Monday, June 30, 2014

First day of vacation - but not from faith


My first day of vacation involved taking the dog to the vet for her annual, sorting and discarding some papers, and reading a book for school. Doesn't sound like much, but it is 90 with high humidity. If I move away from the fan - heck, if I move - the sweat starts.

I did get to watch when the Hobby Lobby decision came, and engage in some online debating.

I've also been thinking about spiritual growth. Tomorrow, I plan to call over to the local Catholic spirituality center to set up a meeting to talk about a spiritual director. I don't know if I will find one there, but I need to start.

Lately, I've been struggling. Wandering mind. For example, yesterday at Mass I found myself getting so distracted that I began silently reciting the Jesus Prayer to get my mind focused. I need advice, help, a "deadline" (as in, knowing I'm meeting with the director so I need to get to what I need to do) to help me. It's like that with band practice: I feel compelled to practice at home as band practice time nears.

Gotta start a new spiritual reading book as well. Maybe time to start the Franciscan workbook.

Pax et bonum

Friday, June 27, 2014

Summer begins


Now that two days of workshops are out of the way, Summer begins. I've already started the reading for next year - though there was a switch in classes on Tuesday and I have to prepare for another class. Gotta reread Macbeth - and The Merchant of Venice. (Not really a chore for me!).

Still haven't been able to post to Hubpages - have to figure that out next week. I also plan to do some painting; the bedroom is only half painted.

Pax et bonum

Sunday, June 15, 2014

Summer reading - initial projections


I still have a week of grading to finish - but already I'm beginning to plan for summer reading.

I'm teaching a course I haven't taught in a couple of years, so I have to reread some of the books to get ready. And I need to review some of the books for my current main course.

So here's a tentative starting list:

The Divine Comedy - Dante (my fun reading)
Handbook for Secular Franciscan Servant Leadership (for my vocation)
Consider the Ravens: On Contemporary Hermit Life -  Paul Fredette and Karen Fredette
Sister of My Heart - Chitra Banerjee
Rebecca - Daphne du Maurier
Jane Eyre - Charlotte Bronte
The Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass
The Scarlet Letter - Nathaniel Hawthorne
Black Like Me - John Howard Griffin
Travels With Charley - John Steinbeck
A Moveable Feast - Ernest Hemingway

I'm sure more books or plays will make the list. I need some more spiritual reading. Maybe add in a Brother Odd book by Dean Koontz for fun.


Pax et bonum

Saturday, June 14, 2014

So ... I tried (HubPages failure)


I tried to upload my first HubPages piece - and got mired in the process and confused. I could not figure out the directions. I finally gave up.

I'll try again after I'm done with all my school work and can give it an hour or two. I suspect once I get it future posting will go easier, but for now it's just frustrating.

Pax et bonum