word search

Fortitude. Patience. Belief. Faith.

Grace. "Fiat." Wisdom.

It appears that choosing a "Word of the Year" is in vogue, and for a change, I'm wordless.

As I wrote here, I've been coming up blank these days. Regular readers of this blog (are there any left? I know I haven't given you much to read these days!!) know that I specialize in long-winded posts. Wordiness is my thing. I love words. I'm all about words.

But a word of the YEAR seems like an awfully big commitment, one I'm not sure I'm ready to make.

One of my favorite bloggers wrote about it recently, revealing that her WOTY is "fortitude," which happens to be one of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Other bloggers shared their selections, including some of the ones mentioned above.

Are you noticing a theme? These words are all fabulous, and worthy, and, well, pious. I don't think any of them quite capture how I'm feeling these days.

Where are exhaustion, boredom, and irritation? How 'bout frustration, annoyance and impatience? Oh wait, the word is supposed to be positive, I forgot! It's supposed to be a reminder of what we're seeking - where we're going, not where are now.

OK, so how about chocolate? Or diamonds. Maybe vacation, or even weekend. Remodeled bathroom is two words, but that'd be cool too.

I suppose it's supposed to be something a bit more simple and precious. I could go with sunshine. Or maybe rain. Or leaves. Or rainbows. Unicorns? Care Bears? (Drats, two words again.)

I know I'm poking fun at the idea, and I don't mean to mock anyone who's chosen a Term for '10. I suppose I'm just annoyed at how boggled I am by this.

I love words, but the angst I feel at choosing just one reveals a certain aspect of my personality. I stink at making choices. I always feel like this is the last handbag/couch/dessert/WOTY I will ever get to choose, and I'm afraid, that like that guy in Indiana Jones, I won't choose wisely.

Soooo, I'll take a deep breath and pick one.

Erudite? Crudite? Carnivore?

Carnival? Validate? Liquidate?

Quiver? Sluice? Spore? Orifice?

Now I'm out of control.

Any suggestions? What's YOUR word of the year?

words, words, words!

I created this "word cloud" at wordle.net based on the content of my website. Fun!

wordless wednesday

all my world's a stage

The show opened Friday, and it went amazingly well! Our audiences were wonderful (a packed house on Saturday!) and our performance finally came together.

I thought I knew this story inside and out, but performing the role of Mary has given me a new perspective. I wrote about it today here.

I can't believe it, but I'm actually looking forward to performing again next weekend! (It was such a grueling tech week it's hard to believe I feel that way.)

But sometimes theater is magic, and when it is, it's irresistible.

it really is wonderful

Our community theater is performing the stage version of the ultimate Christmas classic movie. I'm sure we won't even come close to the original, but I pray we can capture the spirit.

In a "art imitating life" fashion, my husband is playing George, and I've been cast as Mary.

{{sigh}}

Feeling the pain of lost relationships, but knowing that there is really only one relationship that matters, trying and failing (again) to do my best and experience "success," today I wrote this.

ashes to ashes, again

A repost from last year. This year, I'm Mary instead of Maxine. But life is still just as horrible and wonderful - and worth living - as it was then.

Today, on the Feast of All Souls, I stood at my own graveside, but I didn't shed a tear.

I thought about my daughter, who awaits me there, and I remembered her life with awe and gratitude. I missed her with an ache that will never leave my bones, but my heart is not heavy. It soars to meet her.

I looked at the descriptions cast in stone: husband and father, baby girl, wife and mother. The roles that will define us for all eternity.

I suppose it is an excellent practice to ponder the fact that we will all be dust some day. As I stood on the very spot where I hope my grandchildren and their grandchildren will kneel someday, begging mercy on my soul, I realized the truth.

It will all be over in a flash.

From the cemetery we stopped at Starbucks for something hot and chocolately. From there I went to a community theater audition. I was cast in the role of Maxine, who has good hair and make-up and is learning to tap dance.

Life is short, but it's grand. Live it up, and do much good with it.

Eternal peace grant unto them O Lord, and may Perpetual Light shine upon them. May their souls, and all the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

Lukie and the F-bomb

Since I haven't been posting many anecdotes here lately, it seemed appropriate to kick things off with a humdinger.

Lukie is in the second grade at our parish school. He sits in the front row, first seat on the left. He spends his days learning about subtraction, spelling words with silent e, and other mysteries of the universe. He's a good kid, I suppose. At least I haven't heard too many scary stories about him. Until now, that is.

Lukie sits with two other little urchins, we'll call them Butch and Buster. The three of them apparently had quite a scintillating conversation last week, according to Butch's mom, who shared this story with me.

Buster: (in a clear, loud voice) My brother said "F" to me. (Note: he did not exactly say "F.")
Butch: "F"? What's "F"?
Lukie: Yeah, what's "F"?
Buster: I don't know, but he said "F."

(At this point I imagine their teacher rushing toward them, her eyes wide, her hand over her open mouth, aghast. I also imagine this in slow motion, for effect.)

Teacher: WHAT are you boys saying????

At this point a lightbulb appears over Lukie's head, and wisdom and insight are his.

Lukie: "F"...hmm..what is "F"? I know. "F" is a cow.

Huh?

Yep, my son then proceeded to tell the other boys that he was pretty sure that "F" was another word for cow.

Butch's mom and I enjoyed this episode more than we probably should, for two important reasons.

One: Lukie (and her Butch) did not report to the teacher that they heard their older brother/uncle/dad or MOM say that word, EVER. Thank you God.

Two: There is still some innocence left in this world. And some of it is in our particular children.

Thank you God.

my crown of roses: prayers of love

The goodness of God continues to touch me, daily, in ways both simple and profound.

Today I received an email that reminded me that His ways are so far above ours that we cannot fathom it.

I was reminded yet again that prayers are not just good thoughts, or "positive energy." They are real communication between us and Our Lord. Prayers are bonds that connect us with heaven, and with one another.

Please visit my Australian "cyber-friend" Therese, and read the brief story that stunned me and filled me with joy.

God is so good, and I am so blessed.

wink, wink

I think she knows something we don't know. :)

My granddaughter, Grace Philomena (Gracie Mena) at almost five months.

Live is good.

welcoming Zeke

My grandson Zeke is here!

Lauren headed to the hospital on Thursday afternoon for an induction of labor. Saturday morning at 4:59, Ezekiel Jacob Vitale was born; 7lbs, 5 oz, 20 inches long.

As you can imagine, his getting here was quite a journey, to say the least.

Lauren endured a long, painful labor, an epidural, two hours of pushing, and then a c-section when she developed a fever and the baby refused to move down. Turns out he was "sunny-side up," which makes delivery difficult. His heartrate was high, and disappointingly, she really needed that c-section.

We were worried already, but then they took her into surgery, began the procedure, and she began to experience pain. They had to put her completely under. Her poor husband was asked to leave the OR - and Lauren's sister and I waited with him worriedly.

Thank God - all ended well, with the arrival of our beautiful baby boy!

He and his mama are doing well now. I must say I am so incredibly proud of Lauren. She was so courageous and patient - so strong! And my daughter Rachel was such a wonderful coach to her sister. She never left her side, never wavered in her encouragement. Lauren's husband made me proud, too. He certainly loves my little girl.

Being a part of this child's birth was such a precious experience. I've been so incredibly blessed with my family. I can't wait to see the blessings in store for them!