The “I won’t complain” daybook

November 12, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Outside my window: Blue skies, bright sun, cold air.

Around the house: Girls and husband, snuggled on couch. Boy, asleep in crib. Me, perched at bar-counter with laptop. Let’s not talk about the state of the house beyond that, okay?

What I’ve been writing: Great book apps for kids for Tech Tuesday and reasons for using the Youcat at CatholicMom.com and the start of a new series on blogging at the Catholic Writers Guild blog

In my thoughts: Advent, of course. :) And remember how I prattled on about my office? Well, I’ve been thinking and trying to involve other smart people in a possible reutilization of that space. I’m also thinking of Christmas shopping (and, to that end, I just made a spreadsheet this morning and shared it with my husband). And also rattling around in my sleep-deprived mind is budgeting and the shared calendar we’ve been using and whether I truly understand how Mint works (why am I still confused? and frustrated?).

In my plans: Sleep. And reading, followed by a steamy time in the shower to clear my sinuses, with a nap on top, a snuggle with a kid or two, maybe Mass (or maybe not), and meatloaf. Because nothing says “take THAT ye nasty sinus virus” like a good ole batch of meatloaf.

In thanksgiving: For Saturday sick bay hours and an unplanned weekend (we’d be breaking plans if we had ‘em).

In my prayers: Friends and family who have asked for my special prayers, a project that’s been rattling around in my brain, and the ability to keep smiling through the trials of everyday life.

Nose inserted: Between Heaven and Mirth: Why Joy, Humor, and Laughter Are at the Heart of the Spiritual Life, by James Martin, SJ

Recent reads:

Links I like:

If you want more links from me: I’ve been trying to use FriendFeed to keep track of links I like…we’ll see how long I keep it up. So far, it’s fairly easy to post when I’m reading and surfing around. I’m also experimenting with Diigo, but I haven’t hit the learning curve that makes it worth sharing a link to that here. :)

A favorite thing: Hot coffee with a splash of cream, though with these cold days and sinus-infected season on me, my favorite peppermint tea is a close second.

Food for thought: “The closer a person is to God, the closer he is to people. We see this in Mary. The fact that she is totally with God is the reason why she is so close to human beings. For this reason she can be the Mother of every consolation and every help, a Mother whom anyone can dare to address in any kind of need in weakness and in sin, for she has understanding for everything and is for everyone the open power of creative goodness.” – Benedict XVI in his homily for the solemnity of the Immaculate Conception on December 8, 2005, via BenedictEverday.com

Worth a thousand words: In my inbox this morning:

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A Wednesday Morning Daybook

November 2, 2011 By 1 Comment

Outside my window: Sunlight, streaming in.

Around the house: We’re a-bustle with a galloping four-year-old and an into-everything-he-can-reach 11-month-old. There are baskets of laundry waiting to be folded and dishes waiting to be done. And a fresh pot of coffee.

What I’ve been writing: I’m working on a talk this week.

In my thoughts: With trick-or-treating on Monday and Mass last night, silence is on my mind. I have been thinking of how I create moments of silence for myself and how it seems more complete when I’m outside. And then I read this quote from Blessed Mother Teresa at Julie’s place and it all seemed to click.

In my plans: We have religious education and dentist appointments yet this week, and, of course, horse riding! I have some work to do for the parish website (we’re revamping and redesigning and rewriting) and I’ve been really contemplating the great suggestions and ideas in the comments on my post about parish bulletins.

In thanksgiving: For the saints. For good books. For friends who love me anyway.

In my prayers: Ashley, a friend and her daughter, and my niece who gets confirmed this weekend.

Nose inserted: Catholicism: A Journey to the Heart of the Faith, by Fr. Robert Barron, which I can already say with confidence is probably one of the best (if not the best) books I’ve read this year (and I don’t say that lightly).

Links I like: Google Reader’s sharing is nil (though my sidebars seem to still be working, which I credit with the fact that I had “public tags” instead of just shared items. I don’t know how long they’ll keep working, though, so I’ll share some here periodically.)

A favorite thing: The sound of my kids playing together.

Food for thought: We need to find God, and he cannot be found in noise and restlessness. God is the friend of silence. See how nature — trees, flowers, grass — grows in silence; see the stars, the moon and the sun, how they move in silence … We need silence to be able to touch souls. - Blessed Mother Teresa, via Julie at Happy Catholic

Worth a thousand words: From that sister-in-law who loves the sky (and knows that I do, too)

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Blue skies and bright sun

October 25, 2011 By 2 Comments

Outside my window: Black. Dark. Not a hint of day, though I know it won’t be long. The forecast, though, is calling for an October day worthy of breathing deeply and capturing in person.

Around the house: It’s silent, but that’s about to end as we begin our day.

What I’ve been writing: This week, I’m putting the finishing touches on my pregnancy book manuscript. Yesterday, I made some surprising progress and I have hopes for today.

In my kitchen: The light is on above the counters, and that’s the only light on right now. It makes me feel hidden and silent: just me and my coffee.

In my thoughts: What is my most important work? I am trying to accept that there is only one set of things I do that’s important, and I had a savage reminder late last night of just how passing the rest of the work I do really is.

In my plans: Editing and writing and the dentist, and that’s just today. I’m taking it one day at a time, lest I get overwhelmed with all that needs done (which includes, but is not limited to, the fact that Christmas! is! coming! (and I always flirt with hating Christmas)).

In thanksgiving: For the big hug of a small person.

In my prayers: A friend’s family and their grief.

Nose inserted: Breathing Under Water: Spirituality and the Twelve Steps, by Richard Rohr

Recent reads:

  • Seven from Heaven: How the Sacraments Can Heal, Nurture, and Protect Your Family Today, by Elizabeth Ficocelli - I received an advance copy, and feel no compunction telling you it’s worth pre-ordering. Well put together and full of many useful and good ideas for hands-on integration of the sacraments in family life.
  • The Soul Reader, by Gerard Webster - I enjoyed In-Sight, which is the first book Jerry wrote, and Soul Reader was fast-moving and compelling as it continued the story (though you could read it without reading In-Sight first, I think).
  • Poor Banished Children, by Fiorella de Maria – Wow. Here’s a book that caught me by surprise…this isn’t just a novel, it’s literature. I’m going to save my full comments for a longer review, but it ranks up there as one of the best books of the year for me.

A favorite thing: The color of my coffee with a splash of half-and-half in it.

Food for thought: Lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called. -Ephesians 4:1

Worth a thousand words: Courtesy of an aunt who loves pictures almost as much as she loves the subjects of said pictures

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The “Off the Grid” Daybook

October 15, 2011 By 9 Comments

Outside my window: The sun’s just finishing it’s pink explosion in the sky, and the wind is whipping the leaves off the big oak in the backyard. The corn’s waving at me from the walls it makes around our yard.

Around the house: The kids are up, though the baby’s still cooing in his crib and the girls are coloring and watching Saturday morning cartoons. I’m planted at the bar with my laptop and my coffee. I went “off the grid” yesterday and we had a delightful day full of horses and laughter. Saturday mornings, I often catch myself sneaking off to do some work, but today I’m doing it in the middle of all the action.

What I’ve been writing:

In my kitchen: It is a mess. In the last week, my mother-in-law and I processed just less than two-and-a-half bushels of apples. It was fabulous, and I think it marks the end of my canning for this season, which began with tomatoes and included grapes and more tomatoes. There might be some tomatoes still out in the garden, and I might find myself canning a bit more, but it’s time to scrub down the kitchen.

In my thoughts: Tomorrow, our three-year-old daughter turns four. I have her on my mind. (And I’m trying to keep the “slacker mom who never has birthday parties of note, with anyone, ever” thoughts at bay.)

In my plans: Though I am a low-key birthday celebrations kind of mom, I will make a cake. I WILL. Today.

In thanksgiving: For forgiveness, especially through the sacrament of Confession and from children whose example I should follow. For a delightful class of 5th graders.

In my prayers: A few special friends who have requested my prayers. The Confirmation class at our parish.

Nose inserted: I’m reading a review copy of Seven from Heaven: How the Sacraments Can Heal, Nurture, and Protect Your Family Today, by Elizabeth Ficocelli and Soul Reader, by Gerard Webster.

A favorite thing: My girls being horses, or riding horses, or both at the same time, all over the house and yard.

Food for thought: Attracted by the heavenly brightness of the Mother of the Redeemer, let us turn with trust to the one who looks upon us and protects us from on high.We all need her help and comfort to face the trials and challenges of daily life; we need to feel that she is our mother and sister in the concrete situations of our lives. - Pope Benedict XVI, in the Angelus address on August 15, 2007, via BenedictEveryday.com, emphasis mine

Parting trifle: Look what came in the mail this week, quite unexpectedly!

It’s latest pamphlet from Liguori, Do I Really Have to Give Something up For Lent? (available from your Catholic bookstore, Liguori, or pre-order from Amazon) Rhe shock, awe, and wonder at my words being published will wear off, right?

 

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The Slurping Coffee Early on a Sunday Daybook

August 21, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Outside my window: The sun is pouring through my office window, making a shadow of my fingers on the keyboard. There’s rain in the forecast for later, so my clothesline, which I can see from my window, will stay empty today.

Around the house: The girls watching a movie in the front room, Daddy’s in his recliner snoozing, and the baby’s asleep for a bit longer (I hope). I have a few things to get done in my office, but I think my uninterrupted time this morning is getting gone pretty fast.

In my kitchen: The dishwasher’s running and there’s a basket full of clothes to fold. Let’s not talk about the mental block I have for meal planning lately.

In my thoughts: All I have to do this week! School starts, too, so there’s some excitement–and, if I’m honest, uncertainty–with that.

In thanksgiving: For an answered prayer. For a sister-in-law who brings me joy. For a friend who makes me smile. For a family who loves me.

Nose inserted: I am sitting down each day with Lisa Hendey’s soon-to-be-released book, A Book of Saints for Catholic Moms. I read a chunk of it before it was available as a print version, but sitting down with the book each day is truly a gift from a friend. This book will be one of my favorite gifts. I can’t wait for you to get your copy! I also just started Wholly Mary: Mother of God, by Chris Padgett. I’m one chapter in and hooked!

Recent reads:

  • Introduction to the Devout Life, by St. Francis de Sales – such an awesome book. I don’t even know where to start for a short blurb about it…so I won’t. I’ll just say that it’s one of the most useful spiritual reads I’ve read and that it’s so applicable to me as a mom and wife and person. Wow. SO glad I read it!
  • Stealing Jenny, by Ellen Gable – I met Ellen for the first time at the Catholic Marketing Network trade show and Catholic Writers Conference Live a few weeks ago, and she gave me a copy of this book. I had already started the electronic version she sent me, and it had already claimed me (though I couldn’t indulge and stay up late to read it until I returned home). My niece promptly claimed the hard copy, and I finished the electronic copy. It was amazing! It will be out soon…TOTALLY worth your preorder!
  • A Piece of the Sky, by Michelle Buckman – I didn’t think I could be a Michelle Buckman groupie properly if I hadn’t read her first novel. So read it I did. It’s out of print now, but I found it via Paperback Swap a while back. I really enjoyed it. I’d call it chick-lit, but well done. I’m not a big reader of chick-lit, for the most part, but I liked it. Buckman has a real talent for getting to the heart of an issue and keeping things real, while making faith and God tangible and approachable.

A favorite thing: A good book. :)

Worth a thousand words: (courtesy of my road-trip-partner niece, Ree)

The face the boy makes that cracks us all up

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Hotter than…

July 23, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Outside my window: Sun. Hot. Laundry.

Around the house: Air conditioning! Yay! And lots of other little things, but I’m squeezing this in and if I don’t hit publish soon, it will be hours or days before this goes live…

In my thoughts: Welcome Baby Jesus has started shipping! So I made a page for my books and everything. I’m mired in a new writing/book project that’s proving more difficult than even I thought it would be, and that’s in my thoughts, too.

In thanksgiving: For visiting friends. For praying friends. For sleep.

In my prayers: A bouquet of special intentions which I’m shocked don’t have me worried and fretting.

Book news: Ellen Gable Hrkach takes the cake for posting the VERY FIRST review of my book at CatholicMom.com this week, and then the kind and lovely Robin Craft mentioned my book (and a lot of very nice things about me) on the PC Druggist blog. Thanks, ladies!

Nose inserted: I’m trying to devour Toward the Gleam, by T.M. Doran but the kids insist on eating, the work insists on being done, my body insists on sleeping. I might disappear for a few hours this weekend and finish it, though. A wonderful adventure and a glorious read so far! I’m also continuing with chunks of Introduction to the Devout Life, by St. Francis de Sales, and wow, it’s speaking to me loudly. And Diary of a Country Priest? It’s waiting for me. I’m finding it hard going.

A favorite thing: The jumping up and down feeling of this week…in part from my book and in part just because, well, I’m that sort of person and easily excited.

Food for thought: From today’s reading for Total Consecration, Day 11:

There is one thing that keeps many back from spiritual progress, and from fervor in amendment, namely: the labor that is necessary for the struggle.

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Stormy and Overcast with a Guarantee of Writing

June 24, 2011 By 2 Comments

Outside my window: The leaves of the silver maple are blowing against a gray sky.

Around the house: The girls are watching PBS; the baby is sleeping. The dishwasher (still a novelty!) is purring across the kitchen.

In my thoughts: My three-year-old has been uber-whiny of late. My grandmother gently suggested that I need to take her into my lap more, cuddle with her, give her more one-on-one attention. I’m trying to focus on that this week.

In my plans: I am in the home stretch, says my editor at Pauline, of the editing process for my book. This is the book I was writing last summer, pregnant with the baby whose naps punctuate my day now. I’ve been surprised at how much I’ve been enjoying the editing process–I credit the lovely folks at Pauline for that. And beyond that? I have another big writing project I have to buckle down on and a week of “recovery” slated for next week. Two weeks of Confirmation boot camp (which I plan to blog about at some point) really wore me out and hampered my unpacking, cleaning, and, well, everything! It was, however, a time of great blessings for me.

In thanksgiving: For the young people who will be confirmed in November. For the young children in my house who have been hugging me a lot in the last few days. For chocolate chip muffins. For hot coffee. For friends who text me smiles.

In my prayers: A special intention. A friend’s sorrow. A family’s grief.

Nose inserted: I have been pleasantly surprised by how much I’m enjoying Dancing with Gravity, by Anene Tressler. I can’t remember why she sent it to me (I need to research that!), but it’s finally made it to the top of my review pile and…it’s not bad so far!

Recent reads: These books deserve full-length reviews, and they will certainly get them. Here are my quickie thoughts:

  • Save the Date, by Jenny B. Jones: It’s snappy and sassy. I couldn’t put it down, as much because I wasn’t quite sure what was going to happen next as because the writing was flawless. Jones’ characters are believable and entertaining. I laughed out loud more than once and can barely wait to share this book with my friends. This was the kind of book that will have me checking out what else the author has written: it’s that good! HIGHLY recommended.
  • Living the Rosary: Finding Your Life in the Mysteries, by John Phalen: When I twittered that I was reading this, Matt Swaim wrote me back and told me that Phalen “nailed it” in this book. I can’t think of a better way to say it. Phalen applies each mystery of the rosary to his life in a tangible way, and then invites the reader to do the same. He finds applications for it in unexpected ways and places and I find myself considering things differently thanks to the perspective of this book. It gets my highest recommendation!

A favorite thing: The constant supply of artwork my six-year-old is making. She has a brand-new one subject notebook nearly full!

Food for thought: “Regina pacis, ora pro nobis — Queen of peace, pray for us. Have you at least tried it when you have lost your calm? You will be surprised at its immediate effect.” – St. Josemaria Escriva, via a Mary Vitamin earlier this week




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