Embroidery, Anyone?

So I haven't embroidered anything since I was probably 11 years old. My great aunt (Matante, whom I affectionally call "Mut") taught me to embroider when I was seven or eight years old, and I did a few projects during the summers I spent at her house.

Anyway, I've recently become interested in the craft again, especially after seeing some beautiful Ukrainian embroidery pieces.

This year I would like to make my own Ukranian Easter Basket, and I want it to be complete with a decorative embroidered piece - that I made myself!!!

I went online, and sure enough, I found some pretty neat designs, which I am subsequently using and / or modifying to create my own unique design.


I'll let you know how mine turns out!

Virtual March For Life

So I wasn't able to make it to Washington DC for the second year in a row, but no worries! I found this great website and thought I'd pass it on!


www.virtualmarchforlife.com

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Back from Retreat

This past weekend we had our opening of the year MDiv retreat. It was great! We went to the Sisters of St. Francis of Perpetual Adoration convent in Mishawaka IN and had 24 hours of semi-contemplative bliss punctuated by short conferences on the Spirituality of St. Francis de Sales and St. Jeanne de Chantal.

I had some good QT with Jesus, and caught up with my classmates - chatted with my formation director about some thing weighing heavy on my heart, and then had a beautiful closing Mass with our new MDiv director, after which a few friends of mine went out for dinner at a local cafe near campus which makes a lovely Grilled Brie sandwich (which is to die for!)

http://www.lulascafesouthbend.com/

Overall, a good day!

The Love Box

So those of you who know me well know that one of my hobbies is reading self-help books, which, are actually quite helpful! One of the tips I recently picked up from one of them is to have a little collection of notes and things from others that make you feel loved (Sounds cheesy, I know, but quintessential for my emotional well-being!). When I was home over break, I rummaged through my room (and even when I got back to campus, I dug through the boxes under my bed, my desk, etc.) and scrounged up a whole shoebox full of notes, letters, cards, and other miscellaneous things that others have sent to me or given me over the years that make me feel loved and appreciated. Reading through them - brought a huge smile to my face, and a warm glow to my heart!

What surprised me most - was how many of them I had kept over the years!!! Talk about being a packrat... I mean, I collected a shoe-box of these things! I guess (on a note of self-awareness), this suggests to me how important it is for me to keep these things around and to read them frequently to remind myself of how much the people closest to me really care. Here are some of the ones that made me smile the most:

"I just wanted to take a moment today to thank you for all that you've done for me as a friend and especially as a sister. Your gentle, constant love calls me to perfect myself and at the same time your lighthearted goofiness reminds me to stay joyful and childlike. Your determination makes me fight mediocrity and you teach me to be bold ... even if it means ending up with my foot in my mouth! =) .. And all the time you remind me not get too frustrated with myself. You are a strong, beautiful woman and I praise God for the gift of your friendship."

Card: "I was trying to make you the perfect valentine... then i realized, you already are the perfect valentine!"

Yearbook entry: "I'll never remember 10th grade biology because of you!"

"Hello fellow ringleader! Quit slouching in your chair and mouthing the word "waffle." You're too much fun to be around ... we're not good study buddies..."

"I just wanted to thank you a ton for teaching our confirmation class... I learned so much it really changed me! I also wanted to say you guys did an excellent job on the retreat - everyone loved it! Since then i've been trying to pray the rosary everyday. I can't even tell you how much I appreciate how much effort and time you put into us. Thank you!"

"I am so glad that God has blessed me by allowing you to be my sister! I am always inspired by your faithfulness, your maturity and your passion for your vocation as a catechist..."

"Rachel, it always seems like you're going a million miles a minute but you never forget to say something nice to people."

21st Birthday Card: For my Wonderful Daughter - I'm so proud to be your Dad. Ever since you came into the world, you've been a joy in my life --I've loved being your dad - loved helping you through changes and challenges and cheering you along the way to all your successes. From little girl to all-grown-up-woman, you've made me so proud to have you as my daughter. You're the star of so many of my sweetest memories... Dear Rachel: Congratulations on another milestone in your life. It's amazing how fast the time goes by- it only seems like yesterday that you were a brand new baby coming home from the hospital. Enjoy your day - but not too much! =)

"I'll probably remember your food more than I'll remember you, but I'd just like to wish you a happy Christmas."

"You have so much energy. I don't know how you do it. You're super cool."

"You have such a wholesome joy about you that is infectious. You never go for the cheap laugh but rather have a respectful sense of humor. You strive for openness and balance, which makes you a great listener. Your trust in God informs all that you do. You're not afraid to show your dedication to the Church, and you are a great witness for all."

What would you put in YOUR love box?

The Heroic Moment

In my daily battle with the alarm clock, this morning I came to the realization that:

to snooze is human,
to get up, divine.

The amount of grace it takes to get up at the sound of the first alarm is astronomical, but I am confident "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." (Phil 4:13).

Now for some inspiration from St. Jose Maria Escriva:

THE WAY, #206

The heroic minute. It is the time fixed for getting up. Without hesitation: a supernatural reflection and... up! The heroic minute: here you have a mortification that strengthens your will and does no harm to your body.

Back at ND

I'm back at ND for the Spring 2010 semester -

Lots of good things to look forward to - new classes, new profs, new adventures

Christianity in Africa - sounds like a fun course!
Religion & Literature In Light of Job - also sounds like an interesting course!

Also, there are two potential major travel adventures looming on the horizon

Rome for a Conference courtesy of the ND Theo dept / MDiv?
and the Holy Land - courtesy of a Summer Course with Gabriel Reynolds....

More to come!