Big F, little F, what begins with F? Family, faith, food & finds . . . F, f, f.
FAMILY
At 10:56 am CST today, Jude turned one-week old. Some have asked if we intentionally named our children after Beatles songs (Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds and Hey Jude). Okay, so we concede it’s a toss-up at this point whether our children are named after Beatles songs or dedicated to patron saints. However, don’t bet that our next daughter (God-willing) will be named Eleanor Rigby. (See the stories behind Lucy’s name and Jude’s name.)
FAITH
Turn on ESPN before every major sporting event in America and you’ll find a handful of well-produced feel-good stories about the athletes and teams participating in the big game. This time last year there was the story about the Green Bay Packers’ team chaplain, Father Jim Baraniak, who has a blog and asked his readers to submit homily ideas for the Mass before the Pack’s game (whatever he said, it clearly helped the Packers march on to victory). Or remember those baseball-loving drum-banging nuns who did their share to cheer on the Texas Rangers during the 2010 and ’11 World Series?
Given Super Bowl Sunday is upon us this weekend, the feel-good stories are out in full force. My favorite — the story about the Benedictine nuns of Our Lady of Grace Monastery in Beech Grove, Indiana who were given two Super Bowl tickets from an Indianapolis city council member. Seeing the gift as an opportunity to live out the Parable of the Talents, the good sisters auctioned the tickets to raise funds for their retreat center. To the high bidder also goes transportation to and from the big game, tickets to a Pacers basketball game, dinner accommodations, and a three-night stay at the monastery. While the accommodations are simple, I’m sure the sisters will demonstrate Chapter 53 of the Rule of Saint Benedict: “All guests who present themselves are to be welcomed as Christ.” I would take that Benedictine reception and simple accommodations over “We’ll leave the light on for you” every time. Oh, and great news — the nuns netted over $8,000 for their retreat center!
FUNERAL
On behalf of Kasey & Alan Eoriatti, our dear friends and neighbors (Kasey is also a frequent contributor to The Practicing Catholic), please pray for their family as they celebrate the life of Alan’s father, Joe, who passed away earlier this week. On the night of his death, the family completed a rosary, Alan’s uncle Father Ed anointed Joe, and within seconds, Joe passed away. What a peaceful earthly end to joy-filled life. Please keep Joe’s soul and the Eoriatti family in your prayers.
I recently became acquainted with the work of Father Mike Joly, a singer/songwriter who leads retreats and parish missions. The unique twist on his story? At the age of six, Father Joly permanently lost his eyesight due to a brain tumor. Check out his bio and take a listen to his music — music that I find particularly well suited for use during retreats.
This week’s featured recipe is Plum Juice Spritzer, brought to you by women around the world who have experienced a c-section and weren’t prepared for the . . . brace yourself . . . lack of internal regularity predominately caused by pain medications.
The spritzer is real simple to make: 1 part 7-Up, 2 parts plum juice (calling them plums rather than prunes is so-en-vogue right now!). And because it’s all about presentation, pour your delicious concoction on the rocks and serve in the best wine goblet you can find.
Too much of a bum-mer? Just trying to find some humor in the situation!
Pat Gohn from Among Women recently interviewed me for her podcast. We talked about many things including the beauty of what it means to be a “practicing Catholic” as well as my recent pilgrimage that included a stop at Mary’s House in Ancient Ephesus. Join us for our woman to woman faith sharing. You can listen directly from Pat’s website or download the podcast via iTunes.
Finally, my favorite find this week is the Photoshop Express app for the iPad. Now that I have another lovely subject to photograph, I’m having quite the time fiddling with and doctoring up pictures with this user-friendly app. While not perfect, PS Express has its positive features: it is free, has a nice selection of special effects, and pictures can be easily shared with others right from the app. Here’s a picture of Jude and me doctored up with the sketch effect.
Have a blog? Join in the fun. For more Quick Takes, visit Betty Beguiles.
Sory you’re having belly issues. Part of that is from the anesthesia, too. Hope your cocktail works. ;)
Looking forward to listening to Among Women. I was listening o some past episodes the other day and was thinking about you.
Congratulations on the birth of Lucy!
We visited St. Lucy in Venice almost a year ago… a very special pilgrimage stop for our family.
May you all be blessed! Happy photoshopping!