Poem of the Week

early fall morning
dense fog hugs the ground
spirits walk

Note:  This poem was originally published on Karumi Garden Haiku on October 22, 2007.

Poem of the Week

early fall morning
dense fog hugs the ground
spirits walk

Note:  This poem was originally published on Karumi Garden Haiku on October 22, 2007.

Urgent Prayers Needed

I wanted to ask you to pray hard for my friend, Ed, and his family. He has just been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. There had been no prognosis yet, but statistically, pancreatic cancer is one of the most devastating of all cancers.

Eighty percent of women diagnosed with breast cancer, for example, are alive after five years. For those diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, fewer than four percent survive for 5 years. There is no routine screening test for pancreatic cancer and the symptoms are vague.

My aunt died of pancreatic cancer as did my grandfather. Patrick Swayze, Steve Jobs and Ruth Bader Ginzberg all were diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.


Please pray for my friend and for all those who have pancreatic cancer, and for their families.

Urgent Prayers Needed

I wanted to ask you to pray hard for my friend, Ed, and his family. He has just been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. There had been no prognosis yet, but statistically, pancreatic cancer is one of the most devastating of all cancers.

Eighty percent of women diagnosed with breast cancer, for example, are alive after five years. For those diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, fewer than four percent survive for 5 years. There is no routine screening test for pancreatic cancer and the symptoms are vague.

My aunt died of pancreatic cancer as did my grandfather. Patrick Swayze, Steve Jobs and Ruth Bader Ginzberg all were diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.


Please pray for my friend and for all those who have pancreatic cancer, and for their families.

Feast of Saints Michael, Gabriel and Raphael

Come, let us worship the Lord in the presence of the angels. 

--Antiphon from today's morning prayer of the Church.

Today is the Feast of Sts. Michael, Gabriel and Raphael, Archangels. St. Michael is one of my favorite saints, as both my guys are named after him in one way or the other.  Michael is a very powerful help in spiritual warfare.  His prayer used to be prayed at the end of every Mass.

St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in the day of battle.  
Be our safeguard against the wickedness and snares of the devil. 
May God rebuke him, we humbly pray, 
and do thou, oh prince of the heavenly host, 
by the powe of God, 
cast into Hell, Satan, and all the evil spirits, 
that prowl about the world
seeking the ruin of souls. 

Saint Gabriel is the Angel of the Annunciation.  He comes to Zacharias, husband of Elizabeth, to announce that he and Elizabeth will conceive a son in their old age.  Gabriel then appears to Mary to announce to her that a child she will conceive miraculously will be the Messiah.  Theologians beleive that it was Gabriel who appeared to Joseph in a dream, announcing to him that the Son that Mary was carrying, was going to be the chosen one of God.

Saint Raphael appears in the Book of Tobit, sent to heal him from blindness. Theologians also beleive that Raphael is the "angel of the Lord' mentioned in John chapter 5, who descends and stirs the water in the Pool of Bethsaida for healing. He is the patron saint of medical workers.

Feast of Saints Michael, Gabriel and Raphael

Come, let us worship the Lord in the presence of the angels. 

--Antiphon from today's morning prayer of the Church.

Today is the Feast of Sts. Michael, Gabriel and Raphael, Archangels. St. Michael is one of my favorite saints, as both my guys are named after him in one way or the other.  Michael is a very powerful help in spiritual warfare.  His prayer used to be prayed at the end of every Mass.

St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in the day of battle.  
Be our safeguard against the wickedness and snares of the devil. 
May God rebuke him, we humbly pray, 
and do thou, oh prince of the heavenly host, 
by the powe of God, 
cast into Hell, Satan, and all the evil spirits, 
that prowl about the world
seeking the ruin of souls. 

Saint Gabriel is the Angel of the Annunciation.  He comes to Zacharias, husband of Elizabeth, to announce that he and Elizabeth will conceive a son in their old age.  Gabriel then appears to Mary to announce to her that a child she will conceive miraculously will be the Messiah.  Theologians beleive that it was Gabriel who appeared to Joseph in a dream, announcing to him that the Son that Mary was carrying, was going to be the chosen one of God.

Saint Raphael appears in the Book of Tobit, sent to heal him from blindness. Theologians also beleive that Raphael is the "angel of the Lord' mentioned in John chapter 5, who descends and stirs the water in the Pool of Bethsaida for healing. He is the patron saint of medical workers.

Book Review

St. Anthony: Words of Fire, Life of Light by Madeline Pecora Nugent


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Saint Anthony, Words of Fire, Words of Light by Madeline Pecora Nugent, SFO is a fictionalized version of the life of Saint Anthony of Padua.

It is a highly readable text, taking us through Anthony's ministry from its beginnings in Italy, to France and back to Italy. The book shows us how Saint Anthony touched the lives of people he met, both real and fictionalized, through his preaching and his life. Each chapter brings us a different character's transformation, or lack thereof, after meeting Saint Anthony and hearing him preach.

Dedicated as it is, to Father Benedict Groeschel, it brings to mind the important and challenging life of a priest in this Year of the Priest and makes one wonder about the effect of the "new media" on evangalization.

I highly recommend it.


View all my reviews >>

Book Review

St. Anthony: Words of Fire, Life of Light by Madeline Pecora Nugent


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Saint Anthony, Words of Fire, Words of Light by Madeline Pecora Nugent, SFO is a fictionalized version of the life of Saint Anthony of Padua.

It is a highly readable text, taking us through Anthony's ministry from its beginnings in Italy, to France and back to Italy. The book shows us how Saint Anthony touched the lives of people he met, both real and fictionalized, through his preaching and his life. Each chapter brings us a different character's transformation, or lack thereof, after meeting Saint Anthony and hearing him preach.

Dedicated as it is, to Father Benedict Groeschel, it brings to mind the important and challenging life of a priest in this Year of the Priest and makes one wonder about the effect of the "new media" on evangalization.

I highly recommend it.


View all my reviews >>

Sunday Snippets--A Catholic Carnival

Sunday Snippets is brought to you each week by RAnn at This, That and the Other Thing.

I totally forgot Sunday Snippets last week!

This week, I talked about St. Padre Pio. I did a post about how nothing in this world is permanent except the soul. I also posted a book review on Bathe Seven Times by Mother Nadine. My 7 Quick Takes Friday this week was mostly about the Solemn Sung Vespers my husband and I attended last Sunday at Mt. St. Mary's Seminary, as well as a prayer request for a friend with cancer.

I hope and pray that everyone has a blessed week.

Sunday Snippets--A Catholic Carnival

Sunday Snippets is brought to you each week by RAnn at This, That and the Other Thing.

I totally forgot Sunday Snippets last week!

This week, I talked about St. Padre Pio. I did a post about how nothing in this world is permanent except the soul. I also posted a book review on Bathe Seven Times by Mother Nadine. My 7 Quick Takes Friday this week was mostly about the Solemn Sung Vespers my husband and I attended last Sunday at Mt. St. Mary's Seminary, as well as a prayer request for a friend with cancer.

I hope and pray that everyone has a blessed week.

7 Quick Takes Friday

1. Please pray for a friend who has cancer.  He may find out today what type of cancer it is, or he may not find out until next week. 

2.  My husband and I attended solemn sung vespers at Mt. Saint Mary's last Sunday night.  Word can not describe how beautiful this was!  The seminarians have a choir and the entire thing was sung in Latin.  It really makes me ache to think how much of our western Catholic culture has been thrown by the wayside and it gives me hope  to know that it is being preserved, somewhere, for the next generation. 

3.  Not only was the music heavenly, the architecture in the chapel was gorgeous.  Each stained glass window was a work of art in itself, and told a story for those who could not read, or could not hear it for themselves.  It really makes me think of the many beautiful churches in years gone by that were built thanks to the sweat and donations of the immigrants who came to this country.  Now we have more, materially, and our churches have less.

4.  The altar was marble. There was a huge crucifix with Our Lady, Saint John, and 2 Roman soldiers standing by. It drew your attention and was something that couldn't be missed.  It, along with the windows and large stations of the cross, provided something to meditate on no matter how much one's attention wandered.

5.  The musicians were in the choir loft because the liturgy is not about the musicians.  It is about what is taking place on the altar.  The music is there to transport our souls to God. 

6.   They have a brand new organ in that chapel, designed by the organist there, who teaches music to the seminarians.  They are certainly blessed!!

7.  The seminarians there are now required to take voice class!!!  How cool is that?!  Priests, from that seminary anyway, will now know the basics of vocal music.  They also take classes in dealing with church musicians.  As a church musician myself, I am overjoyed with this!

7 Quick Takes Friday

1. Please pray for a friend who has cancer.  He may find out today what type of cancer it is, or he may not find out until next week. 

2.  My husband and I attended solemn sung vespers at Mt. Saint Mary's last Sunday night.  Word can not describe how beautiful this was!  The seminarians have a choir and the entire thing was sung in Latin.  It really makes me ache to think how much of our western Catholic culture has been thrown by the wayside and it gives me hope  to know that it is being preserved, somewhere, for the next generation. 

3.  Not only was the music heavenly, the architecture in the chapel was gorgeous.  Each stained glass window was a work of art in itself, and told a story for those who could not read, or could not hear it for themselves.  It really makes me think of the many beautiful churches in years gone by that were built thanks to the sweat and donations of the immigrants who came to this country.  Now we have more, materially, and our churches have less.

4.  The altar was marble. There was a huge crucifix with Our Lady, Saint John, and 2 Roman soldiers standing by. It drew your attention and was something that couldn't be missed.  It, along with the windows and large stations of the cross, provided something to meditate on no matter how much one's attention wandered.

5.  The musicians were in the choir loft because the liturgy is not about the musicians.  It is about what is taking place on the altar.  The music is there to transport our souls to God. 

6.   They have a brand new organ in that chapel, designed by the organist there, who teaches music to the seminarians.  They are certainly blessed!!

7.  The seminarians there are now required to take voice class!!!  How cool is that?!  Priests, from that seminary anyway, will now know the basics of vocal music.  They also take classes in dealing with church musicians.  As a church musician myself, I am overjoyed with this!

Fred Astaire Friday--Funny Face

This clip shows Audrey Hepburn and Fred Astaire in Funny Face.

Fred Astaire Friday--Funny Face

This clip shows Audrey Hepburn and Fred Astaire in Funny Face.

Pride

I'm currently reading a good book called Bathe Seven Times by Mother Nadine, founder of the Intercessors of the Lamb.  The title refers to Elisha the prophet, in the Old Testament, who asks Naman the leper to bathe seven times in the river and he will be healed.  There are seven deadly sins.  If we "bathe seven times" and become clean of each of these sins, we will be healed.

Last night I read the chapter on Pride.  What I found was a very helpful  and eye-opening explanation of the different types of pride.  Pride, apparently, can take many forms, some of them quite counter intuitive.

The following explanations are taken directly from the book.

• Pride of Intellect is an attachment to our own jugements, opinions and thoughts.
  
• Pride of Superiority can make us want to control the lives of others. 
  
• Pride of Ambition seeks positions of honor, recognition and praise for ourselves rather than for others and it shows up in the tiniest of ways.
• Pride of Sensitiveness is manifested in people who are super-sensitive, easily wounded and hurt.  It may hide in self-pity.
• Pride of Timidity is related to pride of sensitiveness and comes from an unreasonable fear of others' opinions of us and whether others have respect for us or not.
• Pride of Scrupulosity has a tendency to fix itself and its attention on the wrong things.  The things that really count go unattended.
• Pride of Vanity leads to perfectionism, legalism, complacency, hypocrisy and excessive talkativeness. 

Wow, that sort of cuts things down to size, doesn't it? I sure have a long way to go!! So many things stem from pride! It really is the root of all sin.

Pride

I'm currently reading a good book called Bathe Seven Times by Mother Nadine, founder of the Intercessors of the Lamb.  The title refers to Elisha the prophet, in the Old Testament, who asks Naman the leper to bathe seven times in the river and he will be healed.  There are seven deadly sins.  If we "bathe seven times" and become clean of each of these sins, we will be healed.

Last night I read the chapter on Pride.  What I found was a very helpful  and eye-opening explanation of the different types of pride.  Pride, apparently, can take many forms, some of them quite counter intuitive.

The following explanations are taken directly from the book.

• Pride of Intellect is an attachment to our own jugements, opinions and thoughts.
  
• Pride of Superiority can make us want to control the lives of others. 
  
• Pride of Ambition seeks positions of honor, recognition and praise for ourselves rather than for others and it shows up in the tiniest of ways.
• Pride of Sensitiveness is manifested in people who are super-sensitive, easily wounded and hurt.  It may hide in self-pity.
• Pride of Timidity is related to pride of sensitiveness and comes from an unreasonable fear of others' opinions of us and whether others have respect for us or not.
• Pride of Scrupulosity has a tendency to fix itself and its attention on the wrong things.  The things that really count go unattended.
• Pride of Vanity leads to perfectionism, legalism, complacency, hypocrisy and excessive talkativeness. 

Wow, that sort of cuts things down to size, doesn't it? I sure have a long way to go!! So many things stem from pride! It really is the root of all sin.

Permanent Treasure

One thing we learn while on this earth, in this body, is that nothing--nothing--is permanent. Nothing that we see as important on this earth will last in Heaven. Not who we are, not what we do, not what we have, not who we know.

There are but three things that last: faith, hope and love. --I Corinthians 13:13

The only thing that matters is eternity. The only thing that can correctly give us unchanging security throughout our life is the state of our soul. Saint Teresa of Avila, my patroness for 2010 tells us: 

Remember that you have only one soul; that you have only one death to die; that you have only one life. . . . If you do this, there will be many things about which you care nothing.

Permanent Treasure

One thing we learn while on this earth, in this body, is that nothing--nothing--is permanent. Nothing that we see as important on this earth will last in Heaven. Not who we are, not what we do, not what we have, not who we know.

There are but three things that last: faith, hope and love. --I Corinthians 13:13

The only thing that matters is eternity. The only thing that can correctly give us unchanging security throughout our life is the state of our soul. Saint Teresa of Avila, my patroness for 2010 tells us: 

Remember that you have only one soul; that you have only one death to die; that you have only one life. . . . If you do this, there will be many things about which you care nothing.

Saint Padre Pio

Today is the feast of St. Padre Pio. He was born in 1887 in Pietrelcina, Italy. At the age of only 16, he entered the Franciscan Capuchin Friars, one of the strictest orders.

He was gifted with many charisms including bilocation, the reading of penitents' hearts and the stigmata. He loved the Blessed mother and spoke out in defense of Christian modesty in dress.

He was God's instrument in healing people, even before his death.

He was canonized by Pope John Paul II on June 16, 2002.

Saint Padre Pio

Today is the feast of St. Padre Pio. He was born in 1887 in Pietrelcina, Italy. At the age of only 16, he entered the Franciscan Capuchin Friars, one of the strictest orders.

He was gifted with many charisms including bilocation, the reading of penitents' hearts and the stigmata. He loved the Blessed mother and spoke out in defense of Christian modesty in dress.

He was God's instrument in healing people, even before his death.

He was canonized by Pope John Paul II on June 16, 2002.

This is me today.

Hat tip to Cute Overload.

This is me today.

Hat tip to Cute Overload.

Poem of the Week

she speaks

of the cliches

of aging

poetry

and of

      the ways

the wind

has

                                        blown


the pages



            unnaturally

into

the future.

Poem of the Week

she speaks

of the cliches

of aging

poetry

and of

      the ways

the wind

has

                                        blown


the pages



            unnaturally

into

the future.

The Sound of Civilization

I just read an excellent article by Anthony Esolen, on the movie, The Sound of Music. Basically, this article illustrates what has gone wrong with modern civilization and modern "entertainment media". Here are some snippets from the article (in italics--the rest is my summary.)

1. The movie takes for granted that some things are holy.

 There are nuns. The Mother Superior is portrayed as very wise and loving. The nuns are such an integral part of Maria's life, that she gets married in the convent chapel. Marriage is holy. You don't see Maria and the Captain having sex. Or Liesl and Rolf for that matter.

2. There is such a thing as innocence -- and it is not the same as ignorance.

Maria is innocent and yet she sees the harm that the Captain is doing to his children and she calls him on it.

It is also quite telling which characters in the movie are not innocent. The Baroness. (Remember her?) The Nazis. 'nuf said.

3. There are such things as children, thank God.

The children are not miniature grown ups. That is one of the main points of the movie. The children need to be children. That is what Maria, in her wisdom, fights for throughout the film. After Maria enters their life, we see the children play together and work for the positive attention of the adults rather than living separate lives as many film (and real life) children do today.

4. There are such things as boys and girls, and men and women.

Captain Von Trapp is a man. As the article says, he was manly, patriotic, clearheaded, decisive, and courtly. Maria was a real woman, tender, cheerful, largehearted and a great complement to the Captain's manliness. They turned out to be a beautiful team. Can you imagine what it would have been like had the Captain married the Baroness as planned?

5. Today, no one can sing. No one knows why people ever sang.

 This is a very telling observation. Esolen says that even the radios have lost their music, to be replaced by news and talk, filling our lives with worry and paranoia.

We cannot now have musicals, Esolen says, because we do not sing; and we do not sing because we have lost the sense of anything to sing about, or anyone to sing to.  

The Sound of Civilization

I just read an excellent article by Anthony Esolen, on the movie, The Sound of Music. Basically, this article illustrates what has gone wrong with modern civilization and modern "entertainment media". Here are some snippets from the article (in italics--the rest is my summary.)

1. The movie takes for granted that some things are holy.

 There are nuns. The Mother Superior is portrayed as very wise and loving. The nuns are such an integral part of Maria's life, that she gets married in the convent chapel. Marriage is holy. You don't see Maria and the Captain having sex. Or Liesl and Rolf for that matter.

2. There is such a thing as innocence -- and it is not the same as ignorance.

Maria is innocent and yet she sees the harm that the Captain is doing to his children and she calls him on it.

It is also quite telling which characters in the movie are not innocent. The Baroness. (Remember her?) The Nazis. 'nuf said.

3. There are such things as children, thank God.

The children are not miniature grown ups. That is one of the main points of the movie. The children need to be children. That is what Maria, in her wisdom, fights for throughout the film. After Maria enters their life, we see the children play together and work for the positive attention of the adults rather than living separate lives as many film (and real life) children do today.

4. There are such things as boys and girls, and men and women.

Captain Von Trapp is a man. As the article says, he was manly, patriotic, clearheaded, decisive, and courtly. Maria was a real woman, tender, cheerful, largehearted and a great complement to the Captain's manliness. They turned out to be a beautiful team. Can you imagine what it would have been like had the Captain married the Baroness as planned?

5. Today, no one can sing. No one knows why people ever sang.

 This is a very telling observation. Esolen says that even the radios have lost their music, to be replaced by news and talk, filling our lives with worry and paranoia.

We cannot now have musicals, Esolen says, because we do not sing; and we do not sing because we have lost the sense of anything to sing about, or anyone to sing to.  

7 Quick Takes Friday

These are going to be real quick today!

1. My aunt is indeed in the assisted living facility. She seemed ready and happy on the day she went in. It has been a long road for us.

2. I'm going to a Tupperware Party tomorrow! Have you been to one? I seem to have one source for my "at home parties" I attend. They are always fun and I've gotten some useful things from them over the years.

3. I am going to Mass in Baltimore on Saturday night. My husband is playing at the Saturday evening Mass at our parish and the other organist is playing the Sunday Mass that we usually do. Since I'm going to be in Baltimore, I'll take advantage of the opportunity to attend St. Benedict's Church on Saturday night. It will be nice to be back.

4. My husband and I are going to Sunday night vespers at Mt. St. Mary's Seminary! It should be a wonderful experience. Vespers is an ancient way of worshiping in the Church that many today do not get a chance to experience. We are blessed to be near this great seminary.

5. My software is now working properly. Technology is a continually humbling experience.

6. House selling is also a humbling experience. Even when it is going relatively smoothly.

7. I have high cholesterol and high triglycerides. I am now trying my best to eat a no-low fat diet--mostly vegan. It seems to have cut down on massive cravings so far. There are some great vegan websites out there, including Fat Free Vegan Kitchen, This is Why You're Thin, (yeah, in my dreams, lol!) and Vegan Lunch Box. The latter is an especially great service since a good deal of the problem with my diet is eating out. I must remember to pack a lunch!

7 Quick Takes Friday

These are going to be real quick today!

1. My aunt is indeed in the assisted living facility. She seemed ready and happy on the day she went in. It has been a long road for us.

2. I'm going to a Tupperware Party tomorrow! Have you been to one? I seem to have one source for my "at home parties" I attend. They are always fun and I've gotten some useful things from them over the years.

3. I am going to Mass in Baltimore on Saturday night. My husband is playing at the Saturday evening Mass at our parish and the other organist is playing the Sunday Mass that we usually do. Since I'm going to be in Baltimore, I'll take advantage of the opportunity to attend St. Benedict's Church on Saturday night. It will be nice to be back.

4. My husband and I are going to Sunday night vespers at Mt. St. Mary's Seminary! It should be a wonderful experience. Vespers is an ancient way of worshiping in the Church that many today do not get a chance to experience. We are blessed to be near this great seminary.

5. My software is now working properly. Technology is a continually humbling experience.

6. House selling is also a humbling experience. Even when it is going relatively smoothly.

7. I have high cholesterol and high triglycerides. I am now trying my best to eat a no-low fat diet--mostly vegan. It seems to have cut down on massive cravings so far. There are some great vegan websites out there, including Fat Free Vegan Kitchen, This is Why You're Thin, (yeah, in my dreams, lol!) and Vegan Lunch Box. The latter is an especially great service since a good deal of the problem with my diet is eating out. I must remember to pack a lunch!

Fred Astaire Friday

Another Barkley's of Broadway video today.  Fred sings, "You'd Be Hard to Replace" to Ginger Rogers.

Fred Astaire Friday

Another Barkley's of Broadway video today.  Fred sings, "You'd Be Hard to Replace" to Ginger Rogers.

El Grillo

One of my favorite madrigals by Josquin des Prez--El Grillo--The Cricket.  Enjoy!

El Grillo

One of my favorite madrigals by Josquin des Prez--El Grillo--The Cricket.  Enjoy!

Book Review--The Clothes on Their Backs by Linda Grant

The Clothes on Their Backs by Linda Grant


My rating: 2 of 5 stars
The Clothes on Their Backs, by Linda Grant is a story of a first generation American woman's search for her family's past, something her parents have deliberately kept from her. Isolated in their British flat, her parents keep a kind of old-world mixed with fear outlook on life. 

Growing up in the 60's and 70's of such parents, the narrator naturally begins to explore her world in a way that horrifies her parents, even if much of it is kept secret from them.

She gravitates towards her much disapproved of uncle and learns of the country and family her father has come from but never speaks of.

Given this premise, I expected what she discovers to be more sensational.  Too, much of what she goes through is put forward as it is experienced--happening without much explanation or redemption. There is much in this book that is left unexplored--her parents are never forthcoming in emotion or explanation.  She is forced to internalize things through her estranged uncle's eyes.

As someone who likes to read meaning and metaphor into things, this book was less than satisfying.  It has a very post-modern feel to it. Even the most repulsive revelations and occurrences are very matter-of-fact, and while the author attempts to close the circle, so to speak, it it not done successfully.   

Book Review--The Clothes on Their Backs by Linda Grant

The Clothes on Their Backs by Linda Grant


My rating: 2 of 5 stars
The Clothes on Their Backs, by Linda Grant is a story of a first generation American woman's search for her family's past, something her parents have deliberately kept from her. Isolated in their British flat, her parents keep a kind of old-world mixed with fear outlook on life. 

Growing up in the 60's and 70's of such parents, the narrator naturally begins to explore her world in a way that horrifies her parents, even if much of it is kept secret from them.

She gravitates towards her much disapproved of uncle and learns of the country and family her father has come from but never speaks of.

Given this premise, I expected what she discovers to be more sensational.  Too, much of what she goes through is put forward as it is experienced--happening without much explanation or redemption. There is much in this book that is left unexplored--her parents are never forthcoming in emotion or explanation.  She is forced to internalize things through her estranged uncle's eyes.

As someone who likes to read meaning and metaphor into things, this book was less than satisfying.  It has a very post-modern feel to it. Even the most repulsive revelations and occurrences are very matter-of-fact, and while the author attempts to close the circle, so to speak, it it not done successfully.   

RIP Mary Travers

Mary Travers, of Peter, Paul and Mary died  Wednesday of leukemia.  She was 72.  This is one of the first Peter, Paul and Mary songs that I remember as a child.

RIP Mary Travers

Mary Travers, of Peter, Paul and Mary died  Wednesday of leukemia.  She was 72.  This is one of the first Peter, Paul and Mary songs that I remember as a child.

Poem of the Week--Prayer Beads

I enter the place of prayer
each strengthening bead
infusing within me
calm resolve
to face
another day.


Originally published at Falling Plum poetry on October 1, 2008

Poem of the Week--Prayer Beads

I enter the place of prayer
each strengthening bead
infusing within me
calm resolve
to face
another day.


Originally published at Falling Plum poetry on October 1, 2008

A Book Meme!!!

Do you snack while you read? If so, favorite reading snack?
I don't, really, because I often read in bed!  :D

Do you tend to mark your books as you read, or does the idea of writing in books horrify you? I've done it in the past, but as a rule I often don't.  This may be because I get most of my books from the library.  Also, I'm becoming very aware of the amount of STUFF I have in my house, and now I read books with an eye towards donating them either to the library, or thrift store, or a church book sale. Oh, also the campground where my husband works has a book shelf/lending library where we take our books as well. 

How do you keep your place while reading a book? Bookmark? Dog-ears? Book marks.  A local Nursing home makes them and gives them away for free at the library.  Also, the old Catholic standby bookmark:  Holy Cards!!!  Check out some cool ones here! 

Laying the book flat open?
In the large scheme of things, this is a rather tiny pet peeve of mine, but nevertheless, still a pet peeve. That's what bookmarks are for.  And holy cards.

Fiction, Non-fiction, or both? Both, but I think I come down on the side of fiction. I especially enjoy mysteries, history, historical fiction and biographies.

Hard copy or audiobooks? Hard copy. I like audiobooks, but I haven't used them in a while.  They're great for a car, but I have to make sure I pay attention to where I'm going!

Are you a person who tends to read to the end of chapters, or are you able to put a book down at any point?  Depends. Sometimes I read to the end of chapters, but often I read to the point where I realize I'm not understanding what I'm reading and/or I am falling asleep and then I give up.
 
If you come across an unfamiliar word, do you stop to look it up right away? Not usually. Normally I try to ascertain what it means by contextual clues.

What are you currently reading? Saint Anthony, by Madeline Pecora Nugent, Let Go by Sheila Walsh, The Merchant's Partner by Michael Jecks, The Clothes on Their Backs by Linda Grant, Bathe Seven Times by Mother Nadine, and Kissed by the Angels by Sophie Martin-Canning.

What is the last book you bought? The Merchant's Partner by Michael Jecks, Bathe Seven Times by Mother Nadine, The Way of a Pilgrim and The Pilgrim Continues His Way by Helen Bacovcin, The Jesus Prayer by Sjogren, Introduction to the Devout Life by St. Francis de Sales, The Confessions of St. Augustine by St. Augustine, Saving Grace by Patricia Gaffney.  (Ok, I bought a bag of books at a sale for $5.) 

Are you the type of person that only reads one book at a time or can you read more than one at a time?  As you may be able to tell from the list above, these days, I often read more than one book at a time! 

Do you have a favorite time of day and/or place to read? Normally I read in bed before I go to sleep. 

Do you prefer series books or stand alone books? Either is fine.  I like series books.  The first series books I really enjoyed as an adult were "The Cat Who..." series by Lilian Jackson Braun.

Is there a specific book or author that you find yourself recommending over and over? 
I often go back to Lilian Jackson Braun.  Her books are a great escape into a world where the main character inherits a fortune from someone who is not related to him, turns the management of the money over to professionals and writes part time while solving mysteries...oh, and owns 2 Siamese cats.  What a dream!

How do you organize your books? (By genre, title, author’s last name, etc.?)  I usually organize them by size on the shelf. 

If you read this, you are tagged.  Leave me a message so I can go read your book answers.  :D

Note:  Picture by Robert Sloan.  Check out his website, How to Create Five Minute Art.

A Book Meme!!!

Do you snack while you read? If so, favorite reading snack?
I don't, really, because I often read in bed!  :D

Do you tend to mark your books as you read, or does the idea of writing in books horrify you? I've done it in the past, but as a rule I often don't.  This may be because I get most of my books from the library.  Also, I'm becoming very aware of the amount of STUFF I have in my house, and now I read books with an eye towards donating them either to the library, or thrift store, or a church book sale. Oh, also the campground where my husband works has a book shelf/lending library where we take our books as well. 

How do you keep your place while reading a book? Bookmark? Dog-ears? Book marks.  A local Nursing home makes them and gives them away for free at the library.  Also, the old Catholic standby bookmark:  Holy Cards!!!  Check out some cool ones here! 

Laying the book flat open?
In the large scheme of things, this is a rather tiny pet peeve of mine, but nevertheless, still a pet peeve. That's what bookmarks are for.  And holy cards.

Fiction, Non-fiction, or both? Both, but I think I come down on the side of fiction. I especially enjoy mysteries, history, historical fiction and biographies.

Hard copy or audiobooks? Hard copy. I like audiobooks, but I haven't used them in a while.  They're great for a car, but I have to make sure I pay attention to where I'm going!

Are you a person who tends to read to the end of chapters, or are you able to put a book down at any point?  Depends. Sometimes I read to the end of chapters, but often I read to the point where I realize I'm not understanding what I'm reading and/or I am falling asleep and then I give up.
 
If you come across an unfamiliar word, do you stop to look it up right away? Not usually. Normally I try to ascertain what it means by contextual clues.

What are you currently reading? Saint Anthony, by Madeline Pecora Nugent, Let Go by Sheila Walsh, The Merchant's Partner by Michael Jecks, The Clothes on Their Backs by Linda Grant, Bathe Seven Times by Mother Nadine, and Kissed by the Angels by Sophie Martin-Canning.

What is the last book you bought? The Merchant's Partner by Michael Jecks, Bathe Seven Times by Mother Nadine, The Way of a Pilgrim and The Pilgrim Continues His Way by Helen Bacovcin, The Jesus Prayer by Sjogren, Introduction to the Devout Life by St. Francis de Sales, The Confessions of St. Augustine by St. Augustine, Saving Grace by Patricia Gaffney.  (Ok, I bought a bag of books at a sale for $5.) 

Are you the type of person that only reads one book at a time or can you read more than one at a time?  As you may be able to tell from the list above, these days, I often read more than one book at a time! 

Do you have a favorite time of day and/or place to read? Normally I read in bed before I go to sleep. 

Do you prefer series books or stand alone books? Either is fine.  I like series books.  The first series books I really enjoyed as an adult were "The Cat Who..." series by Lilian Jackson Braun.

Is there a specific book or author that you find yourself recommending over and over? 
I often go back to Lilian Jackson Braun.  Her books are a great escape into a world where the main character inherits a fortune from someone who is not related to him, turns the management of the money over to professionals and writes part time while solving mysteries...oh, and owns 2 Siamese cats.  What a dream!

How do you organize your books? (By genre, title, author’s last name, etc.?)  I usually organize them by size on the shelf. 

If you read this, you are tagged.  Leave me a message so I can go read your book answers.  :D

Note:  Picture by Robert Sloan.  Check out his website, How to Create Five Minute Art.

Our Lady of Sorrows

Continuing the theme of suffering, today is the feast of Our Lady of Sorrows.  Even in the early days of her life with St. Joseph and Jesus, Mary experienced much sorrow.  At the Presentation of Christ in the Temple, the prophet Simeon foretold that for Mary, "a sword will pierce your own heart."  This is where the classic images of Our Lady of Sorrows  and the Immaculate Heart of Mary come from. Coming as it did, directly after the prophesy about the Child, Mary's sorrows were forever linked to her Son.

Something Our Lady knew, something most people of that time knew, is that sorrow and suffering are an intricate part of living. We in the modern world assume that after life begins, there is no where to go but "up".  Especially in the United States, we tend towards a sort of Prosperity Doctrine that assumes no sorrow will touch us.

Our Lady is someone who knew sorrow.  She almost lost her finance, St. Joseph after conceiving Our Lord.  She was a refugee in Egypt, she lost her 12 year old Son in Jerusalem and then later, as he left to preach the Gospel.  She saw Him die on the cross.

As we often turn to our own mothers, let us turn to Our Lady, who was intimately acquainted with sorrow and grief.

Our Lady of Sorrows, pray for us!     

Our Lady of Sorrows

Continuing the theme of suffering, today is the feast of Our Lady of Sorrows.  Even in the early days of her life with St. Joseph and Jesus, Mary experienced much sorrow.  At the Presentation of Christ in the Temple, the prophet Simeon foretold that for Mary, "a sword will pierce your own heart."  This is where the classic images of Our Lady of Sorrows  and the Immaculate Heart of Mary come from. Coming as it did, directly after the prophesy about the Child, Mary's sorrows were forever linked to her Son.

Something Our Lady knew, something most people of that time knew, is that sorrow and suffering are an intricate part of living. We in the modern world assume that after life begins, there is no where to go but "up".  Especially in the United States, we tend towards a sort of Prosperity Doctrine that assumes no sorrow will touch us.

Our Lady is someone who knew sorrow.  She almost lost her finance, St. Joseph after conceiving Our Lord.  She was a refugee in Egypt, she lost her 12 year old Son in Jerusalem and then later, as he left to preach the Gospel.  She saw Him die on the cross.

As we often turn to our own mothers, let us turn to Our Lady, who was intimately acquainted with sorrow and grief.

Our Lady of Sorrows, pray for us!     

The Exaltation of the Holy Cross

There are a lot of meaningful feasts coming up in the Church and I don't want to miss them.

Today's feast is The Exaltation of the Holy Cross. Yesterday's readings were evocative of Good Friday.  Isaiah prophesied about the Suffering Servant who said,

I gave my back to those who beat me,
my cheeks to those who plucked my beard;
my face I did not shield
from buffets and spitting.

In the Psalm, we cried out,

The cords of death encompassed me;
the snares of the netherworld seized upon me;
I fell into distress and sorrow.

 But the Psalmist then reminded us,

I was brought low and He saved me. He has freed my soul from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling.

In the Gospel, Christ tells us that

“Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself,
take up his cross, and follow me.
For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it,
but whoever loses his life for my sake
and that of the gospel will save it.”

Those who try to hang on to the temporary, temporal things of this world will lose them.  Those who seek to live a life that has more meaning, will find more than they can possibly imagine.

Christ came to the world and turned it upside down. Jesus came and turned an instrument of horrible torture and death into a means of salvation for the whole world. His literal death on the cross was also symbolic of what his mission was--to make us fully aware that the most abhorrent evil that can be experienced in this world is made uncorrupted and salvific by God through Christ's death on the cross.

The ugliness of this life is turned into eternal union with the Divine, because the One who Created this world from nothingness has come in the form of a Man, to show creation that there *is* a purpose and that pain is *not* meant to be forever.

Suffering is like the wrong side of an embroidered tapestry--confusing and ugly on the side that we can see from here--whole and beautiful when viewed from the eternal perspective of God.  And, if what we are seeing from this earthly side of the tapestry is sometimes inspiring and moving, how much more will the very Face of God move us when seen for all eternity?

The message of the cross is one of Hope.  Humanity was not created to suffer eternally.  Christ showed us that there is a purpose to our life, that God exists and that He alone can overcome all.

We adore Thee, O Christ, and we praise Thee, 

because by Thy Holy Cross, Thou hast redeemed the world.  

~from the Stations of the Cross

The Exaltation of the Holy Cross

There are a lot of meaningful feasts coming up in the Church and I don't want to miss them.

Today's feast is The Exaltation of the Holy Cross. Yesterday's readings were evocative of Good Friday.  Isaiah prophesied about the Suffering Servant who said,

I gave my back to those who beat me,
my cheeks to those who plucked my beard;
my face I did not shield
from buffets and spitting.

In the Psalm, we cried out,

The cords of death encompassed me;
the snares of the netherworld seized upon me;
I fell into distress and sorrow.

 But the Psalmist then reminded us,

I was brought low and He saved me. He has freed my soul from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling.

In the Gospel, Christ tells us that

“Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself,
take up his cross, and follow me.
For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it,
but whoever loses his life for my sake
and that of the gospel will save it.”

Those who try to hang on to the temporary, temporal things of this world will lose them.  Those who seek to live a life that has more meaning, will find more than they can possibly imagine.

Christ came to the world and turned it upside down. Jesus came and turned an instrument of horrible torture and death into a means of salvation for the whole world. His literal death on the cross was also symbolic of what his mission was--to make us fully aware that the most abhorrent evil that can be experienced in this world is made uncorrupted and salvific by God through Christ's death on the cross.

The ugliness of this life is turned into eternal union with the Divine, because the One who Created this world from nothingness has come in the form of a Man, to show creation that there *is* a purpose and that pain is *not* meant to be forever.

Suffering is like the wrong side of an embroidered tapestry--confusing and ugly on the side that we can see from here--whole and beautiful when viewed from the eternal perspective of God.  And, if what we are seeing from this earthly side of the tapestry is sometimes inspiring and moving, how much more will the very Face of God move us when seen for all eternity?

The message of the cross is one of Hope.  Humanity was not created to suffer eternally.  Christ showed us that there is a purpose to our life, that God exists and that He alone can overcome all.

We adore Thee, O Christ, and we praise Thee, 

because by Thy Holy Cross, Thou hast redeemed the world.  

~from the Stations of the Cross

Sunday Snippets--A Catholic Carnival

Sunday Snippets is brought to you each week by RAnn at This, That and the Other Thing.

This week was a light week for me--a busy one IRL.

I posted a video which uses The Cry of the Poor, a song we sung at Mass last week, for Labor Day here in the states.  There are so many unemployed and underemployed right now, I thought it was appropriate.

Tuesday was the day the Church in the west celebrates the birthday of Our Lady.  I just discovered that some Eastern Churches celebrate it today!

My Poem of the Week is Adolescent Time, written about the month of September.

Fred and Ginger are continuing their Barkleys of Broadway Theme. 

Sunday Snippets--A Catholic Carnival

Sunday Snippets is brought to you each week by RAnn at This, That and the Other Thing.

This week was a light week for me--a busy one IRL.

I posted a video which uses The Cry of the Poor, a song we sung at Mass last week, for Labor Day here in the states.  There are so many unemployed and underemployed right now, I thought it was appropriate.

Tuesday was the day the Church in the west celebrates the birthday of Our Lady.  I just discovered that some Eastern Churches celebrate it today!

My Poem of the Week is Adolescent Time, written about the month of September.

Fred and Ginger are continuing their Barkleys of Broadway Theme. 

Fred Astaire Friday

Continuing our Barkley's on Broadway theme, here's Manhattan Downbeat from that film.

Fred Astaire Friday

Continuing our Barkley's on Broadway theme, here's Manhattan Downbeat from that film.

7 Quick Takes Friday

1. My aunt, God willing, is going to move into an assisted living facility today. Suffice it to say that this has been a mini purgatory for all concerned--including my aunt. We are all exhausted now. Including my aunt. We all would dearly love to lay down this heavy burden of not being able to care for her properly. It has been a way for our family to pull together some of the lose familial strings and work together, as much as we can work together in this post-modern world, in this difficult situation. 

2. Caffeine and chocolate are not good late dinner replacements. Not even organic chocolate. 

3. My work software is giving me trouble. Even the new copy they sent me. One more thing in this purgatorial September.  

4. The last 2 mornings have been seasonably cool. Fall is here. I sincerely hope God blesses us with intense foliage to mirror our lives. 

5. One of my jobs this year is a remote job where I can work at home. I'm beginning to like it. When the software I must use works properly. Amish-ness is tempting. 

6. What law of physics says that children must get sick, and software must break down, always on a Friday?  


7. I intend to do something rewarding today. I may visit the convent in Catonsville. Or a Church.  

7 Quick Takes Friday

1. My aunt, God willing, is going to move into an assisted living facility today. Suffice it to say that this has been a mini purgatory for all concerned--including my aunt. We are all exhausted now. Including my aunt. We all would dearly love to lay down this heavy burden of not being able to care for her properly. It has been a way for our family to pull together some of the lose familial strings and work together, as much as we can work together in this post-modern world, in this difficult situation. 

2. Caffeine and chocolate are not good late dinner replacements. Not even organic chocolate. 

3. My work software is giving me trouble. Even the new copy they sent me. One more thing in this purgatorial September.  

4. The last 2 mornings have been seasonably cool. Fall is here. I sincerely hope God blesses us with intense foliage to mirror our lives. 

5. One of my jobs this year is a remote job where I can work at home. I'm beginning to like it. When the software I must use works properly. Amish-ness is tempting. 

6. What law of physics says that children must get sick, and software must break down, always on a Friday?  


7. I intend to do something rewarding today. I may visit the convent in Catonsville. Or a Church.  

Poem of the Week--The Adolescent Time

September is the adolescent time.

Hot one day, and cold the next, 

it slams the door of summer
on our eager faces
before coming back
and inviting us
to swim.

Poem of the Week--The Adolescent Time

September is the adolescent time.

Hot one day, and cold the next, 

it slams the door of summer
on our eager faces
before coming back
and inviting us
to swim.

Happy Birthday to Our Lady

Today is the Birth of the Virgin Mary (yesterday in the Eastern Church). Mary's parents are, by tradition, Saints Joachim and Anne. Tradition tells us that they wanted a child and promised God that they would dedicate any child born, to Him. When Mary was a girl, they took her to the temple to be taught by the rabbis there.

The Church celebrates only 2 birthdays of saints--St. John the Baptist and Our Lady. A saint's feast day is normally his or her day of death--when they enter into heaven.

Let us celebrate the birthday of Our Mother today.

AVE MARIA, 
gratia plena, 
Dominus tecum. 
Benedicta tu in mulieribus, 
et benedictus fructus ventris tui, Iesus. 
Sancta Maria, Mater Dei, 
ora pro nobis peccatoribus, 
nunc, et in hora mortis nostrae. 

Amen.

Happy Birthday to Our Lady

Today is the Birth of the Virgin Mary (yesterday in the Eastern Church). Mary's parents are, by tradition, Saints Joachim and Anne. Tradition tells us that they wanted a child and promised God that they would dedicate any child born, to Him. When Mary was a girl, they took her to the temple to be taught by the rabbis there.

The Church celebrates only 2 birthdays of saints--St. John the Baptist and Our Lady. A saint's feast day is normally his or her day of death--when they enter into heaven.

Let us celebrate the birthday of Our Mother today.

AVE MARIA, 
gratia plena, 
Dominus tecum. 
Benedicta tu in mulieribus, 
et benedictus fructus ventris tui, Iesus. 
Sancta Maria, Mater Dei, 
ora pro nobis peccatoribus, 
nunc, et in hora mortis nostrae. 

Amen.

The Cry of the Poor

On this Labor day, let us remember those who have no job.

The Cry of the Poor

On this Labor day, let us remember those who have no job.

Sunday Snippets--A Catholic Carnival

Sunday Snippets is brought to you each week by RAnn at This, That and the Other Thing.

I started off this week by getting my saint for 2010. In my case, this is St. Teresa of Avila. I look forward to reading about her in the coming year. Anyone who wants a saint for 2010, go to St. Philomena's Garden and Marilena will let you know who your saint is for the coming year.

My Poem of the Week this week is Ember Days, a haiku I wrote in 2007. I still love the haiku form--brief and to the point. Perfect for an English major with ADD!

My Fred Astaire Friday was The Barkley's of Broadway trailer. Fred is once again paired with Ginger Rogers in lieu of the original female lead, Judy Garland who was struggling with her health and addictions.

I reviewed Spiritual Freedom by Father Dave Pivonka.

Yesterday I linked to an article on 8 sites for a free education. (Actually there are 9 in the original article.) Four are Catholic and five are not. Excellent resource for anyone who wants to broaden their horizons and further their education.

God willing, until next week, I wish you many blessings.