Cute Overload

Just discovered Cute Overload. GO there. It's worth it. I especially like the little cow story-in-pictures. Just scroll down until you find "Moosday: furriest (and stubbornest) of ears alert". Be sure to read the captions above each picture.

Cute Overload

Just discovered Cute Overload. GO there. It's worth it. I especially like the little cow story-in-pictures. Just scroll down until you find "Moosday: furriest (and stubbornest) of ears alert". Be sure to read the captions above each picture.

Three Minute Retreat

Check out this three minute daily retreat. I'm going to put a link to it in my sidebar. Hat tip to AutumnRose.

Three Minute Retreat

Check out this three minute daily retreat. I'm going to put a link to it in my sidebar. Hat tip to AutumnRose.

Gas--again!

Ok. My gas price posts will have to start getting more frequent.

I "topped up" the tank the other day--it was over half full.

It took TWENTY DOLLARS!

For LESS than a half a tank of gas!!!

Insane!!

Gas--again!

Ok. My gas price posts will have to start getting more frequent.

I "topped up" the tank the other day--it was over half full.

It took TWENTY DOLLARS!

For LESS than a half a tank of gas!!!

Insane!!

The Visitation

Today is the Feast of the Visitation of Mary to Elizabeth. Reaching out to others is something that can be so easily lost in today's society. We are busy. We have jobs. We have children. We often live far from loved ones.

But Mary showed us the meaning of sacrificial giving. She had just learned she was pregnant with the Messiah and the first thing she thinks of, is her pregnant, aging cousin, Elizabeth. She stays with Elizabeth until Elizabeth gives birth to John the Baptist and then returns to her hometown, obviously pregnant with her out-of-wedlock child. She then went to face her family and her espoused with the Truth.

Today, Mary's concern for others can be seen in The Little Sisters of the Poor, who take an "extra" vow of hospitality, along with the vows of poverty, chastity and obedience. If hospitality can be lived out in a life of vowed poverty, how much more can it be lived by those of us who have been blessed with abundance?

Monastic Hospitality in general has been used, through the ages, as a way of reaching out to weary travelers and touching them with the love of Christ. I truly think we need this now, more than ever. For the "common man" to be able to taste a bit of the monastic life is a great gift that vowed religious can give to the world.

Today, this can be done as often, through the internet, as it is in person. The Monastery of Christ in the Desert is a great example of this. By visiting their website, you can access homilies, chants, information about angels, Saint Benedict, Opus Dei, and monastic spirituality. You can purchase incense, sandals, metals, mugs, CDs, prayer ropes, rosaries and even lip balm!

For a little peak into the everyday life inside a monastery, take a look at this YouTube film on the subject.

The Visitation

Today is the Feast of the Visitation of Mary to Elizabeth. Reaching out to others is something that can be so easily lost in today's society. We are busy. We have jobs. We have children. We often live far from loved ones.

But Mary showed us the meaning of sacrificial giving. She had just learned she was pregnant with the Messiah and the first thing she thinks of, is her pregnant, aging cousin, Elizabeth. She stays with Elizabeth until Elizabeth gives birth to John the Baptist and then returns to her hometown, obviously pregnant with her out-of-wedlock child. She then went to face her family and her espoused with the Truth.

Today, Mary's concern for others can be seen in The Little Sisters of the Poor, who take an "extra" vow of hospitality, along with the vows of poverty, chastity and obedience. If hospitality can be lived out in a life of vowed poverty, how much more can it be lived by those of us who have been blessed with abundance?

Monastic Hospitality in general has been used, through the ages, as a way of reaching out to weary travelers and touching them with the love of Christ. I truly think we need this now, more than ever. For the "common man" to be able to taste a bit of the monastic life is a great gift that vowed religious can give to the world.

Today, this can be done as often, through the internet, as it is in person. The Monastery of Christ in the Desert is a great example of this. By visiting their website, you can access homilies, chants, information about angels, Saint Benedict, Opus Dei, and monastic spirituality. You can purchase incense, sandals, metals, mugs, CDs, prayer ropes, rosaries and even lip balm!

For a little peak into the everyday life inside a monastery, take a look at this YouTube film on the subject.

A Real Spiritual Treasure

Spiritual Treasury is a wonderful mission website pointed out to me by someone on a Catholic forum I frequent. Missionary priests all over the world are in great need of prayers and funds for the most basic of things for the people they serve. The Catholic Mission Office of the Archdiocese of Chicago raises badly needed funds for the missions through donations for things such as Missionary Rosaries, designed in 1951 by Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen, and various numbers of Masses one may request to be said.

A Gregorian Mass, which was popularized by Pope St. Gregory the Great, is a series of 30 consecutive Masses said for the soul of one departed person. Having this great number of consecutive Masses said for someone is almost impossible to accomplish today in many parishes, due to the shortage of priests. Many parishes' Masses are booked up months in advance. By requesting this through the missions, you can have this tremendous blessing for your beloved dead and help the missions at the same time. Many mission priests don't have a chalice with which to say their first Mass. A donation can also be made to purchase a chalice for a priest, which can be engraved with the donor's name.

You can request Spiritual Treasury to say individual Masses, a Triduum (three Masses) or a Novena (9 Masses) for a living or deceased loved one, or for yourself or a special intention.

You can even request these Masses be said for your soul in your will!

A Real Spiritual Treasure

Spiritual Treasury is a wonderful mission website pointed out to me by someone on a Catholic forum I frequent. Missionary priests all over the world are in great need of prayers and funds for the most basic of things for the people they serve. The Catholic Mission Office of the Archdiocese of Chicago raises badly needed funds for the missions through donations for things such as Missionary Rosaries, designed in 1951 by Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen, and various numbers of Masses one may request to be said.

A Gregorian Mass, which was popularized by Pope St. Gregory the Great, is a series of 30 consecutive Masses said for the soul of one departed person. Having this great number of consecutive Masses said for someone is almost impossible to accomplish today in many parishes, due to the shortage of priests. Many parishes' Masses are booked up months in advance. By requesting this through the missions, you can have this tremendous blessing for your beloved dead and help the missions at the same time. Many mission priests don't have a chalice with which to say their first Mass. A donation can also be made to purchase a chalice for a priest, which can be engraved with the donor's name.

You can request Spiritual Treasury to say individual Masses, a Triduum (three Masses) or a Novena (9 Masses) for a living or deceased loved one, or for yourself or a special intention.

You can even request these Masses be said for your soul in your will!

Memorial Day Tribute

Memorial Day Tribute

Memorial Day

The White House Commission on Remembrance is asking Americans to pause for a moment of silence at 3pm today, Memorial Day. This is in an effort to bring back the sacredness of the day as it was meant to be--to remember those who have fallen in defense of freedom.

Hat tip to Lee Ann who lost her son in Iraq.

Memorial Day

The White House Commission on Remembrance is asking Americans to pause for a moment of silence at 3pm today, Memorial Day. This is in an effort to bring back the sacredness of the day as it was meant to be--to remember those who have fallen in defense of freedom.

Hat tip to Lee Ann who lost her son in Iraq.

Pentecost

Happy Pentecost!! This is the day that we commemorate the coming of the Holy Spirit--the third Person of the Blessed Trinity. The traditional "gifts of the Spirit" is taken from the Old Testament book of Isaiah.

But a shoot shall sprout from the stump of Jesse, and from his roots a bud shall blossom. The spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him: a spirit of wisdom and of understanding, a spirit of counsel and of strength, a spirit of knowledge and of fear of the Lord, and his delight shall be the fear of the Lord.
~Isaiah 11:1-3

The Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit:

1. Wisdom
2. Understanding
3. Knowledge
4. Strength
5. Counsel
6. Piety
7. Fear of the Lord

This YouTube video is a combination of meditations on Ascension and Pentecost.

Pentecost

Happy Pentecost!! This is the day that we commemorate the coming of the Holy Spirit--the third Person of the Blessed Trinity. The traditional "gifts of the Spirit" is taken from the Old Testament book of Isaiah.

But a shoot shall sprout from the stump of Jesse, and from his roots a bud shall blossom. The spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him: a spirit of wisdom and of understanding, a spirit of counsel and of strength, a spirit of knowledge and of fear of the Lord, and his delight shall be the fear of the Lord.
~Isaiah 11:1-3

The Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit:

1. Wisdom
2. Understanding
3. Knowledge
4. Strength
5. Counsel
6. Piety
7. Fear of the Lord

This YouTube video is a combination of meditations on Ascension and Pentecost.

Redecorating II

Ok. I'm finished my sunroom (for now).

This is the before picture. Icky green with two big unpainted areas.



This is the after picture. "Nifty Turquoise" base with stenciled stones on top. The "stones" go across the room from one door to the other.

Redecorating II

Ok. I'm finished my sunroom (for now).

This is the before picture. Icky green with two big unpainted areas.



This is the after picture. "Nifty Turquoise" base with stenciled stones on top. The "stones" go across the room from one door to the other.

among the red--
beautiful and different
lavender tomatoes

Redecorating

Just an update re: my current house doings for those who care.

I am in the process of painting the cement floor of my sun room a beautiful bright dark turquoise. After it dries, I will sponge on some fake stepping stones connecting the two side doors using some stencils that I bought. I may paint the doors a light pinkish coral.

The original floor was an icky olive green around the perimeter, with no paint in the middle. (I think the previous owner ran out!) I am picky about my greens and this one wasn't cutting it!

Anyway, the turquoise is intense and makes the whole room glow, like you are under water. Once the rocks are in, I figure you can use your imagination and make the turquoise be either water, or plant material, peppered by a walkway of stones.

We are also debating on what to do with the TV that was in there. As our antennae fell over, we get no TV reception at the moment. We may use it to replace this dinosaur monitor in here. The poor cat will have to find somewhere else to lay!

Redecorating

Just an update re: my current house doings for those who care.

I am in the process of painting the cement floor of my sun room a beautiful bright dark turquoise. After it dries, I will sponge on some fake stepping stones connecting the two side doors using some stencils that I bought. I may paint the doors a light pinkish coral.

The original floor was an icky olive green around the perimeter, with no paint in the middle. (I think the previous owner ran out!) I am picky about my greens and this one wasn't cutting it!

Anyway, the turquoise is intense and makes the whole room glow, like you are under water. Once the rocks are in, I figure you can use your imagination and make the turquoise be either water, or plant material, peppered by a walkway of stones.

We are also debating on what to do with the TV that was in there. As our antennae fell over, we get no TV reception at the moment. We may use it to replace this dinosaur monitor in here. The poor cat will have to find somewhere else to lay!

St. Rita

I must mention the feast of St. Rita today, because she is the patron of our parish.

St. Rita was born in 1381 in Italy. She wanted to enter the convent but instead, submitted to her parent's wishes for her to marry. Her husband was abusive, and the 2 sons born to them were very much like their father. She prayed for them all continually. Her husband was stabbed, but repented prior to death, because of her prayers.

Their two sons resolved to violently avenge their father's death. Rita prayed that they would die rather than sin in that way. When they both died, she entered a convent and lived there for 40 years.

She died on this day in 1457.

St. Rita

I must mention the feast of St. Rita today, because she is the patron of our parish.

St. Rita was born in 1381 in Italy. She wanted to enter the convent but instead, submitted to her parent's wishes for her to marry. Her husband was abusive, and the 2 sons born to them were very much like their father. She prayed for them all continually. Her husband was stabbed, but repented prior to death, because of her prayers.

Their two sons resolved to violently avenge their father's death. Rita prayed that they would die rather than sin in that way. When they both died, she entered a convent and lived there for 40 years.

She died on this day in 1457.

U.S. Civil War in 4 mintues

This visual map of the U.S. Civil War in 4 minutes (1 week= 1 second) really drives home how long it took to fight and win the War Between the States. Hat tip: Netorama.

U.S. Civil War in 4 mintues

This visual map of the U.S. Civil War in 4 minutes (1 week= 1 second) really drives home how long it took to fight and win the War Between the States. Hat tip: Netorama.

Relax and watch the kites

Click on this link to view a beautifully meditative and skilled presentation on kite flying set to music. Unfortunately, I can't find a means to embed the video, so you will have to click the link above. Hat tip to Lifeisgreat.

Relax and watch the kites

Click on this link to view a beautifully meditative and skilled presentation on kite flying set to music. Unfortunately, I can't find a means to embed the video, so you will have to click the link above. Hat tip to Lifeisgreat.

What Women Wear

Yesterday, I attended my niece's college graduation. (Go, Rebecca!) It made me think, once again, of the issue of What Women Wear. They had a group of doctoral students who received awards. For whatever reason, this group was not robed. (Perhaps they graduate after the fall semester...) Anyway, one by one, these incredibly educated people stepped up on the stage to receive their awards. The men were all smartly dressed--mainly ties and some suits. Very appropriate. The women, however, looked like they were interrupted while lying out in the summer sun. One wore a tank top.

These women knew that they were a) going to a graduation ceremony where they would receive awards, and, b) that they would not be robed. What were they trying to communicate by their outward dress?

I notice a similar gender difference when I sing at weddings and funerals. Most of the men come in shirts and ties, if not suits. The women come in clothes that look like they've been housecleaning. Why the difference?

It could be that appropriate, affordable and modest clothing for women is not always easy to find. It takes some searching to find a store that sells clothes that will fit women who aren't built like anorexic Barbie dolls in the first place. Then, the task becomes finding clothing that is somewhat modest and affordable.

What Women Wear

Yesterday, I attended my niece's college graduation. (Go, Rebecca!) It made me think, once again, of the issue of What Women Wear. They had a group of doctoral students who received awards. For whatever reason, this group was not robed. (Perhaps they graduate after the fall semester...) Anyway, one by one, these incredibly educated people stepped up on the stage to receive their awards. The men were all smartly dressed--mainly ties and some suits. Very appropriate. The women, however, looked like they were interrupted while lying out in the summer sun. One wore a tank top.

These women knew that they were a) going to a graduation ceremony where they would receive awards, and, b) that they would not be robed. What were they trying to communicate by their outward dress?

I notice a similar gender difference when I sing at weddings and funerals. Most of the men come in shirts and ties, if not suits. The women come in clothes that look like they've been housecleaning. Why the difference?

It could be that appropriate, affordable and modest clothing for women is not always easy to find. It takes some searching to find a store that sells clothes that will fit women who aren't built like anorexic Barbie dolls in the first place. Then, the task becomes finding clothing that is somewhat modest and affordable.

Book Meme

I've been memed by Marie:

Three non-fiction books everyone should read:

1. The Bible
2. The Catechism of the Catholic Church
3. Various lives of the Saints

Three works of fiction that everyone should read:

Pick any three by William Shakespeare.

Three authors everyone should read:

1. John Paul II
2. Pope Benedict XVI
3. William Shakespeare

Three books that nobody should read:

Anything that weakens your faith. It's not worth it.

Book Meme

I've been memed by Marie:

Three non-fiction books everyone should read:

1. The Bible
2. The Catechism of the Catholic Church
3. Various lives of the Saints

Three works of fiction that everyone should read:

Pick any three by William Shakespeare.

Three authors everyone should read:

1. John Paul II
2. Pope Benedict XVI
3. William Shakespeare

Three books that nobody should read:

Anything that weakens your faith. It's not worth it.

The Miracle of Damascus

Another blessed "coincidence" today. In a previous post, I told you about Our Lady of Soufanieh, in Damascus, Syria. Myrna, the woman through whom the miracles take place, exudes pure olive oil (the type used for anointing in the Church) from her hands and face. I first came across this on YouTube, believe it or not, and it can be a bit...disconcerting to watch. I didn't fully understand why (theologically) she would exude oil, especially from her face...what did that have to do with the apparent message (of the apparitions she received) of unity of Christians?

Well, this morning, I was reading my morning office for today, when I came across this psalm:

How good and how pleasant it is
when brothers live in unity!

It is like precious oil upon the head,
running down the upon the beard,
running down upon Aaron's beard,
upon the collar of his robes.

~Psalm 133

This first of the (so far) 24 installments on YouTube regarding the Miracle of Damascus, tells about the biblically historical significance of Damascus and introduces us to the miracle.

The Miracle of Damascus

Another blessed "coincidence" today. In a previous post, I told you about Our Lady of Soufanieh, in Damascus, Syria. Myrna, the woman through whom the miracles take place, exudes pure olive oil (the type used for anointing in the Church) from her hands and face. I first came across this on YouTube, believe it or not, and it can be a bit...disconcerting to watch. I didn't fully understand why (theologically) she would exude oil, especially from her face...what did that have to do with the apparent message (of the apparitions she received) of unity of Christians?

Well, this morning, I was reading my morning office for today, when I came across this psalm:

How good and how pleasant it is
when brothers live in unity!

It is like precious oil upon the head,
running down the upon the beard,
running down upon Aaron's beard,
upon the collar of his robes.

~Psalm 133

This first of the (so far) 24 installments on YouTube regarding the Miracle of Damascus, tells about the biblically historical significance of Damascus and introduces us to the miracle.

vip
attractive pop sickle stick
with big hair

On a lighter note...

It's freezing here today. Well, ok, not freezing, but chilly. I'm in a long sleeve shirt and a sweater. Anyone who knows me, knows how unusual that would be for me, for this time of year, at this time in my life!

On a lighter note...

It's freezing here today. Well, ok, not freezing, but chilly. I'm in a long sleeve shirt and a sweater. Anyone who knows me, knows how unusual that would be for me, for this time of year, at this time in my life!

Catholic Digital Studio

I wanted to highlight a wonderful online Catholic resource: Catholic Digital Studio. They have free Catholic videos, wallpaper, basic, intermediate and advanced catechetical and apologetic materials, and writings and biographies of saints, holy people and mystics, a section on prayer and even a children's section. It is well worth a look.

Catholic Digital Studio

I wanted to highlight a wonderful online Catholic resource: Catholic Digital Studio. They have free Catholic videos, wallpaper, basic, intermediate and advanced catechetical and apologetic materials, and writings and biographies of saints, holy people and mystics, a section on prayer and even a children's section. It is well worth a look.

Our Lady of Soufinieh

I have just become aware of a Church approved apparition that has taken place in the Middle East.

Eighteen year old Myrna Nazzour of Damascus, Syria was praying with an Orthodox and a Muslim woman for her sister in law, who was ill. The Muslim woman noticed that Myrna had a light that seemed to come from her hands. After that, her hands began to exude oil. When the women suggested that Myrna anoint her sister in law with the oil, she did, and the sister in law was cured.

A few days later, a 3 inch icon in Myrna's home began to exude the oil as well. Soon, Myrna experienced visions of Our Lady and Christ. The basic message seems to be one of unity between the Catholic and the Orthodox Church, beginning with unity in the celebration of Easter. (Normally, the Catholic and Orthodox Churches celebrate Easter on 2 different days. Occasionally, the feasts will coincide.) After visiting Damascus, Pope John Paul II gave special permission for the Catholics in Syria to celebrate Easter on the same day that the Orthodox do.

Besides being excited to learn of a new Church approved apparition, (as opposed to the many that are out there being promoted in spite of being disapproved by the Church) I was rather stunned to learn of its focus of unity between the Eastern and Western Churches, given my fairly recent blog list focusing on that very subject, not to mention the eerie similarity of the icon (above) to the one I had recently posted on my sidebar. Hmm....

In the quote below, the thing that stood out for me is the idea that the Church is the Kingdom of Heaven on Earth. I always wondered what Christ meant about the Kingdom of Heaven being "at hand" and being here among us, when there is so much sin in the world. It makes perfect sense that the Kingdom Christ talked about is the Church that He established on earth until his coming again.

Your heart belongs to Me, unless that heart has possessed another god. The Church is the Kingdom of Heaven on Earth. He who divides it has sinned. He who is happy in its divisions, has also sinned.

~Jesus to Myrna of Damascus

For more information on this apparition, see Fatima Family Apostolate and Unity Publishing. Hat tip to Innocent for pointing me to this relevant link as well.

Our Lady of Soufinieh

I have just become aware of a Church approved apparition that has taken place in the Middle East.

Eighteen year old Myrna Nazzour of Damascus, Syria was praying with an Orthodox and a Muslim woman for her sister in law, who was ill. The Muslim woman noticed that Myrna had a light that seemed to come from her hands. After that, her hands began to exude oil. When the women suggested that Myrna anoint her sister in law with the oil, she did, and the sister in law was cured.

A few days later, a 3 inch icon in Myrna's home began to exude the oil as well. Soon, Myrna experienced visions of Our Lady and Christ. The basic message seems to be one of unity between the Catholic and the Orthodox Church, beginning with unity in the celebration of Easter. (Normally, the Catholic and Orthodox Churches celebrate Easter on 2 different days. Occasionally, the feasts will coincide.) After visiting Damascus, Pope John Paul II gave special permission for the Catholics in Syria to celebrate Easter on the same day that the Orthodox do.

Besides being excited to learn of a new Church approved apparition, (as opposed to the many that are out there being promoted in spite of being disapproved by the Church) I was rather stunned to learn of its focus of unity between the Eastern and Western Churches, given my fairly recent blog list focusing on that very subject, not to mention the eerie similarity of the icon (above) to the one I had recently posted on my sidebar. Hmm....

In the quote below, the thing that stood out for me is the idea that the Church is the Kingdom of Heaven on Earth. I always wondered what Christ meant about the Kingdom of Heaven being "at hand" and being here among us, when there is so much sin in the world. It makes perfect sense that the Kingdom Christ talked about is the Church that He established on earth until his coming again.

Your heart belongs to Me, unless that heart has possessed another god. The Church is the Kingdom of Heaven on Earth. He who divides it has sinned. He who is happy in its divisions, has also sinned.

~Jesus to Myrna of Damascus

For more information on this apparition, see Fatima Family Apostolate and Unity Publishing. Hat tip to Innocent for pointing me to this relevant link as well.

Juicy and sweet,
the sugarplum dances dimly
in the back of my mind.

Does Evil Exist?

An increasingly popular notion today is that there is no such thing as evil--and certainly not Evil personified. I think the idea that there is no such thing as evil, or the Evil One, can only be credibly entertained in this western society, at this time. We have virtually everything we could ever want at our fingertips. Most of us have roofs over our heads, food in our kitchens, cars in our driveways, hundreds of television channels in our living rooms, and an entire world at the click of a mouse. It is easy for us to come to the conclusion that evil does not exist, because most of us have not had to come face to face with it.

But evil does exist.

When the government that you elected, turns against you systematically, and finally decides that everyone of your religion and ethnic group must die, that is no mere "policy" or "choice". That is evil. When vast numbers of your countrymen go along with it, turn you in to the authorities, put you in concentration camps, treat you less than animals, kill your people by the tens of thousands, and then go home to their families at night and play with their children as if nothing happened, that is evil. There is evil in the world. There was evil in the 1930's and there is evil today. Just because this type of thing is not happening throughout Western culture right now, doesn't mean it is not happening.

The good news is that if Evil exists, then Good must exist. If Evil can be personified, then so can Good. All does not lie within humanity alone. We are created as God's children by a loving Father. We are given the graces by God to overcome our challenges and survive in this world.

Perfect Love exists and God is Perfect Love.

Does Evil Exist?

An increasingly popular notion today is that there is no such thing as evil--and certainly not Evil personified. I think the idea that there is no such thing as evil, or the Evil One, can only be credibly entertained in this western society, at this time. We have virtually everything we could ever want at our fingertips. Most of us have roofs over our heads, food in our kitchens, cars in our driveways, hundreds of television channels in our living rooms, and an entire world at the click of a mouse. It is easy for us to come to the conclusion that evil does not exist, because most of us have not had to come face to face with it.

But evil does exist.

When the government that you elected, turns against you systematically, and finally decides that everyone of your religion and ethnic group must die, that is no mere "policy" or "choice". That is evil. When vast numbers of your countrymen go along with it, turn you in to the authorities, put you in concentration camps, treat you less than animals, kill your people by the tens of thousands, and then go home to their families at night and play with their children as if nothing happened, that is evil. There is evil in the world. There was evil in the 1930's and there is evil today. Just because this type of thing is not happening throughout Western culture right now, doesn't mean it is not happening.

The good news is that if Evil exists, then Good must exist. If Evil can be personified, then so can Good. All does not lie within humanity alone. We are created as God's children by a loving Father. We are given the graces by God to overcome our challenges and survive in this world.

Perfect Love exists and God is Perfect Love.

modern role reversal
the cat brings offerings to
the human

Just for Fun--Pluton

Netorama has a link to a fairly simple math game. The site is Japanese (I think) so here are the rules.

1. Combine three numbers (by clicking) to total 10 or 20.
2. You get smaller points if your total goes under.
3. Points are subtracted if you go over.
4. Unused numbers count against your time.

Just for Fun--Pluton

Netorama has a link to a fairly simple math game. The site is Japanese (I think) so here are the rules.

1. Combine three numbers (by clicking) to total 10 or 20.
2. You get smaller points if your total goes under.
3. Points are subtracted if you go over.
4. Unused numbers count against your time.

The Greatest Generation on YouTube

I go on "information jags"--internet, blogs, books. Two of my recent jags are reading about presidents (Kennedy and FDR,) and watching "Geriatric1927" on YouTube. He is an 80 year old British man who is telling the story of his life in parts on YouTube. Its fascinating to watch him learn about technology and share the rich story of his life. Its not flashy or exciting in a modern sort of way, but it is charming and, in its own way, addicting.

The Greatest Generation on YouTube

I go on "information jags"--internet, blogs, books. Two of my recent jags are reading about presidents (Kennedy and FDR,) and watching "Geriatric1927" on YouTube. He is an 80 year old British man who is telling the story of his life in parts on YouTube. Its fascinating to watch him learn about technology and share the rich story of his life. Its not flashy or exciting in a modern sort of way, but it is charming and, in its own way, addicting.

my husband--
the comforting *clank* of Volkswagen tools
on the garage floor

Rest in Peace

I just found out that my great-aunt, who was in her 90's, passed away this morning.

Eternal rest, give to her, O Lord;
and let perpetual light shine upon her.
~Psalm 64

Rest in Peace

I just found out that my great-aunt, who was in her 90's, passed away this morning.

Eternal rest, give to her, O Lord;
and let perpetual light shine upon her.
~Psalm 64

a ghost
in the foggy darkness
coming to claim its own

The Holy Eucharist--a Path to Prayer

I'm reading The Blessed Eucharist by Fr. Michael Muller, C.S.S.R. and it reminded me of something that I think, often gets lost in the irreverence that is so prevalent in today's Church and society.

Fr. Muller tells us that when we receive communion, Jesus is within us in a very special way. At that moment, it is especially efficacious, not only to praise God for the gift of Himself, but to put before Our Lord, any intentions that are especially pressing on your soul. Unburden yourself before the Lord because when you receive Him in the Holy Eucharist, it is a moment of intimacy unparalleled on this side of the great divide of death. Our Lord gave us Himself in the Holy Eucharist to fulfill his promise that

I am with you always,
even unto the end of time.
~Matthew 28:20

The Holy Eucharist--a Path to Prayer

I'm reading The Blessed Eucharist by Fr. Michael Muller, C.S.S.R. and it reminded me of something that I think, often gets lost in the irreverence that is so prevalent in today's Church and society.

Fr. Muller tells us that when we receive communion, Jesus is within us in a very special way. At that moment, it is especially efficacious, not only to praise God for the gift of Himself, but to put before Our Lord, any intentions that are especially pressing on your soul. Unburden yourself before the Lord because when you receive Him in the Holy Eucharist, it is a moment of intimacy unparalleled on this side of the great divide of death. Our Lord gave us Himself in the Holy Eucharist to fulfill his promise that

I am with you always,
even unto the end of time.
~Matthew 28:20

Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Mother's Day to all Moms out there!

Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Mother's Day to all Moms out there!

The Rosary--a gift from our mother

Tomorrow is Mother's Day in the U.S. and the 90th anniversary of the appearance of Our Lady at Fatima. On May 13, 1917, Our Lady appeared to three shepherd children in Fatima, Portugal under the title of Our Lady of the Rosary. Our Lady asked Jacinta and Franciso Marta and Lucia dos Santos to pray the Rosary daily for peace in the world, and to do penance for conversion of sinners.

I think Our Lady gave us a great gift when she asked us to pray the Rosary for peace. I think, in every age, we worry about what goes on in the world, especially those things beyond our control. There are times when we don't feel there is anything we can do ourselves, to further peace in our time. Praying the Rosary for Peace is one thing we can do.

Pray the Rosary for peace. Pray the rosary for mothers.

The Rosary--a gift from our mother

Tomorrow is Mother's Day in the U.S. and the 90th anniversary of the appearance of Our Lady at Fatima. On May 13, 1917, Our Lady appeared to three shepherd children in Fatima, Portugal under the title of Our Lady of the Rosary. Our Lady asked Jacinta and Franciso Marta and Lucia dos Santos to pray the Rosary daily for peace in the world, and to do penance for conversion of sinners.

I think Our Lady gave us a great gift when she asked us to pray the Rosary for peace. I think, in every age, we worry about what goes on in the world, especially those things beyond our control. There are times when we don't feel there is anything we can do ourselves, to further peace in our time. Praying the Rosary for Peace is one thing we can do.

Pray the Rosary for peace. Pray the rosary for mothers.

For Eternal Rest

Please pray for the repose of the soul of my aunt, June, who passed away early this morning.

Requiem aeternam dona eis Domine;
et lux perpetua luceat eis.
Eternal rest, give to her, O Lord;
and let perpetual light shine upon her.
~Psalm 64

For Eternal Rest

Please pray for the repose of the soul of my aunt, June, who passed away early this morning.

Requiem aeternam dona eis Domine;
et lux perpetua luceat eis.
Eternal rest, give to her, O Lord;
and let perpetual light shine upon her.
~Psalm 64

in the cool of the morning
God waters the world

*THIS* is what it's like!!!

This is animated poetry by Billy Collins. This piece is called "Forgetfulness".

*THIS* is what it's like!!!

This is animated poetry by Billy Collins. This piece is called "Forgetfulness".

U.S. Postal Rates Go Up

Starting Monday, May 14, first class postage in the U.S. goes up to 41 cents an ounce. The post office has already been selling what they call a "forever stamp" for a month, at the new rate. This stamp, which has a liberty bell on it, will always be good for whatever the current first class price happens to be. The bad news is that the post office probably intends to raise the rates fairly often, and won't have to keep reprinting new first class stamps this way. The good news is that you can stock up on these babies now, at 41 cents, and still use them the next time the price goes up.

So, put this on your to-do list this weekend:

1. Snail mail anything I can get my hands on before the Monday rate increase.

2. Go out and buy as many "forever stamps" as I can stand.

U.S. Postal Rates Go Up

Starting Monday, May 14, first class postage in the U.S. goes up to 41 cents an ounce. The post office has already been selling what they call a "forever stamp" for a month, at the new rate. This stamp, which has a liberty bell on it, will always be good for whatever the current first class price happens to be. The bad news is that the post office probably intends to raise the rates fairly often, and won't have to keep reprinting new first class stamps this way. The good news is that you can stock up on these babies now, at 41 cents, and still use them the next time the price goes up.

So, put this on your to-do list this weekend:

1. Snail mail anything I can get my hands on before the Monday rate increase.

2. Go out and buy as many "forever stamps" as I can stand.

The Queen Visits the U.S.

The Queen has been visiting America. On Monday, President Bush welcomed the 81 year old Queen to the United States, noting that she had visited for our bicentenial celebration "in 1776." When he realized his faux pas, he smiled and winked (what's up with *that*?!) at the reigning monarch and was met with laughter from the audience and a straight faced stare from Her Majesty. Bush then said, "She gave me a look that only a mother could give a child." Rather appropriate, I think, given the historic relationship between the two countries!

The Queen volleyed back at the President last night by opening the British embassy dinner with this remark: "I wondered whether I should start this toast by saying, 'When I was here in 1776...'."

When President Bush stood up to give his toast, he hesitated for a few seconds. "Your Majesty," he said, "I can't top that one."

Good call, George!

The Queen Visits the U.S.

The Queen has been visiting America. On Monday, President Bush welcomed the 81 year old Queen to the United States, noting that she had visited for our bicentenial celebration "in 1776." When he realized his faux pas, he smiled and winked (what's up with *that*?!) at the reigning monarch and was met with laughter from the audience and a straight faced stare from Her Majesty. Bush then said, "She gave me a look that only a mother could give a child." Rather appropriate, I think, given the historic relationship between the two countries!

The Queen volleyed back at the President last night by opening the British embassy dinner with this remark: "I wondered whether I should start this toast by saying, 'When I was here in 1776...'."

When President Bush stood up to give his toast, he hesitated for a few seconds. "Your Majesty," he said, "I can't top that one."

Good call, George!

Obligatory gas price post

It's time for me to complain about gas prices again. The other day, I put $15 worth of gas in my car and got a whopping 5 gallons worth of gas. That is just sad.

I've said it before and I'll say it again--we SHOULD HAVE learned from the gas "crisis" in the 1970's! The fact that companies are still making, and people are still buying, vehicles like Humvees says a lot about our power of denial. Why in the world would anyone *need* to buy such a vehicle? Why are we still *making* vehicles like this and not making vehicles that run on something other than gasoline?

Having said that, though, I have little faith that when we do come up with an "affordable" alternative power source, the price of that power source won't quickly become as unaffordable as gasoline is today.

Obligatory gas price post

It's time for me to complain about gas prices again. The other day, I put $15 worth of gas in my car and got a whopping 5 gallons worth of gas. That is just sad.

I've said it before and I'll say it again--we SHOULD HAVE learned from the gas "crisis" in the 1970's! The fact that companies are still making, and people are still buying, vehicles like Humvees says a lot about our power of denial. Why in the world would anyone *need* to buy such a vehicle? Why are we still *making* vehicles like this and not making vehicles that run on something other than gasoline?

Having said that, though, I have little faith that when we do come up with an "affordable" alternative power source, the price of that power source won't quickly become as unaffordable as gasoline is today.

Random spring thoughts

It's a beautiful spring day. It is a day for fulfilling one of my long held dreams--to take a restful nap outside. Spring is the time to do these kinds of things. I wanted to blog about how beautiful it is outside, when I realized that I feel a bit...dishonest in not being able to show you actual pictures from the actual outside at this very moment.

I think I should perhaps, upgrade my cell phone, which currently is a very basic model, to include a camera and learn how to upload pictures to my blog. Being someone who shrinks from change, though, I hesitate. I've had this phone so long, that they probably owe me 2 or 3 upgrades by now. Plus, I would like a phone that would not cause me undue anxiety in learning to use it. After all, I am closer to 50 now than I am to 40.

Random spring thoughts

It's a beautiful spring day. It is a day for fulfilling one of my long held dreams--to take a restful nap outside. Spring is the time to do these kinds of things. I wanted to blog about how beautiful it is outside, when I realized that I feel a bit...dishonest in not being able to show you actual pictures from the actual outside at this very moment.

I think I should perhaps, upgrade my cell phone, which currently is a very basic model, to include a camera and learn how to upload pictures to my blog. Being someone who shrinks from change, though, I hesitate. I've had this phone so long, that they probably owe me 2 or 3 upgrades by now. Plus, I would like a phone that would not cause me undue anxiety in learning to use it. After all, I am closer to 50 now than I am to 40.

sweetest flowers
Our Lady's mantel
gently blooms

The Church Militant

The Church Militant

Thoughts on Genesis--the lies of the serpent

But the serpent said to the woman: "You certainly will not die! No, God knows well that the moment you eat of it your eyes will be opened and you will be like gods who know what is good and what is evil."
~Genesis, Chapter 3

How were our first parents to "know what is good and what is evil" if not to experience it themselves? God had given them everything that was good when He created the earth. The only way for Adam and Eve to "know evil" was to experience the evil that comes from sin. What evil has entered the world when Adam and Eve listened to Satan's lies!

The goal of "being like gods" is also a lie from Satan. Satan, who was originally an angel, ("Lucifer", meaning "light bearer") was also the original being to have the audacity to try to *be* God. Even today, he prowls the world, telling us the same lie.

For even Satan masquerades as an angel of light.
~2 Corrinthians 11:14

The angel who stayed true to the One God, is St. Michael, whose name in Hebrew means "Who is Like God?" The answer, of course, is NO ONE is like God--in the sense of being God.

Hear, 0 Israel: The Lord our God alone! and you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength. Deut. 6:4 f.

Thoughts on Genesis--the lies of the serpent

But the serpent said to the woman: "You certainly will not die! No, God knows well that the moment you eat of it your eyes will be opened and you will be like gods who know what is good and what is evil."
~Genesis, Chapter 3

How were our first parents to "know what is good and what is evil" if not to experience it themselves? God had given them everything that was good when He created the earth. The only way for Adam and Eve to "know evil" was to experience the evil that comes from sin. What evil has entered the world when Adam and Eve listened to Satan's lies!

The goal of "being like gods" is also a lie from Satan. Satan, who was originally an angel, ("Lucifer", meaning "light bearer") was also the original being to have the audacity to try to *be* God. Even today, he prowls the world, telling us the same lie.

For even Satan masquerades as an angel of light.
~2 Corrinthians 11:14

The angel who stayed true to the One God, is St. Michael, whose name in Hebrew means "Who is Like God?" The answer, of course, is NO ONE is like God--in the sense of being God.

Hear, 0 Israel: The Lord our God alone! and you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength. Deut. 6:4 f.

I believe

I believe in God, the Father, the Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth--of all that is--seen, and unseen.

In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. And the earth was a formless void, and darkness covered the deep. And God said, Let there be light, and there was light. And God saw that the light was good.

~Genesis, Chapter One

I believe

I believe in God, the Father, the Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth--of all that is--seen, and unseen.

In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. And the earth was a formless void, and darkness covered the deep. And God said, Let there be light, and there was light. And God saw that the light was good.

~Genesis, Chapter One

Now is the Month of Maying

In honor of the month of May, I present, "Now is the Month of Maying." (It takes them a minute to start singing, so be patient.)

Now is the Month of Maying

In honor of the month of May, I present, "Now is the Month of Maying." (It takes them a minute to start singing, so be patient.)

the fish hear me
leaving the restaurant
and beg for food

Make your own flower garden

Need more spring? Like wild flowers? Want an easy, instant flower garden? Click here! You will see a black screen. Click everywhere and watch the flowers bloom! Happy Spring! Hold down and move your mouse to see a profusion of blooms!!

Make your own flower garden

Need more spring? Like wild flowers? Want an easy, instant flower garden? Click here! You will see a black screen. Click everywhere and watch the flowers bloom! Happy Spring! Hold down and move your mouse to see a profusion of blooms!!

First Communion

Beautiful First Holy Communion at Mass today. It always warms my heart when I see the kids dressed in beautiful, traditional First Communion outfits to receive their Lord for the first time. It's nice to see some of the traditions coming back.

On May 8, 1884, St. Therese, the Little Flower made her First Holy Communion. This is what she later said of that day:

At last the most wonderful day of my life arrived, and I can remember every tiny detail of those heavenly hours: my joyous waking up at dawn, the tender, reverent kisses of the mistresses and older girls, the room where we dressed -- filled with the white "snowflakes" in which one after another we were clothed -- and above all, our entry into chapel and the singing of the morning hymn: "O Altar of God, Where the Angels are Hovering." I knew that I was loved and said, "I love You, and I give myself to You forever."

First Communion

Beautiful First Holy Communion at Mass today. It always warms my heart when I see the kids dressed in beautiful, traditional First Communion outfits to receive their Lord for the first time. It's nice to see some of the traditions coming back.

On May 8, 1884, St. Therese, the Little Flower made her First Holy Communion. This is what she later said of that day:

At last the most wonderful day of my life arrived, and I can remember every tiny detail of those heavenly hours: my joyous waking up at dawn, the tender, reverent kisses of the mistresses and older girls, the room where we dressed -- filled with the white "snowflakes" in which one after another we were clothed -- and above all, our entry into chapel and the singing of the morning hymn: "O Altar of God, Where the Angels are Hovering." I knew that I was loved and said, "I love You, and I give myself to You forever."

he watches the car
we wait and watch him watching--
wife & bird

The Rosary

For the month of May, I thought I would post a few thoughts on the Rosary. As one who is easily distracted, I really appreciate the gift that is the Holy Rosary. It is so multisensory. Your fingers travel over the beads as you pray the prayers and contemplate the mysteries. The crucifix can be used as a way to center your thoughts on the sacrifice of Christ.

In saying all 15 (or 20) decades in a complete rosary, we follow the life of Christ from His conception, to his return to heaven. The Rosary is a mini-bible that holds within it, the teachings and creed of the Church.

In praying the rosary, we are not contemplating ourselves, but our God. We are remembering His teachings, and asking His mother to pray for us as we live our lives, as well as at the moment of our death, which we all will experience.

The rosary developed from a need that the laity had to "pray without ceasing"--to pray throughout the day, as they observed the monks of their day doing. Many were not literate enough to pray the 150 psalms or the daily office, but they could memorize the prayers of the rosary and meditate on its mysteries.

The rosary gives us something holy with which to fill our minds--something to work against the filth that so easily fills our minds in today's media-saturated society.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

~Phillipians 4:8

We are multi demensional human beings. We are body, soul and spirit. We need to fill our minds with "whatever is true." Jesus said,

I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.
~John 14:6

Our Lord warned us what can happen if we empty our minds and souls without filling them with Him:

When an evil spirit leaves a person, it goes into the desert, seeking rest but finding none. Then it says, 'I will return to the person I came from.' So it returns and finds its former home empty, swept, and clean. Then the spirit finds seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they all enter the person and live there. And so that person is worse off than before. That will be the experience of this evil generation.
~Matthew 12: 43-45

Another beautiful, multi-sensory prayer is the Divine Mercy Chaplet, which is perfect for those who are not comfortable saying the Hail Mary. It more directly focuses on Christ and His sacrifice for us.

The Rosary

For the month of May, I thought I would post a few thoughts on the Rosary. As one who is easily distracted, I really appreciate the gift that is the Holy Rosary. It is so multisensory. Your fingers travel over the beads as you pray the prayers and contemplate the mysteries. The crucifix can be used as a way to center your thoughts on the sacrifice of Christ.

In saying all 15 (or 20) decades in a complete rosary, we follow the life of Christ from His conception, to his return to heaven. The Rosary is a mini-bible that holds within it, the teachings and creed of the Church.

In praying the rosary, we are not contemplating ourselves, but our God. We are remembering His teachings, and asking His mother to pray for us as we live our lives, as well as at the moment of our death, which we all will experience.

The rosary developed from a need that the laity had to "pray without ceasing"--to pray throughout the day, as they observed the monks of their day doing. Many were not literate enough to pray the 150 psalms or the daily office, but they could memorize the prayers of the rosary and meditate on its mysteries.

The rosary gives us something holy with which to fill our minds--something to work against the filth that so easily fills our minds in today's media-saturated society.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

~Phillipians 4:8

We are multi demensional human beings. We are body, soul and spirit. We need to fill our minds with "whatever is true." Jesus said,

I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.
~John 14:6

Our Lord warned us what can happen if we empty our minds and souls without filling them with Him:

When an evil spirit leaves a person, it goes into the desert, seeking rest but finding none. Then it says, 'I will return to the person I came from.' So it returns and finds its former home empty, swept, and clean. Then the spirit finds seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they all enter the person and live there. And so that person is worse off than before. That will be the experience of this evil generation.
~Matthew 12: 43-45

Another beautiful, multi-sensory prayer is the Divine Mercy Chaplet, which is perfect for those who are not comfortable saying the Hail Mary. It more directly focuses on Christ and His sacrifice for us.

Sooner or Later

This is an strangely powerful song by Johnny Cash. "Sooner or Later, God Will Cut You Down" is not an upbeat song, theologically, but it is haunting. This song means even more, given the fact that Cash fought his addictions with his faith in Christ. You can hear the age and the pain in his voice as he sings from personal experience.

So many of us go on for so long thinking we can go it on our own. Sooner or later...it will catch up to us. God is there to save us.

Sooner or Later

This is an strangely powerful song by Johnny Cash. "Sooner or Later, God Will Cut You Down" is not an upbeat song, theologically, but it is haunting. This song means even more, given the fact that Cash fought his addictions with his faith in Christ. You can hear the age and the pain in his voice as he sings from personal experience.

So many of us go on for so long thinking we can go it on our own. Sooner or later...it will catch up to us. God is there to save us.

Getting in Touch with your (Catholic) Inner Child

Having grown up in the '60's and '70's as I did, I was deprived of many a Catholic cultural experience. In all my 12 years of Catholic schooling, I only experienced a May Crowning once, that I remember.

Today, I decided to get in touch with my inner Catholic child. So, I bought some (fake) roses on wire stems and made a crown of flowers for our Immaculate Heart of Mary statue. I don't have a current picture for you, but the picture on the right is a black and white of the statue itself that ds took. Just imagine the crown of pink roses on it.

Getting in Touch with your (Catholic) Inner Child

Having grown up in the '60's and '70's as I did, I was deprived of many a Catholic cultural experience. In all my 12 years of Catholic schooling, I only experienced a May Crowning once, that I remember.

Today, I decided to get in touch with my inner Catholic child. So, I bought some (fake) roses on wire stems and made a crown of flowers for our Immaculate Heart of Mary statue. I don't have a current picture for you, but the picture on the right is a black and white of the statue itself that ds took. Just imagine the crown of pink roses on it.

Gettysburg

stranded in the hot sun,
cursing corset and hoop skirt--
she whips out her cell phone

St. Joseph the Worker

Today is the feast of St. Joseph the Worker. I can't help but think of our late Holy Father, Pope John Paul II on this day because of his role in the toppling of communism during his tenure as pope and his support of the Solidarity Movement in Poland.

St. Joseph, the worker, Pray for us!

Servant of God, Pope John Paul II,
Pray for us!

St. Joseph the Worker

Today is the feast of St. Joseph the Worker. I can't help but think of our late Holy Father, Pope John Paul II on this day because of his role in the toppling of communism during his tenure as pope and his support of the Solidarity Movement in Poland.

St. Joseph, the worker, Pray for us!

Servant of God, Pope John Paul II,
Pray for us!