The Anchoress
Well, it’s pedal to the metal time around here. Buster is home from college and already blowing the saxophone while his brother wrestles with a computer problem. The dog is throwing up. I still have to go shopping for a few items now that I have chosen my veggie entrees from some of the suggestions made below and at Ace’s – yay, my menu is finally complete! I’ve added an asparagus and a green-bean dish to the list, and have decided to make Pianogirl’s Incredibly Delicious Pumpkin Bread Pudding to bring along, because it’s too yummy and I haven’t made it yet, this year. It’s SO good!
Ed Morrissey is wondering if the Obama presidency will mean the end of Catholic Health Care in the United States. That is a big question. If the government really wants to take over health care, they’ll find themselves taking on the additional burden that the Catholic Health Care System shoulders, now. Perhaps they oughta think about that and, this Thanksgiving, be THANKFUL for what the church does to help, instead of trying to tear it all down.
If you were wondering what to pray about over the next 24 hours, LIFE is a good option. Also, if you will, please keep Eric and Kelley in your prayers as they deal with the death of their infant son, and the family of Anthony M, who was struck by a train and is in bad shape, and our soldier, Beloved. I have not heard from his family in a while, and I’m hoping that means he is still hanging on.
Brian Saint-Paul finds a really fascinating piece on the notion of urban loneliness, which you’ll want to read.
Mark Shea gets you thinking about Monsters, Moralists and Happiness. We’re all monsters and moralists at times, but we don’t all turn the wheel in the lives of millions of others.
Siggy finishes up a thoughtful three part essay on “Home, and ‘Home for the Holidays'” which you may want to read if you’re anticipating one of those bittersweet gatherings that too often are mostly bitter.
In anticipation of Black Friday, (whether online or at malls) National Review is running its annual symposium of gift ideas. (I contributed to the 2006 symposium, offering ideas for “difficult” giftees). It’s always fun to read what other people are either wishing for or recommending. I like Kathryn Jean Lopez’ multiple multiple, excellent, book ideas, (she even mentions Sr. Mary Catherine Perry’s book Amata Means Beloved, the very good, very different sort of murder mystery I mentioned here, and Greater Than You Think, which I reviewed I reviewed in September for Inside Catholic) and she comes up with the notion of giving a retreat for Christmas. Great idea. Lopez also highlights our idea of buying monastic gifts, which I am happy to say seems to be spreading! Yay! I feel like Oprah, telling folks where to find “my favorite things.” Up and down the scale like Oprah, too!
Speaking of books, Neo-neocon shares thoughts on the lost art of browsing in secondhand bookstores and the power of an inscription. You’ll like this; it’s thoughtful and good.
An aside to those Anchoress readers who have urged me to try the Chocolate Cherry Coffee by those supreme coffee makers, the Mystic Monks; you were RIGHT. We enjoyed that last night just a tad of sugar and a bit of whipped creme on top and it was like drinking a luscious Chocolate Covered Cherry. And yes, I’ve ordered the Jingle Bell Java to try for Christmas. Can’t wait!
Later today or this evening I am going to give everyone a chance to think about and name what they are thankful for. Sometimes that’s a lot harder to do than folks think, once they get beyond, “well…my family…and I’m healthy…”
And if I can manage it, I’ll do a podcast of Lauds for tomorrow morning. How better to start Thanksgiving than by thanking God for his grace and gifts in the Liturgical Prayer of the Church. Even if it does mean listening to me chant!
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