Sunday, March 19, 2017

Off On a Great Adventure




As we leave today for Spain and Portugal I am reminded of our trip to Italy in November.  The memories of walking down to the coliseum in Rome.  It was just a few blocks from the hotel.  What a thrill!  We walked the Palatine Hills, visited the Pantheon and had a delightful lunch at a sidewalk cafe.  We chose to walk back to the hotel.  It was a grand adventure.  Just crossing the streets is a thrill in Rome.  That night after dinner we walked down the street again to visit the Coliseum lit up after dark.  It was just breathtaking!  I'd go again in a heartbeat.  So now on to another Great Adventure!!!

"I think risk taking is a great adventure.  And life should be full of adventures."
                                                                                Herbie Hancock

~~~^j^~~~
Thanks be to God!!

Cathy 
                              

Friday, March 17, 2017

The Road Less Traveled


HAPPY SAINT PATRICK'S DAY



“May your thoughts be as glad as the shamrocks.
 May your heart be as light as a song.
 May each day bring you bright, happy hours.
That stay with you all the year long.”


Took a walk the other day when the weather was unseasonably warm, and reveled in the glory of  God's creation.  I didn't see any snakes, deer, little foxes.  There were no croaking frogs or chirping locust.  Yet in all the silence I heard and felt the "breath of God!"  I was not alone.  Maybe I realized this more that day because I had no time constraints and no particular place to be, but it was a joyful moment on this "road less traveled" with a beloved companion.

~~~~~~

Though the road be long
And the journey's end unknown
Steadfastly go on

Revel in  the breeze
With your silent companion
Experience hope

~~^j^~~

Cathy
Please visit Rebecca at recuerda mi corazon for Haiku My Heart. There is always more beautiful words  there to enchant and encourage!!! 

Thursday, March 09, 2017

Lenten Retreat at The Woods

Church of the Immaculate Conception
Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, IN

Starting tomorrow I will be on retreat at Saint Mary-or-the-Woods.  The Sisters of Providence have been in Indiana since 1842 when Saint Mother Theodore Guerin set foot in these lovely woods.  The Woods is a place of serenity, peace and quiet.  Yes, and it is the campus of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College.  It is an amazing place and I am so excited to be able to spend time there with the sisters and other associates. 




I will make my retreat in HOPE.  I'm not sure what I am hoping for but then that is the reason I am making a retreat.  I pray the Holy Spirit will guide me and that I have the willingness to listen.

"But our hope is in the providence of God
which has protected us until the present, 
and which will provide, somehow,
for our future needs. . ."
Saint Mother Theodore

~~~~~~~

Hope is in the Spirit
Companion on the journey
He is counselor

~~~^j^~~~
Thanks be to God!

Cathy

Please visit Rebecca at recuerda mi corazon for Haiku My Heart. There is always more beautiful words  there to enchant and encourage!!! 

Saturday, March 04, 2017

Rainbow For Renewal


Rainbows add joy to our lives.

It seems I got so busy last year that my home here has taken a back seat to the other thinks in my life.  Life is good and all has been well, but for some reason A Bit of the Blarney had to be quiet.  Perhaps, it needed time to rejuvenate.  We will see.  For the time being I'b back.  

Last year became very busy.  In March we went to France and enjoyed our time there.  There was the Keller Family Reunion in July!  What a treat that was in the beautiful city of Charlotte, NC.  After Labor Day we went to Montana so we could visit the western part of the state and and especially Glacier National Park.  Sharing the time with my youngest brother and his wife was so very enjoyable. 


Beautiful forests in Glacier National Park

Last fall we returned to Italy, this time to visit Venice and revisit Florence, Assisi, and Rome.  It is such a thrill to walk where the ancients have walked.  There is just not enough time to see all that you want to see.

So this month we begin a pilgrimage to Fatima and Lourdes.  To visit those places where miracles have happened.  I want to experience this for myself.  I just cannot put into words what this will mean to me.  

~~~~~

Begin the journey
Pilgrims in Holy Places
Find solace and love

I guess that's what I hope I will find there.  Just to keep on journeying is such a thrill.

~~~~~~~
Thanks be to God!!

Cathy