The Scene: We are driving to breakfast after Mass.  An opossum, sadly, has become roadkill, and there is a vulture there enjoying his own Sunday brunch. Clare: “Do vultures eat live things?” Craig: “No, only dead things.  They’re like catfish that can fly.”

There are funny posts forthcoming, but it’s not all fun and games, this almost dying thing.  I’m glad I can laugh about some of it – really, I’m glad I’m here to have the option of laughing about it! – but there were lots of very poignant moments, too.  Which, honestly, are a little harder […]

It’s been a long three weeks. The quick update: Jacob is thriving in NICU (he’s 31 weeks gestation now, three weeks old) and soon he’ll be able to try nursing/bottle feeding. My milk has still not come in, so if you need something to add to your prayer list, pray for that to happen soon. […]

So I set this post to publish the morning of December 21…apparently something misfired.  And I have just now gotten around to checking on it.  So much irony.  But here it is anyway. If you have a few minutes in the middle of pre-Christmas craziness, stop over at the Mudroom and check out my post: […]

  A humble suggestion for an alternative “Bucket List” (courtesy of the Gospel reading for the Feast of Christ the King – Matthew 25:31-46): Feed the hungry Give drink to the thirsty Welcome the stranger Clothe the naked Care for the ill Visit those in prison

First, the irony.  I am a large five months pregnant, and was scheduled to lector this weekend.  [Which is now last weekend.  The whole no-internet-at-home thing seriously delays posting sometimes.  Or often.  Or always.]  In case you forgot, or were wrestling small children during the first two readings, the first was the bit from Wisdom […]

Coraline by Neil Gaiman My rating: 5 of 5 stars I put off reading this book for years. YEARS. I don’t particularly like scary books, so I thought it wasn’t for me. I’m ready to read it again tomorrow. Gaiman is a master story-teller, of course. I love that just when you think everything is […]

It’s been quite a weekend.  I have had the privilege of visiting the University of Notre Dame (also known as “my old stomping grounds”) for three days.  By myself.  It was great.   So before I gush about how excited I am to hug my kids again, you might want to know what on earth […]

Dear Recent College Graduate (and others seeking your way in life),   First, the disclaimer.  I am not a spiritual director.  I am not trained in the theology or methodology of discernment any more than any other semi-interested lay person.  I speak only from experience and reflection on that experience.   Also, the hope is […]

I fear this blog is digressing into writing conference memoranda and book reviews.   I guess it could be worse. On that note, my summer plans include a visit to South Bend for a Catholic Writer’s Conference: Trying to Say God So it turns out that I’m not just lacking in talent for finding Catholic […]