Meditation of the Day

Doing Good on the Sabbath

     Heavenly Father, we rejoice that amid the ceaseless cares and anxieties, the vain desires and wearisome struggles of our earthly life, your holy Sabbath has been given us as a day of rest and refreshment of soul.  We thank you for all your mercies unto us during the past week, for the preservation of our lives, of our health, and our strength; for the blessings of home, of love, of friendship, and for all good influences which support us in the hour of trial and temptation.  You send us the joys that brighten our days; from your hand also come the sorrows that cast their shadows over them.  In all our experiences we recognize your guidance and praise your wisdom.  O may this Sabbath bring rest to every disquieted heart and be a healing balm to every wounded soul.

      You who hear prayer, we beseech you to endow us with a contented disposition.  When we pray for new blessings, may we come to you in the spirit of humility and submission, remembering that we cannot know whether what we ask is really for our good.  You alone know and order all things well, whether you grant our petitions or deny them.  When we sing your praise may our souls rise with our songs to you, and when we render you our homage, may we remember that only by obedience to your commandments, by faithfulness to our duties, by the goodness of our deeds, can we make our worship acceptable to you.

     Look with compassion upon your children, and grant us strength of love and purity of purpose, that we may live together in unity and work together in peace and concord, so that the well-being of all may be promoted, and your name, O God, be glorified in all the earth.  Amen.

From Evening Service for the Sabbath from The Union Prayerbook, courtesy of Magnificat

Meat and Potatoes

Sometimes it's the simple things that bring me peace.  I haven't posted here in a while for a few different reasons, but never because I didn't want to do so.  Sometimes, I can't quite muster enough energy, and at others, my internet connection is less than ideal (a story for another day) and I find most places with free WiFi around here to be a bit too loud for my purpose.  Usually, though, I'm just plain busy.  While there's no truly justifiable excuse, what with the implementation of the rather fool-proof time management system, it's easy for me to see how I let another couple of months pass by without my visiting.  This is where the simple things come into play.  Sometimes, I need to step back from everything and write.  Not anything remotely profound, either.  Just whatever allows me to let go of the stresses and cares to which I stubbornly cling (even though I can hear God practically begging for me to let Him take them from my shoulders every day).  So this evening, I choose to let go of my anxieties and remember the meat and potatoes of my day, and in a very literal way.  This evening, my husband and I looked up from the work we'd been doing to find it was 5:00 exactly, at which point we thought it proper to get some space from our tasks and make a meal together.  While it was a simple meal of chicken and vegetables, I found that sitting down to eat the meal we had made together was unexpectedly comforting.  Now, we rarely eat out, so we carve out time to cook fresh meals every other night or so (hooray for leftovers!), but I found that this simple ritual of cooking and eating a meal with my spouse was exactly what I needed to do in order to re-focus my mind and heart.  Having fun experimenting with different spices and creating a new vegetable medley was all it took to remind me the importance of taking the time to do such things.  My day has not been perfect, and I was almost so tired from it that my husband offered to make dinner himself, but I deliberately chose to make this memory, and now I'm so glad that I did.

Are there any simple yet meaningful rituals that bring you comfort and peace?    

~Literary Heroine Blog Party~

This is my first opportunity to take part in Kellie Falconer’s Literary Heroine Blog Party, and I’ve had such a great time pondering my answers to her unique questions over the course of this last week.  If you’re not familiar with Kellie’s blog, Accordion to Kellie, I highly recommend a visit, as it is often my joy to do so.  Sadly, with life being the lovely—yet busy—way it is, I have been unable to answer all of these questions.  I’m hopeful that I can update this post over time, though.  In any case, I hope you enjoy reading what I have completed.  Cheers!

~ The Questions ~

1. Introduce yourself! Divulge your life's vision, likes, dislikes, aspirations, or something completely random!

I’m an aspiring heroine always seeking perfection through Christ and learning from my many moments of humility along the way—thanks be to God, I’m not alone in my quest!

2. What, to you, forms the essence of a true heroine? 

The center of a heroine’s heart is the knowledge that her total surrender to God is that which allows her to fulfill her role.  She knows that her potential is only so deep when relying on her own strength and devices alone.

3. Share (up to) four heroines of literature that you most admire and relate to. 

Anne Elliot, from Jane Austen’s Persuasion

Upon my first reading of Persuasion, I found myself peering into mirror-like descriptions of the second Elliot daughter.  Appreciative of the natural world and passionate in a quiet manner, Anne is the only Austen heroine with whom I have ever truly identified.

Luthien, from J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Silmarillion

A strong, loving woman, Luthien Tinuviel is the inspiration that lies with my blog’s title.  Her devotion to Beren and her bravery in times of trial are two qualities I seek to perfect every day.

Eowyn, from J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Two Towers and The Return of the King, of The Lord of the Rings Trilogy

Another example of a strong and loving woman, Eowyn undergoes an admirable and identifiable transformation over time.  Her outward passion for life mirrors my own more inward passion for the same, and her growth and maturity are worthy of aspiration.

4. Five of your favorite historical novels? 

Persuasion, Jane Austen

Little Women, Louisa May Alcott

5. Out of those five books who is your favorite major character and why? 

In Little Women, I must say that Marmee is my favorite major character.  She represents a solidly good example of motherhood, and on a long and varied scale of time.  Alcott paints the portrait of a woman who is equally patient, compassionate, and strong during happy and trying times.

6. Out of those five books who is your favorite secondary character and why? 

7. If you were to plan out your dream vacation, where would you travel to - and what would you plan to do there? 

I would plan a vacation to Prince Edward Island, and there I would enjoy the landscape and culture to the fullest extent of my senses, much like a certain ginger heroine I’ve come to know and love. . . .

8. What is your favorite time period and culture to read about? 

I tend to go through phases of obsession with a certain time period, culture, or author whose work opens a window into a certain time and place.  I just recently checked out three books that shine a light on the life of Beatrix Potter, one of my own role models, so she remains my current object of fascination and study.

9. You have been invited to perform at the local charity concert. Singing, comedy, recitation, tap dancing… what is your act comprised of? 

I can most certainly see myself performing a dramatic recitation of a deliciously epic poem, Megan Follows-as-Anne Shirley-style. 

10. If you were to attend a party where each guest was to portray a heroine of literature, who would you select to represent? 

11. Favorite author(s)?

J.R.R. Tolkien

Jane Austen

Brian Jacques

L.M. Montgomery

12. In which century were most of the books you read written? 

While I do not confine myself to one century or another, some of my favorite works were written between the 18th and 19^th centuries.

13. In your opinion, the ultimate hero in all literature is… 

14. In your opinion, the most dastardly villain of all literature is... 

15. Describe your ideal dwelling place. 

My ideal dwelling place . . . This is most certainly a small house (designed to our unique specifications—I have a studio!) in the countryside, distantly surrounded by a lovely mountain range.  I have plenty of space in which to cultivate a garden, and there stands a wood nearby that serves as creative inspiration during long springtime walks. 

16. Sum up your fashion style in a short sentence. 

I usually don comfortable, modest, and muted outfits with the echo of early 1940’s fashion and a dash of whimsy. . .

17. Three favorite Non-fiction books? 

Tasha Tudor’s Garden, Tovah Martin

18. Your duties met for the day, how would you choose to spend a carefree summer afternoon? 

First, I would make a small cup of tea, pick up a book, and enjoy the adventure in a comfy chair in the shade of a lovely group of trees.  Once the heat of the day has passed, I would take pleasure in some gardening, and then prepare dinner using the fruits (and vegetables!) of my labor.

19. Create a verbal sketch of your dream hat - in such a way as will best portray your true character. 

A deep cranberry color, this structured, felt-like hat has a thick navy sash and a small bunch of flowers and berries—this I would choose for Sunday Mass during autumn.

A floppy straw sun hat—this I would choose for a day of gardening, yard work, and overall enjoyment of the outdoors!

Both would have their work cut out for them staying on my head, though.  While I think both types represent me—sometimes attempting a more controlled appearance and at others allowing myself to be carefree (but always at least slightly vintage-inspired)—my unruly hair tends to have a mind of its own. . . .

20. Share the most significant event(s) that have marked your life in the past year.

The beautifully, profoundly obvious answer to this question would be my marriage to my dear Jeffrey on November 1^st, 2014.  I have found the honeymoon phase to be growing and deepening with each passing day, and that the journey we undertook when we met about three years ago has taken on a new beginning.  Life is most assuredly a wonder worth cherishing.    

21. Share the Bible passage(s) that have been most inspiring to you recently.

"There is an appointed time for everything, and a time for every affair under the heavens."  --Ecclesiastes 3:1

Happy New Year!

To my few and dear readers,

I know that it has been a while since I last visited my small corner of the internet world; indeed, my struggle with budgeting time for something that I enjoy doing was beginning to frustrate me.  However, I recently realized that to be so hard on myself wastes time, and is altogether unnecessary.  The past two months have been ones of beautiful growth and gradual learning.  I'm learning to love making a home for my husband and me.  I'm learning to find a balance between working, cooking healthy meals, and making sure neither of us neglects taking care of ourselves and each other.  I'm learning that God's Will is a mysteriously lovely web of which I only catch mere glimpses as each piece falls into place in my life, its beauteous whole I look forward to seeing in life hereafter.

As I continue to establish and perfect my daily routine, my posting will inevitably continue to vary, but I'm determined to seize every opportunity I receive to compose my thoughts and pay a visit to this online journal.  For those of you following along, I thank you for your patience and understanding.  I hope you all are enjoying a lovely beginning to this fine new year, and I pray that it may bring with it many blessings upon you and yours.

~Bonnie

By the Grace of God United in Holy Matrimony

 1 November 2014 

"Live in love, as Christ loved us and handed Himself over for us." 

-Ephesians 5:2a

Our Lady of Walsingham

Please Pray for Us.

Illustrative Inspiration ~ Tasha Tudor

In belated honor of Tasha Tudor's birthday, I thought I'd share just a small sampling of her much beloved illustrations.

Tasha Tudor

(August 28, 1915-June 18, 2008)

A simply lovely favorite of mine

 The Secret Garden

A Little Princess

 

 

A comforting portrayal of home life

The Wind in the Willows

For those of you who don't know, Tasha Tudor was also an avid gardener.  Her home in Vermont is truly and breathtakingly beautiful.  Do visit Rookery Ramblings for more information about this talented, admirable woman.  She has been such an inspiration to me in becoming the woman I desire to be and will forever serve as one of my role models.

What are some of your favorite illustrations of Tasha Tudor?
Are you familiar with her inspirational garden?

Poem of the Week ~ Shakespeare's Sonnet XVIII

This week I have found myself pining for the true classics, and Shakespeare is difficult to beat in this respect.  In flipping through a newly acquired book of his complete sonnets, I found the well-known "Shall I compare thee to a summer's day?" and felt that it speaks to the mixed feelings that come with late summer: a wistfulness for the gentle balm of heat, the unique golden-ness of summer sunlight, and gentle breezes. . .combined with the increasing motivation for productivity, as school begins and schedules fill up far more quickly than one expects, though this happens every year.  This sonnet perfectly illustrates this time of transition with its allusion to aging and the changing of seasons, as well.  Of course this sonnet (as so many of them do) addresses a lover, giving it a purpose that infuses this description of the season with love.  A simple yet profoundly deep and beautiful truth.

"Sonnet XVIII"

William Shakespeare
(1564-1616)

Shall I compare thee to a summer's day?

Thou art more lovely and more temperate:

Rough winds do shake the darling buds of May,

And summers lease hath all too short a date:

Sometime too hot the eye of heaven shines,

And often is his gold complexion dimm'd;

And every fair from fair sometime declines,

By chance, or nature's changing course, untrimm'd;

But thy eternal summer shall not fade,

Nor lose possession of that fair thou owest;

Nor shall Death brag thou wander'st in his shade,

When in eternal lines to time thou growest;

So long as men can breathe, or eyes can see,

So long lives this, and this gives life to thee. 

Do you like Shakespearean sonnets?

Have you ever attempted to write in sonnet form?

Literary Inclinations ~ In Pursuit of Happiness: An Aristotelian Appreciation of Jane Austen

 Below is the introduction of an intriguing series I found a few months ago through a blog that I follow that focuses on Austen in relation to Aristotle and St. Thomas Aquinas, and I found it to be both interesting and enlightening, returning to it time and again in the intervening months since discovering it.

*****

It is a truth universally acknowledged, that Jane Austen novels are full of silliness and romance. However little known the merits of these works upon a first perusal, this truth is so well fixed in the mind of the reader, that they are considered as the rightful property of young women fixated upon a bygone era of balls and dresses with hardly any serious merit to recommend them to the reader of more practical and serious taste.

While the truthiness of such a claim may, in fact, be unassailable, the truth of this statement can hardly be considered as such. When Lionel Trilling offered a seminar on the works of Jane Austen at Columbia in 1973, he had to sit through two-and-a-half days of interviews in order to whittle a field of 150 interested students down to a more manageable maximum of 40. You very well may ask how many of those prospective students were young men, but, as a professor of mine once responded to such a question, this was Columbia in the 1970s; they were, most probably, nearly all men! Trilling himself relates that the ranks of these prospective students included more than one graduate student who ardently made his case to be allowed in the class.

So, what’s the big deal about Jane Austen? Why would anyone with half a brain, let alone someone seriously dedicated to the study of divine truth, care two straws about such novels? Unlike Trilling who concluded that the moral values portrayed in Austen’s novels were invariably a product of her era, I am convinced that these values have a timeless character, just as the novels have a transcendent appeal.

As the title of this introduction and the Dominican authorship of these posts suggest, Aquinas and Aristotle play no small part in my appreciation of the works of Jane Austen. Throughout this series, I hope to illustrate how many of the values found in Austen’s works belong just as much to the medieval and classical periods as her own. By showing how the virtues espoused by Austen’s heroines conform to a much earlier tradition, I hope to lead the reader to suspect that these values are just as applicable today. These works are not simply food for romantic fantasies. They provide us with serious and thoughtful reflections on how virtue ought to be lived out, particularly in regard to our relationships with others.

Br. Aquinas Beale is originally from West Virginia, and studied Political Science at the University of Virginia, receiving a Master's degree in 2010. He entered the Order of Preachers in 2011.

*****

"How do I lead a good and happy life?"

Given the prominence of British authors and illustrators I have featured here thus far, it should come as no surprise that today's featured writer is Jane Austen (1775-1817).  In a time and place that largely promotes a destructive and demeaning form of feminism, I found the author's perspective on Austen heroines quite refreshing.  He emphasizes the heroine's drive to do that which is truly good, which leads them to a happiness solidly based in virtue by the conclusion of the novel.  Having taken multiple university-level classes either solely or partially focused on Jane Austen, I can attest to the rarity of of this perspective, a rarity I consider unjust to Austen, as she was a very devout Christian and seemingly deliberately infused her work with Christian themes.  

In Pursuit of Happiness: An Aristotelian Appreciation of Jane Austen

What are your thoughts on this piece?

What themes in Austen's work tend to strike you most?

Poem of the Week ~ Gerard Manley Hopkins' God's Grandeur

This week I've been thinking about my favorite Catholic poets, and my mind has repeatedly returned to Gerard Manley Hopkins, a 19th century British Jesuit.  His collection is rather extensive, but "God's Grandeur" has long stood apart as a favorite of mine.  It reminds me of the Eternity that is God and that every part of the world is infused with Him.  He will remain constant in His Love.

"God's Grandeur"

Gerard Manley Hopkins

(1844-1889)

The world is charged with the grandeur of God.

It will flame out, like shining from shook foil;

It gathers to a greatness, like the ooze of oil

Crushed. Why do men then now not reck his rod?

Generations have trod, have trod, have trod;

And all is seared with trade; bleared, smeared with toil;

And wears man's smudge and shares man's smell: the soil

Is bare now, nor can foot feel, being shod.

And for all this, nature is never spent;

There lives the dearest freshness deep down things;

And though the last lights off the black West went

Oh, morning, at the brown brink eastward, springs--

Because the Holy Ghost over the bent

World broods with warm breast and ah! bright wings.

Do you have a favorite poet? 

Have you read any poems by Hopkins?

Illustrative Inspiration ~ Beatrix Potter

One of my all-time favorite authors and illustrators is Beatrix Potter.  I truly identify with her love for animals, writing, illustrating, and nature.  From the little I know about her, I tend to view her as my British counterpart (more so than Jane Austen, whose works I love, but whose wit and sarcasm I doubt I could ever live up to).  Her illustrations in particular resonate with me.  Their warmth and light comfort me, and the stories they convey more often than not make me smile.  While not in league with the famous artists about whom we learn in school, I think her artwork is just as valid, even if in a different way.  After all, one of the primary purposes of art is to elicit reactions and emotions from the viewer, yes?  Beatrix Potter's work certainly accomplishes that in my case, and I don't doubt that she will continue to do so in others' for some time to come.

Are you familiar with the works of Beatrix Potter?
Do you have a favorite illustration?  

Poem of the Week ~ Louisa May Alcott's Fairy Song

While known widely for Little Women, Louisa May Alcott was also a talented poet.  Below is one of my favorites of hers; I enjoy its whimsy and lightheartedness.  Reading it stirs the whispers of my imagination and reminds me of the importance of cultivating child-like wonder.

"Fairy Song"

Louisa May Alcott 
(1832-1888)

The moonlight fades from flower and rose

And the stars dim one by one;

The tale is told, the song is sung,

And the Fairy feast is done.

The night-wind rocks the sleeping flowers,

And sings to them, soft and low.

The early birds erelong will wake:

'Tis time for the Elves to go,

O'er the sleeping earth we silently pass,

Unseen by mortal eye,

And send sweet dreams, as we lightly float

Through the quiet moonlit sky;--

For the stars' soft eyes alone may see,

And the flowers alone may know,

The feasts we hold, the tales we tell;

So 'tis time for the Elves to go.

From bird, and blossom, and bee,

We learn the lessons they teach;

And seek, by kindly deeds, to win

A loving friend in each.

And though unseen on earth we dwell,

Sweet voices whisper low,

And gentle hearts most joyously greet

The Elves where'er they go.

When next we meet in the Fairy dell,

May the silver moon's soft light

Shine then on faces gay as now,

And Elfin hearts as light

Now spread each wing, for the eastern sky

With sunlight soon shall glow.

The morning star shall light us home:

Farewell! for the Elves must go.

                                                                                                                  1848, 1854

In what ways does this poem resonate with you? 
Do you have a favorite fairy tale?

Summer Love

 “Summer afternoon—summer afternoon; to me those have always been the two most beautiful words in the English language.” 

-Henry James 

 

Lately I've been struggling to keep up with reading the different blogs that I follow.  When I stopped to think about why this might be, I realized that the main reason is that I don't much feel like reading about others complain about the heat that accompanies summertime.  While I continue to draw inspiration from other writers, their posts over the past two months have yet to leave out at least one complaint about the heat.  Now, I completely understand the difficulties that the heat tends to impose on people in certain situations, but I also think that to every negative there is a corresponding positive.  I have slowly learned this over the past few years, during which I've improved my ability to turn any form and degree of suffering into good.  While I can appreciate one's desire for the arrival of autumn (and with it cooler temperatures), I also find merit in being thankful for the present.  Looking forward to the future--near or far--is a natural part of being human, a natural result of our pining for God in this world, but I know that I benefit from counting the blessings I have at this moment in time, and I think others might, as well.  In regards to the seasons in particular, I have found that I don't have a favorite one, for I just begin to feel ready for the next one by the time it arrives, finding new beauty to love in each one, which speaks to God's ever-infinite wisdom in creating this beautiful cycle of nature.

If ever you feel like complaining about the heat that comes with summer, I encourage you to think about the beauty that comes with it as well, such as: gardening, warm evenings, long-lasting daylight, wildflowers, sunshine, thunderstorms, rain showers, full greenery, light clothing, dancing outside. . .and the overall magic of it all.

Feel free to take a look at my {Summer Inspiration} Pinterest board for additional visual inspiration!

 "For every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under Heaven."

-Ecclesiastes 3:1

How do you feel about summer?

Do you have a favorite season?

Poem of the Week ~ Psalm 104

During my morning prayers today, I came across a lovely compilation of verses from Psalm 104.  The verses chosen in the August edition of Magnificat come together in a beautiful weaving of images that so poignantly speak to the rich vibrancy and growth found in nature during this time of the year.

Bless the Lord, my soul!

Lord God, how great you are!

You make the grass grow for the cattle

and the plants to serve man's needs,

that he may bring forth bread from the earth

and wine to cheer man's heart;

oil, to make him glad

and bread to strengthen man's heart.

The trees of the Lord drink their fill,

the cedars he planted on Lebanon;

there the birds build their nests:

on the tree-top the stork has her home.

The goats find a home on the mountains

and rabbits hide in the rocks.

I will sing to the Lord all my life,

make music to my God while I live.

May my thoughts be pleasing to him.

I find my joy in the Lord.

Bless the Lord, my soul.

-Psalm 104: 1, 14, 18, 33-34, 35b

What do you think of this arrangement?

How does it make you feel when you read it?

Poem of the Week ~ Tir Eolas' Aida

While this week's poem is technically a song, I find that many of the qualities of each form are interchangeable.  I recently discovered the group Tir Eolas, and listening to this song in particular lifts my spirits.

What do you think of this song?
What are your thoughts on the link between song and poetry?

Happy August!

Poem of the Week ~ The Lady of Shalott, Part IV

It's been a couple of weeks since I've visited, and for what I hope are understandable reasons!  The week of my last post was the one during which my family and I were preparing for my bridal shower, and then the week after consisted of winding down from that joyful event and preparing for a Catholic conference for engaged couples.  Attending that turned out to be a very productive (albeit long) experience that has continued to spark conversation between Jeffrey and me almost a week later.  Now more than ever we possess a joint consciousness of that which we are truly preparing for: our marriage.  While there are many aspects of our wedding day that we still need to finalize, there is a lifetime together for which we ask God daily to keep our focus.  Today marks 100 days until we begin our life together.  Please pray for us as we continue to prepare for this truly momentous and beautiful occasion, that we may grow closer together through God and persevere in developing our relationship with Him.

On to Part IV of The Lady of Shalott (finally)!

The Lady of Shalott  

Part IV

 

In the stormy east-wind straining,

The pale yellow woods were waning,

The broad stream in his banks complaining,

Heavily the low sky raining

 Over tower'd Camelot;

Outside the isle a shallow boat

Beneath a willow lay afloat,

Below the carven stern she wrote,

The Lady of Shalott.

A cloudwhite crown of pearl she dight,

All raimented in snowy white

That loosely flew (her zone in sight

Clasp'd with one blinding diamond bright)

       Her wide eyes fix'd on Camelot,

Though the squally east-wind keenly

Blew, with folded arms serenely

By the water stood the queenly

       Lady of Shalott.

With a steady stony glance—

Like some bold seer in a trance,

Beholding all his own mischance,

Mute, with a glassy countenance—

She look'd down to Camelot.

It was the closing of the day:

She loos'd the chain, and down she lay;

The broad stream bore her far away,

  The Lady of Shalott.

As when to sailors while they roam,

By creeks and outfalls far from home,

Rising and dropping with the foam,

From dying swans wild warblings come,
 Blown shoreward; so to Camelot

Still as the boathead wound along

The willowy hills and fields among,

They heard her chanting her deathsong,

    The Lady of Shalott.

A longdrawn carol, mournful, holy,

She chanted loudly, chanted lowly,

Till her eyes were darken'd wholly,

And her smooth face sharpen'd slowly,

  Turn'd to tower'd Camelot:

For ere she reach'd upon the tide

The first house by the water-side,

Singing in her song she died,

   The Lady of Shalott.

Under tower and balcony,

By garden wall and gallery,

A pale, pale corpse she floated by,

Deadcold, between the houses high,

    Dead into tower'd Camelot.

Knight and burgher, lord and dame,

To the planked wharfage came:

Below the stern they read her name,

   The Lady of Shalott.

They cross'd themselves, their stars they blest,

Knight, minstrel, abbot, squire, and guest.

There lay a parchment on her breast,

That puzzled more than all the rest,

The wellfed wits at Camelot.

'The web was woven curiously,

The charm is broken utterly,

Draw near and fear not,—this is I,

 The Lady of Shalott.'

What are your thoughts about this poem as a whole?

Do you have a favorite part?

Have you read other poems by Tennyson?