The regular “little of this, little of that” feature here at Like Mother, Like Daughter!
After a beautiful summer, The Artist is back to his regular studies. We are floundering through our mornings thanks to wakeful muffins readjusting our routine.
I mention The Artist because he is wrapping up his summer project, which is something that I can't tell you about explicitly just yet, but which I know that you will love when it comes to fruition. A brilliant colleague and friend asked The Artist to team up on a book that will be a delight for families, and I am excited for when the day comes out that it's published and ready to share with you! Let me just say that it was awesome to witness the creative process over the past few months – these guys were on fire.
Finnabee and I always like to go in to the studio where he's studying to pay a visit and look around. Such an amazing atmosphere and so many beautiful paintings!
- Sometimes it can hard to express why a story is astounding and genuinely heart-warming as opposed to sappy and even ridiculous. So if I say, “this is a fascinating tale of a dog who was a POW in Japan in WWII,” you will probably be tempted to roll your eyes. I didn't particularly want to read this when my mom sent it along, but I'm glad I did – one of the amazing tales from that period of how strength of spirit and friendship (in this case, between a man and a dog) kept death at bay beyond expectations.
- I've been feeling the excitement generated by Pope Francis' visit this past week, but must admit that I haven't had much time to follow the content of his message at his stops along his trip (is anyone else bewildered by how he manages to keep up with his schedule? I'm just praying that there are competent people in charge of his bedtime!). But I did get around to reading his speech to Congress. If you're following the visit (as opposed to participating in it and hearing everything first hand), I encourage you to read him directly as much as possible before looking too much to commentary… and of course avoid the fiction-peddling commentary as much as possible!
- Did you celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the introduction of Jeeves & Wooster? Jeeves and the Vital Oolong from The Economist.
- My pick of the week. Auntie Leila pulled up this First Things article from a few years back, in which R. R. Reno shows us how concern for moral inequality should go hand-in-hand with – or even ahead of – income inequality. The Preferential Option for the Poor.
From the Archives:
NY Mom says
I’m not a dog person but I found the story about the WWII dog deeply moving. I think God does give animals amazing gifts of intelligence and wisdom for times of great need.
Abbey @ Surviving Our Blessings says
I share your concern about the Pope’s bedtime! So much activity must wear a person out.
Also, thanks for the much-needed exhortation to read his words firsthand. Everything he says seems to immediately start spinning in every direction. How many other public figures’ words are appropriated by so many people at once to make their points of choice? I mean, besides Jesus? 🙂
Susan Johnston says
If you look at the Holy Father’s entire schedule, it’s apparent that he must be napping mid-day. He never starts something after 11:30 am and never begins again until at least 4:15 pm. We were blessed to be at the Canonization Mass in DC. Deirdre, you might be touched to know that my nine-year-old daughter came home and said, “Can I go to that college?” My husband did his Ph.D at CUA so we were rather tickled.
Stephanie says
Deirdre I loved the First Things article , thank you so much for passing along. I do not know if I have ever heard of “moral inequality” used, I think I always knew with how our society is that it existed but…wow…just such a good read. Looking forward to the big book announcement! Yes to more beauty in our homes through beautiful books! Blessings 🙂
Anel says
Thanks for some lovely links! I’m not Catholic, so not sure if I miss something, but was the Pope prohibited from opening and/or closing his address to Congress with prayer?