The Flower of the Imagination: a Case for Dragons

May 3, Feast of Sts. Phillip and James, apostles.

{Please note:  This is a Catholic-interest post, I'm afraid, but that doesn't mean non-Catholics can't chime in and/or enjoy.  Just keep in mind that I write from a heavily Catholic perspective and that a suggestion to dismiss moral value in the arts will be a bit irrelevant to the conversation!}

I've been troubled by a literary trend in the Catholic community that draws severe lines of categorization regarding moral archetypes.*  Harry Potter is the obvious example, an engaging albeit imperfect series with some beautiful moments reflecting Christian truth and values.  But the mere mention of the word "witch" cause some to banish it from their bookshelves forever, without even cracking open the cover.

There is more witchy to Harry Potter than the word, I'll grant, but what about other stories that rename symbols or use the imagery from another culture or civilization?  What about the well-loved A Wrinkle in Time, which merely uses the word "witch" tongue-in-cheek to stand-in for celestial beings, perhaps even angels?  What about the wizard Merlin who appears as a sage and a Christian in C.S. Lewis's That Hideous Strength, who is allowed to use the last bit of pre-Fallen Earth's command of nature to save the world and then to pass on?

In the same type of severity, dragons are dismissed as evil in all literature, and any treatment of a dragon as good is an inversion of truth.  As Catholics, we believe that what is not true comes from the Enemy--that is why he is called the Father of Lies.  But are all symbols so iron and non-negotiable?

In the east, dragons are wise and often benevolent, associated with luck and prosperity.  It's hard to say that this is an inversion, since the civilizations of Asia are far older than those of western Europe, except in the sense that they're symbols are opposite ours.  Which would only make sense, as we are on opposite sides of the globe.

But, people argue, in the Bible the serpent is cursed by God, and should always be associated with evil. Well then, say I, what about Moses's use of the snake on the staff--not even a real snake, but a seeming idol!--to heal and perform miracles?  With this task he was charged by God Himself.  It seems that even in the same cultures, sometimes symbols can be inverted.

There's a similar case for witches.  According to the Oxford English Dictionary, the word witch first appears without any negative connotation; it's not until several centuries later that a second usage appeared that was more or less synonymous with the idea of witches we have today--devil-worshipers or evil spirits (citation as soon as I get back to the library).  Even then, the clear-cut dichotomy of magic being always evil did not exist** and in fact didn't become the majority belief until the late Middle Ages.  Before then, the belief in the supernatural other than God lived side-by-side with a deep devotion to the Church.  One need only look at Ireland as late as the first half of the twentieth century.

I have a theory that the reason why no one saw a problem with this apparent hypocrisy was because it was kept in the proper order: God was Lord.  And the other creatures or ways were rendered impotent, with the sign of the Cross or a a consecrated Host.  Dracula illustrates a superb example of the sovereignty of Christ.  Modern supernatural thrillers would be over a lot sooner if they'd just call the exorcist to bring in the Eucharist.

Vampires are another archetype enjoying a great revival at the moment.  Though as far as I know, vampires have in every time and place been on the evil spectrum of archetype, I have no problem with the modern obsession of redeeming them . . . so long as it is done believably and does not indulge in what Flannery O'Connor calls "sin against art."  I think clinging to the original archetype of the vampire as something dangerous, depraved, and hungry for redemption (John 6:54, anyone?) is what makes him so attractive to modern readers--not that the archetype is inverted so that vampires now appear good rather than bad.***  Our generation is all too familiar with the attractiveness of evil . . . aware of the that strong, thin thread of the Holy Spirit, calling us to salvation.

When I was younger, I used to believe that there were far more absolute truths than there actually are.  Absolute truths about what is beautiful and modest, what is the proper form of worship, who is in the right and wrong on particular political and philosophical issues, even absolute truths in parenting.  But experience and gentle discipline from God have taught me otherwise.

That is not to say that we shouldn't approach our reading material with caution: those with sound formation have a far greater chance for sifting the truth and beauty from the trash and poison in modern literature.  Those struggling or with young children have greater need for discernment.  But if we sweep all stories with non-evil dragons, benevolent witches, and less-than-saintly protagonists into the same off-limits categories, we risk experiencing the deepness that is the story of our Redemption.  We skip to the Resurrection at expense of the Cross.  

We must find a way to kill the weed without uprooting the flower.

------------


*  For further reading, see A Landscape with Dragons by Michael O'Brien.  (Kindle version available here.)
**  I've twelve months of post-graduate study on Arthurian literature and a Master's thesis under my belt to affirm the ambiguity of the magical figure in the Dark and Middle Ages.
***  I speak with limited knowledge on the subject, as I have not read the grandam of supernatural romance, the Twilight series.

Yarn Along // WWRW

April 9, Feast of St. Mary Cleophas, who accompanied Mary, the Mother of Christ, and Mary Magdalene at the Crucifixion.

Something simple and straightforward to get back into the rhythm of crocheting: a soft baby blanket made entirely from double stitches, from here.  When I finish the rows, I'll add a shell border to tie it all in.  The yarn is called "Aran yarn," and I got it from Aldi.  I'm wondering how much more artisan yarn costs.

I've been reading aloud The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making by Catherine M. Valente to Afon at bed- and bath-time.  He only half listens, but I don't doubt for a minute that treating him like an advanced reader can only be beneficial.  I respect books far too much to withhold good ones from him based on something as insignificant as age.  c;

Ms. Valente knows her stuff.  It's delightful to read an author who has so carefully studied Faerie--and as is the way with Faerie (and fairy tales) this book isn't simpering and innocent.  There must be blood is one of the sovereign rules of Fairyland.  There's also lying, witches, blood tithes, and unsympathetic creatures, and that's only as far as we've read.  But the fickle, dangerous, and mysteriously ordered otherworld of folklore and human memory is intact and recognizable.  The witticisms abound, and are somewhere between fact and nonsense--which means it's probably, as is the way with literary things, truth.  Such as the assertion that children have no hearts, which is what makes them terribly thoughtless, reckless, and selfish, and that we grow hearts as we age.  It's biting but beautiful observation, and put in a way that maybe skims the truth of the matter far better than psychoanalysis.

I'll probably recommend The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland, especially for fans of Alice in Wonderland and The Phantom Tollbooth; but the ending remains to be seen.

In addition, I'm reading The Kings and Queens of Wales by Timothy Venning and like it very much.  It's not a tome and divides itself into neat little sections by chronology and then geography.  Research for the first Story (work on the second draft has commenced as of Monday!).  But I also consider it pleasure reading.

Joining Housewifespice and Small Things today.  Happy reading!

Saint Valentine's Day Miscellany

Feb. 12, Feast of St. Eulalia, patroness of runaways, torture victims, and widows.

I've seen a lot of Sesame Street renditions and factsforkids! picture books, and while we do enjoy reading My Fuzzy Valentine occasionally (er, my three-year-old enjoys it), the literary snob in me prefers something a little more artful.  Composition, design, storytelling, and illustration: these books about love are what we're reading for Saint Valentine's Day.

1  //  Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak isn't your classical love story, maybe, but when we read, "he wanted to be where someone loved him best of all" . . . if you have a wild things (or things), you know, you know.

2  //  All the Touch and Feel seasonal books are in our library because of how they correspond with the feast days.  And I just like seeing how they make each page and picture sensory, even if it is only the one sense (touch . . . and feel?).

3  //  The Wishing of Biddy Malone was a grocery store clearance find.  I'd not heard of Joy Cowley before, but apparently, she is a children's book giant!  Her voice as a storyteller is fantastic--she gets the Irishness into the narrative without sounding trite or silly--and the love story is a classic folklore, while remaining entirely new.

4  //  Barbara Lavalee's folksy, robust illustrations colored my childhood, and now they enrich my son's.  Like with Where the Wild Things Are, Mama, Do You Love Me? not what immediately comes to mind when you think Valentine's Day reading, but I daresay it's improved my and my son's understanding of each other.  The universality of the message is beautifully complimented by the culture-specific details.

5  //  BabyLit's Romeo & Juliet: because they're never too young to start indoctrinating with Shakespeare.  In truth, though, counting out the roses, love letters, and streets and bridges with my three-year-old has yielded positive results.

Inspired by Pam and Susan and Angie, I put together these valentines and Saint Valentine's Day printables (you can either click the picture to enlarge, right-click and print, or save them to your own hard drive and print from there or arrange in Word, Publisher, or another program).  I'll probably end up using one of their many fun project and celebratory ideas this feast day, as Afon's birthday is the day before and his birthday party the day after: no time for extra planning!

It's kind of annoying to me that the "saint" in Saint Valentine's Day is so often overlooked, so I made sure to make my pictures extra Catholic-y.  You know, short of an actual picture of the post-martyred saint.

Look at me, multitasking!  Be sure to check out Everything to Somenoe's first guest post, about one woman's St. Valentine's Day project that re-kindled first love in her marriage and this helpful homemade St. Valentine's Day at the newest housewife hub, Real Housekeeping.  Nice.

Five Favorites hosted at Moxie Wife.

What We're Reading Wednesday brought to you by HousewifeSpice.

Yarn Along

Jan. 8, Christmas weekday.

Crocheting my first hat after practicing with rounds and granny squares throughout the holiday.  I like the color, shape, and texture of this yarn, though it's nothing fancy--a cheap, acrylic off-brand.  Good for a beginner making mistakes.  I tend to do several of one pattern or item before moving on to a new, more complex one.  I learn by repetition and rhythm.

I finally finished Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card last week.  War books are easier reading for me than things like Jane Austen.  I attribute it to my Germanic and mythological interests.  I'm guessing most thirteen-year-old girls wouldn't read the Odyssey over Pride and Prejudice.  I still haven't read Pride and Prejudice.  I should just turn in my lit. degrees now, right?

Ender's Game was interesting, and hard to place.  I thought it pretty graphic, though no more than A Clockwork Orange, 1984, and other negative utopian classics.  I'm guessing the reason why I noted the violence in Ender's Game is because of its association as a young adult novel, my fore-knowledge of the author as a practicing Mormon, and, most importantly, the fact that the main characters are all children.  It resonated with a similar uneasiness as The Lord of the Flies, that children should be exposed to and capable of such evils, even genius children.

I think I liked it.

One of its strengths is that it's very straightforward and doesn't try any of this fancy modernist framing or unreliable narration.  I was caught off guard over and over by how non-complex the complicated motivations and characterizations were--and no, that wasn't a stutter.  Ender's Game is probably the first novel I've read that has genuinely complex and intricate depictions of human nature and the psyche portrayed with deliberate clarity rather than confusion.  I'm betting that's why it's so popular, because it's accessible.  One could even say there's a clear moral order.  While not directly depicted in the novel, it's there like a light from the outside, casting shadows and coloring the whole of the story.  My only complaint is that the tone and plot revelations in the end were jarring and gave me the impression that it was tacked on after the fact to smooth the way for sequels.

Had my latest doctor's visit today, and tests came back positive for lingering mycoplasma, which explains the constant illness.  It's like mono in that way, but you might have heard of it as walking pneumonia.  The doctor prescribed a special antibiotic because the typical ones aren't effective for treating mycoplasma.  I'm still convinced in my bones that there is a deeper problem going on here, because this kind of infection attacks the very young, the very old, or those with weakened immune systems.  Which is basically what I've been saying all along.  I feel the wake of it almost every day.  Thanks for your continued prayers.   xx

Seven Quick Takes: Volume 28

Dec. 21, Feast of St. Peter Canisius, priest and doctor.  This remarkable Jesuit almost single-handedly re-evangelized Central Europe, founded dozens of colleges, revitalized Catholicism with his prodigious writings, and laid the groundwork for the Catholic Reformation north of the Alps.  Declared a Doctor of the Church in 1925, he is patron of Germany, the Catholic press, and catechism writers.  Also, east of St. Thomas the Apostle in the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite.

I've got out of 7 Quick Takes lately, mostly because I'm really bad at them (ask an absentminded bookworm professor type to do anything "quick," I dare you!), but there are some days that I just have a lot of little things to say, and this is one of them.  So, without further ado:

-- 1 --

I waffle between under- and over-exaggerating my struggles.  What one day seems to be a true-to-life, honest examination of what's-happening seems on other days like a drama queen performance; what is judicial silence and determination of irrelevance on good days seems like prideful denial on bad ones.

I hope I didn't upset anyone too much by my "confessions" yesterday.  It's hard to know how to say it.  I've been put into place by dear ones who remind me to be a reverse Pharisee by denying need when need is real is not the Christian way.  Especially if I'm not at the place spiritually where I really don't care about my own suffering (pray that I get better at that, won't you?).  But it's all relative.  When I see what others are going through--a mother of two under two who just found out this Christmastime that she has cancer; a dear friend whose husband is dying; a coworker who admits she has never felt happy in her entire life; a relative who spends Christmas alone because her only son died years ago--I realize my issues are drops in an ocean of suffering.

So somewhere between everything-is-fine and the-world-is-ending, there's me.  I just wanted to share my thoughts as an exercise in reflection, in hopes it could help others the way it helped me.  And you needn't worry: I've come to the conclusion about a year back that I would not be too proud to ask for help--but I would only ask for that help if it's truly needed.

-- 2 --

And how the Lord provides!  I should have mentioned during the mild ranting that at the company Christmas party I got a gift card to Subway and a Christmas bonus; my EBT card was spontaneously renewed when I went to fill out the forms online this week; the Saint Vincent de Paul Society at my parish got wind of things and insisted on sending three bags of groceries home with me last weekend; my grandmother wrote a generous check for my Christmas present; and my folks, though out of work for two years and struggling themselves, are still in a place where they are able to and do provide anything I might need.  The Squirt will have no lack of presents from Grandmama and Grandaddy, that's for sure!

My poverty over this Advent has truly been a spiritual one.  But even in this, there is cause for rejoicing!  For how can we merit God's graces if we don't first find the gaping lack of them?

-- 3 --

I have to say, too, that not having spare money during Advent is liberating, a gift in itself (which follows on the heels of what I concluded yesterday).  Since I don't have the resources, I can't buy gifts.  Since I don't have the time, I can't make them.  Or if I do find myself with a little extra spending money, it's going to get spent on something that really wants to be given, and not just a it's-Christmas-and-it's-what-we-do-so-I-bought-you-something-even-though-I-wasn't-sure-it's-what-you-wanted.  You know?  It's a pure philosophy of gifting, in which gifting is better for the giver than the one who receives.

I might have to write more on that later.

-- 4 --

What I'm crocheting lately:

It's sweet, isn't it?  Eventually--eventually as in when Christmas is over and I'm not rushed for time-and-money economical presents--I'm going to venture into learning how to make garments like baby hats and sweaters.  My true dream, though?  Doilies.  Lace, delicate doilies, with iron hook crochets, like what Sarah makes.  Love it.

-- 5 --

(The one my husband might not want to read!)

(Hi, cariad!)

Speaking of clothing, learning how to sew has been on my radar for a while, at first as just a fun "what-if" hobby, then as a "cool people are doing it" scenario, and finally as a "I really want to make my own clothes someday" resolution.  And I don't mean in the fashion-y sense, though it'd be fun to experiment and make things inspired by otherwise obsolete fashions or considered un-cool by today's standards.  But also because things have been developing over the last two years in a direction of greater self-sufficiency and homemakery--or at least, my attraction to them has.  And certain shifts in income and lifestyle seem to support a change in that direction.

I've always had an inexplicable attraction (one of many) to spinning; and as I've picked up my crochet hook again this past autumn, I've let my mind wander along the story of production.  Even yarn from Walmart can rack up unnecessary expenses, if you're talking about really making things to supplement what you would ordinarily buy from a store.  With the handsome spindle given to me by a friend, I can spin my own yarn.  But I still have to buy the wool, and that's not something that's easily accessible either.  So get a sheep, I say to myself--or at least a cat or a dog or something, and use their fur to make your own thread, to crochet your own things.  But while we're at it, why not keep chickens, so we can have our own eggs, and maybe poultry.  In fact, why not throw in a farm?

-- 6 --

I know it seems incompatible with the prim, preppily dress girl in these photos, but my interest in semi-self-sufficiency--via either farming, urban homesteading, or community gardening--has steadily grown.  It started with an affection for rural life and peaked my interest as distributism when reading Chesterton.  Now I've come to know, on varying degrees of intimacy, families and individuals who are learned in, striving toward, or who actively maintain this alternative lifestyle.  The best part is that it's lock-in-key complimentary to the liturgical lifestyle we're already pursing.

In my internet wanderings, I've come upon a resource called the New Catholic Land Movement.  There is a greater dignity in seeing the product you have created, rather than doing abstract work for a symbol of a symbol of wealth (checks are imaginary money, and money is just made out of paper, and that paper is supposed to symbolize the gold in the national vault--wha??); or earning your daily bread by just spreading around ideas and things, rather than creating them--or worse, using and destroying them.  I see all these exceptional, lovingly and quality made items on Etsy that I actually covet, and I think, 'the only thing that keeps me from making those things myself is that I'm busy blundering doing unrelated things in order to make money so that I can eat and clothe myself and my family.'  But wouldn't it just be simpler and more satisfying to remove that nonsense in the middle and just do something that has an immediate, practical, and good end--like planting seeds for food, or keeping sheep to spin thread, or building the things you need like furniture and shelter?  A life like that wouldn't be devoid of luxury altogether, and I there's no question that there'd be a need for poets and painters, but the two types of vocations are much closer in their purpose than the modern world seems to imagine.

That's sort of the philosophy of distributism.  I know the romance would melt away for me soon enough, with hard winters and dependence on the hand of God, but I've already had to train myself in doing without, especially this past month.

-- 7 --

Last but not least, Soul Gardening is hosting its inaugural incentive offer.  Donate any amount to keep the grassroots ministry going and they will send a free copy of the award-winning "Eastern Bound" CD.  If you haven't yet, sign up to receive this quiet little journal; it is truly a must-have for any mama, stay-at-home papa, homesteader, homeschooler, or person who feels the occasional loneliness of isolation and wants lifting up by the black-and-white printed spiritual communion of the Church on earth, Catholic or no.  And oh my, the illustrations are so humbly breathtaking!

Join Jen at Conversion Diary for 7 Quick Takes Friday!

Yarn Along

Nov. 27, Wednesday of the 34th week in Ordinary Time.  Chanukkah begins.

My parents took the Squirt ahead of me to the family gathering place in the north of the state, giving me a while to compose myself and pack, prepare for the big holidays ahead (including Advent!) and rest from the past few weeks.  The autumn has been full and hectic.  I love my new job, but working six days a week is taking its toll on me--or perhaps it's just the underlying anonymous health conditions I'm trying to pinpoint and address.

The temperature is plummeting tonight, and so I'm grateful for a warm crochet blanket to spread over my lap while I catch up on Parks and Recreation and re-watch The Secret of Kells . . . hope to start Game of Thrones and Once sooner rather than later.  But this will really be the only extended vacation I have, since we work throughout the Christmas holiday (except the 24th and 25th) at the childcare center.  I've got a Sulfjan Stevens mix playing in the background, and he reminds me of winter.  I'm looking at changing the linens in the bedroom soon and growing more aware of the absence of pine-scent.  I'm feeling decidedly Scandinavian right now, as my Etsy searches reveal.

I'm reading two books, as I am usually not able to concentrate on one at a time: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban for the Harry Potter book club and Ender's Game.  Ender's Game is older than The Hunger Games trilogy and, though I haven't read the latter, it feels far more affirming.  But that may just be my knowledge of Card's Mormon beliefs and its preference by some whose opinions I regard highly.  I think I like it, though it is at some parts painful.  It surprises me with its forthrightness. With all my training for close reading, my methods flip and cancel out dealing with a theme and topic so complex in so simple prose.  I'll probably give a fuller review after I finish.

I wanted to observe Chanukkah this year, but things didn't arrange themselves favorably for it all to come together.  I was scrambling with other plans and responsibilities until the last minute, and it seems that there is not a significant enough Jewish population around here for the stores to sell menorahs.  I wanted to look up the prayers and liturgy of the holiday, and even see if there was a Catholic compliment/adaptation, like there is for Passover.  But here the Festival of Lights is upon us, and I'm none the wiser.  It will have to wait another year.

Do you or someone you know celebrate Chanukkah?  What are some of your favorite family traditions?

I think Chanukkah integrates well with the season of Advent (it usually falls later in the year, early December).  It's a compliment to the flames of the Advent wreath, the miracle of the light that the darkness failed to put out; God's goodness to His people; and a reminder that Our Lord became incarnate as a Jewish man, and that he is a Jewish man still in Heaven, now and forever.  Amen.

Coming up on the blog, I hope to do a companion decorating piece to the Hallowmass one; Micaela's special 3 Reasons I Love Catholicism Advent edition; and Haley's Advent Unplugged link-up.

I so want to "unplug" this Advent, but I really don't know what more I can give up.  I don't own a television and haven't watched anything online in two months.  I rarely go on Facebook any more, except after work when Squirt is still in the classroom, and I can steal a few minutes on my office computer.  The Harry Potter book club is suffering, and Jenna and Masha have been more than patient; plus, our time spent discussing together is so precious and empowering for me.  I'd really like to cook better, more healthful meals more frequently.  I've done dinner grab-and-go more times than I'm happy with this month.  And the laundry and cleaning are always endless; more than making me happy to have a neat home, it sometimes just must be done!  I wouldn't' mind giving up the car and subsequent costs, but, you know . . . suburban America and all.

So, all that said, I guess I'll have to think about it and get back to you.  Happy Chanukkah, friends, and, if I don't see you, a blessed Thanksgiving!

Today

Nov. 18, Feast of St. Rose Philippine Duchesne, a French nun of the Order of the Sacred Heart who became a missionary to the Potawatomi in America at the age of 71.  Her convent was a wigwam, and the Indians called her "the woman who always prays."  She is patroness against the opposition of Church authorities.

Today, I am. . .

Feeling . . . better.  Almost energetic.  Saturday I woke up feeling OK for the first time in nine days.  Also, agitated at the unfailing humidity. 

Seeing . . . all of the ridiculously cute and affordable clothing I stockpiled for the Squirt for the winter.  They're size 3, so they'll last through next year!  Poor child has looked like a ragamuffin for the past year or so, what with hand-me-downs and the distinctive lack of attractive and fashionable toddler boy clothes for reasonable prices.  I got him three sweaters, a cardigan, a polo, a long-sleeved polo, and four pairs of non-jean pants!  All right! 

Next time, maybe I'll even buy something for me! 

Smelling . . . the Squirt's lavender bedtime body wash.  Soothing. 

Tasting . . . rosemary and thyme, sauteed with mushrooms, onions, and garlic in olive oil for our dinner. 

Listening . . . to the tumble and click of the sheets in the dryer.  Monday is my day to clean the bedroom, and that means wash day! 

Grateful . . . to have good spells in-between my poor health.  And for the poor health, too, so that I can offer it for souls. 

Reading . . . Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card.  I have a theory that if I agreed to read Twilight or another favorite of Jenna's, I'd actually read Harry Potter for once!  When you've made a commitment to do something, why is everything else so tempting? 

Loving . . . the latest updates to Picmonkey. 

Hoping . . . for a secret hope.  <3

See more sensory notes at Masha's.

What We're Reading Wednesday

Nov. 6, Feast of St. Leonard of Limoges, patron of The Big Bang Theory and fine china. His intercession was credited with miracles for the release of prisoners, women in labour and the diseases of cattle.

Journey by Aaron Becker

This wordless wonder is breathtaking and imaginative.  The book opens on a little girl in the city, who can't find anyone or anything to entertain her.  Then, she picks up a red crayon, draws a door on the wall, opens it, and steps inside. . .

The Squirt and I just spent twenty minutes looking at it and telling the story to each other.  The illustrations by Mr. Becker are soft but detailed.  He's clearly spent time as a sketchbook traveler.  I recognize the acute attention to architecture mixed with soft landscape and sketchy figures.  Like an exquisite film, this book tells a full story using pictures.  It's not my medium or my specialty, but I have the deepest respect for someone who can move me with images the way Mr. Becker successfully did with Journey.

So, I guess we're not really "reading" this Wednesday.  But it's worth sharing all the same!

Yarn Along

Oct. 16, Feast of St. Hedwig, maternal aunt to St. Elizabeth of Hungary, widow and religious.  She lived a life of poverty and humility, despite being the wife and daughter of nobility, and went often barefoot, even in winter.  When her husband, the Duke of Silesia, gave her a pair of shoes and insisted she not be without them, she carried them under her arm.  After he died, she renounced all worldly goods and joined they monastery they founded together, where her daughter Gertrude was abbess.  St. Hedwig is patroness of Bavaria, brides, duchesses, death of children, marital problems, Silesia, victims of jealousy, and widows.  Also, I should think, of Harry Potter fans.

Here we are, still getting over the flu.  But the flu is not the flu, says the doctor.  It's only an upper respiratory infection, which means that we could still get the flu.  Lovely!

I'm way overdue on a Harry Potter book club post, so procrastination is definitely in order (thanks to Jenna for yet another free period!).  I adore Ginny Sheller's blog Small Things and finally have something to link up, since being bedridden does not lend itself to much more than reading, and when that causes headache, crocheting is a practical alternative.  I haven't crocheted in over a year, so to get used to it again and practice my stitches, I made this simple scarf--no pattern, nothing fancy, just a single strip of worked yarn, in a pretty autumn auburn.

I'm hoping to work myself up to a confidence level to attempt a baby afghan or two--I've got another nephew (this one through marriage) due any day now!  Eventually, I want to set the wool yarn I spun last spring and make something of that, too.

For reads, I mentioned last week that I checked out The Great Heresies from our parish library.  Belloc's keen observations are prophetic.  You get the lightning bolt about why he and Chesterton were friends at lines like this:

Heresy, then, is not a fossil subject.  It is a subject of permanent and vital interest to mankind because it is bound up with the subject of religion, without some form of which no human society ever has endured, or ever can endure.  Those who think that the subject of heresy may be neglected because the term sounds old-fashioned and because it is connected with a number of disputes long abandoned, are making the common error of thinking in words instead of ideas.

It's that unapologetic masculine tone that Chesterton shares, to which I am always so drawn, fortified, as by the voice of God--something like lions roaring, and trumpets that sound in the fortress towers to announce the dawn.

What We're Reading Wednesday

Oct. 9, Feast of Saint Denis, a third-century missionary bishop to Gaul, and one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers.   Tortured and beheaded, his body carried its severed head some distance from his execution site.  He is patron against frenzy, strife, headaches, diabolical possession, and of France.

We're ill again here and haven't done much reading at all.  Here is the short version.

1.  Little Nellie of Holy God by Sister M. Dominic

Squirt likes to look at the pictures of Little Nellie receiving Holy Communion.  This child saint was only four years old when her bishop determined that she had sufficient faith and understanding to receive the Blessed Sacrament.  She died shortly after, and the Holy Father, Pope Pius X, upon hearing of her, said it was the sign he had prayed for and moved the age down from 12 so that little children could have First Communion.

Incidentally, the picture of Little Nellie on the cover looks just like my friend's angelic child.

2.  The Great Heresies by Hilaire Belloc

I love it.  It's taken me far too long to discover this compatriot and contemporary of G.K. Chesterton.  With the same astounding clarity, he however lacks GK's joviality--not for the fainted-hearted or the easily offended.  Resounding with truth.  Expect to hear more about him later.

What We're Reading Wednesday

Sept. 25, Feasts of Saint Finbarr of Cork, from whence my husband's maternal family hails.  The Irish saint drove out a great serpent from the lake in Gougane, creating the channel that is now the river Lee.

Today is my husband's birthday!  We love you, cariad!

However, he has no interest in books, so the above three are my picks.  (Interestingly, and totally unrelated, two of the three books above have punctuation marks as part of their titles.  Huh.)

1.  Eaters of the Dead by Michael Crichton

I've been interested in this book ever since I caught scenes of the movie The Thirteenth Warrior on television and saw that it was about VIKINGS.  I wanted to know more, and gathered over the years that it was based on a book that was a re-telling of the Beowulf epic.  I knew then I had to read it.  However, I could never find it in the library, despite the popularity of this author (Crichton also wrote Jurassic Park, among others).  So last time I was at the book store, I bought this little inexpensive copy and am very happy I did.

The story is narrated by a real historical figure whom the author borrowed and adapted for his novel, naturally infusing it with veracity--but he doesn't stop there.  He makes the narrative a kind of "found" manuscript, with notes and insertions from translators and even an appendix in back, with imaginary sources and experts in the field.

Crichton adopts the voice of the Arabic courtier, Ibn Fadlan, and makes a pretty good transition between the original, true accounts and the fictional ones.  I notice a greater tendency toward poetic description and more personal reaction in the fictitious part, which makes up the entirety of the book after the first three chapters, but I didn't really notice the transition until I was already well in and won over.

The premise of the novel is that the monsters of Beowulf, particularly Grendel, were based on a historical event--actually a tribe of remnant Neanderthals that survived in Scandinavia and attacked Hrothgar's (Rothgar in the novel) hall.  The account of the event through a foreigner's eyes is well chosen because Ibn Fadlan gives us explanations and reflections that he wouldn't have if he were a Northman.  I enjoyed reading about their unique customs and culture (not sure what was fact and what was fictitious--this book has made me realize that I need to pick up some non-fiction reading on Vikings) and also this re-adaptation of a classic of Western civilization.

According to Crichton, he set out to write Eaters of the Dead to prove to a scholar friend that the saga of Beowulf was not boring.  I say, good for you!  And well done.

2.  Call to Action or Call to Apostasy? by Brian Clowes

I rented this from the parish library on a whim.  I was intrigued because I accidentally attended a Call to Action talk in college at the local Franciscan center and was shocked into a cold sweat by what the woman was saying.  It took all my strength to remain sitting, firmly gripping my chair, my jaw clenched--and a few dozen Hail Mary's besides.  This is basically a rudimentary booklet outlining the way dissenters attack the four aspects of the Church--one, holy, catholic, and apostolic--with some resources and advice for beginners wanting to get involved.  The author remains charitable and makes a clear distinction between the dissenters themselves and their unworthy intentions.  He writes, "It is not us against them.  It is all of us against Satan."  Very important.

It was a quick and easy read, and I'm glad for having read it.  However, there are probably more thorough and contemplative studies out there, if CTA, CORPUS, WATER, and other agitation groups aren't new to you.

3.  Ghosts in the House! by Kazuno Kohara

I.  Love.  This book.  It's most everything I cherish about my childhood memories of Halloween between two covers, accented by beautiful, tri-chromatic illustrations.  The crisp, elegant, and cute illustration style is so typical of Japanese children's art (think Hello Kitty), and the white-orange-black combination is surprisingly stunning and effective.  It looks like Ms. Kohara cut out tissue paper for the ghosts and glued it to her wood-block-print pictures.

The story itself is cute and fun, from the ghosts in the washing machine to the little white cat who puts on a black "catsuit" when his mistress dons her pointy witch hat!  My two-and-a-half-year-old son loves this, and I love reading it to him!  New favorite.  Perfect for Halloween.

I really want her other picture books now, Little Wizard and Jack Frost.

Seven Quick Takes: Volume ??? (Let me get back to you.)

Joining Jen at Conversion Diary for 7 Quick Takes Friday.

-- 1 --

So.  I disappeared for about a week there because MY AIR CONDITIONING BROKE.  You have to understand.  September is virtually still summer where I am, and it was worse inside than out, in an apartment that has no fans and only one tiny window that opens in the back room.  Like trying to breath and move in fudge that's just come out of the oven.

We took refuge at my parents' house for most of the week, which would have been fine and dandy if it hadn't been for the fact that. . .

-- 2 --

I started my brand new job this week!  Even though we were headquartered at my parents' house (with frequent trips home to restock on vitamins and changes of clothing), it was worth it to receive this opportunity.  I am now part-time secretary (read: Jack-of-all-trades) at a small Catholic childcare center in small Catholic community outside of the slightly larger Catholic community in which I grew up.  Daily responsibilities include writing creative ads for bulletins, polishing up the website and Facebook page, making pretty fliers for book sales and fundraisers, answering the telephone, and occasionally holding babies.  You know, the pits.  c;

I'm still working at the grocery store on Saturdays, to keep the much-needed income . . . well, coming in.

-- 3 --

Because I'm working at a childcare center, it only makes sense to take the Squirt along with me.  So he's going to be getting toddler-interaction on a regular basis now, with a lovely employee discount (totally free once DCF plucks me off the waiting list).

I also think it will be good for him to be under the care of a non-sentimental adult authority figure.  You know, to reinforce the behavior he's learning at home outside of the home.

-- 4 --

That means Sundays will be my only "off" days.  Friends, take note!

Having Sundays free regularly is a change of pace around here.  Usually, I'm having to squeeze in Mass between a late Saturday schedule and noon Sunday.

I've started walking over to the Episcopalian church the next block over to take the Squirt to the nursery.  I know the woman who watches the kids, and the church's secretary works with me at the store.  After that, it's an quick walk to the local Catholic parish for 11 o'clock Mass.  It's not our home parish, but I like that I don't have to load everyone into the car; and the Squirt and I can take our time enjoying a Sunday morning stroll, while I point out nature.

-- 5 --

I intend to carry on full-speed ahead with the Harry Potter book club (dubbed Harry Potter Project on Spinning Straw into Gold) and will try my best to continue to write timely posts.  (I'm failing already!)

About two weeks ago, we had our first live Harry Potter book club meeting in a small natural food store while Jenna was down visiting with her grandmother.  Masha joined us via Skype.  The other patrons probably gave sideways glances when I announced that out loud, but I! Just! Don't! Care!  It was that awesome.

We can confirm that Jenna is a flesh-and-blood person.  Jury is still out on Masha.  c;

-- 6 --

All this on- and off-the-clock activity does not bode well for my writing.  While I am a little grieved at that, in over the summer I've solidified the knowledge that my storyteller track is one for the long run.  And I'm okay with that.  I'd rather take a long time doing something, and do it right (or at least well).

And who knows?  Maybe I will find myself in a cottage in north Wales, my husband playing with our son in the garden, me pregnant with our second (of many?), and writing by the open window in the quiet evening with a hot cuppa after supper, this time next autumn.

Only probably much louder and messier.

In the meanwhile, I've a poem in the newest issue of Dappled Things and one in Goblin Fruit, with a recording of me reciting it.  Goblin Fruit is great fun for the imagination, visibly beautiful, and in harmony with the seasons, but their poems tend to the more fantastical and hard-to-interpret.

These may be the last publications for a while.  We'll see.  As others have noted, autumn tends to be a writing time

-- 7 --

Speaking of seasons, I've had it on my heart for a good while now to order our lives toward the seasons, both literal and liturgical.  I'm not entirely sure how I'm going to do that.  For one, the seasons are subtle here, and while beautiful in their own way, I'm an Anglophile raised in the mid-west.  I want my stark fall, winter, spring, and summer.  For another, I wasn't raised steeped in Catholic culture until I was an adolescent, and even then it was only a Sunday and praying-before-meals thing.  I crave the monastic rhythm of the middle ages, the liturgy laced inseparably with the harvest cycle, like bone and muscle.  But how does one incorporate that in an age that is so detached?

And how does one do that working almost thirty hours a week, and keeping house and making healthful meals, and raising a two-year-old?

What We're Reading Wednesday

What?  Yes?  Reading?

My absence from the internet in times of business reaps benefits other than accomplishing my necessary tasks.  It means that in those snatched minutes between breathless runnings to-and-fro . . . I can read!  That, and I'm getting over a cold, and nothing says get-over-your-cold faster than forgoing all chores for reading in bed (while your two-and-a-half-year-old "deconstructs" the house).

What we're reading this Wednesday is:

1.  Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling

It started off a bit slow for me, which might explain why I never continued with the series the first time I read The Sorcerer's Stone.  It picks up after the first three chapters or so, as my fellow book-clubbers promised.  People seem to either love this one or hate--sometimes both.  Reactions to chapters two-at-a-time can be found here.

2.  House of Many Ways by Diana Wynne Jones

This sequel to Howl's Moving Castle (one of my all-time faves) took a little bit more time to get into.  If I had to put my finger on why, I'd say that the young girl in an old woman's disguise was an interesting inversion of the traditional fairy tale and that I was pretty much a Howl fangirl from the word "go" (why?  I'm sure a real-life Howl would be outright insufferable!)  But HoMW has proved to be quietly enjoyable.

The magic in Diana Wynne Jones's novels are of a domestic sort--you won't find wand-waving and army-conquering, at least not right away--what you do get is a lot of laundry multiplying, soap bubbles, and spells to unfreeze pipes.  I like it a lot; it shakes off the staleness of high fantasy tropes while retaining the delight.  Jones's characters are severely clear-cut: you've no confusion about them, how they feel about the world, and what their mission is just a few pages in, but they're not two-dimensional.  There's quite a lot of hrumphing and foot-stomping.  And it's nice to get such a straightforward plan of action from an author.

"What do you mean by tidying up my room?" Charmain demanded. 

Peter looked injured, even though Charmain could tell he was full of secret, exciting thoughts. 

 "I thought you'd be pleased," he said. 

"Well, I'm not!" Charmain said.  She was surprised to find herself almost in tears.  "I was just beginning to learn that if I drop something on the floor it stays dropped unless I pick it up, and if I make a mess I have to clear it away because it doesn't go by itself, and then you go and clear it up for me!  You're as bad as my mother!" 

"I've got to do something while I'm alone here all day," Peter protested.  "Or do you expect me to just sit here?" 

"You can do anything you like," Charmain yelled.  "Dance.  Stand on your head.  Make faces at Rollo.  But don't spoil my learning process!"

In the context of a story like House of Many Ways, the main character stating her growth mid-novel isn't just appropriate--it's hilarious.  And there are a lot of moments like this one in HoMW.  Also, Jones's style of writing makes a case that you don't have to write complicated prose for a good story, but you do have to be something of a wordsmith to make simple writing sing.  I haven't finished it yet, but I'm already looking forward to reading it with my son when he's of age.

3.  Ruby's Wish by Shirin Yim Bridges

This beauteous picture book from the library has been one of our favorite nightly reads.  I like east Asian culture in an amount disproportionate for someone with absolutely no ties to it (same with Scandinavia, actually), and the story is well-crafted and satisfying.  The illustrations by Sophie Blackall are stylized effectively; I enjoy seeing something new in them with every read.

Ruby's Wish is about a little girl nick-named Ruby growing up in old China, as the grandchild of a very large and wealthy family.  She loves to learn, but she is disappointed that only boys grow up and go to university.  When she expresses this disappointment to her grandfather, he takes it carefully into consideration.  Then, one New Year, instead of lucky money from her grandfather, she is given a letter from a university accepting her as one of the very first female students.  The last illustration shows a two-part picture frame, with the illustrated little Ruby on the left, and a real photograph of the author's grandmother on the right--a true story!--gives me goosebumps every time I read it, and you'll have to discover the last line for yourself!

Today

Linking up with Masha over at  Piękno.  Go look at her beautiful photos!

Today, I am . . .

Feeling . . . rough.  After last month's rushing, I dropped walking in the mornings completely, and pretty much ate whatever I could get my hands on.  Then vacationing and some drinks last night with coworkers . . . I think it's time to jump on the detox bandwagon.  It's amazing knowing how much the daily routine and healthful minded habits made me feel so much better physically.

Seeing . . . all the beautiful photos from my sister-in-law's baby shower and Pensacola beach.  Hope to share some this week if things finally calm down!  (But don't count on it just yet . . . a brand new niece or nephew and a visit from a long-distance friend are coming soon!)

Smelling . . . the medicated lotion I've self-prescribed for prickly heat rash.  I'll leave it at that!

Tasting . . . nothing.  I should get some breakfast!

Listening . . . to the lawn maintenance crew outside.  Always annoying to hear that mid-morning on a day off, especially after a late night.  And this song.

Grateful . . . that summer is almost over.  It's brutal down here.  And fall is my favorite season.

Reading . . . still Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.  But while I was at the beach, I casually picked up And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie and read it in two sittings.  A very enticing and easy read.

Loving . . . this warm tan I picked up from Gulf coast sunshine.

Hoping . . . for a calmer week.

Today

Linking up with the inspiring Masha at Piękno.

A secret kept, by one mama for another.  c;

Today, I am

Feeling . . .  tired!  I've been going without stopping these past few weeks, and even when I've managed to catch up on sleep I feel the tiredness of the lack of spiritual and mental rest.  But, I am able-bodied and blessed and buoyed up by the Holy Spirit and love of friends, so I'm not complaining (not at the moment, anyway!).

Seeing . . .  several papercrafts online for the upcoming baby shower.  I love DIY so much, especially the useless kind, like decorations.  You can do so much more with pretty handy things than with store-bought party supplies.

Smelling . . .  my lingering Butterfly Flower perfume from the friend's wedding I attended on Saturday--the fresh, floral scent I wore at my own wedding three years ago.  <3

Tasting . . .  popcorn, with just some oil and salt.  It's so delicious.

Listening . . .  the contented jabber of my son--little, monosyllabic shouts of enthusiasm.

Grateful . . .  for the internet.  Really.  After being forcibly kept from it more than I am accustomed, I realize how important it is for connecting me with friends and higher thinking that fuels me through the less-than-interesting and tiresome times.

Also, for civil debates and discussions.  Wish there were more of these, especially on the 'net.

Reading . . .  Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.  I've also rented an old favorite from the library, The Moorchild, but at the rate things are going, it'll be due before I put a significant dent in it.

Loving . . .  this late-summer time of year, when the light is deep, rich amber--the summer not quite yet drawing to a close, but well along.  A sunflower season.

Hoping . . .  for a cleaner home tomorrow!  For some time to write letters and catch up on reading.  For a relaxing stay on the beach this upcoming week.  For many photos of my son and grandmother together.  For love notes from my husband, and to see him again in person sooner rather than later.

Seven Quick Takes // What I Wore Sunday

Linking up with Conversion Diary and Fine Linen and Purple!

-- 1 --

I wouldn't have if I couldn't have, but I can, so I will.  I said I'd do a What I Wore Sunday linky--had all the images ready and everything!  Credit to my sis Caroline for the photographs (and flattering pose advice).

Polka-dot dress:  Rabbit Rabbit Rabbit (Bealles)
Cardigan:  Mossimo Supply Co. (Target)
Flats:  Mossimo Supply Co. (Target)
Costume watch:  Premier Jewelry
Glasses:  Walmart (is that a brand?)
Gold crucifix:  jewelry store/gift shop at the tippy-top of Saint Peter's Basillica
Naturally frizzy hair:  genes, by Mother Nature

-- 2 --

I hauled the Squirt into the car last Sunday for a 55 minute drive to the closest Marionite Rite Catholic parish: part of an idea I've had in my mind for the past six months beginning the Squirt's Catholic education and enriching my own.  It was a pretty little church, sparse but arranged like other Roman Catholic churches I've been in (not the octagonal ones, thank goodness!).  Though there wasn't an abundance of art, what they had was mostly iconography--with a photo of Pope Francis and the traditional Sacred Heart painting--and lots of pretty writing in Arabic.  So pretty.  Did I mention how pretty it was?

I expected the Mass to more closely resemble the Latin extraordinary form, but it too appeared to have been modified via Vatican II.  The priest faced away from the altar, responses came readily from the congregation, and I only counted two veils.  Before the reading, the lecterns turned to the priest and asked him to bless them, which he did, and then blessed the rest of the congregation as well.  For the sign of the peace, the ushers walked down the aisle, from the front to the back, and greeted only the people on outside of the pews.  Instead of shaking hands, the ushers placed their palms together in a prayerful gesture and held them out, and the people placed their palms on the outside of the ushers' hands and slid them off.  I've never known anyone from the Middle East very well or otherwise been exposed to the culture, but I assume that is how they shake hands!

The sacred music consisted overpowering voices chanting in Lebanese, though I could discern an "amen" and an "alleluia" every once in a while.

I didn't get to take any pictures or stay around and socialize because the Squirt was being Especially Bad.  But I don't regret taking him, and I'm really glad we went.  I wouldn't mind going back, so . . . we'll see how my days work out that I'm free and able to drive two extra hours to attend church.

-- 3 --

Yesterday was my mom's birthday, so my sister made a homemade red velvet cake with cream cheese icing.  It was so soft and spongy and moist.  Happy birthday, Mom!  Happy birthday, Uncle Chris!

-- 4 --

Here is the sprightly lady at a the tender age of [message garbled]--ahem.  My sister took the photo of her on the same day she did the ones of me above.  I tried to give her some instruction, but the posing and look-capture is all her.

I edited this photo in RAW format for clarity, lighting, and sharpness.  Also messed with the noise reduction, which I'm not entirely sure is necessary.  I can't remember if I adjusted the white balance or not.

No makeup--pretty good, right?

But I wanted to give her the softness a little makeup would add (not that she needs it--my dad is insistent).  So I converted the RAW file to JPG and uploaded it to Photoshop.  Using the Perfect Portrait action from Coffeeshop Blog, I smoothed her skin, reduced redness, whitened her teeth and pupils, highlighted and brightened her eyes (these things are done manually by "painting" on the photo in different "layers").  There probably wouldn't have been much to do if I'd had my soft lens filter on the camera that day.

In the latter photo below, I played with lighting so that it looks like the evening is creeping up from behind on the left.  (The photo was taken at dusk.)

Last, in Picmonkey, I added some color to her lips and cheeks

and experimented with different types of effects.

There's even a tool to smooth/remove wrinkles, but I stand against that on principle!

I feel like I'm getting more and more ready to start a little side business soon.  Thoughts?

-- 5 --

Tomorrow my sister and I are attending the wedding of a college friend of mine.  I haven't seen him since my own wedding, and I'm looking forward to toasting the nuptials and dancing like nobody-that-I-actually-know-is-watching.

-- 6 --

The Squirt got his British passport in the mail on the same day Queen Elizabeth's great-grandson was born.  He is now officially a citizen of "her Britannic Majesty."  I quipped on Facebook that someone should be made aware that my boy is now available and eligible for the position of Tiny Gentleman-in-Waiting.

-- 7 --

Read the first chapter of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets--hope to have the introductory post on that up before Monday (fingers crossed?).  See Jenna!