Eiffel Tower

Dear Landlady,

This trip has definitely had its ups and downs.  First we made it all the way to the top of the Eiffel Tower. The view was stupendous!  At least, that's what we heard as we are far too short to see out the window. And for some reason, unbeknownst to us, we have been placed looking in the opposite direction!   

 

 

Eventually we made it all the way back down to the bottom and had an opportunity to look up at where we had been.  We decided that it was probably wise that we had not been able to see out the window when we were at the top.  You know how queasy #3 can get.

   

 

I'm not sure if it was the ride to the top of the tower or the ridiculous traffic but #3 became a wee bit carsick as we made our way to the restaurant for dinner. 

 

 So in order to settle our stomachs after all that driving around in circles we ordered a bottle of wine but you know how poorly #2 holds his alcohol.  Before we knew it he was completely tipsy. 

 And I mean that in the most literal sense.

 This type of behavior is completely inappropriate for men of our stature (and I'm not talking about height here dear landlady.  I'm talking about our being known as "wise.")

Rest assured, I do plan on having a talk with him when we return to the room. 

 

So we ordered some food to absorb the fine French vino!

It's at times like these that arms would definitely come in handy....

 

We are very grateful that the day is ending.  As delighted as we are for having seen the Eiffel Tower we are in need of rest.  Tomorrow we will be heading out on the train to Normandy to see an ancient site of deep spiritual significance.  Until then, Bonne Nuit!

Bon Voyage

When I arrived home tonight I saw that the wise men had been quite busy.  Bags were packed and by the door. They were so intent on peering at this map that they didn't even notice my entrance.

Me: Excuse me....What are you doing?
Wiseman #2:  Oh hello, dear landlady.  We are planning out our itinerary for our arrival in Paris.
Me:  Really?  You are going to Paris?  When?
Wiseman #3:  We leave tonight.
Me:  What?  Let me see the invitation.
Wiseman #1:  Well, that would be difficult as we told a wee lie to your dog Lucy. 
Wiseman #3:  Yes, we apologize, but we could not wait for you to return so we told her there was a treat inside of the envelope for her.  And knowing the high level of gullibility that your dog possesses, she jumped up onto our bed and ripped it open.  Fortunately we were able to read the invitation before Lucy devoured it along with the envelope.  You really should do something about that dog's lack of manners!
Me:  Well, you set her up.  Anyway, do I need to take you to the airport?
Wiseman #2:  That won't be necessary as a limo is being sent for us.
Me:  What?  This is all too much to take in.  And you all seem remarkably calm.
Wiseman #3:  You forget, dear landlady, that we are seasoned travelers who have followed stars to a manger in a field outside an obscure village.  Travel is in our blood.
Me:  Then why are you studying that map so intently?  Can't you just follow the stars in Paris?
Wiseman #1: Obviously you have not been to Paris of late.  The city suffers from high levels of air particle pollution and it would be impossible to navigate by stars.  Hence, the map!
Wiseman #2:  Enough of this chit chat!  We must get ready! 
Me:  Well, how will I know you are ok?
Wiseman #1:  we will text you.
Me:  Really?  with no arms?
Wiseman #1:  (icy stare)....cruelty is not becoming dear landlady.
Me:  I know. I apologize.  It's just that I'm going to miss you on Thanksgiving. 
Wiseman #3:  Knowing how attached you are to our royal-highness-ness, we left you a prayer and some selfies.
Me:  Selfies?  I really want to ask how you could possibly take a selfie but I know you will think it cruel so I'm just going to wish you safe journeys and bon voyage!

You've Got Mail Wiseguys!

 

 

Once upon a time, in the Kingdom of Fifthwheelian, there slept three very wee wise men.  Nothing disturbed their slumber for months on end until one day the landlady received a letter addressed to their royal highnesses.  What should she do?  They looked so peaceful in their very ornate, very large bed.  There they lay, with their pinecone comforter to keep them toasty, while Mary and her precious baby gazed fondly from their rather over-the-top headboard. 

 

 

But this correspondence might be very important.

 

  So she crept up beside them and said, "Hey, wiseguys! wake up!  You've got mail!" And so the sleepyheads returned to reality, looking like they had overslept, which of course they had.

wise man #1:  oh my!  what an intriguing piece of correspondence!

I see the plane and the flag of France!

wise man #2:  and I see Viva la France!

wise man #3:  good grief!  I see nothing but blur.  I must need glasses!

me:  yes, it is quite blurry. let me bring it closer.

 

wise man #3:  Ah much better.  Yes, it's definitely from France.

And oh, look!  It's marked "personal."

me:  I noticed that so I didn't open it.  But I have to go to work now.

wise man #1:  what? you can't just leave us with this mystery. 

We have no arms!  who will open it?

me:  I'll open it when I get home!  I must go or I'll be late.

Have a great day!

 

 

 

 

Wise Men Seeking the Light

 

 

 

 

While lighting my Advent wreath last night for the 3^rd Sunday in Advent I noticed the 3 wise men had made a move.  They had been back in the corner for the longest time so I was surprised to see them this close.  Not wanting to irritate them in any way (which they say I do on a regular basis) I just stood there, waiting for them to initiate a conversation.  It didn’t take long for them to speak and as usual they got right to the point.

Wise1:  Why haven’t you been speaking to us?

Me:  Whatever happened to people greeting one another with ‘Hello, how are you?’ 

Wise1:  Hello, how are you, and why haven’t you been speaking to us?

Me: That’s a bit better.  I’m well, thank you very much, and you know me,  I like to give you guys your space.

Wise2:  We think you forgot about us. That you’ve moved on or outgrown us.  We figured that’s why you moved us into this storage unit.

Me:  First of all, this is not a storage unit, it’s a 5^th wheel and I could never forget about you three!

Wise3:  5^th wheel?  We’re on 5 wheels?  Dear God, don’t start this thing on an odd number of wheels!!!

Me:  Silly wee men, we would have to be attached to a truck to go anywhere.  This is our home at the present time.  Don’t you think it’s kind of cozy?  I thought you’d like it better since you are no longer closed off in a bathroom.  Now you have a view of the whole world…

Wise1:  Which reminds us of that Disney song, “It’s a Small World After All.”

Wise3:  I apologize for my compadre's rude remark.  We just miss our bathroom shelf, especially our leprechaun and our book.  We felt comfortable there and don’t understand why we had to leave.

Me:  Well, life is about change.  Unfortunately your leprechaun pal caught a glimpse of a rainbow outside the bathroom window and ran off in search of yet another pot of gold, but I could provide you with some sort of diversion.  How about a new book to read.  Would you like that?

Wise2:  Yes please. We so enjoy a good read.  And we're pretty sure that leprechaun took our Thomas Merton book with him!

Me:  I've told you fellas that you can never trust a leprechaun...

Wise2:  And wifi would be terrific.  In the meantime, is it really the 3^rd week of Advent?

Me:  Indeed it is.  The week of Joy.  Known as Gaudete Sunday which comes from the Latin word for “rejoice.” This marks the halfway point.  Are you feeling joyful?

Wise3:  Not really.  We’ve been having a bit of a pity party and not wanting to reach out.

Wise1:  But now we’re glad we did. 

Me:  Me too…I haven’t been good about keeping connected and for that I apologize.  Which reminds me of this wonderful quote about our need for one another.  Check it out while I search for that book…

Sometimes our light goes out, but is blown again into instant flame by an encounter with another human being. Each of us owes the deepest thanks to those who have rekindled this inner light.   -Albert Schweitzer

Wise3:  Yes, this is a lovely quote that wise men like us should practice.  And we really didn’t mean to complain about the housing you’ve provided.  You are kind, but when we focus only on ourselves, we tend to get a bit melancholy.  Here’s to rekindling one another’s light as we continue walking this path together!

Me:  Amen!

(If you are new to this blog and would like to read of previous adventures of the wise ones click on the "wise men" in the Labels section to the left.)

 

 

 

Guadalupe Feasting

Today is the feast day of Our Lady of Guadalupe

This image (which I stole from Sara Miles FB page)

gives a much richer meaning to "feast" day!



practicing eternity

 

"Seeing into darkness is clarity.

Knowing how to yield is strength.

Use your own light

and return to the source of light.

This is called practicing eternity."

 

Tao Te Ching - Stephen Mitchell

p.52



something on the horizon

In light of artist/author Jan Richardson's husband Garrison Doles having died today, I wanted to use one of her wonderful Advent quotes.  May she find the light in the darkness as she grieves the loss of her beloved.

 

“The season of Advent means there is something on the horizon

the likes of which we have never seen before… .

What is possible is to not see it, to miss it,

to turn just as it brushes past you.

And you begin to grasp what it was you missed,

like Moses in the cleft of the rock,

watching God's [back] fade in the distance.

So stay. Sit. Linger. Tarry. Ponder. Wait. Behold. Wonder.

There will be time enough for running.

For rushing. For worrying. For pushing. For now, stay.

Wait. Something is on the horizon.”

Jan L. Richardson, Night Visions:

Searching the Shadows of Advent and Christmas.

 

To join her Advent online retreat go to the painted prayerbook.

Cast Away Calendar

Do you remember Cast Away?

Poor Chuck Noland (Tom Hanks) spent four years on his island waiting.

The good news is that we have only four weeks to wait.

And we don't have to converse with only a volleyball.

(unless you're into that, which of course is just fine.)

  

 

 

photo from Occupy Advent

First Sunday Advent 2013

'Tis the first Sunday in Advent 2013.....in today's sermon I heard "it's time to do the deep work of Advent"....I wonder what that will look like? 
Here's what I have for today - a quote by Fr. Alfred Delp who lived a deep and meaningful life...



"Light your candles quietly,

such candles as you possess,

wherever you are."

 

Do you like my 'candles'???
My husband put lights on my prayer flag that attaches to the side of our 5th wheel....
They are making me very happy~!



 

engaging reality

“Mystery

is an engagement

with reality

that is so deep

as to be

incomprehensible

by our minds

except through

God’s revelation.”

- Rev. Randall C.K. Day,

St. Mark’s Episcopal Church

Teaneck, New Jersey

lots to ponder in this one!

Advent Calendars!

Is it just me, or are Advent calendars becoming very popular these days? 

 Everywhere I turn I see them.  For instance,

You've got your Star Wars Advent Calendar:

 

 

And the Barbie Advent Calendar:

 

 

Let's not forget the Beer Advent Calendar:

 

 

And for all the feline fanciers out there, the Cat Advent Calendar:

 

We currently have four Advent Calendars in our home, though none of the above mentioned. 

This must make us a) obsessed with countdowns b) very into Advent,

c) your typical over-the-top consumer, or d) all of the above.

 

The first Advent calendar is one I've had for years. 

It consists of a wooden box filled with doors behind which the seeker will find 

tiny hand blown glass ornaments that are hung on a small tree. 

 This is always a hit with the little ones.

 

Our next Advent calendar has the ever popular Scandinavian Holy Family - all blondes...

notice there are several windows open:

 

 

Every year we receive the Slow Down Advent Calendar at church, which is on our back door:

Every day there is something to read and you can color on it if you so wish:

 

 

And last but definitely not least is the Trader Joe's chocolate calendar:

 

 

This one has caused some issues with Fredrick who is 2. 

 Once he discovered that there was CHOCOLATE

behind that first door he wanted to punch in all the doors.

And why not?  Why can't he just have it all?

 

 Through his 2 year old eyes he probably saw the calendar looking like this one

(which I stole from here.)

 

 

Um....it's not just 2 year olds who have trouble waiting.

I completely relate to the No Self Control Calendar.

And yet, we are called to wait.

For the birth of the holy one.

 

So no matter what kind of Advent calendar you follow,

enjoy opening one day at a time,

living in the present.

And remember this:

 

Waiting is our Advent spiritual practice.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

.

First Candle

 

Welcome to the Season of Advent...

We are 3 days in and I'm not quite feeling it yet...how about you? 

Maybe because waiting has become such an integral part of my life?

I'm finding that all I have energy for at this moment is in

lighting the first candle which represents hope

and just sitting in its presence. 

That is prayer in itself. 

Jesus is coming.

 

Listen to the opening of Sunday's Prayers of the People,

written by Christine Hemp:

 

"We have lit the first candle, Lord.

Green has turned into purple,

and we begin our walk toward Christmas.

Startle us into seeing the journey afresh this year.

Open our eyes to the sun and the moon and the stars

and what Jesus really meant when he told us to pay attention.

Help us to see you face-to-face and restore what is lacking in our faith,

in our vision of who you are and how you reveal yourself to us.

Give us eyes to see and ears to hear."

 

from Prayers of the People for the First Sunday of Advent

St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Port Townsend, WA

Author:  Christine Hemp

 

Growth means Change

 

People have asked, “Whatever happened to Roberta?” Well, I am still here! I find lots of wonderful things to post but never quite get around to actually putting them on my blog. This in part is due to my scattered sense of self as I continue to grasp all the changes my husband and I have recently gone through with our business, our family and our dreams.

Last Thanksgiving we were struggling with the idea of closing our business, dissolving a partnership, familial estrangement and the panic that comes with drowning in debt. That was one year ago. What looked hopeless in our eyes was not. So during this Thanksgiving meal we expressed our gratitude for all that has happened since that last Thanksgiving:

In January we closed the statuary, and the world did not end. It was actually a relief. Then we sold our house after 5 years on and off the market. This was a relief, both emotionally and financially. And because we are not quite sure how we want to live (i.e. move into a house, buy a 5^th wheel, etc.) we chose to accept our daughter Faith’s invitation to move in with her family. Talk about downsizing! We are now in the process of paying down debt, and waiting for whatever is next…..

But as often happens, life happens as you wait….and a fine life it is! David is working less and spending more weekends at home (which is a very good thing) and I am working more. I’m enjoying the C.N.A. life skill classes I teach at the college, and the sacred time I spend with my Spiritual Directees. I’m slowly edging away from my role as Director of Spiritual Formation at St. Paul’s as I have recently taken on the position of part-time Chaplain for Assured Hospice here in Sequim! I was not expecting this. But then again, one never expects the gifts God brings. I have so much to learn and look forward to more growth…and we especially give thanks for our recent reconnection with our estranged family members.

As for the blog, I will be posting Advent reflections (which start next week) and of course the Wise Men will be making their annual appearance. They have been with me through all the changes and they too have had to deal with changes – like losing their home on their shelf…you know what whiners they can be!

In the meantime, know that I think of all of you….every day….and am grateful for such wonderful people in my life….May we all be at peace with our own souls….and with one another….

Roberta

From 2008...

 

"The Advent mystery

is the beginning

of the end
of all in us

that is not yet

Christ."

- Thomas Merton

 

photo of Icon in Thomas Merton's hermitage

taken by Thomas Merton

a favorite from 2009

"Advent is all about

the unexpected arrival of God."

Paul-Gordon Chandler

Incarnation happens when you least expect it!

As do polar bears arriving for din-din :)

first at the cradle

"Perhaps it is no wonder that the women were

first at the Cradle and last at the Cross.

They had never known a man like this Man -

there never has been such another.

A prophet and teacher who never nagged at them,

never flattered or coaxed or patronised:

who never made arch jokes about them...;

who rebuked without querulousness

and praised without condescension;

who took their questions and arguments seriously;

who never mapped out their sphere for them,

never urged them to be feminine or jeered at them for being female;

who had no axe to grind and no uneasy male dignity to defend;

who took them as he found them and was completely unself-conscious.

There is no act, no sermon, no parable in the whole Gospel

that borrows its pungency from female perversity;

nobody could possibly guess from the words and deeds of Jesus

that there was anything "funny" about woman's nature."

 

(Dorothy Sayers, as quoted in the book "Freeing Theology")

 

photo from here

 

can you see the heart?

Advent womb

"We wait in the darkness, expectantly, longingly, anxiously, thoughtfully.
The darkness is our friend.

In the darkness of the womb we have all been nurtured and protected.

In the darkness of the womb,

the Christ-child was made ready for the journey into light.
You are with us, O God, in darkness and light."

 

first stanza of a prayer from the

Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa, New Zealand (adapted)

Halfway through Advent

Where has the time gone? 

We are halfway through our season of waiting -

with tomorrow being the 3rd Sunday of Advent! 

(Or Gaudate Sunday as it used to be called which in Latin means "to rejoice." )

This is the time of God coming to us!  Of God being "with us." 

And we wait in such anticipation!

Which reminds me of a story that  I heard Megan McKenna tell once

about a wise little boy ...here is my paraphrase: 

 

A little boy was at home playing with his toys, below an old grandfather clock

that had been in his family for generations.  It chimed every quarter hour and

would strike at every hour.  But just then the clock jammed and it struck 11 o'clock,

and then 12 o'clock, and then 13 o'clock, 14 o'clock and 15 o'clock.

The little boy, who had been practicing his counting, was amazed at what the clock

was doing. He jumped up, ran to his parents in the other room and said:

"Listen! It's later than it's ever been before!"

 

Indeed!

 

May we fill these last 2 weeks of Advent with joyful preparation

for the coming of Jesus!

 

photo is of my grandchildren, Lydia and David, making their Advent wreaths at

our recent Advent Festival at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Port Townsend, WA

 

on the way to Bethlehem...

Yesterday's Pain

 "Some of us walk into Advent

tethered to our unresolved yesterdays

the pain still stabbing

the hurt still throbbing.

It's not that we don't know better;

it's just that we can't stand up anymore by ourselves.

On the way to Bethlehem,

will you give us a hand?"

 

Ann Weems, from her book,

Kneeling in Bethlehem, p. 14

copyright 1980, Westminster Press

Mary of the Sign

Today is the feast of the Immaculate Conception,

which has been celebrated as far back as the 7th century

and celebrates the conception of Mary in her mother Anne's womb.

 

As we count down the days until the birth of Christ,

let us honor Mary through this icon (and what, in an ancient yet modern way,

resembles an ultrasound of the child she carried!)

The following piece is from  the December issue of

Contemplative Outreach News

which you can read in its entirety here.

Mary of the Sign

Mary stands square to the viewer, her poised

stillness or silent constant prayer is noted in

the hands, palms extended outward in total

surrender to what has been given. Mary clutches

and yearns for nothing. In early icons Mary was

portrayed as the Burning Bush and Christ the

fire that burns within. She is represented as the

divine vessel of burning love. She knows

and loves Him even before His birth.

 

The orb containing this revelation rests within her

being, Christ surrounded in gold, symbolizing

the totality of God without image. Christ is

holding a tiny scroll, a symbol of the Scripture

being fulfilled in Him and later to be filled in

each and every one of us. Christ is our interior

teacher, guide master, and rabbi. The icon’s

theology is the link between the Jewish tradition

and the new understanding of Christ.

 

“The Lord Himself will give you a sign, behold a

young woman shall conceive and bear a child

and his name will be Emmanuel.” - Isaiah 7:14.

 

Excerpt taken from The Mary Collection 2008

by Mary Jane Miller. To see more work done by

Mary Jane Miller, go to:

http://sanmiguelicons.com/galleries.php

 

 

click here to see Mary Jane Miller's icon of Mary of the Sign.

it is stunning!