From the Outside Looking In…

Yes, today is my birthday!  I am so grateful to have the opportunity to celebrate my 25th birthday once again. 
I have received so many good wishes from people in person, over the phone, and over facebook.  I am so thankful for all of the people in my life who have taken the time [...]

October 4th is the feast day of Saint Francis of Assisi.  Beyond the “talking to the animals” reputation, Saint Francis sparked a movement of men and women that continues over 800 years later.  Franciscans take all different shapes, sizes, colors, and ministries.  Some live alone, most in community, but all in the charism of St. [...]

Ah, yes.  There are lots of leftovers in the fridge and the third load of dishes has just finished in the dishwasher. Last night was wonderful.  Our guests began to arrive at 3:30 and our menu was as follows:
Appetizers
Crostini with diced tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, and fresh basil
Stuffed mushrooms
Deviled….er, resurrection-themed eggs
Entrees
Baked Ham with a honey [...]

Let’s just say I was exhausted.  Well, I was!  I did not get home from the airport until late in the evening after having to direct the driver of my shuttle all the way back to my home after all of the other stops he made for the other passengers.  Waking up this morning after [...]

So, my dad was discharged from the hospital today and he seems to be feeling a bit better.  Of course we are not clear of any concern at this time.  He still is having difficulty walking and breathing at times.  There is still fluid building up around his heart and in his lungs – doesn’t [...]

So I got a phone call a few days ago that my father was in the hospital.  A shock to me for two reasons: first, it was my sister who called and the last time she called me was to tell me my mother had died back in 2001.  Usually I am the one to [...]

I cannot believe another year has come and gone, and I cannot believe where I am today and the perspective from which I write today.  There is no way to predict the future and, if it was even possible, I am not sure I would want to.  This has been, relatively speaking, an amazing year.
This [...]

I really enjoy the flavor of pumpkin.  I found a great recipe online last night for pumpkin pancakes.  How yummy does that sound?!?
Last year I carved a pumpkin at home one quiet evening and later roasted the seeds I had taken out of it.  The crunchy seeds were a nice, nutritious snack for a few [...]

Something got me thinking about having children – oh, yea, it was the 260 of them around me throughout the day.
I know that one day we will have a family, children of our own.  How that is going to happen and in what time frame is still being discussed, although my biological clock is ticking.  [...]

I have come to appreciate the joy that is contained in a simple kiss. A little treat that just touches the lips and sends a slight shiver down my back. I could enjoy partaking in kisses all night long but it is probably not a healthy use of my time. Sometimes after a [...]