So Much For a Break…

First of all, I want to thank you all so much for the thoughtful, encouraging emails I have been receiving. I took a break from blogging in part to step back into my daily life and try to get a handle on things, and in part out of sheer discouragement and something akin to despair.

Getting a handle on my daily life was an abysmal failure. Nothing improved; circumstances, in fact, spun so wildly out of control that there was nothing for it but to laugh and recognize that a break is not in the cards for me right now.

But one thing did change. I found my discouragement melting away and being replaced by a quiet faith that all is in God’s hands. I felt reassured, even uplifted, and I believe that I have all of you to thank for that. I’ve heard people talk of being “cocooned in prayer” but I had no idea what that meant. I’ve often wondered if people’s references to being able to “feel” the prayers of others wasn’t just hyperbole or imagination.

But I felt your prayers. And they helped. More than I can say.

So thank you. Each one of you who said a prayer, or read my last post and felt some sympathy, thank you.

In between catching up with homeschooling this week, I plan on telling you all about the House of Horrors that my poor Ogre had the unfortunate (for him) timing to stumble into this weekend, but tonight, I just want to share one small item of news that may be of interest to you.

In case you’ve never been over there (and if you haven’t, you are in for a treat), The Crescat is hosting her annual Cannonball Awards. These awards are for those of us who…ahem…don’t distinguish ourselves too much from the rest of the pack. We certainly don’t write books, win actual Catholic Media Awards, or do much at all besides entertain ourselves by publishing our every mediocre thought.

The Crescat would like us to be noticed for our awesome mediocrity. And I quote, “Nominees and winners of the 2011 Catholic Cannonball Awards™© receive no prizes, just the sweet sweet satisfaction that they were only slightly better than no one else really all that special. They reserve bragging rights and the distinction of being fantastical ordinary! Yay! You’re an awesome average blogger. Enjoy your victory. “


And guess who was nominated in not one but two categories? 

That’s right, me. And I owe it all to all that liquor.

And so, my friends, if you feel so inclined, click on over to the Crescat’s blog and cast your votes. You can vote for me in the categories Best New Kid on the Block and Most Under Appreciated Blog, or you can do what I’m doing and vote for Secret Vatican Spy in the former category and DarwinCatholic in the latter. 


Whatever floats your boat. 


(While you’re over there, though, can you show some love to The Hell With It, House Unseen, The Wine-Dark Sea, Little Catholic Bubble and Accepting Abundance? All are worthy of your love, I promise.)


(Also while you’re there, please do not neglect to pore over the Crescat’s hysterical sidebar pictures and quotes. Love. Love. Love.)


Thanks, y’all! Until later this week, cheers! 


*Update: apparently you can vote once a day for the Cannonball Awards. This news might interest you if you’re bored, your mouse finger hasn’t fulfilled it’s daily quota of clicks, or if you really, really love me.