Joshua's spirit

This child of my child brings me so much joy and inexplicable happiness!! Thank you dear Lord for not forgetting me in my old age.....

Joy comes in the morning....

from: a holy experience blog
Joy, it comes in the morning…

Joy, it comes not in the gaining but in the giving, not in being someone but in being a sacrifice, not in laying up treasures, but in laying down self.

Joy, it comes in the mother who doesn’t think twice to do the unthinkable, to do the unlikely, the unlovely, the unheard of — who lives the Gospel.

It comes in the woman who loves the kid who has no one, the man who isn’t thinking about winning on earth but in heaven, the kids who cheer for the hurting.

True sacrifice isn’t the losing of anything — but the finding of joy.

The Creative Spirit

Just read this wonderful piece on repurposing our time and it is inspiring:
(and, I love her artwork)
Over the years I have spent thousands of hours drawing. God has been gracious in allowing me to use that time drawing, and I can’t call myself a genius. But the time invested is certainly a reason why drawing comes extra easy.

Ann Voscamp wrote a beautiful post, “How to Nurture Geniuses”, and I highly recommend that everyone read it!

“What would happen if every Christian used the 4 hours daily spent in front of the television a day (more than 126 hours a month!) or the near hour a day the average American surfs the internet and spent two of those hours developing their skill in a particular domain . . . and one hour more on the spiritual disciplines that lead into a deeper relationship with God, (prayer, memorization, Bible meditation, fasting) – only repurposing three hours a day from the five we spend on passive entertainment — and in one decade, our entire culture – and the world at large – would be entirely revolutionized. How are we being faithful stewards of our 10,000 hours?”

What would happen? Can you imagine? Head on over there and read it and be inspired!
http://www.abowlofmossandpebbles.com/

Book Lovers Bookshelves

My cousin, JT, built this bookshelf in his new home in Tennessee - I really want one of these! He has a little nesting spot for the cats at the top.

Cute gardener apron

I LOVE this apron! Unfortunately, I lost the link for where I found it -- but, it is so cute! I'm going to make it.

Trinitas Winery

My daughter sent me this link and I so loved what this blogger had to say about a very unique winery located in Mendocino, CA, that I copied it and posted it here.

"In a place like Trinitas, it's impossible not to think of the first part of John 15. I was disappointed in my (in)ability to recite it from memory on the spot and have since endeavored to commit it there."

The Vine and the Branches.

I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine grower. He takes away every branch in me that does not bear fruit, and everyone that does he prunes so that it bears more fruit. You are already pruned because of the word that I spoke to you. Remain in me, as I remain in you. Just as a branch cannot bear fruit on its own unless it remains on the vine, so neither can you unless you remain in me. I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit, because without me you can do nothing. Anyone who does not remain in me will be thrown out like a branch and wither; people will gather them and throw them into a fire and they will be burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask for whatever you want and it will be done for you. By this is my Father glorified, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples. As the Father loves me, so I also love you. Remain in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and your joy may be complete.This is my commandment: love one another as I love you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. I no longer call you slaves, because a slave does not know what his master is doing. I have called you friends, because I have told you everything I have heard from my Father. It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will remain, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name he may give you. This I command you: love one another. (excerpt written by: http://www.elizabethfoss.com/reallearning/2012/09/god-in-the-vineyard.html

CHILD 31 World Hunger

For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, (Mathew 25,35)
I thank you dear Lord for giving me the means to help the needy and the poor and the hungry; please grant me the graces I need to give with a loving and compassionate heart and that I may see Jesus in every face.

Bodega Bay 2012

Bodega Bay with my Children & grand-children

My beautiful daughter & family

CALEB

Have you ever seen a sweeter baby? This is my grand-son, Caleb; my daughter's second son and today he was baptized. He didn't even cry and smiled and crooned at everyone.

Tangled

Prayer of Humility

My daughter gave me a prayer just before her marriage - Litany of Humility written by Rafael Cardinal Merry del Val (1865-1930), Secretary of State for Pope Saint Pius X.
I have tried to say it every day and I think it helps me. Sometimes events occur in my life where I will think, "Why did that happen to me or why did that person insult me that way?", and then I will remember that I've been praying this litany. Praying for a change in my heart - to be more Christlike, to be more like my Savior:
Litany of Humility
O Jesus! meek and humble of heart, Hear me.
From the desire of being esteemed,
Deliver me, Jesus
From the desire of being loved....
From the desire of being extolled....
From the desire of being Honored....
From the desire of being praised...
From the desire of being preferred to others...
From the desire of being consulted...
From the desire of being approved...
From the fear of being humiliated...
From the fear of being despised...
From the fear of suffering rebukes...
From the fear of being calumniated...
From the fear of being forgotten...
From the fear of being ridiculed...
From the fear of being wronged...
From the fear of being suspected...

That others may be loved more than I,
Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That others may be esteemed more than I...
That, in the opinion of the world,
others may increase and I may decrease...
That others may be chosen and I set aside...
That others may be praised and I unnoticed...
That others may be preferred to me in everything...
That others may become holier than I, provided
that I may become as holy as I should...

Pray this Litany every day with devotion and you will acquire the change you desire.

Prayer

Thou art all fair O Mary
- and the original stain is not in thee!
O Mary!
Make my body pure, and my spirit holy.
Draw me in the odor of thy oinments...
Encompass my heart within thine.
Show thyself my mother!

But thou O lord, have mercy on us.

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee.

Mendocino Coast

The Cardinal Virtues

I'm reading a book written by, Bill Donohue, called, Why Catholicism Matters, How Catholic Virtues can reshape society in the 21st century. It's very good so far and written in such a way that even I can understand it. (I'm past the point in my life where I will slodge through densely written material and come out with any kind of understanding.)
While reading the above book, I came across this passage on page 19: "If men were angels," James Madison wrote, "no government would be necessary." He was right, and the government the Founders crafted was based on this understanding. Absent government, the weak would perish at the hands of the stronger.
But it is not enough to conclude that government is necessary; a government that does not institutionally block dictatorial impulses can deliver more evil than anarchy. That is why the Founders gave us a horizontal balance of powers, dividing the powers between the executive, legislative, and the judicial branches. This system of government works because it takes for granted that too much power in the hands of any single source spells the death of liberty; it also takes into consideration man's nature.

The Catholic Church offers the best hope of realizing the good society that our Founding Fathers intended for us partly because it understands that man is inherently flawed and in need of redemption. That is where the ten commandments come in. If it was in our nature to do only good, we would not need the ten commandments written down for all to see. We do have a fallen nature as St. Augustine taught, "Man entered the world in a state of sin." Thus, we need to be taught the ten commandments so that they become second nature to us. These teachings should be upheld and modeled not only by the family, but by our institutions, the schools, and by society as a whole. The ten commandments tell us what not to do (do not kill, do not covet, do not steal, etc...), but virtue tells us what to do or how to do it. This is where the cardinal virtues come into the picture.

The author goes on to say that there is nothing inherently religious about the cardinal virtues, and were taught by Plato and Cicero as contributing to the heart and soul of the good society. By cultivating and practicing these virtues we are able to keep God's commandments. William C. Mattison, III, a Catholic theologian, state that "a virtue is a good habit."

"But, virtue does not come easy", states the author; "the apprenticeship is demanding. It is up to the family, more than any other source, to inculcate virtuous behavior in children." This line truly struck a chord with me and I believe it with all my heart. "Virtuous behavior cannot be ordered into being; it must be carefully and consistently crafted, making use of positive as well as punitive sanctions to get the job done."

As I have time, I will come back here and share more about these cardinal virtues so important for us to learn and emulate so that by them we will have a "happy life" and so please our creator at the same time.

We were once a family.....

I wish someone would have told me - warned me - that things would change and not for the better. Perhaps I could have coped with the change or the loss of a place I had in life, if only I had just known what lay ahead. People define themselves by their connections to others; where they are born and when; are they first, second, third, etc. in the birth order. Who is talented in music, who can sing, who can draw or paint, or who is very very smart in science. Which one has a sweetness to them, which one is kind and friendly, which one is sharp, which one is mean, who has a short temper, which one doesn't care. You get the picture. It takes a long time to get to know your siblings, your parents, and everyone else in one's world. It takes a long time to figure out who you are, what you like, or don't like; and just when you think you have a handle on it (I'm skipping decades of experience here), something terrible happens -- your father dies and you have a great big hole inside that never goes away. That is what happened to me on November 17, 2010.


The story of my family begins in 1956 when my mother ran away for parts unknown. I was 5 years old, but I remember it like it was yesterday. Anyway, I never saw her again. My dad left soon after to work in southern California and I was left in the care of my grand-parents along with my sister and baby brother. About a year later, he came back to get us and took us to southern California to live with him and his new wife, Jan. It was a complete surprise to me - I had no warning - but, it was a wonderful surprise. I knew Jan and her three children when we lived in Texas, and liked her very much. We remained a family for a long time and I didn't realize that it had all fallen apart until it was really too late to do anything about it. That realization came after my dad died.


I call my mom, Jan, at least once a week to visit and catch up on what we've been doing all week. At first I still felt the connection with her after dad passed away; a bonding of the heart you might say. Then, she progressively sounded more and more distracted on the phone to the point that there was really no deep personal bond going on between us. She became more and more forgetful and not wanting to talk about the past at all. She couldn't remember past shared experiences and would say "I don't know or I don't remember" a great deal.


Today was another one of those "forgetful days" that ended in tears and frustration for me. Then, I suddenly realized that I don't have a childhood family anymore. It all ended with the death of my father. My brothers and sisters don't write or call or stay connected with me even though I send them birthday cards and Christmas cards each year and make a point to see them when I visit down there.
It's heartbreaking, gut wrenching, sad.

Hannah graduated - 6th grade

Today I attended my very first sixth grade graduation ceremony where my grand-daughter was the recipient of a document that confirmed that she had indeed graduated. On to bigger and better things for her. I could not believe how crowded it was in the auditorium. Every single person associated with a graduate was there. The girls looked beautiful in their brand new dresses - most at appropriate lengths, hair done up, make-up, and manicures. Yes, they sparkled. The boys didn't seem to have the same enthusiasm for the event. Most of them dressed like it was a normal school day but some of them wore ties. People held gifts, flowers, and balloons and clapped energetically for every single child that received their "diploma". I was impressed with the community spirit, and a little jealous that I had never been honored in that way when I was a sixth grader. Well, maybe it is all for the good. Perhaps these young people who will soon be adults feel that they should pursue higher education and become something wonderful in this world.

Blossoming Joy: What is Real? The Velveteen Catholic meets the Saints

Blossoming Joy: What is Real? The Velveteen Catholic meets the Saints

Joshua

I had the great privilege to watch my grandson, Joshua, this week while my beautiful daughter had her second child. What an experience it was to see him explore and figure things out - he is only 18 months old but a quick learner. My heart melted each time he gave me an unexpected and spontaneous hug or snuggle. This is a child who lives each moment, each second, to the fullest until he crashes with exhaustion. We had to take him back home yesterday, and the house seemed so empty without him -- it broke my heart to let him go.

My new grandson, Caleb

A Dream of my Dad

Early this morning I had a lucid dream -- lucid dreams seem real at the time, as though you are really living in that particular space and time and nothing else exists. I had a dream about my father. He died in November of 2010 and not a day goes by that I don't grieve for him. I wonder when it will stop. But, God sent me a happy dream about him today and it filled me with so much joy I wanted to cry -- and I did weep in my dream (which woke me up). In the dream I was with my Mom in her bedroom that she and Dad shared for over 50 years. We were laying on the bed and talking like we so often do or at least we did before Dad died. Suddenly I was aware that my Dad was also laying on the bed and I reached over and took his hand and stroked his hand lovingly. I looked at Mom and said to her that Dad was right here and I was holding his hand -- and asked her to hold his hand too. She looked at my hand as if she were blind and I could tell that she couldn't see Dad's hand holding mine. As I stated earlier, I was so happy I was crying and woke up pretty quickly. I laid in bed thinking about why Mom could not see Dad and I suddenly thought "she doesn't have faith". I thought about that for a while and realized that Mom has struggled with the concept of faith for as long as I can remember. She asked me years ago if I thought heaven was real -- she genuinely wanted to know. I don't think I convinced her. I view my dream as a confirmation from God - a gift that my Dad's soul is eternal and that I will see him again. I miss him more than one can express.

Wow, kindness abounds…

Wow, kindness abounds…
(click on the link above) I try to visit The Crescat weekly and read her blog of May 24th where she bares her soul and confesses to having two abortions. I am deeply impressed with her courage and humility when she wrote this piece on abortion - it is worth reading. One of the responses to her blog was gut wrenching -- here it is: She received a response from a reader telling her that he wished he could have helped a young man who was trying to talk his girlfriend out of having an abortion. They gave him a little plastic fetus so she could see the infant inside, but she still had the abortion anyway. The young man came out of the clinic heart-broken and asked if he could keep the little plastic fetus - it was all that he had left. Doesn't this story break your heart?

Our babies souls fly to heaven when their bodies are destroyed.

Ryan

Today is my first sons 33rd birthday - how the time rushes by. I can remember so clearly holding him in my arms, kissing him, and snuggling. He grew faster than I could ever imagine into a beautiful and loving man. He's a strong man - not just physically; and he is able to shelter so many within his protective embrace, and take on so many burdens. I worry about him...his health, his happiness, his soul. But, whenever I think upon him, there is so much joy that fills my soul that I am sure everything will be just fine with him in this life.

The Homemaker

The culture of Materialism

“Since the remotest times, attention to others has moved the Church to show concrete signs of solidarity with those in need, sharing resources, promoting simpler lifestyles, going against an ephemeral culture which has disappointed many and determined a profound spiritual crisis,” Pope Benedict

. - VIS

Home Arts, Needlecraft

To love means.....

“To love means loving the unlovable. To forgive means pardoning the unpardonable. Faith means believing the unbelievable. Hope means hoping when everything seems hopeless.” G.K.Chesterton

St Louis de Montfort said to sinners: If you say faithfully the Rosary until death, I assure you, despite the gravity of your sins you will receive a “never fading crown of glory” [1 Pet 5:4]. Even if you are on the brink of damnation, even if you have one foot in hell, even if you have sold your soul to the devil as sorcerers do, and even if you are a heretic as obstinate as a devil, sooner or later you will be converted. You will amend your life and save your soul if you say the Holy Rosary devoutly, every day until death for the purpose of knowing the truth; and obtaining contrition and pardon for your sins. - St Louis de Montfort, “The Secret of the Rosary” source from Abbey-Roads blog

Way Chapel in Alaska

Way Chapel in Alaska

Way Chapel in Alaska. I cannot remember the name of it. They made it out of a quansit hut. It was tiny, but I really felt God's spirit there.

May Crowning of Our Lady

MARY Ark of the covenant Cause of our joy Comforter of the afflicted Co-Redemptrix (not a defined doctrine of the Catholic Church) Mary, Favoured Daughter of the Father Gate of Heaven Health of the sick Help of Christians Holy Mary Holy Mother of God Holy Virgin of virgins House of gold The Immaculate Heart Mirror of justice Morning Star Mother inviolate Mother most admirable Mother most amiable Mother most chaste Mother most pure Mother of Christ Mother of divine grace Mother of good counsel Mother of our Creator Mother of our Redeemer Mother of Sorrows Mother of the Son Mother undefiled Mystical rose Queen of Angels Queen of Heaven Queen of Patriarchs Queen of Prophets Queen of Apostles Queen of Martyrs Queen of Confessors Queen of Virgins Mary, Queen of all Saints Queen conceived without original sin Queen of the most holy Rosary Queen of peace Refuge of sinners Seat of wisdom Singular vessel of devotion Spiritual vessel Mary,Spouse of the Holy Spirit Tower of David Tower of ivory Vessel of honor Virgin most prudent Virgin most venerabl Virgin most renowned Virgin most powerful Virgin most merciful Virgin most faithful

Snow lavendar

My daughter, Jana, took this picture after it had snowed.

Laural & Hardy - dancing

cuz it's that kind of day....

Vizcaya Museum & Gardens, Miami, FL

My handsome Captain!

Vizcaya Museum & gardens, Miami, FL

Vizcaya Museum & gardens, Miami, FL

Vizcaya Museum & gardens, Miami, FL

Diet Doctor

Diet Info

Favorite Quote of the Day

Stupidity is also a gift of God, but one mustn't misuse it.
Pope John Paul II

Our Lady of Knock

While visiting Ireland a few years back, we made the pilgrimage to Knock. The Story of Knock began on the 21st August 1879 when Our Lady, St. Joseph and St. John the Evangelist appeared at the south gable of Knock Parish Church. The apparition was witnessed by fifteen people, young and old. From this miraculous Apparition Knock has grown to the status of an internationally recognised Marian Shrine.
http://www.knock-shrine.ie/

How to make a rosary

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Mary Undoer of Knots

My daughter-in-law, Julie, shared this beautiful jewel of a novena with me:
http://www.theholyrosary.org/maryundoerknots

Solemnity of the Baptism of our Lord

The Anima Christi
Soul of Christ, sanctify me.
Body of Christ, save me.
Blood of Christ, inebriate me.
Water from Christ's side, wash me.
Passion of Christ, strengthen me.
O good Jesus, hear me.
Within Thy wounds hide me.
Suffer me not to be separated from Thee.
From the malicious enemy defend me.
In the hour of my death call me.
And bid me come unto Thee.
That I may praise Thee with Thy saints and with Thy angels.
Forever and ever
Amen

The Snowman

Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God -

Madonna and Child

Gazing at this beautiful mother and precious child, knowing that they represent the mother of God and God Incarnate, fills me with such joy and tenderness and sorrow all wrapped up together. I am so thankful for Mary's "yes" - for her "Fiat".

Cats with Thumbs