tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9768898385726233942011-10-06T21:54:46.528-06:00Cathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08815367277213609674noreply@blogger.comBlogger1321100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976889838572623394.post-75128332670494249972011-07-08T15:11:00.001-06:002011-07-08T15:12:46.677-06:00

We are in the rainy season here (such that we have in Colorado that is), which is perfect for morning bike rides, then lazy afternoons of reading and dozing! This morning one of the girls rode with me to Boonzaaijer's, a cute little Dutch bakery on the west side--they made the cake for Laura's wedding last year. If you are in the mood for delectable European pastries, check them out...you won't

Cathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08815367277213609674noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976889838572623394.post-88247908384352870262011-06-11T19:54:00.000-06:002011-06-11T19:54:07.484-06:00

best mini burger ever (at dbar) (my birthday) birthdays (Michael 22, Lydia 24) beautiful vocal recital of my good friend, Linda. the youngest just before her ballet recital   Some of our favorites of summer in Coloradofoodcelebrationsflowersreads(coming up...more food, from farmer's markets to table, hikes, bikes, and books--still need to hang the hammock!) hope you are enjoying your

Cathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08815367277213609674noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976889838572623394.post-47687126226228169622011-05-07T11:07:00.000-06:002011-05-07T11:07:06.772-06:00

For those of you who check here every once in a while, I didn't mean to take such a long break from blogging. These past few months have been particularly tumultuous. But summer is almost here and the sun is shining and it's finally warm in Colorado! I hope to share soon some of the things I've been learning about grace amidst chaos, especially about grace. For now, though, I'll point you to some

Cathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08815367277213609674noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976889838572623394.post-72774095849603024802011-03-13T21:02:00.000-06:002011-03-13T21:02:23.771-06:00

With my fundamentalist/evangelical background (long ago and yet still somehow with me), I have always felt a bit wistful with the keepings of the church calendar, as if it is a bit of a family secret that I should know but really don't. I long to measure my days by these reminders and yet when I try, it feels awkward and foreign. But the following profound reflection on Ash Wednesday does

Cathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08815367277213609674noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976889838572623394.post-46178085264839778902011-02-25T09:05:00.000-07:002011-02-25T09:05:32.494-07:00

A friend recently pointed me to Brene Brown's TED talk on vulnerability and its relationship to human connection. It's worth your time. What she says about transparency and courage is worth your time..."to tell the story of who you are with your whole heart". Even when it's messy--especially when it's messy. It reminds me of what some of my students said last year about brokenness and living a

Cathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08815367277213609674noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976889838572623394.post-49061077002970373792011-02-05T13:19:00.000-07:002011-02-05T13:19:10.189-07:00

...this past week when it was windchill -30...we stayed inside and baked, watched Lost (and old Disney movies), knit, read, and I managed to get started on the mounds of grading already piling up this semester. knit these fingerless gloves (easy pattern) during a Lost marathon... some of the reading...my college roomate's debut novel An Uncommon Crusade (review post coming soon!), Gladwell's

Cathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08815367277213609674noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976889838572623394.post-62485942289140730002011-01-30T19:34:00.000-07:002011-01-30T19:34:30.476-07:00

When the girls were little, they loved having tea parties. They had valentine teas, teddy bear teas, summer garden teas. They could (and did) attach almost any theme to tea, whip out the tiny tea cups, and Voila! a tea party.  The girls are all grown (or almost), but they (we) still love a pretty tea table. Now it's a time and space to slow down, to talk, to laugh, to knit, to savor warm

Cathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08815367277213609674noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976889838572623394.post-5763618403244268172011-01-08T09:27:00.000-07:002011-01-08T09:27:01.218-07:00

Our 2nd daughter, Laura, married Michael, one year ago today! In one year, they married, moved to London where Michael finished his Masters at London School of Economics, squeezed in a honeymoon trip to the Amalfi coast, and moved back to Denver where Laura is finishing her degree at DU. They've had quite a year! It's been lovely having them close these last few months. Happy year one, Laura and

Cathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08815367277213609674noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976889838572623394.post-38081283708800123902011-01-02T15:04:00.002-07:002011-01-02T23:24:57.170-07:00

I spent yesterday putting away the Christmas decorations and dutifully dusting a few nooks and crannies that were desperately needing it. It was a different Christmas than I had expected, yet also sweet in the giving and receiving. We went to Angel Fire, NM to be with my parents and siblings. Christmas day, the cousins chose a tree from the cabin's lot and decorated it with handmade ornaments.

Cathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08815367277213609674noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976889838572623394.post-31860003880605323272010-12-24T08:05:00.000-07:002010-12-24T08:05:49.207-07:00

--pictures at Old Colorado City (used to be with Santa) before the lunar eclipse relaxing few hours with the four girls at Wisdom Tea House...one of our newer, but favorite traditions.an evening of cookie decorating and reading by the fire Wishing all of our friends peace and joy this season!

Cathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08815367277213609674noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976889838572623394.post-6826614966516900942010-12-19T09:57:00.001-07:002010-12-19T10:00:15.611-07:00

Because rituals remind, the experience of time during the holidays can be bittersweet for us. Maybe, because of what is lost, we have to "fight through," pretending to enjoy for the sake of those we love. As O'Donohue writes, the work of day-to-day living is precarious:  there can be danger or darkness anywhere. Habitual time can turn in a second, and suddenly some unforeseen suffering is taking

Cathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08815367277213609674noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976889838572623394.post-11358440606486147112010-12-12T18:48:00.001-07:002010-12-12T18:57:13.312-07:00

"We're going to start with a headstand." I felt my shoulders tense and evidently every one else in the room felt tense too. The instructor commented on the sudden heaviness and fear in the room. So she told us to breathe and notice where that tension was settling. To detach and look at it. I immediately started thinking about the vertigo I was feeling in my life, like my world was upside down.

Cathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08815367277213609674noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976889838572623394.post-57239756111143015842010-12-05T07:38:00.000-07:002010-12-05T07:38:37.883-07:00

     Jan Richardson, over at The Advent Door, writes about the first readings (Matthew 24) of Advent: It can be tempting to recoil from the imagery...: Christ as burglar, coworkers and companions left bereft, the anxiety of not knowing when or how the Word who became flesh for us will come again. Yet the season of Advent challenges us to resist recoiling and instead to press into the insecurity

Cathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08815367277213609674noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976889838572623394.post-13664001633699698222010-11-27T11:48:00.000-07:002010-11-27T11:48:08.267-07:00

We are not huge cranberry sauce fans around here, but discovered an amazing recipe this year. If you use cranberries for Christmas cooking...here are two delicious recipes:      Cranberry Sauce:      1/2 cup  agave nectar1 cup orange juice1 cinnamon stick12 oz. fresh cranberries In a medium saucepan over medium heat, mix agave nectar and orange juice. Add the cinnamon stick. Stir in the

Cathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08815367277213609674noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976889838572623394.post-48942179871326954542010-11-23T10:18:00.000-07:002010-11-23T10:18:58.561-07:00

The last few weeks have been a blur. So glad for some space to breathe again. This past weekend I finished Comprehensive Exams for my Masters--just have oral defense and a couple of elective credits left (my sister calls it the never-ending Masters!). Our family is all together for Thanksgiving for the first time in a long time. I am thankful to crawl out of the philosophical cave I've been in

Cathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08815367277213609674noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976889838572623394.post-73336523883801579432010-11-05T08:45:00.001-06:002010-11-05T08:46:57.647-06:00

I love this idea!! Have you seen? (thanks to experimental theology for the introduction.)

Cathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08815367277213609674noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976889838572623394.post-69384431733885357152010-11-03T07:34:00.000-06:002010-11-03T07:34:39.398-06:00

Cathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08815367277213609674noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976889838572623394.post-23153159020127917962010-10-30T10:19:00.000-06:002010-10-30T10:19:53.661-06:00

"...one night a year the world seems to become re-enchanted. Halloween night feels different. That night is spooky and menacing. For one night a year we go back in time and become medieval again. That's what makes Halloween so interesting. It's the last vestige of the Dark Ages. Smack in the middle of our disenchanted modernity." --Richard Beck This past week, Richard Beck has written a series of

Cathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08815367277213609674noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976889838572623394.post-29426625047500691202010-10-22T16:56:00.000-06:002010-10-22T16:56:57.850-06:00

 rainy day. fireplace day. studying and reading day. baking day. Easy Banana Quinoa Muffins 3/4 cup Quinoa flour 3/4 cup Quinoa flakes 3 t. baking powder 1 1/2 t. baking soda 3/4 t. salt 3-4 T. honey 3 eggs 3 ripe, mashed bananas Mix dry ingredients and wet ingredients in separate bowls. Add wet to dry until just moistened. Pour batter into muffin tins till half full. Bake 400 for 15-20 minutes.

Cathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08815367277213609674noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976889838572623394.post-73996394875079405932010-10-16T15:40:00.001-06:002010-10-16T17:16:58.346-06:00

This "betwixt and between" season has always been a favorite of our family. Like Turner's "liminal moment," fall is the boundary season. It both reminds and anticipates. This last week some of us enjoyed a break from the busyness. Time with family, time with friends, time in nature. It was lovely... The birthday girl below about 13 years ago (at The Happy Apple Farm)The youngest turns 14!

Cathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08815367277213609674noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976889838572623394.post-91785664475336301022010-10-10T08:11:00.000-06:002010-10-10T08:11:12.409-06:00

The first set of pictures are up from our night at The Margarita. You can view them on Lydia's blog or here, to see more beautiful shots.

Cathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08815367277213609674noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976889838572623394.post-57425075793270732872010-10-08T19:12:00.003-06:002010-10-08T19:17:57.877-06:00

 One of my daughters and I spent a beautiful evening recently at The Margarita at Pine Creek thanks to the generosity of a good friend.  She was playing harpsichord with a classical guitarist that evening, so we sat as her guests at the musician's table. The food was outstanding, the atmosphere magical, the music lovely. I especially enjoyed the conversation with my friend, my daughter, and new

Cathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08815367277213609674noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976889838572623394.post-25657534738496699852010-10-01T12:43:00.001-06:002010-10-01T12:57:58.381-06:00

We've had such a fast paced week around here, from the oldest to the youngest...late nights and early mornings for all of us. Combine that with the unseasonably warm, dry weather and a prolonged fall allergy season and I awake too early (again) feeling fairly ragged. After a morning of  "catch up" errands, the hammock and warm weather beckon.  The house and neighborhood are quiet. Who knows when

Cathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08815367277213609674noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976889838572623394.post-25707612059093247522010-09-25T13:54:00.003-06:002010-09-27T06:26:14.573-06:00

Fall was definitely in the air this morning after a rather long, Indian summer. Cool temperatures, strikingly blue skies, the perfect morning for a hike with my daughter at Ute Valley Park, just around the corner from our house. And a perfect day for grilling. It gave me a chance to experiment with a recipe from a new friend who cooks exclusively vegetarian. Grilled butternut squash, with peppers

Cathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08815367277213609674noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976889838572623394.post-48967255396407478772010-09-18T09:54:00.000-06:002010-09-18T09:54:23.848-06:00

I love having my daughters and son(in-law) so close by. I love that they love hanging out together. Though I missed their apple picking outing this year, my youngest captured these lovely pictures.   Then she made this yummy pie... and the oldest made this amazing strawberry rhubarb, her specialty. It's been pie heaven around here lately! (see her fun post of their pie making

Cathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08815367277213609674noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976889838572623394.post-51601697333098331102010-09-03T08:13:00.000-06:002010-09-03T08:13:44.200-06:00

The first day of school with my students ended with a phone call as I was driving home. One of those calls that "takes your breath away". These first few weeks have been spent wondering and worrying about what's next for me, for my family?  That day I had asked the juniors to think about perspectives, not just their own but especially the Other. I asked them to spend several quiet minutes looking

Cathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08815367277213609674noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976889838572623394.post-8862838600153733222010-08-16T06:41:00.000-06:002010-08-16T06:41:27.268-06:00

To celebrate our anniversary, we decided to splurge on one of those rare four course dinners, at the romantic Mona Lisa Fondue Restaurant in the mountain town near us.  on our way...thankfully we were both hungry!  a favorite print in the restaurant delicious salad for a first course amazing Old World cheese fondue...I was stuffed after this, but there was still the meat (salmon, filet mignon,

Cathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08815367277213609674noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976889838572623394.post-31371219769915453132010-08-12T06:28:00.000-06:002010-08-12T06:28:58.496-06:00

Cathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08815367277213609674noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976889838572623394.post-85812804651106496262010-08-08T16:22:00.000-06:002010-08-08T16:22:23.731-06:00

In the midst of a much needed bathroom remodel, I flew to Idaho to see my best friend from childhood. She and I spent so much time together in those formative years of elementary and jr. high that when we saw each other again, we recognized the actual bone structure of each other. Wrists and hands, shoulder width, even feet -- all so very familiar. We watched her daughter barrel race at the jr.

Cathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08815367277213609674noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976889838572623394.post-69446698918292555772010-07-25T21:10:00.000-06:002010-07-25T21:10:22.982-06:00

"All things therefore are charged with love, are charged with God and if we know how to touch them give off sparks and take fire, yield drops and flow, ring and tell of him." (Gerard Manley Hopkins, The Sermons and Devotional Writings)

Cathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08815367277213609674noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976889838572623394.post-21148167107262329162010-07-23T07:43:00.000-06:002010-07-23T07:43:02.613-06:00

It's been lovely to soak in time with friends and family this summer...afternoon coffee at Agia Sophia where a good friend presented beautiful necklaces from a recent trip to Italy, outdoor poetry readings coordinated by a former student, and hiking one of the many spectacular waterfalls in our area. listening to local poets read their work                 Dorothy Falls in Queen's Canyon

Cathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08815367277213609674noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976889838572623394.post-91680131835859189942010-07-21T20:17:00.000-06:002010-07-21T20:17:12.318-06:00

I love the mountain thundershowers that cool the afternoons in July. Perfect for reading, napping, baking. And I love blueberries--the lemon blueberry coffee cake below is one of our family's favorites. It's light and not too sweet.  Lemon Blueberry Coffee Cake (recipe from my Light Desserts cookbook):3 cups flour2 t. baking powder1/4 t. salt1 1/2 cups fresh blueberries1 c. sugar2 eggs1 c. low

Cathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08815367277213609674noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976889838572623394.post-31848091523348712862010-07-16T19:00:00.000-06:002010-07-16T19:00:30.076-06:00

This trail is perfect for a quick hike (round trip just over 3 miles). One of my daughter's and I did it in the afternoon. You really do criss cross  7 bridges over South Cheyenne Creek.

Cathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08815367277213609674noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976889838572623394.post-54333003099566781842010-07-14T08:34:00.002-06:002010-07-21T14:51:42.057-06:00

One of this summer's great pleasures for me is biking...either alone or with one of my daughters. But really I am not a fan of bike helmets....much to my children's chagrin. But I think I could be persuaded to wear one of these from YAKKAY. My favorite is the Tokyo in black denim, which would fit perfectly with my black and white cruiser... And I've been almost buying for months (really a couple

Cathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08815367277213609674noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976889838572623394.post-73305764916155052212010-07-11T07:23:00.000-06:002010-07-11T07:23:02.542-06:00

More humor and insights from Gilbert. In order to make sure that her soon to be husband knew "what he was getting--and getting into," she presents him with a list of her "very worst character flaws." She calls it a "prenuptial informed consent release," (possibly my favorite line in the book!) When both she and Felipe have exchanged lists and affirmed their acceptance, Gilbert writes: There is

Cathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08815367277213609674noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976889838572623394.post-12899794171516137672010-07-09T08:32:00.000-06:002010-07-09T08:32:17.758-06:00

This sequel to Eat, Pray, Love, Committed (subtitled "a skeptic makes peace with marriage") chronicles Gilbert's  "forced" exploration of this ancient agreement. Forced because both she and Felipe, the man she met and loved at the end of her travels, committed NEVER to marry after both experienced devastating divorces. That is until Homeland Security denied entrance to Felipe. Their only option

Cathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08815367277213609674noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976889838572623394.post-60407456817204645972010-07-06T08:16:00.000-06:002010-07-06T08:16:36.440-06:00

hiking happened after all--the day after the 4th on a beautiful blue blue sky day...we hiked the loop from Crystal Falls to Catamount, then back to the tiny town of Green Mountain Falls. the oldest and the youngest of our 4 daughters.

Cathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08815367277213609674noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976889838572623394.post-63433442913241936192010-07-04T23:29:00.001-06:002010-07-04T23:38:45.331-06:00

Our family enjoys hiking (this year biking), k-bobs along with corn (so good when grilled inside the husks) and watermelon from the farmer's market. peach and blackberry cobblers with fresh whipped heavy cream,and fireworks (which we were sad to miss this year due to rain and hail). ...played Settlers instead (not quite the same without Michael and Laura home). By the way, check out Michael's

Cathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08815367277213609674noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976889838572623394.post-71287046635779953482010-06-29T07:03:00.000-06:002010-06-29T07:03:52.185-06:00

Check out my daughter's post  about this amazing place that serves the children of Pune, India, where she traveled last summer to volunteer. Her beautiful pictures tell the story... Please vote for AIC  to win $20,000 through the Chase Community Giving Challenge!

Cathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08815367277213609674noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976889838572623394.post-73145981168213275642010-06-23T12:57:00.000-06:002010-06-23T12:57:21.626-06:00

I've been wanting to take the girls on this hike since last summer. It begins on an aspen shaded trail that slopes gently upward next to Buffalo Canyon Creek. The last mile is rather steep, but a good trail, with awesome views of the city and the Broadmoor Hotel around almost every bend. Round trip is about 6 miles. The trail marker is about 1.5 miles from the parking area The girls sitting

Cathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08815367277213609674noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976889838572623394.post-13517524725024303952010-06-17T09:08:00.000-06:002010-06-17T09:08:43.272-06:00

I did wonder whether I would truly use my bike this summer (and hopefully into the fall) for practical and close errands. So far, so good. The basket works perfectly for milk, coffee and a small bag of groceries. The trip to the store by bike is literally 5 minutes -- a welcome change from driving for 1-2 items. Happy to say the bike works great for longer rides. We have a beautiful bike path,

Cathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08815367277213609674noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976889838572623394.post-7781563911366158122010-06-10T15:38:00.002-06:002010-06-10T15:40:10.816-06:00

So far our pace this summer has remained remarkably leisurely. These long slow days admit bike rides to the grocery for fresh salad greens and fruit or to the library for the books saved for hammock reading. And the best part is none of it feels hurried. Time even for a simple homemade dressing. The lemon garlic one below adds a light but savory touch to red leaf lettuce, spinach, carrots and

Cathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08815367277213609674noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976889838572623394.post-19451746235235429402010-06-02T21:31:00.000-06:002010-06-02T21:31:00.393-06:00

I wouldn't usually put a post up about my birthday, but it was just so lovely. Almost the perfect day (perfect would have been all of my children home!).  It began with a hammock finally hung (the one I found when I cleaned the garage)! And then potting flowers on the front porch...a favorite reading space. The girls and I went to see Babies, a beautiful movie that Laura had

Cathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08815367277213609674noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976889838572623394.post-40310566549093295522010-05-22T13:10:00.002-06:002010-05-22T13:13:26.325-06:00

We ended the year in my World Lit. II class with writings by D. Bonhoeffer, the German pastor who was involved in the plot against Hitler's life and was killed just before the defeat of Hitler's Third Reich. In his Letters and Papers from Prison, he writes: During the last year or so I've come to know and understand more and more the profound this-worldliness of Christianity. The Christian is

Cathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08815367277213609674noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976889838572623394.post-84352412187513684142010-05-14T12:52:00.000-06:002010-05-14T12:52:23.264-06:00

Because his poetry makes me smile.... LitanyYou are the bread and the knife, The crystal goblet and the wine... -Jacques Crickillon You are the bread and the knife, the crystal goblet and the wine. You are the dew on the morning grass and the burning wheel of the sun. You are the white apron of the baker, and the marsh birds suddenly in flight. However, you are not the wind in the orchard,

Cathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08815367277213609674noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976889838572623394.post-1328259569000887422010-05-10T07:50:00.003-06:002010-05-10T07:57:06.973-06:00

A couple of weeks ago I posted a video titled Broken is Beautiful. It is of a young woman who makes art out of x-rays that reveal some sort of brokenness, some hidden pain, some deformity.  I've been thinking about brokenness and beauty...Is there really beauty there or is it just a cover up? Surely we all know the ugliness of brokenness. We live with it every day in our own hearts. My students

Cathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08815367277213609674noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976889838572623394.post-83497129116145473972010-05-09T09:14:00.000-06:002010-05-09T09:14:55.686-06:00

This mother's day, in honor of all the wonderful women in my life...from mothers to grandmothers to sisters and sisters-in-law, to daughters and beautiful friends, a repost of two poems by a pair of my favorite poets: Antistrophes Ah, women, that you are here on earth, that youmove here among us, grief-filled,no more watched over than we and yet ableto bless like the blessed. From what region,

Cathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08815367277213609674noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976889838572623394.post-26242738665677960772010-05-02T23:20:00.001-06:002010-05-02T23:22:51.085-06:00

Yesterday, while walking into a nearby school gym for a daughter's club bball game, I was overcome by pink and white...another favorite if fleeting may moment...And yes it snowed today.

Cathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08815367277213609674noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976889838572623394.post-51588719957847664462010-05-01T08:37:00.002-06:002010-05-01T08:38:08.498-06:00

May is usually a crazy month--the push to the finish line of another school year. And it's always triangulated (to use a favorite term among social scientists) by deadlines in grad school, deadlines as a teacher, and cheering and guiding my own children to finish well.  So I love mornings like today, this first of May. There is a paper to finish, papers to grade, a final to write, and a

Cathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08815367277213609674noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976889838572623394.post-87743278850422252272010-04-29T12:34:00.001-06:002010-04-29T18:49:49.706-06:00

BROKEN IS BEAUTIFUL from PEOPLE OF THE SECOND CHANCE on Vimeo. (Thanks preachermike for the link)

Cathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08815367277213609674noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976889838572623394.post-33635148203698797162010-04-26T19:06:00.004-06:002010-04-27T17:05:14.457-06:00

     In the previous post, I highlighted Taylor's writing about encountering your neighbor as the main character in her or his own story. Her ideas remind me of Martin Buber's book I and Thou. Buber (1878-1965) was a professor of Philosophy at the Hebrew University in Palestine and wrote in the early 20th century about similar ideas.      He noted how we tend to treat the world, whether objects,

Cathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08815367277213609674noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976889838572623394.post-79367045278120701832010-04-22T19:04:00.001-06:002010-04-22T19:05:03.613-06:00

Taylor (in An Altar in the World) titles her chapter on community "The Practice of Encountering Others." I found the chapter particularly insightful. She writes: What we have most in common is not religion but humanity. I learned this from my religion, which also teaches me that encountering another human being is as close to God as I may ever get -- in the eye-to-eye thing, the person-to-person

Cathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08815367277213609674noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976889838572623394.post-7133479617766131482010-04-11T19:00:00.002-06:002010-04-24T15:17:20.555-06:00

              Ingredients: 1 T. extra virgin olive oil2 cloves minced garlic1/4 cup chopped chives1/4 cup veggie broth2-3 carrots, sliced and steamed for 1-2 minutes in microwave 2 jars (24 oz. each) spaghetti sauce 1 T. lemon juice 1 t. dried oregano1-2 t. dried basil1/8 t. nutmeg8 oz. cream cheese, room temperature 3 cups shredded Mozzarella cheese 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese 1/2 T. dried

Cathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08815367277213609674noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976889838572623394.post-75264582337983337272010-04-07T10:58:00.004-06:002010-04-07T11:17:29.977-06:00

       Easter lilies with a backdrop of snow We awoke to first a 2 hour delay, then a snow day....serendipitous in my book (though I am ready for sun and warmth). I do love an unexpected day at home!

Cathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08815367277213609674noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976889838572623394.post-5419922477401411462010-04-04T18:55:00.002-06:002010-04-04T18:58:38.488-06:00

--from German theologian Johann Baptist Metz on the practices and teachings of Jesus:In the end Jesus did not teach an ascending mysticism of closed eyes, but rather a God-mysticism with an increased readiness for perceiving, a mysticism of open eyes, which sees more and not less. It is a mysticism that especially makes visible all invisible and inconvenient suffering, and—convenient or not—pays

Cathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08815367277213609674noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976889838572623394.post-35919378888069032332010-04-03T08:58:00.000-06:002010-04-03T08:58:51.278-06:00

One of the blogs I love to read is PreacherMike because his interests are as varied and random as mine. You can find sports updates, theological reflection, adoring grandpa, travel, humanitarian issues, excellent book reviews, and this last food! (combined with a book of course, Michael Pollan's Food Rules: an eater's manual). Here are some of my favorite rules...they are not only true, but  

Cathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08815367277213609674noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976889838572623394.post-92221145543567257222010-04-02T16:38:00.008-06:002010-04-24T14:46:07.532-06:00

I didn't attend a Maundy Thursday service this year, though for the past 2 years I have and have felt the weightiness of it. From a past year I wrote:      Tonight was the Maundy Thursday service, my first. I didn't know exactly what to expect, though I anticipated communion and perhaps foot washing. Both were present. What powerfully struck me, though, what stunned and shook me was the emphasis

Cathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08815367277213609674noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976889838572623394.post-58693749230034530702010-03-29T17:51:00.017-06:002010-04-05T08:02:18.135-06:00

Cathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08815367277213609674noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976889838572623394.post-88171951057135089812010-03-28T20:40:00.002-06:002010-04-24T15:17:20.557-06:00

Encouraged to practice paying attention by Barbara Brown Taylor's beautiful book, An Altar in the World: a Geography of Faith, this spring break I determined to devote my body and mind to the space around me and the people who inhabit that space. To notice and open fully to the touching, the seeing, the hearing, the smelling, the tasting--what Taylor calls the "practice of wearing skin." So this

Cathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08815367277213609674noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976889838572623394.post-65006711056184275802010-03-26T10:41:00.004-06:002010-04-24T15:09:17.577-06:00

Spent a relaxing day yesterday in Boulder with 2 good friends. Lingered on Pearl Street and ate lunch at Salt the Bistro where the philosophy is "the best food travels the shortest distance from farm to table". After enjoying a savory curry chicken salad and flat bread with gorgonzola and pears, I have to agree.

Cathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08815367277213609674noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976889838572623394.post-25112944779500712902010-03-24T14:57:00.006-06:002010-04-24T15:17:20.559-06:00

The girls and I recently enjoyed lunch at a favorite downtown restaurant, The Olive Branch. I've never been a huge fan of sandwiches...they are usually too heavy on the meat and cheese and mayo for me. But the sandwich I ordered, The Wizard, was delicious (and healthy). Here is my rendition of it: Spread a thin layer of cream cheese (I use whipped) on two slices of bread. (The bread is La

Cathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08815367277213609674noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976889838572623394.post-39749559850482474312010-03-24T10:22:00.001-06:002010-03-24T10:23:24.944-06:00

Did I say Spring???

Cathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08815367277213609674noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976889838572623394.post-45522914957318978432010-03-23T08:00:00.000-06:002010-03-23T08:00:12.871-06:00

I've long been a fan of the transition times...the hint of change (of weather, of clothes, of pace) that's almost but not quite yet. Typical of Colorado in the spring, this spring break began with a Friday snow day!, then several long warm days in a row. This spring break I have decided to take the "break" part literally, which for this teacher and graduate student means a break from planning

Cathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08815367277213609674noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976889838572623394.post-2968663881321082322010-03-19T19:27:00.001-06:002010-04-24T14:47:02.664-06:00

She's a dear and faithful friend from college days...and here's her new page. Her book, Children of Light, is due out in November. Hopefully, by then she'll be living in Colorado!

Cathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08815367277213609674noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976889838572623394.post-17285291575556231432010-03-07T23:58:00.000-07:002010-04-24T12:11:34.154-06:00

A friend forwarded this great new site for creating your own photo books. Check out the link below for my attempt at our recent special occasion! Picaboo Wedding Book

Cathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08815367277213609674noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976889838572623394.post-14763175078903331132010-03-05T22:15:00.011-07:002010-04-24T14:48:02.683-06:00

Recently I came upon a writer and artist whose deeply reflective work has moved me.  Jan Richardson writes: The challenge of creating a piece of art lies not just in deciding what to include but also in discerning what to leave out. Every piece of art involves a process of choosing: not this, not this, not this. I can only find what belongs by clearing away everything that doesn’t.This is no

Cathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08815367277213609674noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976889838572623394.post-65667428487158246242010-03-02T09:16:00.000-07:002010-04-24T12:11:34.155-06:00

Fun new blog by our second daughter, Laura. She has excellent taste (she chose all the rich colors and textures for her wedding) and she has interesting views. Plus she is living London!

Cathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08815367277213609674noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976889838572623394.post-72176778711446106002010-02-15T08:47:00.001-07:002010-02-15T08:47:33.694-07:00

Another book I'm reminded of as I'm reading Lanier's manifesto is Vincent J. Miller's Consuming Religion. Assistant Professor of Theology at Georgetown University, Miller observes that when his students need answers to a question, they invariably "google" it as do my students, and if you are a teacher, yours too I'm guessing. They are almost immediately granted random access to the little piece

Cathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08815367277213609674noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976889838572623394.post-42825712129804977792010-02-13T17:07:00.003-07:002010-03-27T10:02:54.066-06:00

Some of my favorite lines in A Tale of Two Cities are not the famous opening or closing lines...rather the first lines in Chapter 3:  A wonderful fact to reflect upon, that every human creature is constituted to be that profound secret and mystery to every other. A solemn consideration, when I enter a great city by night, that every one of those darkly clustered houses encloses its own secret;

Cathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08815367277213609674noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976889838572623394.post-23010483910473411012010-02-07T22:27:00.002-07:002010-04-24T15:06:49.781-06:00

Four daughters... and a son. --all photos by our dear friend and awesome photographer Rachael at RachaelHopePhotography The idea for the hurricane jars and Laura's lovely side do came from a cup of jo--which quickly became a favorite place to look...

Cathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08815367277213609674noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976889838572623394.post-48551000974134338532010-02-06T11:11:00.002-07:002010-04-15T11:01:42.504-06:00

I was introduced to Berry a couple of years ago. thanks to preachermike for posting this:TO MY MOTHERI was your rebellious son, do you remember? Sometimes I wonder if you do remember, so complete has your forgiveness been.So complete has your forgiveness been I wonder sometimes if it did not precede my wrong, and I erred, safe found, within your love,prepared ahead of me, the way home, or my bed

Cathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08815367277213609674noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976889838572623394.post-68076613006250828382010-02-06T10:44:00.000-07:002010-04-24T15:16:19.741-06:00

So I've been thinking in the last few years about the changing nature of place and space. Of the intersection of mobile space with geographical place as we move through real places while engaging socially or professionally in virtual spaces. What effect does the place have on our interactions, if any? And how does interacting in virtual spaces affect our movement through, our awareness of

Cathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08815367277213609674noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976889838572623394.post-25079684692180243572010-02-01T19:31:00.000-07:002010-04-24T15:17:20.560-06:00

Preheat oven to 400. In a large bowl, mix the following ingredients: 1 1/4 c. flour (I use 1/2 whole wheat and sometimes add 2 T. finely ground flaxseed) 1 c. oats 1 t. baking powder 1/2 t. baking soda 1/2 t. salt Add one at a time, stirring after each addition: 1/4 c. vegetable oil 1/4 c. honey 1/2 c. apple sauce or apple butter or a combination 1 egg or 2 egg whites 1 t. vanilla 1 c. chopped

Cathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08815367277213609674noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976889838572623394.post-12021652841486396912010-02-01T19:08:00.000-07:002010-02-01T19:08:05.167-07:00

taken Jan. 31st...

Cathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08815367277213609674noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976889838572623394.post-57537332823247010032010-01-23T11:31:00.004-07:002010-01-23T11:36:54.158-07:00

one of the best things about january in colorado is our pink morning skies...

Cathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08815367277213609674noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976889838572623394.post-39563287891768299542010-01-18T19:59:00.008-07:002010-04-24T12:11:34.156-06:00

awesome gifts from my family that were especially appreciated this year:a cute little canon powershot (so I could take pictures of weddings and dances and ballgames!)a cool black thermal from Gap (because I wear one almost every day!) --with tiny little buttons on the sleevesand an ESPRESSO machine...because double tall lattes are the BEST!

Cathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08815367277213609674noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976889838572623394.post-32397518150499760252010-01-16T21:15:00.015-07:002010-04-24T15:06:49.782-06:00

--lovely pictures by various friends and familyFrom this mom's perspective, it felt alot like her birth day...as exhausting for sure (the emotion alone! so similar)--filled with hope and love...so much hope and love. and grace. a sacred day...with sacred words:"... for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love

Cathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08815367277213609674noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976889838572623394.post-41090254577840670702009-12-30T18:35:00.005-07:002010-04-24T12:11:34.157-06:00

We are just over one week away from the wedding! Wonderful family and friends gave Laura a beautiful kitchen shower a week before Christmas. And the house has been full with our daughters all home. Despite the busyness with last minute wedding details, we managed to squeeze in a few Christmas traditions, including our annual visit to Old Colorado City for pics. with Santa and hot chocolate from

Cathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08815367277213609674noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976889838572623394.post-55019938897745042042009-12-14T12:35:00.003-07:002010-04-24T15:20:12.858-06:00

The Excluded AnimalsOnly a certainclaque of beastsis part of thecreche racketforming asteamy-breathedsemicirclearound thebaby basket.Anything moreexotic thana camelis out of luckthis season.Not that theexcluded animals envythe long-lashedsycophants;cormorantsdon't toady,nor do toadsadore anybodyfor any reason.Nor do theunchosen alligators,grinning theirthree-foot grinas they lazein the blankety

Cathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08815367277213609674noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976889838572623394.post-79900711377420941632009-12-08T13:25:00.006-07:002010-04-24T12:11:34.158-06:00

Christmas wine charmsthis thermal (because I wear one almost every day)and just for wishing....because double shot lattes are the best!

Cathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08815367277213609674noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976889838572623394.post-80623661029689536542009-12-06T11:12:00.014-07:002010-04-24T15:07:51.145-06:00

An Altar in the World: A Geography of Faith by Barbara Brown TaylorThe Great Emergence by Phyllis TickleThe Luminous Word: Entering the Mysteries of Advent & Christmas by Jan RichardsonThe Prodigal God by Tim Kellerand...these shoes from a favorite companyand this camera (because my children are growing up and going to graduate school, and getting married, and going to dances, and getting

Cathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08815367277213609674noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976889838572623394.post-81428934682523776532009-12-03T22:22:00.002-07:002010-04-15T11:03:31.574-06:00

Bring in a tree, a young Norwegian spruce, Bring hyacinths that rooted in the cold. Bring winter jasmine as its buds unfold -- Bring the Christmas life into this house. Bring red and green and gold, bring things that shine, Bring candlesticks and music, food and wine. Bring in your memories of Christmas past. Bring in your tears for all that you have lost. Bring in the shepherd boy, the ox and

Cathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08815367277213609674noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976889838572623394.post-60952923188599367852009-11-22T07:50:00.002-07:002010-04-24T15:23:23.276-06:00

Interior of the hand. Sole that has come to walkonly on feelings. That faces upwardand in its mirrorreceives heavenly roads, which travelalong themselves.That has learned to walk upon waterwhen it scoops,that walks upon wells,transfiguring every path.That steps into other hands,changes those that are like itinto a landscape:wanders and arrives within them,fills them with arrival.Rainer Maria Rilke

Cathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08815367277213609674noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976889838572623394.post-19664469623695506052009-11-09T06:30:00.003-07:002010-04-24T15:14:06.179-06:00

Anyone else notice the many quantum physics references in the new ABC series, "Flash Forward"? Everything from photons that know you're watching and so change their behavior to Schroedinger's Cat. And there's the whole premise of fate and causality...whether knowing the future makes it happen or is it just one of many possible futures that a person can change (quantum state of uncertainty--all

Cathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08815367277213609674noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976889838572623394.post-78621746655003667592009-11-09T06:15:00.003-07:002010-04-24T15:06:49.784-06:00

2 months and counting till our daughter's wedding...here's their wedding web site!

Cathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08815367277213609674noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976889838572623394.post-54385809012086845672009-11-06T08:56:00.002-07:002009-11-06T09:22:44.436-07:00

A student in my Speech class at the University linked me to his brother-in-law's music. Here is Aaron Espe...love the acoustic sound and the lyrics. One of my favorites is "Tuesday Morning" from his Songs from a Small Town album and "You've Caught me Now." He is offering his music as a free download here.

Cathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08815367277213609674noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976889838572623394.post-68671322749024254722009-10-11T12:38:00.003-06:002010-04-24T14:49:35.444-06:00

Pam and Jim's wedding. The episode was worth the wait. Maybe because we are in the midst of planning a wedding, I can relate to the fun and the tension in expectation. Typically provocative, leave it to this fictional "reality show" both to spoof and celebrate our obsession with a fictional couple and with social media. To celebrate humanity in community with all its messiness. I like how Richard

Cathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08815367277213609674noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976889838572623394.post-50093649850860809572009-09-24T06:20:00.015-06:002010-04-24T15:12:09.672-06:00

"Autumn Day" by one of my favorite poets. Lord: it's time. The summer was magnificent. Lay your shadows upon the sun-dials and o'er the isles allow your winds to vent. Command the final fruits to be full and fine; give them two more days in the southern sun, push them to completion and then run the last sweetness through the heavy wine. He who now has no house, will build one never. He

Cathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08815367277213609674noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976889838572623394.post-61323088848184728342009-09-21T20:52:00.010-06:002010-04-24T15:06:49.785-06:00

photo credit: RachaelHopePhotographyThe first wedding in our family of four daughters is currently in the planning stages. Laura, our 2nd, is getting married in about 3 months to Michael, the boy she told me she thought she might marry when she first met him at 14. Here are a few of their engagement shots by a dear friend of our family (she took Lydia's senior recital pictures at Pepperdine) and

Cathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08815367277213609674noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976889838572623394.post-29907110395955361902009-08-29T07:57:00.016-06:002010-04-24T12:11:34.161-06:00

sidewalk cafe near NYU hospital Amsterdam Ave from Columbia Universitylibrary at Columbia UniversityLydia's grad program--School of Social Work, Columbia Univ....had to see Times Square and the giant Toys R Us, with vintage Barbies (I had a Malibu Barbie)but best of all was winning the lottery for front row seats to see Wicked. We entered on a whim, just

Cathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08815367277213609674noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976889838572623394.post-74244740375638994372009-08-28T07:59:00.005-06:002010-04-25T20:20:20.380-06:00

Cahill's book is fascinating! It's the second in a seven volume series, The Hinges of History. He offers an important perspective to anyone interested in why we --westerners living at the end of the 20th and beginning of 21st centuries--think the way we do. Got to love a series that has the following as its premise: We normally think of history as one catastrophe after another, war followed by

Cathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08815367277213609674noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976889838572623394.post-16304975257256444872009-08-18T20:53:00.005-06:002010-04-24T15:17:20.562-06:00

guess i'm on a food roll...enjoying cooking for my family and using fresh ingredients. here's a stir fry i make regularly...i use whatever vegies happen to be in the fridge (usually peppers, red, orange, yellow, green, zucchini, red onion or chives, broccoli, carrots, and always 1-2 cloves fresh garlic). sometimes we eat vegetarian, but usually with chicken. i'll put down my best estimate for

Cathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08815367277213609674noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976889838572623394.post-55212544966226752362009-08-15T20:33:00.004-06:002010-04-24T15:17:20.564-06:00

thought i was making spaghetti tonight, but instead this dish appeared (mainly because i was out of spaghetti and i wanted to use some fresh vegetables)...the family loved it--we decided it would be good vegetarian too! and you could use whatever vegetables you have on hand (like mushrooms, carrots, or eggplant) and use more or less cheese to taste.1 lb. ground beef1/2 lb. penne pasta1/2 cup

Cathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08815367277213609674noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976889838572623394.post-46752098022978493182009-08-11T07:40:00.012-06:002010-04-24T15:17:20.565-06:00

windows.my summer chicken salad. 3 cups cooked cubed chicken breasts (skinless and boneless)1/2 cup dried cranberries 1/4 cup chopped walnuts 1 medium granny smith apple, cored and chopped1/3 cup Brianna's homestyle rich poppy seed dressing. (more or less to taste)Mix all together and chill. You can add golden raisins as well to the dried

Cathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08815367277213609674noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976889838572623394.post-14026731913220644152009-08-09T08:15:00.002-06:002009-08-09T08:46:17.007-06:00

Because my daughter just spent several weeks in India, some of them with the Missionaries of Charity in the homes for the dying, she and I have had some conversations about faith and bitterness and suffering.Those who know me are aware that faith for me is difficult. I analyze to death. I don't trust emotions very much. The following series by Richard Beck has been meaningful to me as I struggle:

Cathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08815367277213609674noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976889838572623394.post-84251151574373180742009-07-27T06:14:00.005-06:002010-04-24T14:54:27.457-06:00

I loved this movie...even the not so perfectly happy ending. At the beginning of the film, the main character, a college professor in NJ, Walter, just goes through the motions of his life. He is a visitor in his own life, a watcher...on the sidelines...after all, his wife has died. So Walter tries to capture something of his life, his wife, by taking piano lessons (she was a concert pianist).

Cathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08815367277213609674noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976889838572623394.post-1031695497808854662009-07-23T10:49:00.005-06:002009-07-24T07:02:48.214-06:00

I've just started Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts. The first page definitely hooks you. Great action and interesting, complex characters. Then Roberts continues to offer through Lin, the main character, fairly profound observations on human nature. Here's just one --regarding Leopold's, a large club in Bombay:"Mirrors on those pillars, and on much of the free wall space, provided the patrons

Cathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08815367277213609674noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976889838572623394.post-67613782185252182642009-07-22T07:27:00.004-06:002009-07-22T07:36:40.692-06:00

--in Breckenridge, Colorado where my good friends, Linda, Natasha and I spent a few days.

Cathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08815367277213609674noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976889838572623394.post-12570866243257808122009-07-19T09:12:00.005-06:002010-04-24T15:15:01.170-06:00

The posting below on liturgy and loss was inspired by my daughter's reflections on her experiences in India...the pain, the laughter, the smells, the proximity of real human suffering. She writes: On Friday I began my morning shift volunteering at Kalighat, Mother Teresa's home for the dying. It is simple work, it is hard work, it is frustrating and it is joyful...As I walked by a bed, one dying

Cathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08815367277213609674noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976889838572623394.post-20990725194750138772009-07-14T18:35:00.003-06:002010-04-24T12:11:34.163-06:00

St. Mary's Falls...views to downtown and the Broadmoor are amazing. Loved this hike!

Cathrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08815367277213609674noreply@blogger.com0