just another day of Catholic pondering

musings of Sarah Reinhard: Catholic wife, mother, writer, convert, farm girl

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Lost Mission

March 13th, 2010 · Books, Reviews

I am always looking for a good novel.  Truth is, my nose likes fiction best of all (though I read plenty of nonfiction).

So when Rachelle Gardner posted about a giveaway of Athol Dickson’s novel Lost Mission, I was game.  (I was also, it should be noted, rather too optimistic about how quickly I’d get it read.  She posted in October.  Ah, well.)

I wasn’t sure what to expect, but when I read Dickson’s bio, which is a delightful story in and of itself, I suspected I had a winner.  (A sample: “In the same year Albert Einstein died, Rosa Parks made history and Disneyland was founded, Athol Dickson was born in Oklahoma to a traveling salesman and his wife.”  What’s not to love?)

By the end of the first chapter, I knew I had a winner.

Despite having four other books to read as I started Lost Mission, despite putting it down for at least a week here and a week there, despite travel and weird schedules, Lost Mission was a gripping, compelling, and AWESOME read.

Dickson takes a complicated tale, told from two different time periods and a myriad of points of view, and weaves them together in a way that’s nothing less than expert.  This book is a JOY to read.  (Maybe it helps I’ve read enough self published books with bad editing in the last year to really appreciate those components.)

These characters ring true, and though it took me a longer-than-normal time to read because of life circumstances, I had no problem jumping right back into the action and drama.  Though I’ll be lending my copy out to a friend, I’ll also be asking for it back.  This is the kind of novel that ages well and reads even better the second time.

Lost Mission read like a classic-in-the-making, and I’m looking forward to checking out Dickson’s other work.

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Friday Wanderings

March 12th, 2010 · Quick Takes

1. Prepare to laugh

Michelle Reitemeyer, who blogs at Rosetta Stone, has long been a favorite of mine.  She outdid herself last week, though, and I feel it is my duty to share it.

My life right now is a little messy. “Mary, put on your diaper,” I’ll demand. “No, I, Naked,” she’ll respond. Well, hello, Naked.

It’s a post about potty training.  Maybe you think that’s not relevant to you.  And maybe that’s accurate.  But if you’ve ever been around potty training, you might enjoy this (you know, so you can laugh at those of us with toddlers). There’s even a handy quiz if, like Michelle and myself, you’re not sure if it’s time to bite the bullet with your version of “Naked.”

Take a moment, even if it means you won’t be coming back to see me, and read “I, Naked.”

2. Writing what I know (and what I don’t)

I’ve heard the advice, over and over and over, since I’ve started “really” writing that you should write what you know.  I have mixed feelings about this as advice (as I do about most advice), but I find that when I’m back against a wall, it’s what I do: I write what I know.  My latest column at Today’s Catholic Woman is an example of that.  I reflect on Mary’s title as Mother Most Pure and bare my heart a bit as I write about a woman who has been a hero and inspiration to me for as many years as I’ve known her.

On the front of sharing about what I know, however limited it may be, you’ll also find me on the upcoming episode of Catholic Foodie (which isn’t live yet) in a segment called “Mary in the Kitchen.”  If you’re not one to listen to podcasts or online content, I’m not offended.  But, boo for you, you’ll miss the awesome intro my Louisiana nieces, Junie and Ree, did, complete with a cascade of laughter that I think I may make into a ringtone.  (It makes me smile just to think about it.)

3. My lil cowgirl

My five-year-old is doing so well with riding lessons.

She’s been riding Trent.  She still likes him, even though at the lesson before this one, back at the end of January, he got spooked and she was thrown when he took off running.

He looks pretty laid back, doesn’t he?  He is.  And she is learning to control him.

Well, we’re fans…of the horse farm and of Trent the Pony.  Oh, and the smell of horse.  :)

4. My (un)Book

Over the summer, I announced that I was working on a book.  And now I find myself in the (embarrassing? awkward? weird?) situation of admitting to you that I have discerned that the arrangement I had is not one that will work for my life as it is right now.

That’s not to say there won’t ever be a book.  There just won’t be one soon.  :)

5. CNMC in Boston

On a more terrifying exciting note, though, I will be speaking at the Catholic New Media Celebration in Boston this August.  Will you be there?

I just realized, this week, that the weekend of the CNMC might conflict with our annual State Fair stuff.  So let’s just be up-front about this:  I really, really love you people to forgo one of my favorite times of the year.

6. Gunsmoke

Meet the new love of my life.

His name is Gunsmoke.  (I love that, on so many levels.)

He has a bit of character, as you can see.

We get along pretty well, so far.  (In answer to the discussion from a while ago, my husband said Yes to riding lessons for me.  What a guy! :) )

7. This weekend

As I understand it from my husband, this weekend is a big deal.  I suggested full use of the DVR; he maintains that not only would it get full, he wouldn’t have time to watch things back. The problem, I guess, is that he doesn’t take the week off like he used to. So I’ll spend the weekend with the kids, cuddling with him on and off, and entertaining thoughts of greener pastures.

I’m making him play basketball outside with our future basketball star, though!  (Someone has to get pictures!)

Unless it’s raining.  (Which he says he’s hoping for.) (I say we have enough mud!)

Quick Takes Friday happens because Jen makes it so. Check it out at Conversion Diary.

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Cheering the Small

March 11th, 2010 · Small Successes

1. Though I have mentioned it on Twitter, I have not officially complained about a certain two-year-old’s magnetism for mud.  I have resolved, instead, to hold off on potty training until mud season is over, because I can only handle so many outfit changes an hour.

2. I have wanted to give up on a certain Lenten project, but I haven’t.  I have also wanted to do more (you know, because I can never do enough), but I haven’t.  Instead, I’ve been holding steady, offering my small failures to God as a little gift of humility and taking the graces as a sign of love.

3. Tonight is leftover night, because I’ve been cooking this week (not with a plan, mind you, but still).

You’ll find more small successes today, as you will every Thursday, at Faith & Family Live.

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A Different Perspective: Respectful Family Member

March 10th, 2010 · Different Perspective with Brittany

This is part of the continuing guest posts by Brittany in the Different Perspective series.

The answer to my questions about God came in the form of the most wonderful boy I had ever met, and the most loving and accepting set of in-laws that I could ever hope for.  I had no reason not to, so I started going to Mass every Saturday, and I loved it!  I think that the saints are so cool, and the ceremonies are so inspiring (although I think the Methodists have better hymns).

When we decided to get married, I even started down the road to becoming Catholic.  In the end, I couldn’t fool myself, and I had too much respect and affection for both my in-laws and the priest to fake it.

In the end, this is what it comes down to for me: I just can’t believe that there really is a God, no matter how hard I try.  I know a lot of social scientists who don’t, and studying extraordinary beliefs (even though we can’t study believing in God, because God is outside of science) might be the reason, I think most of us had doubts before graduate school.

I’ve never been able to believe in things that don’t have tangible effects, and for me, there are no effects enacted by God that can’t be explained by human factors.  But, as any good scientist will tell you, God is outside of science, and I fully acknowledge that my non-belief is exactly that: a matter of belief. I would never presume to think that people who do believe in God are stupid or naïve.

I still enjoy going to church, even though I’m not a believer (I hope no one is offended by my presence).  I have always liked the singing, which was always the part I enjoyed the most as a child.  I like the feeling of community that suffuses the church; I like the quietness and the peace and the light streaming through old stain glass windows.  I like the messages of hope and love and compassion and goodness delivered in the sermon.  I like holding hands with my husband, and smiling at my family, and wishing them peace.

I like the sentiment, and I appreciate it.  I just approach it from a different direction.  Similarly, I look forward to the baptisms of my nieces and nephews as celebrations of their new lives; I marvel at how mature they’ve become, and how amazing it is that they’re old enough to receive first communion or confirmation.

In other words, I love my family and respect their beliefs, even though I have not come to hold the exact same ones.

Next week, Brittany will discuss “coming out” as an atheist.

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Tuesday Sunshine

March 9th, 2010 · daybook

Mary this week: I have been reflecting on spending my Lent with Mary, but I’m also up to something new this week. Unfortunately, it’s Tuesday afternoon and I have nothing to share just yet…but I soon will. :)

Outside my window: It’s not my window and it’s not early morning as I look out, but there is sunshine and piles of snow waiting to finish melting. Glorious!

Rambling thoughts: Spring is springing and this Sunday is the time change. Usually I complain…but I’m not this year. I’m holding my arms open and welcoming spring (and ignoring the wasps).

In thanksgiving: For family. For hugs around my legs. For baskets of clothes to fold and a prayer to say as I fold them.

Folded hands, bowed head: For a special, special intention that I’ve been holding close for many months.

Kitchen meanderings: I have a kitchen? No, seriously, I am so out-of-tune with my kitchen…and that’s OK.  I signed up for the free Rouxbe trial through Catholic Foodie and…(plug your ears, I’m going to start yelling in my excitement)…WOW!  It’s just what I’ve been complaining about for years.  So.  My menu is suffering a bit for lack of planning, and there’s no hope for it anytime soon, but as long as I keep making corn bread (I almost have Danielle’s recipe memorized), I think I’ll be forgiven.  And hey, doesn’t spring = grill?  (It does this year!)

Nose inserted: I’m working on slowly reading the Catechism and companion books.  For my fun reading, I just started In-Sight, by Gerard Webster, which I received from the author.  I think it’s going to be one of those novels that I’m not going to be sorry to tell you about…but I need to stay awake during my reading time first (the book is not putting me to sleep…I’m just getting started too late!).

Recent reads: Oh, I can’t wait to tell you about Lost Mission, by Athol Dickson, and there’s at least one post brewing in me about Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters, by Meg Meeker.

In my ears: I’m catching up on podcasts, but I’m also really enjoying the Gerard Faucheux album I downloaded a few weeks ago.  If you haven’t checked it out, you should.

Around the house: Toddler sleeping, preschooler watching a movie, mother-in-law talking on the phone.

A favorite thing: The weekly novel installments at CatholicMom.com. Right now, they’re featuring Through the Open Window, a book I read recently and found very entertaining.

Food for thought: From my Mary Vitamin this morning:

I beg you, my Divine Jesus, to send me a humiliation whenever I try to set myself above others. But, you know my weakness, Lord. Every morning I make a resolution to practice humility and in the evening I recognize that I have committed again many faults of pride. At this I am tempted to become discouraged but I know that discouragement is also pride. Therefore O my God, I want to base my hope in You alone.

The Prayers of Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, (ICS Publications: 1997)

Worth a thousand words:

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Lent with Mary

March 8th, 2010 · Inspired by Mary, writing

Is Lent really almost at the halfway point?

Really?

The reminder I really need this year is that Lent can start at any point.  I’m succeeding and failing in equal parts, making this a typical year in many ways.  What I’m struggling with is different than last year, but the thing I’m succeeding with is also different.  One thing, in particular, is different.

This year, I’m spending Lent with Mary.

You can read about some of my ideas for spending the rest of your Lent with Mary at Faith & Family Live, and you can share your ideas too.  I’d love to hear them.

(Note on the picture: NO, my redbud tree isn’t flowering. Last check, it’s not even budded out yet. But a girl can dream…)

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Here and There

March 5th, 2010 · Quick Takes

1: Writer or Reader?

This week, I’ve been spending a lot of time at the Catholic Writers Conference Online.  I’m finding, once again, that all this networking with writers is stimulating me to buy books.  Some of them are as you’d expect, about writing and such.  But some of them are fiction.  Oh, how my heart soars with a good novel!  I love a good story.  Though I find myself reading a lot of nonfiction, fiction is where my heart is as a reader.

And I think the chances of me writing fiction are, well, nil.  (I’m not throwing down a challenge, mind you, just sharing where things are now.)

In any event, this book buying has me considering, once again, how linked the roles of writer and reader are for me (and for many others too, I think).

2: 1000 True Fans

On one of the forums at the Catholic Writers Conference this week, someone shared this link to an article about how, if you have 1000 True Fans, you can make a living doing your art.  Pretty interesting.  What do you think?

3: Reading the Catechism

I’m not far into the Catechism, which I started for Lent, but I’m already loving it!  I’m also reading the Compendium and The US Catholic Catechism for Adults as companions.  I thought, at first, that this imposing pile would be too much.  But the Catechism is broken into such bite-sized chunks and the US Catechism really is such a great resource to help guide me (just as so many of you mentioned!).

I never before considered just sitting down and reading the Catechism.  For one thing, LOOK AT IT.  See #1…I’m a novel gal at heart.  Here’s nonfiction taken to some extreme lengths, but it’s not bad.  It’s not inaccessibly written, which I did already know from referencing it, but which never ceases to amaze me.

I’m going to try to formulate more cohesive thoughts about it, and possibly even have my priest guest post, but…it might be a while.  I seem to have bigger ambitions than ability of late. :)

4: Spring is Coming

Here’s how I know:

  • Wasps are suddenly appearing, crawling and weaving drunkenly, on the windowsill by my desk, on the stairs, in the kitchen.
  • The smell of skunk is on the road and outside the house (though I hope not on the dogs…but the amount of barking seems to be directly proportional to the odds of them getting sprayed).
  • The sun’s heat, though faint, is at least melting some of the mountains of snow.
  • My calendar assures me that next Sunday is the much dreaded time change.

5: The Time Change

Oh yes, it’s that time of year.  Who are the people who think this is great again?  In the spring, there’s something to be said for the kids (in theory) sleeping in, but then there’s the whole other issue of fighting the kids to bed an hour earlier.  Then there’s the whole “what’s the REAL TIME?” discussion that takes place in my head for about two weeks.

6: In Other Places

This week, I had a chat with the lovely Lisa and the exquisite Elizabeth on the Faith & Family Livecast.  We talked spring cleaning and spiritual simplifying (so I was quiet a lot).

If you are a fan of my Mary Moment segments on Catholic Moments, then you should keep your ear tuned to the Catholic Foodie this week for a treat.

7: Leave the Room for 10 Minutes…

Jen Fulwiler of Conversion Diary hosts Quick Takes each week…be sure to visit her and see the rest of the round-up!

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A Drippy-Sweaty Week

March 4th, 2010 · Small Successes

It was supposed to be a week of vacation from parish work so that I could focus on a little writing fun.

But…

Well, it’s turned out differently, but I’m working on my attitude about change.  And, of course, there are always small successes, if not the other kind, right?  :)

1. I bought some new jeans. And they fit! (I get absolutely nothing from telling you where they’re from. I can tell I’m going to be a lifelong, raving customer.)

2. I finished a novel that I’ve been working on for far too long (months?), and it was amazing!  (Both the feeling of finishing it AND the excellent writing/plot/EVERYTHING).  Now to review it…maybe next week’s success?

3. My Lenten fast this year has been something small. But the success in that has been that I’ve been keeping with it…and quietly.  I think a few of the people in my life, the ones who know me oh-so-well, know what it is, but I’ve been really focusing on not talking about it this year.  (So mentioning it here doesn’t count, does it?)

I’m late with this, but you can still share yours and cheer for everyone else over at Faith & Family Live.

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A Different Perspective: Child Skeptic

March 3rd, 2010 · Different Perspective with Brittany

This is part of the continuing guest posts by Brittany in the Different Perspective series.

Even as a small child, I had skeptical tendencies. As a toddler, I had to personally determine whether “hot” meant the same thing for fire, water, the furnace, the stove, candles, and the liquid potpourri. (I like to think that this is a sign of my natural curiosity, rather than stupidity, because I am a social scientist, so now I have a job that eerily parallels this experience, as experiments have to be replicated over and over before an effect can be deemed valid.)

I spent my childhood in a state of apathetic agnosticism once I was old enough to ask existential questions. I went to church every Sunday, but I had my doubts, mostly because some of the kids that spent the most time there and whose parents were the most “devout” were the least Christian, in the sense that Christian means kind or humble or charitable or at least unlikely to make fun of you and pull your hair.

I was a thoughtful kid who grew up to be a skeptical adult, and I couldn’t help noticing that my prayers for people to be less poor or to not die went unanswered.  “Mysterious ways” didn’t seem like a good justification for arbitrary punishments to be meted out to good people, at the same times hypocritical and plain selfish behavior went presumably unnoticed.

What kind of God, thought my seven-year-old self, could be so capricious and cruel?  If there was a God, thought my ten-year-old self, where is he and what exactly is he doing?  If coincidences and self-delusions are so likely, thought my twenty-something-self, why should I believe in the supernatural at all?

In next week’s post, Brittany will discuss being a respectful family member.

Photo by NCBrian

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A Word on Word Choice

March 2nd, 2010 · Inspired by Mary, writing

Yesterday, in my post about change and how hard it is, I used a word that I don’t use often, believe it or not, though it used to be a word I used a lot.

The word I used was “sucks.”

“Change SUCKS,” I wrote.

(And, for me, it does.)

Maybe that’s not the best word choice.  But it’s the one that resonated with me, the one that spoke best to what I was trying to get across in that post.

I am not writing here to defend or explain my word choice, but to explore something else, something that fascinates me endlessly as a writer and a reader, a mother and a friend, a woman and a conversationalist: the topic of the words we use.

People who know me well and have known me for years know that my use of words has changed over the years.  I used to have quite a potty mouth, and in the right amount of stress, I often default to some of the slang and violent language that was such a habit in the past.

“Sucks” is one of those words.  I don’t like it.  I would prefer to feel challenged or pushed or tested.  The truth is, though, that sometimes words like “sucks” explain exactly how I feel and make exactly the point I want to make.

I realized this morning that I had revealed to you something I didn’t necessarily intend to reveal.

That is a bit of truth about myself.  It’s also a bit of what makes a writer or a personality approachable and real, isn’t it?

I’m not perfect.  I know I say that a lot, but in yesterday’s post, you had a glimpse of it in a way you rarely do.  You can believe, now, that I have ticked family members off (often), that I have let people down (frequently), that I have failed (and will fail again).

So often, people tell me that they struggle with devotion to Mary.  I so understand this.  I’ve looked at her from across the church, holding a squirming toddler.  I’ve punctuated my struggles with Miss Five-Year-Old Attitude with glances at her.  She looks so flawless, so unapproachable.

Mary probably didn’t use words that make me wince in the “I shouldn’t say that” part of my mind, but she must have felt those feelings that inspire me to use them.  The feelings are human; the response is where my choice to sin or not to sin comes in.  (Is using “sucks” a sin?  Probably not.  In fact, I’d say No.  Some of the other words I might use, though, I wouldn’t say No with such confidence…)

The reminder, the lesson, is to let Mary be my guide in word choice as in all else.  She never fails to lead me to her Son, if only I’ll look to her and get over the hurdle of what I see as the distance between us.

The distance, you see, came from me.  I’m the one who walked away, who imagined it there, who grew it to the size it is.

She’s been over my shoulder, trying to hold me closely, all along.

May she hold you closely too, in your word choice as in all else.

Image source

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