This Past Monday

We had a real strong thunder storm, 

lots of lightening and pouring rain!

Cleo was calmly sitting on a chair while

I frantically did all I could, as Mr Husband was 

coming home in the storm...

(Later he thought he should of just stayed at work, 

but then we would not have the story or the happy 

return home, he miraculously dry by thinking of what ways to 

take by public transit and buying a 5.00 umbrella from a street vendor

doing 'brisk trade' of them!)

***

First I lit all the lampadas and a blessed candle used in times of storm and other 

troubles... and sought to pray... and asked others to pray also...

I lit the dinner candles at some point too...

***

Then I hurriedly made crepes, after getting our battery powered lantern out,

as really, the power could go out and indeed some lines were downed by trees,

blocking public transport.

***

Crepes made, table set, I waited for my Husband's texts about where he was.

And thankfully, thankfully!! Just 10 minutes or so before he got to the nearest

train station near us, the storm calmed and the water was draining away....

***

I had not been so thankful at Mr Husband's arrival!! 

We feasted on the crepes and sausages, 

and talked gaily about it all.

***

It is now one of the happy memories created by storm. 

Preparing for a wonderful event!

My Husband and I were asked to be godparents to a little boy!

We really excited! 

The baptism won't be for weeks yet, but I am preparing for it 

now, so that I am sure we have everything! 

I got some cute simple white onesies so that he will be comfortable,

and a nice simple baptism suit... 

we had to figure out what one to buy, thankfully the Mom of my Godson was online

and we chatted and I sent pictures via my phone.

Finding a store out here in NJ that actually carried baptismal outfits was a challenge!

I went to 3 well known department stores and they all said they only get these

for Easter time.... as if babies are only born in early Spring!?! 

Anyway, for the record, it was Sears that had the outfit!

(And I have to take it back, as I did not realize that they did not remove

the 'do not steal' clip that if removed incorrectly will spill ink on the clothes)...

I also got socks and shoes!

I love shopping for godchildren! :)

***

Icons, a most *beautiful* blanket, a simple Cross and a silver baptismal Cross for

the baby when he is older are being obtained...and we are using very simple

candles!  The icons, Crosses and candles are all from various

monasteries, so that is fun!

***

It's always such an awesome privilege to be a godmother to another child...

to commit to praying for them everyday, to provide what one can in terms of 

spiritual instruction (all my godkids are long distance, 

so we do lots of books and icons), and to be worthy examples in our life

and in our death, both of which we need God's abundant mercy!

***

My new godson's patron is St. Luke the Surgeon;

I know that this St. Luke is a very beloved Saint - 

there is a wonderful children's book on him,

and a book for adults too; many online sources speak of him,

including here, here, here and here. 

Elizabeth mentioned that there is a children's one, a small one,

found by P. Press, you can see it here, it's book # 29!

***

As some know, years ago I was being the nerdy, geeky librarian that I am,

and am happiest being, and I decided to create a list of all the 

online Akathists I had found and which ones I had digital copies of

that were not online.

St. Luke the Surgeon is one of these whose Akathist I have on my computer but 

that is not found online (at present, as far as I know).

I still get emails requesting this akathist! More than any other Saint's service!

St. Luke is very much loved!

***

It is wonderful how our children and godchildren can have

such wonderful Patron Saints to be with them and help them!

***

We are so excited and thankful for this upcoming baptism!

Beautiful Movie on St. Elizabeth ~ made with sand and other mediums

10 books that stayed with me

I was recently asked what were 10 books that stayed with me... I ended up listing some as categories of books, so it is more than 10 books!

What books have stayed with you over the years, or new ones that are lighting things up in new ways? Would love to hear! 

Here's my list: 

1. The Scent of Water by Elizabeth Goudge
2. The Dean's Watch by Elizabeth Goudge
3. Courage to Pray by Met. Anthony Bloom
4. The Circle of Quiet by Madeleine L'Engle and L'Engle's Other Side of the Sun 
5. The Time trilogy by Madeleine L'Engle (Wrinkle in Time, Swiftly Tilting Planets, A Wind in the Door)
6. CS Lewis' 7 Chronicles of Narnia
7. Kathleen Norris' The Cloister Walk and Amazing Grace: a Vocabulary of Faith 
8. Many Orthodox books - The Orthodox Way, Adian's Song, Letters to St Lydia, books by Fr. Roman Braga, Saint Stories, esp. St. Nectarios, St. Spyridon, St. Abbot Moses of Optina, St. Porphyrios , St. Paisos, Elder Sophrony, the more travelogue Orthodox books like The Mysteries of the Jesus Prayer and Short Trip to the Edge by Scott Cairns 
9. The (various) Orthodox Psalters - the Psalms of St. David are so rich 
10. Books that I read slowly, like The Art of Prayer, Ladder of Divine Ascent, and the recently read essay by Donald Sheehan on St. Issac the Syrian and St. Ephraim the Syrian in his book of Essays, Grace of Incorruption

(Brief Opening) ~ The Door to Summer

I was with my Grandma and my Great Aunt P. 

on Saturday July 16, 2016.

Perfect weather at her cottage on Lake MI;

sunny, low 80s, breezy, water 70F, beautiful,

calm waters, only cresting towards the evening. 

***

I got picked up at 8:30 with 10 minutes to talk with my beloved Husband

and off I was with Grandma to Aunt P's place.

Then to "Gary's" for breakfast,

then the cottage after 11 AM and sitting around,

visiting with some I had not seen in many years,

then a late lunch,

then changing and going to the beach...

sitting, then swimming in the lake MI, so refreshing, beautiful,

floating as waves wash under you, moving you about, floating

in clear water, green with light, above deep blue sky,

tall tall trees, green leaves, floating and seeing the most beautiful trees,

P. who is swimming with me tells me that when she thinks of her

favourite place to remember it is this view;

the water, floating in such comfortable water, waves...

***

Then more sitting and talking and then water and then a walk all 

the long walk way to the Pier, passing various happy smiling people,

one man with towel wrapped around reading a book,

two small stones found, forgot to give to the young boys for their

new stone collection,

back at the beach where others are after the long beautiful walk,

another swim in that beautiful body of water

that is not an ocean, is Lake Michigan,

better than salt water, fresh, beautiful water, waves, beauty surrounding

and then sitting on the beach, the two year old playing in and out of the water,

talking prodigiously, 'I did it' 'I smash the car castle' ... joyful, blond, round face,

blue eyes, happy young voice, focused on sand, water, shovel, ...

sun water sand.... so beautiful...

***

One last dip in the water, trying to get feet free of sand, failing, walking up the dune on the steps,

back to the cottage, cleaning feet, changing, sand everywhere,

dreaming of the future bath and going up changed for dinner,

hamburgers on the grill,

sitting knitting, talking with others while dinner is made,

eating dinner on the deck, so good, such beauty, just sitting on the deck,

the ride home, first to Aunt P's house,

seeing it again, so familiar, unchanging, beautiful, she is 90 now and still lives at home,

wonderful books, pictures, dishes...

***

Talking with Grandma as we drove home to my parents, dropping me off,

talking about the next steps in my trip, 

going to the monastery, talking of future phone calls I will make to her soon,

I try to call Grandma once/week...

***

So much goodness,

being home and back at my Aunt P's cottage for the first time in over 23  or 24 years....

***

I was finally able to tell my Aunt P how when I had my most happy dreams,

I was right there, at her cottage....

Finds of the day included one by Madeleine L' Engle

I could not believe it.

My Mom and I went to a thrift store we do not usually go to...

not only did I find some really nice clothes,

but this book!!!

I have a similar hardcover edition of this book by Madeleine L' Engle but

was so surprised when I opened it to find that she had signed it!

I felt like God had just given me a real gift of a book, for 2.00, a beat up,

water stained, old first printing book of one of my favourite books! 

I admit to feeling really loved! 

***

I've been processing somethings while I am home and it was a real gift to get this book, just now.

***

I also have been on a search for a new

rain jacket that would look nice, was black

and had a hood....

I had ordered one that looked great online but in person,

well, it looked horrible on me.

So when I saw this one and how it fit,

I knew it was the one I was looking for!

And only 11.99 at the thrift store!

The ones I was considering buying were over 100.00

so this was a real find! 

I don't know if I will be able to blog again before I am back home on Tuesday,

but Mr Husband is home and we are talking each

morning and night, as well as chatting in the daytime...

so nice to have such technology while I am home visiting family!

Saying "goodbye" to my Husband's parent's home of 41 years

My parents-in-laws home is in it's glory in the summer...

the beautiful sloping hills, 

the gardens and flowers spilling out everywhere....

it was glorious.

***

We had a wonderful visit, having dinner

with my Husband's sister and brother-in-law,

spending time talking, planning and packing things to take

on our trip to Michigan.
***
They closed on the sale today!

***

My parents-in-law have lived there for 41 years,

and the home is going to a new family with many children,

we are happy for it all!