Marie Bernard

St. Bernadette Soubirous

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I watched the French film about Bernadette on EWTN last night. The film is very well done - the more often I see it, the more I appreciate it. I think it is far more factual than the Hollywood film, Song Of Bernadette - although I'm still fond of that version.

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One of the characteristics I like most about St. Bernadette was her humility and simplicity - she never pretended or feigned piety. Nor was she concerned about human respect; a virtue, which by itself contains the power to "scatter the proud in their conceit".

"P" Ring

I bought this sweet ring last fall, wore it a few times and then tucked it away in my jewlery box. About a week ago I dug it out and started wearing it again..since then I have gotten so many compliments. The compliments always make my day and so does the ring. Adam took this photo, I wish we had a beyond fantastic camera....I would have the best photos curtesy of him.

Repeating myself.

But I have to say it again.

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Watch out who and what you read online. Practice discernment regarding what people claim in their posts, on their sidebars, or in their comment box, even in their blogrolls - this goes for the so-called orthodox as well as anyone else. It is just common sense.

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Keep this motto in mind: "Remember the Legion" in reference to the deceptive ways of the Legionaries and their founder, Fr. Maciel. Claiming orthodoxy and posting rah-rah stuff for the Pope, the TLM, and photos of the cappa magna and yards of lace, or numerous devotionals is not always a guarantee of experiential knowledge, infallibility, virtue, or even correct catechises. When it comes to instructing or recommending things to their readers, if in doubt, do question the author's status, authority, qualifications and/or permissions, as well as their sources. Do your homework.

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This advice coming from a guy who gets deleted from good Catholic blogrolls all of the time. On a forum recently, I read a guy's response to a post I did about signing petitions, and he asked, "Who the hell is Terry Nelson?" See, that is good to ask.

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I won't be fooled again.
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Today I came upon a blog post promoting a deceased man's writings, Anthony de Mello, as well as a priest follower of his work who is offering a feature on his e-parish website promoting so-called contemplative prayer. Obviously the folks falling for this crap are either too young or uninformed to recall or know de Mello's works carry a notification from the CDF - going back to the late 1990's. The CDF's notification ends with the following statement:
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With the present Notification, in order to protect the good of the Christian faithful, this Congregation declares that the above-mentioned positions are incompatible with the Catholic faith and can cause grave harm. - Source
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The document is signed by Cardinal Ratzinger.
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Therefore, even if a priest uses only portions of de Mello's work, I'm somewhat dubious. Is he guided by the Holy Spirit? Remember, there is great gain in religion, as Paul wrote to Timothy, especially when you have a donate button or happen to be offering online services.
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BTW - So who the hell am I? I'm an ordinary Roman Catholic single male who strives to live according to the teachings of the Church, keep the Commandments, practice prayer, try to do penance, frequent the sacraments, and practice works of charity, and though I fail numerous times a day, I keep trying. And when I write something - I check and double check my sources.

The Tenth Amendment Movement.

Maybe we the citizens of the United States really can take back our country...

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I picked up this story from Western Confucian, concerning the oft forgotten Tenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. Joshua writes:

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The Tenth Amendment simply states, "The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States, respectively, or to the people." It has long been ignored outright. The Principle of Subsidiarity, "[o]ne of the key principles of Catholic social thought," is upheld by it, in that it "holds that nothing should be done by a larger and more complex organization which can be done as well by a smaller and simpler organization." - Western Confucian

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Resolutions to restore the balance of power between the states and the federal government have already been introduced in at least 14 state legislatures. Most of them are almost identical to the resolution already passed in the Oklahoma House. After a series of “whereas” clauses, nearly all of them contain a key section stating:

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NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES AND THE SENATE OF THE __________ LEGISLATURE: THAT the State of __________ hereby claims sovereignty under the Tenth Amendment to the Constitution of the United States over all powers not otherwise enumerated and granted to the federal government by the Constitution of the United States. - New American

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START SPREADING THE NEWS!

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Yes we can - maybe... Although if those who call for a Constitutional Convention to insert an amendment requiring a Balanced Budget - who knows what else they may want to amend? It could also be an opportune time to amend the natural born citizen requirement for the office of President of the United States.

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I know! Now's not the time to be pretending.

What I did for love - I mean Lent.

Arbeit macht frei!

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Actually, this Lent, I still haven't figured out what to give up, but as I told Thom, I have until Holy Saturday to figure that one out.

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I was going to start going to morning Mass every day, but I decided I'll wait until next week to begin that.

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Cathy of Alexandria posted some things she misses in local churches during Lent, and as usual, she got me thinking. I just can't remember what about.

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Image source.

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BTW, the Vatican was not pleased with Bishop Williamson's apology. Zey cun ve so stwicht!

1936-ish Bookmark?

The book I have been curled up reading is: Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell. It is one of my favorites and anyone who wants to get me the perfect gift - there you go! I have a decent collection of about 8 that my family has given me over the last 12 years or so. If you haven't read it, I highly recommend you do.

While reading from a particular book from my collection at about page 200 I came across this little comic and thought oh, how fascinating...someone's little bookmark. This is how one person choose to mark their place in my favorite book. A bit of interesting pop culture. We'll I got really interested in this little cartoon after a few days and thought I would use a little google ingenuity and see what I could find:

Pud and Pep the dog - I think

In 1930, he started his business in a small Philadelphia loft with nothing more than a barrel of sugar, a barrel of glucose and about $25. There were two rooms in the loft; Bowman lived in one room and mixed the gum ingredients himself in the other. That small start-up was built into Gum, Inc and his chief brand was called Blony. By the end of the decade, Bowman was among the top executives in the bubble gum industry through his skill and determination. He had even expanded from those initial two rooms to the entire building. By 1938, he was ready to sell his gum with cards.

During this time, many of these gum companies were wrapping their larger gum pieces with comics. Fleer's Dubble Bubble long used cartoons -- Fleer Funnies -- on its packaging, and gave each a number. Starting with #131, the comics had color added and characters introduced: Pudge, Bud, Tim and Pep the dog. Later, Pudge's name would be shortened to Pud and he became the most recognized character.

If you would like to read the entire article (1 page) click here!

Obviously I am not an authority, but this might ( just might) be a cartoon from when the book was originally publish in 1936! How cool would that be?

St. Gabriel of Our Lady of Sorrows

February 27 is the feast day of St. Gabriel Possenti (1838-1862). When I was in 2nd grade, I developed a fondness for him after seeing images like this one above, as well as those of him in ecstasy before Our Lady of Sorrows. After his canonization Gabriel was declared the patron saint of youth, and so the older I got, the more my devotion intensified. I admired him not only for his devotion to the Sorrowful Mother, but because of the way he looked. Perhaps that sounds strange, but he has always been shown in poses of great ardor, a handsome young man - and his countenance moved my heart to devotion to the Passion of Christ.

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Born in Assisi, he was named after the town's patron, Francesco. In his teens, he became the center of attention amongst friends on account of his vivacious spirit - very much like his namesake, St. Francis. Frequenting parties, admired for his sense of fashion and dancing ability, he was extremely popular. Yet in the midst of much temptation, he preserved a sense of devotion and remained singularly chaste. After completion of his studies, young Francesco revealed his intention to enter the Passionists, surprising his family, while leaving his friends dumbfounded.

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Twice before his final decision to enter religious life, the young saint, who also suffered from poor health, promised Our Lady he would devote the rest of his life to God if she obtained his cure. Regaining his health, he twice forgot his promise. While attending a procession one day, he looked upon a banner bearing an image of Our Lady, the Madonna's eyes looked at him and he heard these words; "Keep your promise."

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The saint wasted no time and entered the novitiate of the Congregation of the Passion, taking the name Gabriel of Our Lady of Sorrows. His life as a cleric was as ordinary as that of St. Therese of Lisieux, and like her, he died of consumption at the age of 24. He is a saint of the "little way".

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St. Gabriel is also very popular in this country with Catholic gun enthusiasts, since he happens to be the patron saint of hand-gunners. This is due to the fact he once drove a group of mercenaries from the town his monastery was located, Isola, Italy. St. Gabriel came to the defense of a young woman who was going to be sexually assaulted. Grabbing the soldier's gun, he held him at bay, shooting a lizard with one shot, the saint demonstrated his skilled marksmanship before the mockery of the insurgents. Stunned, the soldier let the girl go, while the other mercenaries were quickly persuaded to end the looting and extinguish the fires they had set. Afterwards, St. Gabriel drove them out of town, employing the guns he had confiscated from the soldiers. The townsfolk hailed him as a hero.

Homophobia

Things blondes think about.

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When I was little, my mother worked nights as a waitress to pay for our Catholic education. She worked with a woman who kind of looked like a man - well she actually did look like a man. The woman, now deceased, was named Ruby. She once needed some work done at her house and my dad offered to do it for her. Ruby was afraid of men, so my mom had to be there with her while my dad was doing the work. Later I understood that Ruby preferred the company of women.

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So anyway. Homo means man and phobic means fear of - hence fear of homos - or men - becomes homophobic. So does that mean women and/or lesbians who are repulsed by sexual relations with men, are homophobic? And is that a bad thing or a good thing?

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Photo: Ruby and Phyllis - Ruby is behind the bar - Phyllis was her roommate and went on to star in "WKRP" - or so I was told.

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Oh yes. She always told my mom, "Betty, I love children - outside." So I could never go into her house. Isn't that queer?

Bishop Williamson Apologizes

LONDON, FEB. 26, 2009 (Zenit.org).- Bishop Richard Williamson, formerly excommunicated member of the Society of St. Pius X, apologized today for statements in which he denied the extent of the Holocaust.

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In a statement published on his return to London on Wednesday after being expelled by the government of Argentina, the prelate explained that "the Holy Father and my superior, Bishop Bernard Fellay, have requested that I reconsider the remarks I made on Swedish television four months ago, because their consequences have been so heavy."

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Bishop Williamson continued, "Observing these consequences I can truthfully say that I regret having made such remarks, and that if I had known beforehand the full harm and hurt to which they would give rise, especially to the Church, but also to survivors and relatives of victims of injustice under the Third Reich, I would not have made them."

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The prelate said that on Swedish television he only gave the "opinion [...] of a non-historian," a perspective "formed 20 years ago on the basis of evidence then available, and rarely expressed in public since."

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However, he recognized, "the events of recent weeks and the advice of senior members of the Society of St. Pius X have persuaded me of my responsibility for much distress caused."

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He added, "To all souls that took honest scandal from what I said, before God I apologize." - Source

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Very good. Did you know some traditionalists objected to the fact John Paul II apologized for historical sins committed by Catholics in the name of the Church? I wonder what such hardliners will say about the Bishop's apology?

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Photo: Williamson returning to London. Source

Da Blog

"I used to be Snow White, but I drifted." - Mae West

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Since my former blog was deleted, I have received a few emails from readers telling me they miss my Abbey-Roads 2 because it was more spiritual. (Despite the fact a couple of really good Catholics dropped it from their blogrolls. Ah, "If a good man reproves me it is kindness.") I actually preferred writing my spiritual reflections and aspirations on that blog, pretty much restricting many of my trivial interests to this Abbey. However, in retrospect, I think it is better AR2 is gone.

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On AR2 I often wrote about the stuff that made up my prayer; interior reflections from lectio, impressions from adoration, insights gained from spiritual reading, and so on. In and of itself, I doubt there is anything wrong with doing that, especially since my intentions were sincere and as I hoped, good; certainly I wasn't doing it for show or to seek approval. Although it was extremely risky considering the indiscretion sometimes shown by a few readers as they offered vain praises and flattery in their commentary.

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Traditionally, Catholics keep their prayer and their ascetic life private, as the Gospel cautions, "Do not let your left hand know what your right is doing... go to your room and pray in secret... wash your face when you are fasting..." and so on. In fact, saints such as Therese of Lisieux only wrote about the graces she received, or the mortification she performed out of obedience, which accounts for her Story of a Soul; and even then, the initial manuscript had been edited by her superiors before publication.

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Of course I never made stuff up on AR2, what I wrote was authentic and always mine... the result of my experience, in the moment or otherwise. Just as what I post here reflects "I, me, mine" in the moment, be it the product of personal experience, observation, or impression. However, I now realize that despite the fact some readers could have been edified, or found some resonance in what I wrote, they were mistaken to believe I am - what? Spiritual, virtuous, holy, good? Don't be silly. Piety and devotion does not guarantee holiness or virtue, and holiness does not consist in pious thoughts or words. So yeah - I'm glad AR2 is gone.

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I made a lot of mistakes there, rashly judging others for instance - and damn! I still do that here. Although it has always been more obvious at this Abbey, and I try really hard to avoid that.

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I guess I haven't made much of a point with this post, so suffice it to say, I'm very pleased that people like Sanctus Gel, Old Christine, Proud Mary, Markie Mark, Michael Sydney, Dilbert, Monsignor Ganswein, Helen Reddy, Clay Aiken, Tilda Swinton, Bishop Gumbleton, Dr. Moon, Rene Taylor and Rip, Sarah Palin, Mother Delores, Pat Robertson, Tina Fey, Father in the Dell, Rachel Tenschun, Rusty Warren, Liza, Jon Hamm, Nancy Pelosi, Pat, Jim J. Bullock, Brad and Angie, Homer and Marge, and countless others are no longer edified. That is how it should be.

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I try to do my best, but please, in your charity, keep me in your prayers.

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Little Sprouts

I went out to inspect my garden beds and guess what I found:

My daffodils!- they will be white with an orange center

My peonies! - they will be a deep red

My tulips! - they will be a pretty soft pink

I can't wait!

Maciel: A master at "systematic deception and duplicity".

A Bishop speaks.

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Retired Archbishop Harry Flynn banned the Legion of Christ from the Archdiocese of St. Paul - Minneapolis several years ago. Some people who considered Flynn a bit too liberal and permissive of dissident groups pretty much blew the story off as another example of persecuting more orthodox Catholics. I'm quite certain the recent revelations concerning the double life led by the Legion's founder, Fr. Maciel, as well as allegations of irregularities associated with the governance and discipline of the order, certainly vindicate Archbishop Flynn's decision today.

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The Legion of Christ stifles the free will of its members.

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Yesterday I noted that Archbishop Edwin O'Brien pretty much echoed Flynn's statements concerning the Legion, albeit daring to go even further:

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Archbishop O’Brien said he has grave concerns that the Legion fosters a “cult of personality” focused on Father Maciel. “While it’s difficult to get a hold of official documents,” Archbishop O’Brien said, “it’s clear that from the first moment a person joins the Legion, efforts seem to be made to program each one and to gain full control of his behavior, of all information he receives, of his thinking and emotions.”

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“It seems to me and many others that this was a man (Maciel) with an entrepreneurial genius who, by systematic deception and duplicity, used our faith to manipulate others for his own selfish ends,” Archbishop O’Brien told The Catholic Review in a telephone interview following his Feb. 20 Rome meeting with Father Alvaro Corcuera, director general of the Legion.

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“Father Maciel deserves our prayers, as every Christian who dies does, that he’ll be forgiven and we leave the final judgment to God as to what his life and death amounted to,” Archbishop O’Brien said. - Source

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I've now changed my mind about the group - not that my opinion matters. I think the Legion should probably be suppressed and reorganized into a new congregation. The Legion attracted a lot of wealthy donors - perhaps by design - so that could be problematic.

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One other note: The archbishop refers to a "cult of personality" surrounding nuestro padre. He makes an interesting observation. We see that today with Obama. We also saw it with John Paul II to some extent. Incidentally, JPII had a very high regard for Maciel. Cardinal Ratzinger did not. It seems to me, as Pope, Benedict XVI is in no danger of being at the center of a cult of personality whatsoever. That is a good thing.

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Photo: Retired Archbishop Harry Flynn.

Darn it - I didn't get any.

ASHES
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On another blog, a priest speculated on why so many people like to attend church on Ash Wednesday and Palm Sunday. He wrote it was probably because they can approach the communion rail and get something. (I think he was referring to those people who cannot receive Holy Communion.)
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I wonder if really good Catholics would like to see ashes withheld from such people as well? Although I suppose there was no time to draw up a petition to prevent it.
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I am sure it is impossible for a man to know the state of another person's soul, with or without ashes on the forehead. Imitating the Devil, we can probably make certain assumptions - but only God knows for sure.

Fine Art

"Apple in a bag" Abbey Ryan

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This woman's work is amazing. Check out her blog A Painting a Day. I found her work on Etsy.

Did you watch President Obama's Congessional Address

The pep fest.

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Did you listen to all of those wonderful promises last night?

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He sure speaks well, doesn't he. No, that's not a question.

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I do have to ask this however, how will he accomplish all of this? For instance, how will he end cancer? "Our recovery plan... will launch a new effort to conquer a disease that has touched the life of nearly every American by seeking a cure for cancer in our time." - Source

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Yeah. But some people seem to be waking up today and smelling something not quite right. For instance, Sen. Robert Byrd sees something else going on:

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"Sen. Robert Byrd (D-W.Va.), the longest-serving Democratic senator, is criticizing President Obama’s appointment of White House “czars” to oversee federal policy, saying these executive positions amount to a power grab by the executive branch.

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In a letter to Obama on Wednesday, Byrd complained about Obama’s decision to create White House offices on health reform, urban affairs policy, and energy and climate change. Byrd said such positions “can threaten the Constitutional system of checks and balances. At the worst, White House staff have taken direction and control of programmatic areas that are the statutory responsibility of Senate-confirmed officials.” - Source

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One item that will be on the curriculum of state run schools after Obama's education reform is in place will be all of the speeches made by fearless leader - just watch - last night's address will probably be compared to the Gettysburg Address. Maybe not. But the following is a pull-quote that is sure to be repeated over and over and over again by educators and lobbyists, for the rest of his term and beyond:

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"Dropping out of high school is no longer an option. It's not just quitting on yourself, it's quitting on your country." - Source

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He's gooooood. Kinda JFK-ish.

Wish I had said that.

Oh! I did!

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Our Word is a terribly respectable blog, usually found on highly esteemed blogrolls, written by genuinely ardent Catholics (unlike some people, they would never use that term themselves). In fact Our Word was once a strictly Catholic blog, but I suppose one could say the blog owners branched out, becoming even more catholic; in effect, offering a decidedly Catholic point of view and commentary upon contemporary culture, politics and the arts.

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The real life authors post well composed articles dealing with opera, popular culture, literary works, cinema, Broadway, news headlines, as well as Catholic interests, and sports stuff that I don't get. Omigosh! They write political commentary too. Their posts are frequently without pictures, so I haven't a clue as to what they are about unless I recognize names such as Ethel Merman or Fred Astair or Helena Rubenstein - I wonder what happened to her? Maybe that will be my next post if they ask me back. But be forewarned, some of their posts can be dense - I know because I count all the words - their word(s) - and quite honestly, there are usually more than I can handle. Except for when they do a post titled "Wish I'd said that" - it's usually a pithy quote from someone well known - really easy to read, and I sometimes get it too.

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Anyway. Judith's husband Mitchell asked me to contribute something to their wonderfully enjoyable, yet hi-brow blog, and I did. (They're slumming again!) Please check it out, it is all about Red Carpet Kulture - well sort of - the blog format contains lots of red. (I know, makes no sense.) Sorry - no photos, you will just have to read it.

Ash Wednesday

I do not usually get ashes. Women in chapel veils always scolded me for brushing them off afterwards, so I stopped getting them.
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Oops - there go the blogrolls.

Block Exchange

While hosting Tom and Lucy' s Art Shoppe I met up with an old friend from my hometown. Come to find out, she and her two sister's love to quilt. What a small world! A few weeks ago, I was asked to participate in a block exchange with them. I jumped at the chance, I have never participated in a quilt block exchange, but always thought it would be fun: a perfect opportunity to meet local quilters and go out of my comfort zone with a new pattern! Kristin, thanks for the invite.

Here is my first block completed, only 11 more to go!

Confession is good for the soul.

If you are looking for a place to go to confession, Ray of Stella has a comprehensive list of confession schedules from nearly all of the churches in the Twin Cities metro area.

Show us your face...

And we shall be saved.
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Shrove Tuesday is the feast of the Holy Face of Jesus. We look at Him whose look of love moved Peter to repentance after he denied Christ.
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Visit the Holy Face website for complete information on the devotion.
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And be sure and visit Vultus Christi, Fr. Mark happens to be something of an apostle of the Holy Face, an extraordinary priest who uses his blog selflessly and well, offering good instruction to assist souls in the practice of prayer, as well as true devotion to the liturgy and the Blessed Sacrament.

"No we can't!"

Archbishop Chaput on the "adulation surrounding Obama".

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Chaput is another guy who definitely knows what is going on in our country, and he is here to remind American Catholics of what to do about it. First and foremost, the archbishop is a realist, acknowledging:

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"[The] Church in the United States has done a poor job of forming the faith and conscience of Catholics for more than 40 years. And now we’re harvesting the results -- in the public square, in our families and in the confusion of our personal lives. I could name many good people and programs that seem to disprove what I just said. But I could name many more that do prove it, and some of them work in Washington. American Catholics need to realize that many in the current generation haven’t just been "assimilated" into the American culture, but have in fact been "absorbed and bleached and digested by it," Archbishop Chaput asserted" - CNA

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"Servility and adulation"

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"I like clarity, and there’s a reason why," began the archbishop. "I think modern life, including life in the Church, suffers from a phony unwillingness to offend that poses as prudence and good manners, but too often turns out to be cowardice. Human beings owe each other respect and appropriate courtesy. But we also owe each other the truth -- which means candor."

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According to the archbishop, the political situation for Catholics is difficult to discern because a "spirit of adulation bordering on servility already exists among some of the same Democratic-friendly Catholic writers, scholars, editors and activists who once accused pro-lifers of being too cozy with Republicans. It turns out that Caesar is an equal opportunity employer."

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In a reference to the messianic treatment the Barack Obama received from some Americans during the presidential primaries, Archbishop Chaput delivered his second point: "in democracies, we elect public servants, not messiahs.

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"For Christians," he explained, "hope is a virtue, not an emotional crutch or a political slogan. Virtus, the Latin root of virtue, means strength or courage. Real hope is unsentimental. It has nothing to do with the cheesy optimism of election campaigns. Hope assumes and demands a spine in believers. And that’s why – at least for a Christian -- hope sustains us when the real answer to the problems or hard choices in life is ‘no, we can’t,’ instead of ‘yes, we can.’" - CNA

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The truth is out there.

Without naming names.

I haven't been well so I've spent a lot of time online - in between lie-downs. This means I've gone places I normally do not go - to the more, I suppose one might say, elite blogs, Catholic or otherwise.

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I noted one writer posted a request for readers to donate on his Paypal button - in order to keep food on the table for the family - otherwise he will have to go back to writing for publishers - or something to that effect. Maybe I was delirious, maybe I misread the post - but that sounds pretty lame big guy. Wouldn't you rather return to writing for periodicals with a book or two thrown in?

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Although advertising must pay because a few of the blogs I visited are starting to look like a cheap department store. Ads all over the place. Nothing wrong with that... I guess.

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One or two bloggers of the very, very well educated type, posted reviews of last night's Oscars. Obviously only uneducated imbeciles watch such nonsense, since in their opinion the entire Hollywood bunch are all uneducated half-wits anyway. One writer used the comments of an actor regarding the Oscars to describe both as a "gaseous idiotic piece of self-important self-parody the Oscars always are". (Reading it context isn't any better.)

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Snobs in every quarter I guess - what else to expect from the world? Actors are snobs, writers are snobs, film makers are snobs, their critics are snobs, and the Catholic elite are too. Oddly enough, many of the same writers/bloggers jockey for their own nominations and awards. Everyone has an ego to stoke and a living to make, right?

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Maybe it's just me - as I said, I've been ill and online too long. But what is Father In Exile's excuse?

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I know - none of my business.

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Snob.

Anticipating Lent.

I have non-practicing Catholic friends who still "give things up" for Lent, and kind of make a big deal about it too. They are sweet. Even though they have no time for the Church, they will give up candy or smokes for Lent - or simply diet. That's cool - their intentions are good.

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Still, I've always thought the focus on giving up stuff for Lent should begin with giving up sin first; then one's self-denial may actually turn out to be efficacious.

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Contemporary devotion seems to have shifted away from self-denial as penance, only to emphasise charitable works and alms-giving, as an alternative or a practice in addition to fasting. This is all very good of course, and presents a more positive spin upon traditional self-denial - it just doesn't sound as negative.

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Nevertheless, prayer and alms-giving alone require a certain amount of self-denial. ("Prayer and self-indulgence are incompatible" said Teresa of Avila.) For instance, taking more time for prayer may mean reworking one's schedule, or using a portion of one's leisure time for prayer and spiritual reading. Likewise, alms-giving or works of charity imply denying something for oneself, be it time, money, or social life. Naturally, all of our "extras" are in addition to the observance the Church mandates for the faithful during Lent, therefore giving up candy just might be a huge voluntary penance for someone to "offer up".

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Giving up or limiting an attachment to habits such as smoking, excessive Internet use, sweets, favorite foods, alcohol and other pleasures one indulges in, is in fact mortification which can help to free one for the practice of a more devout life. Such practices may be necessary for a person's ongoing conversion and sanctification, while preparing the generous soul to practice prayer more authentically, leading to a more fruitful life of charity. This, it seems to me, is pretty much the point of Lent... Conversion.

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But giving up candy while living in sin makes no sense. So I'm going to try and give up sin. Please keep me in your prayers.

Hiatus

Hello Everyone,

I'm back from a little R& R and wanted to update you on some of the fun we have been having....

Most of the snow is off the roads and out of the valley, so we have been enjoying one of our favorite Christmas presents.

To play and sled we headed to the mountains.

Curled up with one of my favorite books...want to guess what it is?

Visited the Pony Express Memorial.

The Awards

I watched.

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Years ago I worked in fashion - the retail end, specifically presentation and marketing. Yet today some friends find it curious that I continue to follow such things - things to do with fashion, design, advertising, the arts, pop culture and lifestyle. Well I do.

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So yeah, I watched the awards. As usual they looked back at other Oscar winners, and I liked the way they used former recipients to award this year's winners, although Al Gore wasn't among them. I thought over-all the presentation was very good - I always miss the comedians however. But Whoopi Goldberg kind of made up for their absence with her leopard dress. (Some women are not meant to wear dresses.)

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This year it seems many of the women were all about Halloween-type costumes: Sophia Loren always looks good - but her dress ressembled a costume from Hello Dolly - just a bit too retro. While Sarah Jessica Parker came dressed as Glenda, the good witch from the Wizard of Oz - all that was missing was the crown. (I said it first!) Bare shoulders seemed to be the big thing last night - and nearly all who bared them looked like football quarter backs - all shoulders. That's kind of weird, because in years past, it was all about T and A.

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Funniest moment? When Steve Martin looked at Tina Fey and said, "Don't fall in love with me." The show needed more humor.

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That said, it was a good night for escapism and old fashioned entertainment. Yes, I got most of my picks wrong. The Academy did give it to Sean Penn. What can I say? He and Bill Maher found a stage to express their views; Maher referring to the silly gods people venerate; Penn calling down shame upon religious people who oppose gay marriage. Whatever.

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That's entertainment - and little more.

Funny thing...

While searching for photos from Abbey-Roads - trying to find out if my art or anything would show up - I stumbled across this.

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(No, it is not me. It is... go here.)

Christian terrorists.

Who are they?
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Homosexual thought police, activists, former celebrities such as Rosie O'Donnel, and the Log Cabin Republicans suggest - insist - Christians who oppose gay marriage and declare homosexual acts immoral are in fact, terrorists. Twisting language is nothing new in the upside down world of homosexual activism, but calling Christians terrorists seems to me to confirm the rather neurotic emotionality and unconscious self-pity that some researchers believe underlies a probable gender-inferiority complex many gay people suffer from. (I know gay people are offended by that theory - however, I find it to be reasonable.)
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The details.
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"The attack comes from Jamie Ensley, president of the Georgia "Log Cabin Republicans," who also compared the Illinois-based Americans for Truth to Germany's Nazi party. Ensley wrote:
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"Most Americans and people of medical science believe that people do not choose their sexual orientation. Groups like Americans for Truth simply want to divide Americans, and truthfully their group would be more welcome as a mainstream Nazi Germany organization, than an organization which provides any value at all in 21st Century America," Ensley's message said.
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"I hope you will continue to support the Log Cabin Republicans, and not listen to the radical christian extremist domestic terrorist groups such as Americans for Truth," he wrote.
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The Illinois Family Institute noted the argument and suggested Ensley ruminate on several facts. It said:
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-There is no research proving that homosexuality is biologically determined: none.
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-There is no research proving that homosexuality is ontologically equivalent to race or biological sex: none.
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-It is no more anti-American to believe that homosexual behavior is immoral than it is to believe that polyamorous or incestuous behavior is immoral.
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-There is a body of thought emerging from the homosexual community called "queer theory" that holds that homosexuality is neither inherent nor immutable.
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-The view that homosexual conduct is moral is an unproven, ethical belief – not a fact.
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-The belief that homosexual conduct is immoral does not constitute incitement to violence or hatred. It no more constitutes hatred toward homosexuals than does the belief that polyamory or selfish behavior is immoral constitutes hatred of polyamorists or selfish people.
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-The belief that volitional homosexual behavior is immoral is not an extreme position.
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-Throughout history, it has been the dominant cultural view and remains so both in this country and many other countries throughout the world.
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-The Institute also insisted it is not bigotry to believe that homosexual behavior is immoral.
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-"The Merriam Webster Dictionary," the group said, "defines a bigot as a person who is 'obstinately or intolerantly devoted to his or her own opinions and prejudices; especially: one who regards or treats the members of a group (as a racial or ethnic group) with hatred and intolerance.'
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-Clearly, there is a distinction between bigotry and moral views. Bigotry cannot simply refer to holding opinions or being in possession of moral precepts, for if it did, everyone but sociopaths would have to be considered bigots because everyone but sociopaths holds certain behaviors as moral and others as immoral." - Source

Keyes: Stop Obama or U.S. will cease to exist

Keyes nails it with this one! Yet no one listens.

I'd like to thank the Academy.

Faerie dust.

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I always enjoy watching the Academy Awards. Although I'm not fond of the hype and the posers on the red carpet answering really, really dumb questions.

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I appreciate the real actors who are nominated, especially admiring the professionalism and style of the British actors, who always seem more interested in the craft rather than the idolatry of stardom.

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An exception here would be Meryl Streep, one of the greatest actresses in cinema, as well as one of the most 'normal' and down to earth. I would love to see her win, but I think if justice be well served, Kate Winslet ought to get Best Actress. Although Hollywood is bitchy, and they could just give it to someone else, especially since Winslet once said, "Do a holocaust film and you are sure to get an Oscar." Hollywood big shots may not appreciate that. I read where Anne Hathaway could upset the competition because of her break-through performance in... What was the film? No way - they are just playing with her - kind of like the cast in "For Your Consideration". (If only Hathaway had half of the talent of Parker Posey. Dream on.)

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Who ought to get Best Actor? Mickey Rourke of course. He was beyond great. Sean Penn in the "Milk" faerie tale annoyed me - he always does anyway - why is he even nominated? The movie was the worst twisting of history I had ever seen. The film should be shot. Frank Langella in "Frost Nixon? What a joke - a bad impersonation of a creepy president.

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Best film? I think it should go to "The Reader" - but "Slumdog" will probably get it.

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Best Supporting Actor? Josh Brolin really should get it - despite the fact the role lied about Dan White's motives and sexuality. (St. Thomas Aquinas said acting is lying anyway, so does it matter? Oliver Stone got away with it in JFK.) Of course - Heath Ledger will most likely win. Why waste the award? You can't take it with you, and human awards don't count in the after-life.

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Question: "Is everyone gay?"

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Answer: "Just to gay people."

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Best Supporting Actress? I would hope Viola Davis in "Doubt" - excellent acting. Baffling Sr. Aloysius' idea of what a mother should be. Nuns, formerly married or not, just don't get what it is like sometimes... right or wrong.

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That's all.

Socialist compassion and human rights.

Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, speaks...

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On her way to China, Madame Secretary of State affirmed the United States commitment to human rights, BUT...

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"Our pressing on those issues can't interfere on the global economic crisis, the global climate change crisis and the security crisis," Clinton told reporters in Seoul just before leaving for Beijing. - Source

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"...workin' for the man every night and day... rollin', rollin', Hillary keeps on rollin'!"

Down the rabbit hole...

The Internet is evil.

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I'm right back where I was with it. It is an addiction... It is the dragon's tail, sweeping the stars from heaven... the good and the bad alike. It is the road to perdition...

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(Laughs insanely!)

Pelosi and the Church.

Ready for her close-up, but no photo-op with the Pope.

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I don't want to link to anyone or any specific article regarding the controversy over Speaker Pelosi's claim to ardent faith and the Catholic reaction to her obstinate public sin in endorsing abortion and embryonic stem cell research. It has been done to death, a day or so ago Damien Thompson referred to her as "the ghastly Nancy Pelosi". Such drama.

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Bloggers claim the pope "lectured" Mrs. Pelosi, which comes off sounding a bit more dramatic and negative than what the Vatican press release said. Catholic headlines imply the Pope had been disciplining, scolding, or shaking a finger at her in the manner JPII did with that Nicaraguan priest years ago. I rather think Pope Benedict may have been more gracious in offering his rebuke. It seems to me he guides and instructs, intelligently and respectfully, like a loving father; I'm sure his words were full of charity, although frank and to the point. The Vatican press release clarified the essence of the meeting, informing us that the Holy Father indeed reminded the Speaker of the House of Catholic teaching and the responsibilities for those in government or positions of power and influence - especially Catholics - to support life from conception to natural death. I'm quite certain Pelosi expected to hear that. Ignore it, she probably did, since she has yet to comment upon that portion of her conversation with the Pope.

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Nevertheless, the controversy over the reception of the Eucharist must be addressed, and finally settled, by her bishop and/or the bishops of the United States, who can then instruct their priests. It is my understanding, as things stand now, any priest or deacon can, may, maybe should, deny communion to any notorious public sinner to prevent scandal. Although one problem I see with lay extraordinary ministers of the sacrament is that they have no competence to arbitrarily deny communion on their own. (Yes, that's right - I do not like the use of lay people to distribute communion at Mass - taking it to the sick is another matter entirely. But I digress.)

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I also read today, in an interview Archbishop Chaput has stated Mrs. Pelosi should not present herself to receive Holy Communion because of her advocacy of abortion, embryonic stem cell research, and so on. One hopes the Archbishop will work together with the other U.S. bishops to make a definitive statement and require pastors to enforce the decision.

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That said, I also read somewhere that Pelosi met with her local ordinary, Archbishop Niderauer of San Francisco and that she left the encounter "agreeing to disagree", as Obama might say, with Church teaching. Well then... if true...

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I may be wrong, but I have to wonder if the bishops are a little too permissive and perhaps a bit too concerned about public opinion when it comes to political figures and unpopular issues? They sometimes come across as rather weak-willed, and seem to rely too heavily upon a secular notion of diplomacy, scared to death they might scare away unfaithful Catholics if they assert Catholic teaching. I'm not suggesting priests and bishops start screaming hell and brimstone threats to the miscreants, but they need to say something definitive. Right now it appears there is an exaggerated concern for human respect (political correctness) on the part of more than a few churchmen, which only retards action, as well as undermines the credibility and authority of Catholic teaching. We have arrived at a point where laicism has become dogma in the American mentality, to such an extent even self-proclaimed "ardent" Catholics in government feel free to legislate immorality in defiance of Church teaching and natural law.

Another cartoon try...

Maybe I'll try cartoons?

Maybe not.

Black History Month For Racial Cowards.

"Though this nation has proudly thought of itself as an ethnic melting pot, in things racial we have always been and continue to be, in too many ways, essentially a nation of cowards," - Eric Holder, nation's first black attorney general. - Source
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Locally, Rainbow, a supermarket chain owned by Roundy's, ran a print ad promoting black history month offering specials on collard greens and chicken, and other foods traditionally associated with African American culture. A small outcry ensued. Many white people and a black minister or two were offended, claiming the ad was racist.
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Supposedly it promoted racial stereotypes. This is bad because the African Americans at one time were an oppressed minority. Unlike Asians and Hispanics, African Americans were enslaved, terrorized by segregation and vigilante rule that included lynchings, tar and feathering, and so on. I get that. But black folk I know love greens and fried chicken and all sorts of good Southern style food. (Me too!) Just ask Oprah or Patti Labelle, or Betty Lou - a cook I happened to have worked with at one time.
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Jews eat Kosher. Mexicans eat tacos. They say the Irish eat corned beef and cabbage, but an Irish nun told me that is not true. Polish people eat pirogi. Italians eat pasta. Slap my butt and call me Galdys, grocery stores even have ethnic food sections for all sorts of people - colored or not.
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Holder claims "we, as average Americans, simply do not talk enough with each other about race." Really? So how can we talk about it if we are continually censored?
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I'm so tired of their double standards - we should be more worried about honesty in politics, business, finance, and society - as well as not exterminating unwanted children. These matters are the real injustice afflicting the country.
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We have a black administration now - let's move on to more important business. Quit playing the race card - and do not talk race for 4 more years.
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Photo: Cast of the hugely popular 1950's sit-com, "Amos and Andy" - now considered racially offensive. It was funny.

How to dance at a rave

This is a public service video. I posted it for Cathy of Alexandria and Little Freak.

The visit.

Mrs. Rabitowitz.

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I was outside, sweeping a light snow and some of the bird droppings into the hedge, when I heard, "Good afternoon Mr. Nelson." Without turning about I said smiling, "Ah! It must be Madame Rabitowitz! And to what do I owe this pleasure?"

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Turning around completely, I noticed a rather sad look upon the rabbit's face, and asked, "What is it my dear? Why do you look so melancholy?"

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"You saw the murder last week, did you not?" Mrs. Rabitowitz asked, as she began to pick up a few raisins I had put out for her.

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"Oh my. You saw it too." I answered. "Yes, I tried to clear away the evidence right away, very much afraid you or the children would come across it. I noticed one of the Finches happened across a piece of the entrails and spit it out. I'm so sorry that happened. I never realized hawks would be out before dawn."

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I awoke one morning to see a hawk finishing the remains of a Junco, all that was left was a great deal of down and a few feathers, a claw, and entrails, which I swept away. I was so upset: At first inspection, the down appeared to me to be fur, and I feared for Mrs. Rabitowitz.

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"Oh, yes, yes. We witnessed that." Mrs. Rabitowitz assured me. "You people are much more upset by this kind of thing than we are - the animals and birds, I mean."

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"How so?" I inquired.

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"Oh sweetie, all of this is quite natural you know, disturbing though it is. We are meant to be food for one another. Of course we try to preserve our lives, yet our purpose is to please men and to support life - although it may result in such a grizzly annihilation for some of us... Not a species of course." Laughing she added, "Men are the only ones who do that type of thing. Sad really..."

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"Well, if you don't mind me asking, why is it you seem so sad?" I asked.

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We then sat down on the steps, looking into St. Joseph's Wood, as evening grew dark. Mrs. B responded quietly, "Papa is ill."

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"You mean Mr. Rabitowitz?" I asked with surprise, since I assumed she had been a widow already.

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"Yes dear. He is rather reclusive and no one ever sees him about, except late at night, when he goes for a walk and sneaks a cigarette or two."

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I laughed out loud and exclaimed, "Omigosh! I've run into him - he smokes! Yes indeed - we've met! In fact, he knows Cyril."

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Giggling, Mrs. B said, "Yes - he likes you quite a lot - he likes Cyril too, but says he is a bit hi-brow for him. Papa thinks you are quite funny. He told me he likes it very much when you touch him."

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"Oh! Mrs. B! I assure you, I like it very much when he lets me touch him." Turning more serious I asked, "What is it, what is wrong? Have you been to the doctor?"

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"Oh Mr. Nelson, we can't visit doctors. No, no, no, no, no. You see, they put animals to sleep, after endless tests of course. Oh no, we take care of ourselves alright, we do."

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"So please tell me then, what ails him, what are his symptoms? Is there anything I can do?" I asked with growing concern.

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"Papa has problems with his prostate, in fact, it seems his lymph glands are infected as a result, and of course he has those skin problems from the sun." Mrs. Rabitowitz stated this so matter of fact, it at first seemed she was totally unconcerned, which told me they have been living with this for quite a long time.

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"Oh dear! I'm so sorry to hear that. How is he doing now?" I pleaded.

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"Quite well surprisingly. He sleeps rather late, and stays inside a great deal, but he remains rather chipper." Mrs. R looked away, hiding a little tear from me.

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I gently touched the back of her ear and whispered, "I'm so very sorry. I will pray."

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Jumping down from the stair, gathering her raisins and nuts, Mrs. Rabitowitz turned and replied, "Thanks so much. I knew I could count on you." And she hopped away.

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I sat there, reflecting on the brevity of life. Just then, I craved a cigarette.

Winner!

Drum Roll Please......

Congratulations! Amber you were selected at random to be the winner of the Valentine Giveaway! I will been contacting you shortly.

A big thank you to everyone who entered, it was really fun to do my first giveaway, lets do it again for Easter!

Here is the proof. He thought it was a fun game!

The Pope

The Holy Father: Attacked from all sides.

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Fr. Z posted a request for prayer and sacrifice to be offered for the intentions of the Holy Father, in view of the very public dissent he suffers from priests, bishops, cardinals, and of course, dissenting Catholic groups as well as secular groups and media. It truly is unprecedented what is happening worldwide. It may seem as if the general dissent simply coasted into place, but that is not the case. It has been fermenting for a very long time, and it required only a few determined statements concerning Catholic teaching, faith and morals, as well as liturgical direction, for the venom to explode.

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Just look at the headlines in Catholic media. Austrian bishops and clergy are in open revolt , priests of the diocese of Linz have forced the resignation of a newly appointed bishop for their diocese, the Cardinal in the UK refused to allow Archbishop Burke to celebrate Mass in Westminster in June - the list goes on. Indeed, the Holy Father is being attacked from all sides.

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What's going on.

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Such things were foretold in the prophecy of St. John Bosco, and later in the Fatima revelations - "The Holy Father will have much to suffer." Even more specifically, in the approved apparition at Akita, Our Lady left the following warning - which appears to be reaching fulfillment in these days:

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"As I told you, if men do not repent and better themselves, the Father will inflict a terrible punishment on all humanity. It will be punishment greater than the deluge, such as one will never have seen before. Fire will fall from the sky and will wipe out a great part of humanity, the good as well as the bad, sparing neither priests nor faithful. The survivors will find themselves so desolate that they will envy the dead. The only arms that will remain for you will be the Rosary and Sign left by My Son. Each day recite the prayers of the Rosary. With the Rosary, pray for the pope, the bishops, and the priests."

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"The work of the devil will infiltrate even the Church in such a way that one will see cardinals opposing cardinals, bishops against other bishops. The priests who venerate Me will be scorned and opposed by their conferees…churches and altars sacked, the Church will be full of those who accept compromise and the demon will press many priests and consecrated souls to leave the service of the Lord. The demon will be especially implacable against souls consecrated to God. The thought of the loss of so many souls is the cause of My sadness. If sins increase in number and gravity, there will be no longer pardon for them." - Source

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Art: Vision of Don Bosco. Recently the Holy Father asked for prayers for the "Barque of Peter". It seemed to me this was an (inadvertent) allusion to the prophecy of Don Bosco. The gates of hell will not prevail against the Church.

Ryan Seacrest found on a piece of toast...

YES!
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I saw this very same image on a piece of toast and had to draw it - I was so hungry, I ate it... with psychedelic peanut butter of course - you know - that stuff from Georgia.