Music Monday--O Come, O Come, Emmanuel

In honor of the first week of Advent, today's Music Monday will feature the all-male group Chanticleer singing O Come, O Come, Emmanuel.  The volume on this haunting piece is not very loud, but it is well worth listening to.

Music Monday--O Come, O Come, Emmanuel

In honor of the first week of Advent, today's Music Monday will feature the all-male group Chanticleer singing O Come, O Come, Emmanuel.  The volume on this haunting piece is not very loud, but it is well worth listening to.

Happy Buy Nothing Day

Today is Buy Nothing Day.  Begun by Vancouver artist Ted Dave, buy nothing day was begun in Vancouver in 1992 and was soon promoted by Adbusters the anti-consumerist organization.

Vox Nova asserts that so-called "Black Friday" is a perverse inversion of the Christian "Good Friday" and that the secular "religion",  "Mammon" has taken over Christian holidays for its own purpose--to try to convince Christians to worship on its altar of consumerism.

This saving money that is supposed to occur en masse on this day, is, Vox Nova purports, a kind of "fast" or "vigil" of Thanksgiving--the celebration of gluttony, and, I think, for Christmas, which has become, in a secular sense, a continuation of the gluttony of "Turkey Day" writ large--a month long "feast" of  "I get what I want".

What are "the holidays" to you?  What can we as Christian people do to preserve the holy meaning of "holy days"?

Happy Buy Nothing Day

Today is Buy Nothing Day.  Begun by Vancouver artist Ted Dave, buy nothing day was begun in Vancouver in 1992 and was soon promoted by Adbusters the anti-consumerist organization.

Vox Nova asserts that so-called "Black Friday" is a perverse inversion of the Christian "Good Friday" and that the secular "religion",  "Mammon" has taken over Christian holidays for its own purpose--to try to convince Christians to worship on its altar of consumerism.

This saving money that is supposed to occur en masse on this day, is, Vox Nova purports, a kind of "fast" or "vigil" of Thanksgiving--the celebration of gluttony, and, I think, for Christmas, which has become, in a secular sense, a continuation of the gluttony of "Turkey Day" writ large--a month long "feast" of  "I get what I want".

What are "the holidays" to you?  What can we as Christian people do to preserve the holy meaning of "holy days"?

7 Quick Takes Friday

1. My Thanksgiving was small and nice. I used much of my mother's silver for the first time. *That* felt weird but it was rewarding to be able to use it for my small family. I kept expecting one covered silver dish to be filled with sour kraut. Its a good thing it wasn't because no one would have eaten it!

2. I think I'm mostly over my flu. I still am very aware of the need to rest, though.

3. We are boarding the dog today in preparation for going to my bil's and sil's tomorrow. I always miss her when she's boarding at the vets. She got throughly spoiled yesterday at Thanksgiving.

4. I may put out the Advent stuff today. We'll see how I feel and how motivated I am. I don't think I'll be up to it after travelling on Sunday, and, I have *lots* of Advent stuff, so I figured I'd better start it today.

5. Won't be meeting ds's new gf this weekend. A change of plans necessitated ds going to Pittsburgh instead of her coming to visit him. But we will be meeting her eventually, I'm sure.

6. I'm growing my hair out. It's in that in between stage where it won't do anything by itself, which is the only way I will get my hair to do anything at all. I still haven't really decided what the ultimate hair style goal is either.

7. It is beautiful and sunny out which is a wonderful change. I'm going to have to make a point to get outside. I haven't really been outside much at all since I've had the flu. Wow, that's a bit anti-climactic, isn't it?!

7 Quick Takes Friday

1. My Thanksgiving was small and nice. I used much of my mother's silver for the first time. *That* felt weird but it was rewarding to be able to use it for my small family. I kept expecting one covered silver dish to be filled with sour kraut. Its a good thing it wasn't because no one would have eaten it!

2. I think I'm mostly over my flu. I still am very aware of the need to rest, though.

3. We are boarding the dog today in preparation for going to my bil's and sil's tomorrow. I always miss her when she's boarding at the vets. She got throughly spoiled yesterday at Thanksgiving.

4. I may put out the Advent stuff today. We'll see how I feel and how motivated I am. I don't think I'll be up to it after travelling on Sunday, and, I have *lots* of Advent stuff, so I figured I'd better start it today.

5. Won't be meeting ds's new gf this weekend. A change of plans necessitated ds going to Pittsburgh instead of her coming to visit him. But we will be meeting her eventually, I'm sure.

6. I'm growing my hair out. It's in that in between stage where it won't do anything by itself, which is the only way I will get my hair to do anything at all. I still haven't really decided what the ultimate hair style goal is either.

7. It is beautiful and sunny out which is a wonderful change. I'm going to have to make a point to get outside. I haven't really been outside much at all since I've had the flu. Wow, that's a bit anti-climactic, isn't it?!

Be Thankful

Be Thankful

Poetry Wednesday

Among the red--
beautiful and different
lavender tomato

This poem was originally published in 2007 on my haiku blog, Karumi Garden.

Poetry Wednesday

Among the red--
beautiful and different
lavender tomato

This poem was originally published in 2007 on my haiku blog, Karumi Garden.

The Real First Thanksgiving

Contrary to popular American myth, the first real Thanksgiving celebrated on what was to become American soil was held on September 8, 1565.  Pedro Menendez de Aviles and his Spanish landing party which included Father Francisco Lopez de Mendoza, celebrated a Mass of Thanksgiving in site of the native Americans of the Seloy tribe who occupied the area.  It was the feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin.   

Afterwards, the Spanish and Native Americans shared a meal. Exactly what they ate was unclear, but the Spanish probably made a pork and garbonzo bean stew with garlic, since that is what they brought with them on their 5 ships.  If the Seloy contributed to the meal, it could have included turkey, fish, venison, corn and tortoise.

So, the first Thanksgiving began with a Catholic Mass.  How cool is that?

Let' always be thankful. 

Hat tip to the Curt Jester and Craig Wilson of USA Today. 

The Real First Thanksgiving

Contrary to popular American myth, the first real Thanksgiving celebrated on what was to become American soil was held on September 8, 1565.  Pedro Menendez de Aviles and his Spanish landing party which included Father Francisco Lopez de Mendoza, celebrated a Mass of Thanksgiving in site of the native Americans of the Seloy tribe who occupied the area.  It was the feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin.   

Afterwards, the Spanish and Native Americans shared a meal. Exactly what they ate was unclear, but the Spanish probably made a pork and garbonzo bean stew with garlic, since that is what they brought with them on their 5 ships.  If the Seloy contributed to the meal, it could have included turkey, fish, venison, corn and tortoise.

So, the first Thanksgiving began with a Catholic Mass.  How cool is that?

Let' always be thankful. 

Hat tip to the Curt Jester and Craig Wilson of USA Today. 

Music Monday--The Prayer of the Children

Plead the Fifth is, apparently, an a capella group of young men from Wake Forrest University. The Prayer of the Children is a song my son did in a state choir he was in during high school.

I have been recently convicted of the importance of remaining "little children" spiritually. I think those who take faith away from others' even by such things as common and "harmless" as "humorous" cynicism are being spiritually abusive.

Our Lord said, let the little children come unto me and do not hinder them for such is the kingdom of God Mark 10: 14 and if anyone causes one of these little ones who trusts in me to lose faith, it would be better for that person to be thrown into the sea with a millstone tied around his neck. (Matthew 18:6)

Harsh words, yes.  But that is the effect, although often unintended I know, of today's world which shuts out love and snickers openly at people who are foolish enough to still believe.

God gave us children (and animals, too, I think) to show us what love is and what we should continually strive for:  Innocent love and open trust, unpolluted by daily circumstance.

Music Monday--The Prayer of the Children

Plead the Fifth is, apparently, an a capella group of young men from Wake Forrest University. The Prayer of the Children is a song my son did in a state choir he was in during high school.

I have been recently convicted of the importance of remaining "little children" spiritually. I think those who take faith away from others' even by such things as common and "harmless" as "humorous" cynicism are being spiritually abusive.

Our Lord said, let the little children come unto me and do not hinder them for such is the kingdom of God Mark 10: 14 and if anyone causes one of these little ones who trusts in me to lose faith, it would be better for that person to be thrown into the sea with a millstone tied around his neck. (Matthew 18:6)

Harsh words, yes.  But that is the effect, although often unintended I know, of today's world which shuts out love and snickers openly at people who are foolish enough to still believe.

God gave us children (and animals, too, I think) to show us what love is and what we should continually strive for:  Innocent love and open trust, unpolluted by daily circumstance.

Sunday Snippets--A Catholic Carnival

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

The only real Catholic post I had this week, was a 6 minute video that takes you though the beautiful Lourdes grotto at Mount St. Mary's University in Emmitsburg, Maryland.

Last week, I posted some spiritual insights on fasting from Fr. Stephen at Glory to God for All Things.

Sunday Snippets--A Catholic Carnival

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

The only real Catholic post I had this week, was a 6 minute video that takes you though the beautiful Lourdes grotto at Mount St. Mary's University in Emmitsburg, Maryland.

Last week, I posted some spiritual insights on fasting from Fr. Stephen at Glory to God for All Things.

A Six Minute Retreat

Come away with me to a six minute retreat in Emmittsburg, Maryland. Feel the cool breeze and listen to the sound of the water as it falls gently over the rocks.

What is God saying to you?

A Six Minute Retreat

Come away with me to a six minute retreat in Emmittsburg, Maryland. Feel the cool breeze and listen to the sound of the water as it falls gently over the rocks.

What is God saying to you?

7 Quick Takes Friday

1.  A lot has happened since Friday, 2 weeks ago.  I went to my niece's wedding. It was very nice.  Brought back memories of my own wedding at about the same age and made me realize that, in spite of how very old I am now, that so many things don't change.  I continue to be in awe of my niece; her poise, her intelligence and her good choices.
2.  I also was able to go on a field trip to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.  That was fun!  I had high tea instead of dinner and was able to view art as old as 2500 years before the birth of Christ to the modern art of today. 

3. The picture on the right is one of a Coptic prayer book made around 500-700A.D.  Imagine how long ago that was!!  People have been worshiping Christ for centuries!  

4.  The reason for my sparse blogging this week is that I've caught some sort of flu.  Thank God I was able to go to NY and to my niece's wedding! I've been sleeping for a few days and the fever just hangs on. 


5.  Unfortunately, I have to miss my friend's wake and funeral Mass.  But, God has a reason for everything.If it is His will, I will attend the memorial celebration the family has planned for 2010. 

6.  These guys to the left are medieval mourners currently housed at the Met.  I was blown away by their realistic rendering and the eerie atmosphere they convey.  As art, I think this is first class. 

7.  I also saw some breathtaking knights in shining armor, along with their horses, also in shining armor.  Its really humbling to actually be able to see these things with our own eyes that we only read about. 

7 Quick Takes Friday

1.  A lot has happened since Friday, 2 weeks ago.  I went to my niece's wedding. It was very nice.  Brought back memories of my own wedding at about the same age and made me realize that, in spite of how very old I am now, that so many things don't change.  I continue to be in awe of my niece; her poise, her intelligence and her good choices.
2.  I also was able to go on a field trip to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.  That was fun!  I had high tea instead of dinner and was able to view art as old as 2500 years before the birth of Christ to the modern art of today. 

3. The picture on the right is one of a Coptic prayer book made around 500-700A.D.  Imagine how long ago that was!!  People have been worshiping Christ for centuries!  

4.  The reason for my sparse blogging this week is that I've caught some sort of flu.  Thank God I was able to go to NY and to my niece's wedding! I've been sleeping for a few days and the fever just hangs on. 


5.  Unfortunately, I have to miss my friend's wake and funeral Mass.  But, God has a reason for everything.If it is His will, I will attend the memorial celebration the family has planned for 2010. 

6.  These guys to the left are medieval mourners currently housed at the Met.  I was blown away by their realistic rendering and the eerie atmosphere they convey.  As art, I think this is first class. 

7.  I also saw some breathtaking knights in shining armor, along with their horses, also in shining armor.  Its really humbling to actually be able to see these things with our own eyes that we only read about. 

Poem of the Week

rapturous delight

soft--in the afternoon

raw salmon

This is one I just wrote while eating a raw salmon sandwich that came with my high tea at the Metropolitan Museum in New York.  It is also published in my Karumi Garden Haiku Blog.  

Poem of the Week

rapturous delight

soft--in the afternoon

raw salmon

This is one I just wrote while eating a raw salmon sandwich that came with my high tea at the Metropolitan Museum in New York.  It is also published in my Karumi Garden Haiku Blog.  

Music Monday--In My Life

In honor of my niece, today's Music Monday is the Beatle's In My Life. My husband, son and I are performing this piece at her wedding this evening.

Music Monday--In My Life

In honor of my niece, today's Music Monday is the Beatle's In My Life. My husband, son and I are performing this piece at her wedding this evening.

The Pre-Christmas Fast--some insights from Fr. Stephen

Beginning this Sunday, November 15, the eastern Church starts their pre-Christmas fast, lasting until Christmas Eve.  Father Stephen at Glory to God for All Things has a very insightful post on fasting, and its purpose.  You hear, in Christian circles that fasting is not a diet.  Yet, in our culture it is almost impossible not to think of it that way.  It is a bit like someone saying "don't think of a pink elephant".  Dieting is everywhere in our culture, as is eating.

Father Stephen has a different take on the "purpose" of Christian fasting.  First of all, he says, the cornerstone of fasting is inner silence and communion with God through ceaseless prayer.  It is about longing for God and hungering after Him in all humility.  If that is learned by a 'failed' fast, then that is a blessing.

Father Stephen had another correlation having to do with the spiritual purpose of fasting that I have never thought of.  A person who is near death often refuses all food.  This is a natural part of the process of letting go of this world and moving on to the next.  Studies show that the dying who are allowed to forgo food experience less pain.

Fasting, in the Christian sense, then, is about dying to self and dying to the world.  It is about moving on to the world for which we were created.  It is about living as though we were dying because in dying, we are born to eternal life.

The Pre-Christmas Fast--some insights from Fr. Stephen

Beginning this Sunday, November 15, the eastern Church starts their pre-Christmas fast, lasting until Christmas Eve.  Father Stephen at Glory to God for All Things has a very insightful post on fasting, and its purpose.  You hear, in Christian circles that fasting is not a diet.  Yet, in our culture it is almost impossible not to think of it that way.  It is a bit like someone saying "don't think of a pink elephant".  Dieting is everywhere in our culture, as is eating.

Father Stephen has a different take on the "purpose" of Christian fasting.  First of all, he says, the cornerstone of fasting is inner silence and communion with God through ceaseless prayer.  It is about longing for God and hungering after Him in all humility.  If that is learned by a 'failed' fast, then that is a blessing.

Father Stephen had another correlation having to do with the spiritual purpose of fasting that I have never thought of.  A person who is near death often refuses all food.  This is a natural part of the process of letting go of this world and moving on to the next.  Studies show that the dying who are allowed to forgo food experience less pain.

Fasting, in the Christian sense, then, is about dying to self and dying to the world.  It is about moving on to the world for which we were created.  It is about living as though we were dying because in dying, we are born to eternal life.

Mourning

Another friend from high school died this morning.  She had cancer.   She is survived by her husband and four children.

Our group of friends is being hit hard right now--one right after the other in this month of the dead.

Again, words fail.

May she rest eternally in the arms of Our Lord.

Mourning

Another friend from high school died this morning.  She had cancer.   She is survived by her husband and four children.

Our group of friends is being hit hard right now--one right after the other in this month of the dead.

Again, words fail.

May she rest eternally in the arms of Our Lord.

Poem of the Week

black cat leading me,
half asleep, to the food bowl
midnight snack

Poem of the Week

black cat leading me,
half asleep, to the food bowl
midnight snack

Veterans Day 2009--Thanks to our troops!

Veterans Day 2009--Thanks to our troops!

Why have you shortened their days, oh Lord?

Today's Office of Readings included Psalm 101 (102).  Given that this is the traditional month we remember the dead, this psalm was appropriate.  On a personal level, many of my friends and I have been hit with one after another untimely death that has left us wondering why. 

Psalm 101 (102)

He has brought down my strength in the midst of my journey;

he has shortened my days.

I will say, “My God, do not take me away half way through the days of my life.

Your years last from generation to generation:  in the beginning you founded the earth, and the heavens are the work of Your hands.

They will pass away but You will remain;
all will grow old, like clothing,
and like a cloak You will change them, and they will be changed.

“But You are always the same,
Your years will never run out."

This psalm asks the age old question, "Why have you brought them down in the midst of their journey?  Why have you taken them 'half way through the days of their lives?'"

I think the answer is "They will pass away, but You will remain. All will grow old, like clothing but you are always the same, your years will never run out."

All will pass away.  Today, tomorrow, or the next day. 

But God is the same, yesterday, today and forever.

Why have you shortened their days, oh Lord?

Today's Office of Readings included Psalm 101 (102).  Given that this is the traditional month we remember the dead, this psalm was appropriate.  On a personal level, many of my friends and I have been hit with one after another untimely death that has left us wondering why. 

Psalm 101 (102)

He has brought down my strength in the midst of my journey;

he has shortened my days.

I will say, “My God, do not take me away half way through the days of my life.

Your years last from generation to generation:  in the beginning you founded the earth, and the heavens are the work of Your hands.

They will pass away but You will remain;
all will grow old, like clothing,
and like a cloak You will change them, and they will be changed.

“But You are always the same,
Your years will never run out."

This psalm asks the age old question, "Why have you brought them down in the midst of their journey?  Why have you taken them 'half way through the days of their lives?'"

I think the answer is "They will pass away, but You will remain. All will grow old, like clothing but you are always the same, your years will never run out."

All will pass away.  Today, tomorrow, or the next day. 

But God is the same, yesterday, today and forever.

Music Monday--Dust in the Wind

This is another one of my favorites, Dust in the Wind by Kansas.  This video has some beautiful pictures to accompany the song.

Music Monday--Dust in the Wind

This is another one of my favorites, Dust in the Wind by Kansas.  This video has some beautiful pictures to accompany the song.

Sunday Snippets--A Catholic Carnival

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

This week I posted about the beautiful new statues of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Immaculate Heart of Mary that our church has purchased. They really change the whole atmosphere of the church.

On the creative front, I also shared my new crocheted cell phone case. I really love doing practical and easy crafts like this.
My poem of the week was appropriately about fall and what it feels like as a kid to stay outside in the newly cold days.

For Music Monday, a new feature here at the Well, I posted Heart's How Deep is Goes. I've been singing it to myself all week. Stay Tuned for another song tomorrow.

If you ever get the chance to have Korean Sweet Potatoes--they are well worth it! I also reviewed a coffee and tea shop in Fulton, MD, Sidamo, and a new tea (for me).

Sadly, the week brought with it another death, this time of an internet friend. I also discovered that another old friend is dying of cancer. May God be with them and their families.

Sunday Snippets--A Catholic Carnival

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

This week I posted about the beautiful new statues of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Immaculate Heart of Mary that our church has purchased. They really change the whole atmosphere of the church.

On the creative front, I also shared my new crocheted cell phone case. I really love doing practical and easy crafts like this.
My poem of the week was appropriately about fall and what it feels like as a kid to stay outside in the newly cold days.

For Music Monday, a new feature here at the Well, I posted Heart's How Deep is Goes. I've been singing it to myself all week. Stay Tuned for another song tomorrow.

If you ever get the chance to have Korean Sweet Potatoes--they are well worth it! I also reviewed a coffee and tea shop in Fulton, MD, Sidamo, and a new tea (for me).

Sadly, the week brought with it another death, this time of an internet friend. I also discovered that another old friend is dying of cancer. May God be with them and their families.

Sidamo Coffee and Tea--A Review

My sister and I enjoyed a wonderful coffee shop in Fulton Maryland called Sidamo Coffee And Tea. Their main store is in Washington, DC near Union Station.

 My sister had a cup of their coffee, freshly roasted and ground on the premises daily and I had a cup of Provence Rooibos which was truly a sublime and transporting experience.  I had enjoyed Rooibos tea, which, by the way, is not a true tea, but a tisane made of the leaves of the red bush tree from South Africa, but had never heard of or tasted Provence Rooibos which is made with the addition of roses, lavender, and currents.  The aroma alone is worth the purchase and transports you immediately to sunny French fields freshly in bloom.

I will definitely have Provence Rooibos on hand from now on.  It is well worth the buying.

Sidamo Coffee and Tea--A Review

My sister and I enjoyed a wonderful coffee shop in Fulton Maryland called Sidamo Coffee And Tea. Their main store is in Washington, DC near Union Station.

 My sister had a cup of their coffee, freshly roasted and ground on the premises daily and I had a cup of Provence Rooibos which was truly a sublime and transporting experience.  I had enjoyed Rooibos tea, which, by the way, is not a true tea, but a tisane made of the leaves of the red bush tree from South Africa, but had never heard of or tasted Provence Rooibos which is made with the addition of roses, lavender, and currents.  The aroma alone is worth the purchase and transports you immediately to sunny French fields freshly in bloom.

I will definitely have Provence Rooibos on hand from now on.  It is well worth the buying.

Special Intentions

I just found out that an internet friend has died.  Her son posted to her Facebook account.  We are all in shock.

I also just found out, via Facebook, that another friend from high school has untreatable cancer and is on hospice.

This really seems to be happening all at once.  I don't know why that seems to occur, and I have no words except that some things are just not important in comparison.

Special Intentions

I just found out that an internet friend has died.  Her son posted to her Facebook account.  We are all in shock.

I also just found out, via Facebook, that another friend from high school has untreatable cancer and is on hospice.

This really seems to be happening all at once.  I don't know why that seems to occur, and I have no words except that some things are just not important in comparison.

7 Quick Takes Friday

1.  I realize its not Friday yet, but there is something about this early darkness that makes time seem to fly while in actuality it crawls by. 

2.  Speaking of this early darkness, I don't like it.  Darkness descends and makes me feel more alone somehow.  Even when dh is home.  It seems like the middle of the night and that I shouldn't be awake no matter what time it is. 

3.  I want to put out a prayer request for the 12 soldiers killed by a U.S. Army officer in Fort Hood, TX today and their families.  Also, a prayer request goes out for the 31 injured and their families, for the gunman or gunmen and their families, and for all those touched by this tragedy. 

4.  Another prayer request goes out for a nephew of a friend of mine.  He lost his mother when he was young, and just burried  his father yesterday.  May his father rest in peace and may he be comforted.

5.  I think it's time for some gratitude.  I am grateful for my icon corner, illuminated by the soft light that stands under it, casting a bit of spiritual happiness in a dark Autumn evening.

6.  I am also grateful for light and heat.  I am blessed to live in a time where I can have both readily availble. 

7.  And finally, I am grateful that my vertigo has abated and that I can sleep more easily.

7 Quick Takes Friday

1.  I realize its not Friday yet, but there is something about this early darkness that makes time seem to fly while in actuality it crawls by. 

2.  Speaking of this early darkness, I don't like it.  Darkness descends and makes me feel more alone somehow.  Even when dh is home.  It seems like the middle of the night and that I shouldn't be awake no matter what time it is. 

3.  I want to put out a prayer request for the 12 soldiers killed by a U.S. Army officer in Fort Hood, TX today and their families.  Also, a prayer request goes out for the 31 injured and their families, for the gunman or gunmen and their families, and for all those touched by this tragedy. 

4.  Another prayer request goes out for a nephew of a friend of mine.  He lost his mother when he was young, and just burried  his father yesterday.  May his father rest in peace and may he be comforted.

5.  I think it's time for some gratitude.  I am grateful for my icon corner, illuminated by the soft light that stands under it, casting a bit of spiritual happiness in a dark Autumn evening.

6.  I am also grateful for light and heat.  I am blessed to live in a time where I can have both readily availble. 

7.  And finally, I am grateful that my vertigo has abated and that I can sleep more easily.

Korean Sweet Potatoes

I'm in love with Korean sweet potatoes.  Unlike the more easily found variety, they are a bit redder on the outside, decidedly more yellow on the inside, and, imo, sweeter and creamier.  I'm definitely going to get more of these!

Korean Sweet Potatoes

I'm in love with Korean sweet potatoes.  Unlike the more easily found variety, they are a bit redder on the outside, decidedly more yellow on the inside, and, imo, sweeter and creamier.  I'm definitely going to get more of these!

Poem of the Week

the smell of crisp, dry leaves burning
the numbness of limbs out too long in the cold, cheeks flushed red--
unnoticed until hours later
and everyone else has gone inside
in search of hot chocolate and warm soup




This poem was originally published on July 23, 2008 in Falling Plum Poetry. 

Poem of the Week

the smell of crisp, dry leaves burning
the numbness of limbs out too long in the cold, cheeks flushed red--
unnoticed until hours later
and everyone else has gone inside
in search of hot chocolate and warm soup




This poem was originally published on July 23, 2008 in Falling Plum Poetry. 

Music Monday--Heart

I've decided on a new feature here at the Well:  Music Monday.  Each Monday I'll post a YouTube vid of some sort of music.  Right at the moment, I'm on a bit of a nostalgic kick, probably due to this month of All Souls.  Anyway, the first song I'm going to highlight is How Deep it Goes by Heart, a 1970's girl band.  I think is one of their more underrated songs.  Nice love song.  Enjoy

Music Monday--Heart

I've decided on a new feature here at the Well:  Music Monday.  Each Monday I'll post a YouTube vid of some sort of music.  Right at the moment, I'm on a bit of a nostalgic kick, probably due to this month of All Souls.  Anyway, the first song I'm going to highlight is How Deep it Goes by Heart, a 1970's girl band.  I think is one of their more underrated songs.  Nice love song.  Enjoy

Crocheted Cell Phone Case

Thanks to my dog, I needed a new crocheted cell phone case.  I honestly didn't mind, because my A.D.D. brain needed a change of scenery anyway.  I had gotten a small skien of multi-primary colored yarn and had a ball working this up.  I also found some nice buttons and thought the rose button looked perfect with this rainbow creation.

The incredibly easy pattern for this cell phone case is here.  All it uses is chain stitch and single crochet.

Crocheted Cell Phone Case

Thanks to my dog, I needed a new crocheted cell phone case.  I honestly didn't mind, because my A.D.D. brain needed a change of scenery anyway.  I had gotten a small skien of multi-primary colored yarn and had a ball working this up.  I also found some nice buttons and thought the rose button looked perfect with this rainbow creation.

The incredibly easy pattern for this cell phone case is here.  All it uses is chain stitch and single crochet.

A Saint's Day Surprise

As we walked into Church today, we were in for a great Saint's Day surprise--on either side of the altar were 2 life size statues of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Immaculate Heart of Mary!  I knew our parish was raising funds for their purchase but I didn't know they had already been bought, nor did I realize that they were going to be so big!!

Our church is not that large in and of itself.  I think it fits about 200 people inside comfortably and snugly.  The odd thing is, these statues make the building look bigger, not smaller.  They dwarf the reader, who must stand underneath and in front of the statue of Our Lady, and literally put things "in perspective". 

It is no longer about "us".  Our focus is now on the unmistakable illustration of Love right in front of our eyes.  The richly colored statues draw our attention away from whatever it is that might be distracting us on any given Sunday and towards what we are in Church for--the celebration of the Holy  Eucharist and a literal reaching back to embrace a God who has been reaching towards us from all eternity. 

What a wonderful gift!  I am blessed to have lived long enough to see some of the beautiful God-inspired artwork come back into the churches.

A Saint's Day Surprise

As we walked into Church today, we were in for a great Saint's Day surprise--on either side of the altar were 2 life size statues of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Immaculate Heart of Mary!  I knew our parish was raising funds for their purchase but I didn't know they had already been bought, nor did I realize that they were going to be so big!!

Our church is not that large in and of itself.  I think it fits about 200 people inside comfortably and snugly.  The odd thing is, these statues make the building look bigger, not smaller.  They dwarf the reader, who must stand underneath and in front of the statue of Our Lady, and literally put things "in perspective". 

It is no longer about "us".  Our focus is now on the unmistakable illustration of Love right in front of our eyes.  The richly colored statues draw our attention away from whatever it is that might be distracting us on any given Sunday and towards what we are in Church for--the celebration of the Holy  Eucharist and a literal reaching back to embrace a God who has been reaching towards us from all eternity. 

What a wonderful gift!  I am blessed to have lived long enough to see some of the beautiful God-inspired artwork come back into the churches.

Sunday Snippets--A Catholic Carnival

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

I started the week talking about the Global Climate Change Treaty moving through the UN that would force the U.S. to pay a "climate debt" to third world countries and allow the UN governance over the United States.

I published a poem of mine entitled The Poetry of Beauty.  I think beauty is important in Christianity--something that has been all but abandoned in the modern world.  Sometimes being edgy and extreme for its own sake does not reap good fruit.  Thankfully, there is an art renewal movement that encourages and rewards talented artists who still focus on inspiration, storytelling and beauty.  

I posted about a fascinating article on discovering one's root sin.  I was surprised at the manifestations of Pride, Vanity and Sensuality--it wasn't what I expected.  Vanity, for example, is not about surface appearance, but about putting stock in what others think of you, to the point where you change your beliefs and behavior to accommodate others' opinions.

I also did a YouTube video for All Saint's Day using the Litany of the Saints from Easter and images of the saints mentioned.

I pray that you all have a blessed week and a blessed November.

Sunday Snippets--A Catholic Carnival

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

I started the week talking about the Global Climate Change Treaty moving through the UN that would force the U.S. to pay a "climate debt" to third world countries and allow the UN governance over the United States.

I published a poem of mine entitled The Poetry of Beauty.  I think beauty is important in Christianity--something that has been all but abandoned in the modern world.  Sometimes being edgy and extreme for its own sake does not reap good fruit.  Thankfully, there is an art renewal movement that encourages and rewards talented artists who still focus on inspiration, storytelling and beauty.  

I posted about a fascinating article on discovering one's root sin.  I was surprised at the manifestations of Pride, Vanity and Sensuality--it wasn't what I expected.  Vanity, for example, is not about surface appearance, but about putting stock in what others think of you, to the point where you change your beliefs and behavior to accommodate others' opinions.

I also did a YouTube video for All Saint's Day using the Litany of the Saints from Easter and images of the saints mentioned.

I pray that you all have a blessed week and a blessed November.