 Burn's Night, commemorating Robert "Rabbie" Burns, Scotland's national poet, is this Saturday, January 25. Given our rare and recent snow, it seems especially appropriate to share this, a favorite poem of my childhood. Enjoy! Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening
by Robert Burns Whose woods these are I think I know. His house is in the village though; He will not see me stopping here To watch his woods fill up with snow. My little horse must think it queer To stop without a farmhouse near Between the woods and frozen lake The darkest evening of the year. He gives his harness bells a shake To ask if there is some mistake. The only other sound’s the sweep Of easy wind and downy flake. The woods are lovely, dark and deep, But I have promises to keep, And miles to go before I sleep, And miles to go before I sleep.
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 Do you make New Year’s resolutions? I do! I love them. But when I think about it, I realize that any date would work. In fact, every day presents the opportunity to begin again.
And isn't that a wonderful thought? Wishing you happy days, peaceful slumber, and a joyful heart in 2025. Happy New Year!  "That's not nearly enough time!" That was our AirBnB host's comment when we told her how long we would be in the region. At this point, hindsight and all that, I would say she was not stating her opinion, but a fact. And that was in Eze, at the very beginning of our 12-day visit to the Côte d'Azur. It is, of course, BEAUTIFUL! Again, please! But when I can walk longer, have more time, and the weather's a little warmer. I want to walk, shop, eat, drink, swim, hike, boat...any order will do! After Eze and Monaco, we continued along the coast, spending one full day each in Nice, St. Tropez, Ste. Maxime, and Cassis, and two days in Marseille. To be sure, we didn't change accommodations every day. So, there were extra evenings and mornings spent in a few spots. Marseille will have its own post because we stayed there the longest--four nights-- and our time there was comical. But you will note that there are some major towns missing. Next time, Cannes! We'll be back, Antibes! Menton, next time we'll do more than just wave as we drive by! What we did do: Promenade along Nice's Promenade des Anglais--spectacular Eat bouillabaisse--yum See the Calanques by boat--magnificent Watch a boule tournament in St. Tropez--fun and so picturesque Enjoy the cheerful, familial ambiance of Ste. Maxime--loved it Obviously, we were rushed. Only, given the location, who wants to (rush)? Moreover, I physically couldn't (rush). You could say we rushed in slo-mo. I must admit, due to the one city/town per day, the harbors, ports, and certain architectural features began to fade into one another. Joseph and I had to remind ourselves and each other that "This is the French Riviera. It's not an 'if you've seen one port, you've seen them all' destination." Even if they have a few things in common (like perfect beaches along the gorgeous Mediterranean Sea), each town has its own distinct personality. That's why I won't say I would do things differently given the same amount of time. It was worth the experience and knowledge. But would I do it again? No. I would spend more time in one place and absorb everything it has to offer. Still, we saw and experienced plenty, and with my sweetheart, it was all so much fun.   One day in Monaco--one! It's amazing! Sophisticated and glamorous... Peaceful... And history... The old city, with the Place du Palais, some of those winding, medieval streets, and spectacular views, is on "Le Rocher" (The Rock). Beautiful, comfortable, welcoming. Thank you, Monaco! We hope to see you again!  Moustiers-Sainte-Marie. Medieval churches. A waterfall. The Alps. Love at first sight. Joseph is the beach baby. I love the mountains. The crisp, cool air was like an embrace upon our arrival. This gorgeous, Provençal village proved a sweet and restful respite in our early days of travel. It's a small village, easy to navigate, and it wasn't crowded, perhaps because of that cool mountain air I'm so fond of. All the shops were still open, but shopkeepers told us they would soon be closing for the season. We stayed at Le Relais, a lovely, family-run hotel. From our room, we had beautiful views from every window and the waterfall offered bedtime music. There's so very much to do in this region. Throughout our vacation, my walking improved day by day. But I was still very limited in the beginning. At the same time, there's a twelfth century church above the town--Chapelle Notre Dame de Beauvoir-- that I really wanted to visit. You might recall my observation about medieval villages and steps. Joseph was up for it --not for himself. Going up all those steps posed no problem for him. But we both knew my ascent would be painstakingly slow. It was worth it. Stations of the Cross are along the trail, giving us even more opportunity for prayers and gratitude. To be sure, the view alone prompts awe for God's creation. The chapel holds an air of both antiquity and sanctity. I didn't take photos inside because it's a small, intimate space and people were praying. More than a hike, something of a pilgrimage, and a beautiful way to start the day.   Happy November! We enjoyed a long and lovely vacation, but it's good to be settled at home once again. I will not heap vacation stories upon you, but I would share a few experiences/observations. For example, what do you think of mazes? How about steps, lots and lots of them? Or walking uphill? "Enjoy the labyrinth of winding medieval streets..." Well... If I had all day and was not still healing from multiple foot surgeries, maybe. It was so funny! I was enthralled, bemused, amused, chagrined--you name it! Our first stop, Eze, France, is on a hill, right up at the top. I knew that going in. But in the medieval towns we visited, not just Eze, those narrow, winding lanes lead to several other narrow, winding lanes, and those lead to others, and so on. When you finally reach the end of a particular labyrinth, you might find yourself facing a long series of steps. Or a wall. At one point, I think it was in Eze, a man proclaimed loudly in English, "No one knows where they're going! No one knows where they are!" I laugh every time I think of it. Challenging as those twisting labyrinths of cobblestone lanes may or may not be, they are unquestionably charming. At least, the villages we visited certainly are. We're talking Eze, Aix-en-Provence, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie. The combination of history, stunning natural surroundings, and relevance to the local and national economies ensures that they are well and beautifully preserved and maintained. The shopkeepers, restaurateurs, municipalities, and regions make the most of what they have--to everyone's benefit. Was I able to see everything I wanted to see? Absolutely not, but I saw enough to know I would go again. We'd need more time, and I would wish to be able to walk as much as my heart desires. We didn't take a lot of photos in the villages. It was early on in our trip and me simply getting from Point A to Point B was a stress. Overall, our experience was something of an assault to the senses. We saw a lot in a short space of time and those medieval villages very popular with tourists! And yet...beautiful.   October
by Robert Frost O hushed October morning mild, Thy leaves have ripened to the fall; Tomorrow’s wind, if it be wild, Should waste them all. The crows above the forest call; Tomorrow they may form and go. O hushed October morning mild, Begin the hours of this day slow. Make the day seem to us less brief. Hearts not averse to being beguiled, Beguile us in the way you know. Release one leaf at break of day; At noon release another leaf; One from our trees, one far away. Retard the sun with gentle mist; Enchant the land with amethyst. Slow, slow! For the grapes’ sake, if they were all, Whose leaves already are burnt with frost, Whose clustered fruit must else be lost-- For the grapes’ sake along the wall.  "Be who God meant you to be and you will set the world on fire."
-- St. Catherine of Siena (25 March 1347 – 29 April 1380) Isn't that a fabulous quote? I feel it's perfectly typical of St. Catherine of Siena. I've always found her a little intimidating. She was amazing -- highly opinionated, very intense! She was a person of action AND prayer. She was especially eloquent about love of God and neighbor. Today, April 29, is her feast day. St. Catherine of Siena, pray for us. #inspiration #St.CatherineofSiena #catholicsaints  OH, give us pleasure in the flowers today;
And give us not to think so far away As the uncertain harvest; keep us here All simply in the springing of the year. Oh, give us pleasure in the orchard white, Like nothing else by day, like ghosts by night; And make us happy in the happy bees, The swarm dilating round the perfect trees. And make us happy in the darting bird That suddenly above the bees is heard, The meteor that thrusts in with needle bill, And off a blossom in mid air stands still. For this is love and nothing else is love, To which it is reserved for God above To sanctify to what far ends he will, But which it only needs that we fulfill. --Robert Frost  Humility is true knowledge.
Isn't that the truth? January 24 was/is the feast day of St. Francis de Sales (1567-1622), one of my favorite saints. We're talking top ten and, excluding Biblical saints, right up there with St. Francis of Assisi. His many letters and teachings are so very beautiful, inspiring, encouraging. Moreover, he's the patron saint of writers. I wasn't able to post the 24th, but I do want to share a bit about this kind and loving teacher. Born into an aristocratic family in Swiss Savoy and eldest of 13 children, St. Francis had every worldly opportunity. As eldest son, he was expected to make an excellent marriage and accept a seat in the senate (offered to him by the Prince of Savoy). He received the highest education, first in Paris and then Padua, where he obtained a doctorate in law. During all of his university years, his only wish was to become a priest and serve God. A clear calling. I find it wonderful and extraordinary that a young man in Paris -- Paris, people -- and Padua would be absorbed in his faith and devotion to God. His father wasn't entirely pleased at first, but when he saw how truly sincere his son was, he gave his blessing. And isn't that a refreshing departure from the many stories of familial opposition? He was meant to be a priest, had wanted to be one since around the age of nine. He loved God and ardently desired the best for us. Peace is better than a fortune. You must do what you see can be done with love. Never be hurried in anything. Do all things calmly and in a spirit of repose. Do not lose your inward peace even if everything seems to be going wrong. What is anything in life compared to peace of soul? With the single exception of sin, anxiety is the greatest evil that can happen to a soul. He became the spiritual director of Jane de Chantal, who became St. Jane de Chantal, who with him cofounded Order of the Visitation, which ministered to widows and ill, abandoned women. He guided her primarily through written epistles filled with rich, spiritual lessons. Many of the letters were preserved and have come down to us. They are encouraging, inspiring, and filled with kindness. He wrote a lot. His most famous book, Introduction to the Devout Life, was a bestseller in his lifetime and beloved all over Europe. The same goes for his book Treatise on the Love of God. Everything he wrote, he wrote with great love and compassion. But he was faithful in his teachings, guiding us with love, redirecting us with patience and confidence. A man loses nothing by living generously, nobly, courteously, and with a royal, just, and reasonable heart. A little courtesy, a small virtue -- but the mark of a true greatness. You tell me you do not have the time to give two or three hours to prayer. Who asks you to do so? ...Who can prevent you from speaking to Him in the depth of your heart, since it makes no difference whether you speak to him mentally or vocally? Make short but fervent aspirations. A dear and favorite teacher... Look up to heaven, and do not forfeit it for earth. Wishing you a wonderful weekend ahead! Let us go in the safekeeping of God. |
A Little of This, a Little of ThatKeep me away from the wisdom that does not cry, the philosophy that does not laugh, and the greatness which does not bow before children. – Gibran Khalil Gibran Archives
January 2025
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