On Vacation.
Wishing you a Happy New Year.
See you in 2013!
Cathy
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PIb6AZdTr-A
“Memories…like the corners of my mind”…..Oh no…not so dramatic! The mission of this blog is to be a collective of friends, fifty years strong & still climbing. Having met in first grade & still sharing all that life has to hold, let us continue to share our laughter, light & insight as this is what carries us through life. Let’s see…“Friends are like bras: close to your heart and there for support.” There, that’s more like it!
Saturday, December 29, 2012
Friday, December 28, 2012
Thursday, December 27, 2012
Wednesday, December 26, 2012
Interlude
Gone
in an instant
The
wrappings and bows
The
moments of surprise and delight
Take
flight
Tumultuous
the fanfare
And
quiet the aftermath
A
year’s interlude
A
month of preparation
Fleeting
so quickly
I
wouldn’t change a thing
Cathy
Tuesday, December 25, 2012
Monday, December 24, 2012
Sunday, December 23, 2012
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Saturday, December 22, 2012
Sleigh Ride
Dreams of
a white Christmas
Fill the
air
As much as
the dreams of Santa
Coming
down the chimney
Images of
Currier and Ives
And
covered bridges of New England
With
horse-drawn sleighs
Bring
smiles to the faces
Of young
and old alike
As the approaching
holiday
Recreates
our fondest memories
Cathy
Friday, December 21, 2012
The Gift Of Giving
There are many ways of giving a gift. There is only one way
to give unconditional love. That is to give without the expectation of getting
something in return.
At this holiday time of gift giving, the gifts come with
good thoughts, best intentions, beautiful wrappings and the usual exchanges
from one to another. Very often comparisons come into play: equal costs, what
did I give last year and what did I receive. The ultimate gift is to give with
no expectation attached…now, at the time of giving without any past comparisons
and no future thoughts applied to it… a gift of perfection in the moment. With
no future attachments, the receiver bears no burdens of reciprocity. Their joy
and love completes the transaction. They in turn can take the moment of
perfection and do as they wish…live in the joy of the moment, pay it forward to
another or just relive the moment whenever the thought comes to mind. Without
the burden of reciprocity, pure love and joy lives forever.
The season of Christmas is a season of giving. The greatest
gifts are given without the expectations of receiving which is what Jesus did
in His life. When we attend Mass, we hear and celebrate the words…”Do this in
memory of me.” Jesus asks only that we pay it forward. Give your love freely
and continually as unconditional love taught by The Master.
Cathy
Thursday, December 20, 2012
A Handmade Christmas
Popcorn
strung in a row
Ribbons
tied to branches
Gingerbread
cookies
Paper-chain
garland
Pipe-cleaner
stars
Homemade
candy
Hand
written letters to Santa
Construction
paper ornaments with glitter
Macaroni
wreaths sprayed gold
Hand-made
candles
Pinecones
brought in from the cold
Boughs of
green along the mantle
Packages
wrapped with ribbons and bows
Quilted
stockings by the fireplace
A rocking
chair staged for old stories to be told
Choir
books for new voices to sing
Each Christmas
handmade with love
Cathy
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
It’s Almost Christmas
Joy
Love
Gift Giving
Anticipation
Apprehension
Lists
For Santa
Wrapping
Paper
Sugar
Plums Dancing
Christmas
Cards Mailed
Stockings
Hung With Care
N
O
E
L
It’s Almost Christmas…Excitement Fills The Air!
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
A Question To Ponder
The other day I met a little boy. With December in full
swing, I expected him to talk to me of snow, Christmas and other holiday
topics. He looked me straight in the eye and said…”Do you have food in your
refrigerator?” It literally took my breath away. I
paused, although I was trying not to pause or look upset by
his question. I simply responded, “Yes.” He asked no more questions and neither
did I.
Coincidentally, I was on the Internet soon after and came
across an article about world hunger. As I read, I found the statistics
startling.
· Every 3.6 seconds someone dies of hunger
· 20,864: the number of people who have died today
· 2,073,588: people in this world will die from hunger this year
· 15 million children will die from hunger this year
36 million in the USA experience hunger including 13 million children annually.
The
current USA population is 312, 000,000 people; third in the world behind
China & India.· Every 3.6 seconds someone dies of hunger
· 20,864: the number of people who have died today
· 2,073,588: people in this world will die from hunger this year
· 15 million children will die from hunger this year
36 million in the USA experience hunger including 13 million children annually.
“If you can’t feed a hundred people, feed just one.”
Mother Teresa
This holiday season, please
make an effort to donate to ease the pain of hunger. Most supermarkets have a
bin for food donation to supply a local food pantry. Most communities and many
churches have a food pantry. With statistics like these, every effort matters.
Cathy
Monday, December 17, 2012
Illumination
As
I gaze up towards the heavens
Into
the indigo skies
The
millions of stars reflected
Twinkling
in my eyes
I
realize their light
Is
merely us
Reflecting
back the day
For
we are illuminated each day
By
the sun
And
as the moon is reflecting
This
same light
So
do the stars shine of us
For
the ephemeris clear
Reflects
our hearts
Our
radiance
Our
light
And
smiles back to us
In
a spectacular array
That
we may examine the accounts
Of
our encounters
At
this so special a time of year
We
pay closer attention
To
the heavens
A
shooting star
To
catch our eye
As
Christmas approaches
A
sign
A
light
A
miracle
An
angel perhaps
With
a message
Just
for us
Yet
the message has already been sent
Some
time ago
Peace
acclaimed
To
all
A
message so powerful
It
was never forgotten
On
the eve of a night
With
a midnight so clear
It
was a reflection of us
Our
light shining so bright
A
journey not over
But
an ending in sight
A
Christmas star with a tail so bright
To
tell a tale of eternal light
A
light that shone ever so bright
In
the hearts of all
With
a reminder
To
look not to the night
For
the light
But
within
And
not just in yourself
But
within all
For
this is the light
That
you gaze at each night
The
twinkle in God’s eyes
Of
us
In
His ever watchful sight
Never
forgotten
Always
in reach
As
we illuminate the skies
Cathy
Sunday, December 16, 2012
Restoration
Mending a broken heart
Takes
love and forgiveness
A
difficult task
Seemingly
insurmountable
When
the emotions are high
When
wounds are fresh
Multiplied
Ties are more complicated
Entangled
Extended
pain
Takes
many hearts and hands
To
unravel the heartaches
Of
the deepest wounds
To
give the love and respite
Needed
by the grieving
To
continue
For
recovery
And
Restoration
Dedicated
to all in pain.
Cathy
Saturday, December 15, 2012
The True Spirit Of Christmas
In the small town of Possum Trot, Texas, population 700, a
commitment to give more as a community was made. As a town and parish worked
together, homes were found for 76 foster children over the course of a decade.
Their story is told in the two sites listed below. Their truth
and legacy is that Christmas does live everyday in the hearts of
these people. The truth is in their actions and their legacy lives in their
children.
To quote Donna Martin, one of the ladies interviewed…”The
Lord may not come when you want Him, but He always comes on time!
Generous donations were made to the families, children and
parish by Wal-Mart to help this very needy town whose food bank had been
closed.
Cathy
Friday, December 14, 2012
Authentic Inner Peace
“A great question to ask yourself as we celebrate the end of
our year (and even the end of an era) is this: How may I serve others so that
they may have what I desire? The
answer to this seemingly contradictory question holds the key to authentic
inner peace.”
Wayne Dyer
At this time of the year we may question so many things. The
holiday season can bring stress, confusion and uncertainty in the quote “Peace
on Earth, Goodwill to all men.” Finding inner peace means more than just giving,
more than just doing and wishing good. The greater question is this…’do you
wish greater for others than you do for yourself?’ This is a generosity seldom
sought and measured. Ultimately it states that you will be happy only when
others will be complete in their peace and happiness…a high mile-marker.
Wayne Dyer you may know from his shows on PBS. An author and
motivational speaker, he constantly strives to find, explain and achieve the
balance of spirituality desired for us to be fulfilled in our lives. I do hope you find his sites as insightful
as I do.
Cathy
Thursday, December 13, 2012
Holiday Recipes
With the holidays upon us, I’ve taken the time to find some
easy recipes for your last minute holiday planning. The recipes are easy with few ingredients. Some are no-bake for
those on the run. I hope this helps your busy holiday schedule.
Enjoy!
Cathy
No–Bake Desserts: http://www.myrecipes.com/holidays/desserts/no-bake-holiday-desserts-10000001682697/
3 Ingredient Desserts: http://www.myrecipes.com/quick-and-easy/5-ingredients-or-less/simple-dessert-ideas-10000001865095/
15 Easy Finger Foods: http://www.myrecipes.com/menus/easy-finger-food-recipes-10000001926557/
5 Ingredients or Less: http://www.myrecipes.com/quick-and-easy/5-ingredients-or-less/5-ingredient-recipes-december-00420000002705/
100 Hot Dishes: http://www.myrecipes.com/holidays/
Cookie Swap: http://www.myrecipes.com/holidays-and-occasions/christmas-recipes/cookie-swap-recipes-10000001925635/
No-Bake for Kids: http://www.myrecipes.com/t/kid-friendly/no-cook/
52 One-Pot Meals: http://www.marthastewart.com/275672/one-dish-dinners/@center/854190/comfort-food-recipes
Graham Cracker Gingerbread Video: http://www.marthastewart.com/holidays
Sandy Relief Concert
 |
| 12 12 12 concert |
One thought, shared, became a collective effort. Over thirty
million dollars were raised in just ticket sales alone. Congratulations to
those who designed and produced the show along with all the supporters of this
great effort.
Cathy
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
Winter Fairies
As we prepare for winter
The path has already been prepared for us
The Keepers of Frost and Snow
Know what is to come
And are at peace in their knowing
All is in order
Cathy
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
Christmas Spirit
 |
| Taunton, MA |
 |
| Washington, DC |
I do love looking at the lights. They just brighten your heart while dazzling the eyes. Knowing that so many are sharing the spirit of the season gladdens my heart. Here are a few pictures of Christmas trees from near to far…all lighting the way to Dec. 25th.
Cathy
 |
| Boston |
 |
| NY |
Monday, December 10, 2012
Sunday, December 9, 2012
Saturday, December 8, 2012
Feast of the Immaculate Conception
Mary our Patroness of both our local parish and the USA is
celebrated today, Dec. 8th. For Mary to be free of sin and original
sin for the birth of her Son, Jesus, she had been prepared her entire life for
this her time and purpose. She was prepared to be the model mother, teacher and
counsel for her Son. Although so young, she accepted her vocation with grace
and inner strength. Her devotion to God and the life paved before her met with
her belief that God would be ever present to help her along her path.
As she was guided, so should we continue our devotion to her
as mentor and mediator to God and the Trinity. Her guidance will help us find
our inner peace that we may put peace into our daily lives.
This month, dedicated to the birth of Christ Jesus, cannot
be separated from her life and her connection to us, all her children, and all
one in the Church.
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us.
Cathy
Hail
Mary
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed are thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death.
Amen.
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed are thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death.
Amen.
Friday, December 7, 2012
Root Of Jesse
 |
| Tree of Jesse |
While most of us well remember the four weeks of Advent with
the lighting of the purple and pink candles on the wreath, I have the memory of
the Root of Jesse in our Advent season. There was always a bare tree in our
December decorations about the room. There were winding branches and roots
reaching up and down…a tree both grounded and reaching out.
I thought that I would refresh my memory and found that the
entire month of December is dedicated to the Root of Jesse, which is of course
Jesus our Savior. The tree represents the lineage of Jesus in the House of
David and the continuity of his genealogy in His Tree of Life.
One website has a notation of celebration for every day from
Dec. first through Dec. twenty-fourth up to the birth of baby Jesus. On this
chart, today, Dec. 7th is the celebration of the Root of Jesse.
There are many ‘Trees of Jesse’ noted on the Internet, which I personally have
never seen. An ornament is placed on a branch each day in celebration of the
‘coming of light’ of Christmas. It would appear to have a direct correlation
with our current Christmas tree traditions.
O Come, O Come Emmanuel is the song most associated
with this celebration. I have chosen two songs for your enjoyment.
May your Christmas season be one of continuing celebration.
Cathy
24 days of Jesse tree:
*
O Radix Jesse: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VItsGtI1RX0
O Come, O Come Emmanuel:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VItsGtI1RX0
O Antiphons:
 |
| Root of Jesse |
Thursday, December 6, 2012
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
Everyday Can Be Christmas
We all know the song “Why Can’t
Everyday Be Like Christmas”. With a little thought and effort everyday can. The first Christmas didn’t come
with packages and bows. It came quietly for a young family amidst difficult
social settings. With all the setbacks, they triumphed and celebrated the birth
of a child. This single moment in time is still celebrated today.
All we must do each day is to find
that moment and celebrate it. Seldom does a daylong celebration come along.
Moments are what smiles are made of. Moments of happiness and triumphs over
adversities are woven into our lives and memories. These are what make our
Christmas last the whole year through.
I’ve selected a few pictures from
this past year from our collective family as moments that have been celebrated.
Enjoy.
Cathy
 |
| Cutest Butterfly |
 |
| Grand-Girls |
 |
| Jake |
 |
| Heather & Noah |
 |
| Shane & friend |
Monday, December 3, 2012
Keeping Things Under Wrap
The Christmas season can be a bit hectic & frantic.
The Thanksgiving bird is barely carved and we kick into a higher gear for a
full month… planning & shopping, shopping and planning and so much more. We need lists, cards, gifts, food, and above all… the time
to do it all as the everyday routine doesn’t come to a halt for us nor the
holiday season at hand.
My greatest insight to this is us! Yup…us! There’s
nary an email since Thanksgiving. I know I’ve been very busy. There’s no
bantering back & forth on the net as there was a month ago. We wasted no
time getting into typical holiday mode.
I know I allow my memories of us from the past year to come
and go and flow through the routined brainwaves of life. The cup of tea and a
quiet moment brings grateful flashbacks of our get-togethers. These moments are
a great joy…a pause in the day before rejoining the daily routine.
I hope you are enjoying the season. I have found comfort in
the Christmas music on the radio…like an old friend…familiar, relaxing and
cheerful….a lot like us for the other eleven months of the year.
Happy holiday mode to all.
Cathy
Sunday, December 2, 2012
The Piano Guys
 |
| The Piano Guys |
As I was watching TV today, I saw
this music group and immediately headed for You Tube to see what else they had
to offer. It was love at first sight for me. I loved the music, their talent,
senses of humor and the way they all blended together. In the first video there
is one instrument, five guys and one mind. It is amazing to watch them moving,
playing and singing together as one.
The following three videos are
Christmas related. I hope you enjoy them.
Cathy
What Makes You Beautiful:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0VqTwnAuHws&list=UL
And for your Christmas listening pleasure:
Charlie Brown Medley:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tyPDQpel8bI
Carol Of The Bells: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e9GtPX6c_kg
Where Are You Christmas:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GRqjFcP_aw0&list=UL
Saturday, December 1, 2012
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