Spring's 'round the Corner

The years at the spring

And day's at morn;

Morning's at seven;

The hillside's dew-pearleld;

The lark's on the wing;

The snail's on the thorn;

God's in his heaven-

All's right with the world!

~~Robert Browning~~

I know that Spring is still three weeks away and the change to daylight savings time is not for two weeks.  You can accuse me of pressing my luck.  So be it!!  Just remember!  The Feast of Saint Patrick falls between both...There is Hope for Spring!!!  

~~~~~~

Spring's 'round the corner

Goslings and ducklings are born

Softness in down

Little lambs and calves

Nourished by their mother's milk

Spring's 'round the corner

~~^j^~~

Thanks be to God!!

Cathy

I'm joining for the first time Little Things Thursday.  Drop by by and visit!

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

Retreat Postscript

Today is the day after...I've been on a high.  Yes, a high.  The two days at Saint Meinrad Archabbey each year are something I really look forward to.  Most years the weather is conducive to long walks and quiet.  But this year there was ice, sleet and snow, there was no walk around the lake or reflection at the Grotto.  You know, I did have time for quiet alone at the Abby Church, the guest house chapel and sitting quietly in the reading room watching the snow/sleet and thanking God for the Monks and their hospitality!  Thanks, too, to St. Benedict and his Rule.

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!!

Cathy

Sunset to Sunrise!

I have found when writing this post that sunrise and sunset are really treasured gifts.  It makes no difference whether it a sunrise or a sunset.  No difference because they are both glorious creations of God our Father.  And gratitude should be given at the beginning and the end of each day.

Sunrise and sunset

Beauty in reds and oranges

Glorious jewels

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!!!

Cathy

I'm joining for the first time Little Things Thursday.  Drop by by and visit!

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

Ash Wednesday

Be sure that you first preach by the way you live.  If you do not people will notice that you say one thing, but live otherwise, and your words will bring only cynical laughter and a derisive shake of the head.  ~~St. Charles Borromeo

This Lent, as all that have gone before, is a journey to prepare us for the REAL celebration.  The celebration of our Redemption.  

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!

Cathy

Cat Expression

Simba sits there watching.  Calmly staring without blinking at me.  What is he thinking?  Is he preparing to nap? Is he getting ready to scold me?  His sister is playing with  his favorite toy but  he is not deterred.  I continue to knit and he continues to stare.  This goes on for some time.  (Long enough to get a couple of pictures that are all the same pose.)  Then, just as suddenly as he took this pose, he rises, arches his back to stretch, meows, and leaps from the sofa and off he went.

Perhaps, I should consider this a lesson to me from the sage, Simba, a lesson in calm, peace and tranquility.  And maybe what he is saying to me with those eyes that look so very stern, "Hear what I am saying, be quiet and at peace.  Relax, life is good, remember what I say!!"

Simba is the sage

The cat that's full of wisdom

His eyes say, "listen."

Tranquility his

Calm and peace the lesson

He wants this for all

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!!!

Cathy

I'm joining for the first time Little Things Thursday.  Looks like fun.  Drop by for a visit!

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

HAPPY NEW YEAR

Wishing all a Happy and Healthy 2015. My resolution for this new year is to remember daily the blessing I have been given and give thanks for them.  Blessings are never underrated!!!  Or at least they shouldn't be underrated.  

So I resolve to rise in the morning and thank God!  And I resolve to end my day thanking God for the day given me.

Best Wishes!!!!

Cathy

Celebrating 2014

It's nearly the end of 2014 and there is so much for which I am thankful.  This last winter was very cold, colder than normal, but that didn't dim the glory of the glorious sky.  

Spring brought the fun and excitement of traveling to Montana to visit Mom and attend my nieces graduation from Montana State University.  Oh, what a grand time we had.  There was the glory of spring flowers and the Montana skies.  Mom turned 89 in May and though she suffers from dementia she is so very healthy!  And she can still beat me at dominoes!!!!  Thanks be to God!

Our annual visit to Colorado to get our Rocky Mountain High... and no I don't need marijuana to get one.  We visited friends and family.  The "boys" played with the train and took some very realistic photos.  We had a friendly buck come as spend several hours with us and made himself at home.  Our trip to Rocky Mountain National Park and Estes Park, as always, lifts the spirits.  And finally, our trip to Cheyenne, Wyoming to visit the railroad museum there was a high light for Ron as he was able to get pictures of a layout for his precious Argo Mill. 

Finally this year ends in celebration of life and family.  I retired the Tuesday before Thanksgiving and was surprised by Wes and Laura as they "crashed" the party at work and brought me to tears for their thoughtfulness.  I was also surprised by two special ladies, Christine and Jamie, with  whom I had the privilege to work.  Leaving Newburgh Family Physicians was hard.  I worked with an incredibly conscientious and compassionate doctor and a staff that has each and every patient at heart.  

Christmas brought the Keller Clan together.  I cannot tell you how wonderful it was to have all my children, their spouses and grandchildren all here!!!  Oh my what fun we had!!  We were able to have a family portrait taken for the first time in 10 years.  Time spent with family is always time well spent!!!

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!!!

Cathy

Please visit Judith at Lavender Cottage for Mosaic Monday and share in the beauty offered there.

Jingle Rail Christmas Collage

What fun we had yesterday at The Eitelljorg Museum in Indianapolis.  It is home to the holiday exhibit for Jingle Rails.

"The railroad changed the face of the West forever and Jingle Rails brings that story to life. The exhibit is a series of trestles, bridges, tunnels and trains that wind through detailed replicas of both the city of Indianapolis and Western landmarks. Eight trains wind through the elaborate landscape, including lighted passenger trains, trains with vintage posters and advertisements on their sides and freight trains."

Ron and Ainsley, Lindsey and Daniel had a grand time.  Well, so did I...The exhibit is made entirely of natural woods except, of course, for the rails and trains. There was the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Yosemite, Mt. Rushmore, and Aspen ski resort.  There was even the cliff dwellings at Mesa Verde.  And who could leave out the city of Indianapolis and the State Fair Grounds.  All in all it was quite an experience.

  

~~~~~~

After lunch at Sanatorini's, a Greek restaurant in Indianapolis, we bid the kids and grandkids adieu and returned home last evening.  It was, indeed a wonderful holiday experience.

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!!

Cathy

Please visit Judith at Lavender Cottage for Mosaic Monday and share in the beauty offered there.

Joy In Completion

Today I join Meri for Share the Joy.   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.

Joy comes in many forms.
And this day has the potential of
being just as grand as
celebrating the treasures in
all that surrounds me.

I must be open to it!        

~~~~~

I just completed two prayer shawls.  There is such joy in finishing project.  There were times when prayer was more for me, because of a mistake I made several rows back, than for someone in need.  When you have finished there is also the anticipation of beginning anew.  And so today I begin again.

~~~~~~

Stitches of understanding
Rows of compassion
Prayer shawl made with love

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!!!

Cathy

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

Gift Tags

I have paper and bags, tape and scissors.  All is ready to begin The Ceremony of the Wrapping of the Gifts.  All, that is, but gift tags.  I have boxes and boxes of wrapping paper.  Bags full of gift bags.  Tissue paper and scotch tape are in abundance, but not one single GIFT TAG!!!  Now I have to stop and go to the store and get them...What happened to all of them!?!

No, it wasn't the Elf on the Shelf.  He's too cute to be so devilish!  I guess I just used them all last year.  That is a first!!!

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!!!

Cathy

It's My Birthday

Today I am 68.  Yes, I claim it.  It is mine.  I just retired after nursing for 46 years in different environments.  I have been privileged to serve many beautiful, wonderful people.  I have a wonderful husband, five remarkable children and children-in-law (is that a word?) and 12 delightful grandchildren.  

Life is good!!! Revel in it!!!  

And so this I pray.

"My Lord God, I have no idea where I am going.  I do not see the road ahead of me.  I cannot know for certain where it will end.  Nor do I really know myself, and the fact that I think I am following your will does not mean that I am actually doing so.  But I believe that the desire to please you does in fact please you.  And I hope I have the desire in all that I am doing.  Hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire.  And I know that if I do this you will lead me by the right road, though I may know nothing about it.  Therefore, I will trust you always though I may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death.  I will not fear, for  you are ever with me, and you will never leave me to face my perils alone."  Thomas Merton

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!!

Cathy

Christmas Shakers

I don't have many Christmas salt and pepper shakers...Thought about collecting them at one time but decided I didn't need ANOTHER collection so I stopped after these four sets.  Just the right amount to set a table.  

Wishing all a good week as we continue to prepare for that very special celebration, Christmas Day!

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God

Cathy

Please visit Judith at Lavender Cottage for Mosaic Monday and share in the beauty offered there.

Joy in the Memories

Today I join Meri for Share the Joy.   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.

Joy comes in many forms.
And this day has the potential of
being just as grand as
celebrating the beauty in
all that surrounds me.

I must be open to it!

           
~~~~~

It's been a number of months since I've ventured here.  But now that I am retired I am going to try to rejoin this community with eagerness and anticipation.  Joy comes to me in the strength and integrity of this tree on grounds of Saint Mary-or-the Woods, home to the Sisters of Providence, Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College and, most importantly, the shrine of Saint Mother Theodore Guerin, founderess of the congregation.  This tree was well over a hundred years old when it finally had to be cut down.  There is sorrow in that because an old friend has passed.  On the other hand, the joy I get from the memories far outweighs the sorrow.  I am a graduate of SMWC and a Providence Associate. Walking the campus, praying with the sisters and gathering on retreat with Associate sisters and brothers is such a JOYFUL time.  So it is that I anticipate a weekend of JOY as I "retreat" to The Woods to gather in community of prayer and reflection!

~~~~~~

Strong and gnarled tree

Comfort for the weary

Shelter for us all

For those who labor

Shade from the sun and heat

Beautiful branches

~~~

There is nothing so beautiful as memories of times past and nothing more exciting than anticipating the joy in new memories!!!

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!!!

Cathy

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

I will also be joining Weekend Reflections for the first time.  You might want to visit as well.

Christmas Trees and Angels

Why, after all these years, when I'm finished decorating the Christmas tree does the treetop angel still listing to the right?  No matter how I try she will not stand straight.  And why, after all theses years do I expect perfection in this tree?  Perhaps there is a lesson to be learned here.  My focus on perfection should be focused elsewhere.  Yes, indeed, it should be focused on perfection itself and "the reason for the season." My during this season of Advent will focus on the love our Savior showed us by becoming like us.  

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!!!

Cathy  

Hope in Time of Change

Know it's been a long time since I have offered A Bit of the Blarney.  I have had so much going on that the computer has not been part of the plan.  But now, times have changed.  

Changes come in so many ways and the last 6 months have offered many opportunities  for change.  I have learned a great deal about change of late.  

So what has changed?  I have retired.  Yes, indeed, and that is a change.  Friends have asked me what my plans are for retirement?  My answer, "I don't have any plans."  The truth is my plans include just trying to adjust.  I have time to spend doing things I've wanted to do and yet it will have to wait...

Well, because we are moving...not far, but moving nonetheless.  And considering the season it will take some time to get organized.  Those who know me know that organization is something in which I have limited skill.  So, the reason for "hope."  I think that just getting the house decorated will be the first thing I will work to achieve at this early time in my retirement.  

Thanks be to God!!!

~~~^j^~~~

Cathy  

Summer Memories

                           

Summer days spent with Mom in Billings inevitably meant a walk.  And at Mission Ridge where she lives means a walk in the garden.  There are glorious flowers everywhere.  Mom was particularly fond of the deep purple petunias.  Memories!!!

                                                                       ~~~^j^~~~

                                                     

                                                                 Thanks be to God!!!

                                                                             Cathy

A Gathering of the Clan

The best way I know how to gather the Clan when we can't all be together! Oh, the memories!!! 

Wishing all dads a very special day!!!

~~~^j^~~~

AND

Thanks be to God!!

Cathy

Easter Blessings

Happy Easter!!!

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!!!

Cathy

Sunset on the Ohio

There is something about a sunset that inspires hope.  In its beauty we anticipate the glory of the new day to come.  I have much for which I am to be grateful and in reflection it has been a glorious day!!!

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!

Cathy

  Today's link to Provident God.

A Gift of the Spirit

Saint Meinrad Archabbey Church

St. Meinad, IN

On this cold, icy, dreary day I found the sunshine I was seeking in the words of the Psalms.  I found them at The Path of Life, the blog of Br. Francis de Sales Wagner a Monk at Saint Meinrad.    I have found more treasures since I left retreat there on 2/23/14.  And as I read his post I remember thinking where can I read these words of Saint Therese of Lisieux again.  For her beautiful words were offered during morning prayer on Sunday morning.

And so, today this day that finds my lovely pine tree bowed again from the weight of the ice, this gift was given to me.  Please join Br. France when you can.

God will show me 

the pat to life

the fullness of joy 

in his presence

Psalm 16:11

~~~^j^~~~

Thank you, Br. Francis 

and

Thanks be to God!!!

Cathy

Mosaic Monday...Hoping for Spring

Enough Said!!!

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!

Cathy

Please visit Mosaic Monday at The Little Red House and share in the beauty offered there.

Hoping for Sunlight

Saint Gregory Hall

Saint Meinrad Archabbey

Unlike this Sunday with no sun, only ice and sleet, last weekend was like a refreshing preview of Spring.  There is hope that his weather will not cause problems, but reflecting on this morning's Gospel reading [Matthew 6: 24-34], I should not worry but trust in the Providence of Almighty God.

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!

Cathy

Pleases stop by and visit Karen at Sunlit Sunday and offer your bit of sunshine today.
  

  Today's link to Provident God.

Venture Into Light

Steps and bridge from the Grotto

Saint Meinrad Archabbey

Out of the shadows

We must venture into light

A wonderful light

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!!!

Cathy

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

Joy in Retreat

Today I 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.

Joy comes in many forms.
And this day has the potential of
being just as grand as
being on retreat at the Archabbey

We just need to be open to it!!
~~~~~~~

Benedictine monks
Retreat at the Archabbey
Time for reflection

I am so fortunate to be going on retreat this weekend.  The joy and community at St. Meinrad Archabbey is always a time of being.  Yes, being, taking time to be present to the one who love and cares for us and the time I have to just be in the presence.  

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!!

Cathy

     

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

Mosaic Monday~~Cats

Cats seem to be the popular this weekend in my blog travels.  So I thought I'd share some photos of my cats, Simba and Nala (aka Sissy).  They are brother and sister and oh what fun they offer me each day! 

Simba is the once that leaps and flies and climbs.  Nala on the other hand is the pensive one.  No matter!  They are real treasures!

 I particularly like this quote by Garrison Keillor:

“Cats are intended to teach us that not everything in nature has a purpose.” 

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

Cathy

Then visit Mosaic Monday at The Little Red House and share in the beauty offered there.  You'll enjoy that, too!!!

  

  Today's link to Provident God.

Anticipation Sunlit Sunday

Look forward to sunlit days where flowers abound!

 Wishing all a beautiful Sunlit Sunday!!!

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!!

Cathy

Pleases stop by and visit Karen at Sunlit Sunday.  Stop by and offer your bit of sunshine today.

Enjoy another puzzle.  This one from a photo of a great restaurant

in Rapid City, South Dakota 

Happy Valentine's Day

Today I 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.

Joy comes in many forms.
And this day has the potential of
being just as grand as
ALL grandchildren!

I must be open to it!

    ~~~~

For Valentine's Day we often got puzzles, not candy, for some years it fell during Lent.  It was a wonderful time to sit and share time with siblings and just stay warm and cozy when TV was not an option.  Hope you enjoy this one and Happy Valentine's Day to you ALL!

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!!!

Cathy

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