Today

Nov. 4, Feast of St. Charles Borromeo, patron against ulcers, intestinal disorders, stomach diseases, colic, and of apple orchards, bishops, catechists, catechumens, seminarians, spiritual directors, spiritual leaders, and starch makers.  I don't know if what is meant by "colic" is a sad disposition or fussiness in babies.  If the latter, that knowledge would have come in handy when the Squirt was an infant!

Masha's recipe for soul cake gives "piece of cake" a whole new meaning!

Today, I am . . .

Feeling . . . calm.  The initial rush of autumn and October is over.  For a few weeks, we have peace to look forward to, with nothing but our own little goals and private commitments. November is a lovely month, contemplative, especially in the light of October, but also because it is the month of the Holy Souls.  (Don't forget to pray for them!)

Seeing . . . the Halloween decorations come down.  And you know what?  I'm not a bit sad.  That's the funny thing about holidays (holy days) and seasons.  You don't want them to be always.  Already I feel the turning of the wheel, and that time of year, the excitement, the indescribable aura, is fading away and we are moving on.  It's time. 

Smelling . . . the autumn-scented candle burning in a fresh, clean bedroom. 

Tasting . . . pumpkin!  So much pumpkin.  Everywhere.  Pumpkin cookies, pumpkin seeds, pumpkin butter,  pumpkin soup, pumpkin sauteed in a pan with olive oil, salt, and spices . . . everything but pumpkin pie (which, interestingly, is my least favorite pumpkin food).  Delicious! 

Listening . . . to "10,000 Reasons" by Matt Redman.  I'm not a big contemporary worship music fan, but this one is good.

Also, a talk on CD by Dr. Scott Hahn on the New Evangelization, about how it is a Eucharistic evangelization.  Highly recommended. 

Grateful . . . for online thrifting.  In other words, threadUP.  My world will never be the same!  Click the link to shop and get a $10 credit applied to your order at checkout.  Sorry to sound like an advertisement, but I'm really excited about this.  The clothes are so cute and like new!  I got an entire winter wardrobe for the Squirt between $3 and $5 apiece!  Delivered straight to my door.  Awwwwwwwwwww, yeah. 

Reading . . . nothing . . . yet!  But The Prisoner of Azkaban is right around the corner, kids! 

Loving . . . our cozy little home.  The Eucharist.  The profound peace that comes from surrender and obedience to Holy Mother Church (can you tell I just went to Confession?). 

Hoping . . . to finish up my Halloween series tomorrow.

See more Today sensory notes over at Piękno.