{phfr}: ordinary time

Hope no one is inclined to point out that I am in a blogging rut, posting the same kinds of things over and over. Sensational original thought must be over rated, I hope. I hope very much that it's over rated, and that the ordinary carrying on of the same regular tasks and then writing about them is the most interesting way. And if it isn't, don't tell me because the ordinary carrying forward of life is a great triumph for me, as I am rounding out my sixth week of the Fabulous Summer Cold Turned Into Pure Evil. Anyway, as Elphine said last night, during another unpleasant dinner hour in which three children sat moping in front of their food, two children poured their water out like an oblation unto The Lord all over the floor, one child ate the whole pan of noodles unaided, and everyone interrupted over and over until we just felt like truly and really giving up, she said, “It's like we're finally getting back into our regular routine after such a long summer, eating dinner together again and the cinnamon rolls and fencing.”

That's right, Bonzo, I made cinnamon rolls for the first time in months. And muffins.

So I guess the regular way of life is ok, because one, at least, missed it, and perhaps more who have not the power of language.

{pretty}

Was unable to go shopping on Monday because of spending the whole day in bed. Made a detailed and desperate list for Matt, ordered by where everything is in the store, and at the end wrote, in large letters with my own hand, 'FLOWERS because I'm sick and you feel sorry for me'.

{happy}

Finally. Finally!! got back to fencing last night. This year won't be just Elphine. All four are partaking in the glory and wonder of wearing the jacket, the glove and waving the long metal stick, I mean sword, at each other. Everyone was so happy after waiting forever and ever to get to do it also or again.

{funny}

The three little girls have formed themselves into a cunning little group. Gladys, of course, is the link between the bigs and the littles. She keeps up with the three older but periodically stops to organize and condescend to the younger. Bizarrely, the two little ones consent to be called sharply to attention by her. “Babies,” she will command, “let's put on a show” and they obediently gather around and sing and dance as she instructs. They posed for this picture but would not keep still and so, out of the 35 I took, tragically, this is the most in focus. I think it must be a rest for Gladys to sometimes be in charge, and not forever running desperately to keep up. Hope she doesn't ruin it.

{real}

Praying for the whole world on this dreadful and sorrowful day. Debating whether or not to talk about it at the start of the school day. Probably will. Evil is part of the ordinary life, evil near by and far away, evil in my heart and in the hearts of others. I think it's easy, in Ordinary Time, to lose sight of the great need for the cross, of the surpassing mercy of God, and think that we're all fine, plugging away in our own quiet spheres. Were we not confronted, in Lent and Holy Week, with the unbounding evil of the human heart, we might happily forget about it altogether.

May today be a day of hope for those in sorrow, and also, go read Like Mother Like Daughter.