I'm not super great about hyping my writing, and here I am really going to have trouble, I think, because, well, study guide, encyclical, Latin, chastity, guided reading, papal document — do these seem like key words destined for search engine optimization or New York Times bestsellerdom?
I think not.
But, here goes:
I'm really excited to tell you that very shortly, you will be able to buy (for a hilariously low price) my Casti Connubii (On Chaste Marriage) guided reading on Kindle! I know! How thrilling is that! (Isn't the cover lovely though? Deirdre's husband John designed it for me.)
But seriously, reading this deep work has changed lives, as only an encounter with the truth can.
More on that later…
I'm finalizing the upload now. This short book will be the posts that you can find here on the blog, but edited and put in order so that you and your friends can easily access the whole thing for a study group/book club. For instance, it's perfect for couples to read in your St. Greg's Pocket! Or just the men! (I'd love to see that — men reading this document… could it happen?)
So stand by!
This is just one of the things I've been working on, all the while trying to see what the new normal will be for this online journal of ours. We love having the blog to check in with you…
Finding rhythm is the key. Routine sometimes soothes, sometimes crushes. But when I think of rhythm, I realize that not only do I have to find some inner beat that fits my life, but it will be best if it's connected to that outer beat of life as it moves on (and of course, with the heartbeat of the Church).
I've been writing — working on a big project and also trying to tie up ends of some smaller bits as well. It means I'm slower about coming here, I realize. And Rosie is getting settled in her new digs (by the ocean again — not as close as Camp Pendleton, but close! hopefully she'll show us soon!), finding her groove. Suki is chasing two active babies and doing a bazillion things. And Deirdre has been working on getting her site up and running along with a bazillion other things. You know how it goes.
Don't worry, we're here. The rhythm seems like it will be a bit different, but we'll be here.
Michelle Kolozsvary says
I am looking forward to reading your book! I clicked around on Deirdre and John’s webistes too – beautiful work!
Caitlin says
Very exciting! I would miss your writing very much if you were gone, but I know that…real life is important! And there are lots of archives for me to pore over if things are quiet 😉 Rhythm is a tough one. Just when you think you’ve got something going, everything changes. In our house we’re gearing up for the birth of our second baby. I have no idea what that’s going to be like!! Lots of people have been there and done that, of course… Baby #2 is not any kind of record. But it’s plenty of change for us!
I’ll be happy to see what your new rhythm is like around here!
Angela says
So excited! Yours is my very favorite blog. You ladies have helped me immeasurably, convert with no catholic family that I am!
Julie says
Do glad you are here. I look forward to reading this new work. ( is there a print version or did I miss that part?) Blessings on your endeavors!
– Julie C
Leila says
Hi Julie — no, no print version for now. I will try to set up something for people who want print, though. Stand by, system processing…
Julie says
Thank you. I am one of those people who wants to underline, and take notes. I am also, apparently, one of those people who write comments on their phones, only to come back later and, ahem, be surprised at my lack of grammatical integrity. It’s “So glad ” not “Do glad.”
CMerie says
I’ve missed you, but totally understand. I look forward to reading your book and am intrigued by the big project you mentioned. 😉
Lisa G. says
I looked at Deirdre’s site – very nice! Please tell her that the illustration of the fellow in the rigging is very Trina Schart Hyman-ish (to me)! 🙂
Deirdre says
Ahhh, Lisa! No compliment could please me more. Schart Hyman is my ultimate favorite. Thank you so much!
Catrina says
Thank you for writing! Your blog is a favorite. 🙂
Karis says
We love you whenever you can and do show up–and in your absence, too!
Mirtilli Rossi says
Thats great!!!!
Mrs. B. says
I learn so much in this space of yours: thank you for doing this for us 🙂 And thank you for promoting Casti Connubii: what struck me is its positive attitude: marriage has enemies, but there is abundant grace, and it can be done! These days the talk of many is much different, as if the philosophical starting point was that there is very little hope for us to do something beautiful with our lives. It seems to me not many talk of grace these days… In other words, your good work is much needed!
Mrs. S says
This is very exciting! Congratulations, and thank you!
Can you please also write books on these topics: parenting, homeschooling, keeping a home, modesty and other “vintage” virtues. As well as a guide for brides- and grooms-to-be.
I cannot emphasize enough how much I’ve learned from your writing. Every time I open Parenting magazine I’m reminded of how consumer-driven and me-oriented modern motherhood has become. As my friend says, all the current parenting publications feature “pop-psychology parenting”. I can’t imagine that most of the writers/professionals they use as resources actually have any children of their own!
Your advice is timeless, and I need something tangible to pass down to my children when they’re old enough! In the meantime, I print out your posts and keep them in a three-ring binder. Having all your wisdom in book form would be a gift to humanity. Just take a look around you and you’ll see what I mean. You KNOW what I mean!
God Bless you Auntie, Leila! Never mind the blog. Please: the book!