Oh, to have the faith of Abraham

So here we are, nearing the end of another week of Lent. Let us hearken back to the First Reading from last Sunday, the Second Sunday of Lent:

  1After these things God tested Abraham, and said to him, "Abraham!" And he said, "Here am I." 2He said, "Take your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Mori'ah, and offer him there as a burnt offering upon one of the mountains of which I shall tell you." 

(taken from EWTN daily Mass Readings)

And of course we all know the end of the story: Abraham obeyed and was rewarded for his obedience. It seems like such a simple and logical lesson: God is good. God can be trusted. We should not find it difficult to obey a good and trustworthy God. And yet...

We could certainly envision/rewrite many scenes from Scripture to mirror our own lives:

After these things God tested Mrs. Pinkerton, and said to her, "Mrs. Pinkerton!" And she said, "Sheesh Lord, can't you see I'm busy... what do you want now?" He said, "Take your ______,  your only ______, which you love, and go to the land of Wherever, and offer him/her/it/them there as a burnt offering upon one of the mountains of which I shall tell you. And Mrs. Pinkerton replied: Do I have to?" 

How would I fill in the blanks? What do I love? Too many things, as it turns out: 

food

booze
period dramas

shopping

clothes (SHOES)

new kitchen stuff

cocktails
my DVD collection

fan mail

FreeCell (substitute your own pointless time-wasting online/phone/app game here)

wine

cool furniture

coffee
watching TV

flowers

vintage kitchen stuff

sleeping in

food

alcohol

books

antique furniture

carnal pleasure

music

the esteem of others

pretensions to a writing career

people (to be sure)

but not all people

food

rum & vodka coolers

wasting time online (Facebook, reading blogs, etc)

my Breville kitchen mixer
money

a certain type of body image

liquor

food

As the homilist said at last Sunday's Mass, the point is not to live in fear that God will ask us to do something intrinsically evil (such as killing our children), but simply to ask ourselves how quick we are to be obedient to the many ordinary sacrifices, large and small, that God may ask of us. Lent is such a great time to take stock and rearrange one's priorities. May the Lord bless your day, give you strength, and reward your sacrifices. 

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I like it when I accidentally say the same thing as a smart person

In fact, I feel downright affirmed. 

I eat donuts and do not feel guilty.

I eat quinoa salad and do not feel righteous. 
I generally dislike the saying, but in this case, it applies: "It's all good"

Mr. Warren weighs in (pardon the usage) on the evils of the diet and food-research/health industries:

What [researchers] have done is far more evil than this, however: for they have been exploiting the human propensity to guilt, which serves an irreplaceable purpose in the moral order. Compunction about sin and wrongdoing is distracted to meaningless dietary issues. The success of the nannying public health authorities has helped the principalities and powers to accomplish a complete moral inversion — in which abstinence and fasting to a spiritual end is now dismissed as silly, yet dieting for health is done with insufferably morbid gravity. We have, as a consequence, a society of obsessive dieters, deluded fitness fanatics, and low-calorie muffin eaters, who are utterly shameless in committing crimes contra naturam: that Culture of Death which Saint John-Paul identified with such harrowing accuracy.

Mr. Warren describes most "health" related research as "bullsh**", and I am inclined to agree. In the last few years, I've had two health scares, neither of which (thankfully) turned out to be anything serious, but in both cases, I was advised to alter my diet. What made life more difficult was not adjusting to eating (or avoiding) certain stuff, but rather constantly reading conflicting and contradictory information about various foods.

 It would seem that grocery science isn't any more settled than climate science. I more or less gave up worrying about food, and wrote about it for The Record. Mind you, I am not judging people on special diets; eat what you choose, but for pity's sake, don't make it a religion.
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A lovely evening prayer

O Christ, who art the Light and Day,
Thou drivest darksome night away!
We know Thee as the Light of light
Illuminating mortal sight.


All holy Lord, we pray to Thee,
Keep us tonight from danger free;
Grant us, dear Lord, in Thee to rest,
So be our sleep in quiet blest.


Let not the tempter round us creep
With thoughts of evil while we sleep,
Nor with his wiles the flesh allure
And make us in Thy sight impure.


And while the eyes soft slumber take,
Still be the heart to Thee awake,
Be Thy right hand upheld above
Thy servants resting in Thy love.


Yea, our Defender, be Thou nigh,
To bid the powers of darkness fly;
Keep us from sin, and guide for good
Thy servants purchased by Thy blood.


Remember us, dear Lord, we pray,
While in this mortal flesh we stay:
’Tis Thou Who dost the soul defend—
Be present with us to the end.


Blest Thee in One and One in Three,
Almighty God, we pray to Thee,
That Thou wouldst now vouchsafe to bless
Our fast with fruits of righteousness.

found at DivineOffice.org, Office of Readings for today.
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Get fit this Lent on the 20-40-60 plan

Just do it.

OK, first of all, I must admit that this post is not really about fitness--or at least, solely about fitness. Besides, there are many definitions of "fitness" and we should aspire to most of them, not just the one concerning our waistlines. But the sad fact is, more people will click on the link if they think the post is about dieting and losing weight. Admit it, you might not have come here if my title had been: "Get holy this Lent on the 20-40-60 plan!" and the accompanying photo had been this:

It's like drinking cookies

But I guess you'd have to like spicy cookies. On second thought, it's still too much of a treat for Lent.

My thought for the day is that if Lenten fasting is turning your mind incessantly towards food, rather than towards God, you still have a lot of spiritual work to do. Mea Culpa.
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OK, so March has come in like a lion

We woke this morning to -24C with a -35C wind chill. I'm waiting patiently for the temperature to start turning more lambish. In the meantime, the warmists claim that the "pause" may last for 20 more years. And THEN we'll finally get some global warming. Twenty years is a long time to continue fleecing taxpayers and coercing us to buy curly light bulbs. On a related note, the Prophet Steyn (PBUH), continues to be eerily prescient. And he probably thought he was making a far-fetched joke when he compared climate "scientists" to sex offenders.

Update: Talk about eerie. Mrs. Beazly and I, with NO collusion, and living thousands of km apart, actually each posted about Mark Steyn and climate change within minutes of each other. Brain-sharing, what?
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Weather or not, YOU AGREE.

That seems to be the slogan in some circles of climate science (and government) these days: it doesn't matter what the weather's actually doing because  WE ALL AGREE THAT THE SCIENCE IS SETTLED, and anyone who engages in unwarmthink will be made to regret it.
Mark Steyn on the latest climate craziness.
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A Cultural Intro-Spock-tive

 I never got into the later "Star Trek" series past the first couple of seasons of "Next Generation". I don't think I've even seen the older movies. I do believe I've seen almost every episode of the original TV show, thanks to reruns and DVDs from my library. Mr. B. and I remain fans of a certain genre of Sci-Fi to this day, and still refer to our orange and black afghan as "The Horta".  Steven Greydanus puts his finger on what Spock and "Star Trek" meant.
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Easy and tasty Greek ribs recipe

But, as is my wont, I altered it for various reasons. I had never made Greek ribs before, but decided to give these a try. I made them last Sunday, which I should hardly be admitting. Even though every Sunday is a "little Easter", I still think this kind of fare is too fancy for the Lenten season. However, I justified it because I forgot to take anything out of the freezer Saturday night, and ribs were the only thing that would thaw in time for me to cook Sunday supper.  (Mr. P. is a dyed-in-the-wool carnivore, if you'll forgive my clashing metaphor, and, like Mrs. Mawmsey and her strengthening medicine, he must have his meat.) Someday I'd like to try giving up meat for the entirety of Lent, but I doubt I could convince anyone else in my family to try that.

And no, I did not take a photo. I suppose I should have, but that would not necessarily convince anyone that this tastes good. The recipe comes from Food.com, and it was contributed by someone named "Karen," though it is not any Karen that I know. I used about 5 pounds of ribs, and doubled the sauce/marinade recipe, because I used a rather large roasting pan. My additional notes will appear in red. 

Greek Ribs

I am soooo getting one of these

Or else my legions of fans can chip together and buy* one. Let's see, there should be at least nine of you out there, at a couple of bucks a pop... But oh, what colour???!!!! (1-Hot pink 2-Turquoise blue 3-Red 4-Purple 5-Bright Green 6-Black) I want them all. I note that bright orange is available only in the men's style. I should order one of those just in case... ("She could never be a saint, but she thought she could be a martyr if they killed her quick." I never thought I'd live to see the day when those words might actually come true, but we live in frightening times.)

Mrs. Beazly, what colour do you want? (Your belated birthday present is still not in the mail.)

And oh my, it also comes in a coffee mug. I wonder if these items are customizable, insofar as you can have a favourite Flannery quotation printed on the back. That would be the icing on the cake.

A big hat tip to Mrs. Sockey for alerting me to this item on Facebook.

(*just kidding)
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There's hardly any point in having a blog

If you don't promote your work. I published this piece twice before, in slightly different incarnations: about a hundred years ago in the Catholic Family Ministries newsletter, and also in the Australian Catholic newspaper, The Record (back in April of 2012, when it was still a real pulp and print newspaper. It is entirely online now). 

Today's Gospel reading was about the Transfiguration, which reminded me of this column. If you choose to read it (thank you), I hope it blesses you in some way. 

Overcoming the Post-Transfiguration Blues

Like that guy St. Paul said

In today's Second Reading (Romans 8:31-39)

[31] What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who is against us? [32] He that spared not even his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how hath he not also, with him, given us all things? [33] Who shall accuse against the elect of God? God that justifieth. [34] Who is he that shall condemn? Christ Jesus that died, yea that is risen also again; who is at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. [35] Who then shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation? or distress? or famine? or nakedness? or danger? or persecution? or the sword?[36]  (As it is written: For thy sake we are put to death all the day long. We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.) [37] But in all these things we overcome, because of him that hath loved us. [38] For I am sure that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor might, [39] Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. 1. Milad Makeen Zaky 2. Abanub Ayad Atiya 3. Maged Solaiman Shehata 4. Yusuf Shukry Yunan 5. Kirollos Shokry Fawzy 6. Bishoy Astafanus Kamel 7. Somaily Astafanus Kamel 8. Malak Ibrahim Sinweet 9. Tawadros Yusuf Tawadros 10. Girgis Milad Sinweet 11. Mina Fayez Aziz 12. Hany Abdelmesih Salib 13. Bishoy Adel Khalaf 14. Samuel Alham Wilson 15. Worker from Awr village 16. Ezat Bishri Naseef 17. Loqa Nagaty 18. Gaber Munir Adly 19. Esam Badir Samir 20. Malak Farag Abram 21. Sameh Salah Faruq Pray for us .

You know it's Lent

When your Saturday night cocktail is lemonade and cranberry juice. Cheers.

I'd better copyright this

Before some overpaid professional-fundraiser church bureaucrat type guy decides to use the last sentence as a slogan for the next diocesan financial appeal.

He lived long, he prospered, now may he rest in peace.

I plan to try this recipe soon

Soft pretzels, because...Lent. I'm late to the party, apparently. I'd never heard of this lady before, but she's been on EWTN and whatnot, so she's famous. Anyway, her recipe blog "AboutEating" looks good, and I enjoy her YouTube videos (and not just because she reminds me of Andrea Martin). She seems very practical and down to earth, which is what I need in the kitchen. I'm going to try this hummus version as well, since we all love the stuff. Traditional Lebanese recipe, according to Rita.

From our growing "They're gonna get to heaven before I do" file

Because he's using his talents, and how. His question choked me up, "What can you do?" Because I can do a lot. And so often, I don't. God forgive me.

If you can't have a built-in window seat

You should at least have a settee.

My sister (who was with me when I bought it last spring) asked me if I was enjoying it. When I get the chance to use it, I'll let her know. It is frequently occupied.

Relaxed Homeschooling

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"Classifieds" Photography 101

Dear people who hope to sell things online,

There is this icon on your phone/camera that says "rotate image". Please use it. Word: VERTIGO

To quote Mrs. Beazly: "Spoken in a vaguely European accent, reverentially hushed in awe of the photographic artistry on display here: They have taken the concept of 'right side up' and stripped it of its outmoded paradigms."

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Stupid question: How do you "counsel" someone who wants to chop off your head?

This is why these barbarians have been gaining ground. If only there was a cure (other than decapitation) for Delusional Liberal Leftyism.  I chuckle at the persistent use of the appellation "Norwegians" for the accused. Hint: their names are NOT Sven, Jorge and Nils. 

Neighbouring Denmark [...] has tried what it calls a soft approach, reintegrating foreign fighters through counselling and assistance in finding housing and work.

Maybe Marie Harf can get a job in Denmark if she loses her current situation. On a related note, war is horrible, but at this point, what's the alternative?  

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I know I have enough coffee mugs

But I want this. 

It also comes as an apron...

a tea towel...

and a mousepad.

What I did last Saturday

In the olden days, I would have said that I 'baked bread'. Now that I've watched the Food Network for nearly a year, I will have to say that I crafted some European style multi-grain artisanal loaves with a steam-enhanced extra-thick crispy crust and a medium-to-coarse crumb texture. I make bread like this every so often, because I get to craving a dense loaf that has lots of nutty chewy stuff in it (in this case, flax, chia and sunflower seeds). And it was a good way to use up some ancient grains (ie. quick-cooking oatmeal whose expiry date has long passed). It was eaten by the kids (and adults) during Saturday evening family movie night, with butter and honey, instead of the usual potato chips. (In my view, fresh homemade bread is not so very Lenten. Mea culpa.)

I had to take a second photo, because my current favourite coffee mug wanted to be in the picture. 

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Aprons, yes!

I am killing two birds with one stone here. Well, maybe three. They are: 1) getting a new apron; 2) teaching my girls to sew; and (most importantly) 3) spending more time with my daughters doing fun things. The harderst part (besides choosing fabric) is deciding on a pattern. I'm greatly encouraged by the sheer number of patterns* available. I don't think this would have been the case in the 70s and 80s. Like that IKEA store says in their brilliant marketing ploy, Long live the home!

I am totally loving how chic and glam they make these ladies look! I also like the frosted cake on the right. I have long held that you have not achieved womanhood until you own (and use) cake platters to serve frosted cakes to your loved ones. And kids, don't be alarmed by that weird umbilical thing that the blonde lady in the polka dot apron is holding up to her ear. It's a "telephone."

Image found at the delightful retro recipe site:

Hey, my mom used to make that!

*Moms, be forewarned: even on Amazon, you need to pre-screen when browsing apron styles (in other words, do not just sit down at the computer with your preteen and say, "Hey, let's shop for aprons online!"). Who knew there was such a thing as a pornographic apron? I suppose they are called "Aporns". God help us.
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It's like a disco party in your hand!

At least that's what I imagine the sales pitch to have been back in the day. Mrs. Beazly, whilst researching her latest short story, came across this on Etsy and forwarded it to me with all possible haste:

SALE 1960's Weiser Gold Flake Door Knob Set / Gold flake and acrylic knob set with mechanism / Door knob and lock hardware

$114.63 CAD

Only 1 available

Overview

• Vintage item from the 1960s
• Materials: acrylic, metal
• Feedback: 45 reviews
• Ships worldwide from Canada

OK, seriously???!!!!  The part that makes me laugh is not just the price, but the "Only 1 available." Shoppers of the world, if you want more than one, COME ON DOWN!! I've got these groovy monstrosities all over my house. Not only are the big ones on most interior doors, but I've got wee ping-pong-ball-sized versions on numerous closet doors.

I thought they were laughably hideous in 1998 when we bought our current home, and I still do. I've been trying, with limited success, to convince hubby to replace them. But now, good luck with that. Instead, he's probably going to invest in more home security. As of now, my bedroom hallway alone is worth $458.52!

Mr. Blurn once expressed an interest in these knobs. I assume he was being facetious, but if he was in earnest, they're all yours, buddy, but now it's gonna cost ya. 

(Oh, and I until proven wrong, I beg to differ over the Etsy seller's "1960s" dating of these. My house was built in 1975.)

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Compassion 101

Mrs. Pinkerton, surveying a conglomeration of dirty dishes on the counter top: "Wouldn't it be great to have a maid?"

Miss P #7 (age 10): "Yeah, but it wouldn't be great to be one."
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As I was saying... Procrastination

Not the forehead of the author, 

who was regrettably too sick to attend Ash Wednesday Mass

Oh my. There are lots of reasons why I haven't been blogging much... well, at all. But some things are just better kept inside, or in the confessional, or at the therapist's, at least for the time being. (Just kidding about the therapist... not that there's anything wrong with seeing one.) Actually, I was seeing a therapist for a while-- a physiotherapist, for my ruined knees (thanks, volleyball and badminton! I love you dearly, but you wreck people's joints), but I had to stop seeing him, because I didn't have time, due to a bunch of other challenges in my life, which I can't talk about (yet) because they involve other people, who have a right to privacy.

It's also hard to blog about funny stuff (or crow about vintage kitchen finds from Value Village) when people on the other side of the planet are being decapitated by Random Lone Wolf Mentally Ill Marginalized Underemployed Violent Extremists of No Particular Religion, simply for being Christian  Egyptian "citizens". I'm rambling.

We were talking about procrastination, which I am really horrible at combatting. That and laziness, which make for a pretty deadly combination, because it does things like prevent you from telling friends how much the friendship means/has meant to you, and then they die and things like that. Thank goodness for heaven (if I get there), where I may get another chance.

So here it is, the 4th day of Lent, and I'm only now getting around to thinking about what I should "do" to observe it.  I know you are not supposed to brag about your mortifications, but this is not really bragging so much as informing. And sometimes by telling other people what you are doing (or giving up), it helps or inspires them. Or not. But for starters, I have decided to give up Not Blogging for Lent. I hope that helps a bit with both the laziness and the procrastination.
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Happy New Year

Yeah, so much for my New Year's resolution (formed in December) to combat procrastination in my life.
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Call me a music snob

But if there are two phrases that should never ever ever ever ever ever appear together in the world of sacred music (or indeed any world known to God or man), they are "Kenny G." and "Ave Maria." There are simply some instruments that should not be used for Marian hymns and this is one of them. A thousand times, NO.

I should not even be posting this video, but we must remember that Advent calls for some penance as well as rejoicing and whatnot. I dare you to see how long you can listen before your eardrums start bleeding.


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This guy will get to heaven before I do.

Because he's using his talents. I honestly wish I had this much enthusiasm for cooking, homeschooling and writing. Your morning cup of awesome.


Thanks to Miss P #5 who sent me the link.
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O Adonai

O Lord of Israel

Isaias 11:4-5
But he shall judge the poor with justice, and shall reprove with equity the meek of the earth: and he shall strike the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips he shall slay the wicked. And justice shall be the girdle of his loins: and faith the girdle of his reins. 

Isaias 33:22
For the Lord is our judge, the Lord is our lawgiver, the Lord is our king: he will save us.

I'm a little late posting, because our internet was knocked out all day. Power blips will do that for some reason. Also, I was ferrying Miss P #5 to and fro a final exam at the local high school, and also doing laundry, and also baking Buttermilk Bread, and dinner rolls and sticky cinnamon buns (tried a Lazy Man's version today--will report if it turns out; if not, we will never speak of it again).
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O Sapientia

O Wisdom

The countdown to Christmas Eve has begun! Today we pray the first of the O Antiphons. Read more about them here. Let us now listen to this beautiful rendition of Veni, veni Emmanuel by the King's Singers:


I love these guys; their Christmas album (on which this is the first track) is fabulous.


Isaias 11:2-3
And the spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him: the spirit of wisdom, and of understanding, the spirit of counsel, and of fortitude, the spirit of knowledge, and of godliness. And he shall be filled with the spirit of the fear of the Lord, He shall not judge according to the sight of the eyes, nor reprove according to the hearing of the ears.

Isaias 28:29

This also is come forth from the Lord God of hosts, to make his counsel wonderful, and magnify justice.

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I wonder if John Lennon had any possessions

I imagine he did.

His widow (the second one) is reportedly worth $500 million. I see that I missed the anniversary of his death, Dec. 8. Oh well, it's never too late to pray for the repose of his soul.

It's not easy, but you have to try.

"despite the millions John was making, he kept Cynthia and Julian on a financially-tight leash — they got an allowance of £2,400 a year in maintenance until his death. 

Things got worse when John was murdered and Julian was just 17.

After John divorced Cynthia he kept her and Julian on a financially-tight leash

For Julian wasn’t named in John’s will and it took him 16 years — and the threat of a prolonged court case — to persuade Yoko to hand over any of the Beatles’s millions."

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2057764/John-Lennons-son-Julian-fears-Yoko-Ono-Paul-McCartney-trying-obliterate-history.html#ixzz3MBOe1JnB
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Just so we're all on the same page

Christ is the Prince of Peace, and there can be peace only by embracing the Judeo-Christian definition of peace. Sorry, but that's the truth. And there is only one Truth. (See above.)

"When negotiating peace with other cultures it’s a good idea to make sure that the words you are using mean the same thing."  Daniel Greenfield. Read it all. 
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The Fit Files: Major Update

Oh my, where do I begin? Some of you may know that I had a heart-health scare in the fall of 2013. (Here's a link to the archived column I wrote about it in the Australian Catholic newspaper The Record --paper verison, R.I.P.; it's entirely online now.) Recap: my family has a history of heart disease, so I was ordered to undergo a stress test before some routine surgery. I flunked it.

"Space" is a relative thing

OK, now I just feel silly for so often complaining that my house isn't big enough.



Of course, you couldn't raise 7 kids here. But it gives one hope that it is possible to live well, even if you don't own a McMansion. 

Like that kid said in that movie

They're baaaaaaaaaaack. The Dumb Old Housewives are blogging again. More to follow (we hope).

The best servant in your house

Is apparently a well-designed Hoosier. But I'll bet having a flesh and blood maid or two doesn't hurt either.

Just when you think

You've heard all the most beautiful hymns, the online Divine Office comes along with one you've not yet heard. In searching for the hymn, I'd googled the Choir of King's College on YouTube, but this is listed as the Choir of Gonville and Calus College, Cambridge (of whom I'd never heard, but they are a beautiful choir). I hope this hymn blesses you. Blogging continues to be light because (euphemism alert) family life has become a challenge. Please keep us in prayer if you feel so inclined. Happy Easter; He is Risen.

Of the Father’s heart begotten

Ere the world from chaos rose,
He is Alpha: from that Fountain,
All that is and hath been flows;
He is Omega, of all things
Yet to come the mystic Close,
Evermore and evermore.

By his word was all created;
He commanded and ’twas done;
Earth and sky and boundless ocean,
Universe of three in one,
All that sees the moon’s soft radiance,
All that breathes beneath the sun,
Evermore and evermore.

He assumed this mortal body,
Frail and feeble, doomed to die,
That the race from dust created
Might not perish utterly,
Which the dreadful Law had sentenced
In the depths of hell to lie,
Evermore and evermore.

O how blest that wondrous birthday,
When the Maid the curse retrieved,
Brought to birth mankind’s salvation,
By the Holy Ghost conceived,
And the Babe, the world’s Redeemer,
In her loving arms received,
Evermore and evermore.

This is he, whom seer and sybil
Sang in ages long gone by;
This is he of old revealed
In the page of prophecy;
Lo! he comes, the promised Saviour;
Let the world his praises cry!
Evermore and evermore.

Sing, ye heights of heaven, his praises;
Angels and Archangels, sing!
Wheresoe’er ye be, ye faithful,
Let your joyous anthems ring,
Every tongue his name confessing,
Countless voices answering,
Evermore and evermore.

Perfect for Monday

We just came through a stormy weekend, but (thankfully) only in the metaphorical sense. Usually, whenever my husband leaves on a week-long work trip, we actually have an actual blizzard.

Last Friday: kids going in one direction (music lessons); I was going in another (annual physical), husband preparing to go in a third (Colorado, a weed conference. No, the kind you kill with herbicide). And our water heater breaks down. Doesn't just quit, but is corroded and leaking. Hubby has to come home from work (which he can't afford to do, given he'll be gone the entire following week) to do damage control and call the plumber. Pull up carpet, open basement floor drain, drain heater, shut off all water to the house (heater's cold water intake valve was also corroded and leaking), mop water from furnace room floor, then receive the news that the plumbers may not be able to make it that day. They did, and they replaced the heater (Deo Gratias).

I heard this song on the radio during my 45 mile drive home from the doctor's office, and chuckled at the title (it being somewhat apropos). I'd never heard of these guys before (they're from Glasgow, which explains the kilt). They've been around since the 90s, which suddenly makes me feel as though I've been in a time warp. Given my age, I guess I'd better get used to that.

Auts! As if Savage Chickens couldn't get funnier

There's a Finnish edition.

Ash Wednesday

Miserere mei, Deus: secundum magnam misericordiam tuam.
Et secundum multitudinem miserationum tuarum, dēlē iniquitatem meam.

Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy loving kindness:
According unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.

It's Chopin's birthday

At least that's what he and his family claimed. The parish records say Feb. 22, but March 1 is generally accepted to be the more accurate date. (I figure if his mom didn't know his birthday, no one did.) Chopin is perhaps my favourite composer. His music is sublime. And I also love solo piano. This is a piece that my 17-year-old is currently playing. I can't decide whether I like the leggiero thingys or the Doppio movimento section best (yes, I sit and look at the score when I listen to the piece--such a music geek for someone who can barely read it). I remain in awe that someone to whom I gave birth can play Chopin.