The storm has passed through and now it’s time to continue digging our way out. The weather will be warmer so hopefully the roads will be clear enough for kids to resume school tomorrow.
The birds continue to spread the word that the dinner bell has rung at our house. I never recall bird watching or feeding the birds when I was growing up. We must have had birds in Southern California, right?
Today is Ash Wednesday and I am beginning the season of Lent with a good old fashioned Catholic fast. Bill often jokes that other religions really fast but Catholics do light fasting. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops website states that, “when fasting, a person is permitted to eat one full meal, as well as two smaller meals that together are not equal to a full meal.” My new discovery for these days is bullet coffee. I brew an extra strong cup of decaf coffee and blend it for several minutes with a tablespoon of butter (preferably grass fed and unsalted) and a tablespoon of coconut oil until it’s frothy. It is surprisingly satisfying as a meal substitute but not enough to fill me like a real meal.
Before the kids got up, I went to an online mass at Our Lady of Lourdes Church. Father Kevin’s message in the homily was gentle: Lent is a time to look at the world around us and see the obstacles we face. We are to step around them and find another route. We are also to change our goals, change our direction, change our perspective and turn to God.
I spent focusing the rest of the day connecting with people I know and love in person and online and being of service. I tried to keep gentle words and loving tones in my voice and found it remarkable how much better the day went with that mindfulness. Note to self!
Yes there are birds in California, nasty crows and ravens, lots of sparrows, humming birds. There are also seagulls too. It seems there are fancier birds where you live.
Just found the your blog on my iPad. Sorry the response is so late. September 7,2023