The Road Less Traveled

HAPPY SAINT PATRICK'S DAY

“May your thoughts be as glad as the shamrocks.
 May your heart be as light as a song.
 May each day bring you bright, happy hours.
That stay with you all the year long.”

Took a walk the other day when the weather was unseasonably warm, and reveled in the glory of  God's creation.  I didn't see any snakes, deer, little foxes.  There were no croaking frogs or chirping locust.  Yet in all the silence I heard and felt the "breath of God!"  I was not alone.  Maybe I realized this more that day because I had no time constraints and no particular place to be, but it was a joyful moment on this "road less traveled" with a beloved companion.

~~~~~~

Though the road be long

And the journey's end unknown

Steadfastly go on

Revel in  the breeze

With your silent companion

Experience hope

~~^j^~~

Cathy

Please visit Rebecca at recuerda mi corazon for Haiku My Heart. There is always more beautiful words  there to enchant and encourage!!! 

Haiku My Heart

When beauty appears 

It's a delicate treasure 

Worth its weight in gold

Today I am posting my 1000th post!  Who would have thought 4 1/2 years ago I would still be playing here on the playground.  It's been soooo much fun.  Thanks for all your visits and generous remarks over the years.  Celebrate!!!  Life is grand!!!

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!!!

Cathy

Visit also Rebecca at recuerda mi corazon for Haiku My Heart.

The Joy in Tea Talk

Tea is a cup of life.  ~Author Unknown

I'm having...Good Earth spice tea.

My teacup...my Favorite mug brewed with the Kuerig.

I'm feeling...energized!  Had a productive day off and look forward to an excellent weekend.

On my mind...a weekend of celebration and friendly gatherings.  It is a time to go to the Woods and celebrate the installation of the sisters who will lead the congregation.  A time, too, to gather with friends at church for the parish picnic.  And, oh, the best time of year when the heat of summer is waning and the cool air of fall arrives.

Church of the Immaculate Conception

Saint Mary-of-the-Woods

Founded by Saint Mother Theodore Guerin

Please join Ruth at Tea Talk today.

Today I also join Meri for Share the Joy Thursday.   For I believe we need to find it in my life every day no matter the realities in which we live.  God is Good in so many ways even in times of trial.

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!

Cathy

Travel Journal 6

“A man practices the art of adventure when he breaks the chain of routine and renews his life through reading new books, traveling to new places, making new friends, taking up new hobbies and adopting new viewpoints” ~Wilfred Peterson

Wishing all a Rocky Mountain High Day!  Today is our 43rd Wedding Anniversary.  It been a Great Adventure!!  Thank you to all along the way for making it so wonderful!!!

A Colorado Rockies game tonight and a day spent with family!!  What could be better!!

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!

Cathy

The Triduum

 To all God's beloved...,who are called to be saints:

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and

the Lord Jesus Christ.

Romans 1:7

As I beigin my journey this year through the these coming Holy Days, I will be taking a respite from posting until after Easter.  If you will keep me in your prayer as I will you!  Wishing you a fulfilled journey.

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!

~~Bad Haiku Friday and Haiku My Heart~~

 

A birthday it is

With celebration and gifts

Daniel will be one!

It's hard to believe that the wee one is no longer wee but growing by leaps and bounds...My goodness it's already been a year.  

Well done, Daniel!!!

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!

Please visit Laura at Catholic Teacher Musings the sponsor of Bad Haiku Friday.  Visit also Rebecca at recuerda mi corazon for Haiku My Heart.  And then just have the most wonderful Fall weekend wherever you are!

~~More Smiles~~

This was a gift to me from my very dear friend, Juliene. Today I offer this as a gift to all who, whether a mother, teacher or caregiver, deserve this thank you!!!

~~~~~~~ Before I was a Mom, I never tripped over toys or forgot words to a lullaby. I didn't worry whether or not my plants were poisonous. I never thought about immunizations. Before I was a Mom, I had never been puked on. Pooped on. Chewed on. Peed on. I had complete control of my mind and my thoughts. I slept all night . Before I was a Mom, I never held down a screaming child so doctors could do tests. Or give shots. I never looked into teary eyes and cried. I never got gloriously happy over a simple grin. I never sat up late hours at night watching a baby sleep . Before I was a Mom, I never held a sleeping baby just because I didn't want to put her down. I never felt my heart break into a million pieces when I couldn't stop the hurt. I never knew that something so small could affect my life so much. I never knew that I could love someone so much. I never knew I would love being a Mom . Before I was a Mom, I didn't know the feeling of having my heart outside my body.. I didn't know how special it could feel to feed a hungry baby. I didn't know that bond between a mother and her child. I didn't know that something so small could make me feel so important and happy . Before I was a Mom, I had never gotten up in the middle of the night every 10 minutes to make sure all was okay. I had never known the warmth, the joy, the love, the heartache, the wonderment or the satisfaction of being a Mom. I didn't know I was capable of feeling so much, before I was a Mom May you always be overwhelmed by the Grace of God rather than by the cares of life.

~~~~~~~

Wishing you all Happy Mothering!!! You are all so very good at it!

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!

Easter Continues!

Therefore we thank Thee for our little light, that is dappled
with shadow.
We thank Thee who has moved us to building, to finding
to forming at the ends of our fingers and the beams
of our eyes.
And when we have built an altar to the invisible Light,
we may set thereon the little light for which our bodily
vision is made.
And we thank Thee that darkness reminds us of light.
O Light Invisible, we give Thee thanks for Thy Great glory!
T. S. Eliot

Our celebration of Easter continues this week as the Kellers and Stauffers from INDY arrive and join us here with the Ackermans from across town. We will celebrate the Resurrection with food and family. And for entertainment we will attend the Spring Musical performed by the Students of Memorial High school.

There will be the usual ham, sweet potatoes, veggies and pie. We will chat and laugh and eat way too much. The kids will giggle, the dogs will beg at table and there will be meaningful and not so meaningful conversation.

Then it will be off to the high school for this year's performance of Annie. It is always a thrill to watch kids sing and dance and this year will be no different. Kellie is a sophomore and part of the cast (we have been entertained by the students here since Kellie began as a wee extra when she was 4). Neil her brother is an extra. What fun we will have.

The traditions of the Church allow us to celebrate this Holy Season for fifty days, not just one. We are to "party" through the Ascension of Our Lord and into Pentecost and the arrival of the Holy Spirit. We are to celebrate who we are!!!!! We are the Body of Christ!

So everyone!!!! Do it!!!! CELEBRATE!!!!! We do have a lot about which to rejoice. Continue to worship and commemorate Our Lord's glorious resurrection for this is our legacy! Alleluia! Alleluia!!!

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

He Is Risen!!
Alleluia! Alleluia!

~~~~~
Thanks be to God!

Celebrating Friendship

When I say good morning I mean to say:

G-od
O-ffers us His
O-utstanding
D-evotion to

M-ake us
O-bedient &
R-eady for a
N-ew day with Him.
I-nspire others, and
N-ever forget
G-od loves you!

And so it is that I write to my dear friend, Kay. She is the one who offered me this pleasant Good Morning. We have been friends for, oh, so many years. She has been there for me in good times and bad. During the mourning and the celebrations. Providence brought us together over 30 years ago.

Dear Kay,

For all the times you have been there for me I want to say, Thank You! You are a most compassionate and caring lady. We have laughed so hard we cried. You have been a true "sister" to me, someone in whom I could confide. I also know that I can always rely on your forthrightness and honesty.

I have wonderful memories of shopping and picnics and bonfires. There was Keller's Corner on Labor Day, the parade and the eating and community we shared. There are trips to the State Fair and sitting in the grand stand watching your kids show their cattle. There is nothing like being with friends and celebrate life with them and in many ways you have offered me the most memorable celebrations!!!!!

My dear friend this note is to tell you how very much I appreciate you and love you!! May God bless you always, my dear friend!

Cathy

~~~^j^~~~
And for all my Friends I say,
"Thanks be to God!"

I invite you to join Ruth at Celebrate Friendship and other friends in this special celebration.

Once in a Blue Moon..

I have to go back to work today after being off for 10 days...But before I go back to the real world of people, places and things that have impact on my life, I thought I would share with you some highlights of the last few days. It will be hard to go back, but I also look forward to seeing friends I work with to share their Holiday tales. They are always so grand!

Aunt Rhonda turns 60 on 12/31/2009. What a grand time we had!!

My camera is on the "fritz" so in order to get the "Blue Moon" had to prove it wasn't just another "spot" on a negative.

Previewing the work of an up-and-coming artist, Neil Ackerman. Good JOB!!!

The real winter, with frigid temperatures and gloomy skies.

But it brings us all back to the Manger to which I say,
"Thanks be to God!!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

My best wishes for a Happy, Holy, and Healthy New Year to all. God Bless you abundantly this New Year!!!

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks Be to God!

Once Upon a Recipe

Ever since I had my first bowl of New England clam chowder when we were stationed at Ft. Ord, California in 1971, I have taken great pleasure in making it. It is a tradition in this family to have clam chowder on Christmas Eve. We gather and pray, enjoy the meal and then we share our gifts. Even when we travel to visit the kids on Christmas Eve clam chowder is served. So I offer you the Keller version of...

NEW ENGLAND CLAM CHOWDER

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

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

Add minced clams, salt, pepper, mild and cream. Make roux from melted margarine and flour. Blend hot mild from the 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. The chowder should thicken.

Serve with salad and warm buttered French or Sour Dough bread. Chowder may be served with grated cheese if desired. Serves 6 (I usually double the recipe and make two large pots when we are all together.)

~~~~~

I understand how busy we all are and so if you have no time to share a recipe at this time please leave a comment about your favorite Christmas meal. May God Bless you all!!! And the Merriest of Christmases to you all!

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Thanks be to God!!!

A Grand Weekend of Celebration

Click here to view these pictures larger

Yet another great weekend here for the Keller Family. After we worked at Mother Teresa's Treasures we met Wes, Roy, Neil, Ainsley, and Lindsey at the Evansville Museum for Astronomy Day. The kids got to see some of Grandpa's meteorites on display and then it was out to dinner at Hacienda.

This morning we celebrated with Kellie as she made her Confirmation. What a joy!! I had to delete some pictures because they were blurred. Sometimes it's hard to take a good picture through the tears of joy! Later we gathered at the Ackerman house for a traditional Grandy's buffet and wonderful cake and cupcakes.

What a wonderful day!!!

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!!!

I'ts May...

Yes, the month of Mary, Mother's Day and at least four glorious birthdays. Not only are they glorious, they were apparently all well planned by the creator, for they are all 6 days apart. And on the 7th we all rested.

My mother is 84 on May ll, Kellie turns 15 on the 17th, Laura is [umhum] 40 on the 23rd and Neil will be 9 on the 29th. That is my month of May in a nutshell...Isn't it GRAND!?! Mother, daughter and grandchildren. I am so blessed!

~~^j^~~

And with that is say a Hearty.
Thanks be to God!

Patron Saint's Day

Saint Catherine of Siena
Photo by Lawrence, OP

I have the privilege of being named after Saint Catherine of Siena. Today is her feast day and every year I am again pleased to remember this woman of God was chosen for me by my parents. She was gifted in many ways. I'm proud to be "Catherine."

"Your neighbors are the channel
through which your virtues are tested
and come to birth...just as those
who are evil give birth to all their vices
through their neighbors."

Catherine, born in 1347, was 23rd child (a twin) of Jacopo and Lapa Benicasa of siena. When she came of age, her parents wanted her to marry but she insisted that she was betrothed to Christ. In anger, her parents insisted that she act as a servant to the rest of the family. Finally, her father relented and she was allowed to follow her mystic calling. She did not become a nun but joined the Third Order of St Dominic.

Catherine is famous for her Dialogues (written accounts of her revelations from God) and her Letters which initially gave spiritual instruction and encouragement, but gradually began to deal with public matters. Many of her letters were directed to popes, kings and othe public leaders.

These were the days of the Avignon Papacy, when the pope and his staff had moved from Rome to sourthern France. Catherine not only wrote to Pope Gregory XI, respectfully chiding him for leaving Rome, but in 1376 (she was 29 years old) visited him in Avignon and did the same.

Catherine died on this date in 1380 at the age of 33. In 1970, Pope Paul VI declared her a doctor of the Church.

The Little White Book

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!

The Quiet Man Film Locations, Cong, Mayo. Ireland

Tis the season...Yes, it is. Today in preparation for the Academy Awards TCM is showing The Quiet Man. Long has this movie been a favorite of mine. So visit with me the site of it's filming. Please enjoy!

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!
And will no doubt be watching it
on the feast of Feast of St. Patrick. It's a tradition...

A Busy Weekend Ahead

to travel
and get there safely
a real "trip"

This is the weekend I begin my journey as a candidate as an Associate of the Sisters of Providence. I will spend Saturday at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods with my companion Sister Dorothy Rasche and other candidates to hear what is expected of us on this journey. Pray for me!

Then I'm off to Indianapolis. Sunday is Marianne's bridal shower. I'm not quite sure how to get to Marianne's as Ron is the one who always drives. Pray for me!

It should be lots of fun as it is an "around the clock shower." We will celebrate at Wes and Annie's new house and co-hostess is her sister Laura. It'll be fun to see what her "day" will hold for her.

Then, I'd like to get home by 7:00 p.m. Sunday evening. Our parish mission starts Sunday night and I really would hate to miss "opening night." Fr. Dennis is the retreat master and he was wonderful at our women's retreat last winter at St. Meinrad Archabbey. Pray for me!

You all have a grand weekend and I'll pray for you!!!

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!

St. Therese of the Little Flower of Jesus

When it's your one of your namesakes feast day you find ways to celebrate. And so it is today, I celebrate the feast of St. Therese of Lisieux. First, I give thanks to my parents for choosing the name of a saint who truly is an example of determination and humility. And thanks be to God for her glorious creation!

Today I offer as I do every month the newsletter from China Little Flower. Shannon offers these words of Scripture for our reflection as we share in the work of the abandoned and neglected little ones.

Jesus said, "Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them; for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven." -Mt 19:14

Finally in the words of this dear follower of the Christ Child we hear...

Even a little child can scatter flowers, to scent the throne room with their fragrance; even a little child can sing in its shrill treble, the great canticle of Love. That will be my life: to scatter flowers~~to miss no single opportunity of making some small sacrifice, here by a smiling look, there by a kindly word, always doing the tiniest things right and doing it for love.

~~ St. Therese of Lisieux~

~

So, today, on this feast of the Little Flower, do some tiny things that will make a difference!

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!

Feast of St. Mary Magdalen

When he had risen, early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had driven seven demons. She went and told his companions who were mourning and weeping. When they heard that he was alive and had been seen by her, they did not believe.
~Mark 16:9-11~

The Magdalene, most of all, is the model I like to follow. That boldness of hers, which would be so amazing if it weren't the boldness of a lover, won the heart of Jesus and how it fascinates mine!

~Saint Therese of Lisieux~

~~~~~

Oh, to have the faith of such a woman. The humility to say I have sinned and then to repent of our sins with such determination as to follow Jesus with a "bold" heart as Saint Therese suggests. I can only pray that the Holy Spirit will embolden me in much the same way!

For all the graces granted to me,
in so many ways,
Thanks be to God!