The Dreary Sunday Daybook

December 4, 2011 By 1 Comment

Outside my window: It’s a dreary, rainy November Sunday late afternoon. Bleh.

Around the house: It’s me and the boy. I finished doing the bills (which should have been done yesterday, but…weren’t, and I had a delightful reason why, too!) and nothing says “procrastinate folding and let the dishes sit a bit longer” like doing a weekend daybook, wouldn’t you agree?

In my thoughts: I have Mary on my mind. I’m struggling in an extra-special way today, and though I’m doing my best to put a good face on Advent, I’m sort of failing, and, well, Mary’s in my thoughts.

In my plans: Ah yes, my plans. They seem to be upended by a series of circumstances that could have me laughing or crying. I’m holding on to the reality that I can choose my response.

In thanksgiving: For work. For family. For chocolate.

In my prayers: Those who grieve, those who hurt, those who struggle with forgiveness.

Nose inserted: I’m juggling two books, though I have hopes of finishing one of them today: Ten Universal Principles: A Brief Philosophy of the Life Issues, by Robert J. Spitzer, and Fatima for Today: The Urgent Marian Message of Hope, by Fr. Andrew Apostoli.

Recent reads: Michael O’Brien’s The Father’s Tale. I’m planning to write a review yet this week about it. It’s one of the best books I’ve read this year (though it is, admittedly, VERY long).

Links I like:

  • Advent History: The Nativity Fast – Now here’s something I didn’t know about the history of Advent. What would it be like, I wonder, to go through a Nativity Fast of 40 days, a “Lent” before Christmas?
  • Feel the joy! – This picture of Mary and Elizabeth is one of my favorites. I almost made it the background on my desktop, it moved me so much. I love the Visitation, and this image is now the one I’ll be using and reflecting on when I’m praying.
  • Mary’s Last Words – This column considers the depth and meaning in Mary’s last recorded words in Scripture, “Do whatever he tells you.” There was a lot I hadn’t considered before and, as usual with Dr. Ted Sri, a thorough examination of Scripture in a way that, I think, will change my prayer and approach to it. Amazing stuff.
  • Gay, Catholic, and Doing Fine – I just came across this link this week, though it’s from a while back. Who says you can’t be gay and Christian? My experience (in other matters) has been very similar as what’s recorded here. Our pastor has worked with Courage, and I was shocked–SHOCKED!–when, as a new Catholic, I found out that the Catholic Church has an apostolate to help those who have homosexual tendencies. I consider this a must-read.

A favorite thing: Bare baby feet.

Food for thought: “Particularly in our faith, we do not stand alone; we are links in the great chain of believers. Nobody can believe unless he is supported by the faith of others, and conversely, through my faith, I help to strengthen others in their faith.” Benedict XVI

Worth a thousand words: The Birthday Boy

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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?

 

Filed Under: Books, daybook, family Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

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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Mary in the Daily Grind

July 11, 2011 By 2 Comments

A Mary Moment Monday post

It feels like we’re more than halfway through the summer, but maybe that’s because I had myself a wee bit busy in June and it was gone before I could blink properly.

We’re moved into our new house and last week I even hung pictures. I’ve been thinking about decorating, which is so unlike me that I have had to stop and check to see if I’m breathing.

In our old house, I had lost hope. I felt like we were stuck, like it was a sinkhole, like all we could do was wait. I don’t defend that thinking, but it’s where I was.

And then, wow! Hey! The house down the road came up for sale and suddenly, we were moving. We kept waiting for the sale to fall through, for something to not work out, for it to be too good to be true. And…it never did. Here we are.

This house is one of the most visible signs of God’s love I’ve gotten in a while (barring my children). The last one was my husband’s job, which came out of nowhere almost four years ago, just as we were having our middle child (literally–they called him for the second interview while we were in the hospital).

Though my office remains a pile of boxes and there are odds and ends that I’ll be unpacking for probably months, we’re pretty much here. So much so that we’ve even gotten into a bit of a daily grind, a routine of sorts that is starting to feel familiar.

In that familiarity, I’ve been thinking of Mary. Part of it is that I have images of her all over my kitchen. Part of it is that familiarity has a way of leading me to taking things for granted and even to a sort of boredom.

I am a study of contradiction: I want things to change! change! change! but I abhor the new and different. I’m mired firmly in my way of doing things, but I’m always looking for something better.

My constant is Mary. Through the rosary, I feel like I’ve been gripping her and letting the chaos swirl around me. In the comfort of her embrace, I open my eyes to see none other than her Son.

There’s nothing boring about what she offers me in her Son. She urges me to say Yes, and to remember that she is always with me.

When we are down and out, we can turn to Mary. Sharing our pain and embarrassment, we can find in her a wise and gentle friend. Mary understands because she has walked the same challenging road we’re on. She can give us counsel and support because she has been there herself. She can guide and direct us because she has finished the course. Even more, she can give us her prayers. When we are too tired to pray, too disillusioned to hope, too afraid to try again, Mary is there, as is God. When we feel more like children than like mothers, Mary consoles us.

Jaymie Stuart Wolfe in Expecting a Miracle: A Companion Through Pregnancy

I’m turning to Mary, especially as I embrace what the rest of the summer holds for me (rolling with a new manuscript, primarily, and lots of daily grind).

–

Don’t forget that the next cycle of Total Consecration begins this Wednesday, July 13, and ends on the feast of the Assumption, August 15. You can order free materials from MyConsecration.org or use the free online resources at TotalConsecration.com.

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