Out of the Depths

I'd like to say, "Where does the time go?" but I know where it went.  Into a black hole of work, with a dollop of worry, a slurp of travel, and a heaping cupful of procrastination.  Yep, that's where the time went.

The perfectionist in me thinks that unless I go back and fill in all the missing days, I should write at all, but that serves no one, especially not me.  So, just a brief backward glance and then moving on.

I was honored to be a guest on Donna-Marie Cooper-Oboyle's new EWTN show, Catholic Moms' Cafe in Birmingham along with several prestigious and well-known authors.  Here's a picture of me with Donna-Marie, Marge Fenelon and Lisa Henley.  And one on the set for the show.

Then I went to an incredible seminar/retreat in Canada that gave me great new perspectives on my career, my relationships, my motives and my life in general.

Now I'm back in Oregon where there hasn't been rain for days and everyone is talking DROUGHT, but I'm loving the sunshine. I think my heaven has to be sunny.  It can sprinkle now and then, enough to give everything that fresh rain smell, but no long, grey, gloomy days that hang like a shroud over my life.  (Yes, I do question why I live in Oregon, but apparently the greenery offsets the greyery.)

So, what have you been up to while I've been gone?

Mom's Cafe

  

I've long admired Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle, ever since I learned of her decade-long friendship with Mother Teresa.  I never thought I'd get a chance to meet her, but God works in mysterious ways.  Not only do I get to meet her, I will be a guest on her upcoming EWTN television series called "Catholic Mom's Cafe"!

 

Donna-Maria has written a simply marvelous book with the same name (almost): Catholic Mom's Cafe" 5-Minute Retreats for Every Day of the Year (Our Sunday Visitor, 2013). When I had a chance to see a copy, I promptly turned to my birth day and chuckled with it was all about not worrying.  I think I have a PhD in worry, so the irony was not lost.

 

 

I've always loved daily devotionals and this little book is just my cup of tea (all puns intended.) Each day provides a quote from the Bible, an inspirational quote, a short but pithy meditation, a prayer and a thought to carry through the day. It's the ideal length for meaningful insight but not so long as to become another chore. It's the kind of book that would make a great gift for a new mom, a seasoned mother or even yourself!

    

Donna-Maria also has a great blog at CatholicMomsCafe.blogspot.com. (Disclosure:  I am an occasional guest there!) as well as a Facebook page at facebook.com/CatholicMomsCafe. Lots of good stuff there...and not just for moms!

 

The book will be out soon and I've got it on good authority that you can get an autographed copy at her website. They will be available at Our Sunday Visitor, Amazon, Barnes and Noble and Catholic bookstores as well.

 

And in case you are interested, here's link to the upcoming TV show and one of Donna-Marie's guests. :)