personal

these boots were made for walkin’

No, not white Go-Go boots (I think I owned a pair when I was a kid. Really.). And not Nancy Sinatra.

Perhaps something like this:

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Only, really, more like this:

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It seems I’ve been dreaming about walking for about a week. Not hiking mountains with beautiful vistas. Not hiking through the woods hoping to find a cool spring. Nope.

I’ve been walking through streets and alleys in what appears to be a seaside town somewhere along the east coast, probably the northeast because it doesn’t look like anything I’ve experienced in Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas. Now add the creep factor of cutting through people’s yards and picking up snippets of their daily lives (at least I’m walking through and not actively being a Peeping Tom Bego).

When I was an undergrad majoring in psychology, I used to keep a dream journal. I don’t remember what any of this means. My guess is probably as good as yours.

Too bad I’m not getting the health benefits of all this walking, but I am waking up with a clear head. Go figure.

3 things about me today

1. I serve people, not data points, not sources of revenue. I go out of my way to do it with dignity and respect, and usually, throw in a smile for good measure.

2. Nothing goes with BBQ short ribs like a cold beer. Yum.

3. I still don’t like Justin Bieber.

 

sunshine, finally, and then it was gone

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It’s been a soggy week in many ways. I love the rain, and nothing is more exciting than a great lightning display. Better, even, than the fireworks shows that were going on across the country this week. Except here, of course, because it hasn’t stopped raining, and it shows little sign of a break.

Too much of a good thing is too much! I miss the sun!

There have been little pockets of sunshine here and there, kind of like a reminder that even though things are looking pretty dark and dismal, there’s a strong light burning bright behind the clouds. I took advantage of one of those moments earlier. The sun came out so brilliantly that I just stood on the porch soaking in it’s warmth.

And just as I was warming up, it started raining again.

It’s not getting me down, though. I know this will pass and soon, very soon, we’ll be back to the burning summer days around here. I’ll need to remind myself of how much I missed it when I’m given to complaining about the oppressive heat or the unrelenting sun.

In the meantime, I hold on to my memory of the sun’s rays on my face.

I’ve sometimes felt like my faith mimics some weather patterns. Sometimes an emotional or physical assault comes up out of nowhere, and like a thunderstorm, shakes me to my core, leaving me feeling broken. Other times, I’ve felt a slow drain, like the continuous rain this week, dripping on me in a constant steady way that depletes me and leaves me feeling melancholy and heavy- hearted.

In either case, it’s hope that I cling to, whether it’s the sunshine that I seek in my garden, or in more tangible ways, a visit to the Adoration chapel for some real Sonshine.

grown up sippy cups

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These are my girls. We’ve graduated from sippy cups and juice pouches to hanging out at Taco Mac, but one thing has been constant: I love them!

I’m at CatholicMom.com today, wondering about my changing role as a mom. With grown daughters, I’m not telling them to do things and making rules for them anymore. But I am wondering how to keep the conversation going.

Some months ago I had the pleasure of going out with my adult daughters, both beautiful women in their early twenties. I never thought I’d have to wrestle over picking up the bar tab with those two, but I have to admit, it’s rather nice to sit back and watch that little social ritual play out as we reached for the bill. In the end, I gave up, letting the oldest assert her well-deserved independence and treat good ol’ mom.

The girls saw my smile, and the love behind my wisecrack, “it’s about time.”

But there was a great deal of satisfaction in watching that playful scene. I was struck with the passing of time, and wondered how it came to this, that I was in a pub having drinks with my now grown daughters when just yesterday, it seems, I was desperately looking for the tops to the sippy cups.

Read about it here.

Jackson 5

erte-jI had to.

I don’t know how many hours I spent dancing to this song.

Enjoy. I’ll come up with something deep and esoteric tomorrow.

For today, just put a little joy in your step, a little jazz in your swag, a little junk in your trunk.

a little mini bucket list [updated]

Just some things I’d like to do someday:

[because Leonie will fly to the States and kick my butt, I will visit DownUnder before I start my bucket list]

1. run  a marathon   1/2 marathon   5K  around the block

2. take a transatlantic cruise

3. visit Cuba

4. eat some shrimp scampi before I die (I fear one will follow the other)

5. go white water rafting

6. see the Grand Canyon in person, not from a plane

7. snorkel at the Christ statue in Pennekamp Park

8. visit the United Kingdom

9. drive a race car

10. go on the Camino pilgrimage

imagesCAQ9RBTVThis is something I really want to do someday. I’m not entirely sure I’d be up for the whole route, though. If I had “world enough and time” I’d amble my way through it, but the reality is I’d probably have to pick the shortest route and do it that way. Still, it’s something that has fascinated me for years and would be a pretty cool accomplishment. I wonder if I have the nerve to do it alone, or if it’s something that I’d like to share with someone. Hmmm.

things I think about when I think about things

I had to be at work so early that I left in the dark. It doesn’t bother me; it used to be quite normal. I had forgotten how lovely it is to catch the sunrise. This time it took me by surprise, which is the best kind of way to experience it, I think. I live in a kind of hilly area, and I turned after a long curve and there it was! The effect was stunning. We’re having a cold front moving in, and the clouds in the distance looked like a mountain range. Awesome. I love God’s artwork so early in the morning.

***

Speaking of God, I was thinking about the Pope, because, hey, who isn’t? He seems like a pretty nice guy…as far as one can tell by his antics like stopping the Popemobile. Ha. I’ve also really loved the things he’s said…and naturally, the flurry to backpeddle and read all about him is the current insanity. All that aside (I’m not brushing it off — I am obviously interested in what the Holy Father has to say), I was actually just praying for the man. I can’t imagine how his world got turned upside down and what an adjustment it must be. I mean, it’s not like he can go back to his apartment and pick up his things, say ‘bye to his friends, have a little going away party, you know, cuz HE’S SUDDENLY THE POPE!

***

I started this new blog documenting what I do as an instructor in the technical college system. It’s just a marketing tool, but if you’re curious, here it is: more than an essay.

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So how’s your Lent coming along? I think it’s a funny question. I’ll tell you that mine has been a surprise, and I’m pleased with some insights I’ve had. That’s a grace, for sure.

***

Also, I’m really craving pancakes. Instead, I’m having a boiled egg.

***

What are you thinking about?

just another rainy day

It’s chilly and wet — typical for ATL. I’m enjoying a cup of hot tea, Earl Grey. The description on the tea bag says “Black tea kissed with bergamot’s lavender essence.” Or if you prefer the French, “Thé noir délicieusement parfumé d’essence de lavande de bergamot.”

I’ll let you believe I’m sitting in front of a fire as I sit by the big picture window looking out into the backyard. A small blanket tucked neatly under my feet, my journal momentarily abandoned in my lap. The dog, sleeping soundly near me.

It’s showing signs of spring, and my gaze rests on the tiny buds forming on the rose bushes just outside the window. Cardinals dance around in the air. The gloomy clouds break suddenly, and a single beam of light breaks through, offering a small ray of hope in an otherwise gray landscape.

I sigh, contentedly.

Or I could tell you the truth. I had to chase the dog out of a puddle because he didn’t want to come inside and I got a chill. Earl Grey was the first bag I grabbed, and I’m slurping it down hurriedly because I’m in the middle of folding clothes, putting away dishes, and answering a string of emails that seems to be reproducing. The living room is a mess thanks to a rogue paper towel that turned into a toy for the pooch, and the rain has outstayed its welcome.

And still, I sigh contentedly.