."

The officer then asks for her registration.

"That's a problem too, I'm afraid. You see, this isn't really my car. The neighbors park it in front of my house and leave the keys in it. So, sometimes I 'borrow' it to run errands."

Well, the officer tells her, "I'm afraid you can't drive this car home, then. Give me your husband's number and I'll call him to pick you up at the station."

"I can't do that either, officer. We haven't been getting along very well, and I put him in the trunk of the car."

The officer backs away from the window and calls for backup. The sergeant comes to the scene and says to the woman,

"Madame, this officer tells me that you don't have a valid driver's license."

She says, "Oh, yes I do. Here it is, in my purse."

The sergeant then says, "The officer also tells me that this isn't your car and you don't have registration for it."

She tells him, "Of course I do. It is right here in the glove box" and proceeds to hand it to him.

The sergeant then asks if she would please open the trunk of the car.

She says, "Yes, of course."

He looks in, and it is empty. Puzzled, he says, "Well, I'm confused. This officer told me that you had your husband's body in the trunk of the car."

Scoffing, she says, "Yeah, and I bet the idiot also tried to tell you I was speeding, too!"

LOL. I'll have to remember that one!

A Woman Gets Pulled Over for Speeding

Here is a joke I heard last week in church, believe it or not.

A police officer pulls an elderly woman over for speeding.

He asks to see her driver's license. She says, "Oh. I don't have it anymore. They took it away after I got too many DUI's."

The officer then asks for her registration.

"That's a problem too, I'm afraid. You see, this isn't really my car. The neighbors park it in front of my house and leave the keys in it. So, sometimes I 'borrow' it to run errands."

Well, the officer tells her, "I'm afraid you can't drive this car home, then. Give me your husband's number and I'll call him to pick you up at the station."

"I can't do that either, officer. We haven't been getting along very well, and I put him in the trunk of the car."

The officer backs away from the window and calls for backup. The sergeant comes to the scene and says to the woman,

"Madame, this officer tells me that you don't have a valid driver's license."

She says, "Oh, yes I do. Here it is, in my purse."

The sergeant then says, "The officer also tells me that this isn't your car and you don't have registration for it."

She tells him, "Of course I do. It is right here in the glove box" and proceeds to hand it to him.

The sergeant then asks if she would please open the trunk of the car.

She says, "Yes, of course."

He looks in, and it is empty. Puzzled, he says, "Well, I'm confused. This officer told me that you had your husband's body in the trunk of the car."

Scoffing, she says, "Yeah, and I bet the idiot also tried to tell you I was speeding, too!"

LOL. I'll have to remember that one!

Happy Birthday to you!!!!!

DS turns 18 today--Precisely at 5:10pm to be exact. He has gone from a long, skinny baby, to a long, skinny young man. He has always had a sense of humor and a good "ear", even before he could talk. He used to sit in his car seat on top of the dining room table and mimic the "red alert" sound from Star Trek, exactly on pitch while I cooked dinner.

As a small child, he used to naively eat just about anything I put in front of him, including tofu. Later, when he learned that not everyone's mother makes them eat such things, his tastes "developed" to be more in line with most of America's. Today, he prefers what he calls the "Anti-Atkins" diet--plenty of carbs.

Today, he plays the guitar, bass guitar, clarinet, writes his own music and sings. He will attend college in the fall majoring in computer gaming technology.

Friday he plans on getting his ear pierced. (Shhhhh!!! Don't tell his dad, LOL!)

Happy Birthday to you!!!!!

DS turns 18 today--Precisely at 5:10pm to be exact. He has gone from a long, skinny baby, to a long, skinny young man. He has always had a sense of humor and a good "ear", even before he could talk. He used to sit in his car seat on top of the dining room table and mimic the "red alert" sound from Star Trek, exactly on pitch while I cooked dinner.

As a small child, he used to naively eat just about anything I put in front of him, including tofu. Later, when he learned that not everyone's mother makes them eat such things, his tastes "developed" to be more in line with most of America's. Today, he prefers what he calls the "Anti-Atkins" diet--plenty of carbs.

Today, he plays the guitar, bass guitar, clarinet, writes his own music and sings. He will attend college in the fall majoring in computer gaming technology.

Friday he plans on getting his ear pierced. (Shhhhh!!! Don't tell his dad, LOL!)

Holy Silence

Silence is a sword in the spiritual struggle. A talkative soul will never attain sanctity. The sword of silence will cut off everything that would like to cling to the soul. We are sensitive to words and quickly want to answer back, without taking any regard as to whether it is God's will that we should speak.

A silent soul is strong; no adversities will harm it if it perseveres in silence. The silent soul is capable of attaining the closet union with God. It lives almost always under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.

God works in a silent soul without hindrance.

~St. Faustina
Divine Mercy In my soul
Book I, Page 3

Holy Silence

Silence is a sword in the spiritual struggle. A talkative soul will never attain sanctity. The sword of silence will cut off everything that would like to cling to the soul. We are sensitive to words and quickly want to answer back, without taking any regard as to whether it is God's will that we should speak.

A silent soul is strong; no adversities will harm it if it perseveres in silence. The silent soul is capable of attaining the closet union with God. It lives almost always under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.

God works in a silent soul without hindrance.

~St. Faustina
Divine Mercy In my soul
Book I, Page 3

i move through;
drifting past a forgotten
familiarity

The Heron

silver and airborne,
I spot it as I drive past
swerving to avoid me

Day of Prayer and Penance

The Holy Father has asked that July 23 be a day of prayer and penanace for the current worsening of the conflict in the Middle East,

for an immediate cease-fire between the sides, for humanitarian corridors to be opened in order to bring help to the suffering peoples, and for reasonable and responsible negotiations to begin to put an end to objective situations of injustice that exist in that region

Our Lady of Lebanon, Pray for your people!

Day of Prayer and Penance

The Holy Father has asked that July 23 be a day of prayer and penanace for the current worsening of the conflict in the Middle East,

for an immediate cease-fire between the sides, for humanitarian corridors to be opened in order to bring help to the suffering peoples, and for reasonable and responsible negotiations to begin to put an end to objective situations of injustice that exist in that region

Our Lady of Lebanon, Pray for your people!

Marilyn Monroe--An American Master?

PBS never ceases to amaze me, I'll tell you that. Last night their American Masters show decided that it was fitting to highlight Marilyn Monroe! I'm still shaking my head.

For someone whose claim to fame is her obvious in-your-face sexuality, I suppose she was a bit "ahead of her time" in that regard, but, is she really worth putting on American Masters?

The show, as I remember it, paraded many people, men and women, who had met and/or photographed Monroe. Each one commented on how "luminous" and beautiful she was in person. They all seemed rather obsessed with her looks, and her "star quality."

I was equally puzzled by MS Magazine's Gloria Steinam's fascination with her. Is she worthy of feminist study because she was "exploited" by men? Would she have been so exploited if she didn't allow it and encourage it by the public persona she cultivated?

Is such "fame" worth it in the end? Does one really need to be a "star"?

In a way, Marilyn Monroe was ahead of her time. Now, unfortunately, many, many women, young and not so young, feel that cultivating physical attractiveness is the goal for females in this culture, while at the same time, decrying the resulting behavior of others (mainly males) as wholly without logic and reason.

Marilyn Monroe--An American Master?

PBS never ceases to amaze me, I'll tell you that. Last night their American Masters show decided that it was fitting to highlight Marilyn Monroe! I'm still shaking my head.

For someone whose claim to fame is her obvious in-your-face sexuality, I suppose she was a bit "ahead of her time" in that regard, but, is she really worth putting on American Masters?

The show, as I remember it, paraded many people, men and women, who had met and/or photographed Monroe. Each one commented on how "luminous" and beautiful she was in person. They all seemed rather obsessed with her looks, and her "star quality."

I was equally puzzled by MS Magazine's Gloria Steinam's fascination with her. Is she worthy of feminist study because she was "exploited" by men? Would she have been so exploited if she didn't allow it and encourage it by the public persona she cultivated?

Is such "fame" worth it in the end? Does one really need to be a "star"?

In a way, Marilyn Monroe was ahead of her time. Now, unfortunately, many, many women, young and not so young, feel that cultivating physical attractiveness is the goal for females in this culture, while at the same time, decrying the resulting behavior of others (mainly males) as wholly without logic and reason.

Prayers for a new mom

Please pray for the Cukierski family. They have an online Catholic Apostolate that involves distributing rarely seen sacramentals such as blessed oil, blessed salt, prayer cloths, chaplets, etc.

They just delivered a new baby (their eleventh) and the mom (Wendy) is in very serious condition following the birth.

Prayers for a new mom

Please pray for the Cukierski family. They have an online Catholic Apostolate that involves distributing rarely seen sacramentals such as blessed oil, blessed salt, prayer cloths, chaplets, etc.

They just delivered a new baby (their eleventh) and the mom (Wendy) is in very serious condition following the birth.

He sure knows what to say!

DS saw my "doll" from the post about the Orioles' game and said, "Wow, I hope you never get *that* skinny! That wouldn't be good!"

Makes me feel like I raised him right!

He sure knows what to say!

DS saw my "doll" from the post about the Orioles' game and said, "Wow, I hope you never get *that* skinny! That wouldn't be good!"

Makes me feel like I raised him right!

Eureka!! I've found it!

I have discovered the origins of the music behind the aforementioned video about France's Zidane and his head butting antics.

The song is Sympathique by Pink Martini. They are a 12 peice indi band whose music is in six languages. They have released two albums to date: “Sympathique” (1997) and “Hang on Little Tomato” (2004).

To see their Sympathique video, which is entertaining and witty, go to www.pinkmartini.com. It is worth it, people!!!

They even have a person signing. Now, I'm not sure if its American Sign Language or French Sign Language or what, but I know there are interpreters out there who read this blog--you know who you are!!! Fill me in on that score.

I am now totally addicted to this group--or at least this song.

Eureka!! I've found it!

I have discovered the origins of the music behind the aforementioned video about France's Zidane and his head butting antics.

The song is Sympathique by Pink Martini. They are a 12 peice indi band whose music is in six languages. They have released two albums to date: “Sympathique” (1997) and “Hang on Little Tomato” (2004).

To see their Sympathique video, which is entertaining and witty, go to www.pinkmartini.com. It is worth it, people!!!

They even have a person signing. Now, I'm not sure if its American Sign Language or French Sign Language or what, but I know there are interpreters out there who read this blog--you know who you are!!! Fill me in on that score.

I am now totally addicted to this group--or at least this song.

I hear the music
but I am powerless
to play the tune

interweaving pattern
unrecognizable but
from a distance

twilight intonation--
the muted sound
of silent mourning

the searing radiance
of complete love--realized
through reasonless gift

glowing like a ruby
it shimmers; lingering;
just out of reach

Short video in French

If you watched the World Cup, and/or heard of Zidane's head butting antics, you need to go to this link and watch this short video! Its great!

I would greatly appreciate a translation of the lyrics of the French song in the background. DH has told me his opinion of what it says, but I would like to see how accurate we are. I have 2 of the lines, but not the whole thing.

Go watch that video--its hilarious!

Short video in French

If you watched the World Cup, and/or heard of Zidane's head butting antics, you need to go to this link and watch this short video! Its great!

I would greatly appreciate a translation of the lyrics of the French song in the background. DH has told me his opinion of what it says, but I would like to see how accurate we are. I have 2 of the lines, but not the whole thing.

Go watch that video--its hilarious!

O-R-I-O-L-E-S!

Dh and I went to an Orioles game last night. Totally cool!!! Some observations--

1) Ramon Hernandez crosses himself before every turn at bat. How many of us would have the guts to display our beliefs so openly, in front of so many people?

2) The crowd seemed much more reserved than I remember in years past. Polite, appreciative, but less...rowdy. Being middle aged, that was fine with me, frankly.

3) IMO, baseball is so much more the true American sport than American football. Its also much better in person, without the commercials!!

4) We WON!!!! 8-1

O-R-I-O-L-E-S!

Dh and I went to an Orioles game last night. Totally cool!!! Some observations--

1) Ramon Hernandez crosses himself before every turn at bat. How many of us would have the guts to display our beliefs so openly, in front of so many people?

2) The crowd seemed much more reserved than I remember in years past. Polite, appreciative, but less...rowdy. Being middle aged, that was fine with me, frankly.

3) IMO, baseball is so much more the true American sport than American football. Its also much better in person, without the commercials!!

4) We WON!!!! 8-1

Midsummer
dons her wedding dress
patchwork fields of Queen Anne's Lace

Eeeeeeeeeek!!!!!

Now that my son is taller than I am, I reserve the right to no longer be brave about creepy crawlies and things that go bump in the night--or at times, during the daylight hours.

The other day, I noticed the BIGGEST, UGLIEST SPIDER I HAVE EVER SEEN in our bathroom. Needless to say, I asked dh to "get it" which he obligingly did.

I was letting the dog out this evening and thought I saw our tabby cat out by my parked car. Then I realized it was not our cat, but a raccoon.

Sitting.

In the daytime.

On our property.

This gave me the creeps.

I quickly pulled the dog in and shut the door. The raccoon is still sitting under a bush, behind my car in the driveway, and I'm not going anywhere.

Eeeeeeeeeek!!!!!

Now that my son is taller than I am, I reserve the right to no longer be brave about creepy crawlies and things that go bump in the night--or at times, during the daylight hours.

The other day, I noticed the BIGGEST, UGLIEST SPIDER I HAVE EVER SEEN in our bathroom. Needless to say, I asked dh to "get it" which he obligingly did.

I was letting the dog out this evening and thought I saw our tabby cat out by my parked car. Then I realized it was not our cat, but a raccoon.

Sitting.

In the daytime.

On our property.

This gave me the creeps.

I quickly pulled the dog in and shut the door. The raccoon is still sitting under a bush, behind my car in the driveway, and I'm not going anywhere.

One of my favorite Shakespearean quotes

The man who hath no music in himself,
nor is not moved with concord of sweet sounds,
is fit for treasons,
stratagems and spoils.

Let no such man be trusted.

~The Merchant of Venice

One of my favorite Shakespearean quotes

The man who hath no music in himself,
nor is not moved with concord of sweet sounds,
is fit for treasons,
stratagems and spoils.

Let no such man be trusted.

~The Merchant of Venice

Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate

I wanted to highlight the good work of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate. Founded by St. Eugene De Mazenod, they work in 71 countries around the world including Poland, England, France, Denmark, Ireland, Germany, Mexico, Madagascar, Bolivia, Sri Lanka, Africa, China, Japan, Canada, the Philippines, Haiti, India, Brazil and the United States. They work with the poor, build seminaries, administer the sacraments, teach religious education, promote non-violence, acceptance and interfaith understanding.

They raise money by selling a large variety of mostly religious oriented gift items. They've got things such as rosaries, get well and Mass cards, calendars, candles, books, jewelry, statues, ornaments, fountains, wind chimes, gifts for men, women and children. They have gifts specifically for the holidays, for special occasions and for people touched by cancer.

One recent addition is their "Fair Trade" gifts. This consists of handbags handmade in Bangladesh, in three different sizes, which support fair wages, good working conditions and community support in that country.

Check out their website the next time you need a gift item for someone, or to treat yourself!

Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate

I wanted to highlight the good work of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate. Founded by St. Eugene De Mazenod, they work in 71 countries around the world including Poland, England, France, Denmark, Ireland, Germany, Mexico, Madagascar, Bolivia, Sri Lanka, Africa, China, Japan, Canada, the Philippines, Haiti, India, Brazil and the United States. They work with the poor, build seminaries, administer the sacraments, teach religious education, promote non-violence, acceptance and interfaith understanding.

They raise money by selling a large variety of mostly religious oriented gift items. They've got things such as rosaries, get well and Mass cards, calendars, candles, books, jewelry, statues, ornaments, fountains, wind chimes, gifts for men, women and children. They have gifts specifically for the holidays, for special occasions and for people touched by cancer.

One recent addition is their "Fair Trade" gifts. This consists of handbags handmade in Bangladesh, in three different sizes, which support fair wages, good working conditions and community support in that country.

Check out their website the next time you need a gift item for someone, or to treat yourself!

Asking for your prayers

I'm going in for some outpatient surgery tomorrow and I would like to ask you all to say a prayer for me, if you would.

Pray that God's will is done.

Thanks.

Asking for your prayers

I'm going in for some outpatient surgery tomorrow and I would like to ask you all to say a prayer for me, if you would.

Pray that God's will is done.

Thanks.

Italy wins the World Cup!

In double overtime, Italy won the World Cup against France. Tied 1-1 at the end of the second overtime period, Italy won the kickoff to win the World Cup, 2006.

In a shocking development, Zidane of France, in the final game of his career, was ousted from the game for head butting an opposing player. The other players seemed not to take his example to heart, though.

This non-athletic American was surprised, at first, that Italy wore the blue jerseys and France wore the white. Once I got that straight, I was ok!

All in all, I find soccer much more exciting to watch than American football and I'm glad it was on network tv in the States.

Congratulations, Italy!

Italy wins the World Cup!

In double overtime, Italy won the World Cup against France. Tied 1-1 at the end of the second overtime period, Italy won the kickoff to win the World Cup, 2006.

In a shocking development, Zidane of France, in the final game of his career, was ousted from the game for head butting an opposing player. The other players seemed not to take his example to heart, though.

This non-athletic American was surprised, at first, that Italy wore the blue jerseys and France wore the white. Once I got that straight, I was ok!

All in all, I find soccer much more exciting to watch than American football and I'm glad it was on network tv in the States.

Congratulations, Italy!

the earth trembles
in a deafening roar--
biker weekend

I believe....

That I have been in the presence of a saint--twice.

I was in the choir that sang for Pope John Paul II's Mass on the Washington Mall on his first visit to the United States.

Last night, I attended a Mass and talk by Father Benedict Groschel. Just seeing him up close was an amazing privilege.

He talked about how difficult things are for people of faith here in the U.S. in an increasingly pagan society, led by the pagan media. His mother used to say, "If you put a beggar on a horse, they will ride themselves to Hell." He said that Americans, many of whom are well to do, are that beggar on a horse and have sold out to materialism.

Religion and Faith are two different things, he said. Religion should always be an outward expression of faith--one which we are not afraid to show. Religion without faith can be seen in extremist movements, including some extremist Catholics who are so attached to some forms of religious expression but are void of charity and true ecumensim.

The talk took place at the Grotto of Lourdes in Emmitsburg, Maryland. He told the crowd that he accepted the invitation to speak because when he lay paralized after being hit by a truck, all he could do was pray the Rosary and Divine Mercy Chaplet and pray to Our Lady of Lourdes and Saint Bernadette.

He did have a word of warning about apparitions, though. Never in Church history, he told us, has the Church ever approved of a private revelation of an adult who was "known" at the time of their death. Children, because of their innocence, are different. They rush home and tell everyone what they saw, often not even knowing the exact nature of the vision.

Adults whose visions are authentic, only tell their spiritual directors and these visions are not made public until the visionaries are deceased. Those who have crowds following them are often seeking fame and notariety and are to be avoided, he advised us.

Faith and Religion come together in the Eucharist. Our religion, the outward respect we show (or should show) towards the sacrament is a religious expression of the faith that we have that it is truly the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Christ.

The best Catholics in the world today, he said, are those in China. Suffering and persecution are what make them grow in their faith.

It was truly a God-given gift that I was able to attend this Mass and talk by Father Groschel.

I believe....

That I have been in the presence of a saint--twice.

I was in the choir that sang for Pope John Paul II's Mass on the Washington Mall on his first visit to the United States.

Last night, I attended a Mass and talk by Father Benedict Groschel. Just seeing him up close was an amazing privilege.

He talked about how difficult things are for people of faith here in the U.S. in an increasingly pagan society, led by the pagan media. His mother used to say, "If you put a beggar on a horse, they will ride themselves to Hell." He said that Americans, many of whom are well to do, are that beggar on a horse and have sold out to materialism.

Religion and Faith are two different things, he said. Religion should always be an outward expression of faith--one which we are not afraid to show. Religion without faith can be seen in extremist movements, including some extremist Catholics who are so attached to some forms of religious expression but are void of charity and true ecumensim.

The talk took place at the Grotto of Lourdes in Emmitsburg, Maryland. He told the crowd that he accepted the invitation to speak because when he lay paralized after being hit by a truck, all he could do was pray the Rosary and Divine Mercy Chaplet and pray to Our Lady of Lourdes and Saint Bernadette.

He did have a word of warning about apparitions, though. Never in Church history, he told us, has the Church ever approved of a private revelation of an adult who was "known" at the time of their death. Children, because of their innocence, are different. They rush home and tell everyone what they saw, often not even knowing the exact nature of the vision.

Adults whose visions are authentic, only tell their spiritual directors and these visions are not made public until the visionaries are deceased. Those who have crowds following them are often seeking fame and notariety and are to be avoided, he advised us.

Faith and Religion come together in the Eucharist. Our religion, the outward respect we show (or should show) towards the sacrament is a religious expression of the faith that we have that it is truly the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Christ.

The best Catholics in the world today, he said, are those in China. Suffering and persecution are what make them grow in their faith.

It was truly a God-given gift that I was able to attend this Mass and talk by Father Groschel.

Adventures with the Over Seventies

Went out unexpectedly the other day with 4 "older" members of my family. We met at the home of the aunt who lived nearest the restaurant where we would be eating. I offered to help out with the driving, since all were getting up in years.

So, does the 45 year old drive? Noooooo....
Does the 73 year old (who is still quite functional) drive? No......
Does the 79 year old drive? Nooooo......
The Eighty-frickin' two year old drives a car the size of a small limo!!!!!!!!

We get to the traffic light and the 79 year old asks the driver, "Do you come this way often?"

"No."

Woah!! The worry meters go up to the red on that one!

We get to the parking lot and she pulls up to the wrong restaurant. She tries to park about 3cm away from another car in a space that I still maintain was not a parking space at all.

The 73 year old who lives out of town has to direct her to the right place. Then the 82 year old remembers she has handicapped tags and can park up front near the restaurant, which, given the average age of the attendees, is a good thing.

Afterwards, the 82 year old is curious about this other restaurant, and keeps looking over towards that end of the parking lot WHILE POINTING THE STEERING WHEEL IN ANOTHER DIRECTION AND PUSHING THE GAS...albeit, ever so slowly.

Instead of going out the obvious exit, she seems to be inching towards the exit with a pot hole big enough to swallow her humongous car. At this point, the 73 year old offers to drive but is told by a shocked 82 year old, "I can drive!"

Well apparently not.

I guess its true what they say--Growing old is not for sissies!

Adventures with the Over Seventies

Went out unexpectedly the other day with 4 "older" members of my family. We met at the home of the aunt who lived nearest the restaurant where we would be eating. I offered to help out with the driving, since all were getting up in years.

So, does the 45 year old drive? Noooooo....
Does the 73 year old (who is still quite functional) drive? No......
Does the 79 year old drive? Nooooo......
The Eighty-frickin' two year old drives a car the size of a small limo!!!!!!!!

We get to the traffic light and the 79 year old asks the driver, "Do you come this way often?"

"No."

Woah!! The worry meters go up to the red on that one!

We get to the parking lot and she pulls up to the wrong restaurant. She tries to park about 3cm away from another car in a space that I still maintain was not a parking space at all.

The 73 year old who lives out of town has to direct her to the right place. Then the 82 year old remembers she has handicapped tags and can park up front near the restaurant, which, given the average age of the attendees, is a good thing.

Afterwards, the 82 year old is curious about this other restaurant, and keeps looking over towards that end of the parking lot WHILE POINTING THE STEERING WHEEL IN ANOTHER DIRECTION AND PUSHING THE GAS...albeit, ever so slowly.

Instead of going out the obvious exit, she seems to be inching towards the exit with a pot hole big enough to swallow her humongous car. At this point, the 73 year old offers to drive but is told by a shocked 82 year old, "I can drive!"

Well apparently not.

I guess its true what they say--Growing old is not for sissies!

What does your mood ring say?

Your Mood Ring is Blue-Green

Inner emotions charged Yet, somewhat relaxed

Mood Ring Generator

What does your mood ring say?

Your Mood Ring is Blue-Green

Inner emotions charged Yet, somewhat relaxed

Mood Ring Generator

Happy Independence Day!!

Happy Independence Day!!

Thoughts about Freedom

Are you really free? I'm not talking about politically but spiritually. I've recently come across the concept of sin as an addiction. I think there may be something to this.

On this Independence Day in the United States, perhaps we should ask ourselves if we are truly free from sin. Is there something in your life that is holding you hostage? Perhaps it is not an obvious "sin" but something like fear or laziness.

We are, each and every one of us, God's children. NO MATTER WHAT. This applies to us in our must desparate, sad and mixed up times, as well as our most joyful. To be really free is to accept that we have a Creator who loves us and will listen to our cries. Even if we are still afraid to completely follow Him, He will honor our attempts at reaching out. I firmly believe this.

This Independence Day, remember that you are a child of God and that

If therefore the son shall make you free,

you shall be free indeed.

~John 8:36

Thoughts about Freedom

Are you really free? I'm not talking about politically but spiritually. I've recently come across the concept of sin as an addiction. I think there may be something to this.

On this Independence Day in the United States, perhaps we should ask ourselves if we are truly free from sin. Is there something in your life that is holding you hostage? Perhaps it is not an obvious "sin" but something like fear or laziness.

We are, each and every one of us, God's children. NO MATTER WHAT. This applies to us in our must desparate, sad and mixed up times, as well as our most joyful. To be really free is to accept that we have a Creator who loves us and will listen to our cries. Even if we are still afraid to completely follow Him, He will honor our attempts at reaching out. I firmly believe this.

This Independence Day, remember that you are a child of God and that

If therefore the son shall make you free,

you shall be free indeed.

~John 8:36

Vacation from God?

I heard an inspiring Life on the Rock today on EWTN radio. They were discussing vacations. How often do we arrive home from a vacation longing to take another vacation?!

Jesus said,

"Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while." (Mark 6:31)

Jesus knew that rest and re-creation is important to the human spirit. But if we return from a vacation worse off, spiritually, than when we started, what good is that?

Crisis Magazine has an article on Monastery Vacations in France. The author, Mary Jo Anderson says that the cost for staying at these monasteries range from $20 to $35 per night, with meals, although additional offerings are welcome.

About.com has an article on monastic vacations in the U.S. and England. The one in Devon, UK is the only English monastery to be restored to its original purpose after King Henry VIII disolved the monasteries after his break with Rome.

It might be worth it to truly unwind in the timeless spiritual atmosphere of a monastery or retreat house for your next vacation.

At the very least, go to Masstimes.org before your next trip, and find a church near your destination. Take time to get up early one morning and go to daily Mass. Don't make your next vacation, a vacation from God.

Vacation from God?

I heard an inspiring Life on the Rock today on EWTN radio. They were discussing vacations. How often do we arrive home from a vacation longing to take another vacation?!

Jesus said,

"Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while." (Mark 6:31)

Jesus knew that rest and re-creation is important to the human spirit. But if we return from a vacation worse off, spiritually, than when we started, what good is that?

Crisis Magazine has an article on Monastery Vacations in France. The author, Mary Jo Anderson says that the cost for staying at these monasteries range from $20 to $35 per night, with meals, although additional offerings are welcome.

About.com has an article on monastic vacations in the U.S. and England. The one in Devon, UK is the only English monastery to be restored to its original purpose after King Henry VIII disolved the monasteries after his break with Rome.

It might be worth it to truly unwind in the timeless spiritual atmosphere of a monastery or retreat house for your next vacation.

At the very least, go to Masstimes.org before your next trip, and find a church near your destination. Take time to get up early one morning and go to daily Mass. Don't make your next vacation, a vacation from God.

on a hot day
a woman fans herself
another wears wool

is it a sin
to compose haiku
during Mass?

grey haired woman
on a hot July day
in a wool shawl

Oh, Canada!

Oh, Canada!

July--The month of the Precious Blood

July is the month dedicated to the Most Precious Blood of Our Lord. In 1849. Pius IX instituted the Feast of the Most Precious Blood, which, in the old calendar, was celebrated on July 1.

The devotion itself, however, is as old as the Church. The early Church Fathers held that the Church was born from the side of Christ with the flowing of His blood.

Pope John Paul II expressed it this way:

God chose the sign of blood because no other sign suggests a person's total involvement so eloquently.

Prayers for the Feast of the Most Precious Blood of Christ

Precious Blood,
Ocean of Divine Mercy:
Flow upon us.

Precious Blood,
Most pure Offering:
Procure us every Grace!

Precious Blood,
Hope and Refuge of sinners:
Atone for us!

Precious Blood,
Delight of holy souls:
Draw us! Amen.

~St. Catherine of Siena

ANIMA Christi, sanctifica me.
Corpus Christi, salva me.
Sanguis Christi, inebria me.
Aqua lateris Christi, lava me.
Passio Christi, conforta me.
O bone Iesu, exaudi me.
Intra tua vulnera absconde me.
Ne permittas me separari a te.
Ab hoste maligno defende me.
In hora mortis meae voca me.
Et iube me venire ad te,
Ut cum Sanctis tuis laudem te
in saecula saeculorum.

Amen.

SOUL of Christ, sanctify me.
Body of Christ, save me.
Blood of Christ, inebriate me.
Water from the side of Christ, wash me.
Passion of Christ, strengthen me.
O good Jesus, hear me.
Within Thy wounds, hide me.
Separated from Thee let me never be.
From the malignant enemy, defend me.
At the hour of death, call me.
To come to Thee, bid me,
That I may praise Thee in the company
Of Thy Saints, for all eternity.

Amen.

July--The month of the Precious Blood

July is the month dedicated to the Most Precious Blood of Our Lord. In 1849. Pius IX instituted the Feast of the Most Precious Blood, which, in the old calendar, was celebrated on July 1.

The devotion itself, however, is as old as the Church. The early Church Fathers held that the Church was born from the side of Christ with the flowing of His blood.

Pope John Paul II expressed it this way:

God chose the sign of blood because no other sign suggests a person's total involvement so eloquently.

Prayers for the Feast of the Most Precious Blood of Christ

Precious Blood,
Ocean of Divine Mercy:
Flow upon us.

Precious Blood,
Most pure Offering:
Procure us every Grace!

Precious Blood,
Hope and Refuge of sinners:
Atone for us!

Precious Blood,
Delight of holy souls:
Draw us! Amen.

~St. Catherine of Siena

ANIMA Christi, sanctifica me.
Corpus Christi, salva me.
Sanguis Christi, inebria me.
Aqua lateris Christi, lava me.
Passio Christi, conforta me.
O bone Iesu, exaudi me.
Intra tua vulnera absconde me.
Ne permittas me separari a te.
Ab hoste maligno defende me.
In hora mortis meae voca me.
Et iube me venire ad te,
Ut cum Sanctis tuis laudem te
in saecula saeculorum.

Amen.

SOUL of Christ, sanctify me.
Body of Christ, save me.
Blood of Christ, inebriate me.
Water from the side of Christ, wash me.
Passion of Christ, strengthen me.
O good Jesus, hear me.
Within Thy wounds, hide me.
Separated from Thee let me never be.
From the malignant enemy, defend me.
At the hour of death, call me.
To come to Thee, bid me,
That I may praise Thee in the company
Of Thy Saints, for all eternity.

Amen.

dog growls
runs down the driveway
timid deer