Happy Ignatius Day, Everyone!

Today we all celebrated Ignatius Day in spirit with our colleagues all over the globe. To have a Jesuit as The Bishop of Rome makes this a special day, we thought. The keeper even read us some lines from Francis' homily at the Jesu before leaving for the office. When she got to her office, she organized all of that Ignatian memorabilia on her desk. But she realized there is no picture of Francis. We need to fix that. But right now we send love out to all of our Jesuit friends and colleagues, wherever you all are!

Feast of Peter Chrysologus---Halleluiah!

Everyone should be born into this world happy
and loving everything.
But in truth it rarely works that way.
For myself, I have spent my life clamoring toward it.
Halleluiah, anyway I'm not where I started!

And have you too been trudging like that, sometimes
almost forgetting how wondrous the world is
and how miraculously kind some people can be?
And have you too decided that probably nothing important
is ever easy?
Not, say, for the first sixty years.

Halleluiah, I'm sixty now, and even a little more,
and some days I feel I have wings.

~ Mary Oliver ~

(Evidence)

With thanks to Panhala.net 

Noise on the Big Day

We confess that today was an interesting day for the keeper. She usually celebrates this day in solitude at the beach, but how could she say no to the family honeymoon? It was about as noisy a day here as the beach is usually quiet--we know, having accompanied her. The gas company was jack-hammering the the street in front, and the remodel of the deck was happening in back. We urged her to go walking and to the gym, to even buy a scone to celebrate.  She listened to us. and obeyed. When she returned we suggested that she use her fancy headphones and do some writing, and again, she reflected on her life and the year and what lies ahead. Her brother called and encouraged her to retire and do what she wants. She said she kind of is doing what she wants, on good days. Her sister sent a fern terrarium from Florida. Nancy checked in from Peru, and so did a few others.

Day 2: Deck Reconstruction

 Marylu is giving Alice and me a great chance to observe how a good builder works.  We think we have seen a lot of sloppy ones in our days. She is systematic, zen-like in her concentration and movements. She talks to us all throughout the day and kind of cat-sits us while she works. Way more interesting than the keeper with a book or a pen in her hand, lounging around.

The Deck Reconstruction Has Begun!

 As the keeper was getting ready to leave for a meeting at the Cathedral, Marylu showed up, ready to begin the deck demolition.  We expected noise and mess. No, Marylu is tidy and organized. She talked to us through the whole afternoon.  She created new resting spots for us. She recycles our old wood, which is pretty rotten.She even found a new home for our hot tub, and wants to fix some other little issues.  She even listens to tasteful music while she works. We like her a lot. She can redo our whole house when she's done with the deck!

Happy Birthday, Felipe!

Today is the keeper's birthday twin's birthday! He is the older by 36 hours. They were both born in  Vancouver, albeit in two different countries! But we think he looks younger!

Feliz Cumpleanos, Felipe!

Congratulations, Steve and Carol!

"When life meets mystery, the only proper responses are contemplation and awe." 

(And today, great gratitude and joy!)

Grace Before Meals

 Their friend Peter recited Yeats for the meal blessing. This complemented the keeper's recital of David Whyte at the wedding..

Wedding Friends

Apparently the wedding was a wonderful party, with great friends and family from near and far, great weather, tables groaning with rich food and drink, and joy that was contagious.

The Wedding

Musician friends led them in prayerful song

The Wedding

The new family

And the Fiesta!

 The fiesta which followed included many friends,

Folkloric dances from Vera Cruz

and Jalisco.

The keeper was most excited to see her Providence Freshman Homeroom/Religion teacher from 50 years ago, ( yes, the keeper  is that old...), Sr. Virginia (with the blue collared shirt).

Th

Votos Perpetuos

This afternoon we stayed out as she got into that car and headed back into town for a special celebration of Sr. Margarita's final vows. She is from El Salvador and the Mass was bilingual and quite lovely, with priests from from Othello and Yakima and Bellevue! And lots of Providence Sisters and friends. Sr.Margarita had worked all year with the young adults who are from Bellevue.

Fire in the Rose

At the end of the six mile trek, she discovered a most incredible rose welcoming her home.

Halyard Bells

We understand she turns off her I Tune chant so she can hear the halyards singing in the breeze. 

Moon Watching

She was not the only one watching the moon still out over Lake Washington. The bird wasn't interested in her; she brought no food. She told us the moon was there, but her phone camera isn't that good. We think we believe her.

Morning Camino Jaunt

We stayed in while she strode off boldly this morning. It was a little damp still for us, but perfect for thinking and walking which she seems to like to do. We think you can see McAleer Creek through the greenery.

The Non-Rehearsal Party

Tonight she spent the evening Ballard at a Non-Rehearsal Party for family and friends of the Bride and Groom, S and C. Folks were there from Boston, Rochester, NY,  and  Seattle. Multiple generations and many stories. Everyone is so happy for S and C.  They shared incredible food, premium premium wine, Irish blessings, special remembrances of those cheering them on from the other side of life, laughter, tears, cheers, and all the excitement being generated for this great celebration.

A Very Busy Day Off

Originally this week was planned around the deck remodel. She planned to work away from home for most of the week to avoid the commotion and we would stay inside. Even though the remodel was pushed back a week, she didn't bother to change her schedule, or ours. But today was scheduled as a day off. We were excited. And Alice and I spent the whole day lounging in our backyard with bowls of water conveniently placed. The keeper didn't stick around with us though. Places to go, people to see. She had a great afternoon with a friend and they visited another friend. When she got home it was time to write a wedding homily and get ready to go to a party. Such a life!

Blue

She told us that the lake today reminded her of growing up along the river in the summers...sun...blue...sailboats, barges,  and more blue. 

Shy Camino Mountain

  

After finishing up whatever it is she does on that computer at her desk, she put on her hot pink running shoes and walked down to the Lake. We waited outdoors on the deck. She returned breathless but very happy and ready to feed us. Yay.

Super Luna

Last eve we reminded the keeper to get outside before midnight and observe the big fat moon. She did. She didn't invite us to join her, though. And for things like this we really think she needs to invest in a better camera. Don't you?

Not So Little Anymore!

When the keeper developed the original grant idea for the parenting groups, J and L worked with her to make it all come together. The youngest intern, Lucas, worked from the womb until he was ready to be born, and then helped on the other side during the remainder of the year. Here he is now, wearing a face full of beet juice, adding his many words to the conversation about IMPACT! What  a tender model for engagement in the world of social justice!

Planning for IMPACT!

We had hoped for more Reading Week. Alas, this was not to be.  She was up bright and early and then rushed off to Madison Valley to begin working on how to implement the great grant ideas that got funded. Planning seems to go better with Fair Trade coffee, scones, and a children's play area. We hear parking was a challenge, though. But the report on Coffee Tougo was pretty fine.