Living the Liturgical Year Archives
Crafts, Crownings, and Celebrations (the May series begun in 2006—this includes "Marian May Baskets")
July 24, 2008
July 20, 2008
While we are on the subject of romance
Persuasion's proper English marriage proposal was a thing of beauty. Now how about heading north for a Scottish one?
[The Corries sing my favorite version of "Leezie Lindsay," but the words are altered significantly from the poem by Robert Burns. Burns enthusiasts may prefer this lovely rendition.]
July 19, 2008
A Grace Given
I recently read A Grace Given, a phenomenal book by writer and father Kent Gilges. The book chronicles the illness of Kent's little daughter and his own journey towards the Catholic faith.
If you have a moment, please take a look at my review for this week's edition of The Long Island Catholic: When grace comes stamped.
July 18, 2008
Perhaps the most romantic scene in all literature
My older girls and I are rereading Jane Austen's Persuasion, and I am once again struck to the core by its crowning moment. If you have not read the book yet, please do not read further or play the clip, but be sure to pick it up this weekend—you are in for a treat!
Anne Elliot and Captain Wentworth have been separated for eight years after an ill-fated attachment formed in youth. Young Miss Elliot broke Wentworth's heart after her friend, Lady Russell, persuaded her the match would not be a good one. Her love for him never waned, but he seemed to move on, gaining fame and fortune in the British navy. All hope seems lost . . . .
If the video is cut off on the sides, please use this link.
Why is this the most romantic scene in all literature?
The subtlety, the civility, the restraint; the manliness of Captain Wentworth and the modest grace of Anne Elliot; the incomparable and unforgettable letter; the wordless glance and the moment they clasp hands. It shows the perfection of faithfulness, constancy, love, loyalty, and respect. How I wish all young people would read this great work of literature and discover what true romance is all about. It may well be the antidote to all those Abercrombie & Fitch ads!
[BTW, this clip is dedicated to the finest gentleman I know! :)]
Sunshine and ladders
[To save you the trouble of clicking through to Cottage Garden, I am double posting today's installment!]
I find this picture so amusing—the whole place is one giant haystack (reed-stack):
It looks quite pretty when the sun hits it:
This detail was a nice surprise—a cross hatch pattern in the thatch above the entryway:
Ladders, ladders, everywhere!
July 16, 2008
A patch of thatch
The transformation of the cottage is well underway. Much more of the roof has been completed, and there is golden reed everywhere. It's all around the front and sides and all over the driveway. And there is an honest-to-goodness haystack—truly a rarity in suburban Long Island! [Updated photos in The Cottage Garden.]
I had to laugh when I realized that (quite by accident) the place is a temporary reflection of that Haystack Full of Needles book cover painting, though quite a bit messier!
July 15, 2008
July 13, 2008
Haystack Full of Gunthers
Anyone care to venture a guess as to why these large golden bales are in our driveway?
And no, it is not a publicity stunt in advance of the book! Though the timing is perfect!
July 10, 2008
Succinct
We were finishing dinner last night when a quick summer thunderstorm began. Two-year-old Eileen stood on her chair with an expression of horror. "I'm scared," she repeated between bites of macaroni. "I'm scared!"
Four-year-old sage Maureen offered a bit of comfort, "You don't need to be scared. We all love you and take care of you and kiss you."
The perfect summary of family life!
July 09, 2008
What people are saying!
When you have a moment, please click on the icon above to see what people are saying about the book so far. I am thrilled to say that there are some beautiful reviews by Karen Edmisten, Leticia Velasquez, and Lissa, along with wonderful blurbs from Laura Berquist (from the foreword) and Danielle Bean! And another from Mary Ellen Barrett, not to mention my friend Mary Alice!
Updated to add: According to Hillside's website, the pre-order sale (20% off retail) will end July 11th at midnight. Orders will be shipped July 18th in the order received.
