tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81648789901257695722024-03-05T04:00:14.013-08:00Accidental DiscoveriesThings It Took Me An Embarrassingly Long Time To Learn And Other Thoughts on Adulthood.
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01862608839870093437noreply@blogger.comBlogger62125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8164878990125769572.post-14747765880631960852016-07-28T11:50:00.004-07:002016-07-28T11:50:59.927-07:00Put a Lid on It: Savory Pies for Many Occassions... including just lunch.<br />
<br />
It started with a <a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/26317/chicken-pot-pie-ix/" target="_blank">chicken pot pie</a>, delivered to our doorstep on a cold winter's night while we snuggled our newborn and delighted in our toddler. One was baked that day for dinner, the other tucked away in our already over-filled freezer, a sign that while we hoped for an easy baby, we prepared for the worst.<br />
<br />
(As an easy baby was, in fact, had, many, many <a href="https://smittenkitchen.com/2012/06/strawberries-and-cream-biscuits/" target="_blank">scones</a> were made on those days that dinner was provided by pre-baby labor, keeping cooking and baking in the<a href="http://www.archokc.org/news/6855-finding-god-given-patience-in-monotony" target="_blank"> routine</a>.)<br />
<br />
It continued in March, during my husband's last spring break ever, for his feast day celebration (also the most-oft celebrated saint day in the United States), with the appropriate beer featured in the inner portion of the <a href="http://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1012397-guinness-pie" target="_blank">pie</a>- and, of course, drunk with dinner. The crust was scored in a cross-fashion, as instructed by my Irish-loving uncle to ensure authenticity, with three marks on either side for each member of the holy family. <br />
<br />
A series of quiches followed, all using <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/1035537/double-crust-pie-dough" target="_blank">Martha's double crust recipe</a>, filled with fresh spinach, leftover roasted broccoli or cauliflower, shredded cheese (cheddar or Aldi gouda for a decadent treat!), and whatever else I had on hand, like cubes of Easter ham and roast chicken. Very vegetable quiche: paired with salad, the perfect delicious yet nutrient-dense lunch for a nursing mama.<br />
<br />
Then there was what would have been my crowning glory, had I known how to properly prepare an artichoke: Marcella Hazan's Artichoke Ricotta Torte, from <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Essentials-Classic-Italian-Cooking-Marcella/dp/039458404X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1469654359&sr=8-1&keywords=marcella+hazan+essentials+of+classic+italian+cooking" target="_blank">The Essentials of Italian Cooking</a>, for a <a href="http://www.archokc.org/news/6779-making-meatless-fridays-a-year-round-observance" target="_blank">decadent yet meatless Friday night dinne</a>r. Instead, we were left with a deliciously flaky crust, paired with tough artichoke leaves, leaving promise for the future.<br />
<br />
Finally, last night a <a href="http://www.likemotherlikedaughter.org/2014/05/bits-pieces-with-a-little-savory-pie-how-to/" target="_blank">Ham, Cheese, and Spinach pie</a>! Delicious (and well worth making a ham just for the leftovers it yields).<br />
<br />
What is it that makes a flaky crust elevate any old meal?<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
(In case you missed it, I linked to a few of my latest columns:<a href="http://www.archokc.org/news/6704-live-in-the-blessings-of-now" target="_blank">Living in the Present</a>,<a href="http://www.archokc.org/news/6855-finding-god-given-patience-in-monotony" target="_blank"> On Routine and God's Presence</a>, and <a href="http://www.archokc.org/news/6779-making-meatless-fridays-a-year-round-observance" target="_blank">on meatless Fridays</a>)<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01862608839870093437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8164878990125769572.post-82990106944048691782016-03-30T18:42:00.003-07:002016-04-07T13:14:51.969-07:00On My Nightstand<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9tlQWojHaQWDF3ChTtr05W7vGCf1Cbe8oa9uONENrm1ZbkOmDUSo9CkT7fjqUB9osYNBnhyphenhyphen5w_vzKo9Dl3Zz6s-hrbmRWAdou8tP7eMEvJP7JDORcSmHdchtM32rz-wW9jfYfABI1B88v/s1600/IMG_4003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9tlQWojHaQWDF3ChTtr05W7vGCf1Cbe8oa9uONENrm1ZbkOmDUSo9CkT7fjqUB9osYNBnhyphenhyphen5w_vzKo9Dl3Zz6s-hrbmRWAdou8tP7eMEvJP7JDORcSmHdchtM32rz-wW9jfYfABI1B88v/s320/IMG_4003.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.ignatius.com/Products/OLS-P/only-the-lover-sings.aspx" target="_blank">Pieper's Only the Lover Sings</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Kristin-Lavransdatter-Penguin-Classics-Edition/dp/0143039164" target="_blank">Sigrid Undset's Kristin Lavransdatter</a>, Vol. 1</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My mom's biographer of Fr. Stanley Rother, an Oklahoma farm boy turned Guatemalan martyr, T<a href="https://www.osv.com/Shop/Product?ProductCode=T1698" target="_blank">he Shepherd Who Didn't Run</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Ina May Gaskin's <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Ina-Mays-Guide-Childbirth-Gaskin/dp/0553381156" target="_blank">Guide to Childbirth</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Well, that last one was on my nightstand before the whole childbirth thing happened. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Now that one's gone (helpful as it was.)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And I'm left with a stack of books I desperately want to read. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Instead, I'm:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
- nursing the baby</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
- reading <a href="http://classicwinniethepooh.com/product/our-prints/hoppity-poem/" target="_blank">Hoppity Hop</a> to the toddler</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
- planning what to make <i><a href="http://mittenkitchen.com/blog/2009/10/breakfast-apple-granola-crisp/" target="_blank">some day</a>/</i>getting into food writing/scouring Smitten Kitchen archives (while nursing the baby)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
- actually making decadence like <a href="http://smittenkitchen.com/blog/2012/06/strawberries-and-cream-biscuits/" target="_blank">scones</a> while eating dinner out of our friends' and neighbors' generosity and, later, our freezer</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
- trying to keep up with the news without becoming depressed</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
- searching the internet for something <a href="http://www.likemotherlikedaughter.org/2016/03/of-feast-or-fast-christ-came-and-went-away/" target="_blank">edifying</a> <a href="http://thecatholiccatalogue.com/" target="_blank">to read</a> (while nursing the baby)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
- cleaning my house </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
- as always, writing my column (on<a href="http://www.archokc.org/news/6505-a-millenial-journey-in-faith-incorporating-mercy-into-busy-everyday-life" target="_blank"> mercy</a> and <a href="http://www.archokc.org/news/6366-a-millennial-journey-in-faith-finding-christ-in-lenten-practices" target="_blank">failing at Lent</a> and <a href="http://www.archokc.org/news/6182-commentary-finding-a-way-to-forgive" target="_blank">forgiveness</a>)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
- celebrating Easter! (while nursing the baby)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01862608839870093437noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8164878990125769572.post-19801007031904233132015-12-17T07:22:00.000-08:002015-12-17T07:24:03.383-08:00Domestic PursuitsThe last, oh, nine months or so, I've been mentally and physically preoccupied with domestic pursuits (right after completing <a href="https://www.osv.com/OSVNewsweekly/InFocus/Article/TabId/721/ArtMID/13629/ArticleID/17288/Beauty-Pointing-the-way-to-the-divine.aspx" target="_blank">this long article</a> on beauty). For the first few months, I was all too physically engaged with gestation, but then my time cleared up and my mind turned towards preparing our home for our new family member. This involved re-arranging, de-cluttering, and beautifying our home, as well as preparing for Christmas extra early.<br />
<br />
We were lucky enough to "inherit" a new bed. We were able to move the furniture around, getting rid of a set of shelving, and make the room look nicer (without buying a thing). Similarly, with help from a friend, I re-arranged the existing furniture in the living room; it opened up the space physically and mentally, making me feel like our small house had more possibilities than I thought.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvcfnW6Asckw4eK5nsZ4qtWN0a0av7O2gwC2Kj4owzNQcfDJ6Bj35FsT3eGIbhnXgJp4nySozGsX-DMSNI1nXTQ0cPhwhqEcEn8fqNh04Kvxe3gJbcRpF3aSAehYF5O_Eub4rQ-IhZRD6i/s1600/IMG_3701.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvcfnW6Asckw4eK5nsZ4qtWN0a0av7O2gwC2Kj4owzNQcfDJ6Bj35FsT3eGIbhnXgJp4nySozGsX-DMSNI1nXTQ0cPhwhqEcEn8fqNh04Kvxe3gJbcRpF3aSAehYF5O_Eub4rQ-IhZRD6i/s400/IMG_3701.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUboyudknyU80sco7F0gaTIRnTU4hl0giPafkkkNxIph1BFIKJvLwZm9R7ARJ-GvDKD5NTUpEGtkXi6oU-Wk-87F35L06mmBPeuZD3ANF0n5BYMuZAHO5T1GhfzjjpYzkyR-YeNA93bSQs/s1600/IMG_3806.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUboyudknyU80sco7F0gaTIRnTU4hl0giPafkkkNxIph1BFIKJvLwZm9R7ARJ-GvDKD5NTUpEGtkXi6oU-Wk-87F35L06mmBPeuZD3ANF0n5BYMuZAHO5T1GhfzjjpYzkyR-YeNA93bSQs/s320/IMG_3806.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of my favorite newborn clothes: I can't believe we will soon have another baby this small!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4NlIlguglVu9pROEH1OqcA8m7TmoxqwTv6m80zewAnOse9EIrlSQ4sdR1Drj1AvaFI9cmt6epsRwhRJIHCm7tJ3yssRqvsQ62bQSLlNNqA2NHTYu7RWnLxA80O-5qd6zbPFPJhuyxnm9a/s1600/IMG_3875.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4NlIlguglVu9pROEH1OqcA8m7TmoxqwTv6m80zewAnOse9EIrlSQ4sdR1Drj1AvaFI9cmt6epsRwhRJIHCm7tJ3yssRqvsQ62bQSLlNNqA2NHTYu7RWnLxA80O-5qd6zbPFPJhuyxnm9a/s400/IMG_3875.JPG" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aldi flowers</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
As usual, my domestic pursuits involved food: delicious squash soup, <a href="http://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2013/12/03/recipe-best-pulled-pork-crock-pot/" target="_blank">crock pot pulled pork</a> for the freezer, <a href="http://www.southernliving.com/food/southern-living-december-2015-recipes/christmas-morning-cinnamon-rolls-recipe-image" target="_blank">Christmas morning cinnamon rolls</a> saved for Christmas morning, granola and<a href="http://www.southernliving.com/food/holidays-occasions/11-heavenly-holiday-desserts/pecan-linzer-cookies" target="_blank"> pecan linzer </a>cookies for gifting, <a href="http://www.likemotherlikedaughter.org/2014/11/thankful-preparing-cinnamon-roll-braided-bread/" target="_blank">Cinnamon Roll braided bread</a>, Moroccan chicken, and so much more.... mostly waffles!<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Waffles of all varieties to eat on those hazy post-partum mornings when you need something substantial <i>right now</i>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQal0wY2aIf8Qq4aP1e_ZlUPWWqIM6RJkcBRkYEE5WMLuxZShmLpp4DJOSmsb1hIzcG7ae8qUH7KUQCaipcbZ7x-b0CuK1Jfx_P8Ag35AjfInSsTyO6U86QaObOgns60oMvNxc8d1ArRNh/s1600/IMG_2582.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQal0wY2aIf8Qq4aP1e_ZlUPWWqIM6RJkcBRkYEE5WMLuxZShmLpp4DJOSmsb1hIzcG7ae8qUH7KUQCaipcbZ7x-b0CuK1Jfx_P8Ag35AjfInSsTyO6U86QaObOgns60oMvNxc8d1ArRNh/s400/IMG_2582.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Squash soup!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3lcsQBsFjoKGt1tbXQMsXboMUITP0u0FulbMSfBwYrx-nAjaWeFZPQr0VLAeMUa-5zlcRHZ3ZqJBqIplaOsXWwTHbqz-_FHHjRAq1N9HkyEGvU21QvAf0S2mO44tmvJDF0Tu1LzX1BHFf/s1600/IMG_2828.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3lcsQBsFjoKGt1tbXQMsXboMUITP0u0FulbMSfBwYrx-nAjaWeFZPQr0VLAeMUa-5zlcRHZ3ZqJBqIplaOsXWwTHbqz-_FHHjRAq1N9HkyEGvU21QvAf0S2mO44tmvJDF0Tu1LzX1BHFf/s320/IMG_2828.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt-uG876DW_Mu0qJ5IEiDSyzEpqRk9h2pSJ___AroBArdXO2NjIsPVmQSsQtbUws5QXNxiAnTu_jtYuD1K-JD9IAfLu9dP6RZCFeITDAGeQtnRxj9ccYU9HFWxjwNwPq5zOP13QtZoyF9F/s1600/IMG_3989.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt-uG876DW_Mu0qJ5IEiDSyzEpqRk9h2pSJ___AroBArdXO2NjIsPVmQSsQtbUws5QXNxiAnTu_jtYuD1K-JD9IAfLu9dP6RZCFeITDAGeQtnRxj9ccYU9HFWxjwNwPq5zOP13QtZoyF9F/s640/IMG_3989.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cinnamon Roll Braided Bread, with pecans instead of raisins (I live in the South<i> and</i> need protein!)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG9_snw5vG4Cdy-yLNQRMZxjAeU5VVTkSSwB2alCtjig3fiOCuFSnftOrS8rK8qlqNaV8YqOKVS5rq7teGFfQJ6UE1QCYFtq3U-zgdocH_btdhg_VcJwjfPHJOi3pzarCDCt6zqmT4RKSY/s1600/IMG_3991.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG9_snw5vG4Cdy-yLNQRMZxjAeU5VVTkSSwB2alCtjig3fiOCuFSnftOrS8rK8qlqNaV8YqOKVS5rq7teGFfQJ6UE1QCYFtq3U-zgdocH_btdhg_VcJwjfPHJOi3pzarCDCt6zqmT4RKSY/s320/IMG_3991.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0dYMGUhU9SaaEnK5z0gbFKRgsaD470axuACVAf29UQP4rfN2SkVC8UwaZYu2g_gJGkUO89saUw94mBTWfFWwFEx7ClRbTLXq2qrPJPei2hDZnUhGQDP-OL3yKs7cYl2vEFOip8uxEZ-NM/s1600/IMG_3994.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0dYMGUhU9SaaEnK5z0gbFKRgsaD470axuACVAf29UQP4rfN2SkVC8UwaZYu2g_gJGkUO89saUw94mBTWfFWwFEx7ClRbTLXq2qrPJPei2hDZnUhGQDP-OL3yKs7cYl2vEFOip8uxEZ-NM/s400/IMG_3994.JPG" width="297" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Christmas tree!<br />
Non-Santa presents bought and wrapped very early</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcBO4EsWdgk2Q21lk9_ieEQt7TNDHPzoljGtJ8PS7C6Z-9k_VfT2RyJk1MIzbSNzoR9uZNxMXjt9AZJt8kFgzRAxNmqUNDvZNtB58BWO51vCgG04krG1DO6phpEK3fagnnsFQRoFNuRH5B/s1600/IMG_3995.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcBO4EsWdgk2Q21lk9_ieEQt7TNDHPzoljGtJ8PS7C6Z-9k_VfT2RyJk1MIzbSNzoR9uZNxMXjt9AZJt8kFgzRAxNmqUNDvZNtB58BWO51vCgG04krG1DO6phpEK3fagnnsFQRoFNuRH5B/s320/IMG_3995.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01862608839870093437noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8164878990125769572.post-14393185051913208002015-12-04T14:00:00.002-08:002015-12-07T11:16:49.473-08:00Job, Advent, and Suffering<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCXFIOhyphenhyphenjwCNJxkp6hTWbS9t9s1AdeMhLqrSJWqgeCnd706O_BdupUNRAC4GGGpb9KUS7QxAAgQFXRvrGcY3zR123wc7KzrnLgqUZlZPmN8ylrNuzzr6S7dmjZTcgwB-rw46V8ZXglM5pu/s1600/IMG_2819.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCXFIOhyphenhyphenjwCNJxkp6hTWbS9t9s1AdeMhLqrSJWqgeCnd706O_BdupUNRAC4GGGpb9KUS7QxAAgQFXRvrGcY3zR123wc7KzrnLgqUZlZPmN8ylrNuzzr6S7dmjZTcgwB-rw46V8ZXglM5pu/s320/IMG_2819.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Last year's Tree</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div>
What we've done for Advent: </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
1. Set up our advent wreath... today </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
(We were at my parent's for an extended thanksgiving that included an ice storm and a power outage at our house until Tuesday night)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
2. Set up our nativity, with Mary and Joseph journeying on the coffee table; the Magi are coming from the East!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
3. Re-read parts of Joseph Ratzinger's advent homilies, collected as <i>What it Means to Be a Christian</i></div>
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<div>
4. Wrote my advent column!</div>
<div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br />
<!--StartFragment--><span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><i> Terrorist
attack iconic Paris, leaving the Western world mourning for the victims, their
families, and our collective safety and security. The news hits hard amidst a
daily life of relative peace and joy, bringing to the forefront the horror and
evil present in this world, leading us to ask, “Why?” Governments, think-tanks,
pyschologists, and friends may answer this “why,” but their answers don’t
suffice. It isn’t really to them that what we ask. Instead, our question is addressed,
consciously or not, to the source of all meaning.</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "cambria";"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "cambria";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Read the rest <a href="http://www.archokc.org/news/6002-journeying-with-god-encounters-with-wickedness-stir-questions" target="_blank">here</a> (or <a href="http://www.northtexascatholic.org/features-article?r=D5QVD4HQP4&send_to=%2Ffeatures-news" target="_blank">here</a>, if you prefer your news sources to be Texan). </span><!--EndFragment-->
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "cambria";"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "cambria";">And my <a href="http://www.archokc.org/news/5930-commentary-appreciate-beauty-in-the-simple-everyday" target="_blank">November column</a>, on beauty in the everyday.</span></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01862608839870093437noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8164878990125769572.post-88566917679782812672015-10-08T06:00:00.000-07:002015-10-08T10:06:03.205-07:00Wonder
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:DocumentProperties>
<o:Template>Normal.dotm</o:Template>
<o:Revision>0</o:Revision>
<o:TotalTime>0</o:TotalTime>
<o:Pages>1</o:Pages>
<o:Words>116</o:Words>
<o:Characters>665</o:Characters>
<o:Company>Saint Mary's College</o:Company>
<o:Lines>5</o:Lines>
<o:Paragraphs>1</o:Paragraphs>
<o:CharactersWithSpaces>816</o:CharactersWithSpaces>
<o:Version>12.0</o:Version>
</o:DocumentProperties>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves>false</w:TrackMoves>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>
<w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>
<w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:DontAutofitConstrainedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
</w:Compatibility>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="276">
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>When
I first held my daughter, I was overwhelmed with the awe and gratitude common
to new mothers. Who was this tiny person that was given to me to love? Where
did she come from, and what will she become? Will her blue eyes stay blue? Will
she be a reader, an athlete, a kind friend? </i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>This
profound sense of wonder, which we experience at the birth of a child,
paradoxically brings us back to our own childhood, when our experience of the
world is illuminated by the miracle of existence. We see this amazement as the
child grows: her whole body enlivens at backyard rabbits, the long, soft
branches of a willow tree, and a visit from her grandfather. The child’s way of
relating to the whole world differs greatly from the adult’s; it is imbued with
wonder and awe, aware of the whole world as a gift.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8H8TbAV2-2oBS8hVRGGqV4rdPO-5Bb28k_Q11_zU5iQv44FLkixP27mec9EJGY7aTdyv3M5prq2sXkj6cg01z6uhbj7D_0zY9f7jg4DQ8AzpSfTTtGot193FBbzMWOt-Tpio_sPgP9mAw/s1600/IMG_0141.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8H8TbAV2-2oBS8hVRGGqV4rdPO-5Bb28k_Q11_zU5iQv44FLkixP27mec9EJGY7aTdyv3M5prq2sXkj6cg01z6uhbj7D_0zY9f7jg4DQ8AzpSfTTtGot193FBbzMWOt-Tpio_sPgP9mAw/s320/IMG_0141.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Read the rest <a href="http://www.archokc.org/news/5835-commentary-welcoming-the-child">here</a>. </div>
<!--EndFragment-->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01862608839870093437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8164878990125769572.post-36991433395730251502015-10-06T18:17:00.000-07:002015-10-06T18:17:32.093-07:00Unhappy with your health insurance?<br />
<div style="color: #141823; display: block; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Due to the popularity and interest this attracted on Facebook, I'm taking a break from my regularly scheduled programming (i.e., re-posting my Millenials column...) to add a few details about the health care cost-sharing program we joined last January, in time for anyone to drop their health insurance during the open enrollment month of October.*</div>
<div style="color: #141823; display: block; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #141823; display: block; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Unhappy with your health insurance? A year ago, so were we: we paid thousands and thousands of dollars for the birth of our child, on top of high monthly premiums. We dropped our health insurance and joined Samaritan Ministries, a cost-sharing program. We pay our monthly share to an actual person with a medical need- one month everyone even paid less because there were more shares than needs! We just finished receiving the money for the upcoming birth of our second child (whi<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;">ch we will pay to the midwife and hospital); this time, we will pay $0 and have a much lower monthly payment.</span></div>
<div style="color: #141823; display: block; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-size: 13px; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 20px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em><br /></em></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 20px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Here’s how the need sharing process works in a nutshell:</em></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 20px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Each member commits to sending a set “Share” amount each month. These “Shares” are sent directly through the mail from one household to another, to the members with “Needs”. Samaritan Ministries uses a database that randomly matches Shares to Needs, so that the Sharing is coordinated and Shares go to the appropriate members with Needs.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 20px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div style="color: #141823; display: block; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
A few basic facts:</div>
<div style="color: #141823; display: block; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
- Routine medical care is not "publishable," meaning that other members are not required to send money; we pay out-of-pocket for pediatrician visits, vaccines, etc.</div>
<div style="color: #141823; display: block; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
- Anything under $300 is also not "publishable." However, a publishable need encompasses all related expenses to a specific medical condition. For example, ultrasounds, labs, midwife/doctor visits, hospital costs, etc are all part of a maternity need. Even if one of these things is under $300, it is bundled with the others to count and is then published. </div>
<div style="color: #141823; display: block; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
- Pre-existing conditions are covered in a limited manner; certain things are publishable after some time; maternity care is publishable up to the amount you've contributed by the birth of the child</div>
<div style="color: #141823; display: block; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
- Anything not "publishable" can be put in the newsletter as "special need." Each month, Samaritan suggests members send $20 to a specific special need, and distribute this suggestion such that the need would be almost entirely covered if every did so. It is not, however, required to do so.</div>
<div style="color: #141823; display: block; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
- It is faith-based. All similar but not faith-based programs were shut down by "Obamacare." None meet the required criteria for health insurance; this still exists because of a religious exemption.</div>
<div style="color: #141823; display: block; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
- There is not an age requirement</div>
<div style="color: #141823; display: block; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
- Sometimes people send you thank you cards for helping them with their medical need!</div>
<div style="color: #141823; display: block; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
- Members have the responsibility to collect and send bills as well as negotiate an uninsured/cash price with the health care provider. So far, we have had no trouble getting prices reduced for paying in cash, but there is a service to help members do this if the provider won't negotiate with the member</div>
<div style="color: #141823; display: block; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
- The other members who send you money know why they are sending it to you - this means they send prayers and sweet notes. It also means they know you are having a baby/had a kidney stone/have cancer (whatever your need is). With the transparency, some privacy is lost. This does not bother me but it is worth stating.</div>
<div style="color: #141823; display: block; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #141823; display: block; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
I'm mostly making this PSA because I hate to see people robbed blind by insurance companies- there is another way!- but if you join please put us down as a referral. It costs you nothing but saves us money. Email me for more details, and check out their website:<a href="http://samaritanministries.org/" rel="nofollow" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://samaritanministries.org/</a></div>
<div style="color: #141823; display: block; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #141823; display: block; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
*You may be able to drop more quickly; we were not in a position to do so as it was tied to my husband's job- I found out after the fact that the birth of a child makes someone eligible to drop insurance without finishing out the year.</div>
<div style="color: #141823; display: block; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01862608839870093437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8164878990125769572.post-6308455757965300692015-09-20T18:32:00.001-07:002015-09-20T18:32:21.913-07:00Imagination & Empathy
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:DocumentProperties>
<o:Template>Normal.dotm</o:Template>
<o:Revision>0</o:Revision>
<o:TotalTime>0</o:TotalTime>
<o:Pages>1</o:Pages>
<o:Words>67</o:Words>
<o:Characters>384</o:Characters>
<o:Company>Saint Mary's College</o:Company>
<o:Lines>3</o:Lines>
<o:Paragraphs>1</o:Paragraphs>
<o:CharactersWithSpaces>471</o:CharactersWithSpaces>
<o:Version>12.0</o:Version>
</o:DocumentProperties>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves>false</w:TrackMoves>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>
<w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>
<w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:DontAutofitConstrainedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
</w:Compatibility>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="276">
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>As
a child, I consumed stories voraciously: tales of children on the prairie,
runaways hidden in a museum, and siblings who find another world behind thick
fur coats. Like most children, I was encouraged in this habit and other ways of
cultivating my imagination, but it wasn’t until I was an adult that one of the
benefits of imagination became clear: the importance of imagination in
cultivating empathy, even for those who have very different lives than ours. </i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Read the rest<a href="http://www.archokc.org/news/5700-commentary-cultivating-empathy-through-reading-5700"> here</a>.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQwjsyPyXHbwUQyyL8ccikXoxeu8wEWVkVlkwhxP85I2mF4oeZ6_A3tV6QKRkMTf6Ty4ffkULnxagOdG1CoJvkRH4vJd7UTQcnLykCKgTXIepuPNvX4O6L6QeIbDH_Ki6xEHcSxIXzzFQ8/s1600/IMG_0628.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQwjsyPyXHbwUQyyL8ccikXoxeu8wEWVkVlkwhxP85I2mF4oeZ6_A3tV6QKRkMTf6Ty4ffkULnxagOdG1CoJvkRH4vJd7UTQcnLykCKgTXIepuPNvX4O6L6QeIbDH_Ki6xEHcSxIXzzFQ8/s320/IMG_0628.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01862608839870093437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8164878990125769572.post-13135790873704403682015-08-29T11:02:00.001-07:002015-08-29T11:02:56.405-07:00Silence
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:DocumentProperties>
<o:Template>Normal.dotm</o:Template>
<o:Revision>0</o:Revision>
<o:TotalTime>0</o:TotalTime>
<o:Pages>1</o:Pages>
<o:Words>82</o:Words>
<o:Characters>470</o:Characters>
<o:Company>Saint Mary's College</o:Company>
<o:Lines>3</o:Lines>
<o:Paragraphs>1</o:Paragraphs>
<o:CharactersWithSpaces>577</o:CharactersWithSpaces>
<o:Version>12.0</o:Version>
</o:DocumentProperties>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves>false</w:TrackMoves>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>
<w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>
<w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:DontAutofitConstrainedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
</w:Compatibility>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="276">
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:DocumentProperties>
<o:Template>Normal.dotm</o:Template>
<o:Revision>0</o:Revision>
<o:TotalTime>0</o:TotalTime>
<o:Pages>1</o:Pages>
<o:Words>93</o:Words>
<o:Characters>532</o:Characters>
<o:Company>Saint Mary's College</o:Company>
<o:Lines>4</o:Lines>
<o:Paragraphs>1</o:Paragraphs>
<o:CharactersWithSpaces>653</o:CharactersWithSpaces>
<o:Version>12.0</o:Version>
</o:DocumentProperties>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves>false</w:TrackMoves>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>
<w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>
<w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:DontAutofitConstrainedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
</w:Compatibility>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="276">
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><o:p> </o:p><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The
prairie grass waved as the wind cooled the walkway; the green expanse was freckled
only by clouds’ shadows. The natural beauty of the plains was broken only by
classic wooden farmhouses and the red brick buildings were we slept. These
stunning surroundings seeped into my soul, as beauty tends to do when we allow
ourselves to be immersed in it. That weekend, in the silence imposed by the
retreat, I was absorbed by the wonders of creation. The quiet created a space
within myself to slow down and really look: to look more closely at my own life
and relationship with Christ, as the retreat intended, as well as at the beauty
around me.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht4udfqTMvfwSAPHxnhB8fhuN2DGqGklHJcPjHFgIf9GTQXPbNN5l9MJMO60bpIroC_ZaeFypBOcMLg8KB5fYC36AcBfyuyER8ZvQB6vof3CGZGaPiCZOid4dQu_pzvTbqOgR7QtxnTx-z/s1600/IMG_0020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht4udfqTMvfwSAPHxnhB8fhuN2DGqGklHJcPjHFgIf9GTQXPbNN5l9MJMO60bpIroC_ZaeFypBOcMLg8KB5fYC36AcBfyuyER8ZvQB6vof3CGZGaPiCZOid4dQu_pzvTbqOgR7QtxnTx-z/s320/IMG_0020.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Read the rest <a href="http://www.archokc.org/news/5628-commentary-making-time-for-silence">here</a>.</div>
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<!--EndFragment-->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01862608839870093437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8164878990125769572.post-59225880444998751732015-08-22T18:35:00.000-07:002015-08-22T18:35:01.228-07:00God's Will
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:DocumentProperties>
<o:Template>Normal.dotm</o:Template>
<o:Revision>0</o:Revision>
<o:TotalTime>0</o:TotalTime>
<o:Pages>1</o:Pages>
<o:Words>143</o:Words>
<o:Characters>818</o:Characters>
<o:Company>Saint Mary's College</o:Company>
<o:Lines>6</o:Lines>
<o:Paragraphs>1</o:Paragraphs>
<o:CharactersWithSpaces>1004</o:CharactersWithSpaces>
<o:Version>12.0</o:Version>
</o:DocumentProperties>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves>false</w:TrackMoves>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>
<w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>
<w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:DontAutofitConstrainedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
</w:Compatibility>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="276">
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>In
the past year, my family has driven to my sister-in-law’s house in Fayetteville
multiple times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once, we drove out
through the plains on I-40 before heading north in the Ozark’s, but usually we
stop to see my mother and father-in-law in Tulsa on the way. From Tulsa to
Fayetteville, we’ve taken state highways offering a glimpses of the wooded
mountains and meandered our way slowly through trees and lakes. We have
re-adjusted our route after making a wrong turn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Each time, we have happily arrived at our destination and a
warm welcome.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The
freedom to travel different paths to the same destination is the same freedom
with which God gives us to live our lives. We can choose which path we want to
take on the way to our destination, which is (hopefully) heaven. We can even
make a wrong turn but still end up at the right place, sometimes by completely
re-routing our path.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While there
are wrong paths, there are also many right ones that can lead us to our ultimate
destination.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhICoYVEdUlwVgrf3MfLqCu2QPr6kocSiCuge4z0njTJgedc4FMtBs70h7hQ0yuTLwwaa-hv7oXttpeBW3Am4iP5AiPo0a_slzIb8s-z_WcbtFJYqefMnxqSr5wbpNoXNTKoiENx0ScFrAu/s1600/IMG_2667.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhICoYVEdUlwVgrf3MfLqCu2QPr6kocSiCuge4z0njTJgedc4FMtBs70h7hQ0yuTLwwaa-hv7oXttpeBW3Am4iP5AiPo0a_slzIb8s-z_WcbtFJYqefMnxqSr5wbpNoXNTKoiENx0ScFrAu/s320/IMG_2667.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Read the rest <a href="http://www.archokc.org/news/5510-commentary-finding-a-path-to-gods-kingdom">here</a>.</div>
<!--EndFragment-->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01862608839870093437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8164878990125769572.post-78632749312688828412015-08-12T11:04:00.000-07:002015-08-12T11:04:04.425-07:00Belonging
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:DocumentProperties>
<o:Template>Normal.dotm</o:Template>
<o:Revision>0</o:Revision>
<o:TotalTime>0</o:TotalTime>
<o:Pages>1</o:Pages>
<o:Words>137</o:Words>
<o:Characters>781</o:Characters>
<o:Company>Saint Mary's College</o:Company>
<o:Lines>6</o:Lines>
<o:Paragraphs>1</o:Paragraphs>
<o:CharactersWithSpaces>959</o:CharactersWithSpaces>
<o:Version>12.0</o:Version>
</o:DocumentProperties>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves>false</w:TrackMoves>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>
<w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>
<w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:DontAutofitConstrainedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
</w:Compatibility>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="276">
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>“St. Mark the Evangelist,” the canter rings out while children and their
parents file to the back of the large, suburban parish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Pray
for us,” the congregation echoes back, as we prepare to welcome a new
member.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A dark-haired, sleeping
baby girl is about to be awoken with the waters of baptism.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I recognize her parents as fellow
parishioners, though I have never met them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>After
the baptism has taken place, the priest carries the newly baptized, now dressed
in white, to the front of the church; as he walks, he says this is the first of
four times she will come down this aisle in white: the first at baptism, again
at first communion, later for marriage, and, at the end, for her funeral.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>This aisle, he says.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not an
aisle, at a church, but this aisle, at this church—the aisle I was about to walk down for the first time,
as a bride, after reluctantly becoming a parishioner where my parents had
joined after I left for college.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwgVuuyk0Zcg2FQ1zxWW5ufYj8w3COrJ-dkuheX1JxeqkbGzXnBegw-cbzqSguFbaSEEmAWc_a538tWS7SKefLXDaC3VsATtLvzLjdE0HrpKglCp0WfZUvvEI1XQccb4ZdQs_FT-2RnNei/s1600/2014-01-26-SOFIABAPTISM+-+022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwgVuuyk0Zcg2FQ1zxWW5ufYj8w3COrJ-dkuheX1JxeqkbGzXnBegw-cbzqSguFbaSEEmAWc_a538tWS7SKefLXDaC3VsATtLvzLjdE0HrpKglCp0WfZUvvEI1XQccb4ZdQs_FT-2RnNei/s320/2014-01-26-SOFIABAPTISM+-+022.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sofia's baptism</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Read the rest <a href="http://www.archokc.org/news/5399-commentary-belonging-to-the-church-community">here</a>.</div>
<!--EndFragment-->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01862608839870093437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8164878990125769572.post-52845811663282330822015-07-31T12:31:00.000-07:002015-07-31T12:31:03.014-07:00Loneliness
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:DocumentProperties>
<o:Template>Normal.dotm</o:Template>
<o:Revision>0</o:Revision>
<o:TotalTime>0</o:TotalTime>
<o:Pages>1</o:Pages>
<o:Words>123</o:Words>
<o:Characters>705</o:Characters>
<o:Company>Saint Mary's College</o:Company>
<o:Lines>5</o:Lines>
<o:Paragraphs>1</o:Paragraphs>
<o:CharactersWithSpaces>865</o:CharactersWithSpaces>
<o:Version>12.0</o:Version>
</o:DocumentProperties>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves>false</w:TrackMoves>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>
<w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>
<w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:DontAutofitConstrainedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
</w:Compatibility>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="276">
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>When
I was a single adult, the loneliness didn’t come on Valentine’s Day, when I
showed up alone to a wedding, or when I saw an engagement on Facebook.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, like for most single people, it
was still a presence in my life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>For me, it came while walking through a neighborhood, houses full of
families, or when trying to make a major decision about my life, realizing the
outcome affected me much more than anyone else.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Following
Monsignor Luigi Giussani’s instructions in his book The Religious Sense, I used my emotions as “binoculars” to look
more closely at my life. Giussani,
founder of the ecclesial lay movement Communion and Liberation, wrote, “Let us
imagine feeling as a kind of lens; the object is carried closer to a person’s
cognitive energy by this lens so that reason can know it more easily and
securely.”</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Read the rest <a href="http://www.archokc.org/news/5133-the-eucharist-and-loneliness">here</a>.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5wNWWzBAaATZNDtP7FTqHFN-O93AbraMyWo-TjuLolmc-NTlTKiXqeYjYkOkCI6KhRkAIMDKOKj0NJOvsjIRHEoa70V0eWQPVZT8-33PnQs4oiBf_zKJ69ijI_G_aWOnCzuW9FhYTDbvg/s1600/img_8516_0014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5wNWWzBAaATZNDtP7FTqHFN-O93AbraMyWo-TjuLolmc-NTlTKiXqeYjYkOkCI6KhRkAIMDKOKj0NJOvsjIRHEoa70V0eWQPVZT8-33PnQs4oiBf_zKJ69ijI_G_aWOnCzuW9FhYTDbvg/s320/img_8516_0014.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And my article on beauty and the church <a href="https://www.osv.com/Article/TabId/493/ArtMID/13569/ArticleID/17288/Beauty-Pointing-the-way-to-the-divine.aspx">here</a>. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01862608839870093437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8164878990125769572.post-30007208227731158972015-03-03T11:08:00.002-08:002015-03-03T11:08:18.580-08:00Home
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:DocumentProperties>
<o:Template>Normal.dotm</o:Template>
<o:Revision>0</o:Revision>
<o:TotalTime>0</o:TotalTime>
<o:Pages>1</o:Pages>
<o:Words>104</o:Words>
<o:Characters>598</o:Characters>
<o:Company>Saint Mary's College</o:Company>
<o:Lines>4</o:Lines>
<o:Paragraphs>1</o:Paragraphs>
<o:CharactersWithSpaces>734</o:CharactersWithSpaces>
<o:Version>12.0</o:Version>
</o:DocumentProperties>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves>false</w:TrackMoves>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>
<w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>
<w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:DontAutofitConstrainedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
</w:Compatibility>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="276">
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Like
all kids growing up, at times I felt out of place—at school, at church, with
friends and even in my own family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In early elementary school, I longed to play the more organized games of
the “big kids,” making myself out of place with my peers but not belonging with
the older students.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Like many
others, this feeling grew as I entered the awkward stage of life that is
adolescence and was bolstered by the themes of many coming of age stories.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Like Salinger’s <u>Catcher in the Rye </u>and the Disney classic <u>Beauty and the Beast</u>, the account many young people hear is that leaving
home—especially for those from small towns and the middle of the country—is the
path to success and shedding the feeling of not fitting in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></i></div>
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjztenAW-QsObvhsOzEQd_xRtReyf0f6fuKGAqQrvirVnt3pMqawBbI2SqBuSBhf1z9M4epwTbWlOgnr_pqv8tbM5jJh1B2FuDvw0yZHZJlWQOU9H_3SPI-iFndSoWcSh3b0WvV-rl702wj/s1600/IMG_3112.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjztenAW-QsObvhsOzEQd_xRtReyf0f6fuKGAqQrvirVnt3pMqawBbI2SqBuSBhf1z9M4epwTbWlOgnr_pqv8tbM5jJh1B2FuDvw0yZHZJlWQOU9H_3SPI-iFndSoWcSh3b0WvV-rl702wj/s1600/IMG_3112.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The beginning of my latest column. Read the rest <a href="http://archokc.org/news/5045-commentary-finding-a-home-sense-of-belonging-through-god">here</a>.<br />
<br />
(And if you like the topic, check out <a href="http://www.frontporchrepublic.com/about/">Front Porch Republic</a>)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01862608839870093437noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8164878990125769572.post-37848730461437640712015-02-02T12:18:00.001-08:002015-02-02T12:18:07.001-08:00What I'm Reading<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7eNOx2LIzL2y3WuAwCXAJt_eOc1lBEtPl4WFSG_evHz97udl8EfoSQm5vCzADdy917mans_lb0fWE51WSmSbLl_r4LekwXM1GaEWJQTlcMg49yl65RCMkDbHn8y0xKbfMOjrAKymYXhih/s640/blogger-image-930765638.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7eNOx2LIzL2y3WuAwCXAJt_eOc1lBEtPl4WFSG_evHz97udl8EfoSQm5vCzADdy917mans_lb0fWE51WSmSbLl_r4LekwXM1GaEWJQTlcMg49yl65RCMkDbHn8y0xKbfMOjrAKymYXhih/s640/blogger-image-930765638.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgulcLbJhOQSYSKzs-c2Klbv6fmrfwR5defIs50du4esOmG6C_JMvtNxj4mAjK0D9nRyBu5_GHjW1hW5u5bOQ2Otm-PNEF8o4cDutCCn51RB-xycjdPKuNLdGrhpVf9pMsn8eB1vYp-B68T/s640/blogger-image--1232534237.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgulcLbJhOQSYSKzs-c2Klbv6fmrfwR5defIs50du4esOmG6C_JMvtNxj4mAjK0D9nRyBu5_GHjW1hW5u5bOQ2Otm-PNEF8o4cDutCCn51RB-xycjdPKuNLdGrhpVf9pMsn8eB1vYp-B68T/s640/blogger-image--1232534237.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7eNOx2LIzL2y3WuAwCXAJt_eOc1lBEtPl4WFSG_evHz97udl8EfoSQm5vCzADdy917mans_lb0fWE51WSmSbLl_r4LekwXM1GaEWJQTlcMg49yl65RCMkDbHn8y0xKbfMOjrAKymYXhih/s640/blogger-image-930765638.jpg"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIbL2T8qduhhs-LPwUuJmDQNybveB6kS3SSpIVLj6z75g4woSPkpDCeHo8w8EOouLbZ93M2lhUKGVUVWgZDI4OweM9Wa-2MDEdkhcaXhswkZlFeWmZX8fO3V668LTlyxrauhl4WUsZIhyA/s640/blogger-image--768856362.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIbL2T8qduhhs-LPwUuJmDQNybveB6kS3SSpIVLj6z75g4woSPkpDCeHo8w8EOouLbZ93M2lhUKGVUVWgZDI4OweM9Wa-2MDEdkhcaXhswkZlFeWmZX8fO3V668LTlyxrauhl4WUsZIhyA/s640/blogger-image--768856362.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Now that's what I call diversity. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">A tome on the science and history of foods. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">A late-elementary kid's book that's delightful to read. Third book in a lovely series introduced to me by a former tutoring student. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And a book on how to ensure my child is as creative, brilliant, and independent as possible.*</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">*JK. Totally recommend the Montessori methods of how to teach very small children- and how to set up their environment in a way conducive to learning. I mean, my little babe's playing used to largely consist of throwing everything she could on the floor. Now she will actually PLAY with her toys!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01862608839870093437noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8164878990125769572.post-59511068442270178862015-01-19T13:37:00.000-08:002015-01-19T13:55:42.219-08:00Oh, the lights! The carols! The guilt-free Santa cookies!Already missing the magic of those celebratory twelve days full of gift-giving, feasting, New Year's toasts, and jingling bells? Check out my article on <a href="http://archokc.org/sooner-catholic-featured-articles/4341-christmas-traditions-">Christmas traditions in other cultures.</a> It'll help with the January blues.<div>
<br></div>
<div>
<span id="goog_772016278"></span><span id="goog_772016279"></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-AEReNIhyErKZYRN914FYpBycg2D8daDlnOLOe7I_myKFI1mp-BLOMMZJK722NT5ogegfOiO3GXyLikPaaH4OC0Bxp9AmR8h4uqN5IpXu90AnLvkeYTLqDqbKB2sed7aLQCjs5getHEO5/s640/blogger-image--1620332090.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-AEReNIhyErKZYRN914FYpBycg2D8daDlnOLOe7I_myKFI1mp-BLOMMZJK722NT5ogegfOiO3GXyLikPaaH4OC0Bxp9AmR8h4uqN5IpXu90AnLvkeYTLqDqbKB2sed7aLQCjs5getHEO5/s640/blogger-image--1620332090.jpg"></a></div><br></div>
<div>
And if that doesn't, maybe the promise of spring will. </div><div><br></div><div><br></div>
<div>
(While you're at it, you may like Leah Darrow's <a href="http://archokc.org/sooner-catholic-featured-articles/4237-darrow-connects-with-students-on-gods-love">message of love </a>and prayer for <a href="http://archokc.org/sooner-catholic-featured-articles/4389-oklahoma-celebrates-week-of-prayer-for-christian-unity">Christian Unity</a>.)</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01862608839870093437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8164878990125769572.post-55863306704519375922014-12-18T14:29:00.000-08:002014-12-18T14:29:05.408-08:00When You're a Grown UpOr should be, but it's just not very clear what that even means.<br />
<br />
I wrote about it, <a href="http://archokc.org/news/4173-commentary-young-singles-face-great-challenge-of-the-family">here</a> and <a href="http://archokc.org/news/3781-generation-y-an-answer-to-uncertainty">here</a> (in that column thing I do).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ247m66bKoGKbejq98nlVYLBd2oMWfkEso7EHt-F_5Eqc5idlkfgAZ4lZCwaw8tchmtt8UMxKcPaU3-pzSyrmjvnc2tiH9jbB0PijMgoB6kNDPUfBsmJmg7RxTHbltKixFwpjtnJtPTnm/s1600/weddingday_jun12_352.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ247m66bKoGKbejq98nlVYLBd2oMWfkEso7EHt-F_5Eqc5idlkfgAZ4lZCwaw8tchmtt8UMxKcPaU3-pzSyrmjvnc2tiH9jbB0PijMgoB6kNDPUfBsmJmg7RxTHbltKixFwpjtnJtPTnm/s1600/weddingday_jun12_352.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeFzhgc2TqtutU3rVYtSxcnpEKWGQ8L0T66oKxkfOyfWXbKnfXW0oiVVz23R6v9Q8toqkM5rmCUP72sukpcGQniDaf7FXUIG1zjMPUlReNgR7ESA9xHdJxZDVD6rIz-xH9qbQ5QjIWrwpF/s1600/IMG_1314.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeFzhgc2TqtutU3rVYtSxcnpEKWGQ8L0T66oKxkfOyfWXbKnfXW0oiVVz23R6v9Q8toqkM5rmCUP72sukpcGQniDaf7FXUIG1zjMPUlReNgR7ESA9xHdJxZDVD6rIz-xH9qbQ5QjIWrwpF/s1600/IMG_1314.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
"A year after graduating from college, I found myself at daily mass with a friend my age and her newborn baby. An older woman, heart-warmed by the sight of a beautiful young mother with her child, came up to us as we were leaving to tell my friend how happy she was to see a young woman living out her vocation."<br />
<br />
And, just for good measure, here's <a href="http://www.altcatholicah.com/altcatol/a/b/a/surviving_singledom/">this old piece</a> on the same subject. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01862608839870093437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8164878990125769572.post-67060527669316023742014-12-16T12:37:00.001-08:002014-12-16T12:37:51.149-08:00Beauty!Ever get lured in by the shiny pots or silk camis, even though you think <a href="http://ascapbidd.blogspot.com/2014/06/clueless-consumerism-and-catan.html">you're immune to that thing called consumerism? </a><div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Well, me too! And I wrote about it, again (remember when <a href="http://ascapbidd.blogspot.com/2014/08/green-eyed-monsternew-column.html">I told you I had new column? </a> Yeah, that's still going on.)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfzMH9RGWQwzABSGGjtLklhbOaEXdtr6bCOFyNktu7HznQtu3FM6jeZqyol4frMdyA34X-LZtDaoWS4azyPFjsl6v0a4I3dFjRUHPM4Hylun4uIFfibSdMgPyifkd6l0x1a4o6Agl3z739/s1600/IMG_1914.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfzMH9RGWQwzABSGGjtLklhbOaEXdtr6bCOFyNktu7HznQtu3FM6jeZqyol4frMdyA34X-LZtDaoWS4azyPFjsl6v0a4I3dFjRUHPM4Hylun4uIFfibSdMgPyifkd6l0x1a4o6Agl3z739/s1600/IMG_1914.JPG" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Temptation takes many forms.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
"Shut in from our daily walk by the rain and cold, my baby daughter and I took to the only place I knew of large enough to stretch my legs: the mall. No frequent shopper, I thought of myself as immune to the lures of new clothes, cookware, and technology on display, but our indoor jaunt proved otherwise. Cozy cable-knit sweaters, beautiful enameled cast iron pots, top-quality digital cameras, and flowing mid-length skirts called out to me."</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Read the rest<a href="http://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Farchokc.org%2Fnews%2F4261-waiting-for-simple-beauty-and-newness-during-advent&h=RAQETWnSEAQEfH_uZXmmJuLdVl-aDGF4cquuhlaaKi0XoCw&enc=AZOpOge9EZVV7zOvymua2SOMC-NmuEEEegkw0EpQPr49dK1tuXLb5pgxTmQCcjtfEKnTPcZLipbho9JxfyEgilkM43TuK3pzEOXju-fuzE8s5G86SecJn8IjpLTcfvV_Zy7dsOYrQkUpPzEAl0dBK4xke-a2vtN0wRte4MZM8HOMpg&s=1"> here</a>. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01862608839870093437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8164878990125769572.post-35786065260238477182014-10-29T13:44:00.000-07:002014-10-29T13:44:06.135-07:00Is it okay to not know how to read?So, back before I retired to become a naptime writer/one-pupil-teacher (who is pretty much still on <a href="http://www.likemotherlikedaughter.org/2009/03/order-and-wonder-or-most-frequently/">order and wonder</a> and <a href="http://www.catholicallyear.com/2014/06/starting-baby-on-solid-foods-for-moms.html">how to eat</a>), I taught middle school math.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIliVnuyZSgJUPQz7wZ7LvkJcDsc5wCxZsT0PZSB8WQETNhrjKvTvm3gJm88SMW73dj7U0KbdLHd0tWEYmsUAfHdsI8gYknqZxuWPbjBQdNZ7xM8WrSZgaM2WAwpYz9jTxFErop5zm8lbd/s640/blogger-image--1377313868.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIliVnuyZSgJUPQz7wZ7LvkJcDsc5wCxZsT0PZSB8WQETNhrjKvTvm3gJm88SMW73dj7U0KbdLHd0tWEYmsUAfHdsI8gYknqZxuWPbjBQdNZ7xM8WrSZgaM2WAwpYz9jTxFErop5zm8lbd/s400/blogger-image--1377313868.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Instilling wonder in my main pupil/Everyone loves baby pics</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Yes, just about everyone's worst nightmare. Least favorite subject, least favorite age.<br />
<br />
"Math?" My well-meaning interlocutor says. "I was never very good at math."<br />
<br />
Or, less frequently but still common, "I always did well in math but I never really felt like I 'got' it."<br />
<br />
A flurry of recent articles by <a href="http://mobile.nytimes.com/2014/07/27/magazine/why-do-americans-stink-at-math.html?referrer=">Elizabeth Green</a> or about her <a href="http://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2014/09/building-better-teachers/375066/">new book</a> address the causes of being bad at math-- and <a href="http://mobile.nytimes.com/2014/08/04/your-money/americans-are-bad-at-math-but-its-not-too-late-to-fix.html?_r=1">some of the consequences for innumerate grown-ups</a> (that's the numerical equivalent to illiteracy, for all you limited vocab folks)*-- as well as the problems of teacher training, both for math specifically and in general.<br />
<br />
She addresses two things that are supremely important:<br />
1. American teachers are overworked. Teachers in countries that perform well in math spend a lot less time in the classroom- and a lot more time working with other teachers to prepare their lessons.<br />
<br />
2. Thorough teacher training and understanding of mathematics is crucial in developing students who think about the world mathematical rather than are just able to "do" math.<br />
<br />
So, now, many of the reforms introduce new algorithms for multiplying numbers that just confuse kids. And parents. By themselves, a textbook cannot teach a kid to think mathematically. A teacher has to guide them.<br />
<br />
This could be you.<br />
<br />
Seriously. Whether you are a parent or a mentor or just know some children, when the opportunity arises, talk to them about numbers: how much things cost, odd and even numbers, what product is cheaper to buy, ratio of girls to boys in class, how much flour to measure when you need two cups but only have a half cup out, whatever.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw_U1lIkOdPYviPC2cJh5Qb6mqTgUXHVpf5rbSJ6ETRjGH2HIRfyB2JcJT_oAYN8c81nZMHsmfkm_HuiuIuBruXASRQoY8ZenUwm2nFkakllx08HeWmibF7mAEsXpDoWo6zNO1zDV3h5X7/s1600/IMG_1055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw_U1lIkOdPYviPC2cJh5Qb6mqTgUXHVpf5rbSJ6ETRjGH2HIRfyB2JcJT_oAYN8c81nZMHsmfkm_HuiuIuBruXASRQoY8ZenUwm2nFkakllx08HeWmibF7mAEsXpDoWo6zNO1zDV3h5X7/s1600/IMG_1055.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baking: perfect situation to talk about numbers- fractions and ratios organically arise!<br />(This is a variation on Martha Stewart's <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/253726/red-white-and-blue-flag-cake#253726">flag cak</a>e that's similar to the <a href="http://ascapbidd.blogspot.com/2014/07/real-food-blogging-buttermilk-coffee.html">buttermilk coffee cak</a>e but not quite as good)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
You don't have to have <a href="http://ascapbidd.blogspot.com/2014/09/daily-life-hilarious.html">this conversation</a>, but you can still talk about numbers!<br />
<br />
<br />
And as for the difficulty of the the middle school age: well, let's just say that the parents were worse.^<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
*See what I did there?<br />
<br />
^To be truly honest, let's say that the most misbehaved kids were not nearly as hard to deal with as the most misbehaved parents. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01862608839870093437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8164878990125769572.post-20044179402717302312014-10-28T11:51:00.001-07:002014-10-28T11:51:47.603-07:00Wishes.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI-DY9GhcVxbpY4C6bZCIZ-pmMwMkUuutqwkoPMfq0_q9JJK2dB_Vxe3bI9Yd9cNUP43yUxIVlqowFXkEwv63oKX9OEkGI0fI9ua5SzSKzjIj5PSRZBoNvxzQzz7_kKjvymPJQW4qE46nj/s640/blogger-image--498764046.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI-DY9GhcVxbpY4C6bZCIZ-pmMwMkUuutqwkoPMfq0_q9JJK2dB_Vxe3bI9Yd9cNUP43yUxIVlqowFXkEwv63oKX9OEkGI0fI9ua5SzSKzjIj5PSRZBoNvxzQzz7_kKjvymPJQW4qE46nj/s640/blogger-image--498764046.jpg"></a></div>All I want for my birthday is her two top teeth. <div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD7sRMixPcU-94fGLn4zfH7_lc5D2C8l2s6tqzt0Azw_VuS0JPriSlFjH6ygr0cWFE95pPnutR-YSEh9UmGwXZCF3PFFQLrMKRcPTFBVSgHBqiVVMm5ns7Yn-Ux6RBtMkv-yCBYc0Ox_4D/s640/blogger-image-1707452638.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD7sRMixPcU-94fGLn4zfH7_lc5D2C8l2s6tqzt0Azw_VuS0JPriSlFjH6ygr0cWFE95pPnutR-YSEh9UmGwXZCF3PFFQLrMKRcPTFBVSgHBqiVVMm5ns7Yn-Ux6RBtMkv-yCBYc0Ox_4D/s640/blogger-image-1707452638.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And chocolate. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhupMUY3vsK8y6ZwAHZHfz52Ng8lxdU0y4DNscXPuAWMAwiG4eW1sxLZk9BoJ1gx-sfXeMKISenJQKIO67igcvfhVVfBk2mwzH35yNdJY_dY8FGqLXu3Su_kppqRbSbF5RsMUb4hjwAslW8/s640/blogger-image-738482888.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhupMUY3vsK8y6ZwAHZHfz52Ng8lxdU0y4DNscXPuAWMAwiG4eW1sxLZk9BoJ1gx-sfXeMKISenJQKIO67igcvfhVVfBk2mwzH35yNdJY_dY8FGqLXu3Su_kppqRbSbF5RsMUb4hjwAslW8/s640/blogger-image-738482888.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Or just a dragon. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLzciuDMygRL5vvhNJIzGTlMtwApRlaP2i8xobINFmgsG0bK4irrzBc5wC_nKS8qEV2Gpdj_5-M0fPg4dTaaPI17b6-85wUvrgQ9mqrsy40djk5HbjpTw0672NzyiW6BaqJZ_naoMqjMz_/s640/blogger-image--583130263.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLzciuDMygRL5vvhNJIzGTlMtwApRlaP2i8xobINFmgsG0bK4irrzBc5wC_nKS8qEV2Gpdj_5-M0fPg4dTaaPI17b6-85wUvrgQ9mqrsy40djk5HbjpTw0672NzyiW6BaqJZ_naoMqjMz_/s640/blogger-image--583130263.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01862608839870093437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8164878990125769572.post-63604660039591771812014-10-19T13:51:00.001-07:002014-10-19T13:51:10.172-07:00Cooking Tips! For Busy People Only.Whew. <br />
<br />
Things have been busy. <br />
<br />
I mean, I wrote <i>two </i>columns that I haven't had time to post.<br />
<br />
(One on the <a href="http://archokc.org/news/3781-generation-y-an-answer-to-uncertainty">uncertainty of young adulthood</a>, the other on <a href="http://archokc.org/news/3864-commentary-rendering-unto-god-what-is-gods">almsgiving</a>.) <br />
<br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:DocumentProperties>
<o:Template>Normal.dotm</o:Template>
<o:Revision>0</o:Revision>
<o:TotalTime>0</o:TotalTime>
<o:Pages>1</o:Pages>
<o:Words>28</o:Words>
<o:Characters>161</o:Characters>
<o:Company>Saint Mary's College</o:Company>
<o:Lines>1</o:Lines>
<o:Paragraphs>1</o:Paragraphs>
<o:CharactersWithSpaces>197</o:CharactersWithSpaces>
<o:Version>12.0</o:Version>
</o:DocumentProperties>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves>false</w:TrackMoves>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>
<w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>
<w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:DontAutofitConstrainedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
</w:Compatibility>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="276">
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
If I could, some days I would spend hours upon hours in the
kitchen, making four-course meal that concluded with a chocolate soufflé,
rasberries, and whipped cream.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUPFsm2_DmDHmy_xzm31BUNVF8KhwNZjQOyNuNx3bZF9lmVAT3yMi2jmOXl2Nfo-pmI5DdFQ0LiztQxibvbvpm0s2bXA4QMSDVcGdAv4eQN8BOUea-D9j4Wc8eAVVB-KnkKt_WnWALDdXB/s1600/IMG_1997.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUPFsm2_DmDHmy_xzm31BUNVF8KhwNZjQOyNuNx3bZF9lmVAT3yMi2jmOXl2Nfo-pmI5DdFQ0LiztQxibvbvpm0s2bXA4QMSDVcGdAv4eQN8BOUea-D9j4Wc8eAVVB-KnkKt_WnWALDdXB/s1600/IMG_1997.JPG" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.driscolls.com/recipes/view/6076/Strawberry-Buttermilk-Muffins">Strawberry buttermilk muffins</a>. I complained the entire time that muffins are never worth it... and then, they were so delicious.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Someone else would clean up.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But <i>that</i> hasn't happened in quite a long while. </div>
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT2tGw6nx4_RFEto2gd1SRO2qgnL6gmAJAQGDo7iLrnYuKs7K_yRZfTVLGxfy299hgll09DnduigD-bzAaKAIT2nT_Q9pxXSJ7OuK4YypWAeMt8dKFHgw5Fd6jUY3c8-ElDedgcgZJSLVF/s1600/IMG_1515.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT2tGw6nx4_RFEto2gd1SRO2qgnL6gmAJAQGDo7iLrnYuKs7K_yRZfTVLGxfy299hgll09DnduigD-bzAaKAIT2nT_Q9pxXSJ7OuK4YypWAeMt8dKFHgw5Fd6jUY3c8-ElDedgcgZJSLVF/s1600/IMG_1515.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Curried Eggplant, in early stages</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
And we still have to eat, right? <br /><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi3qpP9ln0wLY_bcirbV7cSaB2xo1Cec1ejQFxjlvoPqwn6IhK_thle_QI594plOkFcTNT_0x7zh4vkw1rrKpnhOhuSu80FBrEsjkdnwL4QTtb6Q7s6mvN7brHw3vXECtK2e-CLh08j29Y/s1600/IMG_2016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi3qpP9ln0wLY_bcirbV7cSaB2xo1Cec1ejQFxjlvoPqwn6IhK_thle_QI594plOkFcTNT_0x7zh4vkw1rrKpnhOhuSu80FBrEsjkdnwL4QTtb6Q7s6mvN7brHw3vXECtK2e-CLh08j29Y/s1600/IMG_2016.JPG" height="298" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red Pepper-Shrimp Pasta Sauce</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div>
So, today I will tell you a few things I do to get dinner on the table in a flash. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Tomorrow (okay, not tomorrow, but <i>sometime)</i> I might tell you secrets for getting dinner together (very quickly) in the morning or early afternoon, so you don't have to worry about it any more (preview: dump a bunch of stuff that sounds good together in a crockpot or dutch oven Leave it alone).</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Disclaimer/helpful tip: I could never be a restaurant chef. I rarely follow recipes exactly. Instead I add or sub or take out depending on what's in my cupboards, what was on sale, what's in season, etc. So let's start with that idea for<i> fast </i>dinners.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
If you want an exact recipe, check out: <a href="http://hwescott.blogspot.com/2013/03/sausage-pasta-skillet-recipe.html">sausage-pasta skillet</a>, <a href="http://www.thefauxmartha.com/2014/01/15/chickpea-indian-bowl/">chickpea indian bowl</a>, or <a href="http://www.slate.com/blogs/browbeat/2012/02/15/frittata_recipe_with_greens_feta_and_dill.html">frittata</a>.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
1. Frittatas. Easier, fancier, and more forgiving then other egg dishes.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I start with vegetables I have on hand: maybe a little onion and mushrooms, or potatoes and spinach, or zucchini and yellow squash. Perhaps, if you're someone other than me who thinks of broccoli or asparagus, I use those. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Then I sauté them in an oven proof pan, until their soft, stirring occasionally. Meanwhile, I crack about ten eggs in a large bowl, add a splash of milk, buttermilk, or yogurt and cheese if I have it. I whisk those with a fork or whisk and add herbs or spices: dill, paprika, or rosemary are good choices. When the vegetables are ready, I pour the egg mixture in the pan, give it a gentle stir, and stick it all in the oven for about fifteen minutes, until eggs are set.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Sometimes I wish a had a crumble of bacon or ham to add with the eggs, but I never do.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Great with a simple salad of spinach, dried cranberries, and sliced almonds topped with a simple <a href="http://www.winewedgesandwanderlust.com/?p=130">vinaigrette</a>. <br /><br />
2. Pasta sauce<br />
<br />
This pretty similar, except I have to come up with a protein source as the base doesn't have built in protein. I start with vegetables, sautéing onion and garlic first, then adding things like squash or bell peppers. I add Italian herbs, like basil, rosemary, parsley and whatever protein I'm using (shrimp is nice because the pre-cooked shrimp is usually the same price as raw; ground beef or sausage is great, but you'll have to cook it in a separate pan, then add to the veggies). Usually I supplement all of this with a can or two of diced tomatoes to make it saucier. Serve over pasta of your choice.<br />
<br />
<br />
3. Curry, with brown rice<br />
<br />
Start the rice first. If you are not good at cooking rice, follow package directions exactly and <i>set a timer</i>. It will work, you just have to be more exact than with pasta.<br />
<br />
I use curry paste and coconut milk, which I suppose they sell at somewhere like Sprout's, but generally I get from the asian market. The sweet potatoes are the heft to this dish, so have quite a few. All other veggies can be subbed.<br />
<br />
Sauté onion, chopped sweet potatoes, and bell pepper in a large sautée pan (one that has depth; I don't know if this is the right term). Put a lid on it if you're really cooking a lot of sweet potatoes or in a hurry. When softening, add green beans, okra, tofu, or broccoli, if using. When they get soft, add curry paste, stir to coat. Add coconut milk and protein source if not tofu (leftover chicken or shrimp are great; ground beef also works; you only need a little). Voila! You're done.<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01862608839870093437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8164878990125769572.post-80808940466992188742014-10-12T17:48:00.003-07:002014-10-12T17:48:56.934-07:00Nashville<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0MErGRt1sMcsQeHfKZ2K4vRU0mDxh7uJJcGV1ndDnft5MO-0gpAaSApiSvIXiVjC2uhhToB3bWxEL_7b7ake83NqsICAbgqjfUJZBHC0_x2mQ_V1Azvkeg_XuaH3sHc3_KMvNgEhxO_9W/s640/blogger-image--1986299763.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0MErGRt1sMcsQeHfKZ2K4vRU0mDxh7uJJcGV1ndDnft5MO-0gpAaSApiSvIXiVjC2uhhToB3bWxEL_7b7ake83NqsICAbgqjfUJZBHC0_x2mQ_V1Azvkeg_XuaH3sHc3_KMvNgEhxO_9W/s640/blogger-image--1986299763.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVC6_Ygm08_lAGL_TQcVeluOLMsR-Z9K8QVeVPijfL8oZUcdBmDPWHCRq8obzaQDhjXUQbyMzuG3RzHm43H1eX-jI1TYBlvpNwUDyAGVAIk9TJKGmuFiloxlf3nDiLkDYdeefOU6cUu_Hf/s640/blogger-image--753597592.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVC6_Ygm08_lAGL_TQcVeluOLMsR-Z9K8QVeVPijfL8oZUcdBmDPWHCRq8obzaQDhjXUQbyMzuG3RzHm43H1eX-jI1TYBlvpNwUDyAGVAIk9TJKGmuFiloxlf3nDiLkDYdeefOU6cUu_Hf/s640/blogger-image--753597592.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6N37B4vPz9FOdbXNianDQi6Ho0AfMHyOIfP4R4s2aNZOFS9SABvex1-YRMuj-T3Vw1Ch3czqfwyrLPdacKvfH4hsxz7uL5DpiYI-nh-MJqBh4kwYoNu-0AnW24BKaUHwzlhjHebUH1CZw/s640/blogger-image-95075723.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6N37B4vPz9FOdbXNianDQi6Ho0AfMHyOIfP4R4s2aNZOFS9SABvex1-YRMuj-T3Vw1Ch3czqfwyrLPdacKvfH4hsxz7uL5DpiYI-nh-MJqBh4kwYoNu-0AnW24BKaUHwzlhjHebUH1CZw/s640/blogger-image-95075723.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1-0ftAYvqMJE10lMKBKW5L2nz1OtNWy9Ks8OFwA1x3Ie8wz50vFUlVG93AIFK9SZe6KIddeNefAEUxZFBiv2ahZoRMFsBW6ASKJ7JdWPJ09Xc533HMsEcgUE6aigU5bWscBqUZZz_lR-H/s640/blogger-image--1863208875.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1-0ftAYvqMJE10lMKBKW5L2nz1OtNWy9Ks8OFwA1x3Ie8wz50vFUlVG93AIFK9SZe6KIddeNefAEUxZFBiv2ahZoRMFsBW6ASKJ7JdWPJ09Xc533HMsEcgUE6aigU5bWscBqUZZz_lR-H/s640/blogger-image--1863208875.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMWynXe1n0qwIkjJ59ryOMKAhTbn4idrMbl-2ryCIQ6M9i4tUTo7bIWer-px8VUZC76DMKK7uJHIesVgdDA9b1HgwGLn0MBF6lt1FgXKMNChKCnv_N-nPD-ZG48dfS-39uUAzveNBhZMd0/s640/blogger-image--1061395634.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMWynXe1n0qwIkjJ59ryOMKAhTbn4idrMbl-2ryCIQ6M9i4tUTo7bIWer-px8VUZC76DMKK7uJHIesVgdDA9b1HgwGLn0MBF6lt1FgXKMNChKCnv_N-nPD-ZG48dfS-39uUAzveNBhZMd0/s640/blogger-image--1061395634.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0376Ypfdl0zxQ1q9fLPdaHqXd3XA55eLJFtgK6hLsUn-ZMtrLUnztbXcrty2rC_UZe8wKu89pEYSRzdZDw7l_oj_yCUSFuHHi5SPSmiMoZKzrTOhiPIaGm4pkrXVW4lnW19GKhixrbmiO/s640/blogger-image--1425244116.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0376Ypfdl0zxQ1q9fLPdaHqXd3XA55eLJFtgK6hLsUn-ZMtrLUnztbXcrty2rC_UZe8wKu89pEYSRzdZDw7l_oj_yCUSFuHHi5SPSmiMoZKzrTOhiPIaGm4pkrXVW4lnW19GKhixrbmiO/s640/blogger-image--1425244116.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLjpn7ejPKS_zElA5gI6V38qaukFfCG8jE_0OAeSmfLouTkHx3yOAQPpcg3jCYaAlgvi7msls03u6dhra0WKFzps9mPueLkjQqkZ7pVi1BumqZujR8N9YCu_eKhlrskT2cHHxea0P8mDD1/s640/blogger-image--751483530.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLjpn7ejPKS_zElA5gI6V38qaukFfCG8jE_0OAeSmfLouTkHx3yOAQPpcg3jCYaAlgvi7msls03u6dhra0WKFzps9mPueLkjQqkZ7pVi1BumqZujR8N9YCu_eKhlrskT2cHHxea0P8mDD1/s640/blogger-image--751483530.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhJPkUWWHm7EwoaQqtXkqRHsmJAMS0vLRyUDxol7zFR8vvqtVvXAW3W7_GwYUf8sJI9S6WcVMNIhr8oyOlvc8GCbajyGqu7NZmNxOehNuWdcQCTt8PzvcgRxXWOP6kLlcbYe2BHcUbw74c/s640/blogger-image-2041100376.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhJPkUWWHm7EwoaQqtXkqRHsmJAMS0vLRyUDxol7zFR8vvqtVvXAW3W7_GwYUf8sJI9S6WcVMNIhr8oyOlvc8GCbajyGqu7NZmNxOehNuWdcQCTt8PzvcgRxXWOP6kLlcbYe2BHcUbw74c/s640/blogger-image-2041100376.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT01_09R_RICp0_5PNtaGudvjsSk8jrWoZMjJ3DCV4Nj8_zUVwcYghZyj9J4TZBsPgj4yvFP4QFI23WEL7E4oREni0rQ86hNPSxoV8DvpPFnTDTt8qXshdk5wX8ozwDAa4i7n3wEZPnGfe/s640/blogger-image-371268697.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
So, we went to my husband's college friend's wedding in Nashville back in August.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It was the most effort I have ever expended to get anywhere.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We left by 7 on Friday morning, assuming we'd arrive at Samary Plantation by 7 for dinner. A 10 hr 45 min drive, and we had just over 12 hours to make it in.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Perfect.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Or, not.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfrirryHy9EOApngU16RqZYl-_WtfIrjo7pnndf3uATGPy9SGD2JBqkq_S_Hzy7ZBb9wtgYNOY97NQsAtqSDIIFLAMe_MuzStm62XF6UvBUa6armOjhGT3bySNXoWJudU35C1mRLTsaLJM/s640/blogger-image-1470293533.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfrirryHy9EOApngU16RqZYl-_WtfIrjo7pnndf3uATGPy9SGD2JBqkq_S_Hzy7ZBb9wtgYNOY97NQsAtqSDIIFLAMe_MuzStm62XF6UvBUa6armOjhGT3bySNXoWJudU35C1mRLTsaLJM/s400/blogger-image-1470293533.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the road, while it was still going smoothly</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We were happy if a little bored in the car, the baby sleeping in the back, us trying to keep quiet in the front.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Then we'd play with her on the back for awhile, stop, nurse, change diaper, eat food, repeat.</div>
<div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT01_09R_RICp0_5PNtaGudvjsSk8jrWoZMjJ3DCV4Nj8_zUVwcYghZyj9J4TZBsPgj4yvFP4QFI23WEL7E4oREni0rQ86hNPSxoV8DvpPFnTDTt8qXshdk5wX8ozwDAa4i7n3wEZPnGfe/s640/blogger-image-371268697.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT01_09R_RICp0_5PNtaGudvjsSk8jrWoZMjJ3DCV4Nj8_zUVwcYghZyj9J4TZBsPgj4yvFP4QFI23WEL7E4oREni0rQ86hNPSxoV8DvpPFnTDTt8qXshdk5wX8ozwDAa4i7n3wEZPnGfe/s320/blogger-image-371268697.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shout out to my old AR camping days</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Until Little Rock.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We got off the highway to stop for lunch.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Idling at a stoplight, our car... stopped working.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Travis took car of the tow truck, etc, while I kept stayed with the baby.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhJPkUWWHm7EwoaQqtXkqRHsmJAMS0vLRyUDxol7zFR8vvqtVvXAW3W7_GwYUf8sJI9S6WcVMNIhr8oyOlvc8GCbajyGqu7NZmNxOehNuWdcQCTt8PzvcgRxXWOP6kLlcbYe2BHcUbw74c/s400/blogger-image-2041100376.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="299" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Keeping the baby happy by looking out over Little Rock</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The verdict from the car place: the fuel pump was out. They could fix it in the morning.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Thankfully, Travis's friends from growing up live in Benton, a suburb of Little Rock. They took fantastic care of us, even providing a crib.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLjpn7ejPKS_zElA5gI6V38qaukFfCG8jE_0OAeSmfLouTkHx3yOAQPpcg3jCYaAlgvi7msls03u6dhra0WKFzps9mPueLkjQqkZ7pVi1BumqZujR8N9YCu_eKhlrskT2cHHxea0P8mDD1/s640/blogger-image--751483530.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hangin' at the Car Dealership</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div>
And offered a car to borrow! We were set to go in the car, but had to go by to get our clothes to wear to the wedding first. While there, they said our car was done. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Still on track, and in our own car. Back in our car by 10:30, plenty of time to get to Nashville by 5.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Until: a. construction in the middle of nowhere<br />
<br />
and b. a violent storm</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0376Ypfdl0zxQ1q9fLPdaHqXd3XA55eLJFtgK6hLsUn-ZMtrLUnztbXcrty2rC_UZe8wKu89pEYSRzdZDw7l_oj_yCUSFuHHi5SPSmiMoZKzrTOhiPIaGm4pkrXVW4lnW19GKhixrbmiO/s640/blogger-image--1425244116.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aftermath of the storm</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMWynXe1n0qwIkjJ59ryOMKAhTbn4idrMbl-2ryCIQ6M9i4tUTo7bIWer-px8VUZC76DMKK7uJHIesVgdDA9b1HgwGLn0MBF6lt1FgXKMNChKCnv_N-nPD-ZG48dfS-39uUAzveNBhZMd0/s640/blogger-image--1061395634.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">driving into the plantation</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div>
We missed the actual ceremony (which apparently included lightening in the background) but were able to make it for a perfect Southern Living reception (and I say that with the <a href="http://ascapbidd.blogspot.com/2014/06/magazines.html">upmost respect</a>).</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
A menu full of fresh summer veggies followed by square dancing.</div>
<div>
<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1-0ftAYvqMJE10lMKBKW5L2nz1OtNWy9Ks8OFwA1x3Ie8wz50vFUlVG93AIFK9SZe6KIddeNefAEUxZFBiv2ahZoRMFsBW6ASKJ7JdWPJ09Xc533HMsEcgUE6aigU5bWscBqUZZz_lR-H/s640/blogger-image--1863208875.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6N37B4vPz9FOdbXNianDQi6Ho0AfMHyOIfP4R4s2aNZOFS9SABvex1-YRMuj-T3Vw1Ch3czqfwyrLPdacKvfH4hsxz7uL5DpiYI-nh-MJqBh4kwYoNu-0AnW24BKaUHwzlhjHebUH1CZw/s640/blogger-image-95075723.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The next morning</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div>
We partied late while the baby slept in a house on the property (yay baby monitors), slept a little, met the happy couple for coffee on the porch in the morning</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVC6_Ygm08_lAGL_TQcVeluOLMsR-Z9K8QVeVPijfL8oZUcdBmDPWHCRq8obzaQDhjXUQbyMzuG3RzHm43H1eX-jI1TYBlvpNwUDyAGVAIk9TJKGmuFiloxlf3nDiLkDYdeefOU6cUu_Hf/s640/blogger-image--753597592.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">view from the porch</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div>
stopped by Franklin, TN for mass (where there were semi-traffic jams on a Sunday morning), and hit the road.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Whew. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0MErGRt1sMcsQeHfKZ2K4vRU0mDxh7uJJcGV1ndDnft5MO-0gpAaSApiSvIXiVjC2uhhToB3bWxEL_7b7ake83NqsICAbgqjfUJZBHC0_x2mQ_V1Azvkeg_XuaH3sHc3_KMvNgEhxO_9W/s640/blogger-image--1986299763.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Franklin</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div>
Congrats, Jess and Gordon! </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01862608839870093437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8164878990125769572.post-15555289867973722482014-09-28T11:37:00.000-07:002014-09-28T11:37:03.112-07:00Compost: Life Comes From DeathEvery day, I collect sweet potato scraps, coffee grinds, and old green beans for my compost pile and top it with dead grass.<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
In six months, this persistent effort will yield dark, rich soil, perfect to grow tomatoes, zucchini, greens, and other vegetables in my summer garden.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Death makes way for life. Life comes from death.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHizzerp0eWOVQExB6Q6UTYmri55WrFIvN8jUY_ifCCz7z1xnCPvkDhG6p46AmRWNX9B9mkTaIglkXSc1fjxvr9IjVYDfTm1p0K4OMBGnjuAC29hYeZCGtQS-_mQZsoqHgQksrEY-6xFR1/s1600/IMG_2173.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHizzerp0eWOVQExB6Q6UTYmri55WrFIvN8jUY_ifCCz7z1xnCPvkDhG6p46AmRWNX9B9mkTaIglkXSc1fjxvr9IjVYDfTm1p0K4OMBGnjuAC29hYeZCGtQS-_mQZsoqHgQksrEY-6xFR1/s1600/IMG_2173.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eucharistic Procession, Gatewood Neighborhood, Oklahoma City</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /><div>
Last Sunday, out of the darkness that threatened from the <a href="http://ascapbidd.blogspot.com/2014/07/source-and-summit-of-life.html">Black Mass</a>, arose a Eucharistic Procession at St. Francis of Assisi, with some 3,000 people in attendance to pray for the city and honor Christ Jesus. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1dyLUgp-EWk2F7UGIpGcnyiaIfEs97KKfVBhxDIf4l0wdJ4LjznBhzF2EN-ydpaVfDjSgtYyW9WFxX1uDgjRx8qh56isJRhdVAr5yGeLw9VNpaWB3QiADzycYKX14ozQEjgjflezHUdkp/s1600/IMG_2101.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1dyLUgp-EWk2F7UGIpGcnyiaIfEs97KKfVBhxDIf4l0wdJ4LjznBhzF2EN-ydpaVfDjSgtYyW9WFxX1uDgjRx8qh56isJRhdVAr5yGeLw9VNpaWB3QiADzycYKX14ozQEjgjflezHUdkp/s1600/IMG_2101.JPG" height="298" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St. Francis, before the prayer service</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /><div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBQXaOP6RAqB5hDft_lOSqFZGC4bpsLajHGSNkg0ooZaAx7HhhfeEKg6fJZwGg3iUhxgerTHOqWXVkitlHekx6odtZR9Q3wAVndoZHfLrLvE8KwSK2kTL-oq92iHPC5Ft5fFcLPRdo-Y93/s1600/IMG_2092.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBQXaOP6RAqB5hDft_lOSqFZGC4bpsLajHGSNkg0ooZaAx7HhhfeEKg6fJZwGg3iUhxgerTHOqWXVkitlHekx6odtZR9Q3wAVndoZHfLrLvE8KwSK2kTL-oq92iHPC5Ft5fFcLPRdo-Y93/s1600/IMG_2092.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rosary school gym, dedicated overflow from the Church</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVsNfFZG_tMcpvXsXg5G1229vu-LQV4APcwjck3Qjr6caeFoTKqTzy8AWlxRPN5fo3kSm96K9PsFplVpgC4QWWx66HZfB0LNr_kEyQ_ey311-nIKIAwYrsxva8USWFWQBz6V8pPPeKKY0i/s1600/DSC07459.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVsNfFZG_tMcpvXsXg5G1229vu-LQV4APcwjck3Qjr6caeFoTKqTzy8AWlxRPN5fo3kSm96K9PsFplVpgC4QWWx66HZfB0LNr_kEyQ_ey311-nIKIAwYrsxva8USWFWQBz6V8pPPeKKY0i/s1600/DSC07459.JPG" height="556" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Corpus Christi parishioners in the real overflow, outside</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG8Whx8txdxlFtpQ3Vox2gTeNR-p7iOpMWAA4erlziD87H7ukgq6Sdvffb6PRSOapF1pQ24abKRais8qaH5CtMtezbS3_c0tKbfk-omZdZ1zmTM5K1hiKLloH0Cq1-6F-H65W-V5mJuDZe/s1600/DSC07515_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG8Whx8txdxlFtpQ3Vox2gTeNR-p7iOpMWAA4erlziD87H7ukgq6Sdvffb6PRSOapF1pQ24abKRais8qaH5CtMtezbS3_c0tKbfk-omZdZ1zmTM5K1hiKLloH0Cq1-6F-H65W-V5mJuDZe/s1600/DSC07515_2.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Episcopal priest with his children</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYAt8V7imLRwVvCAhQnJ92tlzek87DdLfiSdGFdqfHwCS1yVt2bxHK2UaPXMbzXWw4yLfNpJKTj_wdfY4NcPtnlie6qWlb69SFWygzY5cLrwcgglvGfAtSyOquC73NsbuBn4g5bLDiqodL/s1600/IMG_2109.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYAt8V7imLRwVvCAhQnJ92tlzek87DdLfiSdGFdqfHwCS1yVt2bxHK2UaPXMbzXWw4yLfNpJKTj_wdfY4NcPtnlie6qWlb69SFWygzY5cLrwcgglvGfAtSyOquC73NsbuBn4g5bLDiqodL/s1600/IMG_2109.JPG" height="478" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shaded overflow</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjchyu1gB839sG2TiFbRm26YR0f1U3FgWdf6QaqW20zhGVuCWZXJ0E_nNM3YVub28TN_iH9kQb-IXLYWlVFPruubW036pzWd-Hm595lp4jIXPaM2gQB_vysfiTvHZ3xhikqWnYWvklGZW6S/s1600/DSC07487.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjchyu1gB839sG2TiFbRm26YR0f1U3FgWdf6QaqW20zhGVuCWZXJ0E_nNM3YVub28TN_iH9kQb-IXLYWlVFPruubW036pzWd-Hm595lp4jIXPaM2gQB_vysfiTvHZ3xhikqWnYWvklGZW6S/s1600/DSC07487.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St. Damien's Parishioner</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihu0li1qv7hj2-zyAAWsds7SPgFesJmAhtc8dPmS8ZLEEnBU03_4mV824CSJw54Rz87K2fnqe30eFflwwv0SmfWs2HV5k2xqtaRR-IKSOtF6W9ktC_F8rqN5Of_hs0E-TFvUelOd-ghC00/s1600/IMG_2228.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihu0li1qv7hj2-zyAAWsds7SPgFesJmAhtc8dPmS8ZLEEnBU03_4mV824CSJw54Rz87K2fnqe30eFflwwv0SmfWs2HV5k2xqtaRR-IKSOtF6W9ktC_F8rqN5Of_hs0E-TFvUelOd-ghC00/s1600/IMG_2228.JPG" height="298" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">End of Procession</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVvj3u18AJswKO1iD13Xg0lif65ztfBS15D80wWjCvPQ8ghSQ1ZuhPS_qEYPZyaJSeyKhLBhbA8iUYMnhyphenhyphenB-V_ZnOvkOHy3IW1PoFtBmF3vUk1qjMa15BuZZjRxx7Ntj_fGDlzCctIm5jz/s1600/IMG_2262.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVvj3u18AJswKO1iD13Xg0lif65ztfBS15D80wWjCvPQ8ghSQ1ZuhPS_qEYPZyaJSeyKhLBhbA8iUYMnhyphenhyphenB-V_ZnOvkOHy3IW1PoFtBmF3vUk1qjMa15BuZZjRxx7Ntj_fGDlzCctIm5jz/s1600/IMG_2262.JPG" height="228" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">People Pray Outside Church after the Procession</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo5spsBom0hOvG1K_yP0wSRh0rIrtPJozsMQrHb5U7PXiChYXgmNBLCfrVYSYY_1KPCqMHmvgNx3txAzYOH1it-_tV4ZR_EWo2wrp9OOoy_qSYxSj9Dd7IsN_ZHSjXpRFWjpeOs8ju_1G0/s1600/IMG_2197.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo5spsBom0hOvG1K_yP0wSRh0rIrtPJozsMQrHb5U7PXiChYXgmNBLCfrVYSYY_1KPCqMHmvgNx3txAzYOH1it-_tV4ZR_EWo2wrp9OOoy_qSYxSj9Dd7IsN_ZHSjXpRFWjpeOs8ju_1G0/s1600/IMG_2197.JPG" height="320" width="258" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Texas Seminarian kneels in front of Eucharist</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
To read some of Archbishop Coakley's remarks, see my article <a href="http://www.aleteia.org/en/religion/article/archbishop-says-oklahoma-city-has-been-targeted-by-dark-forces-5277270549725184">here</a>. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01862608839870093437noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8164878990125769572.post-195221642263109432014-09-11T18:24:00.000-07:002014-09-11T18:24:09.465-07:00Daily Life: Hilarious<i>As the baby is trying to maneuver around the maraca under her leg:</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
Me [to the baby]: Are you stuck from the maraca? Or is the maraca stuck under you?<br />
<br />
My husband: That's a metaphysical question.<br />
<br />
Me: It's just a physical question.<br />
<br />
Him: All physical questions are metaphysical.<br />
<br />
<b>---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</b><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5LwlUSHZehrqsfv0ErAe3d8_BcvByRHTkEC7jufSrIg-I-f-V-4OMyb59Qn4UbZsM94-UqxX_hbH0YtKH3hPfLVqTGwAG5K-WJg83Dw51i7eserIBuuSgud8h2tUpMxn5UNoQRi5d3sCK/s640/blogger-image-262938918.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5LwlUSHZehrqsfv0ErAe3d8_BcvByRHTkEC7jufSrIg-I-f-V-4OMyb59Qn4UbZsM94-UqxX_hbH0YtKH3hPfLVqTGwAG5K-WJg83Dw51i7eserIBuuSgud8h2tUpMxn5UNoQRi5d3sCK/s640/blogger-image-262938918.jpg" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's cool now??*</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b>--------------------------------------------------------</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<i>Travis, after studying during intercession to get ahead</i>: Well, the stuff we're doing right now is actually pretty hard.<br />
<br />
<b>--------------------------------------------------------</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Pediatrician's Nurse about my crawling baby: Are you giving her plenty of tummy time, mama?<br />
<br />
<b>--------------------------------------------------------</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<i>While walking around our new 'hood:</i><br />
Me: I'm really glad our house number is even. I like even numbers so much more than odd, and its both even overall and if you add all the digits, it's even. It'd be even better if every digit is even, but that's okay.<br />
<br />
Travis: Well, zero isn't even or odd.<br />
<br />
Me: Yeah, but I like to think of it as even.<br />
<br />
<br />
*I mean, NPR is great. Love Krista Tippet's On Being. Have had driveway moments. But <i>cool?</i>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01862608839870093437noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8164878990125769572.post-83959770216784326822014-09-08T11:56:00.000-07:002014-09-09T05:27:09.106-07:00Eating with a BabyIn a breakfast rut? Same ol' cereal getting boring? No time for oatmeal?<br>
<br>
Eat with a baby!<br>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTEBn8gpgs1F5eKFn6_EJyoyWATULoQIj-ygiaR8Exx4dJNwibi3VOwHFk6jas5pphgb92hESNp2Rhgi_qTdIHckK2q3H8k3uXvo1aCAR9MatwrqRJWkWxgKUY8ul0opWkClbWRDpKjxh3/s1600/IMG_0104.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTEBn8gpgs1F5eKFn6_EJyoyWATULoQIj-ygiaR8Exx4dJNwibi3VOwHFk6jas5pphgb92hESNp2Rhgi_qTdIHckK2q3H8k3uXvo1aCAR9MatwrqRJWkWxgKUY8ul0opWkClbWRDpKjxh3/s1600/IMG_0104.JPG" height="239" width="320"></a></div>
<br>
<br>
(Okay, so this won't actually solve the time problems...)<br>
<br>
But! It will get your out of your normal breakfast foods. Suddenly, things like sweet potatoes seem good for breakfast, because that's what the baby is eating*.<br>
<br>
And it is good. It's delicious and nutritious and easy and cheap- the quad equivalent of trifecta of food!<br>
<br>
Your baby loves avocado so much her face turns green? Avocado-toast for breakfast! Yes! Add a hard-boiled egg for protein- she loves the yolk, too.<br>
<br>
Her love of peaches and blueberries reminds you to eat your <a href="http://www.npr.org/blogs/thesalt/2013/07/24/205124705/nyc-doctors-are-now-prescribing-fruits-and-veggies">fruits</a>, too. The way she smashes them on her mouth indicates their deliciousness.<br>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiQyih6SdxERdptN-jn9ifWb2LTf1-edW8APfW0RS3n-8QySYQVmzpVbEjoVTX611J_mVGIS6rcloaWVklXWkC5MnUALvxCUnNGfxboMY0Vsi_eGGEhsx3sz4OpYVoYqinWq6qN7MtmVrb/s1600/IMG_1573.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiQyih6SdxERdptN-jn9ifWb2LTf1-edW8APfW0RS3n-8QySYQVmzpVbEjoVTX611J_mVGIS6rcloaWVklXWkC5MnUALvxCUnNGfxboMY0Vsi_eGGEhsx3sz4OpYVoYqinWq6qN7MtmVrb/s1600/IMG_1573.JPG" height="320" width="239"></a></div>
<br>
Plus, it's a chance to teach her baby sign language and prepare her for a future of being brilliant, just like you.<br>
<br>
Clean up and enjoy the day!<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
*Real sweet potatoes: just cleaned, poked, and put on a baking sheet for about 45 minutes at 425. This can be done ahead of time and warmed in the microwave. Cut and serve!<br>
<br>
(And I'm no feeding-a-baby expert, but I do a combo of<a href="http://www.catholicallyear.com/2014/06/starting-baby-on-solid-foods-for-moms.html"> this</a> and <a href="http://www.babyledweaning.com/">this</a>- basically soft table food and nursing after 6 months, only mama's milk before.)<br>
<br>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01862608839870093437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8164878990125769572.post-6277376358078244632014-08-28T17:10:00.002-07:002014-08-28T17:12:19.133-07:00Big League City: please don't out-cool me.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHWSa4p4zezGkgQR4huzHLqoK8nvRDLsWJZcpGU9Qf_kxKGyt7Th4lCzaj67ik9Xp7N5SrPS4NoX3IzScE-f6nc0MLuLVHa1pAAiBe23A31HQVTneQ5Rw7XYXxdec6lxBwWWicV8HbZ8iv/s640/blogger-image-1665235427.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHWSa4p4zezGkgQR4huzHLqoK8nvRDLsWJZcpGU9Qf_kxKGyt7Th4lCzaj67ik9Xp7N5SrPS4NoX3IzScE-f6nc0MLuLVHa1pAAiBe23A31HQVTneQ5Rw7XYXxdec6lxBwWWicV8HbZ8iv/s640/blogger-image-1665235427.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihN4QSpqbDSjBmHlUcJJsWIkJ06YDkcOKqlYBPvj9o_mNRJ7djKlpgPJAiKhwC2wauOR4jYEcDR96zbX4LoJw9d6XxYfmdV_7btC7AAwUpWJ1SGDqZ6hVwUSBMM4zl8O6ET8ul2duyvWqf/s640/blogger-image-36600086.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
So, did you see that <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2014/08/04/business/affordable-housing-drives-middle-class-to-cities-inland.html?_r=0">piece</a> in the NY Times about Oklahoma City? How everyone is moving here because it's affordable, you can buy a house, etc?<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Yeah, I hated that.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIFZyT-8IbT2vcdbwnrpzCdKtH54MI6t8jU9t85Mg4GJBxYbM_l_AsGej_8zf2NeNNRrACh9PPKQzWznhNivTDd0_YIfvBh2HrxzOCLy5RROOJA2iggMOwOhRT7qUab9rCCAAuGzvkD14_/s640/blogger-image-1900288463.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIFZyT-8IbT2vcdbwnrpzCdKtH54MI6t8jU9t85Mg4GJBxYbM_l_AsGej_8zf2NeNNRrACh9PPKQzWznhNivTDd0_YIfvBh2HrxzOCLy5RROOJA2iggMOwOhRT7qUab9rCCAAuGzvkD14_/s400/blogger-image-1900288463.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On my way to Braum's. <br />
Super cool apartments. <br />
Looks like Dwell.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div>
If too many people do that, it won't be true.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.clickhole.com/article/one-incredible-entrepreneur-saved-struggling-neigh-746?utm_campaign=default&utm_medium=ShareTools&utm_source=facebook">This</a> will happen instead.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihN4QSpqbDSjBmHlUcJJsWIkJ06YDkcOKqlYBPvj9o_mNRJ7djKlpgPJAiKhwC2wauOR4jYEcDR96zbX4LoJw9d6XxYfmdV_7btC7AAwUpWJ1SGDqZ6hVwUSBMM4zl8O6ET8ul2duyvWqf/s640/blogger-image-36600086.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihN4QSpqbDSjBmHlUcJJsWIkJ06YDkcOKqlYBPvj9o_mNRJ7djKlpgPJAiKhwC2wauOR4jYEcDR96zbX4LoJw9d6XxYfmdV_7btC7AAwUpWJ1SGDqZ6hVwUSBMM4zl8O6ET8ul2duyvWqf/s400/blogger-image-36600086.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="299" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the Myriad garden's</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div>
Yeah, I love the myriad garden's renovations as much as the next person.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
But, for real, don't get too cool, OKC. I love you the way you are.</div>
<div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHWSa4p4zezGkgQR4huzHLqoK8nvRDLsWJZcpGU9Qf_kxKGyt7Th4lCzaj67ik9Xp7N5SrPS4NoX3IzScE-f6nc0MLuLVHa1pAAiBe23A31HQVTneQ5Rw7XYXxdec6lxBwWWicV8HbZ8iv/s400/blogger-image-1665235427.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="299" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Myriad Garden's</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div>
Ramshackle paths and all.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw3si0MfjgRUXDf7s1Nzx3V34VXe6wGzOV2EYjuGrekHBK5LfIYhaevXuY7sRT2nxFjslLHOELz0f5fR6CswsByJymV72QyP3bdCCQNiazzZK_0yLM-WY3h_WJnOcIORmZK37fM9S_RUQ-/s1600/IMG_0716.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw3si0MfjgRUXDf7s1Nzx3V34VXe6wGzOV2EYjuGrekHBK5LfIYhaevXuY7sRT2nxFjslLHOELz0f5fR6CswsByJymV72QyP3bdCCQNiazzZK_0yLM-WY3h_WJnOcIORmZK37fM9S_RUQ-/s1600/IMG_0716.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Also Gatewood. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01862608839870093437noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8164878990125769572.post-52028524867953640792014-08-25T18:45:00.002-07:002014-08-25T18:45:46.062-07:00Green-eyed Monster/New ColumnGreen-eyed monster keeping you from enjoying the blessings in your own life? Check out my take <a href="http://archokc.org/news/3643-commentary-delighting-in-difference">here</a>- it's my first young adult column.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZkjEb942_N42se96NrZV1hfTqaFnBWSXb5a3SVx5yCKrgHPwZwSfdxKhDXEqqBc1X9La8kDgVSg_caBePYpgckMyJNopnhU43XRgY9LpbeDeHew4tyiA9rO5S7eBVi7axXNFC5c071e2Y/s1600/IMG_0124.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZkjEb942_N42se96NrZV1hfTqaFnBWSXb5a3SVx5yCKrgHPwZwSfdxKhDXEqqBc1X9La8kDgVSg_caBePYpgckMyJNopnhU43XRgY9LpbeDeHew4tyiA9rO5S7eBVi7axXNFC5c071e2Y/s1600/IMG_0124.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Classic Oklahoma Sunset<br />(just beause it's pretty)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
And then fuel that giant ogre with my sister's food + fashion + travel <a href="http://www.winewedgesandwanderlust.com/">blog</a>. Hey, you can learn to make some of that<a href="http://ascapbidd.blogspot.com/2014/05/puff-pastries-strawberry-sandwiches.html"> fabulous food </a>of hers. Mmmm, <a href="http://www.winewedgesandwanderlust.com/?p=67">Beignet's</a>!<br />
<br />
And someday soon, if I ever emerge from August, I'll tell you the story of a Nashville wedding.<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01862608839870093437noreply@blogger.com1