Worth a Thousand Words

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Worth a Thousand Words

Amsterdam, Nieuwe Kerk, pulpit, cuppa, detail
Originally uploaded by groenling

Lawrence of Arabia? I Don't Think So ...

As Rose is working her way through the AFI's top 100 movies list this summer, she was in the perfect frame of mind to watch AFI's 10 Top 10 special last night. We watched along and found ourselves in an "Oscar watching" frame of mind. As each category came up we'd guess what movies were on the list and which were sure to be in the top 3 for each.

Sometimes we were right and sometimes wrong. And, as is the case with all such lists, sometimes we were very disappointed. Saving Private Ryan and All Quiet on the Western Front in the Epic category? No thanks. For that matter, why isn't there a War category?

Where was Inherit the Wind when they were passing out Courtroom Drama awards? Behind the door? They put in Kramer Versus Kramer and completely ignored Inherit the Wind? Kramer Versus Kramer? No thanks.

Harold and Maude in Romantic Comedies ... ugh. What about An Affair to Remember? Pick either the first one or the remake. Or failing that, put it in there instead of the excruciatingly boring Sleepless in Seattle. Which referenced An Affair to Remember endlessly.

Ah well ...

We actually didn't have any problem with Lawrence of Arabia being in the top 3 of the Epics. My preference would be to have it as #3 ... and moving Gone with the Wind up to #1. Scarlett O'Hara was an infinitely more interesting character than Lawrence and the Civil War definitely more "epic" than the desert ... although your milage may vary on this.

The Animation category did put us in the mood for the movie that we've been waiting for impatiently for some time ...

To Bishop Trautman, from Anne Hathaway: a definition

“One of the things about Barbara Feldon is she has a certain ineffable quality. You either have that or you don’t, and I leave it up to the audience to decide whether I do.” —Anne Hathaway

Once again, Bishop Trautman is complaining about the very difficult words that we will be faced with in the new liturgical translation.

It turns out from the linking and conversation I see around the blogosphere that Bishop Trautman chose poorly when he was tossing out words that will confuse and bewilder the average Catholic. Or perhaps, he is drawing on his own vocabulary deficiency. Should Anne Hathaway's quote not provide enough contextual clues (taught in grade school these days, Bishop), we will help things along a bit.

ineffable

Main Entry:

Pronunciation:

\(ˌ)i-ˈne-fə-bəl\

Function:

adjective

Etymology:

Middle English, from Latin ineffabilis, from in- + effabilis capable of being expressed, from effari to speak out, from ex- + fari to speak — more at ban

Date:

14th century

1 a: incapable of being expressed in words : indescribable <ineffable joy> b: unspeakable <ineffable disgust>2: not to be uttered : taboo ineffable name of Jehovah>

(No need to thank us Bishop. Next time check online at Merriam Webster.) Actually, if he'd read Good Omens, he wouldn't get into these sticky situations. It had a wide audience and that word is key in the book. Honestly, that is the first thing that sprang to my mind when seeing that word being bandied about.

For more about this little contretemps (check here for that meaning, Bishop), check out the Paragraph Farmer's pithy commentary chock-full of good links. For further commentary as well as refreshing our memories about the last time that Bishop Trautman felt "John and Mary Catholic" couldn't get it, check out Amy Welborn.

Thanks to Amy for linking back to my commentary on the whole John and Mary Catholic contretemps (there's that pesky word again!). The most valuable part of my old post is the link to the pdf of the comparison our priest provided between the current and proposed liturgy. Check that out and see how many words you can't pick up from contextual clues ... if, in fact, you are as undereducated as the good Bishop seems to think.

Inspirational Story of Young Mother Giving Life for Baby

Thousands of Poles lined up to say their final goodbyes to Agata Mroz, a young volleyball star who died on June 4 after postponing a bone marrow transplant in order to allow her daughter to be born.

Much thanks to Mark W. for passing along this truly inspirational story (yes, I cried) of a young Polish athlete who put her unborn baby's welfare ahead of her own. It is short but worth it. Go read.

A Convert's Story

... Before we begin, you should know I don’t believe in faith. I take nothing on faith. Nothing. Things must make sense in order for me to believe. Logical sense. My mind is stubborn that way and because of my stubbornly logical mind I was the oldest Catholic that Easter morning to have his head rubbed with oil. However, that same stubbornly logical mind makes it impossible for me to be an atheist. ...

Dirty Harry is taking us through his conversion in a multi-part story. I found this, as with so many good things, via The Anchoress.

I have to say that I didn't realize I'd already been reading Harry's writing over at Libertas where I enjoy their take on movies and Hollywood. (They say what I'm thinking a lot of the time.) I like that tough-minded take on faith and am really looking forward to the other parts of the story.

The Meaning of Life

Thanks to my friend Cyndie for this one.

On the first day, God created the dog and said: "Sit all day by the door of your house and bark at anyone who comes in or walks past. For this, I will l give you a life span of twenty years."

The dog said: "That's a long time to be barking. How about only ten years and I'll give you back the other ten?"

So God agreed.

On the second day, God created the monkey and said: "Entertain people, do tricks, and make them laugh. For this, I'll give you a twenty-year life span."

The monkey said: "Monkey tricks for twenty years? That's a pretty long time to perform. How about I give you back ten like the dog did?"

And God agreed.

On the third day, God created the cow and said: "You must go into the field with the farmer all day long and suffer under the sun, have calves, and give milk to support the farmer's family. For this, I will give you a life span of sixty years."

The cow said: "That's kind of a tough life you want me to live for sixty years. How about twenty and I'll give back the other forty?"

And God agreed again.

On the fourth day, God created man and said: "Eat, sleep, play, marry and enjoy your life. For this, I'll give you twenty years."

But man said: "Only twenty years? Could you possibly give me my twenty, the forty the cow gave back, the ten the monkey gave back, and the ten the dog gave back; that makes eighty, okay?"

"Okay," said God, "You asked for it."


So that is why the first twenty years we eat, sleep, play and enjoy ourselves.

For the next forty years we slave in the sun to support our family.

For the next ten years, we do monkey tricks to entertain the grandchildren.

And for the last ten years, we sit on the front porch and bark at everyone.

Life has now been explained to you. Enjoy and Thank God everyday for what you have.

Worth a Thousand Words

Facing the Sun by Qiang-Huang
Used by permission. Click on the link above for more beautiful art by this painter.

On the Home Front

• Rose is reading Auralia's Colors and liking it a lot. Though she is picking up Biblical character types in it ... which surprised Hannah and me since we didn't notice anything like that.
  
  
• Mouth Wide Open has another installment up at Forgotten Classics podcast. Never fear. We shall return to The Wonder Stick and Ru's adventures next week.
  
  
• Tom and I are going away for two days to celebrate our anniversary (late). So if there is a lack of updating around here, I'm sure you'll understand why.
  
  
• Getting ready for the trip to Rose's school in July (doubling for our family vacation), I've reserved the dogs their places at a unique boarding experience ... the Canine Country Club Day Spa and Resort. Isn't that too hilarious? It is attached to the vet where Hannah works and I'd heard good things about it a few years ago from an acquaintance. So we shall see ...
  
  
• I just began reading A Long Retreat: In Search of a Religious Life and am finding it strangely compelling reading. Just a few chapters in but will keep y'all updated.
  
  
• I finished Silence last night. WOW, WHAT A BOOK! I was (happily) surprised not to find it depressing as I had heard many others say. What I found was it was so very thought provoking. I think I probably will have to reread the last chapter (not the Appendix) as I need to think about this some more. I will do more of a "proper" review later but can HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT! I'm really looking forward to discussing this with the book club.
  
  
• Hannah has been watching Arrested Development. I had forgotten just how drop-dead funny it was. That may be a series we need to buy.
  
  
• Hannah also has been reading the Deathworld series from Harry Harrison. I'd also forgotten just how entertaining those books are. Next, I'm going to show her West of Eden ... a masterpiece of sci-fi.
  
  
• Rose and I finally began finally catching up on Lost. It will give you an idea of how far behind we are when I say that we just watched "The Other Woman" where Juliette has a fling with ... Godwin (?). Nothing like a little adultery to get everyone's emotions going. Although Ben takes possessive to new heights.
  
  
• Tom took on a personal project that benefited ... me! He brought home a computer from the office that wasn't being used and set it up for podcasting. In a separate room so people don't have to tiptoe around and I don't have to get up on Sundays at 6 a.m. so I'm not bothering everyone. Bought a new microphone ... and a mixing board. Installed free software (at great expense of hours and patience!) and has been working with it to set levels, etc. All his own idea. What a sweetheart!
  
  
• My pal, Laura, has begun an internship as a sidewalk counselor at abortion mills locally. It is, naturally, emotionally wearing for her. However, it has been a really good reminder for me every single day as I hear her stories that I need to keep everyone ... babies, mothers, families, counselors ... in the front of my mind and my prayer life. As well as praying for the softened hearts of those in the abortion industry.
  

Worth a Thousand Words

The Bat in Colonia Guell at the Secretary's House

This seems just about right for Friday the 13th, doesn't it?

Check out the link above for more of Barcelona Photoblog's great photos!

There is no loophole with God

A couple of days ago, walking through the parking garage in the morning, it crossed my mind to pray for patience.

I recalled a conversation from the night before where a friend said that he didn't pray for patience because he didn't want to be sent occasions to practice. So he would pray for the other people, the ones who were causing him grief. We shouted with laughter over this idea that he had found a loophole. (One of the best known examples of this idea of God sending occasions to practice can be found here.)

However, it had rubbed off enough that when the thought crossed my mind, I pushed it away. I didn't want to bring extra practice upon myself (and I have had plenty of experience with that ... just try asking the Holy Spirit what you need to work on. Oh, the humanity!). Oh, bad influence that I allowed my friend to be!

Then I went on to have one heckuva day. Holy Moly, did it test my patience repeatedly. In fact, I found myself constantly thinking, "Just hold on. Be patient. Don't lose it." In trying circumstances I am not usually that self aware.

As I wearily returned to my car, much later than usual, the morning's thought came back to me. I told God, "Look, it was a stray thought. Not an actual prayer!" And then had a hearty laugh at myself for my silliness.

Later I realized that perhaps that had been a nudge because I was going to need patience and a prayer for help would have given me some extra grace.

Oh so foolish as we are to think that we can outsmart God.

Worth a Thousand Words

On the Verandah

Used with permission.
For more by this talented photographer, go to Visual Thoughts.

Goodbye L'il iBuddy

The time we had together seemed so fleeting. From our first adventures together to the time when ... it still hurts to think of it ... your hard drive failed yesterday. It was so sad, so tragic to see the apple clicking on ... clicking off ... clicking on ... clicking off ... and nothing we did could help.

[Give me a minute ... I'll be ok ...]

Now we have the new puppy l'il silver buddy prancing around the place, making himself at home.


Sure it's micro, sleek, and ... yes, I'll say it ... sexy. But it's so tiny I'm afraid that I'll lose it, that it will fall out of my pocket, never to be found. Or that I will drop it (such a strange shape when I'm used to a rectangle).

Will it ever have a playlist that will hold podcasts ... the way you did, my faithful friend?

It might, but it will never match the adventures we had together. ...

---------------------

P.S. By the way, on a practical note, I can't get the darned thing to read playlists that have podcasts in them. From what I see around the internet I am afraid that playlists only will work with songs in them now ... is that right? Anyone know?

Worth a Thousand Words

Bronze Bird and Roses

Featured by permission.
Click through on the link to see more of Belinda Del Pesco's wonderful art.

Ambrose-a-rama, Babies, and the Chinese

I was summoned back into the doctor's room with the English speaking nurse. The doctor started talking and the nurse translated for me that I was pregnant. Then she asked me, "Do you need this baby?"

What an odd question, I thought. Did she confuse the English words "want" and "need?" I remember hearing other kids' parents telling them that they had their wants and needs confused when the kids told them they needed some outrageuosly priced thing. Was she really asking me if I wanted this baby? Would I admit that at the age of 35 I was so human that, yes, I think I need this baby. Not just want, but need. I think Randy does, and I especially know that Myles does. But she probably really meant "want" and that in turn really meant that the doctor was ready to schedule me for an abortion if my answer was no.

I just told them yes, this baby was wanted. The doctor wrote something in a booklet I was supposed to bring with me everytime I returned to the hospital. The hospitals (and my dentist here) do not maintain records. Every patient is responsible for keeping track of their own medical records in these little booklets. There would be no appointments, no referrals to a recommended OB with privileges at the hospital. I knew it couldn't be just like the US, but I didn't realize it would be like this. The doctor wrote out some notes in my booklet and gave me a box of folic acid "for the baby's brain." The nurse told me to come back in about three weeks for an ultrasound, though later I would wonder if she really was supposed to say three months. When I did return, there was much confusion about my being there so soon, and even after paying the 100 RMB VIP charge and the ultrasound charge (another few hundred RMB), she said they were too busy to see me, and that they might not be able to see anything anyway, so could I come back the following week?

An interesting saga is unfolding for those of us who keep up with Ambrose-a-rama.

Jen is pregnant and encountering some astonishing attitudes as she goes about searching for the right fit in health care for pre-natal care and the birth of their baby. Follow them and see what they find. So far she has chronicled: "Do You Need This Baby?", "You Have the Lowest Birthrate in the World?", and "What You White People Want".

Fascinating. And, of course, also sad.

10 Signs You are at a Catholic Summer Camp

I just couldn't resist ... these are laugh-out-loud funny ... so I swiped Alive and Young's list. You're missing a very entertaining blog if you aren't reading it ... so swing by and check it out.

10 Signs You Are at a Catholic Summer Camp

1. Morning and night Prayer prayed every day.
2. Before rejoining a game of Man Hunt, after being caught, you are required to pray a decade of the rosary for the souls in purgatory.
3. Daily Mass, Rosary, and Benediction.
4. You find the missing campers by the lake practicing the Salva Regina for nigh prayers.
5. The campers pick team names like Benedict's Six, Catholics on Patrol, The Kyrigma Kids, and The Perichoresis Pack.
6. Evening activity consists of a rousing game of "Conclave" where the campers take the role of cardinals and elect a Pope.
7. Calling another "Henry VIII, Zwingli, and Sister Joan" are the most server form of insult.
8. Charity is exemplified by choosing not the smack your opponent in the head with the dodge ball when another body part will suffice.
9. Virtues are a key component to the Camp.
10. You hear someone yell, "Last one there is a Martin Luther."

Sister Scholastica ... Hurricane Hunter

Why, you might ask?

Just head on over to Brother Andrew's place and see.

Practical Ideas for Cutting Back

Catholicsm+Wine is making a "to do" list of ways to cut back. She's looking at take a bit better care of the environment and frugality. I can give an "AMEN" on no dry cleaning, cooking meals, and menu planning. Also, as our antenna works perfectly fine, we don't have cable. We use our vcrs or rent movies.

I would like to add also a plea for people to investigate their libraries. Many offer audiobooks, television shows, and movies. Before I buy a book I always get it from the library if possible to make sure I'll like it enough to read more than once.

More ideas? Hie thee over to Catholicism+Wine to add to the comments.

Worth a Thousand Words

Bobbin Lace
Click through the above link for more photos from Barcelona Photoblog.

Why Big Brown couldn't deliver ...

Creative Minority Report has the scoop.

Two Books I am Keeping Stockpiled to Give Away

I can't tell you how often in the last few months I've encountered someone with a desperately ill or dying family member.

I was so very happy that I had these books on hand. Now I am ordering five more of each because they have given such comfort to those who have received them. Seriously. You should read the thank you notes.

I am going to reprint my original reviews here so you can get the full "whammy" on why these are so helpful to those in need.

(P.S. Although the books are from the Catholic perspective, especially "Caring for the Dying," they have been much appreciated by nonCatholics as well.)

-------------------------------

These are little books but they deliver a big dose of food for thought...

The Way of the Cross in Times of Illness
by Elizabeth Thecla Mauro

3. Jesus Falls the First Time

Why do we always assume that this first fall came from your weariness and physical pain? Could you have fallen in fear? You, Jesus who are both God and human, you understand how fear and anxiety can paralyze the will, paralyze the strength of the body, and sometimes paralyze even the strength of the spirit.

I admit that there are times when I am overtaken with fear, and I feel unable to move, to think, to pray--even to This fear brings with it a weariness that defies description and snatches away the small pockets of peace I am seeking in my life.

So, I fall now with you, Jesus, prostrated in fear, knowing that I must rise and go on. My face is dirty; I am gasping through the dust of the road.

But I get up with you. I breathe in deeply, and breathe out.

With you, I move slowly forward.

Yahweh, I called on your name from the deep pit. You heard me crying, "Do not close your ear to my prayer." You came near that day when I called to you; you said: "Do not be afraid."

Lamentations 3:55-57 (JB)

I rarely do the Stations of the Cross although I often have one catch my eye during times when I am waiting for Mass to begin, thereby beginning thoughts about it. Most often I will think about them when contemplating the sorrowful mysteries of the rosary. Although this simple, inexpensive book is presented as being for a time of illness, when reading through it I found much that is worthy of contemplation during Lent. It is worded so that the stations can apply to illness, but not so specifically that the contemplations cannot be used at any time, especially in any time of distress. Highly recommended.

Caring for the Dying With the Help of Your Catholic Faith
by Elizabeth Scalia

The Long Tunnel

Some people say the process of dying involves the appearance of a long tunnel through which one passes, moving toward the light. Just as those who report back from a "near death experience" say they felt "pushed along" through a tunnel, you may feel like you are being "pushed along" by circumstances, and unable to halt the forward motion -- a prisoner of sheer momentum. You would be right. As the journey's end nears, there seems to be no further chance to hit the brakes or to pull back a bit.

This is a scary feeling. A new skier would never attempt an advanced trail, and yet here you are moving through this experience at a breathtaking pace. Everything seems out of your control. This might be a good time to make an assessment of what you can control. You can control being wholly present to a person who is dying. That doesn't seem like very much, but it is everything.

Together with Our Lady
When Mary, the mother of Jesus, was told that her Son had been arrested, her world also began to spin out of control. In truth, you are very much Mary's companion right now, just as she is yours. What you are living through, she has survived:

• Just as your access to your loved one is decreasing as their need for sleep increases, Mary's access to her Son was closed off.
• Like you, Mary had to stand by and watch helplessly while her loved one took on the "job of dying."
• Like you, Mary had to watch the one she loved let go of her to take His leave.
• Mary, too, had to let go, and to trust that she would see Him again.
• As you lean on family and friends, remember that Mary had John and Mary Magdalene beside her for support.
• After Jesus' death, Mary had to live and eat and worship with an imperfect "family," some of whom had let her -- and her Son -- down. It is not really a unique experience, as families go.

Being "wholly present" may not feel like you are doing very much. It may seem like a pitiful amount of "control" for an adult to have over any person or event. But as Mary taught us, being "present" to another person has power. It is saying, "I will be a witness to your whole life and death, so that all you are and have been will remain in me,when you have gone. And I will help you say goodbye."

Being wholly present to a dying person is a great responsibility, one that requires all the control of which you are capable.

In the midst of our very busy lives, the last thin we are likely to think about much is how to handle the details of death. for that very reason, when tragedy occurs, we often are faced with many details which we don't understand and about which we are not prepared to make decisions. This immensely practical book is instructive on several levels. Naturally, the main information conveyed is of those modern practicalities so that we can understand them not only conceptually but in relation to Church teachings. Pain management, organ donation, hospice care, living wills, grief management are but a few of the issues upon which this slender book gives straight forward information.

What raises this volume to a different level than a "how to" book, however, is the sensitive and thoughtful spiritual commentary that is intertwined with the practical information. As one can see in the above excerpt, the anguish our souls feel during such a time is met with reminders of how our faith is there to provide comfort and encouragement ... and even, possibly, beauty, grace, and joy.

As I read through this book, I was moved to contemplate Jesus' passion as experienced by those around him, which is most appropriate for this time of Lent as we draw closer to Holy Week. It is not the sort of book I would normally read but some of the images have remained with me and will doubtless feed my contemplation during Holy Week. This is a book that I would recommend everyone keep on hand for those unexpected times when our lives are thrown into anguish and we need solid advice of both the practical and spiritual sort. Highly recommended.

Superhero Highlight: Detective Lemon

Continuing the stories of superheroes devised by Hannah and Jenny (more about that can be found here as well as the first description)

Detective Lemon

Power: Shoots citrus out of wrists

Origin of power: During an attempt to make lemonade, the Detective foolishly stuck both hands in a blender while blending lemons (the Detective did not know how to make lemonade). Amazingly, she was unharmed, and the citrus was fused into her hands. She discovered her extraordinary power when disaster struck at a diner: the waitress brought NO lemons with the water. Distraught, the Detective pondered her fate, when suddenly citrus shot out her wrists, and into her suddenly-much-more-delicious beverage.

Cover: Mild-mannered private eye (a gorgeous private eye at that)

Cover name: Penelope Pennyworth

Introduction to partner: While searching for clues in a dumpster, the Detective came across a sleeping hobo (a gorgeous hobo at that): none other than . . . Hoborella! After the Detective treated Hoborella to a delicious brunch (with a slice of cantaloupe at the end) in exchange for information on the crime, the two forged an unbreakable bond and became a duo of justice.

Archnemesis: The waitress who forgot to bring the Detective her lemons. As a sidenote, justice was served: the Detective tipped very poorly on that and all subsequent visits.

==========

Next superhero feature coming: Hunky McDreamboat (ladies you are gonna like this one ...)

Worth a Thousand Words

Bailey sees a butterfly ... taken by fond father Always Jason.

Good Things for Dotty

Jane says:

A regular poster on one of my online groups is enduring a lot of family hardships right now. She’s a gentle and generous soul, and much loved by everyone there. She posted in asking if there’s really any good in the world.

Go over to Jane's, if you are so minded, and post a comment with one good thing in the world. Few people have just one thing. I put a small and a big thing. The small thing: puppy breath.

Playing Around with Google Reader

At long last taking The Curt Jester's advice, I'm touring around Google Reader ... specifically I wanted an easy way to let y'all know all the great stuff I'm finding ... without making you wait around for me to write it up. Not that it would stop me from commenting on some of them ...

Here's the test:


I like it ... this has real possibilities.

Need a Lunch Break?

You can't get anything more appropriate for today's cyberspace book tour by a Jesuit priest than ... wait for it ... St. Ignacio's Nachos.

Perfect! Check it out at Catholic Cuisine.

I'm pretty sure that St. Ignatius would want a margarita with that ... but he might wait until dinner.

First Friday and Our "Saint of the Day" - Dorothy Day

I forgot to mention that it is First Friday when some fellow bloggers and I fast and go to adoration for an end to abortion.

On my way out the door, I figured that I'd better have something to read ... so I grabbed Praying in the Presence of Our Lord with Dorothy Day by David Scott. (I'm not going to go into the series of circumstances that reminded me that I had it languishing in the bookshelf ... just take my word for it that it was fortituous to say the least).

Of course, that was just what I needed to be reading to really let the plight of babies, parents, and abortion providers sink into my heart in a new, universal way. As well as keeping the sidewalk counselors and all those working to help fight abortion in my prayers as well.

A sampling of what I came across:

Ten Meditations for Our Time

8. I love God as much as I love the one I love the least.

Father Hugo

9. Love in practice is a harsh and dreadful thing compared to love in dreams.

Dostoyevsky

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The Seed of Divine Life

In a book by Hugh of St. Victor which I read once on the way from St. Paul to Chicago, there is a conversation between the soul and God about this love. The soul is petulant and wants to know what kind of a love is that which loves all indiscriminately, the thief and the Samaritan, the wife and the mother and the harlot?

The soul complains that it wishes a particular love, a love for herself alone. And God replies fondly that after all, since no two people are alike in this world, He has indeed a particular fondness for each one of us, an exclusive love to satisfy each one alone.

It is hard to believe in this love because it is a devouring love. It is a terrible thing to fall into the hands of a living God. If we do once catch a glimpse of it we are afraid of it. Once we recognize that we are sons of God, that the seed of divine life has been planted in us at baptism, we are overcome by that obligation placed upon us of growing in the love of God. And what we do not do voluntarily, He will do for us.

Now, as I was meditating upon all these things and much more, to be sure, in my mind's eye it was as if Dorothy was standing in front of me. I realized that I had become acquainted with her and then let her slip from my mind.

And when I realized this, she nodded and said forcefully, "Well, it's about time."

Bam!

Then I come back here and Father Martin's blog tour posts have Dorothy Day woven in everywhere. I can't look anywhere without seeing her being mentioned by someone.

Ok. Message received.

I believe I am going to reread On Pilgrimage and put a request into the library for The Long Loneliness (I think that's the name).

I must put in a personal thank you here to David Scott for his insistence on introducing me to Dorothy. He knew we'd get along and he was right.

Worth a Thousand Words

A True vacation spirit
Originally uploaded by Kenzoka

Candidate Comparisons

Now that we have it down to two candidates, The Onion makes it easy to compare them.

Saturday Night Live Appearance:
Solid
(See more here.)

Favorite Way To Mollify Supporters:
Nodding solemnly while gripping podium
(See more here.)

Seriously, this may be the only way I am able to get through the upcoming campaign. Thank goodness for The Onion!

Worth a Thousand Words

Lofty Mount Lu, by Shen Zhou, 1467.

I Just Called to Say I Love You: to the Beyond Cana Core Team

We had our monthly meeting last night of the couples that put on the Beyond Cana retreat for our parish.

I continue to be enlightened and inspired by these wonderful couples. More importantly once the cheesecake and coffee (and beer ... it's so good to be Catholic, y'all!) is gone, I have usually learned something that I can apply to my marriage. The topic last night was change and how it pulls couples closer together and closer to God. From one woman's sharing of her father-in-law's wisdom passed down before her marriage, to a husband's telling of how a big trial cemented their marriage, to another woman's realization that Jesus has us by the hand if we will simply relax and stop fighting him ... these are the things that I think about and that Tom and I discuss for days (and weeks sometimes) afterward.

As well as much more, of course.

These are such important reminders to Tom and me that we are not alone in seeing marriage as a great good that is worth the fight despite the occasional ups and downs we encounter. Beyond Cana continues to be such a blessing to us.

Thank you so much, y'all! For helping us to shape our marriage in the Truth, even as we minister to other couples by presenting the retreat.

Seeking the Kingdom in the Midst of Great Sorrow

Danny Gospel by David Athey

My grandmother had a forbidding apple face that seldom smiled, yet people knew that she loved them. Whenever we played a concert, she opened the show by softly strumming a few chords and then saying, "They call us the Gospel Family. On both sides of the family tree, we're farmers all the way back to the furrows of Adam and Eve. The Gospel Family has known joy, weeds, insects, war, and all kinds of suffering. We've had our share of death. And we know about resurrection. Just like your family, we've experienced what the world has to offer, good and bad. This first song is called 'This Little Light of Mine.'" ...

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Melissa asked, "Who is your favorite author?"

I sipped more spring water and thought about people like Dnte, Chesterton, Flannery O'Connor, and a host of others who loved words and the Word.

Jane tapped her ruby fingernails on the table. Tap, tap, tap. "Tell us," she said. Tap, tap--

"My grandmother," I said. "She wrote wonderful little stories. Every person she created was heroic and foolish and struggling to do God's will. Her characters were heavenly, and stuck in the Iowa soil, just trying to be normal and happy.

These two excerpts probably sum up David Athey's book more than I can otherwise say. Danny Gospel is heroic and foolish and struggling to do God's will while being normal and happy. The story he tells is full of all the elements that his grandmother calls up in her history of the Gospel family, especially in having their full share of suffering.

Athey has created a character, Danny Gospel, who lives in a world that most call dreamlike. In fact, some say that he is crazy. His life seems to be a patchwork of one parable after another as he seeks God despite many tragedies that have befallen his family and him personally. At times it can be somewhat difficult to discern when Danny has fallen into a daydream and when he is reporting reality, however, if the reader is prepared to drift along in Danny's world there is a great deal of insight to be found. For instance, one might begin by remembering that "Gospel" means "Good News." Or perhaps one would begin by remembering that Daniel was a prophet who spoke to angels and this character is named Danny. Even if one cares to look no further than the surface there is a great deal to be gleaned about seeking God in our lives from this novel.

One could also look at this as a cautionary tale of those who spend so much time looking for clues to God's plan that they forget the best way to do his will is by living in God's plan. In other words, life is what happens while we are living it ... and most of the time no amount of head scratching can see God's plan as clearly as Danny strives to. I am not criticizing the book or character here but that element spoke quite strongly to me as I have seen several friends put themselves through a considerable amount of mental anguish while trying to "discern." Most of the time it is in the little quirks of life and "happenstance" that God's will for us unfolds and this is something that we can also take from this book.

I must admit that I was so surprised by the ending that I read it three times to make sure I had all the details. I then pondered this book for several days. It is an unusual book that can make me do such a thing. What I concluded was that the author is conveying a story of salvation and redemption, of God's refusal to give up on us, and of the power of love.

I must also mention that in looking around the internet at other reviews I found a certain subset of readers who were baffled and dismayed by Athey's free-flowing style. Perhaps it is the great amount of science fiction that I have read, but being plunged into the midst of a story like this is a familiar experience. I am used to having to float and pick up contextual information while getting one's bearings. It is not that the author does not give us a framework, but that the protagonist is rather free-form in his own life and mind. In any event, if you give it some time then it becomes simple to adjust to it.

Recommended.

Worth a Thousand Words

Tango Dancers II in Las Ramblas

For more photos to take you to Spain, check out Barcelona Photoblog.

A Practical Guide for Evangelizing in the Real World

Guerrilla Apologetics for Catholics by Paul Nowak

Guerrilla Apologetics 101

Before going in into the details of using Guerrilla Apologetics, it is important that the goal is made clear. The purpose of using guerrilla apologetics is to turn the discussion into a conversation with give-and-take on both sides, and to plant seeds for God to develop in the other person's journey of faith.

You should NOT try to prove the other person wrong, or convert them on the spot. Your arguments, no matter how good they are, will not change someone else's mind. Only they, with God's grace can do that. Perhaps your openness about your faith will play a role in God's plan, but much of the time we do not see the immediate effects of the part we play.

Try to set up and maintain a dialog in which to argue points of faith--not a personal quarrel. Always refrain from making personal attacks or criticizing another's beliefs, even if they are overly critical of yours. Avoid hostile discussions, and walk away if the discussion is deteriorating into a quarrel.

Attitude is everything in Guerrilla Apologetics. If you fail to exercise tact and civility, your actions and tone will overshadow and taint your efforts. Ask questions with sincere curiosity, and respect the other person as an expert on their faith. After all, you would be offended if a non-Catholic accused you of not knowing your own faith, so do not make the same assumption about them ...

This is from the introduction to the book but I wanted to put it up front so that everyone could see just what end results this apologetics approach is striving to achieve. The label "Guerilla" seems to me to be rather unfortunate as it gives the impression of warfare which is not what apologetics should be, although unfortunately it is often what apologetics devolves into.

Essentially, the idea behind "guerrilla apologetics" is that rather than continually answer from a defensive posture if questions about Catholicism arise, one could and should ask the questioner some things relating to their faith. This then opens the door to the exchange becoming more of a give-and-take conversation rather than an attack or defense. For example, if one is asked why Catholics "pray to" saints, it is the perfect opportunity to basically explain the concept behind intercession and then ask the questioner if they have ever asked a friend or anyone to pray for them. It is with fair but real-life examples like these that the book is filled.

I like the idea of using one's knowledge to open a real conversation with a questioner, should the person be open to such conversing. This book continually reminds the reader that one must respect the other person in any such conversation and this is a praise worthy goal.

Nowak also wrote Guerrilla Pro-Life Apologetics. It also takes this approach of asking questions to open the door to conversation. Of course, to do this, one must know about the topic and he also has good resources listed in the back of each book for further research.

Recommended.

Guerrilla Apologetics for Life Issues by Paul Nowak

Worth a Thousand Words

Moonlight in Edinburgh
Find many more striking photos at Flickr Scotland.

Divine Canine

Divine Canine: The Monks' Way to a Happy, Obedient Dog
by the Monks of New Skete

The Eyes Have It

With our own dogs, from the earliest days of puppyhood we stress the importance of contact between human and canine. Our puppies, after the first few weeks, are handled constantly and affectionately. But as important as this physical contact is, we put just as much effort into eye contact, which is key to establishing a relationship that will blossom as puppies grow into dogs.

Good eye contact serves several different purposes in the adult dog. A kindly, gentle look tells the dog that she is loved and accepted. But it is just as vital to communicate a stern reaction to bad behavior. A piercing, sustained stare into a dog's eyes tells her who's in charge; it establishes the proper hierarchy of dominance between person and pet. We don't do this with anger, but with firmness. Such eye contact rivets the dog's attention and can help curtail unruly behavior. It also encourages respect and ensures that the dog is paying attention. A well-positioned training collar is the key to establishing eye contact; lifting the dog's head up and keeping it firmly pointed at your face virtually guarantees the dog will look into your eyes.

I fell in love with this book. It is not just that it is packed with stories and photos of adorable dogs unlearning bad training. It is that it reminded me of how much there is to appreciate in the pets right in my own household. I have a bad habit of being too busy to properly pay attention much of the time. I have to remind myself to stop what I am doing and pay full attention to the business colleague or even family member who is talking to me at the moment. Our animals, especially our dogs, are so patient that they will put up with days when I forget to even pet them, although the food and water bowls are filled.

Every time I pick up this book and look through it, I see reminders of just how much there is to learn from our animals as well as how they enrich our lives ... if we let them. Whether you are preparing to train a dog or trying to work your pet out of bad habits and into good ones, I highly recommend this book for the monks' humane and unique approach to remembering that "a caring attitude and honest communication can turn any dog into a divine canine."

Oh, yeah ... and if you want to train your dog whether to new habits or out of bad ones, this has some wonderful techniques.

Summer Reading

I got an email yesterday asking for some good summer reading ideas for a Catholic women's book club. Well, since I belong to a Catholic women's book club, I at least had a few ideas. I am passing them on to y'all in case you are looking for a good book.

First of all, there is the Perpetua & Felicity site I maintain (sketchily at best, I admit) for our group. The sidebar has what we have read and there is a post that has ideas for us to consider for other books.

Secondly, there are books I have reviewed here. It has all kinds of good stuff, including a "religion" category.

Then we have Father Jim Martin's recommendations.

Last, but certainly not least, is the Aquinas and More's summer reading program. Plus, they also show the 64 books they considered before narrowing it down to the summer selections.

Ok, everyone ... dive in!

Worth a Thousand Words

When Mountain Laurel Blooms

Used by permission from DL Ennis.
Be sure to see the original and check out all his glorious photography at Visual Thoughts

Worth a Thousand Words

Spotlight by Belinda Del Pesco

Used with permission.
To see more gorgeous art, visit Belinda Del Pesco Fine Art Blog

"Nobody does vegetables like me. I did an evening of vegetables off-Broadway...."

Michael Dorsey: Are you saying that nobody in New York will work with me?

George Fields: No, no, that's too limited... nobody in Hollywood wants to work with you either. I can't even set you up for a commercial. You played a *tomato* for 30 seconds - they went a half a day over schedule because you wouldn't sit down.

Michael Dorsey: Of course. It was illogical.

George Fields: YOU WERE A TOMATO. A tomato doesn't have logic. A tomato can't move.

Michael Dorsey: That's what I said. So if he can't move, how's he gonna sit down, George? I was a stand-up tomato: a juicy, sexy, beefsteak tomato. Nobody does vegetables like me. I did an evening of vegetables off-Broadway. I did the best tomato, the best cucumber... I did an endive salad that knocked the critics on their ass.

I admit it. When I heard that Sydney Pollack had died, this is what sprang to mind ... his acting in one of the funniest scenes from one of my favorite movies, Tootsie.

The suspicion that Pollack was having Dustin Hoffman channel his true acting self didn't hurt the scene either, and I'd bet that Pollack was shrewd enough to use it to full advantage.

Naturally, Deacon Greg had the same thoughts and thanks to him I didn't have to go searching for this full take on that scene. Enjoy.

Applying the Virtues to Everyday Life

Raising Up Mommy
Virtues for Difficult Mothering Moments
Heidi Hess Saxton

Hospitality: The Feminine Face of Generosity

Order and proportion, beauty and moderation. To embrace these principles of artistry within the home is to create an environment where the senses of family members are liberated to appreciate the fullness of God's design. A single bit of sun-ripened peach dances on the tongue with a far greater satisfaction--and far less guilt--than a quart of factory processed frozen yogurt.

True hospitality--the ability to tend to another person's needs while simultaneously putting that person at ease--demands both an empathetic perspective and an artistic touch. The generous person slips a check in a get-well card; the hospitable individual also leaves a jar of homemade chicken-and-dumplings or an inspirational book on tape.

But what does practicing the art of hospitality have to do with combating greed, one might ask? Just as the greed attaches to material things out of fear or pride, the one who practices true hospitality meets the physical needs of others out of an inner conviction of faith and trust, demonstrating by their own detachment a firm reliance on the only true Source of good things.

The motivation behind the act is as important as the act itself. Some people, for example, give not out of a sense of gratitude, but out of neediness--a need to be liked, or to be in the limelight.....

Contrary to the title, this book is actually about how women can practice the virtues in their lives, whether they are mothers or not. As Saxton guides us through the virtues, showing how they are antidotes for the seven deadly sins, we can see how practicing the small opportunities yields spiritual flowering in our own lives and those around us. I could relate all too well to Saxton's frequent confessions of her less than perfect moments of mothering or wifeliness. However, I think it is the rare women who cannot relate this realistic linking of sins and virtues to their own lives, whether at work, with friends, or even when alone.

I am a big fan of the virtues but all too frequently I am good at reading about them but then forget to practice them. This book will help anyone who reads it, myself included, see the many opportunities we are given to practice the virtues every day. Saxton makes the goal of living our vocations as Christians eminently more "do-able" through the insights in this book.

Highly recommended.

Update: I see that Heidi also has a new book out ... about Mary. Read a review at Just another day of Catholic pondering.

Bonus Review

Let Nothing Trouble You: 60 Reflections from the Writings of Teresa of Avila
(The Saints Speak Today)
Heidi Hess Saxton

When I was looking around for sales links to put with the above book, I realized that I have been an unwitting fan of Heidi Saxton's for a long, long time. At the time I became Christian, I was looking around for books about prayer and came across a short series of books about praying with the saints. I really wish the series had been longer, however, it was through these that I was introduced to my first two saintly "pals," St. Augustine and St. Teresa of Avila. (The other two books feature St. Thomas More and St. Francis of Assisi.) Saxton wrote the Teresa of Avila book.

I still love these books which combine simple but insightful combinations of 60 day's worth of morning and evening readings featuring scripture and readings from the saint. I pick up used copies whenever I come across them to give to new converts. Recently, I gave one to a friend of Hannah's who just entered the Church and heard back that she really loves it.

A much belated, but heartfelt thank you for that book!

Highly recommended.

Update: Heidi tells me that she has copies of this for sale at her place. Just click through.

Gilliam, Depp ... and Palin?

Now this looks interesting. Jeffrey Overstreet reports that...

Contactmusic reports that Johnny Depp is back in cahoots with Terry Gilliam as they try once again to make The Man Who Killed Don Quixote, a movie about that greatest challenger of windmills, Don Quixote. Depp worked with Gilliam on this project once before, but the production collapsed due to various catastrophes chronicled in the hilarious documentary Lost in La Mancha. But it looks like they’re ready to try again.

And who would play Don Quixote? Rumors are swirling around ... Michael Palin.

Which might not be as farfetched as one would think. He has had practice at playing a Spanish role before ...

I have been meaning to watch Lost in La Mancha, the documentary about Gilliam's failed previous attempt to make that movie. Must move it closer to the top of the list ...

It's official ... I am now a Robert Downey Jr. groupie

Like a lot of people, I sat up and took notice of him in Kiss, Kiss, Bang, Bang. He was irresistible as the bumbling narrator of that film noir satire.

Also his ability to look reality in the eye and come out with a balanced perspective doesn't hurt either ...

I have a really interesting political point of view, and it’s not always something I say too loud at dinner tables here, but you can’t go from a $2,000-a-night suite at La Mirage to a penitentiary and really understand it and come out a liberal. You can’t. I wouldn’t wish that experience on anyone else, but it was very, very, very educational for me and has informed my proclivities and politics every since.

And, he was fantastic in Iron Man as the devil-may-care playboy who has his eyes opened and becomes the world weary savior of the little guy.

So, yeah, I'm a fan.

Superhero Highlight: The String

Continuing the stories of superheroes devised by Hannah and Jenny (more about that can be found here as well as the first description)

The String

Power: super-speed flossing, even on people unaware.

Backstory: The String, a gifted student of dentistry, was often distraught at the thought of how quickly plaque builds up between people’s teeth. His numerous campaigns to raise awareness of this epidemic went unnoticed by the public and left him with only one option: to break into people’s homes at night and floss their teeth for them. After his first forays into the world of forced, and rather illegal, dentistry ended in a short stint in prison, the String devised a plan: he would hone his flossing skills so as to floss unbelievably quickly. He made many a mannequin, trained day and night, but to no avail. In his despair, he decided to end it all and jumped into the town lake, Lake Toxin. Not unsurprisingly, he emerged unharmed and possessed the abilities he had dreamt of for so long. With his newfound powers, he now roams the city at night, making sure all townspeople have well-flossed teeth.

Cover: Mild-mannered dentist (and a handsome dentist at that)

Cover name: Dale Driftwood

Partner: The Candyman

Introduction to partner: On one of his many unsuccessful campaigns, The String was warning youngsters of the dangers of sugar at a local candy shoppe. Needless to say, the candy shoppe was being robbed (they sold Peeps, the most desirable of all sugary delights). As luck would have it, the most prominent hero of the day . . . The Candy Man (and a handsome Candy Man at that), appeared on the scene. He flung wave after wave of jellybeans and sour worms, which, as we all know, turn into explosives with one touch of his hand, at the formidable fiends. The candy shoppe, now in flames, was saved. The String and The Candy Man formed a partnership of unspeakable proportions and have fought for justice and oral hygiene ever since.

Archnemesis: Jeff Blankship, CEO of Nestle

==========

Next superhero feature coming: Detective Lemon

Welcome Jack!

Congratulations to Tim and his wife on the birth of their son, Jack.

This new dad even has a video to watch ... if you want the personal story.

Worth a Thousand Words

Hand-colored engravings of exotic fish from Sri Lanka
See more at BibliOdyssey

Memorial Day: With Many Thanks to Those Who Gave All For Us

I can only offer my whole hearted thanks and gratitude to those who gave their lives for their country.

Here are some pieces from others that may interest and inspire.

Today our nation celebrates Memorial Day. Originally called Decoration Day, the holiday started spontaneously in 1866, when a drugstore owner in Waterloo, N.Y., sought to honor those who died in the recent Civil War. Townspeople joined Henry Welles' cause to commemorate the fallen, and they decorated the graves with flowers, wreaths and crosses.Today our nation celebrates Memorial Day. Originally called Decoration Day, the holiday started spontaneously in 1866, when a drugstore owner in Waterloo, N.Y., sought to honor those who died in the recent Civil War. Townspeople joined Henry Welles' cause to commemorate the fallen, and they decorated the graves with flowers, wreaths and crosses.

In short order, others joined around the country and by 1868, according to the History Channel: "Children read poems and sang Civil War songs, and veterans came to school wearing their medals and uniforms ... Then the veterans marched through their hometowns followed by the townspeople to the cemetery." Soon enough, heroes from other wars were honored as well, and the day became Memorial Day.

Abraham Lincoln described our country, in his message to Congress in 1862, as the "last best hope of earth."

Dallas Morning News 2007

• Moving tribute from an Englishman (via The Anchoress who also has some other very good links that you should read):

  ... when the Americans speak of freedom, we should not imagine, in our cynical and worldly-wise way, that they are merely using that word as a cloak for realpolitik. They are not above realpolitik, but they also mean what they say.
  
  These formidable people think freedom is so valuable that it is worth dying for.

• 10 Things to Remember About Memorial Day comes from Mental Floss



• Art depicting the horror or war is not often brought to the fore, even in museums where major pieces are part of the collection, so it often falls to places like the Hall of Remembrance to keep it on display.
  
  Actually, it’s up to us to look up and remember the images with which artists have tried to impress on us the inhumanity and tragedy of war, particularly when we are asking our friends, neighbors or sons and daughters to face it for any reason.

  Lines and Colors has a good post featuring an artist who brought home a depiction of what our soldiers suffer in protecting us at home.

Once Again, Let Us Celebrate the Third Most Important Day of the Year

First is Easter, then is Christmas, then is ... my birthday!

As I have mentioned before, some people ignore their birthdays or don't want much fuss made. Not me. I OWN my birthday ... just something about it. Everyone in the household knows it too. (To be fair, they all regard their birthdays to be the third most important day of the year.)

Hannah showed the proper spirit a few years ago when she was filling out a job application on Sunday and asked me what the date was. Then she answered her own question with, "Oh, wait. It must be the 22nd because I know Wednesday is the 25th." Yep, just like Christmas. All other dates are figured around this one.

Everything has been so chocolate intensive around here, what with Rose's and Tom's birthday cakes, that I am going for yellow cake, strawberries and whipped cream. Sort of an upscale strawberry shortcake maybe?

Also it is St. (Padre) Pio's birthday which is very cool. I couldn't find anything online that communicates the sense of joy and light-heartedness that I received while reading a biography of him. It was a photo of him with his head thrown back laughing that first made me notice him. I thought, "Now there is someone I could talk to..."

While praying before a cross, he received the stigmata on 20 September 1918, the first priest ever to be so blessed. As word spread, especially after American soldiers brought home stories of Padre Pio following WWII, the priest himself became a point of pilgrimage for both the pious and the curious. He would hear confessions by the hour, reportedly able to read the consciences of those who held back. Reportedly able to bilocate, levitate, and heal by touch. Founded the House for the Relief of Suffering in 1956, a hospital that serves 60,000 a year. In the 1920's he started a series of prayer groups that continue today with over 400,000 members worldwide.

And it is the Venerable Bede's saint day which is also very cool. You will never read a better death than that of the Venerable Bede ("Write faster!").

Even on the day of his death (the vigil of the Ascension, 735) the saint was still busy dictating a translation of the Gospel of St. John. In the evening the boy Wilbert, who was writing it, said to him: "There is still one sentence, dear master, which is not written down." And when this had been supplied, and the boy had told him it was finished, "Thou hast spoken truth", Bede answered, "it is finished. Take my head in thy hands for it much delights me to sit opposite any holy place where I used to pray, that so sitting I may call upon my Father." And thus upon the floor of his cell singing, "Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost" and the rest, he peacefully breathed his last breath.