Wonderful Weekend...

Back from the monastery.
It was wonderful.
Always feels a bit disorienting to come back.
*
(ps: photos below are from my parent's house
i.e. not the monastery).



The quiet at the monastery is very refreshing.
I was there over St. John the Russian's day -
just found this Akathist to him.
*
So peaceful to get away
and be in such a beautiful place of prayer.
*
Peaceful,
got advice and felt hopeful,
and that it was a joyful time.

This picture is from the coffee shop I
met the photographer in
on Friday.

A nice place,
very retro, urban, hip - familiar to me
to coffee shops in Ottawa.

I was really encouraged
at the monastery
about the
wedding planning.
Just keep it simple
focus on what is actually going on
the Orthodox wedding service
don't worry about what culture wants to
dictate that the wedding be
and be present to the prayers.
I felt so encouraged.
I know this is what I want.
A wedding that is prayerful
with God's blessing.
*
On a smaller note,
I got a lovely small red-jeweled Cross necklace there
that I hope to wear with my dress;
I also got some nice presents
for others. :)

 

I know I am in for a big transition
but the time at the monastery
helped me remember
the purpose of marrying my Orthoman
and the hope in Christ
and in the prayers of holy people and holy monastics
to surround us.
*
I really love visiting the cemetery there and
knowing that one day I hope
that the cemetery stone will speak of
my future husband's name and my name
and that God will have mercy on us
whose life will pass so quickly...

Thanks be to God

Orthoman and I had cause
to be concerned.

For reasons that ultimately were
unfounded
we were suddenly worried that Cleo could
not join us in our new home
God willing this fall.

We can all breathe a bit easier now.
The situation has been beautifully resolved.
 

For what would of my Cleo Cat done
if she could not join in on the fun?!
*
Thanks everyone who has been encouraging me.
I got a few emails done tonight
for wedding prep
and even doing that feels
like a real accomplishment.
*
I fly on Wednesday.
My job continues to go well
and they are fully understanding about the time
off I am taking and they like my work.
So much to do still
but
I am thankful...

Peaceful end to this day

 

Vespers:
wonderful, sunshine filled normal.
Hard to imagine I will have a new normal
very soon.
*
The cater called,
all is clear and understandable.
We will meet again and I
feel even more confident that I am in good hands
and am excited to talk to her soon.
*
I am researching cameras.
I decided if I am going to get a new one
I am going to get it soon
so I can have it for Pascha.

small prayer request

I am going this afternoon
to meet with the cater
for my wedding.
I admit I am feeling a bit
overwhelmed
by all the details
and try as I may
I was not able to find anyone to
come with me for this.
Asking your prayers
instead
to go with me.

Juxtaposition

As I've been blogging about
in my new blog,
I am trying to do lots of
wedding planning this week.
The first week of Lent.
This is crazy.
It seems also totally opposite to
what the first week of Lent should be.
But I can't see the future
so I have to do the best with what I am
given to do in the present.
*
I got news today that my job is a go
and that I do start this coming
Monday at 9 AM.
Full time for a month.
But it may be for more months if they
get the budget for it.
Which means I would be working and
traveling, moving and doing the rest of
the wedding preparations
not to mention that I have most lovingly
been invited to various bridal showers
which I have penciled in for when I am
in the places they would be in.
In other words,
provided my job continues
I have no choice but to use my last 1 free week
to try to get as much done as possible.
*
Which means tomorrow I try to make a spreadsheet
for all the invites to the most likely
two events
as I will be the one receiving the RSVPs
since I am here, the Crowning will be here
and my family is not here.
*
Whew.
Any tips on stress management or other things
for wedding planning to make things
simple and easy,
feel free to let me know!
*
I am hoping to see the cater with a friend
tomorrow afternoon so that
I have a better idea of what is
and is not possible...
*
Thank God now at least I can go to church
and pray part 3 of
St. Andrew's Canon.
*
Lord have mercy on us!