Friday Funny

Ban the sock.

I agree.

Five on Friday, June 19

Several years ago I read about half of Julia Cameron's book The Artist's Way. Much of what I read was helpful, but I must have gotten distracted, because I never finished the book. I'm trying again, with the workbook.

I'm also reading Leslie Parrott's You Matter More than You Think. It's an interesting and personal look at how a woman's life experiences shape her to make a difference and be a mentor.

One of my favorite Etsy shops is Unravelling. Photographer Susannah Conway's artwork, especially the beach scenes, is refreshing in a simple yet elegant way. (Photo above is from Unravelling)

This week we are listening to a bit of baroque music in the afternoons. The kids all have quiet time, and the music is so soothing for them. It's ideal for me too, whether I grab a quick nap, or spend the afternoon writing and reading. Today the CD is Baroque for Bath Time, which is truly perfect bathtime music, but enjoyable at other times as well.

We did a lot of rearranging this week, both furniture and artwork. Now one of the first things I see every morning is my small print of "Fisherman's Cottage on the Cliffs at Varengeville", by Claude Monet. What a peaceful view every morning!

Five on Friday

Today I'm joining Rhiannon over at Starry Blue Sky and posting my Five on Friday.

Moorefield Pottery at Etsy makes charming mini creamers--perfect for using as vases or individual syrup pitchers.

This week I'm wearing a new fragrance: Mary Kay Lotus and Bamboo. It's very light and summery, and in addition to the body spray there is a wonderful loofah scrub.

Another beauty find: OPI nail polish has a color in the "Brights" spectrum: On the Same Paige. It's a bright coral orange, just what I like for summer.

I just re-read The Saturdays, by Elizabeth Enright, and the sequels: The Four Story Mistake, Then There Were Five, and Spiderweb for Two. I loved this children's series when I was ten, and I still enjoy them. The children are fun and talented and real, and the author does not limit her vocabulary like the typical children's author of today. The stories are set in the eastern United States during World War II.

My husband and I are enjoying a Britcom from the 80s on DVD: Lovejoy. We find it far more fun than most of the current shows on American tv. The humor is quiet and the characters are a little quirky. Amazon says,

Ian McShane (Deadwood) stars as the irresistible rogue with a keen eye for
antiques, intrigue and beauty. Just call him Lovejoy. This antiques dealer and
part-time detective scours the murky salesrooms, auction halls and stately homes
of Britain, always on the lookout for a find or a quick buck. As if the antiques
business isn't exciting enough, Lovejoy has a particular weakness for a good sob
story or a pretty face, either of which is enough to send him off in pursuit of
villains and help victims recover their property. Whether it's a priceless old
master or a pretty young lady, his love of beauty is sure to land him in trouble
wherever he goes.

Three on Tuesday

Rhiannon at Starry Blue Sky posts "Five on Friday". I missed it last week, so here are "Three on Tuesday."

I bought some classy earrings from Jewelwing Creations at Etsy.com. This seller has lovely necklaces and bracelets too.

I discovered a new book blog that looks rather promising: Cabinet of Wonders.

I'm in the middle of an interesting book, The Open Door, by Frederica Matthewes-Green. It's a fascinating glimpse of Orthodox faith and an introduction to icons, with inspirational thoughts on various seasonal Orthodox feasts.

Adorning the Gospel: June 8, 09

When He saw the crowds, He went up on the mountain, and after He sat down,
His disciples came to Him. Then He began to teach them,
saying:
"Blessed are the poor in spirit,
because the kingdom of heaven is theirs.
Blessed are those who mourn,
because they will be comforted.
Blessed are the gentle,
because they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger
and thirst for righteousness,
because they will be filled.
Blessed are the merciful,
because they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart,
because they will see God.

Blessed are the peacemakers,
because they will be called sons of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness,
because the kingdom of heaven is theirs.
Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and falsely say every kind of evil against you because of Me. Be glad and rejoice, because your reward is great in heaven. For that is how they persecuted the prophets who were before you."(Matt 5:11-12)

The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble.
Those who know Your name trust in You because You have not abandoned those who seek You, Lord. (Psalm 9:9-10)

Happiness in the kingdom of God is achieved by such different attitudes and rules -- different from the world's How to Succeed Rules.

Adorning the Gospel, June 7 09

Today's Gospel Reading:

Matthew 28:16-30 (CEV) Jesus' eleven disciples went to a mountain in Galilee, where Jesus had told them to meet him. They saw him and worshiped him, but some of them doubted.
Jesus came to them and said: I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth!
Go to the people of all nations and make them my disciples. Baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and teach them to do everything I have told you. I will be with you always, even until the end of the world.

Though Jesus was ending His time of being physically visible in the world, He promised "I will be with you always." In Hebrews 13:5 this promise is rephrased, and tied to a command: "Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”(NKJV) I'm supposed to be content, because Jesus is with me. He is enough. As the old hymn "How Firm a Foundation" says, "What more can He say than to you He has said, to you who for refuge to Jesus have fled?" He will never leave me. What else does He need to say? Nothing. His presence is enough.

"...that they may adorn the teaching of God our Savior in everything." Titus 2:10

Friday Funny

Two sites cracked me up today: The "Blog" of Unnecessary Quotation Marks and the sarcastic posters at despair.com.

Enjoy.