#7QT: Southern Catholic Authors and Adventures Edition.

— 1 —

I have a love for certain Southern Catholic writers. One of my English lit profs in college was a Southern convert to Catholicism and introduced me to Flannery O’Connor [love] and Walker Percy. So.

“All human nature vigorously resists grace because grace changes us and the change is painful.” – Flannery O’Connor

Flannery O’Connor. Isn’t she just striking? (Source: wordonfire.org)

— 2 —

“Lives are lines of force which ordinarily run parallel and do not connect.” – from Walker Percy’s ‘The Second Coming’

“I have some Ohio friends. I just like the way they talk. They don’t talk, they tock. Well, nothing personal, not even against the state. I can’t imagine anything more American than Ohio and Ohioans. It’s a partial balancing of the scales too. Usually Mississippians and Georgians are getting it from everybody, and Alabamians. So, what’s wrong with making smart-aleck remarks about Ohio? Nobody puts Ohio down. Why shouldn’t I put Ohio down?” — amusing answer to an interview question

— 3 —

Actually, if you’re intrigued… my professor was on EWTN’s “The Journey Home” a while back. If you want to hear his great, sloooooow slightly southern drawl, you can watch the clip here. [I know - not a quick take, considering how long it is. But a great professor.] He talks about some fab people in the world of literature.

— 4 —

Enough about reading, right? Adventures! Here’s an adventure: I’m done with grad school.

— 5 —

That deserved it’s own take, it really did. Tuesday my mom and I celebrated that by adventuring to the middle-of-nowhere PA, took a walk on a trail in some people’s backyards, and visited a greenhouse full of gorgeous plants, and grabbed lunch at a “Bubba’s Gourmet Burghers” which we found in a tiny strip mall in the middle of a random road we somewhat took by accident. Wheee!

— 6 —

Thursday we adventured to almost-middle-of-nowhere WV to the Homer Laughlin China Company. We toured the plant, met some folks who are doing seriously difficult work with clay and paint and things I couldn’t manage if I tried, and saw all sorts of “retired” Fiestaware. Fun times!

— 7 —

And things aren’t calming down. Brother and his fam – that includes the cute kiddos whose faces sometimes grace this page – will be here for the weekend, as he is running the Pittsburgh Marathon! (Wish him luck and send some prayers for a body that holds up, eh?) Have a lovely one! Enjoy the sunshine if you have it!

For more Quick Takes, visit Conversion Diary!

#7QT: “Where The Heck Have I Been For A Month?!” Edition.

Truthfact – I last blogged on March 22. It’s April 26. I have my reasons. That’s the whole point of being here right now! They’re really good reasons, I promise.

— 1 —

I left town for nearly two weeks. Why?

Well, we went to visit the fam. And this happened:

Easter Vigil!

That’s me, my nephew/godson, and my… significant other/godson. So strange. Let’s pretend that title doesn’t exist. I like “sponsor” better.
Also important to note: the baptism/confirmation went off without a hitch, despite my Devil Glare Eyes. I did not fire any lasers, I promise.
Also: isn’t my little godson adorable!? I know. I know.

 

 

— 2 —

Opening Day in Bawlmer!

I made sure that I was in town for Opening Day It just so happens that my trip to Maryland coincided with Opening Day and it just so happens that the boy had tickets to Opening Day and it just so happened that I was able to attend!

It was a beautiful day at the ballpark.

I got my first sunburn of the year.

Chris Davis hit a grand slam. WE WENT CA-RAY-ZAY in the stands.

The Orioles won.

I put Old Bay on my french fries.

Happy day!

— 3 —

Aunt Rie and the kiddos!

 

 

It just so happened that my trip and the free housing offered by my brother and sister-in-law (THANK YOU) meant I got to spend a lot of quality time with the kiddos.

I love them. Simple as that. They make me happy. Sometimes I make them happy when I’m not enforcing family rules.

Also: those tiny two bottom teeth oh my gracious how cute.

 

 

— 4 —

 Who doesn’t like going to the park on a 40 degree day?

 

Well… judging by this picture, maybe little miss. Oh well. Aunt Rie and her psycho hair like the park!

— 5 —

Pittsburgh. Yeah.

AND THEN, after spending two weeks out of town, I came back to town.

The boy drove me back. Very nice of him to do so. Good egg.

We went to Pittsburgh, because I like that town, and did all the Pittsburgh-y things.

Carnegie Science Center [where we acted like children, because play is fun].

Primanti’s. Because fries on a sandwich never tasted so good.

Annnnd rode the incline to the top of Mt. Washington. Hence this photo!

— 6 —

My dad and I sitting in a shower. Not quite as awkward as it sounds.

 

So then, for fun, my parents and I went out to Amish Country, Ohio [not the actual name] to this MASSIVE store that sells almost everything. Think a super-classy Lowe’s with handworked wood everywhere.

They had free popcorn AND coffee AND Auntie Anne’s pretzels! Awesome.

This picture happened because my dad and I were discussing how awkward it is to have a shower that has two seats built in.
So we climbed into said shower to see how small and tiny and awkward it was.

And then mom took a picture!

I think this falls under the “adventures in Ohio” tag.

— 7 —

Ohio. Beautiful.

 

Speaking of which….

for anyone who doesn’t get the Ohio thing, or the country living thing…

this is partly why I love it.

It’s just gosh darn beautiful sometimes. Ah, creation.

Thanks for sticking with me despite me not sticking with you, reader!
I’m spending all weekend busy with a friend’s wedding activities. Should yield plenty of photos.
Have a lovely weekend!

For more Quick Takes, visit Conversion Diary!

7QT: Life Continues, as it is wont to do, Edition.

— 1 —

You move to an entirely different state and you think things will be different. And they are, of course. But also…life continues. I do schoolwork. I do work work (I’m part-time on a research project for some profs of mine). I mindlessly watch tv on hulu late at night. I bake things. I cook things. So, in light of that, today’s following 6 quicks are a rather mundane look into Life In Ohio.

— 2 —

I volunteered – okay, mom asked me, but I did volunteer to cook whenever – to make dinner this week. I figured this was the perfect opportunity to get lots of veggies on the dinner table (I like veggies, and my stomach doesn’t hate veggies, so I figured I’d make everyone else deal, because I’m so…selfless). So we had my usual of baked pasta with baby spinach and a light bechamel with cheddar. And to go with, lemon-y orange-y carrots that even “I don’t like carrots” brother tried and said, “hey those aren’t bad”. BOOM. I’ll give you the recipe but… I made it up. So there’s that. I’ll need to recreate at some point.

— 3 —

I make snickerdoodle blondies this week. Lest you’re one of those ABHOR ALL THE SWEETS DURING LENT PEOPLE, I should note the main ingredients are neither flour nor sugar and there’s NO butter, so they’re not even really decadent. They are VERY cinnamony. Here’s the recipe, thanks to Chocolate Covered Katie.

And do me a favor and don’t tell my dad, k? He’ll read it here on the blog anyway, and I’m not sure if he figured it out on his own… <muahahaha>.

— 4 —

I got a brand new library card for the public library this week. Wheeeee! I’m currently reading: Smokehouse Ham, Spoon Bread, & Scuppernong Win: The folklore and art of Southern Appalachian Cooking, a celebration of food lore handed down from Scotland, England, Ireland, Germany, and the Cherokee Nation.

And before you ask – yes, it IS fascinating.

— 5 —

For one of my grad classes, we have to make an infographic that conveys routines, behavioral expectations, and a context for learning. We were kinda left in the cold on this one — figure it out, kids! — and, well, I spent half a day putting this SUPER COLORFUL THING together, if you’re interested. For context, I’m planning to be a school librarian. Also, if you wanna know how I made that, feel free to ask! Once my project partner and I had a “theme” to coalesce around, it kind of just came together. (Further edits/changes are likely, though).

— 6 —

On Wednesday, I met my best friend at the local Tim Hortons for afternoon coffee and a long chat.
On Thursday, I went to Tim Hortons to redeem a free latte and work on a project for school.

When I walked in, I had a moment of “hey! those people were here yesterday and are here again!”
AND THEN I REALIZED THAT’S ALSO ME.

Small town problems: when there’s only one coffee shop in about 15 miles.

— 7 —

Today, mom and I are off to The City – It’s Kind Of A Big Deal So It Gets Capitalized – because I have to see the derm. However, as we are wont to do, there will be fun activities while we’re out and about because you don’t drive 80some miles just to see a doctor. No no no. So maybe a little shopping, or window shopping, or coffee talk, or food, or…likely all of the above…

This is my last Friday in Ohio until returning on April 12th so I plan to enjoy it! (My life schedule: a little cray right now).

Two of my dear friends from college are being ordained transitional deacons tomorrow morning. Say a prayer for them please! It’s all very exciting.

Happy weekend, y’all.

For more Quick Takes, visit Conversion Diary!

#7QT: I’m back in Ohio Edition.

Really quick. Ready?

— 1 —

This week has been so entirely tiring, that I keep forgetting it’s Friday. Fret not: I had an egg schmuffin for lunch and spinach ravioli for dinner. But srsly, I have no idea what day it is.

— 2 —

So I moved. My parents are beyond awesome people for helping, and my brother helped out once we got here. Final destination. Finally.

fall in my front yard. I wonder if I’ll still be here come fall?

Hopedale, some railroad tracks, and sunshine. Ohio.

— 3 —

Of course it snowed all day Thursday while we were packing the UHaul trailer with stuff.

Because Syracuse, that’s why.

— 4 —

Of course it snowed 4 out of the 6 hour drive from sister’s house to home today.

Because Upstate NY, that’s why.

— 5 —

I’m totally the lucky one — I only had to drive the Accord, by myself. My dad — Awesome Super Man that he is — drove the truck (filled with my stuff) towing the 6′x12′ UHaul (filled with my stuff) through the same snow storms.

— 6 —

Basically I’m too tired to think. But Go Penguins! 1pm game tomorrow against the Rangers. Keep winning in stellar, entertaining fashion, please.

— 7 —

I LOVE THE NEW POPE.
I cried when I saw white smoke.
Relatedly: I love love love being Catholic.

Also, if you don’t follow me on Twitter, you missed this:

WHAT COLOR IS THAT

— Marie Bernadette (@MbernadetteE) March 13, 2013

WHITE SMOKE WE HAVE A POPE! — Marie Bernadette (@MbernadetteE) March 13, 2013

Yeah, I’m crying right now. DEAL WITH IT. #HabemumPapam — Marie Bernadette (@MbernadetteE) March 13, 2013

I CAN’T SPELL LATIN WHEN I’M CRYING #HabemusPapem — Marie Bernadette (@MbernadetteE) March 13, 2013

This is beautiful. I love him. #newpope

— Marie Bernadette (@MbernadetteE) March 13, 2013

 

And now…For more Quick Takes, visit Conversion Diary!

7QT: Moving 400 Miles & A Birthday Edition!

Yes, you read that title right… I’m the one moving, but not the one with the birthday…

— 1 —

So, I’m moving back to Ohio. If you’re reading this and Catholic, you may have a good guess as to which small town is going to be graced with my presence. It’s also where I spent the first 22 years of my life, so another few months or so won’t hurt, right? My internships are over, I don’t have a paying job here anymore, and my classes are all online, so it just makes sense.

— 2 —

Moving requires packing, which isn’t fun. It also requires dismantling furniture if you have the hopes of fitting it into the the truck/trailer combo. This requires a hex key, if said furniture was built at Ikea.

Living room set-up with entertainment center, BEFORE. Blurry because I’m a bad photog.

Notice the big pile of white boards and relocated tv! Yes…that entire hulk of furniture is now a pile of boards. Sidenote, note sure it’ll ever be put back together… it’s lasted twenty years in that position. We’ll see.

— 3 —

I also had to box up all of my books, and I even found some to give to Salvation Army, but that’s when I realized I’m going to need to buy some “moving boxes”. I think the ones we used when I moved up here to begin with are stored somewhere in Ohio, and I’d like to get a lot of the packing done before my parents show up. I figured that would be a nice thing, no? This also involves me trying to use up as much as my “freezer stuffs” as possible in the coming week. No wasting here! …but based on the contents of my freezer, it’s gonna be pierogies and vegetable week. Wheeee!

— 4 —

Quick Take #4 is a shout-out to a wonderful person in my life who is celebrating their thirty fourth birthday tomorrow! Y’all, my big brother Mark is a fabulous gentleman. We’re shockingly alike in both mannerism and interest, and our birthdays are exactly one month apart. (Well, nine years and eleven months apart, but who’s counting?) So, if you’re a twitter pal, why not say HAPPY BIRTHDAY in as dramatic fashion as you can to him?

And now… pictures, of course! What birthday is complete without them?

— 5 —

This somewhat awful picture is courtesy of a family reunion where we played some game involving hats. Like hot potato, with hats? I found it hiding on my hard drive and had to laugh because our faces are turned at the same exact angle.

We’re the camping type, so this one time while I was in high school and he was stationed somewhere state-side, we met up (with our parents) in West Virginia. And yes, folks, WV is PRETTY!

Big brother and his family came to my college graduation. This is one of my favorites!

— 6 —

I will readily admit that I slept in this morning. Later than I planned to. However, I didn’t have a time I needed to wake up so that whole “later than planned” thing is rather relative. Why, do you ask? Well…because I could, for one thing. Also, my bedroom has one tiny strip of window so it’s really easy to pretend it’s still nighttime when the sun is actually shining elsewhere. Also, beds are comfy. As are big fluffy blankets. And you know what? I’m still battling this stupid, incessant sickness. Yeah. We’re almost to the 4wk mark. The course of antibiotics I got helped, but did not fix, and so the doc was all “it’s just a virus and you’ll have to wait it out”. Blargh. I have just one word for this: Lent. (half-joking, of course, but I’m planning to go to Stations tonight and pray for a St. Peregrine-esque result…)

— 7 —

I actually have to go to my college campus today to pay my last bill for grad school. (Assorted “fees” which are useless but require to be paid). Speaking of grad school… I’ve been chronicling this week for a project, called “Hack Library School Day In the Life”. Click on over to my librarian-y blog to see pictures and hear what I’ve actually accomplished in that realm of my life. Woo! Less than 2 months to go!

As always, thanks to Jen for hosting us… and For more Quick Takes, visit Conversion Diary!

Finding & Reveling in Joy: Five Favorites!

I saw this link-up roll through my twitter feed this morning from a few bloggers I love to read. Apparently Hallie Lord over at Moxie Wife is starting a new link-up called “Five Favorites”. We all know how much I love alliteration (it’s a favorite, you might say) so… I had to jump on this bandwagon!

CLICK on the image to go to the link-up and read other posts!

ONE

Food processor. Toaster. Coffee bean grinder. Coffee pot. LOVE.

This set-up in my kitchen. All the good stuff happens here. Or at least near here.

TWO

Peanut butter. really. I don’t want to live in a world where I can’t have peanut butter everyday. My favorite form: spread thinly on a piece of toast; wait until melted; live in bliss.

THREE

Coffee shops that are totally okay with you walking in, buying a cup of coffee, and staying for a few hours until the creative juices are completely drained from your brain and your caffeine intake is sky-high and has you writing incredibly overly long sentences. Panera Bread, I’m looking at you. Thanks for supporting my online education that requires me to leave the house in order to get work done.

This was last Sunday. Just chillin’ in the back part of the Panera with my cuppa java. Which I refilled, oh, probably three times, while getting work done.

FOUR

Pandora. It just segued from Foreigner to Bryan Adams. How could I not be motivated by that?!!

FIVE

Rainbow things. Like rainbow cake. And rainbow-psychedelic cupcakes. I need to use more food coloring.

Psychedelic cupcakes. Sister and I had fun making these!

Rainbow cake inside; rainbow sprinkles outside… wicked awesome birthday cake. Thanks to my sister for decorating it! (Sidebar: aren’t her plates awesome? They were our great-grandma’s I think.)

BOOM. Check out the inside of rainbow cake! And the semi-not-awful picture I took!

7QT: Farewell, humble Papa…

— 1 —

It’s Thursday mid-day as I write this first piece. I’ve been watching the livestream of Papa via EWTN. His final words, which I did not hear but have seen quoted, simply reinforce what I’ve said before: that this act, while painful and in a way devastating, is an exercise in true humility. Wow. I’m going to miss this Papa…

This image, taken from the Word on Fire facebook page linked to the awesome Fr. Robert Barron, says it all in my opinion. (Go like them. Worth it.)

“Loving the Church also means having the courage to make difficult, trying choices, having before oneself the good of the Church and not one’s own. — Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI

— 2 —

While we’re discussing that, might I suggest adding some daily prayers for the Cardinals and the upcoming Conclave that will elect the next successor of Peter? I readily admit I’m not the greatest at scheduled prayers (i.e., “I’ll pray a rosary every night at 8pm!”) but I am decent about committing to that which I have committed. I’m planning to include the Conclave electors in my daily “hey God, let’s chat for a second” prayers. Care to join me? (Oh, and if you’re in the mood to talk Lent, see the post I put up just recently and join the conversation.)

— 3 —

Lack of segue….
Did I mention the boy was here last weekend? Yep. And I was sick as a… well, immuno-comprised sinus-infected person is. (#NotVeryFun). He drank some of my Coke Vanilla Zero stash…and then bought me another pack. So I’ve had that sweet treat this week, which is lovely and just one of those things that makes you smile. And he rearranged our plans so I wouldn’t have to travel while horrifically ill. Good egg.

— 4 —

In an attempt to learn more about nutrition and how foods are actually composed, I’m working on a bit of an improve-my-eating kinda thing lately. (Note: not a diet). I, because I’m a fan of science and chemistry and rather nerdy, love seeing how things interact when cooking (WHY does it break down at the temperature but not others?) and also seeing what nutritional benefits certain foods convey. I really want to go back and finish reading “What Einstein Told His Cook”, which is all about food chemistry, once my internship ends and I have a wee bit more free time. For now I’ll just content myself with the limited nerdiness available to me.

This looks weird, right? It’s chickpea-peanut butter-chocolate chip dip. Intrigued? It was pretty delish.

I think it looks pretty. Maybe it doesn’t. Either way, it tasted pretty good. Also: meatless, so leftovers are a go for Friday!

— 5 —

While we’re on the subject of food (a personal favorite) — if you want a way to brighten up baby carrots, which are a mainstay in my kitchen because #cheap, throw them in a skillet/pan/thing on low heat on the stove with some lemon juice. Let them heat up slowly as they absorb the lemon juice. Gives ‘em a kick they wouldn’t otherwise have. Plus, less chewy! That’s just a random kitchen experiment for ya.

I also made an interesting, from-scratch-n0-recipe spinach, mushroom, pecan crustless quiche earlier this week. Pretty delicious, but it didn’t reheat as well as I’d have hoped, which is a problem when you’re a singleton eater. Hmm.

— 6 —

I’m teaching 10 classes between today and tomorrow. (10 classes when you’re the librarian is quite a few, considering you’re not actually in the classroom all day). We’re talking about digital footprints, how we envision and assess people based on what we can find on them online, and the like. It’s fun to see the creative ideas flowing in their brains — and interesting to see what is a ‘big deal’ to them. A number of students were harsh critics of a false students online profile because he misspelled “world” as “wurld”. SPELLING MATTERS.

Tomorrow, we’re discussing ways to build more of a footprint and how to present more of who you really are, an authentic view, to the world that searches for you. I’m thinking of encouraging them to start a blog or using a blog platform as a repository for their work — being an active digital user, not a passive one. We’ll see!

— 7 —

I’m going to be spending my weekend huddled inside (20′s and snowing, so I hear), cleaning/laundering, packing up some non-essentials for the Big Move In Under Three Weeks, working on Really Big Projects for my grad classes, and perhaps reading a book or two. Oh, and per the usual…

There. Will. Be. Coffee.

Have a great week, y’all. Cheers!

For more Quick Takes, visit Conversion Diary!