Poetry Wednesday--Diane Glancy

I think this poem really captures the feel of Indian Summer--trying to hang on to the day's beauty while mourning what we know is to come.  

Indian Summer

BY DIANE GLANCY

There’s a farm auction up the road.

Wind has its bid in for the leaves.

Already bugs flurry the headlights

between cornfields at night.

If this world were permanent,

I could dance full as the squaw dress

on the clothesline.

I would not see winter

in the square of white yard-light on the wall.

But something tugs at me.

The world is at a loss and I am part of it

migrating daily.

Everything is up for grabs

like a box of farm tools broken open.

I hear the spirits often in the garden

and along the shore of corn.

I know this place is not mine.

I hear them up the road again.

This world is a horizon, an open sea.

Behind the house, the white iceberg of the barn.

Note:  The picture above is Indian House by Eileen Nichols

Poetry Wednesday--Diane Glancy

I think this poem really captures the feel of Indian Summer--trying to hang on to the day's beauty while mourning what we know is to come.  

Indian Summer

BY DIANE GLANCY

There’s a farm auction up the road.

Wind has its bid in for the leaves.

Already bugs flurry the headlights

between cornfields at night.

If this world were permanent,

I could dance full as the squaw dress

on the clothesline.

I would not see winter

in the square of white yard-light on the wall.

But something tugs at me.

The world is at a loss and I am part of it

migrating daily.

Everything is up for grabs

like a box of farm tools broken open.

I hear the spirits often in the garden

and along the shore of corn.

I know this place is not mine.

I hear them up the road again.

This world is a horizon, an open sea.

Behind the house, the white iceberg of the barn.

Note:  The picture above is Indian House by Eileen Nichols

St. Michael The Archangel

The Archangel Michael is one of the most fascinating saints for his importance predates Christianity and he is currently revered by all three monotheistic religions. In Hebrew, his name (מִיכָאֵל‎)  is pronounced mixäˈʔel and is translated who is like El, or God. In Greek, his name is Μιχαήλ, (Mikhaḗl) and in Arabic, ميخائيل‎ (Mīkhā'īl.)


St. Michael was introduced to Christianity by the Jewish books of Enoch (around 300-100 BC) and Daniel (about 165 BC).  Both books refer to Michael a great prince and he is seen as the protector of Israel.  He is seen as a prince and soldier in the Hebrew apocryphal book War of the Sons of Light Against the Sons of Darkness and continues that role in the Christian Book of Revelation where he defeats Satan.

St. Michael is a very powerful Archangel sent by God to defend His people, especially at the end of time.  He offers strength in times of spiritual warfare and is a very powerful advocate.

St. Michael The Archangel

The Archangel Michael is one of the most fascinating saints for his importance predates Christianity and he is currently revered by all three monotheistic religions. In Hebrew, his name (מִיכָאֵל‎)  is pronounced mixäˈʔel and is translated who is like El, or God. In Greek, his name is Μιχαήλ, (Mikhaḗl) and in Arabic, ميخائيل‎ (Mīkhā'īl.)


St. Michael was introduced to Christianity by the Jewish books of Enoch (around 300-100 BC) and Daniel (about 165 BC).  Both books refer to Michael a great prince and he is seen as the protector of Israel.  He is seen as a prince and soldier in the Hebrew apocryphal book War of the Sons of Light Against the Sons of Darkness and continues that role in the Christian Book of Revelation where he defeats Satan.

St. Michael is a very powerful Archangel sent by God to defend His people, especially at the end of time.  He offers strength in times of spiritual warfare and is a very powerful advocate.

St. Michael Novena--Day 9

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,

O prince

of the heavenly host,

by the power of God,

cast into Hell, Satan,

and all the evil spirits

that prowl about the world,

seeking the ruin of souls.

~Amen!


I like this icon It has a Celtic feel to it. I especially love the bright colors: red, green, aqua blue, orange and gold.  It is as if the rainbow takes its colors from St. Michael.   

St. Michael Novena--Day 9

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,

O prince

of the heavenly host,

by the power of God,

cast into Hell, Satan,

and all the evil spirits

that prowl about the world,

seeking the ruin of souls.

~Amen!


I like this icon It has a Celtic feel to it. I especially love the bright colors: red, green, aqua blue, orange and gold.  It is as if the rainbow takes its colors from St. Michael.   

Art and Beauty Tuesday

Indian Summer in a hammock.  Nothing like it.  Hammock by Peter Taylor Quidley is a wonderfully idealistic painting showing 2 girls (sisters, I'm assuming) relaxing in a hammock on a warm afternoon.

These busy days of back to school make us wish for easier, more relaxing times.  If you don't have a hammock (or a sister) available, just lose yourself in this hammock in the woods, gaze wistfully out onto the lake, and dream of easier times.

Art and Beauty Tuesday

Indian Summer in a hammock.  Nothing like it.  Hammock by Peter Taylor Quidley is a wonderfully idealistic painting showing 2 girls (sisters, I'm assuming) relaxing in a hammock on a warm afternoon.

These busy days of back to school make us wish for easier, more relaxing times.  If you don't have a hammock (or a sister) available, just lose yourself in this hammock in the woods, gaze wistfully out onto the lake, and dream of easier times.

St. Michael Novena--Day 8

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,

O prince

of the heavenly host,

by the power of God,

cast into Hell, Satan,

and all the evil spirits

that prowl about the world,

seeking the ruin of souls.

~Amen!

This is another St. Michael Icon that I own. It is smaller than the first one and very beautiful.  

St. Michael Novena--Day 8

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,

O prince

of the heavenly host,

by the power of God,

cast into Hell, Satan,

and all the evil spirits

that prowl about the world,

seeking the ruin of souls.

~Amen!

This is another St. Michael Icon that I own. It is smaller than the first one and very beautiful.  

Music Monday--Vivaldi Autumn

This year the Harvest Moon officially welcomed us into Autumn.  Vivaldi captures the Four Seasons perfectly.  Here is his concerto for violin.  Here is his Autumn.

Music Monday--Vivaldi Autumn

This year the Harvest Moon officially welcomed us into Autumn.  Vivaldi captures the Four Seasons perfectly.  Here is his concerto for violin.  Here is his Autumn.

St. Michael Novena--Day 7

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,

O prince

of the heavenly host,

by the power of God,

cast into Hell, Satan,

and all the evil spirits

that prowl about the world,

seeking the ruin of souls.

~Amen!


In this icon, St. Michael is slaying a dragon, which is reminiscent of the Book of Revelation.  There, the dragon waits for the woman to give birth to the Child so he can eat Him. 

St. Michael Novena--Day 7

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,

O prince

of the heavenly host,

by the power of God,

cast into Hell, Satan,

and all the evil spirits

that prowl about the world,

seeking the ruin of souls.

~Amen!


In this icon, St. Michael is slaying a dragon, which is reminiscent of the Book of Revelation.  There, the dragon waits for the woman to give birth to the Child so he can eat Him. 

St. Michael Novena--Day 6

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,

O prince

of the heavenly host,

by the power of God,

cast into Hell, Satan,

and all the evil spirits

that prowl about the world,

seeking the ruin of souls.

~Amen!


I like the contrast in this picture.  the gold against the black background is striking. 

St. Michael Novena--Day 6

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,

O prince

of the heavenly host,

by the power of God,

cast into Hell, Satan,

and all the evil spirits

that prowl about the world,

seeking the ruin of souls.

~Amen!


I like the contrast in this picture.  the gold against the black background is striking. 

Sunday Snippets, A Catholic Carnival

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

Another busy blogging week!

Last week started out with Pope Benedict's new Papal Tartan, Music Monday was Fyre, Fyre by Thomas Morley, Art and Beauty Tuesday was the famous Girl with the Pearl Earring by Vermeer and Poetry Wednesday was a portion of Bed in Summer by Robert Louis Stevenson.  Scripture Saturday talked about  the  verse from Ecclesiastes which follows the famous one popularized by The Byrds about everything having a season.

Our prayers this week took us  most of the way through our Novena to St. Michael (along with a different St. Michael picture/icon each day) and we explored prayer in various types of spiritual states, including a beautiful prayer by Orthodox Saint Philaret of Moscow.  

Sunday Snippets, A Catholic Carnival

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

Another busy blogging week!

Last week started out with Pope Benedict's new Papal Tartan, Music Monday was Fyre, Fyre by Thomas Morley, Art and Beauty Tuesday was the famous Girl with the Pearl Earring by Vermeer and Poetry Wednesday was a portion of Bed in Summer by Robert Louis Stevenson.  Scripture Saturday talked about  the  verse from Ecclesiastes which follows the famous one popularized by The Byrds about everything having a season.

Our prayers this week took us  most of the way through our Novena to St. Michael (along with a different St. Michael picture/icon each day) and we explored prayer in various types of spiritual states, including a beautiful prayer by Orthodox Saint Philaret of Moscow.  

St. Michael Novena--Day 5

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,

O prince

of the heavenly host,

by the power of God,

cast into Hell, Satan,

and all the evil spirits

that prowl about the world,

seeking the ruin of souls.

~Amen!


A word about the military symbolism in these representations: Anyone who has ever struggled to live the life of God and cried with Saint Paul, "I do the very things I hate!" can understand the need to fight against those powers that keep us from attaining all that God has in mind for us.

St. Michael Novena--Day 5

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,

O prince

of the heavenly host,

by the power of God,

cast into Hell, Satan,

and all the evil spirits

that prowl about the world,

seeking the ruin of souls.

~Amen!


A word about the military symbolism in these representations: Anyone who has ever struggled to live the life of God and cried with Saint Paul, "I do the very things I hate!" can understand the need to fight against those powers that keep us from attaining all that God has in mind for us.

Scripture Saturday--Turn, Turn, Turn--Time in its wholeness

In reading the Old Testament Mass reading from Ecclesiastes on Friday, I found myself focusing not on the familiar "for everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven" made so popular in the 1960's song, Turn, Turn, Turn by the Byrds, but on the final verse, Ecclesiastes 1:11.

What does a man gain for the efforts that he makes? I contemplate the task that God gives mankind to labour at. All that he does is apt for its time; but though he has permitted man to consider time in its wholeness, man cannot comprehend the work of God from beginning to end.

Mankind is allowed to see "time in its wholeness".  Because we can step back and realize that we were born and that we will die, that the earth was created and that it will one day cease to exist, we often make the mistake of thinking that we therefore control all that is around us.

But, all our problems and struggles are meant to make us realize that, in fact, we control nothing.  "Man cannot comprehend the work of God" the bible tells us.  Yet, God, sees "from beginning to end."  For Him, it is already accomplished.

All our labors, all the divisions that exist between individuals and nations, are useless struggling against the "work of God" which is seen *only* by God, for He sees "from beginning to end."

Scripture Saturday--Turn, Turn, Turn--Time in its wholeness

In reading the Old Testament Mass reading from Ecclesiastes on Friday, I found myself focusing not on the familiar "for everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven" made so popular in the 1960's song, Turn, Turn, Turn by the Byrds, but on the final verse, Ecclesiastes 1:11.

What does a man gain for the efforts that he makes? I contemplate the task that God gives mankind to labour at. All that he does is apt for its time; but though he has permitted man to consider time in its wholeness, man cannot comprehend the work of God from beginning to end.

Mankind is allowed to see "time in its wholeness".  Because we can step back and realize that we were born and that we will die, that the earth was created and that it will one day cease to exist, we often make the mistake of thinking that we therefore control all that is around us.

But, all our problems and struggles are meant to make us realize that, in fact, we control nothing.  "Man cannot comprehend the work of God" the bible tells us.  Yet, God, sees "from beginning to end."  For Him, it is already accomplished.

All our labors, all the divisions that exist between individuals and nations, are useless struggling against the "work of God" which is seen *only* by God, for He sees "from beginning to end."

St. Michael Novena--Day 4

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,

O prince

of the heavenly host,

by the power of God,

cast into Hell, Satan,

and all the evil spirits

that prowl about the world,

seeking the ruin of souls.

~Amen!

In this icon, St. Michael looks very worshipful.  He works at all times for the glory of God.  

St. Michael Novena--Day 4

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,

O prince

of the heavenly host,

by the power of God,

cast into Hell, Satan,

and all the evil spirits

that prowl about the world,

seeking the ruin of souls.

~Amen!

In this icon, St. Michael looks very worshipful.  He works at all times for the glory of God.  

St. Michael Novena--Day 3

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,

O prince

of the heavenly host,

by the power of God,

cast into Hell, Satan,

and all the evil spirits

that prowl about the world,

seeking the ruin of souls.

~Amen!


I'll admit to loving the colors in this icon.  The pinks, blues and aquas are very soothing.  

St. Michael Novena--Day 3

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,

O prince

of the heavenly host,

by the power of God,

cast into Hell, Satan,

and all the evil spirits

that prowl about the world,

seeking the ruin of souls.

~Amen!


I'll admit to loving the colors in this icon.  The pinks, blues and aquas are very soothing.  

St. Michael Novena--Day 2

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,

O prince

of the heavenly host,

by the power of God,

cast into Hell, Satan,

and all the evil spirits

that prowl about the world,

seeking the ruin of souls.

~Amen!

St. Michael Novena--Day 2

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,

O prince

of the heavenly host,

by the power of God,

cast into Hell, Satan,

and all the evil spirits

that prowl about the world,

seeking the ruin of souls.

~Amen!

Poetry Wednesday--Bed in Summer

This is part of the poem, Bed in Summer by Robert Louis Stevenson.  I chose to publish only the first stanza, because it is better fitting to this time of year as the days get shorter.  This poem leaped into my head this morning as I awoke for the day in the pitch dark.

In winter I get up at night

and dress by yellow candle light. 

In summer, quite the other way,

I have to go to bed by day. 

Poetry Wednesday--Bed in Summer

This is part of the poem, Bed in Summer by Robert Louis Stevenson.  I chose to publish only the first stanza, because it is better fitting to this time of year as the days get shorter.  This poem leaped into my head this morning as I awoke for the day in the pitch dark.

In winter I get up at night

and dress by yellow candle light. 

In summer, quite the other way,

I have to go to bed by day. 

St. Michael Novena

Nine days from now is the Feast of the Holy Angels: Michael, Raphael and Gabriel.

Since I have a special place in my heart for Saint Michael, and since his prayer is so very powerful, I wanted to post it as a Novena leading up to his feast day.

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,
O prince
of the heavenly host,
by the power of God,
cast into Hell, Satan,
and all the evil spirits
that prowl about the world,
seeking the ruin of souls.
~Amen!

Hat tip to Paul at Sober Catholic.  Note:  Paul has a different novena going to the Three Archangels, which is what reminded me of the upcoming feast.

The icon above is the one given to my husband by a dear departed (then Episcopal) priest many years ago.

St. Michael Novena

Nine days from now is the Feast of the Holy Angels: Michael, Raphael and Gabriel.

Since I have a special place in my heart for Saint Michael, and since his prayer is so very powerful, I wanted to post it as a Novena leading up to his feast day.

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,
O prince
of the heavenly host,
by the power of God,
cast into Hell, Satan,
and all the evil spirits
that prowl about the world,
seeking the ruin of souls.
~Amen!

Hat tip to Paul at Sober Catholic.  Note:  Paul has a different novena going to the Three Archangels, which is what reminded me of the upcoming feast.

The icon above is the one given to my husband by a dear departed (then Episcopal) priest many years ago.

How to Pray

Do you sometimes have difficulty with consistency in morning prayer?  Beginning to Pray, by Metropolitan Anthony Bloom suggests that spontaneous prayer tends to come forth most easily when we are either in the depths of despair, and realize our own spiritual poverty, or on a spiritual mountain top and are praising God.

For those times in between, pre-written prayers are best.  One that he recommends is a prayer by Orthodox Saint Philaret of Moscow.  It is a beautifully appropriate morning prayer.

O Lord,
grant that I may 
meet the coming day 
in peace.

Help me in all things
to rely upon 
Thy Holy Will.
In every hour 
of the day,
reveal Thy will to me.

Bless my dealings with all who 
surround me.

Teach me to treat all that comes to me
throughout the day with peace of soul,
and with the firm conviction that 
Thy will governs all.

In all my deeds and words,
guide my thoughts and feelings.

In unforeseen events, let me not forget
that all are sent by Thee.

Teach me to act firmly and wisely,
without embittering and embarrassing others.

Give me the strength to bear the fatigue
of the coming day with all that it shall bring.

Direct my will.

Teach me to pray.

Pray Thou Thyself in me.

~Amen.

Hat tip to Deacon Michael of Ancient Faith Radio.

How to Pray

Do you sometimes have difficulty with consistency in morning prayer?  Beginning to Pray, by Metropolitan Anthony Bloom suggests that spontaneous prayer tends to come forth most easily when we are either in the depths of despair, and realize our own spiritual poverty, or on a spiritual mountain top and are praising God.

For those times in between, pre-written prayers are best.  One that he recommends is a prayer by Orthodox Saint Philaret of Moscow.  It is a beautifully appropriate morning prayer.

O Lord,
grant that I may 
meet the coming day 
in peace.

Help me in all things
to rely upon 
Thy Holy Will.
In every hour 
of the day,
reveal Thy will to me.

Bless my dealings with all who 
surround me.

Teach me to treat all that comes to me
throughout the day with peace of soul,
and with the firm conviction that 
Thy will governs all.

In all my deeds and words,
guide my thoughts and feelings.

In unforeseen events, let me not forget
that all are sent by Thee.

Teach me to act firmly and wisely,
without embittering and embarrassing others.

Give me the strength to bear the fatigue
of the coming day with all that it shall bring.

Direct my will.

Teach me to pray.

Pray Thou Thyself in me.

~Amen.

Hat tip to Deacon Michael of Ancient Faith Radio.

Art and Beauty Tuesday--Vermeer

This week's Art and Beauty Tuesday  is Girl with a Pearl Earring by Dutch painter Jan Vermeer. Painted some time in the mid 1660's, the exact date is not known.

The pearl earring is used as the focal point of the painting and the young subject turns towards the viewer as if answering an unexpected summons. The yellow head scarf mimics hair, and matches well with her light eyebrows, while the blue turban  picks up the blue at the end of her pony-tail-like head scarf.

In spite of the surface crackling, which gives it added interest and depth, the painting has an almost photographic quality in the realistic details.  We feel as if we could easily recognize this young girl if we met her on the street and that a whole story can be seen in her eyes.

The tear shaped pearl is a large one, reflecting the light that also falls on her face, while sinking into the dark background on the other side.  It seems as mysterious as its wearer, hiding its full beauty in the shadows.

From the angle we are given, her dress looks almost like a business jacket over a white blouse, adding to the painting's timeless, exotically modern look.

Art and Beauty Tuesday--Vermeer

This week's Art and Beauty Tuesday  is Girl with a Pearl Earring by Dutch painter Jan Vermeer. Painted some time in the mid 1660's, the exact date is not known.

The pearl earring is used as the focal point of the painting and the young subject turns towards the viewer as if answering an unexpected summons. The yellow head scarf mimics hair, and matches well with her light eyebrows, while the blue turban  picks up the blue at the end of her pony-tail-like head scarf.

In spite of the surface crackling, which gives it added interest and depth, the painting has an almost photographic quality in the realistic details.  We feel as if we could easily recognize this young girl if we met her on the street and that a whole story can be seen in her eyes.

The tear shaped pearl is a large one, reflecting the light that also falls on her face, while sinking into the dark background on the other side.  It seems as mysterious as its wearer, hiding its full beauty in the shadows.

From the angle we are given, her dress looks almost like a business jacket over a white blouse, adding to the painting's timeless, exotically modern look.

Music Monday--Fyre, Fyre

I have been looking for this song on YouTube for quite a while.  Fyre, Fyre by Thomas Morley is a deceptively difficult madrigal that I very much enjoyed learning in college.

Music Monday--Fyre, Fyre

I have been looking for this song on YouTube for quite a while.  Fyre, Fyre by Thomas Morley is a deceptively difficult madrigal that I very much enjoyed learning in college.

Pope sets the Style in Scotland

The pope has been visiting Great Britain this week.

In his honor, a new tartan was designed by Matthew Newsome, director of The Scottish Tartans Museum in North Carolina.

Material was then made by Ingles Buchan of Glasgow, in Scotland and worn as a scarf by the pope, his private secretary and Cardinal Keith O'Brien of Scotland  during a procession in the Scottish capital of Edinburgh.

Since then, orders for ties and scarves in the new material have poured in.

Here is the symbolism of the colors used in the pattern:

• The white and blue are Scotland's national colors.
• The green isfor the lichens growing in Galloway.
• The red and white are from Blessed John Henry Cardinal Newman's crest.
• The yellow is from the Vatican flag.