Zombie Follies

When you work in an arts area, you can run across some interesting stuff. Along with the high notes and low notes of music and not all of it good, one can also make the most interesting new friends.

The university was filming a commercial today promoting the mobile phone it offers to the students for a discounted rate. This student is expressing her displeasure at missing out on the great coverage she would have otherwise received had she taken the offer. Her creator smiles sweetly, secure in the knowledge that she is all powerful and has nothing to fear from a dropped connection or zombie children.

Lenten Reflection

Thank God my son does not mind when he writes something thoughtful and profound and I end up posting it here. I sent my Ash Wednesday link to him and he had much to offer. What he shares here is entirely correct and as usual he brings to the table a much more theologically precise way of expressing our relationship with the Church. I always learn something important from him particularly in the area of more clearly understanding my Faith.

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Hey Mom,

Thanks for sharing your post with me. It's great to see that you have so many good and fruitful conversations with people. Good job on the Christian witness front. I did have a couple of comments that I wanted to share with you.

1) You refered to the Church as a "value-driven institution." It's important to realize that the Church is not an institution, nor is it value-driven. It's hard to break out of that mentality and I, myself, still have trouble using "institutional" words. It may seem like I'm splitting hairs, but really I'm not. Nor is this to deny the fact that there are commonalities between institutions and the Church - hierarchy, councils, codes, etc. I am now realizing that I'm saying and am about to say much more than I had intended; please bear with me. The Church, first and foremost, is the Body of Christ - I know you know this - and unlike worldly institutions the Church is a real body, not a figurative one. When we partake of the sacraments we really do partake of Christ, are incorporated into Him, and grafted unto Him. This is reality. So the Church, contrary to an institution, is a real living thing. This is evidenced by the other ways that we refer to the Church: Mother (again, not figuratively), God's Temple (Peter tells us that we are living stones), etc. So now we get to the point. If the Church is a value-driven institution then it has nothing more to offer the world than any other religion and it essentially is reduced to an ideology which must change with the times to have any meaning for people. What is significant about the Christian is not our morals - I can find that elsewhere - it is our rebirth, the actually change that happens to us when we enter into Christ, and the grace that we are given to strive in our living of this life. That many Christians are a contradiction to what I just said is not going to be contested by me. But, still, it is the truth, and it is a life changing and life forming truth which we must never let go of.

2) Concerning Bishop Williamson: I think it is important that people recognize that he is paying his dues. Though I don't think that they have been paid in full yet, he is definitely paying them. He has issued an apology to the Pope, which appeared to be good and sincere; he recently issued a public apology to the world when he arrived in London this past Wednesday, which definitely wasn't as good (I won't question his sincerity); he was releaved of his seminary position in Argentina by his superiors in the SSPX and then was expelled from Argentina by the government; and, finally, he received no warm welcome (he shouldn't have) when he arrived back in his native England. In addition, to all of this the English bishops conference has, rightly, given a statement reminding everyone that Bishop Williamson is not actually one of their ranks, not in communion, and that he is not permitted to celebrate any of the sacraments in Catholic churches. Also, I'm not sure if this is true or not, but I think that even his own superior restricted his public ministry (maybe you can look that up; you're better at that than I am). On Bishop Williamson's part I would like to see a big mea culpa to the Jews and specifically to holocaust survivors and families. On the world's part, I would like to see an actual engagement with Bishop Williamson rather then the rending of clothes. Bishop Williamson has made a statement about an historical event based (he says) on evidence that he was shown 20 years ago and has been stifled by the media. Has anyone asked what the evidence is and scrutinized it? All is not fair in love and war. Though I have no doubt that Bshp Williamson has prejudices against the Jewish people, it is wrong for the world to simply condemn him and not give him the chance of seeing his wrongness and turn around by an open dialogue and investigation of his claims.

Again, much longer then I thought it would be. Thanks for you patience.

Love you, Mom. God bless you.

In Christ through Mary,

Quanah

Ash Wednesday Evening Reflection

On this Ash Wednesday night, I found myself in an interesting exchange of emails with a lovely blogging friend who lives far across the Atlantic. One of the things I've been asking myself is what can I do during Lent that would give me an opportunity to share an important part of myself; a part that I don't let out too often, at least not here on this blog.

My exchange with Elise was so lively that I suddenly found myself really getting into an in-depth response to her last email. About halfway through the writing, I thought I might post it here. By the time I had read it and proofed it, I knew I had found my way to share a part of myself and in the sharing perhaps touch someone(s) who might need that touch.

Blessings to all of you during this Holy Season of Reflection

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Hi again, Elise,

I'm really enjoying our dialogue. Much as I loved and admired JP II, I find him difficult to read. Benedict XVI, on the other hand is so clear and lucid. I love reading his works.

I think much of the problem of lack of understanding within the media is that they just don't understand or recognize straight talk when they hear it anymore. It's difficult to make one's point when the point goes against the current social trend. People expect voices of authority to talk in circles and not really say what they mean. If people really paid attention to what Benedict said within the entire context of his statements, there would not be this confusion. Of course, these days it is almost irresistible to not take a snatch of something out of context and the make it into something that it isn't. As you said, the media loves a juicy scandal.

Another thing that bothers me is the constant public urgings for the Church to get with it and go with the times. If the Church, and for that matter, any large value-driven institution did that, they would be taking a dangerous step down a long and slippery slope. I think that is the main purpose of many of Benedict's statements. He never says anything without a lot of thought and consideration behind the words. No one could accuse him of speaking in haste. Many of his public statements are to bring the Church back into line with its own teachings and dig it out of the consequences of political correctness.

I'm so glad you enjoy reading my Benedict Notes. Though I bring little of my own thought to it, I do try to choose articles that I think are important to bring to the attention of any reader who happens to stop by. My choices probably say a lot about my own personal feelings. One thing I try to never do is re-post articles that cast the Church in a negative light. Those writers already have their forums and they don't need me to help them along.

Bishop Williamson is a real nightmare - not only for the Church but for humanity in general. I understand Holy Father's decision to lift the excommunication. In its simplest explanation, it was an act necessary to start on a road of forgiveness and re-unification. This act and its consequences doesn't apply to just the four clerics involved. The lifting of the excommunication profoundly effected all who followed them; they were drawn back into the body of the church.

The charm and charisma of John Paul II served a great purpose in restoring many youth back to the church and a whole new way of keeping youth in the church was developed. But all things must grow and the life of the church and the faith of all has to take a more serious step in the direction of holding to the deeper meaning in the Church's teachings. That is where Benedict comes in. Just as John Paul II was a man of great charm and diplomacy, Benedict XVI is a teacher. JP II got the world's attention. Benedict gives the instruction.

And - the beauty of it all is that both these men share their faith and knowledge and love with the world with only the expectation that people take what they hear or read and do something good for the world. Even if the good that is done effects just a little anonymous corner of the world, it is a ripple of good that expands outwardly. Get enough of those ripples going and we will truly have a better world.

I personally think it is unrealistic to expect that someday everyone will be Christian. However, I do believe that it is perfectly realistic to expect that with love and an open heart, we can all work together no matter that our spiritual paths may differ. In Holy Father's first Encyclical letter, Deus Caritas Est (God is Love), he gives us a profound discussion of human and divine love.

In this letter he states that it is his intention “to clarify some essential facts concerning the love which God mysteriously and gratuitously offers to man, together with the intrinsic link between that Love and the reality of human love.” I read this Encyclical letter two years ago and as I reflect on the events that have happened thus far in his Papacy, I feel the need to go back and read it again and be ever mindful that where three or more of us gather in harmony, there is love.

Sepia Scenes #19

My great-grandmother Noni Johnson. She had eight children and lived to be 93 years old. Until the end of her life, her mind was sharp as a tack. She was truly as sweet as this picture shows her to be.

Late Last Night

Paints sat unused

Last night I broke a dry spell

Bookshelf seen anew

St. Stanislaus Church, Part II

Last week I posted a short post about a church dedication; a church where our family's spiritual roots run deep. We went to Mass there today and it was as grand as I expected but less then I had hoped for. Fortunately, the opening of the church itself is only the completion of the first phase of a ten year fundraising project.

There are certain symbols that even non-Catholics would expect to see in a newly dedicated Roman Catholic Church - foremost being stained glass windows. Secondarily are the holy images of saints and the Holy Family that are common to our church buildings. At the moment there is neither stained glass nor holy images. Happily, these expectation will be fulfilled as the church continues now in what I call "fine tuning" mode. There will be art, improved acoustics, and a central tabernacle in time.

We have a lot to look forward to with this church. Even though Don and I now attend another parish, Kris has decided to go back and make this her parish. I am delighted because along with all the history mentioned in my first post, we can now anticipate a wedding and perhaps baptisms via her own life experiences.

A tiny hint of stained glass to be.

Behind the alter and future spot for adoration.


Don at the gate

Beneath this cross and out of site is the beautiful dome of the church.

Lighting the Way.

Holy Water Font

Front Entrance

All Are Welcome

Sepia Scenes #18

Typically, upright basses have a simple scroll design at the top of the neck. This one is a bit more ornate with a stylized lion producing a mighty roar, much like a bass will do for the string section of a symphony orchestra.

St. Stanislaus Church Modesto

St. Stanislaus Church Modesto, originally uploaded by amenfoto.

Today is the dedication of the new church for St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in Modesto, CA.

So much of my personal history is wrapped up in this parish. We were married here. Our children were baptized and received all their Sacraments here. My parents, after 46 years of marriage, were married in the Church here. My father was received into the Church here and he was buried here.

Our children went through all of their earliest years and teen years here. Quanah was an altar server here into adulthood. Krista is at the dedication today with her best friend Ashley and Ashley's two little ones.

Don and I will be here next Sunday to attend our first Mass in the new church. This particular photo is not mine. I found it at:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/amenfoto/2525738768/

I expect to take a lot of pictures next week after Mass.

Magical Gifts

This week I was reminded in a big way of how difficult it can be at work sometimes. For the most part, work is easy. The job isn't easy but work is. The distinction has to do with the people you work with.

Sometimes the people part of the job can really go off track and from Friday last week through Tuesday late in the day that is what happened to me. Twenty years of being on the job gives me a measure of security and self-confidence but the emotional disruption, even after all these years, still knocks me for a loop.

With the dawn of Wednesday, things had settled down but bouncing back still took some time. Then my dear friend Elaine texted me for a lunch time drive and brown bag lunch. I was all over the idea. E drives. I point my camera. Away we would go.

My first objective was to find the red gate I had discovered the Saturday before but could not stop to photograph. Wouldn't you love to have this gate as a courtyard entrance to your own front door? It was high noon and the shadow of the tall slim tree on the street pour over the entrance like a security bar. Is it going up? Is it coming down? You choose. In my mind, it is an invitation to open the gate and walk in.


Later in the drive we braked hard when we found these magical metal sculptures rising out of another front yard. "Giraffes, Elaine!" I cried out. "Giraffes in that front yard!" My mind boggled and Elaine hit the brakes. She is sooooo good at braking hard.

Can you believe this? I so would like to know the people who live in the house attached to this yard. I bet they have a wonderful story to tell and even more treasures within. I would love to see their BACK yard.


Thank you Elaine, for this wonderful hour, the simple chicken sandwich and fruit lunch. And, of course, my favorite Starbucks non-fat latte (no flavor please). You picked me up on Saturday when I was so down and you took me on a magical mystery tour on Wednesday after my passage through the dark side. Life is so good with friends like you.

Sepia Scenes #17

Sometimes the most serendipitous bit of luck strikes at the most unexpected moment. I've been stressing at work so badly since last Friday that I've totally lost track of the days and time.

This morning I opened my blog to find so many Sepia Scenes already posted and I'm thinking, "My gosh, it's Wednesday!" I felt like Macaulay Culkin after slapping on the after-shave. What could I do?! I was totally unprepared.

So I started exploring old folders. Something HAD to be there that would fit the spirit of the post. And lo and behold, I found it. This feminine picture was taken in an antique shop in Old Clovis, CA.

The artful arrangement of delicate lady things, accented with bits of color fits right in with many of our altered sepia photos, don't you think? AND, I didn't have to do a blessed thing to it.

Ruby Tuesday

Capitola Dollhouse - 2006

Click here for more of Ruby Tuesday

A small request

I hope that all of you will post this somewhere on your blogs. All you are asked to do is keep this circulating. Even if it's to one more person. In memory of anyone you know that has been struck down by cancer or is still living with it.

This is for you, B.
Love you,
Annie

Dear God,
I pray for the cure of cancer.
Amen

Sepia Scenes #16

Delicate bits of the past emerge
from my mother's trunk -

Baby dresses and sweaters;
sweet little caps -

Fragile pillow case hangs ready
to caress a downy soft cheek -

Past and present merge hailing
hope for future pasts.

Remember that surprise?

Remember that surprise last week; the one where Don bought and set up a treadmill? And remember that he went out later again and had that "look". He was a man on a mission and there were more surprises in the air.

I never would have thought that Don would be so much fun after retirement. It really agrees with him to the point that I never know what I might come home to. Well, the delayed surprise (because of a missing part) finally arrived in the mail. I got home from work today and this is what I found.

Thank you, Don.

No, not a fireplace, though the paint job is new. Actually it's the insert that is new. We've had a deep and black yawning hole of a fireplace for two years. It was a real eyesore - IMHO. But now we have a new insert with glass doors. So - what's next? A fire, of course. Weather is still cold (for us anyway) so there is time to enjoy a fire or two during our remaining winter.

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Saturday night I proved to myself yet again that I cannot bake. Sioux, at Aubergine Pensees talked recently about her cookie press and baking cookies for the coming visit of her church Bishop.

When she posted the picture above I realized that I TOO had such a cookie press. My mom used it a lot during the holidays. I never displayed much interest in learning how to use it but between Krista, my own excellent (ahem) innate instincts, and a phone call to a cooking fiend of a friend, I was convinced that I would be able to crank out cute little camel shaped cookies. Pink camels. Well that was the plan anyway. As you can see here, I was not very successful. Not at all surprising but they WERE tasty.

Monday Morning Greetings

Happy Monday.

Time to get back to work again.

Wishing you all well.

Move it, Annie.

**sigh**

GO STEELERS!!!

'Nuff Said!!