tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-278748892011-11-07T03:30:28.660-08:00"I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in His word I hope..."Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger1381100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27874889.post-81136928943325125512009-02-06T13:06:00.000-08:002009-02-06T13:51:26.189-08:00

I got an absurd amount of pleasure out of writing that poem yesterday. More specifically- out of rhyming. J'adore le rhyme. Et le trying to speak in Romance languages. So- while eating lunch today, I came up with these couplets. They don't mean anything- I just picked words I like and strung them together. (Hey- it's Friday, for crying out loud!) I've included my comments. Lemur curtsey

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27874889.post-13455275253854346992009-02-04T14:35:00.001-08:002009-02-04T14:39:48.825-08:00

I do not like you, February. You’re dark and cold and quite contrary. You thaw and freeze and ice and blow.You live on sleet and dirty snow. Why tear the groundhog from his den,Just to watch him go back in? Why soil the name of Good ValentineWith chalky hearts that say “Be mine?” Your chocolate’s cheap, you February!All shiny foil and teddy bear-y. My calendar’s squares all are blanks,“Relax a

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27874889.post-70350200429859017682009-01-28T11:29:00.001-08:002009-01-28T11:35:54.570-08:00

So, I've heard from time to time about the existence of "Christian comics," comedians who make a living (of sorts) by traveling from church to church to youth conference telling clean jokes for God. Every time I heard about this, my eyes would roll and I'd say something along the lines of "Oh, puh-leez!" (Obviously, my superior wit and eloquence makes such things beneath me."But- occasionally I

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27874889.post-75238804597520111802009-01-02T12:49:00.001-08:002009-01-02T13:47:32.652-08:00

This is my new pet rabbit. His name is Vocation. Vocation is young and charming, despite having a name from the Latin for calling. His favorite activities are: using his talents for God, feeling motivated, and writing fairytales on the American Orthodox Dream. Okay, I don't really have a bunny, but if I did, Vocation would be his name. Because there's nothing that PK's like better than making fun

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27874889.post-56120550637838425552008-10-21T12:35:00.001-07:002008-10-21T13:19:25.507-07:00

One of my former English teachers noted that today's word-of-the-day calendar offering was "obambulate." Naturally, I had to google something so homonymic to the democratic presidential nominee, which led me to a list of obscure words. So many of them reminded me of election politics, so I had to share. My absolute favorites are highlighted.acyrology: poor choice of words, poor dictionbloviate:

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27874889.post-91470199382783072192008-10-07T15:34:00.001-07:002008-10-07T15:38:34.538-07:00

As some of you know, I’m turning 30 this week. Dum Dum DUM! And of course, milestone birthdays are occasions which call for/ insist on deep thought, soul searching, and evaluation of your quality of life. I haven’t completed these tasks, but I can reveal these preliminary findings:I am not, in fact, an assured, stable, adult woman. Which is okay, as I have an inkling that these are, in fact,

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27874889.post-203861056238145472008-10-02T13:59:00.000-07:002008-10-02T14:01:12.607-07:00

Sorry- no post. Not feeling deep or introspectful I guess. Perhaps next week when I celebrate a milestone birthday?Until then- I've put some new links under Fun Stuff to the right- if you need a giggle.

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27874889.post-43516923415899332502008-09-23T10:05:00.000-07:002008-09-23T13:28:39.731-07:00

Yes... yours truly has finally succumbed to the temptation of blogging about (gag) politics & the media. I started out writing an essay-style post, but I decided to ape the media and give you soundbytes instead.My Peers- I'm really annoyed with them. I used to be the only one of my friends that voted in primaries, watched the conventions of both parties and debates, etc. Now I can't wear my tiara

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27874889.post-36448235158690351612008-09-19T07:48:00.000-07:002008-09-19T11:24:50.945-07:00

I happened to flip to PBS last night just as a biography of Luciano Pavarotti was beginning. He died a little over a year ago- an event I noted at the time with a glib, "Pavarotti died. Oh, that's too bad."But watching the biopic last night, I realized that Pavarotti had a big influence on me, musically. I can even pinpoint what became known as his signature aria- "Nessun Dorma" from Puccini's

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27874889.post-59541610295796842952008-08-21T12:52:00.000-07:002008-08-21T13:27:30.189-07:00

You Are Rowlf the DogMellow and serious, you enjoy time alone cultivating your talents.You're a cool dog, and you always present a relaxed vibe.A talented pianist, you can play almost anything - especially songs by Beethoven."My bark is worse than my bite, and my piano playing beats 'em both."The Muppet Personality Test

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27874889.post-19733784725929773112008-08-19T14:18:00.000-07:002008-08-19T14:42:49.746-07:00

One of the things I most appreciate about the Orthodox Church is its long memory. I love that we keep a record of so many martyrs and pious people- that we know their names, hometowns, etc.But at the same time, as a choir director, I must admit that this memory makes for some tricky singing. My memories of seminary include several instances where an odd-sounding name or funny phrase inspired

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27874889.post-43696186035874410572008-08-08T08:59:00.000-07:002008-08-08T09:30:43.326-07:00

From Sis #2Do you like blue cheese? No. I like bleu cheese. (I know- I'm a snot.) Have you ever smoked? No. Do you own a gun? Nope What flavor Kool-Aid was your favorite? Grape. Reminds me of Grandma Thomas. Do you get nervous before doctor appointments? Yes! What do you think of hot dogs? I enjoy them at ball games and BBQ's. Favorite Christmas movie? White Christmas “Well, I like that!

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27874889.post-33124160317460189882008-08-01T11:12:00.000-07:002008-08-01T11:21:17.827-07:00

This gurantees a smile- not matter how curmudgeonly ye be. Where the Hell is Matt? (2008) from Matthew Harding on Vimeo.

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27874889.post-91014357291849597342008-07-31T11:50:00.000-07:002008-07-31T13:04:36.475-07:00

I realized today that I have not posted in over two whole months- horrific, abysmal, and not very kind to the 3-8 readers that visit my blog. The problem is that I still have nothing interesting to write about, so I will make you suffer through the sort of silliness with which I amuse myself. (Ahem- how conceited is that- to laugh at one's own wit and then force it on others?) First- the back

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27874889.post-49355766729777403132008-05-15T09:23:00.000-07:002008-05-15T10:03:36.614-07:00

Those of you that blog know that from time to time, someone will stumble upon your blog and leave you the most random of comments. Most if the time they're relatively inocuous- someone has a friend who has a friend who has a friend who has a link to my blog. Sometimes they just want to sound off about Christianity or religion.But earlier this week, an anonymous writer left what has to be the

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27874889.post-77019371821826225692008-05-13T07:09:00.000-07:002008-05-13T07:10:22.294-07:00

Take the Quiz here!

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27874889.post-38462475497835100422008-02-14T09:58:00.000-08:002008-02-14T10:07:16.510-08:00

Forgot one more from yesterday's list: 7) Product of India or Brazil. Or Thailand. From the back of a bag of cashews bought at the airport, with that exact punctuation. And then underneath it in HUGE letters: PACKAGED IN THE USA. Was very excited that I was eating exotic imported patriotic nuts. Although likely all of the nuts in my bag were from the same lot, I enjoyed thinking that

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27874889.post-47458094456704830242008-02-13T09:53:00.001-08:002008-02-13T10:19:47.615-08:00

Welcome to the newest edition of Seen & Heard-most of them from my recent trip to Ohio for the baptism of my newest goddaughter (I collect them).Mardi Gras Sunday. Seen on a banner outside of a local Catholic church on Feb. 3. And I thought- Fat Tuesday Sunday? I suppose Fat Sunday or Dimanche Gras didn't appeal."Excuse Me." Repeated three times to me by a young woman seated next to me on the

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27874889.post-40253420765364365412008-02-06T08:13:00.000-08:002008-02-06T13:30:10.734-08:00

A friend of mine calls this time of year Farch, for two reasons:because of how February and March run together andbecause it's onomatopaeic: it sounds like exactly what this time of year is like.It is cold, browny-grey, and clammy.For me, it is also the time of year when we are either rushing head-long into Lent, or through it to Holy Week and Pascha. About the time of my last post in November, I

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27874889.post-42115763351549956232007-11-15T06:15:00.000-08:002007-11-15T09:56:49.746-08:00

Think of a time when you gave a special gift to someone you love. Why did you give it to them? What reaction from them did you want?As part of a college course, I went on a trip to Paris in January of 2000. While there, I visited the Cathedral of St Alexander Nevsky on the Rue Daru. Across the street was a Russian shop that sold religious books, icons, and gift items. In a glass case, I spied a

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27874889.post-36115566849508859012007-08-21T06:36:00.000-07:002007-08-21T06:55:34.279-07:00

"Again," I want to say to you.Say that again.Let your mouth pour out those sweet words on me again.But let them fall on me with the force of a bullet or a hurricane,So that they can cut deep grooves into my stone of a heart.Let those words etch themselves in meUntil I am no longer just a rock, But a monument, a memorial.In short, say them over and overUntil I believe them,Until they become the

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27874889.post-46003535135522302062007-08-11T15:01:00.000-07:002007-08-11T15:24:12.695-07:00

I had big plans for sleeping in this morning- my first in about 10 days that I would have mostly to myself. But alas- nature intervened.I went to bed early enough (a few minutes before 10pm), but was awakened around 3:45 by a horrific thunderstorm. It blew in with terrific winds (gusts to 65 mph they said) and spectacular lightning. There were a number of lightning strikes- they hit the ground

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27874889.post-16575355619064187942007-08-02T06:41:00.000-07:002007-08-02T07:28:40.637-07:00

Growing up, my dad used to say, "Leave time to get lost." Anytime we were getting in the car to go somewhere new or unfamiliar, he'd press us to get loaded up early, so that if we took a wrong turn or run into traffic we could still make it to our destination on time. This used to drive me crazy: you'd hustle up, get in the car, and then there would be no unforeseen events. We'd end up sitting in

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27874889.post-76793718241482096592007-07-24T08:20:00.000-07:002007-07-24T09:54:45.130-07:00

There are a few questions I dread in life, and the other day someone asked me one of them: "Why are you single?"I dread this question because I never know how to answer. Usually the person asking is only an acquaintance, which is part of why I hate it. How do answer such a personal question when the asker is not someone you know well and trust?I've never understood why someone asks this question.

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27874889.post-2750023587268993752007-07-12T09:45:00.000-07:002007-07-12T09:45:45.153-07:00

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27874889.post-47684855341716323972007-07-10T06:53:00.000-07:002007-07-10T06:56:41.334-07:00

After all my deep soul-searching posts of late, I offer you this, in honor of the massive overdose of 'Arry Pot-tah I am sure to take this month.(If the link doesn't work, go to Youtube, type in Harry Potter Puppet Pals and click on "Mysterious Ticking Noise.")Tee-hee.

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27874889.post-38065046828366166252007-07-04T11:24:00.000-07:002007-07-04T12:28:57.545-07:00

The 4th of July has meant different things to me over the years. For a long time it meant seeing fat Shriners on toy scooters in the local parade, lemon shake-ups, and fireworks over the ballfield in the park. When I was a teenager, it meant the most frantic and stressful workday of the year (I worked at a movie theater.) When I was in college it meant going to visit my mother's kin near St Louis

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27874889.post-91566868797489678182007-06-13T08:51:00.000-07:002007-06-13T08:53:35.433-07:00

“Girls, come and look at this.” Growing up, these were maybe my favorite words my father said. “Come and see,” he would say, and I would run to look. I’d arrive, and there would be a surprise: a rabbits’ nest, heat lightning in the distance, the first crocus of the spring.Most of the time he would summon all of us girls to see what little treasure he’d found, but every once in a while he would

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27874889.post-23559561408290862292007-06-12T13:04:00.000-07:002007-06-12T13:08:50.471-07:00

If I wrote out my memoirs,How would you read them?If I brought out the family skeletons,Would you be hurt?I can’t just trot out the happy bits anymore:The 4th of July sparklers, the butterflies in the trees.Those have been tumbled round enough to make them smooth and shiny;Bright stones to show to visitors.I need to draw out the other tales now:The lessons you didn’t know you taught, the stories

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27874889.post-52480815877232972042007-06-08T11:55:00.000-07:002007-06-08T12:16:21.509-07:00

A friend sent this to me... apparently there are 70+ famous bands or singers in this pic. I've put my guesses underneath. Do you have more? There's a lot of detail- I set it as my desktop background to see better.Led ZeppelinThe B-52sThe EaglesU2Black CrowesBeach BoysAlice in ChainsRolling StonesIron MaidenWhite SnakeRadioheadPixiesMadonnaSealGuns N Roses50 CentQueenPrinceSex PistolsMatchbox

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27874889.post-4000353099709924192007-05-30T08:37:00.000-07:002007-05-31T08:04:37.577-07:00

Memory is a tricky thing. We often think of our memories as facts- perfect snapshots of events. We pull up memories as proof all the time- we think that if we remember it, then it happened in exactly that way.But that's not really what memory is. Our memories our colored according to who we are and what we're feeling. We can only remember what our experience of the event is.I was struck by this

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27874889.post-24543446385350170052007-05-29T13:32:00.000-07:002007-05-29T13:36:20.004-07:00

Go away.Can’t you see I don’t want to talk about it?Leastaways, not with you.Believe me when I say I’m all right.I’m all right in all the areas I want you to know about.There are public spaces in me,And spaces for casual friends and coworkers.There are disclosures for closer friends,And smaller, deeper circles for me and one or two others.And then parts of me that are just for me and me

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27874889.post-45246458138723908752007-05-25T13:35:00.000-07:002007-05-25T13:45:22.988-07:00

Photo by...

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27874889.post-32945353345405325132007-05-23T12:17:00.000-07:002007-05-23T12:21:32.383-07:00

Yeah, so I haven't posted in a while. Just don't have anything I want to post here just now. I suppose a dry spell is okay.More later.

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27874889.post-30878265043953424082007-04-25T11:42:00.000-07:002007-04-25T11:48:35.554-07:00

Sorry... I know I've been rather depth-less lately, but I can't resist showing you these three fun things:A) Me Church (click on the preview screen to the left)B) New Collections Strategy (ditto)C) Fun with Maps:Go to _www.google.com_ (http://www.google.com/) Click on "maps"Click on "get directions"Type "New York" in the first box (the "from" box)Type "London" in the second box (the "to" box)

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27874889.post-51318975377874835602007-04-23T08:57:00.000-07:002007-04-23T08:59:00.748-07:00

Check out the new blogs added to the list to the right...

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27874889.post-68438593922826425302007-04-19T08:47:00.000-07:002007-04-19T08:50:17.962-07:00

Humor for my fellow Ortho-geeks:You’re St. Melito of Sardis!You have a great love of history and liturgy. You’re attached to the traditions of the ancients, yet you recognize that the old world — great as it was — is passing away. You are loyal to the customs of your family, though you do not hesitate to call family members to account for their sins.Find out which Church Father you are at The Way

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27874889.post-53411328523174435122007-04-16T11:12:00.000-07:002007-04-16T11:44:31.336-07:00

I met a Muppet this morning. I mean, he really looked like he came right out of Jim Henson's Creature Shop. He was tall, with long grey hair, dressed all in black, with the trademark chains and tattoos of a biker. He was skinny everywhere but his gut. But what made him like a new character on Sesame Street was his impossibly big, red nose and jolly glasses. Oh, and he was really nice, too. He

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27874889.post-55042813158369220582007-04-10T10:01:00.000-07:002007-04-10T10:26:27.355-07:00

Wahoo! I survived my first Holy Week/Pascha in this new place & job.Although I fell completely run-over, physically. After Bright Monday Liturgy and an early afternoon visit with a friend, I spent most of yesterday firmly ensconced on the couch, nursing a big pot of tea and drifting in and out of sleep while watching Pride & Prejudice (not to mention discovering new stiff and sore spots). My big

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27874889.post-57658115100652678542007-04-06T08:37:00.000-07:002007-04-06T08:57:44.418-07:00

I have discerned from reading the scribbles of other Orthodox bloggers that today I should be thinking deep thoughts and producing beautiful contemplations on Our Lord's passion and the powerful services of Holy Week.And while the fodder is plentiful- hearing all four Gospel narratives of the betrayal, trial, torture and crucifixion of Christ in full last night always is- and I definitely have a

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27874889.post-84953429104181048372007-03-30T10:24:00.000-07:002007-03-30T12:02:12.197-07:00

I often encounter Christians, of various denominations, who seem to have been infected with what I call "the happy-clappies." They are overjoyed to be in the flock. They seem to be trouble-free, according to the smiles on their faces and their gushing testimonies of how their lives have changed since they came to faith. Or at least- their troubles don't seem to vex them. And they don't seem to

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27874889.post-89083345436278379012007-03-29T09:10:00.000-07:002007-03-29T09:54:08.096-07:00

I have a horrible time paying attention in church. Or more specifically, I rarely can pay attention to sermons and scripture readings. Liturgy will end, and I will have no memory of the epistle reading or what the priest said.But from time to time, certain things will jump out, like this reading from Presanctified yesterday:And he said, "I am your brother, Joseph, whom you sold into Egypt. And

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27874889.post-10619128414995672832007-03-22T11:33:00.000-07:002007-03-22T12:40:31.023-07:00

So I stepped out of my door this morning, and went to put something in my car, which was parked, as usual, on the street.As I unlocked the door, I noticed my little red prayer book sitting on the seat, and thought, "Huh. When did I move that?" [This prayer book typically spends its time in the little cubbyhole under the stereo, and is taken out far less than it should be.] And then I noticed a

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27874889.post-62222440126636784482007-03-17T14:58:00.000-07:002007-03-17T15:22:36.454-07:00

I keep trying to find the right words for how hard this week as been, but they won't come. A friend of mine died tragically this week, by his own hands. And since I heard the news, I've been in a fog- I keep forgetting basic things, like how to pitch Tone 8 and what time Vespers is.I'm struggling with so many emotions: sadness over Eric's death; anger at a certain person who added to his

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27874889.post-15847156573669250742007-03-02T08:29:00.000-08:002007-03-02T08:34:53.699-08:00

Thanks to Sis and Boo for letting me know that my posts wouldn't allow comments... I've changed the settings, so comments are allowed (but FYI: I have to approve all comments first, to help keep the internet creepies out there from posting comments).Oh, and I'd like to clarify that "Boo" is not "my boo" (significant other in slang). It's just my nickname for her. She's Boo and I'm Roo. I gave her

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27874889.post-36074957326277011792007-03-01T08:11:00.000-08:002007-03-01T10:21:19.682-08:00

Have you ever read a book that you swear is about you? I chanced- I mean completely unexpectedly- came across a book this week that in a scant few pages managed to rip me wide open. It's the author's memoir, and even though her childhood was radically different from mine, everything about the writer could have come from my own lips- the way she thinks, the thoughts she writes, the feelings. "How

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27874889.post-9478121260728036452007-02-14T07:09:00.000-08:002007-02-14T08:57:59.196-08:00

The leading story on the local news last night was about two new flu-related deaths in Minnesota. Up to now, they've all been children (at least the ones I heard about), but yesterday a firefighter in his 40s died of complications of the flu.So the news crew interviewed the man's family... at a hockey game. Let's get this straight- the man had died THAT DAY, and his high school-aged son played

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27874889.post-14086762630917453202007-02-12T11:39:00.000-08:002007-02-09T10:30:10.091-08:00

So, I had a first today: the first time I've had a medical professional who's my age. I went to the dentist today- chosen only because a) he's one of the approved dentists on my insurance's list and b) proximity to my dwelling (the other end of the block).Yup- he was pretty young. I mean, his first name is CORY, for crying out loud. That being said- he's seemed like a good enough dentist- he used

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27874889.post-48075868237828135772007-02-09T09:54:00.000-08:002007-02-03T12:06:20.689-08:00

The teachers of my past have been haunting me this week. Well- their 'phraseology' anyway. This morning, as I was preparing the salad for my lunch, I realized I could hear Chef Teddy. When I was in seminary, my community service job on campus was to assist the cook in preparing dinner a couple of days a week. Mostly it meant that I made salads. But he showed me different techniques for chopping

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27874889.post-48094736274224739232007-02-03T11:42:00.000-08:002007-02-03T12:06:21.073-08:00

Finally, I get what my new friends and neighbors meant when they said, "Just wait until winter." All the dire predictions, the tips on which type/brand of winter wear to get- all have come to fruition this weekend.Up to now, I've shaken my head at the ladies clucking over my lack of a hat/boots/tights or my habit of going outside with wet hair.But now I'm feeling woefully underdressed- all my

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27874889.post-71680972127882973482007-01-23T10:39:00.000-08:002007-01-23T11:51:42.891-08:00

I'm about a month late on New Year's Resolutions, but have finally embarked on the same one I've had for years on end: losing weight. Oh wait, I'm supposed to say "improving my health," or something like that, but I'm not into b.s. these days.So, one week into a new regime, and I'm doing okay. I can't say if I've lost weight or not because I don't have a scale- I could only find a $50 version,

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27874889.post-34749244839236400862007-01-19T09:52:00.000-08:002007-01-19T10:39:46.296-08:00

I wonder- is singing hymn texts that infuriate you an ascetic discpline?Last night at Vespers, we sang verses to the Ven. Mark of Ephesus (instead of St Macarius of Egypt, who is listed first in commemorations) at the instruction of my priest. Now, from time to time, texts come up that either confuse me or give me pause, but in general they don't irritate me too much. This is the first time the

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27874889.post-14051233732157610392007-01-17T07:56:00.000-08:002007-01-17T08:00:55.184-08:00

Small, persistent little flame.Despite rain and wind,it insists on living.I don't remember giving it fuel or oxygen,but there it is:small, shy, bright.

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27874889.post-61660690642763693682006-12-30T11:05:00.000-08:002006-12-30T11:32:42.907-08:00

Okay, so the advantage of going out to a movie and a late dinner with a friend is that on the way home you get to hear some incredibly stupid (and funny) music on the radio.Dumb thing #1: The chorus of a song by a rapper called Frankie J. I think there were other rappers involved, but am not sure. No, I will not link to his website, because I don't want to encourage you to look him up. But the

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27874889.post-62563912848774150182006-12-28T13:08:00.000-08:002006-12-28T13:55:39.026-08:00

Merry Christmas, dear readers!I embarked on a mission after Thanksgiving- which was to simply make it through Christmas. This was my first Nativity away from home ever, and my first as choir director at this church. I decided to not try or expect to enjoy myself or to get any of the usual spiritual balm I get at this time of year- I was simply going to make it through, and save trying to enjoy

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27874889.post-48377323034727897072006-12-23T13:58:00.001-08:002006-12-23T14:01:01.346-08:00

A vivid, powerful dream woke me up this very early this morning, tears streaming down my face. In the dream, I was at a wedding reception- only instead of a rented hall, we were outside- like in a village wedding you see in period movies set in someplace like Tuscany- with a dirt floor for dancing and girls with flowers in their curls. At this wedding, the bride did the bouquet toss and I caught

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27874889.post-84690077886970296202006-12-21T08:45:00.000-08:002006-12-21T09:27:50.774-08:00

Every holiday season in my memory, I've heard the Christians around me talk about how materialistic and commercial this feast has become in the wider American culture. I hear parents fret over how to keep the focus within their families on the event of Christ's coming. Since I've become Orthodox, these spoken frustrations have expanded to include how to handle your non-Orthodox friends or family

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27874889.post-1166201014519050862006-12-15T08:15:00.000-08:002006-12-15T08:43:34.536-08:00

Monday I woke up with a laugh. Today I woke up with a sniff. There was a wretched smell in my apartment- like something rubbery on fire. I quickly decided it wasn't my place- no smoke or fire alarms, and the cats were calm. Then I thought perhaps it was one of the other units in my house-turned-4-plex, so I lay there, listening intently for alarms elsewhere in the building or others sounds of

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27874889.post-1165935965848150832006-12-12T06:32:00.000-08:002006-12-12T07:06:05.873-08:00

I had my first genuine day off in a couple of weeks yesterday, so I slept in. When I woke up- I found both cats sitting directly opposite my pillow- their two heads close together, round eyes watching for me. There was a brief pause, during which they seemed to be assessing whether I was truly, legitimately awake, and then they said, in perfect unison: "Get up!"Actually, what they said was "

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27874889.post-1165761021808728572006-12-10T06:10:00.000-08:002006-12-10T09:26:32.276-08:00

I have finally discovered my motto. When I make my coat of arms, I know the phrase that will be carefully inscribed upon it- are ready?Open Mouth, Insert Foot I am forever saying colossally dumb things. Words intended to be funny, whimsical, or empathetic come out lame, insulting, or just plain odd. I can't count the number of times I've let words come tripping off my toungue, only to be met with

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27874889.post-1165428183863480822006-12-06T09:35:00.000-08:002006-12-06T10:03:03.880-08:00

Happy Saint Nicholas Day, everyone!After a poorly attended Vespers last night, we had a good crowd for liturgy this morning. The singing was nice, although the piece that garnered the most enthusiasm was "Holy Nicholas" (a non-liturgical carol to the saint) that we did after the dismissal. With our blessed bread at the end, someone had generously brought "gold" chocolate coins, and then we stood

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27874889.post-1165279107479778572006-12-04T16:07:00.000-08:002006-12-04T16:38:27.493-08:00

Hooray... am feeling much better today. I managed to rouse myself enough to clean up the kitchen and take out the garbage. So delighted was I to feel like a human being again, that I started humming cheesy holiday music... especially Feliz Navidad, complete with trumpet part:Feliz Navidad (brrump bum bum bum bah),Feliz Navidad (brrump bum bum bum bah),Felix Navidad, prospero ano e felicidad. This

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27874889.post-1164985260935535392006-12-01T06:43:00.000-08:002006-12-01T07:01:00.953-08:00

Recipe A: For a Crummy Weekend1) Start with a normal weekend- two church services and an apartment that needs cleaning.2) Add extra commitments- Advent retreat, youth choir enthusiasm-building meeting, and choral performance in a holiday parade.3) Spice with two funerals, back to back.4) And now, the secret ingredient- a cold. [It occurs to the author that this one ingredient is really what makes

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27874889.post-1164915338254402302006-11-30T11:34:00.000-08:002006-11-30T11:35:38.266-08:00

So... a few things I've learned in the past few days:1) If you think you're getting sick, you probably are. (I woke up with a cold today.)2) I'm not the hard-boiled pet owner I thought I was. I used to proudly profess that I NEVER give my cats people food. But I've discovered that I am powerless- POWERLESS- to resist something Dinah has developed: the Tuna Meow. It is a special mew she reserves

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27874889.post-1164728046292996792006-11-28T07:21:00.000-08:002006-11-28T07:34:06.306-08:00

Thanks to B. for passing this link along. She told me about this yesterday, and all I could say is...Why?It seems the most unappealing thing.I've purchased and assembled my own false tree, and decorated it. My cats have been suprisingly uninterested- after a few exploratory bats at the lowest branches, they've left it alone. Perhaps because there are no ornaments within easy reach. Because, it

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27874889.post-1163792457724722212006-11-17T11:32:00.000-08:002006-11-17T12:47:19.496-08:00

Now that the Advent fast has begun, we've begun concluding our weekday services with this hymn to the Theotokos:Beneath your compassion we take refuge, Virgin Theotokos.Despise not our prayers in our necessities;but deliver us from harm, O only Pure, only Blessed One.Most Holy Theotokos, save us! (3x)As we sing the final phrase, many people make a prostration with each repetition. And last night,

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27874889.post-1163015434849077122006-11-08T11:00:00.000-08:002006-11-10T10:29:14.706-08:00

I trekked across Wisconsin on Sunday to attend my Goddaughter's first concert at her new job- choral director at a small college near the Illinois border. It was a great concert- she had unknowingly programmed some of my favorites- but one in particular made my day: Biebl's radiant Ave Maria.Hearing it reminded of the first time I heard it- during my freshman year at MU (good gracious, that was

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27874889.post-1162321315903215392006-10-31T09:58:00.000-08:002006-10-31T11:01:55.930-08:00

...and feeling foolish. For those of you that have been reading my comments, you'll know that a Jehovah's Witness has been visiting and commenting in response to my previous post.He/she called me out for going to a Halloween party over the weekend. To paraphrase: "You preach that Satan is evil all year, but now you party with him?" A valid point.I've long been a fence-sitter when it comes to

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27874889.post-1161982292412484102006-10-27T13:23:00.000-07:002006-10-31T07:48:15.893-08:00

Jehovah's Witnesses, I mean. I just had my 4th encounter in 10 days. I kid you not. The first three encounters were with people coming to my door. One lady wanted to give me a pamphlet entitled: THE END OF FALSE RELIGION IS NEAR, complete with dramatic photo of a lightening strike on the cover. (Cue ominous music.) I wanted to say, "Are you predicting your own demise?" But instead I said, "No

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27874889.post-1161884105391471932006-10-26T09:33:00.000-07:002006-10-26T16:13:28.553-07:00

Over the past few weeks, I've managed to catch a series of episodes of Nova (a science program on PBS) called Origins, that covers the origins of Earth, according to contemporary science.It's an excellent program, very interesting, although I sometimes think it could also be titled: "When astrophysicists get excited." I mean, these men and women LOVE their work.There's a ton I could say in

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27874889.post-1161275894407678552006-10-19T09:09:00.000-07:002006-10-21T21:56:40.163-07:00

Lately, I've been hearing certain Christians referred to as "radical," "crazy," and "extreme," in media and entertainment. From what I discern, the Christians to whom they are referring are those who fit one or more of the following characteristics:those who don't believe in evolutionthose who oppose gay marriage, abortion, and embryonic stem cell researchthose who take their faith to the voting

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27874889.post-1161203797412736312006-10-18T13:24:00.000-07:002006-10-19T13:03:55.650-07:00

When perusing some historical information about my current parish, I found the following letter, congratulating the parish on reaching an important anniversary of its founding. Can you guess which president wrote it? To the Congregation of ______:Congratualtions on your __th Anniversary. I know you must be very proud to have reached this milestone.As a nation united under God, our best efforts

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27874889.post-1161105594655180762006-10-17T10:19:00.000-07:002006-10-17T11:52:10.293-07:00

A friend of mine (who is a grad student at Northwestern) received this from Northwestern's Career Services Center. It includes a rather lovely typo... one would think such winning women would know to employ a copy editor.JP Morgan Winning Women Event. The Wall Street era of the pinstriped, cigar-chomping old boy's network is long gone. JPMorgan is shattering any lingering perception, by

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27874889.post-1161008910344165362006-10-16T07:21:00.000-07:002006-10-16T17:44:41.866-07:00

People seemed to think of The Accident as some sort of rock tumbler: "It's great how you're rallying together." "Your family will come out stronger." To them, we were rocks thrown into a cylinder by a Boy Scout and tumbled down a hill, to emerge as smooth shiny pebbles at the bottom.These comments always infuriated me. "Those aren't rocks in that capsule!" I would scream in my head. "That's my

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27874889.post-1160851921541615452006-10-14T11:37:00.000-07:002006-10-14T13:41:41.546-07:00

Spent a fine evening with my friend Ann, in which we concluded watching a BBC miniseries of Dickens' Our Mutual Friend.I just want to pause and say: I love Dickens. I really do. And I heartily enjoy t.v. miniseries and films of Dickens novels.One of the things I most enjoy about Dickens are the names. Characters have such lovely onomatopoeic names- all of their quirks, foibles, and virtues

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27874889.post-1160765347589936692006-10-13T11:09:00.000-07:002006-10-13T11:49:07.633-07:00

Nov. 8 cannot come soon enough. Because finally, at long last, I will be freed from campaign materials. I loathe having glossy fliers shoved in my mailbox. And I am so heartily sick of campaign ads on t.v. Just the way things are twisted, so that all sense of reality or perspective is lost.Some of them, however, are quite funny (in that jaded way). My "favorite" is one that says, " X was a high

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27874889.post-1160597415043734862006-10-11T12:16:00.000-07:002006-10-13T04:04:51.940-07:00

For the first time in my now 28 years of memory, there's snow on my birthday. Not much- a few scattered flakes when I woke up and then quickly turned to rain. Still- it's a novelty. And, the big dip in temperature means that my cats are extra snuggly.So far, more people than expected have remembered my birthday. I mean, more people than expected from my new locale. A choir member fashioned me a

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27874889.post-1160160658812270262006-10-06T11:10:00.000-07:002006-10-07T15:24:28.850-07:00

I had my third yoga class this morning (the blog title is my favorite pose we did today). I've been really enjoying the class- the instructor is great- she explains very well and is good at offering you lots of different options for the poses.The class is held in a studio in a renovated warehouse on the edge of downtown- just over ten minutes from where I live. It's on the second floor, and has

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27874889.post-1159807588805415942006-10-02T09:45:00.000-07:002006-10-02T09:46:28.806-07:00

I love fall!

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27874889.post-1159629661735883232006-09-30T07:04:00.000-07:002006-10-01T20:07:05.246-07:00

There's an old song that goes... "Another Saturday night and I aint got nobody... I got some money 'cause I just got paid... Oh how I wish I had someone to talk to... I'm in an awful way."That's how I felt last night, except it was Friday, and even though I just got paid, I don't have any money, 'cause it goes right back out to pay the bills. As for wanting someone to talk to: I've made some new

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27874889.post-1159369072957047292006-09-27T07:46:00.001-07:002006-09-29T20:00:58.090-07:00

A whirlwind trip back home for the funeral of a dear family friend- I organized the music and directed the choir, so I was in 'task-completion' mode for most of the service. It wasn't until everything was done, and we were standing at the graveside that I could shut down. We buried her at the cemetary outside of town; it was a beautiful day- sunny but not too warm. It felt so good to be back at

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27874889.post-1158601607048652672006-09-18T10:37:00.000-07:002006-09-18T19:39:58.003-07:00

I sick... bad cold. Sweated, sniffled, and cough-dropped my way through Vespers, Liturgy, and 2 baptisms over the weekend. Oh, and lost my tuning fork. (Someone loaned me one).And of course, there was nothing but football on television on Sunday, when my eyes were watering too much to read.However, at six o'clock, one of my favorite shows came on: America's Funniest Home Videos. Yes- I am not

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27874889.post-1158166118833576672006-09-13T09:22:00.000-07:002006-09-13T09:48:38.930-07:00

From the last few daysSeen: New carpet in my new office! (Am getting to move from dungeon-like cubby hole in basement to a new space.)Heard: "You look so nice today- it must because you're wearing makeup." Post-liturgical quasi-compliment.Seen: at a Twins game... a player on the opposing team named Milton Bradley. Jokes about board games abounded.Heard: "AARGH!" Thump! Thump! Thump! "MROWWWW!"

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27874889.post-1158078954747461752006-09-12T09:02:00.000-07:002006-09-12T09:35:57.496-07:00

I step out onto the ice,testing with each step,tentative.Right now, I'm sticking to the shore,even though where I need to beis out there, in the middle of the lake.It occurs to me:only when the winter is at its deepest,when things are the most desperate,could I have confidence in the ice.So I must let my life's winter come.Must let things get to their coldest, harshest, hungriest point.Only then,

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27874889.post-1157564157566016022006-09-06T09:20:00.000-07:002006-09-07T03:38:56.563-07:00

I came across this article some time ago, and it's been nagging at me. It's a bit of advice on how to handle yourself when someone on the street hits you up for money.Several years ago, during a Q&A session, a priest was asked about this very topic, and I've never forgotten his response. He said (I'm paraphrasing) that if we have money, we should give it. He issue isn't whether or not the asker

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27874889.post-1157047776807725352006-08-31T11:00:00.000-07:002006-09-04T13:04:52.876-07:00

My church, as it nears the end of its roof renovations.It was green before, but now most of the copper has been replaced, the rest cleaned off and the two main crosses have been re-gilded. I live across the street behind the church, so I've had a great view of the progress this summer. When I stepped outside my apartment today for my morning "commute", I looked up and the sun was hitting the

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27874889.post-1156954244982182432006-08-30T09:06:00.000-07:002006-08-30T09:10:44.996-07:00

Computer problems.Something is messed up with my internet. When I try to log on to Blogger, it tells me I can't because my SSL is disabled. However, when I check my internet settings, I have the various SSL settings "checked" to be enabled. Grr. I know nothing about this stuff.However, I have found that if I go to my blog, click to leave a comment, I can log in that way, and then view my own

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27874889.post-1156530674467533412006-08-25T11:31:00.000-07:002006-08-25T11:52:51.540-07:00

Hold on... I think this is going to be a very stream-of-consciousness type of entry (although definitely less risque than yesterday's).We had terrific thunderstorm yesterday in the late afternoon/ early evening. The worst of it came at the time I needed to leave for Vespers. Many streets were flooding, visibility was very bad. At one intersection I saw a basketball float by.As I zig-zagged my way

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27874889.post-1156453954598622072006-08-24T12:25:00.000-07:002006-08-31T13:24:59.203-07:00

While driving in my car yesterday, I was listening to a piece on NPR about the housing market. The man being interviewed was describing that the segment of the market seeing the biggest decline was the "condo market." Only, it seemed that as he said the first word, he couldn't decide whether or not to go ahead and say "condominium" or just stick with "condo." So it came out as, "the condom market

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27874889.post-1156342194768813782006-08-23T06:56:00.000-07:002006-08-23T12:22:17.983-07:00

Sorry, nothing deep or even long-winded today. Mayhap later.However, I did want to give y'all a chuckle, thanks to a few funny pics sent my way:It's time for... WHEEL OF PUPPIES!!!I'm not sure what's funnier- the size of watermelon vs. size of child or the fact that I can totally empathize with wanting to eat watermelon that way.This is just too, too clever. Gosh, kids can be creative.

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27874889.post-1156266989653130232006-08-22T09:33:00.000-07:002006-08-22T10:16:29.806-07:00

A friend sent me an email forward with a bunch of pictures in it, one of which brought up a family story. My siblings and parents will know it as soon as they see it.We camped a lot when I was younger- my parents bought a pop-up camper and we towed all over- the only affordable way we could see Yellowstone, Mt Rushmore, and varied points in-between.We had a routine going for each arrival at a new

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27874889.post-1155746019011677752006-08-16T08:48:00.000-07:002006-08-18T09:06:48.610-07:00

It's been an interesting few days. Monday night- Vespers for the Dormition. Normally, I don't get a large crowd to sing for Vespers, but for this feast I had a nice group- all 4 parts even! And the service was lovely- the singing beautiful, a perfect evening outside. And for my part- I did well- no mistakes in my markings on the text, good directing, didn't forget any of the parts of the Litya,

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27874889.post-1155132008725321662006-08-09T06:32:00.000-07:002006-08-10T18:58:11.526-07:00

I dreamt last night that you died suddenly and too young.I dropped everything to be at your funeral;I wept with your family.We told each other how much we loved you,How important you were in our lives,Our wishes that some things had been different for you.And we laid you to rest and together found peace.Then the dream restarted, same as beforeOnly this time I couldn't go to your funeral.Again I

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27874889.post-1155072634982756132006-08-08T13:30:00.000-07:002006-08-08T14:30:35.060-07:00

I decided I couldn't let such a silly post as the previous be the only way I made up for the long break inbetween posting.Part of my Monday/ Day-Off ritual is going to the laundromat. I don't enjoy this task- I always end up feeling a little discouraged. This is always when I notice the frayed hems, the missing buttons, the ink marks from when the pen slipped in my hand. Laundry time is when all

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27874889.post-1155068477471705102006-08-08T13:21:00.000-07:002006-08-08T13:29:32.936-07:00

I was sent a forward with some Christian One-Liners today, here are my hokey favorites, coming to a bumper sticker near you!Don't let your worries get the best of you; remember, Moses started out as a basket case.It is easier to preach ten sermons than it is to live one.When you get to your wit's end, you'll find God lives there.Quit griping about your church; if it was perfect, you

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27874889.post-1154205206600012292006-07-29T13:16:00.000-07:002006-07-29T13:33:26.636-07:00

Just come and sit with me.Don't feel you need try and fix anything.You can't anyway-You're not the right one for that.Instead, just sit:Be with me here.When I tell you, say, "I know, sweeting. I know."And mean it.That's what's needed most-Another person, a presence, a joiner.A hand-holder in this space.

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27874889.post-1153955882829459972006-07-26T16:11:00.000-07:002006-07-27T07:27:13.330-07:00

Things I Accomplished Yesterday:Prepped for and directed choir rehearsal.Avoided the embrace of an older gentleman whom I had never before met. ("Keep me in your arms..." Yes, he did say that.)Managed to mess up every attempt at sending emails with attachments.Purged multiple copies of unnecessary, outdated, and faded music. (No cause for alarm- I saved one copy of each item for posterity.) Ahhh!

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27874889.post-1153847781331708962006-07-25T09:50:00.000-07:002006-07-26T10:22:44.116-07:00

A particular memory today... I remember being taken to see a nutritionist once as a teen. For 30 minutes or so I sat with this person, someone with a lot of training in this area. I gamely pointed at which size piece of rubber replica chicken is the appropriate serving size and which size I was accustomed to eating. I quietly listened as she told me the actual serving size of a piece of cheese

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27874889.post-1153598425812324912006-07-22T12:34:00.000-07:002006-07-22T13:00:28.086-07:00

Went out for dinner with a few friends last night to a Japanese place. We sat at the hibachi- the big grill where the chef cooks the food right in front of you. Complete with utensil juggling, large flames, and food tossing. It was quite fun and entertaining, although we all suspected we had a beginner chef- some of the tricks were rough around the edges. But at one point he made a flaming onion

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27874889.post-1153501701384959352006-07-21T10:08:00.000-07:002006-07-21T12:11:08.546-07:00

At the first notes,I stop and simply listen.Soon, I am gone-away from this desk, this fan, this place.I'm backCatching a song thrown by throatfrom yellow lamp's lightin that spring, that night, that window.Shake into now-time,a little quieter.I scold myself for dippinginto this song, this album, this memory.

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0