Saturday, October 31, 2009

Haunted House in Lights


Haunted House in Light
Originally uploaded by Norbini
I was looking for a picture of a haunted house to post today and found this much more exciting and a beautiful work of art as well!!! Have a grand day!!!

~~~^j^~~~
Thanks be to God
Haunted House in Light
Originally uploaded by Norbin

Friday, October 30, 2009

Gorgeous Blogger Award

Yesterday Therese of Aussie Coffee Shop gave me this award. Isn't cute? So to here I say, "Thank you very much!" And now I will continue.

Here are the rules:

By accepting this award I am required to tell you six things about myself that you don't know and then award it to six other gorgeous bloggers.

1) I have 5 children (I know you know that) born in 4 states, Colorado, California, Oklahoma ("where the wind comes sweeping down the plain) and Indiana.

2) I received my degree in Gerontology at St. Mary-of-the-Woods College at the age of 48.

3) I need to tune my harp and practice...It's getting close to the Christmas Season and even though I am NOT very good at playing, I really should try.

4) I am hoping to go on retreat to St. Meinrad early next year. It is so invigorating.

5) I wish I had a professional camera...probably not a good idea though. I'd probably not understand how to use all the gadgets!

6) Wish I could dance...but the klutz that I am enables me to stumble, fumble and generally look as "graceless" as you can imagine.

Now 6 bloggers to pass this award onto:

In Him I Live and Move and Have My Being

RoyalTLady

On My Own

The Dutchess

Made for Joy

Mrs. Pogle's World

And three for good measure

Blessings Each Day

Are We There Yet

A Journey Through His Garden

Wishing all a grand day! Will be off to INDY for Halloween with the Grand Kids and a Happy All Hallow's Eve to you. Can hardly wait! [Will be staying home...I have a cold! DRAT! That's why I'm soooo blue!]

~~~^j^~~~
Thanks be to God!

Thursday, October 29, 2009

So Thankful for Friends


I was given this award by Marcy at Blessings Each Day. To her I say a heartfelt Thank YOU!!! I love surprises and she is a treasure. Visiting her blog is a wonderful experience.

IF YOU COULD COME BACK AS AN ANIMAL, WHICH WOULD IT BE?

I believe if I was to come back as an animal I think it would be a kangaroo. Bouncing around seems like fun and with that pouch there's no need to carry a purse.

SOMETHING YOU COULDN'T LIVE WITHOUT

The presence of God in my life and hope of a new tomorrow.

WHAT DO YOU VALUE MOST IN ANOTHER PERSON

A sense of humor, compassion, tenderness and a dreamer

THE COLORS YOU TEND TO WEAR ARE

Navy and shades of brown

THREE WORDS THAT DEFINE YOU

Caring, understanding, hopeful

A PLACE YOU WOULD TRAVEL TO

Ireland again.

YOUR FAVORITE QUOTE FROM A BOOK OR MOVIE

"We shall steer safely through every storm, so long as our heart is right, our intention fervent, our courage steadfast, and our trust fixed firmly on God." Saint Francis de Sales

SOMETHING YOU WOULD LIKE TO DO

I'd like to spend more time with family and friends.

YOUR MAIN STRENGTH/FORTE

The ability to offer an ear for those who need an attentive ear.

You are also supposed to send this on to seven "young" blogs and seven blogs of wisdom. the nice thing about something like this is that it enables us to get to know one another just a little bit better and these 'tags, you're it' are fun and finally, if you have blogger's block, instead of walking around the block (get it...hee, hee???), you have something instant and easy to post.

Here is my list of Young and Wise Blogs (in no particular order):

1) Aussie Coffee Shop

2) Castles, Crowns and Cottages

3) Catholic Teacher's Musings

4) Cuisine Kathleen

5) Eileen on Him...At Least I Try

6) Jenny of Elefantz

7) La Dolce Vita: the sweet life with three sons

8) My Chocolate Heart

9) Umma's World

10) Tamara's Treasures

11) Scraps of Starlight

12) So...This Is The Road I Am Traveling On

13) My Wonderful Life

14) Catholic Mom in Hawaii

This was a great pleasure for me as I was able to offer to you all some blogs that Have welcomed me and offered me pleasure, insights and laughter. Please enjoy!!!

~~~^j^~~~
Thanks be to God!

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Beautiful Women Month

Kathy, a dear friend, sent this to me because it's Beautiful Women Month. And if you visit Anita at Castles Crowns and Cottages you'll find a wonderful "dinner with Audrey." I don't know if this is a coincidence or not but I am glad to be reminded of Miss Audrey. She was such a joy to watch perform. I loved her in My Fair Lady, Breakfast at Tiffany's, Sabrina, Charade and A Nun's Story...I could go on and on.

So here in her words is a wonderful poem Miss Hepburn wrote when asked to share her 'beauty tips .'


For attractive lips, speak words of kindness.

For lovely eyes, seek out the good in people.

For a slim figure, share your food with the hungry.

For beautiful hair, let a child run his/her fingers through it once a day.

For poise, walk with the knowledge that you never walk alone.

People, even more than things, have to be restored, renewed, revived,
reclaimed, and redeemed; never throw out anyone.

Remember, if you ever need a helping hand, you
will find one at the end of each of your arms. As you
grow older, you will discover that you have two hands;
one for helping yourself, and the other for helping others.

So, as you venture out today contemplate your value, your worth. You are grand each and everyone of you!!! Thank you for the ways you enrich my life!


~~~^j^~~~
Thanks be to God!!!



Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Autumn Foliage

Someone needs to hide my camera...I have far too much fun with it. Wishing you all a grand day!!!

~~~^j^~~~
Thanks be to God!!

Monday, October 26, 2009

The Simple Women's Daybook


Rising to another day is always a blessing, one in which thanksgiving and praise is offered to the all-loving Father. So it is with gratitude I begin this day.

~~Outside my window...it is very dark. It's 4:25 a.m. Sam's peering through the office window meowing to come in.

~~I am thinking...it would be grand to visit my friends Martha in NJ or Fay in TX and chat over a cup of tea.

~~I am thankful for...sunshine and glorious Autumn colors that reflect the sun.

~~From the kitchen...clam chowder.

~~I am wearing...my long-sleeved nightgown.

~~I am creating...the Book of Wit 'n' Wisdom.

~~I am going...have a less hectic week.

~~I am reading...still A Call To Joy by Matthew Kelly. I have found it to be a good book for reflection.

~~I am hoping...the weather continues to be glorious.

~~I am hearing...humming of the computer in the stillness.

~~Around the house...decorations complete for Halloween, just need to dust and vacuum.

~~One of my favorite things...watching old movies.

~~A few plans for the rest of the week: 1) continue to work on my vacation journal (it was a BUSY summer);2) prepare for Halloween travel to INDY to visit grand kids for the holiday;get my hair cut; 4) prepare Bible study for Thursday.

~~Here is picture thought I am sharing...


Autumn Berries

After you visit here please visit Peggy at The Simple Woman and journey along the path of life we all share. It will always be a journey worth sharing!

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!

Saturday, October 24, 2009

Picture Puzzle Day


Click to Mix and Solve
Niagara Falls
June ,2000

Have missed the puzzle this week. Perhaps this a good time to do it. It's a lazy Saturday and I can sit with a cup of tea and just relax.

Having been to Niagara Falls I must say I was awestruck by it's grandeur. When standing right next to the river I was aware of the power the water contained!!! It was magnificent!

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend full of lazy hours!!!

~~~^j^~~~
Thanks be to God!

Here is the link to JigZone so you can create and submit your puzzle. And Mr. Linky is available below for you convenience so we can enjoy your puzzle.

You are invited to leave a comment, too. Please join in the fun!!! I can hardly wait to put YOUR puzzles together!

Friday, October 23, 2009

The Seven Pillars of Catholic Spirituality


The lesson last night was an instruction in how to move our Catholicity to a higher level. I have had this book for two years. In that time, I have used it as a resource in my preparation for my RCIA presentation numerous times.

Quick story...I received my copy of Rediscovering Catholicism two years ago when we visited our son, Jimmy, for Christmas in Alpharetta, GA. His parish, Saint Brigid Catholic Church, gave this book to the entire church, members and visitors alike, for Christmas and was distributed Christmas Day. I took it home, read it and was awed.

A couple of months later I used it in one of the RCIA classes as part of the topic on Reconciliation. When all was said and done, the Director of RCIA, asked where I had gotten the book. I pulled a postcard from the book that suggested one could get 2 free books to share with others and so she took it to see if she could get those two plus purchase enough for the class...about 10 candidates. The next time I saw Bev I asked her if she was able to get the books. She told me that, not only was she able to get those two books, but she was sent free of charge enough books for the rest of the class and each of the sponsors.

Enough said! This man practices what he preaches!

So that brings us to those Seven Pillars...This topic is an entire section of the book.

Those pillars are:

Reconciliation
Contemplation
The Mass
The Bible
Fasting
Spiritual Reading
The Rosary

When I heard these topics explained I realized that by integrating each of these pillars sincerely into my life I can't help but become "The Best Version of Myself." It's got to be laborious, for nothing good can come from stagnation and laziness. I say, "Give it a TRY." You and I certainly have nothing to lose and everything to gain!

Wishing you a GRAND day!!


~~~^j^~~~
Thanks be to God!

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Matthew Kelly and A Better Version of Myself


We came home last night, after hearing Matthew Kelly, invigorated and hope filled . When the lesson is offered in positive manner, when the instruction is given without condemnation and when you are sitting in the midst so many on the journey hanging on every word, it's hard not to come away with the intention of making every effort to, as Matthew said, "Become a better version of yourself."

He's right! I am too busy. And because of this busy-ness, I neglect ME!!! When I neglect ME then there are so many things that suffer. I was hearing last night that there are many positive ways for me to improve this "version" of me. I can only tell you that when I hear Matthew speak in a way that affirms I am important, then I WANT to do something about it. When I take care of me then I am able to care for others more efficiently and compassionately. It's not being selfish to want the best for yourself, for when you are at your best then you can offer the best to others!!!

It was truly a GRAND experience last night. I'll be back again tonight!!! Wishing you a wonderful day!! In the meantime you can visit his website, Matthew Kelly Foundation.

~~~^j^~~~
Thanks be to God!

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Matthew Kelly: Rediscovering Catholicism

I cannot tell you how excited I am that the next two days offer me an opportunity to experience the talents of Matthew Kelly. He is a wonderful speaker who can, with his enthusiasm, lift your spirits, and motivate you to be, as he says, "A better version of yourself." And so again, I will be privileged to hear his presentation tomorrow and Thursday nights here at St. John the Baptist Church!

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!!!

Grandma Gretchen's First Annual Recipe Contest


I decided to enter a recipe contest. Yes, I did. I've never done this before. I've posted other recipes that I like but never was so bold as to post mine much less enter a contest with it. But this sounded like fun. So here is my entry.



New England Clam Chowder

5 medium potatoes
1 medium onion
2 cans of minced clams
2 tsp salt
1/8 tsp pepper
1 cube butter/margarine
1/2 cup flour
3 cups milk
2 cups whipping cream

Peel potatoes and dice into small cubes. Finely chop onion. Place in large pot with clam juice from minced clams. Add just enough water to cover potatoes. Bring to a boil and cook until potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes.

Add minced clams, salt, pepper, milk and cream. Make roux from melted margarine and flour. Blend hot milk from chowder pot to roux to thin the roux's consistency and then while stirring over medium heat add roux to chowder. Continue to stir chowder until heated through. Do not bring to a boil. This should thicken the chowder to a velvety consistency.

Serve with salad and warm buttered French bread. May be topped with grated cheddar or Colby cheese if desired.

You can find the contest rules by visiting Spices and Stuff. The background for the contest can be found at My Wonderful Life. Think it over and go out on a limb! Who knows you may be the next chef featured on the Food Network!

Have a grand and glorious Autumn Day...I'm making clam chowder for dinner tonight!

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!


Picture by doe-c-does

Monday, October 19, 2009

Word Verification...



Do you ever wonder if any of those words that are used for word verification are real? Well on occasion I have looked them up in the dictionary or tried to get away with one as a word while playing scrabble only to find it didn't exist and I couldn't fool anyone else by using it. I find that they just do not exist...I cant remember in the last 2 1/2 years getting a REAL word!

Well, much to my delight, this morning when I was commenting at Bernie's House I actually had a word I knew! Yes, indeed!





It put a smile on my face and will be reminded, when I have to spell a word verification 3 times to post my comment, that once upon a time I got a REAL WORD!!!

Have a grand day!!!
~~~^j^~~~
And thanks be to God!!!


Saturday, October 17, 2009

The Eight Question MEME


Friend Jenny sent me this via email. I have shared this with all my email friends. Now, since it's been such a long time since I've done a MEME on my blog, I thought I would add it here today. And so we begin...

Six names you go by:
1. Cathy
2. Cat
3. Kate
4. Grandma
5. Mom
6. Catherine


Three things you are wearing right now:
1. Brown pants
2. white sweater
3. black socks/shoes


Three things you want very badly at the moment:
1. Hot tea
2. Visit with Mom
3. To shop for my dress for Jimmy and Kelly's wedding


Three things you did last night/yesterday
1. Went to Bible Study
2. Went to work
3. Did some laundry


Two things you ate today
1. English muffin
2. Hot tea


Two people you last talked to on the phone:
1. Marianne
2. Ron


Two things you are going to do tomorrow:
1. Work at Mother Teresa's Treasures
2. Finish laundry


Your three favorite beverages:
1. Hot tea
2. Fresca
3. Raspberry Iced Tea.


Here's what you're supposed to do. Copy and past the questions into your blog. Then delete my answers and type in your answers. Send this to 5 people and link the answers so that we can all enjoy the fun!

I invite:

Anita

Eileen

Bia

Queenmother Mama

Lisa

And two (2) for good measure

Abbey

Sue

Wishing all a grand Saturday!

~~~^j^~~~
Thanks be to God!!!


Thursday, October 15, 2009

Bad Haiku Friday

Root canal is done!!!! 'twas a breeze!!!!!
Thanks be to God!!!!!



A toothache is no fun
Neither is a root canal
But pain will be gone!


This is a smidge early but my appointment
for the root canal is at 6:50 a.m. CDT
tomorrow morning. Had to get this in
under the wire.

~~~^j^~~~
Thanks be to God!

Countdown to Root Canal

In a little more that 24 hours I will have had my root canal and all will be better again...Anyone have a humorous story they will share about their dentist or experiences at the dentist to brighten my day? Please share! Laughter is so healing!!!!

~~~^j^~~~
Thanks be to God!

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Picture Puzzle Day


Click to Mix and Solve

Washington, DC,
Fall, 2007

Picture was taken the weekend of the National Book Festival. It was a grand time as always. Washington, DC is one of my favorite places to visit!!!

Saw my dentist today. He put me on an antibiotic, gave me some pain medicine and made my appointment for my root canal on Friday!!! Whew. I'll be glad when it's done. It will be such a "pain reliever."

~~~^j^~~~
Thanks be to God!

Here is the link to JigZone so you can create and submit your puzzle. And Mr. Linky is available below for you convenience so we can enjoy your puzzle.

You are invited to leave a comment, too. Please join in the fun!!! I can hardly wait to put YOUR puzzles together!

Toothache!

Ouch!!! I awoke with a toothache...This happened a few years ago and I ended up having a root-canal done. Will be making an appointment with Dr. Pitt ASAP!!!!!

You all have a grand day. Off to take some Advil!



~~~^j^~~~
Thanks be to God!


Sunday, October 11, 2009

Saturday, October 10, 2009

Announcing a New Arrival

Art by Mary Engelbreit

Announcing the arrival of

DANIEL LYNN STAUFFER

born

October 10, 2009 at 1:15 a.m. EDT

Weighing 8 pounds, 6 ounces
22 inches in length

He and Mom are hail and hardy
though Mom is most tired.

We'll be off to INDY to see the wee one soon! Everyone have a wonderful weekend!!!!!

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God
and
for all your prayers!


Friday, October 09, 2009

On Waiting




Waiting
Looking forward
Contemplating results
Childlike anticipation and joy
Coming
~~~^j^~~~
Thanks be to God



Marianne is in hospital even as we speak. Please keep her and Daniel in your prayers. Oh, and don't forget Dad, Eric as well! He's in labor, too!

I am SOOOOO excited! Can you tell?

Wednesday, October 07, 2009

Lady In Waiting






This is dedicated to my daughter, Marianne. She is still a "Lady in Waiting." As she says, It's DD+5. And so Marianne this is for you!


Picture by Suzy Toronto





She Who I With Child

Some women are just made
for "birthin' babies,"
For others it's a sacrifice.
She Who Is With Child knows that
she is a co-creator with God.
The nausea come and goes...
The kicking may last all night...
The last months may be torture...
But then she hears that still small voice:
"I know it's not easy now,
But soon it will all be worth it."

The Sacred Sisterhood of Wonderful Wacky Women
By Suzy Toronto


~~~^j^~~~
And so it is
and
Thanks be to God!



Tuesday, October 06, 2009

Picture Puzzle Day




Click to Mix and Solve

Glass Sculpture
Indianapolis Children's Museum


Taken at Christmas time last year, it reminds me of the fun we had with Rebecca, Ainsley, and Lindsey. They went down the slides and had their picture take with Santa. It was just the most fun! My goodness but it is nearly upon us again. The Children's Museum is just the most fun for the kids!!!

Ainsley and Lindsey with Santa



Rebecca and Marianne
with You-Know-Who
~~~^j^~~~
Thanks be to God!

Here is the link to JigZone so you can create and submit your puzzle. And Mr. Linky is available below for you convenience so we can enjoy your puzzle.

You are invited to leave a comment, too. Please join in the fun!!! I can hardly wait to put YOUR puzzles together!

Monday, October 05, 2009

The Simple Women's Daybook


Weekends of late have been grand and glorious. Fall colors are showing and the glory of the rose is still apparent in the garden. The Mums are in bloom and the Cardinal is roosting in the Burning Bush. Oh my, what a fresh breeze is blowing.

~~Outside my window...it is early, but the mother cardinal is flitting about.

~~I am thinking...Will wee Daniel be born this week?

~~I am thankful for...challenges that keep me alert and open to change.

~~From the kitchen...leftovers. They are good at times.

~~I am wearing...my long-sleeved nightgown.

~~I am creating...nothing special. Only continuing to work on my x-stitch project.

~~I am going...to meet with Sr. Dorothy this Wednesday for spiritual direction.

~~I am reading...A Call To Joy by Matthew Kelly. I have read others of his but this is the first.
~~I am hoping...the weather continues to be so glorious.

~~I am hearing...Duchess barking.

~~Around the house...the gardens need pruning in preparation for winter, but when to do it?

~~One of my favorite things...grouping on Tuesday night! A time to gather and pray with friends.

~~A few plans for the rest of the week: 1) Work on my vacation journal (still);2) write my reflections for spiritual direction with Sr. Dorothy, and 3) Read the Bible Study lesson for Thursday,

~~Here is picture thought I am sharing...





After you visit here please visit Peggy at The Simple Woman and journey along the path of life we all share. It will always be a journey worth sharing!

~~~^j^~~
Thanks be to God!