Outside my Window: it is very bright and sunshiny on this Monday morning....i got to sleep late and talk to a dear friend this morning, which is a good way to start any new week:) This summer has already been almost unbearably hot and humid here....but no hurricanes (yet!).....
I am thinking: that most of the time....when i feel the urge to make a point, especially if that point includes using a Scripture verse or lofty quote...i probably should stop while i'm ahead! it is so, so hard to check motivations....but i am convinced that doing so is the wisest way to live (and hopefully will keep me out of trouble!) *sigh*
In the Kitchen: i've not been doing any "amazing" things lately....except for this: Baked Fudge : truly one of the best, easiest, divinely chocolate, makes your whole life worth living desserts you will ever put in your mouth!! (homemade whipped cream mandatory!!)
I am thankful: for the ability to be honest. for relief after a long space of worry. for both the softening and the strength needed to meet difficult challenges.
I am reading: The Little Way of Ruthie Leming (Rod Dreher)...i'd read about this new book and was so happy to find it at my library. it's a beautiful book and introduced me to Auden's phrase "stagger on rejoicing"...some of the most perfect words ever written, i think. i'm also still loving anything i read by Barbara Brown Taylor....thankful for the gift of her writing at this phase of my life. i recently finished
Darrell Hammond's memoir....i find him fascinating.....so much sadness in his story.
almost finished reading Interrupted (Jen Hatmaker)....so good.
I am watching: i'm planning on a rewatching of the "Cranford" series (yes, such a little detail is crucial for the world to know!:)
I am pondering: what it truly means to be
responsible to and for each other....the joys and the burdens of what living responsibly means....so many thoughts whirling around in my mind on this subject; maybe someday i'll write them all out...
I am remembering: this old post of mine (when i actually blogged) it's one of my favorites....and the issues are still current.....neverendingly current, it seems. the "virtue of patriotism versus the vice of nationalism" seems to be a tricky balance...and there are many things about how that is playing out in our national life and in many religious circles that just (frankly) bother me a whole lot....
I am learning: that the practice of listening with the heart, through the Spirit is even more important than i ever realized....there is always more to the story under the surface story. I am also learning that even mild confrontation is exhausting, but probably more necessary than i ever realized....
I am looking forward to: going to see Prairie Home Companion in October (so, yeah, a bit premature!) it's pretty ridiculous how excited i am about this....and proud that i took the risk, made the call, bought the (fairly reasonably priced) tickets for the 1 and only performance in New Orleans. i've wanted to see a live performance of PHC for a long time.... Wicked and PHC in the same year...i'm feeling lucky!:) there are other things i'm looking forward to, too....more reasonable and normal things:)....but sometime it's nice when frivolous little luxuries work out....
A recent pic:
