dancing, laughter & good red wine

Rev. John F. Harvey, OSFS: 1918 - 2010

2010-12-27T21:23:00.004-05:00

Thank you, Father Harvey, for your kindness, compassion, and friendship. I was so blessed to know you, and now we're all blessed to have a friend like you in heaven.

UPDATE: A Memorial Mass for Fr. Harvey will be held in NYC on Saturday, February 19.

Alex Jones' Testimony

2010-10-03T09:44:00.004-04:00

Alex Jones, a former Pentecostal minister, enters the Catholic Church. This is Part 1 of his testimony. The rest of the talk can be found on YouTube.

Blues Guitar Chords

2010-10-02T22:46:00.000-04:00

This guy is great: Marty Schwartz from http://www.guitarjamz.com/. He teaches clearly and he's mostly easy to follow. I've started following his video lessons on YouTube .

A Voice from Afar

2010-09-19T20:42:00.007-04:00

Today, the Holy Father gave the title of "Blessed" to Cardinal John Henry Newman. Here's a poem by Blessed Cardinal Newman entitled "A Voice from Afar", reminding us of the joy and rest he has in God's presence:

Weep not for me;—
Be blithe as wont, nor tinge with gloom
The stream of love that circles home,
Light hearts and free!
Joy in the gifts Heaven’s bounty lends;
Nor miss my face, dear friends!

I still am near;—
Watching the smiles I prized on earth,
Your converse mild, your blameless mirth;
Now too I hear
Of whisper’d sounds the tale complete,
Low prayers, and musings sweet.

A sea before
The Throne is spread;—its pure still glass
Pictures all earth-scenes as they pass.
We, on its shore,
Share, in the bosom of our rest,
God's knowledge, and are blest.

Conservatives of Colour

2010-09-18T21:41:00.000-04:00

I love these guys and gals for speaking up!

Raheel Raza - Another Brave Woman!

2010-09-18T20:59:00.001-04:00

Raheel Raza rocks! And she's a fellow Canadian! :)

Yom Kippur

2010-09-17T22:51:00.012-04:00

On this Day of Atonement, may our names be inscribed and sealed in the Book of Life.

God is Love

2010-09-12T10:05:00.004-04:00

This morning, I re-read sections 3 - 11 of Pope Benedict's first encyclical, Deus Caritas Est - God is Love. I'm currently reading St. Teresa of Avila's autobigraphy and I find that St. Teresa's description of the relationship between her soul and God is written in the language of eros - at least that's what it sounds like to me. Recently, someone reminded me that Pope Benedict wrote about eros in his first encyclical. I re-read the relevant sections of the encyclical this morning - beautiful stuff in there. Here are just a few short excerpts:

"True, eros tends to rise 'in ecstasy' towards the Divine, to lead us beyond ourselves; yet for this very reason it calls for a path of ascent, renunciation, purification and healing."

"The one God in whom Israel believes...loves with a personal love. His love, moreover, is an elective love: among all the nations he chooses Israel and loves her—but he does so precisely with a view to healing the whole human race. God loves, and his love may certainly be called eros, yet it is also totally agape."

"God is the absolute and ultimate source of all being; but this universal principle of creation—the Logos, primordial reason—is at the same time a lover with all the passion of a true love. Eros is thus supremely ennobled, yet at the same time it is so purified as to become one with agape."

I'm grateful for these reminders that God is not opposed to eros; rather, it is His gift to us, a means of drawing closer to Him through purification, and growth in maturity.

Never Forget...

2010-09-11T10:01:00.000-04:00

Go Granny, Go!

2010-08-29T09:27:00.005-04:00

Yesterday morning, we got my Nana a wheelchair - specifically a transport chair. My Nana can still walk and she prefers to walk, but because she moves very slowly and gets tired quickly, we thought a transport chair would be helpful (my Nana is almost 98!). It used to be slow and difficult walking Nana down the long hallway to the elevator and then walking her to the car in the underground garage -now, getting Nana to the car is a breeze! Yesterday, I wheeled her over to the park near our building. There she sat for a while on the bench, and then she walked around for a bit. Afterwards, I wheeled her home. She says she's comfortable in the chair, and it's quite easy for me to move her in it. I really enjoyed the convenience of it and I think even she preferred getting around with some ease for a change.

I'm glad Nana still wants to try to walk whenever possible, but I'm also glad that some of her movement has been made easier!

London, Baby!

2010-08-08T21:45:00.008-04:00

I thoroughly enjoyed our trip to London. It was jam-packed with sight-seeing - not a moment was wasted! Here's a quick list of what we covered during our eight day visit:

Double-decker tour of city
Thames Cruise
Mass at Westminster Cathedral
London Eye
Covent Garden Market
Piccadilly Circus
Trafalgar Square
Leicester Square
Dinner at Maze (Gordon Ramsay)
Tower of London
Chapel of St. Peter Ad Vincula
All Hallows by the Tower
British Museum (Rosetta Stone, Reliquary of the Holy Thorn, etc.)
Madame Tussaud's
Daytrip: Warwick Castle/Stratford/Oxford/Cotswolds
British Library (Lindisfarne Gospels, Magna Carta, etc.)
Sherlock Holmes Museum
National Portrait Gallery
Westminster Abbey
Local Pubs
Tyburn Convent
Performance of Henry VIII at The Globe
Dinner at the Cinnamon Club (Indian food)
Harrods
Marks & Spencer’s
Buckingham Palace
Big Ben
St. Paul’s Cathedral
Riding the Tube

My friend also made it to the Inns of Court and the Churchill Museum and Cabinet War Rooms, while I went to the British Library, the British Museum, and the National Portrait Gallery.

Please check my Facebook account for photos!

I'm still not fond of flying, but I LOVE visiting new cities. I hope to get back to London one day because there's so much more to see (believe it or not!). I'd also like to see other parts of England (and Ireland, Austria, etc., etc., etc.)

Between You and Me - 4Him

2010-07-19T15:11:00.001-04:00

A cool refreshing summer drink!

2010-07-14T22:39:00.011-04:00

Watermelon Sunset

Put the following ingredients in a blender - the quantity of each ingredient is up to you:

- watermelon chunks (seedless)
- freshly squeezed lime juice
- sugar
- crushed ice
- rum ("Sailor Jerry" is good)

Blend together a good long time until frothy and pour into a tall glass.
Enjoy!! :)

Catholic Professor Attacked

2010-07-10T20:37:00.005-04:00

The perpetrators were eight Islamic extremists who used an axe, knives, and a petrol bomb. The Professor lost his lower right arm below the elbow. While Professor T. J. Joseph is recovering in intensive care, his family has chosen to forgive his attackers. (h/t: The Anchoress)

Our theme-song for the last two weeks

2010-07-10T17:05:00.002-04:00

The Truth will set you free...

2010-07-10T12:32:00.004-04:00

...but, in this life, you will probably be persecuted and mistreated first:

Fired for being faithful: Catholic teacher dismissed over homosexuality discussion (by Thomas Peters - American Papist)

UPDATE: Dr. Ken Howell Reinstated!

Summer Daze

2010-07-05T17:36:00.013-04:00

Right now, downtown Toronto is experiencing a power outage while all of Toronto is experiencing a heat-wave! I’ve been enjoying some time off since last Thursday and I go back to work on Wednesday. A belated Happy Canada Day (or Dominion Day, if you prefer) to my fellow Canadians, and a belated Happy 4th of July to my American friends!

The week before last was also a short week because the University closed down as a safety precaution during the lead-up to the G-20 Summit. My kind boss said I could use those two “work-from-home” days as additional vacation days, and I happily used the four-day weekend to visit friends in Ottawa – a lovely time with wonderful people (I particularly enjoyed the cute little kids)! :)

From all I can make out, the non-peaceful protesters at the Summit were as annoying and obnoxious as they usually are during these events. At least three police cruisers were set on fire, store fronts were destroyed, and the heavily fortified police presence was criticized for not doing enough on the first day of the Summit and for doing too much on the second day. I felt a little sick to think of all of this happening in my city.

I wonder why the G-20 leaders don’t just video-conference OR hold their meetings out in the desert or in the Arctic circle or on a remote island – some place where thug-protesters can’t be bothered to go because there’s nothing to destroy and they won’t get so much attention.

On a happier note, I’ve been enjoying my current time off right here in Toronto – watching the fireworks at Harbourfront on Canada Day, having tea with my favourite Professor, visiting an old friend for dinner, shopping in Chinatown with Mom, and spending time with Nana.

I’m also planning a trip to London later this month! I’ve never been, and I’m quite excited about it - please pray for safe travel!

Oh yes! We also experienced a 5.0 magnitude earthquake on June 23rd - the epicentre was about 85 kilometres north of Ottawa, and people felt it all the way down to Ohio. For some strange reason, I did not feel it at all, even though other people in my office building felt it. Sometimes, I'm incredibly unobservant...

We Con the World

2010-06-12T22:16:00.000-04:00

Ayaan Rocks!

2010-06-07T22:31:00.005-04:00

This evening I had the pleasure of hearing Ayaan Hirsi Ali speak at the Indigo Bookstore at Bay and Bloor. I can only say once again that I admire this woman's courage, insight, and sincerity. Although Ayaan still considers herself an atheist, she's right up there with Camille Paglia in my book!

Thank you, Ayaan, for having the courage to speak out. I pray your bravery will lead you further and further into the Truth, and that you will be an example to many, many others. I pray that I too, as a Christian, will learn to show as much courage as you in witnessing to the Truth!

Update: Another must-read about Ayaan by Mark Steyn in Macleans.ca

Ayaan Hirsi Ali is coming to town!

2010-05-29T19:31:00.006-04:00

Ayaan Hirsi Ali, author of the books Infidel and Nomad will be interviewed at Indigo Books, at Bay and Bloor in Toronto, on Monday, June 7th, at 7:00 p.m.

I like how this lady handles herself. Watch her calm, cool responses during this 2007 interview with a smug Canadian reporter. I don't know if Ayaan has come to a deeper appreciation of Judaism and Christianity since this interview, but I greatly admire her courage all the same!

Tamara Lowe

2010-05-01T10:45:00.004-04:00

Now that's a motivational speaker! :)

h/t: The Anchoress

High Tea & Sympathy

2010-04-25T22:15:00.007-04:00

This afternoon I joined a friend for High Tea at the King Edward hotel in downtown Toronto. The day was wet and chilly - altogether lovely for sitting indoors, sipping Earl Grey tea, and munching a variety of delicate finger sandwiches. The sandwiches, scones with jam, and several light pastries were elegantly presented on a three-tiered platter. We sat comfortably for a couple of hours, enjoying the offerings and sharing our plans for the summer.

Looking around at the other tables, I observed that afternoon tea appears to be a "chick" thing. Not one man was visible in the vicinity, with the exception of the waiter who came by periodically to refill our teapots with hot water. All the tables were occupied by two or more women, earnestly engaged in conversation like ourselves.

The coffeeshop is a comfortable place one comes to think of as a "regular" hang-out, whereas the tea-room is more suited for special occasions. Well, catching up with an old friend was definitely a special occasion, and High Tea at the King Edward was a lovely treat. I'm glad we went.

Redemption comes through the Jews

2010-04-13T21:23:00.000-04:00

An article defending the Catholic Church by Mr. Sam Miller, Jewish businessman.

Alleluia! He is Risen!

2010-04-04T10:31:00.004-04:00

Christ is risen and the demons are cast down,
Christ is risen and the angels rejoice,
Christ is risen and life is freed,
Christ is risen and the tomb is emptied of the dead: for Christ, being risen from the dead, has become
the Leader and Reviver of those who had fallen asleep.
To Him be glory and power forever and ever.
Amen.

from St. John Chrysostom's Resurrection Homily (click link for full text)

A Great Silence reigns on earth

2010-04-03T17:22:00.000-04:00

"Today a great silence reigns on earth, a great silence and a great stillness. A great silence because the King is asleep. The earth trembled and is still because God has fallen asleep in the flesh and he has raised up all who have slept ever since the world began. . . He has gone to search for Adam, our first father, as for a lost sheep. Greatly desiring to visit those who live in darkness and in the shadow of death, he has gone to free from sorrow Adam in his bonds and Eve, captive with him - He who is both their God and the son of Eve. . . 'I am your God, who for your sake have become your son. . . I order you, O sleeper, to awake. I did not create you to be a prisoner in hell. Rise from the dead, for I am the life of the dead...' "
(Catechism of the Catholic Church, par. 635)

For the full text of this ancient homily for Holy Saturday, click here.

Good Friday

2010-04-02T10:38:00.003-04:00

"But he was wounded for our iniquities, he was bruised for our sins: the chastisement of our peace was upon him, and by his bruises we are healed."

Isaiah 53:5

The Inner Voice of Love

2010-03-29T23:13:00.007-04:00

I've started reading Henri Nouwen's book The Inner Voice of Love - A Journey Through Anguish to Freedom. Henri's writings have always moved me. He shows a raw vulnerability through which the Holy Spirit gently and soothingly speaks.

I remember in late summer, 1996, Father H. and I were planning to invite Fr. Nouwen to speak at the following year's Courage Conference. Then, before we'd had a chance to compose an invitation letter, we heard that Henri Nouwen had suddenly died of a heart attack. It was September of that same year. Fr. Nouwen was only 64.

Here are a couple of paragraphs from a chapter entitled "Stay With Your Pain":

It is not easy to stay with your loneliness. The temptation is to nurse your pain or to escape into fantasies about people who will take it away. But when you can acknowledge your loneliness in a safe, contained place, you make your pain available for God's healing.

God does not want your loneliness; God wants to touch you in a way that permanently fulfills your deepest need. It is important that you dare to stay with your pain and allow it to be there. You have to own your loneliness and trust that it will not always be there. The pain you suffer now is meant to put you in touch with the place where you most need healing, your very heart.

Henri lays it bare.

In Her Own Words

2010-03-28T19:50:00.008-04:00

Here's Ann Coulter's take on her University of Ottawa experience.

I hope she files that Human Rights Commission complaint, if only to highlight what a hoax those commissions are in the first place...

On a happier note, apparently the Harper government is taking steps to close down the branch offices of the Canadian Human Rights Commissions in Vancouver, Toronto, and Halifax! (h/t: Kathy Shaidle)

Seraphic Book Launch!

2010-03-28T18:23:00.013-04:00

Last Thursday evening, I had the pleasure of attending Dorothy Cumming's book launch at the Duke of York pub on Prince Arthur Avenue. Dorothy's book Seraphic Singles: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Single Life has been published by Novalis and is available for purchase here.

I had the distinct honour of being the second person in the world to have a copy of the book signed by the author! The inscription reads: "To Tina: The second one I've signed! Thanks for years of support. Grace & Peace, Dorothy Cummings, aka Seraphic."

It was a very pleasant gathering. The pub setting was cozy and I indulged in a hearty meal before the reading. The attendees were a friendly, sociable group and I noticed that several of us enjoyed a warming beverage before and during the book launch. I think the crowd consisted primarily of blog readers, acquaintances, and friends of Dorothy (I don't mean to use that last phrase euphemistically, although I'm sure chaste Catholic persons with same-sex attraction are among Dorothy's large and varied readership).

Dorothy, dressed in a lovely powder blue dress boldly accessorized with orange shoes and matching orange lipstick (please see her site for photos), read a variety of interesting and memorable selections from her book, including a poignant one entitled "The Cross That Singles Bear". This was one of the entries that first got me interested in her blog a couple of years ago.

Dorothy is now married and living in Scotland (although she travels back to Toronto for occasions such as these), and she continues to blog frequently. I recommend both her site and her book. Her writing is witty, insightful, and engaging, and her blog topics cover everyday life as well as a variety of current issues and events.

Here's an outline of Launch Day, in Dorothy's (Seraphic's) own words.

Coming out of the blogging closet...

2010-03-28T18:08:00.003-04:00

I think it's time to stop using a pseudonym. Henceforth, I shall sign my posts as "Tina" and not as "Belloc". I'll change my profile setting too, so that all previous posts will also be signed "Tina".

Ann is Coming to Canada!

2010-03-21T23:19:00.005-04:00

Ann Coulter will be in Canada this week! She'll be at the University of Western Ontario on Monday, at the University of Ottawa on Tuesday, and she'll be at the University of Calgary on Thursday. (Please click on above links for updates from Kathy Shaidle's site.)

Alas, I won't be able to attend Ann's two Ontario gigs, but I will be keeping her and the organizers in prayer...

Predictably, some people are getting their knickers all bunched up over Ann's visit.

Quotable Quotes

2010-03-13T13:36:00.013-05:00

"There's a divinity that shapes our ends, rough-hew them how we will."

So says Hamlet to Horatio in Act 5, Scene 2 - and so said my Boss to me over lunch at a Vietnamese restaurant on Spadina Avenue about eight days ago.

I had just been telling her about a previous work experience where I'd made a somewhat impulsive but, I believe, correct decision about leaving an organization because of the administration's treatment of their employees (I had just seen my supervisor at the time dismissed without notice or cause, and I'd seen others treated this way too). It was the only time I'd ever left a job without giving two weeks' notice and without having something else lined up. I figured if they could dismiss such a nice lady as my previous supervisor without notice or cause, then I could also resign without notice. It was my own small way of protesting the ways things were run.

Providentially, a friend of mine who did freelancing work for publishing companies soon put me in touch with one of her employers who was looking for someone to do permissions work. Thanks to my friend's thoughtfulness, I had work all lined up for me upon my return to Toronto. It was an ideal situation because, during that first year back in Canada, I was able to spend a lot of time with my family and have some income while working from home.

In all truth, I probably would have been heading home in the next six months any way because of my father's passing and my consequent desire to be available to my Mom and Nana. My circumstances prompted me to come home sooner, which was better for all of us. Eventually, I found full-time work at my alma mater where I'm currently blessed with another excellent Boss (thank you, God!).

I do believe Divine Providence saw the good intentions in my actions (however impulsive and heedless of the future they may have been) and blessed me through my freelancing friend's thoughtfulness, and also through the great generosity of other kind and loving friends.

Indeed, "There's a divinity that shapes our ends, rough-hew them how we will."

Or, as St. Paul puts it in Romans 8:28, "All things work together for good, for those who love the Lord."

Go Canada!!

2010-03-01T21:29:00.006-05:00

Fourteen Olympic gold medals, a really exciting final hockey win, inspiration, and admiration!

I admit, I'm not much into sports, but I did enjoy that final hockey game! I also loved Virtue and Moir's ice dancing, and I was touched by the closeness of Alexandre Bilodeau and his brother Frédéric.

Awesome!

2010-02-16T19:06:00.000-05:00

Sue Thomas, F.B. Eye

2010-01-24T22:38:00.000-05:00

I love this show!

How to Help Haiti

2010-01-13T19:28:00.002-05:00

The Anchoress has provided a list of various charities that are helping relief efforts in Haiti.

Venerable Pierre Toussaint, please pray for the people of Haiti.

From Christmas Chaos to Silent Night

2009-12-25T12:57:00.003-05:00

On November 11th, I was offered a new job at the University. This was good news, of course, but it also meant that the next three weeks were very busy at my old position, tying up loose ends and putting things in order. Then I started my new position, which involved two more weeks of frantic activity, getting everything organized for the new semester before breaking for the Christmas holidays on December 18th.

Two days before the holidays began, my little Nana became sick with chest congestion and a cough. For the past nine days, we’ve been tending to her as best we can. Meanwhile, Mom and I were also hurriedly getting pockets of Christmas shopping in, weathering the crowds in the stores, and worst of all, in the parking lots (shudder!!).

When I tried to take Nana to her Doctor’s appointment two days ago, my car broke down three blocks away from the Doctor’s office. Many Good Samaritans stopped to help us (which was truly heartwarming after my previous shopping/parking lot encounters). In the end, the car had to be towed to the garage and the Doctor’s appointment was cancelled. Fortunately, we were able to reschedule the appointment to yesterday, and, in the meantime, my car was fixed.

The Doctor prescribed an antibiotic for Nana, but it will probably take a while to kick in. While she’s much better during the day, her cough still acts up at night. Sometimes, it sounds very alarming.

Yesterday evening, Mom and I went to the Christmas Vigil Mass. I’d resolved beforehand not to set all my hopes on Christmas Mass being a very peaceful experience. That may sound cynical, but I didn’t want to set myself up for disappointment. Miraculously, only one child cried for about a minute during the homily, and this was at a children’s liturgy (meaning there could’ve been much more wailing)!

Also, Fr. X shared in his homily about how he had been in a bad mood for the past week because of various technological problems (I could relate), and how he’d almost missed out on the whole point of Christmas. It was comforting to hear him admit his humanity and weakness. I myself had already lost my temper a few times (sometimes in the worst way) during the holidays. My Mother and my Grandmother deserve better treatment than that…

After Communion, Father turned off the lights so that only the candles were lit, and the entire Congregation sang “Silent Night” acapella. Beautiful! Very peaceful… Mom and I went home to Nana, and we were able to give her Holy Communion because the Communion Minister had given us the pyx the previous weekend (we didn’t want her to come to the house and catch Nana’s cold). At Mass I was given an extra host to take home to Nana.

In the evening, Mom and Nana and I exchanged our presents, had some drinks, and listened to some music/sang some old songs.

Anyway, it has turned out to be a relatively peaceful Christmas after all, although Nana’s still not out of the woods with her cough. Last night her cough was very bad, but then she only started taking the antibiotic yesterday. Please pray that she will get better soon!

(Update: Nana is all better now - the antibiotics kicked in after 7 days. Thanks so much for all your prayers!)

Today is Christmas Day, and we’re relaxing. We’re also preparing for a guest – a friend from the States is coming to visit tomorrow and will be in town for a week. We’re planning to go to Quebec City for a couple of days, because she hasn’t been there yet. I feel bad to be away from Mom and Nana during that time, but I will stay in touch with Mom and hear how everything is going, especially with Nana.

Thank you, God, for bringing some peace to my little family during Christmastime!

Here’s a clip from my favourite Peanuts’ Christmas special:

Awwwwww.....

2009-12-19T19:26:00.002-05:00

GoD and DoG by WJ Francisco

Pink Glove Dance

2009-12-05T19:33:00.002-05:00

The employees at Providence St. Vincent Medical Centre in Portland, Oregon put together this little video to create awareness of breast cancer:

God's Comforting Presence

2009-12-02T21:43:00.004-05:00

Today, over my lunch hour, I went to Mass to pray for my Dad's soul (today is the third anniversary of his passing). It just so happened that today's readings were particularly comforting for those who might be thinking of loved ones who have passed on. It was one of those times when I could really sense God's comforting presence throughout the liturgy. At the end of Mass, I silently spoke to Dad, in my heart, and believed he was listening. As I walked back to my office afterwards, the sun was shining very, very brightly and I felt my spirits lifting way up!

Tomorrow I start a new position at the University. Thanks for your prayers, Dad!! :)

Funny SNL Parody!

2009-12-01T22:44:00.004-05:00

This has to be the funniest "translation" I've ever seen!
(Warning: Occasionally crude, but quite comical, IMHO...)

New Beginnings

2009-11-29T19:04:00.002-05:00

Today is the first day of a new liturgical year. Later this week I will be starting a new job at the University.
Thank you, God, for new beginnings! :)

Happy American Thanksgiving!

2009-11-26T21:08:00.003-05:00

"In all things give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you all."
1 Thessalonians 5:18

Remembrance Day

2009-11-11T18:35:00.000-05:00

Political Correctness: An Accomplice Before and After the Fact

2009-11-10T21:54:00.009-05:00

While the particulars surrounding the Fort Hood massacre quickly emerged, press reports continued to state that "investigators were searching for a motive". Oy vey!

Hmmm....... let's see - according to various reports:

- the killer shouted out "Allahu Akbar" before killing American soldiers;
- he was opposed to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan;
- he was soon to be deployed to Afghanistan and did not want to go;
- he didn't like the idea of Moslems having to fight against other Moslems;
- he had publicly stated during a talk to other doctors at Walter Reed that non-Moslems were infidels who should be beheaded and have hot oil poured down their throats.

So...What was Major Nidal Malik Hasan's motive?? What could it possibly be???

Political correctness prevented fellow officers from filing a compaint against Hasan - result: 14 people dead (13 adults and one unborn baby). And now, many in the media continue to be politically correct in their reporting of this atrocity - predictable result: others will kill innocent people in the name of Islam, enabled by those who stick their heads in the sand.

Brideshead Restored!

2009-11-10T20:43:00.003-05:00

Apostolic Constitution Anglicanorum Coetibus Providing for Personal Ordinariates for Anglicans Entering Into Full Communion With the Catholic Church

An Autumn Evening

2009-11-08T21:38:00.009-05:00

by Lucy Maud Montgomery

Dark hills against a hollow crocus sky
Scarfed with its crimson pennons, and below
The dome of sunset long, hushed valleys lie
Cradling the twilight, where the lone winds blow
And wake among the harps of leafless trees
Fantastic runes and mournful melodies.

The chilly purple air is threaded through
With silver from the rising moon afar,
And from a gulf of clear, unfathomed blue
In the southwest glimmers a great gold star
Above the darkening druid glens of fir
Where beckoning boughs and elfin voices stir.

And so I wander through the shadows still,
And look and listen with a rapt delight,
Pausing again and yet again at will
To drink the elusive beauty of the night,
Until my soul is filled, as some deep cup,
That with divine enchantment is brimmed up.

The photo "Bright Goodnight" is by Katmere on Flickr.

Rush is Not Racist!

2009-10-19T23:17:00.003-04:00

You tell 'em, Juan, and you tell 'em, Zo!

Happy Canadian Thanksgiving!

2009-10-12T10:05:00.003-04:00

Here's an interesting little bit about how a Canadian soldier's bear became the inspiration for a beloved children's storybook!

I know this is way, way late, but...

2009-10-09T19:19:00.006-04:00

...since a fellow Canadian made this video about something that really happened to him, I want to host it on my site too!

And, yes, this one is quite late in being posted too (a wedding entrance at a Lutheran Church in Minnesota). Yes, I agree it would've been appropriate at the wedding reception and not at the ceremony itself, but I confess it still makes me smile:

A Profile in Courage

2009-10-05T21:27:00.002-04:00

A documentary about my favourite priest is now available through Metanoia Pictures!

She's Still Mayor!

2009-09-17T22:43:00.005-04:00

Hazel McCallion became Mayor of Mississauga in 1978, two years after my family moved to that city, just west of Toronto. Guess what? Ms McCallion, now 88, is still Mayor of Mississauga, and has been Mayor for the last 31 years! Here's a fun clip about Her Honour from The Rick Mercer Report:

Catching Up

2009-09-13T17:37:00.001-04:00

Just returned from a great week in NYC and Philly. Spent time catching up with friends and relaxing. Very nice! :)

Two Stories of Hope & Joy!

2009-08-30T11:53:00.003-04:00

Please read The Anchoress's entry for August 29th. She's linked to two very wonderful and miraculous stories about hope found at the beginning and the end of earthly life. :)

Remembering Michael...

2009-08-27T18:50:00.007-04:00

Little MJ (with his brothers) singing "Who's Loving You?" on the Ed Sullivan Show in 1969.

Ponyo

2009-08-27T18:23:00.002-04:00

I saw this animated film last Saturday - very nice!

Séraphine

2009-08-08T13:49:00.002-04:00

I saw this film last night with my favourite Professor. I liked it and I think I might see it again...

Tewkesbury Road

2009-07-28T22:38:00.009-04:00

One of my Mom's favourite poems:

IT is good to be out on the road, and going one knows not where,
Going through meadow and village, one knows not whither or why;
Through the grey light drift of the dust, in the keen cool rush of the air,
Under the flying white clouds, and the broad blue lift of the sky.

And to halt at the chattering brook, in a tall green fern at the brink
Where the harebell grows, and the gorse, and the foxgloves purple and white;
Where the shifty-eyed delicate deer troop down to the brook to drink
When the stars are mellow and large at the coming on of the night.

O, to feel the beat of the rain, and the homely smell of the earth,
Is a tune for the blood to jig to, and joy past power of words;
And the blessed green comely meadows are all a-ripple with mirth
At the noise of the lambs at play and the dear wild cry of the birds.

by John Masefield

Go Team Hoyt!

2009-07-25T20:16:00.002-04:00

"The goal of Team Hoyt is to integrate the physically challenged into everyday life. One way to accomplish this is to educate the able-bodied, making them more aware of the issues that the disabled face every day. Another is by actively helping the disabled to participate in activities that would otherwise be inaccessible to them. Team Hoyt targets both of these areas." -- from the Team Hoyt website

The 13th Day

2009-07-24T21:59:00.001-04:00

I just heard about this film today...

You can find out more about this movie here.

Rescue - Acappella

2009-07-20T21:43:00.000-04:00

I should've posted this three weeks ago...

2009-07-19T01:04:00.005-04:00

...when many people were grumbling that MJ's death was getting more media coverage than the protests in Iran. Apparently several thoughtful souls had the good sense to put together YouTube videos depicting the protests in Iran, with MJ's music playing in the background - a good way of keeping the world's attention on Iran, even while paying tribute to Mr. Jackson.

In my opinion, this was a much more creative and productive response than just complaining yet again about the media and bashing the dead guy, which is unfortunately how some of my fellow conservatives reacted...

More on The Shack

2009-07-18T19:45:00.010-04:00

I finished reading The Shack by William Paul Young a couple of weeks ago, and after Mom read it too we had to return it to the library because there are currently many other folks on the waiting list. Unfortunately, this means I don't have the book in front of me right now, so I'll just have to go on memory.

I liked the story very much. One can look at it from both a literary and a theological perspective. I'll try not to give away too much of the story, but here's what I liked about it:

- God shows personal interest in an individual's suffering;
- The main character encounters God in the place that once caused him the most pain;
- The unique depiction of the Trinity (an example of Divine accommodation);
- The focus on forgiveness;
- The emphasis on living in a dynamic relationship with God;
- The reminder that those who have passed on and who are at peace with God are definitely in a better place, and are filled with joy.

There were some sections of dialogue between the main character and God which I'll admit I read over a little quickly because I found the exchanges to be a bit cumbersome. I remember thinking that I would probably have had the main character ask God different or additional questions to the ones that were asked - and I would probably have depicted God answering some of those questions in a different way or with a different emphasis. (But then, I wasn't the one who took the initiative to write such a creative story, and Mr. Young, as the author, is free to have his character ask God whichever questions he wants!)

I remember one paragraph raising a question-mark in my mind - it had to do with the hypostatic union and I remember thinking the paragraph should be re-worded. I've also read one article on the book in which a Catholic reader felt that God sounded too much like Luther in a discussion on the relationship between grace and good works. My impression was that the author of The Shack wanted to convey that being in relationship with God was the most important thing - that good works naturally (or supernaturally) follow from that, but that the primary thing was to be in communion with God.

I don't have the energy at present to write a treatise addressing all the theological points raised in the book - besides, that would require me to have a copy of the book in front of me, which I don't. I will say that in my ideal world, Mr. Young's manuscript would have somehow passed through the hands of one or two of my Catholic editor friends before the book finally went to print... :) But since that didn't happen, I'll just address the book as it currently is and say, "Thank you, William Paul Young, for writing a unique and moving story which helps people to see the extent of God's love for the individual, as well as the importance of forgiveness."

Read more about William Paul Young here and here.

The Power of Your Love

2009-07-18T19:24:00.001-04:00

The choir sang this today during Mass. They sounded lovely...

Cute!

2009-07-11T12:14:00.001-04:00

Rush on Sarah's Resignation - "It's All Speculation"

2009-07-05T19:57:00.003-04:00

Brian Maloney, the Radio Equalizer, caught up with Rush to get his thoughts on Sarah Palin's decision to step down as Governor of Alaska.

(h/t: Kathy Shaidle)

And to my American friends...

2009-07-04T23:15:00.005-04:00

Happy 4th of July!

I found this cute image at deltanewsweb.com

And before I forget...

2009-07-01T20:03:00.001-04:00

... Happy Canada Day!

The Shack, Michael Jackson, and other things

2009-07-01T19:13:00.014-04:00

We finally got a copy of The Shack (by William Paul Young) from our local library! I've started reading it, and will write more about it later.

I haven't had any energy for blogging lately, even though there's so much I could've written about: the Sri Lankan protests in Toronto, the protests in Iran, the murder of poor Neda, various celebrities passing on...

Right now, I'm trying to be proactive in fighting against headaches, insomnia, and my tendency towards depression, by doing the following:

- daily exercise
- eating healthy food
- taking vitamin supplements
- going to bed earlier during the week
- cutting down on caffeine
- improving my spiritual life

I'm also grateful to good ol' Rush Limbaugh for smacking down those who claim to have absolute knowledge that Michael Jackson did bad things to children: Please read this and this.

For me, Michael peaked with his Off the Wall album, released in 1979. I also saw him and his brothers in concert in Toronto, in 1981 (I think). As someone who grew up listening to a lot of pop music, I really enjoyed Michael Jackson's musical talent in my earlier years. Jackson music was often playing in the background during fun times I had growing up. I could've done without the crotch-grabbing that he incorporated into his dancing in later years, and I felt sad about his excessive plastic surgeries - I often wondered if anyone close to him ever tried to say to him, "Hey Michael, this is a bad idea - don't do this!"

The news of his death was a shock - I took a while to write anything about it on my blog, because I was embarrassed to admit just how much pop music and pop culture had been part of my earlier life, but the truth is I am sad about Michael Jackson's death, and in many ways, I'm also sad about his life. Michael's passing also made me feel nostalgic about years gone by.

For the last few days, a number of folks have been upset that MJ's death is being given more news coverage than other important events. Others have even referred to MJ as "a pedophile" and "a sick predator". I was disappointed to see that some of the folks using these terms were conservatives. Then, I read what Rush had to say (see earlier links a few paragraphs up) and my faith was restored - the King of Conservatives did not let me down!

I pray Michael's soul is now singing and dancing in God's mercy and peace.

Farrah Fawcett Received Last Rites

2009-06-25T19:12:00.002-04:00

A Catholic priest was summoned to administer the Last Rites to Farrah Fawcett before she passed away.

May her soul rest in peace...

Goodbye, Michael...

2009-06-25T18:43:00.001-04:00

Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

2009-06-19T01:00:00.001-04:00

Lord Jesus, let my heart never rest until it finds You, who are its center, its love, and its happiness. By the wound in Your heart, pardon the sins that I have committed whether out of malice or out of evil desires. Place my weak heart in Your own divine Heart, continually under Your protection and guidance, so that I may persevere in doing good and in fleeing evil until my last breath. Amen.
St. Margaret Mary Alacoque

The Stoning of Soraya M.

2009-06-18T22:35:00.001-04:00

My Favourite Atheist

2009-06-16T22:33:00.005-04:00

This evening I heard Camille Paglia speak at the Royal Ontario Museum. The Dead Sea Scrolls will soon be on display at the ROM, and Camille's talk was the final segment of a three part Signature Series, a preamble to the Scrolls display. Her topic was "Hollywood and the Bible".

I like Camille Paglia because, although she's a social commentator who frequently discusses politics, she's more interested in Truth than she is in politics. Although she's an atheist, she sincerely respects those who believe in God, and she sees how vitally important religion is to society and culture. Although she has sometimes described herself as "openly lesbian", she respects the beliefs and freedom of those with same-sex attraction who choose not to build an identity around homosexuality.

Camille shared that her Italian-Catholic upbringing is deeply ingrained in her psyche. It comes through in many ways, and I enjoyed her passionate story-telling this evening and her enthusiasm about her topic. I especially enjoyed the selected clips from The Ten Commandments, along with her commentary. Some elements of her talk even seemed prophetic to me.

There's so much more I could say, but it's getting late and I have work tomorrow. Anyway, I'm grateful for an interesting evening - thank you, Camille, and thank you, God! :)

The Solemnity of Corpus Christi

2009-06-14T22:41:00.003-04:00

“Very truly, I tell you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood have eternal life, and I will raise them up on the last day.”
(John 6:53-54)

Pies

2009-06-13T14:14:00.000-04:00

A short animated film by Sheldon Cohen, 2004 - National Film Board of Canada

Camille is coming to town!

2009-06-13T11:39:00.002-04:00

Camille Paglia will be speaking at the Royal Ontario Museum this Tuesday, June 16th, at 7:00 p.m. Her topic: Hollywood and the Bible.

I've bought my ticket! :)

Charles Krauthammer

2009-06-06T00:46:00.001-04:00

The Settlements Myth

Homeward Bound - Simon & Garfunkel

2009-06-06T00:30:00.000-04:00

Scarborough Campus Revisited

2009-06-01T22:50:00.007-04:00

I visited Scarborough Campus this past Sunday. There were a number of alumni at this reunion event, which included a barbecue, music, speeches, friendly people, games for kids, student-led tours and various University of Toronto memorabilia. It's not something I would normally be interested in, because I only knew a few people well when I was in University and I didn't think any of them would be attending this event; however, S. wanted to go, and I was a little curious to see the old campus. So off I went on Sunday afternoon. It turned out that S. and K. and their kids were indeed the only faces I recognized...

It was interesting to see what was the same, to see what had changed, and to remember old times. I always loved the valleys and trees that surrounded the campus - those are still there in abundance.

There have been a lot of additions, and some renovations. The library looks great - it's been reconstructed and it has a completely different layout now, with lots of computers. There's also a new Arts & Administration building right where the drive to the front of the buildings used to be. An extension has been added to the end of the Science wing, the Leigha Lee Browne theatre has been completely renovated, and the portables at the end of the Science wing have been removed. Instead, they've put a few portables right smack in the middle of the stretch of grass between the S-wing and the north residences. I'm glad that's a temporary measure because that area looks too crowded now. There's a new Management building south of the Humanities wing. It looks quite nice.

There are also a LOT more places to eat on campus now!

We walked floor by floor through the Humanities wing and remembered the offices and classrooms where our favourite Professors and courses used to be. The only nameplate I recognized from years gone by was Garry Leonard - I took his American Lit classes many years ago.

S. and I talked about Professor Jim Howard, one of our favourites, who passed away in 2007. We would like the University to honour his memory in some way. I have to think about that...

It would've been nice to see some of our other classmates from our English program there, but at least we're still in touch with some of them. There'll be other opportunities for us all to get together again.

(The photo above is from the University of Toronto Career Centre site.)

Happy Birthday, Church! :)

2009-05-30T23:58:00.006-04:00

One the eve of Pentecost Sunday, after attending the Vigil Mass, heavy grey clouds suddenly accumulated in the sky, strong winds started to blow, and rain began to fall. What had been a mostly sunny day was rapidly changing into a dark and very wet evening. The sky was so ominous, it looked like it might rain for hours - but then, just fifteen minutes later, it stopped! The sun broke through the far end of the clouds, and we had a beautiful view of a double rainbow!

Trust the Holy Spirit to arrange something dramatic and beautiful like that on the Church's birthday! :)

Ezra Levant on Red-Eye

2009-05-22T19:55:00.001-04:00

(h/t: Blazing Cat Fur)

Msgr. William Kerr, 1940 - 2009, RIP

2009-05-19T23:47:00.004-04:00

Read Damian Thompson's article on Msgr. Kerr here (h/t Kathy Shaidle). Interesting account of how the Rosary protected one of Ted Bundy's intended victims from attack. Bundy also sought out Fr. Kerr for counselling before his execution.

Just Because...

2009-05-18T22:42:00.002-04:00

"Dream a Little Dream of Me" by Mama Cass with the Mamas and the Papas

Archbishop Chaput on Notre Dame & President Obama

2009-05-18T18:19:00.008-04:00

Archbishop Charles Chaput has written this statement about Fr. John Jenkin's invitation of President Obama to give the commencement address at Notre Dame's graduation ceremony this past Sunday. Archbishop Chaput also addresses Fr. Jenkin's introductory remarks, as well as Notre Dame's conferral of an honourary law degree on the President.

Here's a video link to President Obama's commencement address.

Heaven

2009-05-17T10:23:00.003-04:00

I've started writing a book about heaven. I hope that, unlike earlier writing projects, I will stick with this and come up with something publishable.

It's Official!

2009-05-11T21:13:00.002-04:00

Seraphic Single and Benedict Ambrose have tied the knot! We wish the newly married couple much joy and happiness!

Coulter on O'Reilly

2009-05-08T17:57:00.002-04:00

Saturday Update

2009-05-02T08:10:00.004-04:00

My blogging seems to be less and less frequent these days. Work has been very busy lately because of an event we're holding next Friday; consequently, I've been avoiding getting on the computer any more than I have to, since I spend most of my work time in front of a computer screen.

I also worked late almost every evening this week because I took Friday off to attend my friend's Mom's funeral. It was a beautiful funeral Mass for a lovely lady. I can still remember the first time I met her, in the sixth grade when my friend invited me over after school. Mrs. D. was very joyful and funny!

Today I look seriously bug-eyed. The unfortunate combination of allergies, a sleepless night, too much time on the computer, and weepiness from yesterday's funeral have resulted in a rather raccoon-like appearance. I must go douse my eyes in cold water.

Later this morning, I'm off to an art show at Todmorden Mills. My favourite Professor is part of the Don Valley Art Club and has invited me to attend this event as her guest. I'm looking forward to it!

Nell Husbands Martin Coulter, RIP

2009-04-21T22:30:00.004-04:00

Read Ann's touching tribute to her Mom, who passed away last Tuesday.

The Wedding - Julie Rogers

2009-04-21T22:30:00.003-04:00

This evening, I was driving my Mom somewhere when the following song played on the radio. This was a song my parents both enjoyed. Seems like a good time to post it here, since a few of my acquaintances currently have marriage on the horizon!

Ashes to Ashes...

2009-04-18T18:25:00.011-04:00

Today, on this bright, sunny Saturday of the Easter Octave, one day before Mercy Sunday, I accompanied my Mom to the funeral parlour because she wanted to finalize plans for her cremation. Happily, Mom is in good health and doesn't appear to be in need of cremating anytime soon - she just wanted to make sure all the plans were already in place so that I wouldn't have to worry about things "when her time comes". While I sincerely appreciate Mom being so organized, I was dreading making this trip with her.

Both my Father and my Mother opted for immediate cremation, for reasons of economy and simplicity. When my Father died, we were given permission to have a private funeral Mass at home. The urn containing my Dad's cremated remains was present. A dear Priest-friend who had heard my Father's final confession, given him Holy Communion and anointed him, also said the funeral Mass. The only people present, besides the Priest and my Father, were my Mom, my Nana, three close family friends, and me. Although Dad knew a lot of people, he had specifically requested a small funeral, and it was special in its own way.

Later the urn was placed in a niche in a mausoleum. The cemetery is not specifically Catholic, and it occurred to me today that the niche was never blessed. When my Priest-friend visits this summer, we're going to ask him to bless the niche which contains: my Father's urn, a rosary, a memorial nameplate, a photograph of Dad, his watch, and a little teddy-bear which I gave him when he was in the Hospital.

When Mom passes, she wants her urn to be placed with my Father's, in the same niche.

I suppose it's just as well that the task of making these arrangements took place during the Easter Octave. Rather than get depressed over the contemplation of one day being separated from another parent by death, I'm focusing instead on the Resurrection! :)

Hallelujah! He is Risen!

2009-04-12T09:31:00.004-04:00

I found this in my e-mail this morning and wanted to share it on here - Thanks D.D.! :)

RESURRECTION HOMILY - Saint John Chrysostom

LET ALL PIOUS MEN and all lovers of God rejoice in the splendor of this feast;
let the wise servants blissfully enter into the joy of their Lord;
let those who have borne the burden of Lent now receive their pay,
and those who have toiled since the first hour, let them now receive their due reward;
let any who came after the third hour be grateful to join in the feast,
and those who may have come after the sixth, let them not be afraid of being too late,
for the Lord is gracious and He receives the last even as the first.
He gives rest to him who comes on the eleventh hour as well as to him who has toiled since the first; yes,
He has pity on the last and He serves the first;
He rewards the one and is generous to the other;
He repays the deed and praises the effort.
Come you all: enter into the joy of your Lord.
You the first and you the last, receive alike your reward;
you rich and you poor, dance together; you sober and you weaklings, celebrate the day;
you who have kept the fast and you who have not, rejoice today.
The table is richly loaded: enjoy its royal banquet.
The calf is a fatted one: let no one go away hungry.
All of you enjoy the banquet of faith; all of you receive the riches of his goodness.
Let no one grieve over his poverty, for the universal kingdom has been revealed;
let no one weep over his sins, for pardon has shone from the grave;
let no one fear death, for the death of our Savior has set us free:
He has destroyed it by enduring it,
He has despoiled Hades by going down into its kingdom,
He has angered it by allowing it to taste of his flesh.
When Isaiah foresaw all this, he cried out: "O Hades, you have been angered by encountering Him in the nether world."
Hades is angered because frustrated, it is angered because it has been mocked, it is angered because it has been destroyed, it is angered because it has been reduced to naught, it is angered because it is now captive.
It seized a body, and, lo! it discovered God; it seized earth, and, behold! it encountered heaven; it seized the visible, and was overcome by the invisible. O death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory?
Christ is risen and you are abolished,
Christ is risen and the demons are cast down,
Christ is risen and the angels rejoice,
Christ is risen and life is freed,
Christ is risen and the tomb is emptied of the dead:
for Christ, being risen from the dead, has become the Leader and Reviver of those who had fallen asleep. To Him be glory and power forever and ever. Amen.

Good Friday Meditation

2009-04-10T19:03:00.002-04:00

Good Reading

2009-04-07T22:17:00.002-04:00

I recently re-read "To Kill A Mockingbird" by Harper Lee - now that was time well spent! :) I haven't seen the movie in a while, but I've put a hold request on it at my local library. Hope it comes in soon!

Palm Sunday Praise

2009-04-05T22:26:00.002-04:00

Cece Winans singing "King of Kings" (music starts around 1:52):

Wishing everyone a prayerful and transformational Holy Week, united to the heart of Christ!

John Paul II Remembered

2009-04-05T10:41:00.001-04:00

Carole Brown wrote a touching tribute to John Paul II on his death anniversary last week.

Prayers, Please

2009-03-29T21:45:00.002-04:00

To whomever comes across this blog, I have a prayer request: There's a project I'm trying to get finished at work - I'd like to complete it by the end of this week and I'd like to do it well. I'd be grateful for any prayers you can send my way, to that end!

I'm happy because I completed both my US and Canadian taxes this weekend - it didn't make for a very fun weekend, but at least they're done! :)

I also had a generous friend treat me to dinner on Saturday evening. We went to a restaurant called Mt. Everest on Bloor Street. It was quite good!

Another Spoiler Alert

2009-03-27T22:30:00.002-04:00

You may not want to read this if you haven't read Graham Greene's The Heart of the Matter, but plan to.

All I'm going to say about it is, it probably wasn't the ideal thing for me to read right after feeling depressed over Tess of the D'Urbervilles... Two sad stories in a row is a bit much for me.

I do like how Greene interweaves Catholicism into the daily experience of his characters, especially in the grittier aspects of their lives. I remember liking that about The End of the Affair too.

This & That

2009-03-25T21:10:00.002-04:00

Not much to report - just spending my evenings completing my Canadian and U.S. taxes - sigh...

Also reading "The Heart of the Matter" by Graham Greene.

On Sunday, April 5th, I'm planning to take Mom to see "Arsenic and Old Lace" at Theatre Etobicoke. A friend of mine is acting in it. That should be fun. :)