Picture Puzzle Day

Starting today and following every week I am going to try Picture Puzzle Day. I will try to post a photo each week as a puzzle. You can put it together and play along. If you like you can offer a picture puzzle so others can join us to share and play along. I have always loved puzzles and as a child a table was always set with a puzzle-in-the-making. I must give credit where credit is due as I got the idea from Elena at Precious Treasures. She posted a puzzle the other day and wow did I have a good time. So jump in, the water is fine and we can all have a lot of fun!

Here is the link to JigZone so you can create and submit your puzzle. And Mr. Linky is available below for you convenience. Please leave a comment and join in the fun!!! I can hardly wait to put your puzzles together!

~~~^j^~~

Thanks be to God!

The Life of Saint Brigid: Abbess of Kildare

I was visited here at A Bit of the Blarney by Jane Meyer, author of the book The Life of Saint Brigid: Abbess of Kildare. I'm honored that she left a comment. I am most excited about her book about Saint Brigid. One can never have too many role models, especially little girls. I think little children need role models that have lived a life of success, not in material wealth, for that is fleeting, but those who choose the path of service. For it is in service that the reward is most great! I think it is so important that there is "holy" glamor in this world and it is not in the body of physical beauty but in the gifts and talents manifested in the person who offers self for the aid and good of others.

My thanks to Jane Meyer for her visit.

~~~^j^~~~

And my sincerest

Thanks be to God.

Road to Providence

As I have journeyed this Road to Providence these last months I learned early on that one can define oneself, if she so desires, in poetry. I learned from reading and practice that one can pray, reflect and learn in the poetic form, Cinquain.

The term "CINQUAIN" (pronounced SING-cane, the plural is "cinquains") as applied by modern poets most correctly refers to a form invented by the American poet Adelaide Crapsey ( William Soutar,the Scots poet,was also a prolific writer thereof). The first examples of hers were published in 1915 in The Complete Poems, roughly a year after her death. Her cinquain form was inspired by Japanese haiku and Tanka (a form of Waka).

Wikipedia

I personally enjoy this form. And I thank Laura at Catholic Teacher Musings had no idea what an influence she would be on me when she started Bad Haiku Friday! Since then I have found a lot of solace in writing poetry.

My offering today is this:

Cinquain on Providence

Gifted
Loving destiny
Omnipotence of God
Journey

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

Praise God!

We had a grand visit with Jimmy and Kelly this weekend. And so it is that I have so much for which to be grateful and give PRAISE. Please journey to Jennifer's Chocolate Heart and share in the "praise."

1. In glory and praise for the wonderful weather we experienced. The temperature was comfortable and the humidity LOW!

2. I praise him for family. Meeting Kelly's parents, Ross and Kathy, was such a pleasure. They are delightful people. (Imagine now a family in December with 3 Kelly[ie]s and 2 C[K]athys. Gatherings could be soooo much fun!!!

3. In praise and thanksgiving for the willingness of all to work together for the good of Jimmy and Kelly and their holy union in December.

4. I praise him for the beautiful liturgy at St. Brigid's yesterday morning.

5. Again, I praise and thank him for our safe and uneventful travel.

Wishing all a glorious Monday!

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

On the Road Again...

I credit Willie Nelson for our theme song, cuz this evening we leave to visit Jimmy and Kelly in Alpharetta, GA. We will meet Kelly's parents and discuss what they have planned for the wedding in December. If you don't hear from me for a few day, just know I'm having a wonderful time!!!!

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

Loyal Friend Award

Much to my surprise and delight Sue at In Him I Live and Move and Have My Being offered me this gifts. She is a delight to visit as her blog offers insight and reflection. I will offer this award to those who have been loyal to me since the very beginning.


Here are the rules:

1. Copy the loyal picture above and post it on your blog.
2. Pass it on to who you think who is/are deserving.
3. Leave a message to them
4. Pass as many as you want.
5. Message back or leave a comment to the owner.

Right now I'd like to echo the words of Saint Paul.

I give thanks to you God at every remembrance of you, praying always with joy in my every prayer for all of you, because of your partnership for the gospel from the first day until now. I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work to you will continue to complete it until the day of Christ Jesus. It is right that I should thing this way about all of you, because I hold you in my heart, you who are all partners with me in grace, confirmation of the Gospel. For God is my witness, how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus. And this is my prayer: that your love may increase ever more and more in knowledge and every ind of perception to discern what is of value, so that you may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ for the glory and praise of God. (Phil 3-11)

I offer this first to my daughter-in-law Kelly at Musings as she was the one who gave me encouragement.

Then to Esther at Catholic Mom in Hawaii and Therese Aussie Coffee Shop, friends on the journey.

Lisa at Are We There Yet invites me into her home and makes me welcome in the "Garden of Colorado," the Eden I can only visit now through her gorgeous pictures.

Mike at This I Do who offers words of wisdom and some of the grandest photos anywhere!

Finally to Ann at Prayer, Poetry and Praise and SuzyQ at Sailing by Starlight who inject beauty into my world with their use of words and poetry.

Thank you again Sue and thank you to all who visit here! To everyone who visits here you are most welcome and I cherish all your words and wisdom.

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

Mayonnaise Jar and Two Beers...

Ireland 2007 - Guiness Barrell
Originally uploaded by adileo

When I read this I knew this had been "around the world" a zillion times. I am posting this for three reasons.

1. It was a gift from my friend Ruth. Thank you.

2. It is never too often to have a GOOD lesson reinforced.

3. I wanted to save it to my blog so it wouldn't get lost in our file cabinet. I'm saving it for posterity.


When things in your life seem almost too much to handle, when 24 hours in a day are not enough, remember the mayonnaise jar and the 2 Beers.

A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him..

When the class began, he wordlessly picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls.

He then asked the students if the jar was full.

They agreed that it was.

The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar He shook the jar lightly.

The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls.

He then asked the students again if the jar was full.

They agreed it was.

The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar.

Of course, the sand filled up everything else.

He asked once more if the jar was full.

The students responded with a unanimous 'yes.'

The professor then produced two Beers from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar effectively filling the empty space between the sand.

The students laughed..

'Now,' said the professor as the laughter subsided, 'I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life.

The golf balls are the important things---your family, your children, your health, your friends and your favorite passions---and if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full.

The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, your house and your car.

The sand is everything else---the small stuff.

'If you put the sand into the jar first,' he continued, 'there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls.

The same goes for life.

If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff you will never have room for the things that are important to you..

Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness.

Spend time with your children.

Spend time with your parents.

Visit with grandparents.

Take time to get medical checkups.

Take your spouse out to dinner.

Play another 18.

There will always be time to clean the house and fix the disposal.

Take care of the golf balls first---the things that really matter.

Set your priorities.

The rest is just sand.

One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the Beer represented.

The professor smiled and said, 'I'm glad you asked.'

The Beer just shows you that no matter how full your life may seem, there's always room for a couple of Beers with a friend.

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God

Aside: If ever in Dublin you must visit The Gravity Bar at the top of the Guiness Brewery. The view of the city is exquisite!!!!!

Picture Ireland 2007 - Guiness Barrell Originally uploaded by adileo

National S'mores Day

Smores!
Originally uploaded by cremesoda!

This is too much fun to ignore...I heard about this on the way to work this morning and have been dying to share this all day! I LOVE S'mores!!! I didn't even know there was a special day until today! OH!!! How yummy they are!

Visit http://www.holidayinsights.com/other/smoresday.htm for all the information!!!! Before the summer is over get yourself some graham crackers, Hersey Chocolate and MARSHMALLOWS and have a blast!!!

And if you really want to have some fun visit Alton Brown and try the recipe for homemade marshmallow! OOOH!!!

Wishing you all a grand evening!!!

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

Picture originally uploaded by cremesoda!

Praise God!

Another lovely weekend here in Indiana. It was much warmer than it had been in past weeks but a grand weekend all the same. Now it's time to give credit where credit is due. I offer much praise and thanksgiving to the one who made it all happen. Glory be to God. Please journey to Jennifer's Chocolate Heart and share in the "praise."

1. Praise be to God for the wonderful time Ron and I had just doing something as mundane as grocery shopping.

2. Praise Him in the quiet of this Sunday afternoon.

3. Praise Him for his assistance in completing the final unit in my Providence Associate process.

4. Glory and praise for the affirmation of friends and family.

5. Finally, praise God! I have finished the baby afghan before Daniel's arrival. The baby shower is in three weeks.

Daniel's afghan

Now I am ready for the new week to begin. How about you?

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

The Dignitiy of Life

Weeping Angel II
Originally uploaded by Eric Webb Photography

A few days ago I was visited via email by someone who offered both a compliment and criticism of A Bit of the Blarney. It was suggested that I had a nice blog, but I was mistaken in my views and opinions on ProLife. I was slightly taken aback as A Bit of The Blarney really is not a forum for the ProLife Movement, just a place where I can share and offer who I am to you.

Though I find that I don't pointedly make reference to the movement itself, I do promote the quality of life and that, indeed, is ProLife. I went to this person's blog and found it a dark place to be. It was cold and without life. I deleted the email, accepted it for what it was worth, and went on my merry way.

Apparently, the Good Lord has other ideas about how I should handle that particular email. For two nights ago I was visited in a dream. Lest you be skeptical about the reality and value of dreams one only has to go to Holy Scripture to find it used often to instruct and embolden.

So it is that I ask the Holy Spirit to guide me in this endeavor. First, I enjoy a debate as well as the next person. But when I am right, and in this case I am, and it becomes an argument for the sake of arguing, then I don't want to continue the dialog. That's why I initially discarded the email.

I have been guided to say, in the gentleness of our Savior this.

Whether you believe in a Creator or not, one must understand that in order for the conception of a child to take place it requires two living cells (life). For those cells to begin to grow into this life they must be joined (living life). When these living cells grow and divide they become a living work of art (viable life). And by any law, Divine or man made, to end that life is murder.

Perhaps, this is way too simplistic but if it gets too complex then somehow the true meaning of life loses its value in the mechanics of science. It then is no longer personal. And life is personal!!!! It is real!!! It has value!!!!! The point is that life is valuable at ALL times!!! The life of a person should have dignity from its conception to natural death.

When someone does not see or accept the concept and value of the life given to us all I have to ask that person to rate his/her value. Is the dignity they share with the rest of us greater than the lowliest of us? And if so why? Who places the value on the life of a human? Finally, I think the most important question I'd like to ask is, "Do you like who you are and does this affect how you value the life and gifts of others?"

And so to the one who sent me the email I must say thank you! And to the One-Who-Visits-Me-I-My-Dreams I must thank heartily for giving me the words and the courage to post this offering.

Let it be known that I will post all comments from those who chose to do so, whether in agreement or dissent. But I will not argue or debate the point. For I am right. Abortion is WRONG and LIFE IS THE MOST VALUABLE THING ANY OF US WILL EVER HAVE.
For as Archbishop Fulton Sheen said, "Life is worth living."

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

Please visit also HuMAMAe Vitae.

Weeping Angel II
Originally uploaded by Eric Webb Photography

Bad Haiku Friday

Summer is fading
The school year is advancing
Have fun while it lasts!



Dedicated to my kids and grand-kids, teachers and students all!
School starts here on Monday!

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

Judy Garland - Meet Me in St. Louis (song)

The Duchess asked which movie was a favorite for a summertime hot spell. So for for your perusal I offer one of my favorite "heatwave" movies! What might you add to the list of Heatwave Movies? Please stop by and thank her for asking! Have a grand Summer's Day!

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!

Honored and Humbled...

I have been both honored and humbled by Lisa at Are We There Yet who offered me the opportunity to participate in the Queen of All Things Meme. This is a difficult task, as unlike other memes that ask me to tell you something about myself, I must offer you something quite different. I must share with you what makes me special, and without sounding as if I am boasting. And so it is with much humility that I offer you my list of seven. First, here are the the rules.

Rules:
1. List Seven Things That Make You Awe-Summm!
2. Pass the award on to seven bloggers you read religiously.
3. Tag those seven bloggers.

Cathy's Wall of Honor:

1. I am a good public speaker. I spoke at my high school graduation and have been called upon to speak before groups and I find it a pleasure to do so.

2. I was a den mother in Cub Scouts for 10 years.

3. I am my children's and grandchildren's most enthusiastic supporter. (After Marianne had graduated high school, we went to a basketball game, I was told I was missed because the mother's section needed my enthusiasm...Marianne always thought I was TOO enthusiastic! If you polled the rest of the kids they would tell you the same!)

4. Baking bread is a gift I learned from my mother and Great-aunt Ida. I do love to bake bread and sweet rolls. Just don't have as much time to do it right now.

5. Photography is a passion. I love to take pictures!!! God has created such beautiful art I just have to acquire it!

6. I am most happy with my faith community and endeavor to contribute time and talent as well as treasure as often as I can.

7. Finally, I am a compassionate nurse. I love the people for which I care, and I think they all know I enjoy my work.

*******

Now the difficult task of offering this Meme to others. I would gladly have given this to all I know. But what follows is only a preview of all the grand women out there who have much to offer us all!

1. Tracy at A Catholic Mom in Minnesota.

2. Esther at A Catholic Mom in Hawaii.

3. Theresa at Aussie Coffee Shop.

4. Abbey at Abbey's Road.

5. Yvette at A Journey Through His Garden.

6. Bernie at On My Own.

7. Jennifer at My Chocolate Heart.

And one for good measure!

Eileen at Umma's World.

Thank you again, Lisa!!! This was grand! Please all who visit here visit with these ladies as well! They are grand company!

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

Resting Today, But Still Working

By Mary Engelbreit

As I am recuperating from most busy day at work yesterday, I would guide you to two post I found this morning to be most refreshing. The first is SuzyQ's Sailing by Starlight. The other is quietly beckoning at The Duchess.

Have a grand day, All

~~~^j^~~~
And thanks be to God!

Praise God!

After a Stupendous Sunday, it is a wonderful time to take time to offer praise and thanksgiving for all the gifts we are given. Please journey to Jennifer's Chocolate Heart and share in the "praise."

And so I praise God for:

1. Cool breezes, sunshine and flowers.

2. Cleansing rain that has nourished the beautiful flowers.

3. Family outings, shopping with Laura, Kellie and Neil for Mariannes baby shower.

4. The harness for Duchess' seat in the car when we travel to Atlanta in two weeks. She seems to take to it well as long as she's not left in it in the car.

5. Chicken fried steak. What a tasty dish with fresh ripe tomatoes and mashed potatoes and gravy.

6. Mass and communion with parish family and the community shared after.

7. A baby afghan, nearly complete!

~~~^j^~~~
For these and all His gifts
I say, "Thanks be to God!"

End of the Weekend Humor!!

Enough Said!!!!!

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!!!

Sensational Saturday~

Glorious, yes it is! Sensational! It's the 1st of August in Indiana and the sky is clear and the air cool! Sensational! Today is a day to glory in the goodness of God!

Today is the day I cultivate family! How? Well, shopping for Marianne's baby shower with Laura and Kellie, because I can.

I'll pay the bills with a smile, because I can!

I'll dust and clean with a song, because I can!

If you wish to share your Sensational Saturday, please do!!!! All are welcome! Enter have a seat and enjoy the conversation!

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!

The Gift of Humor...

Forgetter Be Forgotten?
My forgetter's getting better,
But my rememberer is broke
To you that may seem funny
But, to me, that is no joke

For when I'm 'here' I'm wondering
If I really should be 'there'
And, when I try to think it through,
I haven't got a prayer!
Oft times I walk into a room,
Say 'what am I here for?'
I wrack my brain, but all in vain!
A zero, is my score.
At times I put something away
Where it is safe, but, Gee!
The person it is safest from
Is, generally, me!

When shopping I may see someone,
Say 'Hi' and have a chat,
Then, when the person walks away
I ask myself, 'who the hell was that?'
Yes, my forgetter's getting better
While my rememberer is broke,
And it's driving me plumb crazy
And that isn't any joke.
CAN YOU RELATE???

~~~~~~

I certainly can relate...I offer this in lieu of Bad Haiku Friday! It is much too funny to ignore. Please enjoy~~And Thank You to Margaret for sending it!

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!

Road to Providence

As I have journeyed on The Road to Providence these many months, I have arrived at the point of drafting my Commitment. The lesson in the chapter before drafting the commitment is about Mission and Ministry. Seemingly simple words, they ask the question, "What is my mission and to whom do I minister?" Then as always, I seem to be guided by the Holy Spirit to a place of explanation.

Putting Our Temperaments
in the Service of God

Our temperaments--whether flamboyant, phlegmatic, introverted, or extroverted--are quite permanent fixtures of our personalities. Still, the way we "use"our temperaments on a daily basis can vary greatly. When we are attentive to the Spirit of God withing us, we will gradually learn to put our temperaments in the service of a virtuous life. Then flamboyance give great zeal for the Kingdom, phlegmatism, helps to keep an even keel in times of crisis, introversion deepens the contemplative side , and extroversion encourages creative ministry.

Let's live with our temperaments as with gifts that help us deepen our spiritual lives.

Bread for the Journey
by Henri J. M. Nouwen

So I reflect on my mission and ministry, as we all must. And when I reflect, I see that none of this is possible with a commitment to service to others. As Christ served those is his midst while he was physically here among us, he taught us and urged us to do the same.

Who do I serve? To whom do I minister? Do I use my gifts and talent to be an example of service to others? Do I serve in joy or in anger and frustration? In other words, am I a true servant? These are question I will ponder as I compose my commitment letter.

And so I pray:

Lord, I want to be where I can make a
difference, where I can spice up another
person's life by bringing him or her the good
new of your love and justice.

Help me discover all the gifts you have
graced me with so that I can help turn this
world around--starting with my own life!
Show me how to keep fresh in your commit-
ment to serve you each day. Amen (pg 1330)

The Catholic Youth Bible
New American Bible

Please pray for me as I pray for you!

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

Reflection on Motherhood

I feel I need to make up for my inability to upload pics to go with my previous post (though I don't know how to do that as I see them when I open the blog...[shrug]). So here goes!!!!

A Possible Career Indicator

"...Children's clever imaginations often lead them into actions and antics that may give parents an indication of their future career choice. For example, one woman years ago overheard her young son and daughter playing in the backyard, digging trenches and building forts to guard against an attack by imaginary enemy agents called 'the diarrheas.' Her son is now an engineer, and the daughter is enrolled in medical school."

Excerpt from Humor Me, I'm Your Mother!
by Barbara Johnson

Hope this makes you smile. It did me when I read it. Any career indicators you all might want to share?

A quick one for me...My oldest daughter loved to color and by the age of three I could sit her at the table with crayons and coloring book and she would color until I had cleaned nearly all the house. She is now teaching art to high school students. She loves to spend hours scrap-booking, sewing, and photography.

My best to all!

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

Male or Female

Male or Female? You might not have known this, but a lot of non-living objects are actually either male or female. Here are some examples:

	FREEZER BAGS: They are male, because they hold everything in, but you can see right through them.
	PHOTOCOPIERS: These are female, because once turned off; it takes a while to warm them up again. They are an effective reproductive device if the right buttons are pushed, but can also wreak havoc if you push the wrong Buttons.
	TIRES: Tires are male, because they go bald easily and are often over inflated
	HOT AIR BALLOONS: Also a male object, because to get them to go anywhere, you have to light a fire under [them]!
	SPONGES: These are female, because they are soft, squeezable and retain water.
	WEB PAGES: Female, because they're constantly being looked at and frequently getting hit on.
	TRAINS: Definitely male, because they always use the same old lines for picking up people..
	EGG TIMERS: Egg timers are female because, over time, all the weight shifts to the bottom.
	HAMMERS: Male, because in the last 5000 years, they've hardly changed at all, and are occasionally handy to have around.
	THE REMOTE CONTROL: Female. Ha! You probably thought it would be male, but consider this: It easily gives a man pleasure, he'd be lost without it, and while he doesn't always know which buttons to push, he just keeps trying

Are you laughing?!?!?! Good! Now have a wonderful day!

~~~^j^~~~
Thanks be to Emily for the smiles!
and
Thanks be to God!!

So SORRY the pics didin't come through! Cathy