The regular “little of this, little of that” feature here at Like Mother, Like Daughter!
Happy New Year! I'm back here after an extended break over the holidays. So now you have a sense of how long it has taken me to get back into the swing of things and attempt to regain a routine here at the ‘Chesternest.
A moment from our time at the LMLD homestead with cousin Francis (who is modeling the handmade jammies from Habipti – so cute and so cozy):
This week's links:
- I want to share with you a piece that Bridget wrote for her college. It's a reflection on Advent and Christmastime, so it's a bit behind the liturgical times for me to post it now. But I was proud of her for such a beautifully written piece and I think you'll enjoy it even though we're now in Ordinary time! The Spirit of Christmas at Thomas More
- I thought the story of this couple's inside-the-Vatican romance was just too fun (and ridiculously Catholic) not to share. A bridal sword arch of any kind is pretty sweet… but a bridal sword arch of Swiss Guards!! I had never even thought of such a thing! Aussie Girl Marries her Swiss Guard Soulmate
- I thought it was interesting to read some official (and updated) teaching about the Sign of Peace at Mass.
- Auntie Leila suggests that you check out Well Read Mom, and that those of you who are getting your St. Greg's Pockets going consider using it (either directly or as a model) for book discussions amongst yourselves! It's a Catholic women's reading and discussion program for literature. I do find it very appealing…
- Speaking of moms: I'm always interested in this sort of study and analysis, even though it seems like it's never anything really new: What Happens to a Woman's Brain when she Becomes a Mother. I enjoy these pieces for themselves and because they strike me as evidence for how the scientific world is always catching up with the collective memory (because, of course, we all already knew that, for instance, the more you smile at your baby, the happier you are…).
- And for an amazing story of a particular mother and her mother's love, read Raped While on a Business Trip, my Husband and I Chose Life! (The title, of course, indicates that it's an intense story.) I say mother's love, but the beautiful thing about this particular piece is how it shows the power of a father's love and what a good man can do for a woman in trouble — this woman's husband is awesome! (Warning: tears likely.)
And, if you readers are as chilly in your parts of the world as we are around here in New England, you might enjoy these pieces about keeping warm:
- Keep warm the Japanese way – Build a Family Nest! I totally want to do this! How cozy does that look!
- To end on a laugh, you have to check out Bark Up or Down? Firewood Splits Norwegians. Who knew that a whole people could be so passionate about such a seemingly mundane topic? Auntie Leila and I both laughed out loud over this, but it's very interesting too (and only serves to increase my fondness for Norway).
Today is the memorial of St. Anthony, Abbot!
~We’d like to be clear that, when we direct you to a site via one of our links, we’re not necessarily endorsing the whole site, but rather just referring you to the individual post in question (unless we state otherwise).~
priest's wife @byzcathwife says
bark UP, of course!
LeeAnn Balbirona says
I love the kotatsu idea. I have the perfect table for it, if only I could find a handy person and the proper fan unit. I have seen a photo of an older Japanese farmhouse with one of these, but it was set into the floor (like a sunken living room, but just a square table sized ‘sink’–the table top was set flush into the floor when not in use) and non-electric. It had a small brazier or iron? clay? pot with hot coals smoldering away underneath the table with the quilt spread over it. That would take some expert fire building knowledge to make just right, I think.
Joy in Alabama says
I love the wedding story!!
stclementmom says
Bridget’s piece *is* beautiful. Thanks for sharing!
Kimberlee says
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, Deirdre! Thanks for bringing back Bits and pieces. The Swiss Guard romance was so sweet, and now I know why our part-Norwegian friend is so fond of fire.
Bravo! to Bridget. It is a beautifully written piece, and the sentiment is near and dear to our hearts. It is part of our family culture to do our best to cherish our Christmas joy all the way to Candlemas. I enjoyed reading about the festive traditions at Thomas More (we had a TM student singing along with us at our recent Epiphany party). ‘Our souls are as fitting a dwelling for Christ as a little cattle shed, yet He comes to rest in them, just as He came to rest in the manger on the first Christmas.’ Every day at the altar rail I marvel at this, with joy. Deo Gratias!
Mrs. B. says
I too enjoyed Bridget piece. What a beautiful atmosphere for a college! And I love In the Bleak Midwinter so much, as well! Look up on YouTube the version sung by Jessye Norman – such a voice…
Jennifer C.B. says
I don’t usually reply to comments or references regarding my story but a friend ran across your mention of the article and thought it might be encouraging. (I admit, it’s the hateful commentary that draws me in more than kindness and it hasn’t been healthy). So thank you for your endorsement of “Raped while on a business trip..”, for your support of my family and my sweet husband and our precious new son. (If you don’t mind though, I’m not going to share the praise with my husband. He IS amazing but if he ever realizes it ,he’ll be impossible to live with!)