Uh, where did May go?
As a contemplative, it makes me shudder that I ask that question at all—mindfulness and presence are very important to me. That said, May started out with travel, as I began the month in Toronto for my niece’s first birthday (I can’t believe you’re one, Violet!)
Then I headed over to England for my best friend’s wedding in Brightlingsea. Because she’s a spiritual director (and my best friend, hello), she arranged a road trip for the two of us, the weekend before her wedding, to York Minster Cathedral and Durham Cathedral. We attended Evensong in York and Matins and Sung Eucharist in Durham. This liturgy junky was completely geeked out. It was peaceful and holy and beautiful and good. And I met God in a stained glass window (more about that in another post at another time.) That, and I lit prayer candles for you, Anam Cara Community, in each place. Then I came home, caught the flu, taught on the body and spirituality at a retreat and a church in the area, and got food poisoning. So, basically I was home and functional for about a week of May. Which is why this is going to be a very short roundup of the month. (Sorry, Hopeful Leigh.)
We’ve also had some very exciting developments going on behind this scenes that I’m bursting to tell you about, but not yet. Not yet.
So here’s what I’ve been into (and up to) this May
Read and Reading:
Because of my travel, I didn’t read a whole lot this month. It’s amazing how falling behind on reading restricts my horizons and makes my world feel smaller. While I’ve still had access to the web, and I’ve still been reading online, there’s something about picking up something between two covers that makes the difference.
Benediction—my friend, John Blase, recommended this book. I really enjoyed it. It’s slow pace and thoughtful prose grounded me in place and grace.
Honoring the Body—a re-read for my book writing that I’m still re-reading
On My Nightstand:
I’ve got a whole stack on my nightstand. Some are books that friends have written, some are books for my book project, some are just for fun. Can you guess which is which?
Afloat by Erin Healy
Sober Mercies: How Love Caught Up With A Christian Drunk by Heather Kopp
The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion
In Plain View by Olivia Newport
Penguins and Golden Calves: Icons and Idols in Antarctica and Other Unexpected Places by Madeleine L’Engle
TV & Movies:
Last month I said that I’d started Game of Cards. And that’s as far as I’ve gotten—one episode. I’m not sure why. I think it might not be the right season.
I’m pining away for more Call the Midwife, and watched the season finale of Castle (yup, I’m a Nathan Fillion junkie). I watched the Iron Chef Tournament of Champions, which felt fixed, even if my favorite Michael Symon won, and fast-forwarded through the Chopped Tournament of Champions. Although I’m not sure how the new season works, I’m happily heckling the new Next Food Network Star. I haven’t picked favorites yet for So You Think You Can Dance, but I’m enjoying the season so far.
I also had a chance to get out to two movies (recovering from being sick means that lots of activity isn’t going to be possible, but sitting in a theater chair for a few hours is perfectly fine). My geek roots are showing in the movie choices: Star Trek: Into Darkness and Iron Man 3. Both were fun, but the former had more plot holes than Swiss cheese. I’m hoping to see both The Great Gatsby and Mud this month. I’d also like to see Silver Lining Playbook, although I know that will have to be a Netflix watch.
Music:
I’m loving Zoë Keating, a contemporary cellist who is accompanying my morning writing sessions. I picked up Noisetrade’s Summer Sampler, and am listening my way through that. I won’t tell you how many times I’ve danced around my house to Sara Bareilles’s Brave. I dare you not to dance, just a little.
Things I Love:
- Watching my friend marry the man of her dreams
- Discovering Haagen Dazs’s Limoncello Gelato. So yum!
- Durham Cathedral. Seriously. I wish I could visit once a month
- This hymn that was played at Dallas Willard’s memorial. (I know the music sounds cheesy, but it’s SO beautiful.)
- Whit Wednesdays on the Anam Cara Facebook page (still my fav.)
- Getting back on the horse after not being able to write while sick. (And all the people who are supporting me along the way.)
- This book of prayers. So centering.
- Being confirmed in my church—a holy, amazing and Holy Spirit-filled time.
So, how about you? How was your May?
What are you into? What are you up to?
I’m linking up with the wordsmistress Leigh Kramer. Join us, if you’re so inclined!