The weekly “little of this, little of that” feature here at Like Mother, Like Daughter!
Get these and other, stellar, edifying, updates by following me on Instagram! Even during a week like this past one, when I was recovering from the weird abdominal muscle strain of paralysis (in the sense that I had to rest and things by no means remained in a steady state while I did so).
But I have a final post planned for the coming week on the moral education of children, so hang in there.
On to our links:
- A sweet story about an unlikely couple — a little late for Valentine's Day, but romance is always appropriate, methinks.
- We have the deepest sympathy for anyone suffering from fertility problems. But, it's important to know that in vitro fertilization is seriously wrong and physically harmful (and literally deadly to “leftover” embryos). It would be hard for me to link to all the evidence against it, it's so vast. Fortunately, there is a moral and healthy alternative with far better outcomes: NaPro Technology, which works with a woman's body, not against it. If you need this wonderful resource in southern New Hampshire, good news! A new facility has just opened and is hosting an open house Tuesday, March 14 — spread the word!
- L. M. Montgomery, author of the Anne of Green Gables series, was a remarkable figure. I always say that the next best thing to reading your favorite author is reading about your favorite author: how does a four-part series strike you?
- Here's a fun animation (4 minutes) to explain Vivaldi's Four Seasons' appeal (at least in part). This reminds me: Have you ever heard a favorite of ours, now on its second Lawler generation, Vivaldi's Ring of Mystery? A great car listen. (The CD has been available until quite recently. Maybe buy used or keep your eye on it? Beg the producers to provide it again? It's really good.)
- By the way, here is a recording of Peter and the Wolf (referenced in the Vivaldi video above). I can't find the one from my childhood, which I love for the narration and orchestration, but this one is highly recommended by Rosie for those qualities plus good visuals of the instruments:
In the old calendar, today is the feast of St. Simeon — a good day to renew our commitment to carrying Christ's cross, accepting suffering as part of life, offering it to Him.
From the archives:
- Thinking of what reading you will do this Lent, perhaps with friends? Two suggestions from us: Learning more about what worship is by studying The Spirit of the Liturgy (beginning with Romano Guardini's short book and then going on to Joseph Ratzinger's); and reading Casti Connubii, the original document on which the Church's teaching about marriage is based. I have an ebook to help you read: God Has No Grandchildren: A guided reading of Casti Connubii.
Lisa G. says
Leila, thank you for linking the Montgomery article – I just sat here and read the whole, long thing – couldn’t tear myself away! Her courage in the face of depression reminded me of Mother Theresa, and to think that Polish soldiers going to the front in WWII were issued a copy of Anne of the Island! Wow!!
And on the subject of truth and beauty, I have just finished reading David Clayton’s The Way of Beauty. I had bought it a while ago when you mentioned it here, and then it got buried in a pile of books at home. I recently got a sinus infection and found myself taking it very easy and having time to read a lot. Which was perfect, because I was able to soak in much of this amazingly thorough work! This book is of monumental importance, and I hope it eventually be recognized as such. Thanks again.
Mrs. B. says
Oh, Lisa, sinus infections are nasty things! Hope you’re back to health now. I loved that book too!
Lisa G. says
Grazie, Mrs. B. – I’m mostly better. 🙂
Mrs. B. says
We love the Classical Kids CDs 🙂 Our favorites are the Mozart ones, Beethoven, Vivaldi and Haendel. I like to say that you couldn’t have had Mozart without Vivaldi, but Sukie can correct me! When I was in 5th grade our teacher conducted an experiment: we had to write a short story in class while listening to the Winter part of the Four Seasons, and the story had to be inspired by the music, so some sort of winter story. That’s all we did that day (school was done by lunch time back then!) I can’t remember how well it went – 5th grade is a tad early to write short stories! – but I still remember how wonderful it was to be there, all perfectly silent and with our eyes closed, listening to the music and waiting for it to inspire us.
Looking forward to more posts!
Meaghan says
I have been hugely blessed by the NaPro practice near me. If you’ve been on the fence about going, please go!
As a related question, does this community have good resources for dealing with the emotional and spiritual difficulties of infertility? I’ve found it difficult to hunt for resources – so many assume that IVF is a backup or a first-line “treatment.”
Leila says
Meaghan, I will keep your question in mind. I personally don’t have anything specific, but I will try to find something.
Cammy says
Meaghan,
I went through infertility almost 20 years ago, and I never heard of NaPro. And yes, the medical profession saw IVF as the answer. My health care plan had a counseling service which I tried, but it didn’t answer my basic question, which was “Why is God doing this to me?” The medical professionals really had nothing to offer there.
Spiritual direction did. I was lucky enough to live near a school of theology, and was able to connect with a lovely German nun studying there who became my director. I was able to see the “problem” in more spiritual terms, and learn to trust in God and not become bitter.
And, although I did become pregnant, I never did carry a baby to term.
But my husband and I adopted the two most wonderful daughters in the entire world. And that answered my original question–God had a wonderful plan for me that I couldn’t even have imagined.
I am not saying adoption is the answer for everyone, but discernment is so important– what is God calling me to do with this suffering?
You are in my prayers!
Eva says
So great to see you singing praises of NaPro! I love seeing it promoted. What a wonderful alternative for women!
Bley says
Had to chime in with praise for NaPro too. We struggled with infertility our first few years of marriage, and through the care of a NaPro doctor in Columbus, Ohio, went on to have five kids in 7 years. Whew:)
They provide excellent health care for women, and give much hope when the world of fertility treatments seems to be dominated by IVF.
Therese says
Question for those who have gone to NaPro doctors. Would you recommend that as a first stop for anything hormone related? I’ve been dealing with irregular (and now very late) cycles, and am debating between going to the local catholic doctor and the NaPro doctor an hour away. I know I can’t get in with the NaPro doctor until the end of next month, and haven’t tried the local one. I’m a new patient either way. As and the local doctor is a man, which I’m not sure I’m comfortable with.
Leila says
Therese, the most important thing is to have a doctor who understands the complex hormonal balance in the woman’s body — or at least who understands what he doesn’t understand.
NaPro puts these doctors together in one place, but of course they exist elsewhere. My own doctor who helped me about 10 years ago with peri-menopausal issues is actually a Jewish specialist in women’s fertility, not associated with NaPro, but very knowledgeable.
If you have references for this doctor, then in my opinion it’s better to go to him — he’s close by and he’s able to see you soon.
I have had approximately one million doctors, and I personally don’t think an OB/GYN needs to be a woman — some of the most sympathetic and helpful ones I’ve had have been men. You will probably just need to meet him, talk to him, and see!
KC says
Saw this, thought of your link collections: http://theartofsimple.net/forthelove/
Also, I followed the L.M. Montgomery link (because of course!), and am enjoying the Rabbit Room. Did you see the post there on the Tish Warren book? I’d be curious what your take on that concept is; obviously, it’s Anglican rather than Catholic, and a different dictionary definition is being used of liturgy (and I don’t know any particular way around that, as I don’t know what other word would work there), but the book intrigues me. 🙂
Alea says
Just watched the Peter and the Wolf video with my kids. Not having heard the story for a long time myself, I didn’t notice until the end that it was the last part of the story. I remember having an audio version of the whole thing as a kid. The conductor on your link was so animated – I would love to see the entire performance, but am not having luck searching on Youtube. Any ideas?
Alea says
Answered my own question after talking to my mom! Obviously I don’t remember the story I heard when I was younger well. I thought this was the nursery rhyme story of the boy who cried wolf!