I love this pic!!
Monday, December 3, 2007
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Monday, August 20, 2007
You say it's your birthday!
Today is a very special day. On August 20th 19__, a woman was born with vision and grace, love and fortitude, passion and style. Her name: Mom.
Indeed, my mother was born 32 some-odd years ago today, and for that, I cannot express my thankfulness. She has caused me to be who I am and called me to my best. She is a hero, and a fighter...and truly walks the walk when others simply talk it up.
I have to say that there is no one else on this Earth that I would rather glean insight from, discover laughter with, or sail to new heights beside.
I love you mom, and I am so beyond joyful to be yours.
You inspire me- and so many others. Keep changing the world!
Sleep tight.
Yay, I don't have to pay.
So smart.
Mmmmm crab cakes.
Please, no more.
Might I suggest an...Eric
If you do not have one of these, I must tell you...I pity you.
You see, with an Eric, all things are possible.
Even in your greatest moments of doubt.
With an Eric, you are capable of seeing things differently, more clearly.
An Eric will challenge you to do things that you may not have otherwise thought possible.
He will put you on the spot, and hold you up.
He will shower you with kindness, in thoughts and deeds.
An Eric is the epitome of wonderful.
He will show up at your classroom and bring you dinner when you are just about at your wits end.
He will help you to clarify the things most pressing, and help you to accomplish them efficiently.
He will hold you when you when you need to be held and kiss you on the forehead to let you know that "It will be okay."
He will draw silly faces on the wanted board, in order to make you smile.
An Eric is the epitome of amazing.
An Eric allows himself to serve in the most selfless of ways.
An Eric lets you know daily how much you are loved both in his eyes and in the eyes of the Lord.
With an Eric, you strive to be better, even in the face of doubt and anxiety.
He is the perfect partner, and the perfect end to a long day.
An Eric is the epitome of happiness.
An Eric will dazzle you with his ability to be patient.
An Eric understands you, even when you may not.
He is a man of ever-growing virtue, and boyish charm.
An Eric knows the meaning of true sacrifice, and strives to live it daily.
An Eric is the epitome of inspiration.
An Eric steps up to the plate, and takes on every challenge.
An Eric makes you giggle and your inadequacies don't seem so bad.
He will sit with you while you nurse your wounds of all kinds.
And will not laugh at you when you attempt the stairs as an 80 year-old woman.
An Eric is the epitome of joy.
Oh this, and so much more do encompass an Eric,
Because he simply is the epit-o-me.
And I think it goes without saying; everyone needs an Eric.
You see, with an Eric, all things are possible.
Even in your greatest moments of doubt.
With an Eric, you are capable of seeing things differently, more clearly.
An Eric will challenge you to do things that you may not have otherwise thought possible.
He will put you on the spot, and hold you up.
He will shower you with kindness, in thoughts and deeds.
An Eric is the epitome of wonderful.
He will show up at your classroom and bring you dinner when you are just about at your wits end.
He will help you to clarify the things most pressing, and help you to accomplish them efficiently.
He will hold you when you when you need to be held and kiss you on the forehead to let you know that "It will be okay."
He will draw silly faces on the wanted board, in order to make you smile.
An Eric is the epitome of amazing.
An Eric allows himself to serve in the most selfless of ways.
An Eric lets you know daily how much you are loved both in his eyes and in the eyes of the Lord.
With an Eric, you strive to be better, even in the face of doubt and anxiety.
He is the perfect partner, and the perfect end to a long day.
An Eric is the epitome of happiness.
An Eric will dazzle you with his ability to be patient.
An Eric understands you, even when you may not.
He is a man of ever-growing virtue, and boyish charm.
An Eric knows the meaning of true sacrifice, and strives to live it daily.
An Eric is the epitome of inspiration.
An Eric steps up to the plate, and takes on every challenge.
An Eric makes you giggle and your inadequacies don't seem so bad.
He will sit with you while you nurse your wounds of all kinds.
And will not laugh at you when you attempt the stairs as an 80 year-old woman.
An Eric is the epitome of joy.
Oh this, and so much more do encompass an Eric,
Because he simply is the epit-o-me.
And I think it goes without saying; everyone needs an Eric.
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Pictures of Trust
I had dinner with a friend tonight. Not just a friend, someone with whom your soul just connects; with whom you feel better about the path you have been chosen to tread. She told me a story, and now I will tell you.
Last year, she met a woman named Sister Jean. A woman who received a call from the Lord, and said "Yes." That 'yes' has resounded throughout the whole of her life. Imaging Our Mother, her assurance and ability to Trust in God's ultimate plan lead her to leave the comfortable life of her suburban convent and move to the inner-city streets of Minneapolis. There she lead a life of love. Her goal was simply to befriend and image Christ to all she met. She had no income, no plan, nothing...but the Lord. And God alone, she knew, would suffice.
He did. She had progressed in her ministry, so much so that she was able to open a housing project for the underprivileged families in her area and had also inspired other consecrated women to join in her mission. Yet, the new community lacked access to a washing machine. So- although it was lavish, she opted to purchase a machine for her new home. Yet, as she did not work, nor did any of the other sisters, they were unable to purchase it. They decided to have a garage sale, and see if they could raise the funds. The sisters sold enough of their wares to purchase the washer and began to page through the Sear's catalog. However, the space in which they had to place the machine was smaller than most all the machines that were made. Thus, they could only find one machine that would fit. Sister held the phone in her hands, and called the number to order the machine, when the Lord told her to wait. Exasperated, she obediently smiled and said "I'll give You until I finish my soup." The phone rang- it was a friend of Sister Jean's who just happened to be giving away an 18" washing machine. That is when I smiled.
It gets better...
At that point, she said to the Lord, "Thank You, thank You...I should never have doubted. I promise to say 'yes' to anything that is asked of me today in honor of You." At Mass she was asked to accompany a couple of women on a planned pilgrimage to Europe...it was a good question to say "yes" to and she did. Yet again, she had no money. She knew the Lord would provide. She was asked to speak at a couple of parishes where they took up a collection for her mission. Yet, she knew that money was not for her own use. So, she waited. Time went by quickly, and her departure grew nearer as did her birthday. A friend called and wanted to throw her a large birthday party. Sister agreed, but asked that instead of lavishness, she would love some help to go on her pilgrimage. All the attendees obliged, and Sr. Jean graciously accepted the charity of her friends. She promptly went home and placed her funds beneath the rug, not in the dresser where the mission funds were stored (as anyone would do:-)). She let it be, and never counted nor gave it a second look until the bill for the trip arrived. She opened the bill, removed her money from its woven security and began to count. To the penny, she had the exact amount of the bill.
Trust.
Last year, she met a woman named Sister Jean. A woman who received a call from the Lord, and said "Yes." That 'yes' has resounded throughout the whole of her life. Imaging Our Mother, her assurance and ability to Trust in God's ultimate plan lead her to leave the comfortable life of her suburban convent and move to the inner-city streets of Minneapolis. There she lead a life of love. Her goal was simply to befriend and image Christ to all she met. She had no income, no plan, nothing...but the Lord. And God alone, she knew, would suffice.
He did. She had progressed in her ministry, so much so that she was able to open a housing project for the underprivileged families in her area and had also inspired other consecrated women to join in her mission. Yet, the new community lacked access to a washing machine. So- although it was lavish, she opted to purchase a machine for her new home. Yet, as she did not work, nor did any of the other sisters, they were unable to purchase it. They decided to have a garage sale, and see if they could raise the funds. The sisters sold enough of their wares to purchase the washer and began to page through the Sear's catalog. However, the space in which they had to place the machine was smaller than most all the machines that were made. Thus, they could only find one machine that would fit. Sister held the phone in her hands, and called the number to order the machine, when the Lord told her to wait. Exasperated, she obediently smiled and said "I'll give You until I finish my soup." The phone rang- it was a friend of Sister Jean's who just happened to be giving away an 18" washing machine. That is when I smiled.
It gets better...
At that point, she said to the Lord, "Thank You, thank You...I should never have doubted. I promise to say 'yes' to anything that is asked of me today in honor of You." At Mass she was asked to accompany a couple of women on a planned pilgrimage to Europe...it was a good question to say "yes" to and she did. Yet again, she had no money. She knew the Lord would provide. She was asked to speak at a couple of parishes where they took up a collection for her mission. Yet, she knew that money was not for her own use. So, she waited. Time went by quickly, and her departure grew nearer as did her birthday. A friend called and wanted to throw her a large birthday party. Sister agreed, but asked that instead of lavishness, she would love some help to go on her pilgrimage. All the attendees obliged, and Sr. Jean graciously accepted the charity of her friends. She promptly went home and placed her funds beneath the rug, not in the dresser where the mission funds were stored (as anyone would do:-)). She let it be, and never counted nor gave it a second look until the bill for the trip arrived. She opened the bill, removed her money from its woven security and began to count. To the penny, she had the exact amount of the bill.
Trust.
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
For-eh-ver!
Everybody gets one chance to do something great. Most people never take the chance, either because they're too scared, or they don't recognize it when it spits on their shoes. Heroes get remembered, but legends never die.
Follow your heart, kid, and you'll never go wrong.
Follow your heart, kid, and you'll never go wrong.
Tonight, you arrested my mind. Belief.
"You have this incredible yearning for the knowledge that only God can provide. You constantly seek the Truth, and when you cannot find it, or it seems lost, you look harder. Your diligence is in His plan will serve you so well!
Through the knowledge that you seek, you represent the beauty of His Church and the fullness of His Truth. That is such an amazing gift."
Sunday, August 12, 2007
Casa Bonita, Casa Bonita, food and fun in a festive atmosphere!
I have been called crazy. I will admirably accept this call because I will affirm the greatness of the house called beautiful until the day I die.
A few website excerpts for the Casa enthusiast (click HERE to see for yourself):
With over 52,000 square feet and seating for 1,100 guests, Casa Bonita is the perfect place to hold a group event or birthday party . Complete your exciting dining experience with puppet shows, arcade games and a visit to El Mercado, Casa Bonita's Giftshop.
Can you say "rehearsal dinner??"
Casa Bonita has been the funnest AND tastiest place to eat in Denver for nearly thirty years.
Complete with grammatical errors to boot! You are the MOST fun, Casa Bonita, you are!
Really...I love this place and have found myself having to defend the honor of Casa Bonita on more than one occasion. I find it hard to believe that there are those out there who could leave a place like the Casa and not feel little better about the world. Maybe it's the fake palm trees, or the blaring mariachi, perhaps the smell of Black Bart's Cave or the overpriced caricatures- be it what it may, the world is a better place because of you, Casa Bonita. I mean really, what else towers in such pink grandeur over Colfax Avenue? And to you naysayers, I simply say:
(Is it in their food?) Oh no, you'll be deceived
(Is it in their flags?) Oh no, they'll make believe
If you wanna know why I love it so, it's in their escaped gorilla suited high-school kids running from overplayed actors dressed-up as cowboys and royalty who make the food taste better when the over-chlorinated water soaks it while it gets cold waiting to be seated in the cabana-themed table that has "just the right view."
(That's why it is) Oh yeah.
**Author's note: In my vast research for this posting, I have discovered that the a famed Casa Bonita South Park episode (that I have never even seen, but have heard so very much about) aired on my birthday. Coincidence? I think not.
Thank you, Governor Ritter
This evening I could not find a seat in Mass.
It was standing room only, and so I stood. What a joy it was to witness the people of Denver coming together in communion to break open the Word and bask in the Glory of our Lord. Families of all ages tended to their children, young people genuflected before the Holy Tabernacle, teenagers raised their voices in song chorusing the Heavenly angels, and the elderly lifted their eyes to the sky- in viewing this varied congregation, I found myself so thankful. Thankful that you sent this Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church and thankful that you have charged us to reveal her Glory.
I continued to survey the crowd: mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, friends, all walks and colors...and there I saw the Ritter family, out of the corner of my eye. Praising Him together in glory, and laughing together in love. I saw the man who has been elected to govern this state. A man who, with his family, respects life, respects all human dignity and respects the Holy Catholic Church. Of course, he is not perfect, but neither am I nor anyone else I know. So, I am thankful Lord, that we have such an honorable man and such an honorable family standing before the people of Colorado, helping to lead and guide.
Thank you, Governor Ritter for saying "Yes!" to the call!
Saturday, August 11, 2007
Bella
I had forgotten the release of a poem,
The beauty of that release- the pull of words.
I had forgotten the beauty of me,
Until I read the Beauty of You.
The beauty of that release- the pull of words.
I had forgotten the beauty of me,
Until I read the Beauty of You.
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
Fear Not the Unknown
As I read the very lofty title in the URL bar that sits just at the tip of my peripheral vision, I am awed. How can we not fear what is unknown? How can we possibly find ourselves in a place of peace?
I often find myself wondering about those in this world with nothing to believe in. To live an existence without some sort of light in the darkness must cause an ache that rings throughout the whole of one's life. Unquenchable. The mere thought of having nothing to hope for, nothing outside of this world, outside of our own existence helps to define misery. I can think of no better word. Suffering is simply inadequate because without suffering we know not the quiet of Heavenly Peace. Sorrow isn't applicable, because without the pains of suffering we would not know pure joy. But misery...misery.
I have to admit, the unknown terrifies me. But I think it ironic that although the unknown implies that I am clueless, it does not call me to a place of darkness. I do know some things. I do know that it is only in the unknown that we find what we truly know. It is in the purely irrational that Truth lies. It makes no sense, rationally, that the King of Kings would come into this world to be scorned, hated, battered, bruised, humiliated- crucified. And yet, in this, we find all that we know be True. Therefore, in that, I will place all of my trust.
All that I have and all that I am.
"All roads lead to Rome." I found that out the hard way...but out of that phrase, that journey, where my life has lead me since, I have discovered that all roads, every Tuscan dirt thoroughfare, every Florentine highway, lead directly to Rome. Rome is at the center of it all; it is the core. And my life, every struggle, every triumph, every dirty rest stop in which the stalls quietly sit begging for toilet paper, calls me Home. How I get there, I leave to You, my God and my King, because all I can do is HOPE.
I often find myself wondering about those in this world with nothing to believe in. To live an existence without some sort of light in the darkness must cause an ache that rings throughout the whole of one's life. Unquenchable. The mere thought of having nothing to hope for, nothing outside of this world, outside of our own existence helps to define misery. I can think of no better word. Suffering is simply inadequate because without suffering we know not the quiet of Heavenly Peace. Sorrow isn't applicable, because without the pains of suffering we would not know pure joy. But misery...misery.
I have to admit, the unknown terrifies me. But I think it ironic that although the unknown implies that I am clueless, it does not call me to a place of darkness. I do know some things. I do know that it is only in the unknown that we find what we truly know. It is in the purely irrational that Truth lies. It makes no sense, rationally, that the King of Kings would come into this world to be scorned, hated, battered, bruised, humiliated- crucified. And yet, in this, we find all that we know be True. Therefore, in that, I will place all of my trust.
All that I have and all that I am.
"All roads lead to Rome." I found that out the hard way...but out of that phrase, that journey, where my life has lead me since, I have discovered that all roads, every Tuscan dirt thoroughfare, every Florentine highway, lead directly to Rome. Rome is at the center of it all; it is the core. And my life, every struggle, every triumph, every dirty rest stop in which the stalls quietly sit begging for toilet paper, calls me Home. How I get there, I leave to You, my God and my King, because all I can do is HOPE.
Monday, August 6, 2007
Summertime, and the livin' is easy...
Summer is a time of relaxation- a time to unwind. This summer I did just that! Here is a photo journey through this summer.
Yay, Kev!! Who painted that coooool poster, huh??
Fun at the Colorado "beach"
Welcome, Hada Mae!!
New casa! Oh yes, I am on vacation every day!
Dancing with the Queen...in Breck.
Cherry Creek Arts Fest!
My second favorite city...
Bear attack! Oh, don't worry, I won:
"Pull my...uh, tail" You'll never guess what that crazy buff did!:
"Homer! Your arm!!" Crazy hooligans pullin' shananigans at the movie theater:
Harry, you'll always be my numero dos- so amazing!! More later:
Jamtastic's nuptials:
Lessons learned:
I cannot believe that the time has gone by so quickly.
I hope to be able to post more from this amazing summer in the sun later!
Yay, Kev!! Who painted that coooool poster, huh??
Fun at the Colorado "beach"
Welcome, Hada Mae!!
New casa! Oh yes, I am on vacation every day!
Dancing with the Queen...in Breck.
Cherry Creek Arts Fest!
My second favorite city...
Bear attack! Oh, don't worry, I won:
"Pull my...uh, tail" You'll never guess what that crazy buff did!:
"Homer! Your arm!!" Crazy hooligans pullin' shananigans at the movie theater:
Harry, you'll always be my numero dos- so amazing!! More later:
Jamtastic's nuptials:
Lessons learned:
I cannot believe that the time has gone by so quickly.
I hope to be able to post more from this amazing summer in the sun later!
the Laborers are few...
New York...Labor Day! I cannot wait...however, I cannot find a cheap plane ticket to save my life. Way to go ladies who bought their tickets long before I did. I commend you!
Grrr...I am open to any ideas!
Grrr...I am open to any ideas!
Sunday, August 5, 2007
In Him, with Him, and through Him
Brothers and sisters:
If you were raised with Christ, seek what is above,
where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.
Think of what is above, not of what is on earth.
For you have died,
and your life is hidden with Christ in God.
When Christ your life appears,
then you too will appear with him in glory.
Put to death, then, the parts of you that are earthly:
immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire,
and the greed that is idolatry.
Stop lying to one another,
since you have taken off the old self with its practices
and have put on the new self,
which is being renewed, for knowledge,
in the image of its creator.
Here there is not Greek and Jew,
circumcision and uncircumcision,
barbarian, Scythian, slave, free;
but Christ is all and in all.
Col 3:1-5, 9-11
Help us to lead the lives that You call us to lead. Thank you for Your word, and thank you for showing us Your Glory and Your Truth in and through it.
To live on the Earth and not of it- that is my prayer.
If you were raised with Christ, seek what is above,
where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.
Think of what is above, not of what is on earth.
For you have died,
and your life is hidden with Christ in God.
When Christ your life appears,
then you too will appear with him in glory.
Put to death, then, the parts of you that are earthly:
immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire,
and the greed that is idolatry.
Stop lying to one another,
since you have taken off the old self with its practices
and have put on the new self,
which is being renewed, for knowledge,
in the image of its creator.
Here there is not Greek and Jew,
circumcision and uncircumcision,
barbarian, Scythian, slave, free;
but Christ is all and in all.
Col 3:1-5, 9-11
Help us to lead the lives that You call us to lead. Thank you for Your word, and thank you for showing us Your Glory and Your Truth in and through it.
To live on the Earth and not of it- that is my prayer.
An Ode
To the penguins who will remain in my heart
I love my job.
Last year at this time I walked into a classroom, knees shaking, waiting to encounter the little lives who would show me the meaning of vocation. I met them. Seventeen eight year-olds, ready to embark upon a third-grade journey that I will not soon forget.
I cannot imagine my classroom without their smiling faces; this is the struggle. You only get to invest in them for one year, and then they move-on. A harsh reality for a first-year teacher, but one that also fills me with joy.
Go get 'em fourth graders!
I love my job.
Last year at this time I walked into a classroom, knees shaking, waiting to encounter the little lives who would show me the meaning of vocation. I met them. Seventeen eight year-olds, ready to embark upon a third-grade journey that I will not soon forget.
I cannot imagine my classroom without their smiling faces; this is the struggle. You only get to invest in them for one year, and then they move-on. A harsh reality for a first-year teacher, but one that also fills me with joy.
Go get 'em fourth graders!
Spicy!
I have always said that it is so much easier to type rather than write something in longhand. Thus, I give you this blog. I have found, in reading the blogs of others, that this is a unique way in which to chronicle life. My life, your life...and all the life in between. I think I will do just that.
Therefore, I give you: The Spice of Life.
Therefore, I give you: The Spice of Life.
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