When I was a kid, I thought that the song "The Twelve Days of Christmas" was about the run up to Christmas Day and it was wicked cool that my birthday was the first of those famous 12 days. That was before I realized that Christmas is a season and not a day.
Those of us with near-Christmas birthdays tend to have a bit of a complex. Our birthdays are frankly inconvenient. Everyone is busy with pre-holiday frenzy, to find time to celebrate a birthday in the middle of it is just a nuisance. We get birthday gifts wrapped in Christmas paper, the famous "we'll get you one bigger gift for both Christmas AND birthday" line, we have low attendance at birthday parties (memories of my 14th are as fresh today as they were that day when exactly ONE person came to my party). The very WORST is a birthday cake decorated with poinsettias and Christmas trees.
Because of all this (which would likely be better with therapy, but, who has time for THAT in December?) when my nieces were born on December 23, I had a "tiny sad" that they would face a lifetime of not-so-special birthdays.
This blog post is not about Christmas. It is about two beautiful young ladies. They are shining examples of Christian virtue in a world that becomes darker by the year. I love you both, I am proud to be your Auntie.
Katie Rose and Lauren Grace, Happy Birthday.
Monday, December 23, 2013
Saturday, December 21, 2013
4th Sunday of Advent
Christmas sneaks up on me every year. Working for a Church intensifies this ambush because bulletin printer deadlines begin hitting before Thanksgiving, so, I am always working three weeks ahead. It completely boggles my sense of where I am in time.
Aside on "where I am in time" - ever since I can remember, I have visualized time as a circle. Calendar months are laid out in this circle with January at 1 o'clockish and we move clockwise with December at high noon. The days and weeks are in the same position as a calendar page, neat little grids.
Therefore, I see myself physically located at a spot on that wheel, but, the nature of the bulletin lady cycle has me working ahead in that circle. Sometimes it is so confusing, if not for my wonderful co-workers and volunteers who proofread (in particular this week, Shelly for pulling my fat out of the fire and realizing BEFORE I sent it to the publisher that I'd put the weekly parish activities calendar for the week of Epiphany in the bulletin for the week of the Feast of the Holy Family - and she was the 3rd person to proof that particular bulletin!) our bulletin would be more comedy and less informative.
Had begun crocheting and knitting gifts early this year, only to end up at the last minute filling the Priority Mail boxes - - - realizing in cold panic that I'd forgotten to make anything for my 5 year old great nephew, Carter. Thanks to my friend Karen S. who back in September shared a pattern she found http://crochetvolution.com/archives/spring-2012-archives/duck-pond-playset ... I was able to whip up a racecar track/pouch in an hour or so...(admittedly, the gauge was all wonky and the thing will likely never lie flat, but, he is 5 and we'll just say they are "mountains").
So, here I sit, on the 4th row of the calendar that is at the top of the wheel, I see Christmas only 3 days off and I am woefully unprepared, materially and spiritually. I've vowed to stay OFF Facebook until after the holidays (have broken that vow a few times already), need to plan a meal and to finish the crochet project that I began for Jude last year.
Christ talked about folks who were busy with their lives and were unprepared for the coming of the Lord. I've 3 days to do what the Church gave us 4 weeks for, prepare the way! Better snap to it.
Aside on "where I am in time" - ever since I can remember, I have visualized time as a circle. Calendar months are laid out in this circle with January at 1 o'clockish and we move clockwise with December at high noon. The days and weeks are in the same position as a calendar page, neat little grids.
Therefore, I see myself physically located at a spot on that wheel, but, the nature of the bulletin lady cycle has me working ahead in that circle. Sometimes it is so confusing, if not for my wonderful co-workers and volunteers who proofread (in particular this week, Shelly for pulling my fat out of the fire and realizing BEFORE I sent it to the publisher that I'd put the weekly parish activities calendar for the week of Epiphany in the bulletin for the week of the Feast of the Holy Family - and she was the 3rd person to proof that particular bulletin!) our bulletin would be more comedy and less informative.
Had begun crocheting and knitting gifts early this year, only to end up at the last minute filling the Priority Mail boxes - - - realizing in cold panic that I'd forgotten to make anything for my 5 year old great nephew, Carter. Thanks to my friend Karen S. who back in September shared a pattern she found http://crochetvolution.com/archives/spring-2012-archives/duck-pond-playset ... I was able to whip up a racecar track/pouch in an hour or so...(admittedly, the gauge was all wonky and the thing will likely never lie flat, but, he is 5 and we'll just say they are "mountains").
So, here I sit, on the 4th row of the calendar that is at the top of the wheel, I see Christmas only 3 days off and I am woefully unprepared, materially and spiritually. I've vowed to stay OFF Facebook until after the holidays (have broken that vow a few times already), need to plan a meal and to finish the crochet project that I began for Jude last year.
Christ talked about folks who were busy with their lives and were unprepared for the coming of the Lord. I've 3 days to do what the Church gave us 4 weeks for, prepare the way! Better snap to it.
Friday, September 27, 2013
Blogging. Committing to it. Gonna be a big shot.
I've been asked to lead a "how to make knotted cord rosaries" workshop during the Confirmation retreat on Sunday. Please pray for the students, leaders and for me (that the clunker of a body holds up). Need to make some example rosaries tonight while I watch TV...
Too many people in my life are finding some fishies that look like snakes as well as scorpion shaped bread. I can either become dismayed or I can pray more.
If anyone sees my son, please tell him to return mommy's copy of "The Bad Popes". Thank you.
I've less than a week to finish an afghan that I began a year ago. UGH. Can I tie rosaries with my feet while I crochet a Tardis?
Styx will be playing just over the way a bit on Friday night. I will not be there. I know that Tommy Shaw will notice and he will sorely miss me.
Last, most important, this weekend is my Mother-In-Law's birthday. One of the least deserved blessings of my life is the family that came along with Brad. I've not been the DIL I could be, the physical distance and toil of life I spin into excuses to not call, not write, not email. I promise that this year I will be the sort of DIL that Sharon deserves. I admire and love her, she is one of the classiest women I have ever met.
For more Quick Takes, visit Conversion Diary!
Thursday, September 26, 2013
Back to blogging.
After many false starts, going to give it another try.
Today I am thinking of people who inspire me.
A young man whom I have never met inspires me.
My co-worker visited a Disability Conference today. She came back to the office with two pretty little clay trains. These trains were made by a young man who has autism. He sculpts and paints these small treasures and signs each of them after they are purchased.
I was struck by his determination as both an artist and a disabled person.
This is a news story Google turned up about this young artist.
May God bless you, Jeremiah. Keep up the inspiration.
Inspiration also sprouted from a small hearted place.
An internet friend made me and others aware of a rude Facebook page. The title of this page was "I'd Like To Have A Midget For A Pet". Sporting stolen photos and sickening posts, several people reported the page as hate speech directed toward those with disabilities.
First wave of reports received instant responses that equated to "Nah, you reactionary, this page is just good, clean fun" from the Facebookrobot. After a few hours and some more reporting, the page disappeared. Those who organized this effort as well as the human in a cube at Facebookland who acted, well, they inspire me.
Oh....... What do I watch tonight? Grey's Anatomy or Parenthood? I am torn.
Friday, March 22, 2013
Watching Luna Die
Degenerative Myelopathy
Found out what it was, peace that it was not from her injury and that with a rear lift harness and attention to bedding and potty schedule she could live for a year or more - and in the past 2 days I can see she is giving up. The dog who loves her food will barely eat, I tempt her with special things, she nibbles. She is just winding down. I don't know how to do this.
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
We Have A Post
We Have A Pope!
Could not help but go back in time to the last Papal election. I was Mrs. Corporate Middle Management with my nice office and house by the lake, was a busy lady, an important person! When I saw the news blurb of white smoke I turned on the TV in a nearby conference room, one of the guys from upstairs came down to watch with me.
Today, I have learned the lessons of loss and poverty. Today we were having an office luncheon to say "Goodbye" to Sister Marta as she leaves for several months. The computer was on the table with "smokewatching feed" as much of the staff from our parish and school listened to Father W. talk about the Papacy, conclaves... as I watched the screen it crossed my mind "would it be sumptin' if that white smoke started as we sat here listening to Father answer questions and teach (and does Father LOVE to teach!)..." but.... I knew it was really too early in the day, we'd not see the smoke from the day's elections for at least another hour or so.
And then, Sister Marta and I at the same time said "smoke smoke" and a chorus of voices said "IT IS WHITE". Sr. Marta hugged me and told me she loved me, there were tears in my eyes as I shared with my parish family that moment.
The staff snapped into action, setting up the projector in the Hall and getting the stream from EWTN going. All of the students from SJS Catholic School came to the hall and staff, some parents, and the kids - we all waited together. Now, like with any family gathering, the sound feed kept sputtering and the kids were far too loud, but, it was just that - it was a family gathering. Father would come in and shuss everyone (we adults were as bad as the kids with our chatter), then go out to take a call. Our parish church bells rang for that entire time of "anticipation".... Father found his place, on the floor, seated amid the littlest of the kids, looking at that screen with the same face of joy - - - we are all gonna see our PAPA.
When we saw light behind the curtain, I grabbed the arm of next to me, our music teacher, and said "that is HIM" and she was as giggly as I.
Well, while I have lost many things in the past few years, I have gained as well - this time, it was much better meeting the new Pope surrounded by family.
The staff snapped into action, setting up the projector in the Hall and getting the stream from EWTN going. All of the students from SJS Catholic School came to the hall and staff, some parents, and the kids - we all waited together. Now, like with any family gathering, the sound feed kept sputtering and the kids were far too loud, but, it was just that - it was a family gathering. Father would come in and shuss everyone (we adults were as bad as the kids with our chatter), then go out to take a call. Our parish church bells rang for that entire time of "anticipation".... Father found his place, on the floor, seated amid the littlest of the kids, looking at that screen with the same face of joy - - - we are all gonna see our PAPA.
When we saw light behind the curtain, I grabbed the arm of next to me, our music teacher, and said "that is HIM" and she was as giggly as I.
Well, while I have lost many things in the past few years, I have gained as well - this time, it was much better meeting the new Pope surrounded by family.
Saturday, March 2, 2013
Why did I choose a theme package with airplanes? Because I just want to fly away. Weary, weary, weary. It is March 2, we have 10.98 until I get paid on Thursday. This barely scraping by makes one old before their time. Guess I am supposed to be a good Christian and thank God that the the only unpaid bill are the medical bills (since they cannot repo a MRI I think I am safe there).
Luna is still circling the drain. I found one of those doggie wheelchair thingies that would allow her to get up and go potty, but, it might as well cost $249,000 because there will never be an extra $249 in this house. My dear friend Kim has offered to pay to have my dog put down and buried. Now, that is the kind of friend that money cannot buy. I love you, Kim. I love you so much it hurts.
Last night all I wanted was to go to sleep, and thank God He gave me a night of sleep. I was cuddled with the afghan that my mommy crocheted for me. What a comfort that blankey is these days.
Tomorrow is ordination day, a day of joy for our parish, our Diocese and for my friends George and Brenda. Gotta pull it together and be happy for them tomorrow...
Luna is still circling the drain. I found one of those doggie wheelchair thingies that would allow her to get up and go potty, but, it might as well cost $249,000 because there will never be an extra $249 in this house. My dear friend Kim has offered to pay to have my dog put down and buried. Now, that is the kind of friend that money cannot buy. I love you, Kim. I love you so much it hurts.
Last night all I wanted was to go to sleep, and thank God He gave me a night of sleep. I was cuddled with the afghan that my mommy crocheted for me. What a comfort that blankey is these days.
Tomorrow is ordination day, a day of joy for our parish, our Diocese and for my friends George and Brenda. Gotta pull it together and be happy for them tomorrow...
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