(The other day at Mass for the (transferred) feast of the Annunciation, our priest pointed out that, if it seems like the Church is always partying, it's because we are. Don't forget–Easter lasts 50 days! Longer than Lent!)
Homemade ba'lawa. (Egyptian version of baklava) |
I was thinking, as Lent ended, about how poorly I had “done” Lent. I mean, I kept my resolutions for the most part, but the point is to grow in virtue, right? And I was not feeling super virtuous.
Easter breakfast: Ham-egg cups. Greek Easter bread from the Quack's mom's recipe. |
Sometimes, once I get to Easter, I feel like I've missed my chance for virtue.
Fresh rosemary, parsley, garlic, lemon, and olive oil, ready to be made into a rub for the Easter lamb. |
Pseudo-Egyptian cooking tip: if the recipe calls for 3 cloves of garlic, use 2 heads. Yum. |
Don't worry, you don't have to tell me that it's a silly thought. I know!
This year I decided to banish that thought with another one: we fast and pray during Lent so that we can get to the joy of the Resurrection. We work at Lent. Why not work for the joy?
I just thought — if the celebration is the point, shouldn't we work hard to make it a good celebration?
Brussels sprouts, beets, and pearl onions, ready to roast. |
So, for Easter (meaning the Easter season), I decided to make a specific resolution that would help me foster joy in my life.
A totally non-stressful (because stress would defeat the purpose!) resolution.
Fingerling potatoes and veggies. |
I feel a bit silly telling you my resolution, but… here we go: I decided to sing more.
I'm a musician without a gig, currently. I no longer practice piano three hours a day, I'm not in a choir, I'm not teaching eleven music classes a week.
I'll get back to some of that soon, but for now I just need to sing a lot.
I sing hymns, because I love hymns (I had several hymns at my wedding — I walked down the aisle to Praise My Soul the King of Heaven); I sing chants, because they're hauntingly beautiful.
I also just sing whatever songs are in my head. I think that singing casts out fear and fosters joy.
Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms. James 5:13
Praise the Lord with harp: sing unto him with the psaltery and an instrument of ten strings.
Sing unto him a new song; play skilfully with a loud noise. Psalm 33:2-3.
I was awfully pleased with my rolls. |
The Quack made the smoked salmon for our appetizers, following my mom's instructions. Absolutely delicious! |
Appetizers. Cameo appearance by Jojo's hands. |
The Quack carving. |
Delicious salad made by Jojo. |
Please stop taking pictures and let me eat! |
Dessert: chocolate-hazlenut cheesecake with whipped cream; ba'lawa; bitter tea. |
My lunch the next day. |
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