The Papal Conclave

The Papal Conclave is about to begin and have been watching it for a little while now.  The Cardinals have been ushered into the Sistine Chapel under a layer of prayers and singing  and blessing of the saints. It's quite a beautiful site actually.  I am not Catholic, but find the traditions and pomp and grandeur surrounding the election of the new Pope quite intriguing. Each of the 115 Cardinals are reciting the pledge and promise to keep the oath as I write this.  Their red robes and white underlay are so elegant and they carry themselves with such grace and peace.   They will vote today to see who will be elected as the next Pope, the 266th Pontiff to be elected. It is unlikely they will elect him today, but there is always that possibility. They must have a two-thirds plus one vote in order to elect the man who will wear the next pair of red shoes.  Shoes, which are in boxes sitting feet away in the Room of Tears, where the next Pope will be dressed for the first time.   Three sets of clothing, in three sizes (as they don't know who is going to be elected) awaits in the small room next to the chapel.  Prayers have been said and more are to come on behalf of those making this most historic selection.  Historic because for the first time in over 600 years, the previous Pope is still alive. The votes will be cast, once this evening and then two each morning and afternoon until the decision has been reached.   The votes are counted by three Cardinals and the third passes a needle through the counted ballots and then are burned.  Black smoke is seen from the chimney, signifying no election has been made, while white smoke indicates a new Pontiff has been elected.  It's quite a tradition and a time filled with great hope for the Catholic Church around the world.  It's very interesting and makes me appreciate the beautiful rituals and traditions of all religions around the world.   There is something awe inspiring about it for me and brings out a sense of calm for me to witness these beautiful customs.  

The Sistine Chapel
photo credit

Thursday (With a Dash of Stuff)

Our youngest is growing up so quickly.  Texting friends has become an activity as of late.  Going to girl/boy parties hasn't happened before - until now.   We are entering a new little world with our baby, who I thought was really going to stay four forever, but it seems he has other plans.

I bought my first photography magazine and can't wait to have some time to read it cover to cover.  I've been stepping out of my "smile for the camera" box and snapping all kinds of photos and testing the waters with the manual setting.  It's a little intimidating, but someone's got to do it. 

I'm reading a book for book club right now called, Sister of My Heart by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni and it's got me hooked.  Secrets of family history right off the bat are revealed.  May end my laundry routine early so I can read fifty more pages.  I haven't read a novel in quite some time, so am enjoying the little book escape.

Our oldest is on his first overnight school trip for baseball these next few days.  They left this morning at 4:15AM.  Yep, early!   But, he got up right away when I woke him up so know he was looking forward to it.  Bags were packed with hand warmers, sweatshirts and flip flops and swimming suit and batting gloves and the like.  I hope he enjoys the trip and hits a double.

My husband is so handsome.  (Just thought I'd throw that in.)

This kitty drops and sleeps where ever she feels sleepy.  She walked into the room and just stopped, rolled over and closed her eyes.  She's a funny girl. 

I'm not much of a tv watcher (except for Downton Abbey of course) but love having The Chew on while I'm doing house stuff.  I adore all of the hosts and find them to be real people on tv talking about food and the like.  You'll have to check it out one of these mornings.  I know you'll enjoy it.    

I hope you take a few moments today to take some deep breaths, roll your window down (except if it's snowing) and let the fresh air fill your being and be grateful for all that is ours.   Enjoy your Thursday (With a Dash of Stuff).

Today is the Day

Today is the day...

to open the door for the stranger behind you.

to breathe during rush hour and enjoy the song on the radio.

to watch the sunset until it disappears.

to read ten pages of your latest book.
to take a hot bath with candlelight.
to turn off the tv.
to unplug for an hour.
to write a letter to a friend.
to listen to the sounds that surround you and really hear them.
to eat a new food.
to say your prayers.
to listen to your heart and go for it.
to wear your favorite socks even if they don't match your outfit.
to hold your children.
to love those around you.

Today is the day.

Listen to the Whispers of your Heart

Her car was jutting out from the driveway into the street.  Obviously not where a car belongs.   We drove past her, me looking back at her all the while we drove into the next driveway and pulled into the garage.  Something just wasn't right.  I didn't really know her other than the once or twice I was introduced to her when she was visiting from college.  Her body language in the car showed hurt and with her head bowed, my instinct knew something wasn't right.

We pulled into the garage and told my husband I was going to walk over and see if she was alright.  He followed a few steps behind me.  She got out of the car as I headed her way and just stared at me, saying nothing really.  I asked if she was ok, and already knowing the answer to the question, I walked right over to her and gave her a big hug as her tears fell.   Her car was stuck on the ice and couldn't get it into the garage.  That's not why she was crying though.  I didn't ask why, but told her everyone has one of those days now and again and that she would be ok and get through it.  She looked at me and just smiled.  I hugged her once again as my husband tried to move the car up the steep ice rink.  I told her I'd go get some cat litter and she'd be in the house in a few minutes.   

Sure enough, a cup of the deodorizing magic grains onto the ice in front of the tires, and my husband was on his way up the mini Mt. Everest of a driveway.   She breathed a sigh of relief and said thank you.  We told her if she needed anything to come right back over to our front door and knock and we'd be there.  

It was my gut that told me something wasn't right.  That instinct that whispers in your head, "do something, don't sit."  I only share this because that little voice in your head, is there for a reason.  It's purposeful. It's meaningful.  It's your heart telling you to act in a compassionate way.  When you act or make a decision out of love, rather than fear, there can never be a wrong choice.   Listen to your heart when it speaks to you.  Listen to that whisper that finds its way into your ear.  Listen and listen well.   What may seem like a simple action to you, may be the huge difference in someone's day.   Don't be afraid to act, but simply act out of love and listen to your heart.

I'm Blushing....Thank You

I was recently nominated for the Liebster Award from my sweet blogger friend, Ginger, over at 
The Amateur Writer and just now have had a few minutes to sit down and say, thank you.  I'm blushing and tickled pink you thought of me.

The award comes with a few rules:

The Rules
Share 11 facts about myself.
Answer 11 questions from my nominator.
Nominate 11 followers (with less than 200 followers) for the award.
Create 11 questions for the nominee to answer.
When the Nominee is finished you must link it back to me (as I did above) in your blog post.

So, without further adieu, I happily accept this award and am honored you have come by today to share in all my beautiful blow award glory.

Here goes...

11 Facts About Me

1. I have been happily married for 22 years and am mom to two amazing boys, 16 & 12.
2. If you call me to meet for tea or pie, I will drop everything and meet you, no questions asked.
3. I could sit in a boat on a lake for hours and hours without talking.
4. I am a photographer, a poet and a writer, yet never call myself such things to others.
5. I believe God has plans for me and continue to ask for hints from Him daily.
6. I don'l like dogs. We, here, are cat people.
7. I am a morning persona and have troubles staying awake for movie night.
8. I have a secret desire to be on Broadway on day (or off-off-Broaday is ok too).
9. I believe everything happens for a reason and do not believe in coincidence, ever.
10. I have 7 books on my nightstand, all started and not one finished.
11. I believe everyone is inherently good, when it comes right down to it.

Answer 11 Questions From my Nominator

1. What's your favorite date night activity?    - Order in and watch a movie together. Pretty simple.
2. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?  -To be more patient.
3. What would be your dream job?  - A magazine writer/editor or photographer or a research guru.
4. What bones have you broken?  -Zero
5. Name one thing you've always wanted to try. -Living in New York City
6. Chocolate or vanilla?  -Vanilla
7. Why do you blog? -I blog as a creative outlet and to hopefully inspire other to be true to themselves.
8. What's your favorite hobby? -Reading and learning about any and every thing.
9. What season of the year do you like most? - Fall because of the cool crisp weather and the smell of ripe apples.
10. Would you consider yourself a dreamer or realist? -My heart is a dreamer and my head is a realist and most often act as a realist.
11. What household chore could you wish you would never have to do again? - Duh, Laundry!

Blogs I Nominate for a Liebster Award

Daytons Day to Day

Clumsy Crafter

Finding Joy

Finding Beauty in the Ordinary

Questions for my Nominated Blogs to Answer

1. What is your favorite book of all time?
2. Where do you go when you need to be quiet?
3. Do you run in the rain or watch from inside?
4. What do you do when you're "in a mood" and need to get out of it?
5. Do you Pinterest
6. What is your favorite vacation sport?
7. Are you a morning person or night owl and why?
8. Do you play an instrument?  Which one(s)?
9. What music do you always turn to to energize you?
10. If you were a fish, what kind would you be?
11. If I asked you to pack your bags, where would you hope I was taking you?

Thank you so much, for stopping by today.  I love that you spent a few minutes in my corner of the world with me.  It's like blogging chocolate (or vanilla in my case)!  Happy Sunday.