inner excavation: journey of "i am"

New steps...Retiring

2012-02-02T10:39:00.000-06:00

After much consideration...I've decided to retire my blog. My life has had significant changes in the last 2 years and I need to close this chapter to begin another. I haven't decided if I will begin a new blog or not...if I do, I will post the link on this page. For now...I'm just remaining on the journey...one foot in front of the other.

Thank you so much to my loyal readers!

Peace and all good,
Katy

Create a Chapel

2011-11-02T19:30:00.000-05:00

I had the opportunity on a gorgeous autumn day to wander around the Anderson Japanese Gardens in Rockford, IL. Their initial screen on the web page states: "...offering a place of peace and tranquility where they will find healing, renewal, inspiration, and a re-energized soul..." Well...shoot...just what I needed!

Reflective, quiet time has been a struggle since I've been struck with major soul malaise (see post). In fact, my spiritual director said I should announce a "snit"...an absence of requiring myself and "should-ing" myself into my normal patterns and expectations of prayer. Let God meet me where I'm at kinda thing. So people...I'm in a SNIT and approved and ready to activate SNIT.

I was gifted with a glorious, crisp, sunny autumn day and some time to wander. I found the beauty comforting and the time and space to think somewhat healing. It dawned on me that it was the feast of All Saints (11-1-11); part of my snit is not including liturgical prayer. I love liturgy; it's one of my most favorite expressions of prayer. It speaks to me of COMMUNITY and coming together. I've lived community, been the living body of Christ, being Eucharist to those with whom I encounter in ministry and community life. Part of my soul malaise is experiencing deep pain in being in community situations. It pierces me deeply; inconsolable pain. Going to Mass was not going to happen for me this All Saints. Feeling the guilt and then remembering my spiritual director's advice to let God meet me where I'm at formed a sense of calm and invitation to "create a chapel" in the space I'm in--physically, spiritually, psychologically. This Haiku emerged:

Create a chapel--

Embracing silence, beauty

God met me in me.

I only had my cell phone to take pictures and thanks to perfect light conditions and the most vibrant colors I've ever seen...I got some great shots. Nothing fancy, but some are really cool. I of course put it to music which touches into where I'm at too. This piece is called "Breakable" by Ingrid Michaelson.

To my Saints...thank you for your prayerful guidance. To my Souls...I pray for you. To my God...thank you for meeting me inside of me. I continue to hold on to the thread...

Trust in America

2011-10-30T21:47:00.001-05:00

On my way to a hotel about 1.5 hours away for work this week, I was listening to NPR (my only choice in radio these days) All Things Considered. They featured a segment entitled: Trust in America

http://www.npr.org/v2/?i=141844751&m=141844832&t=audio" height="386" wmode="opaque" allowfullscreen="true" width="400" base="http://www.npr.org" type="application/x-shockwave-flash">

It was fascinating to me to hear whom people trust and whom people don't. Justin Wolfers...an economist from UPenn's Wharton Business School who is studing trust...he trusts his mom. Tom Brokaw...most trusted TV journalist in America...well, he trusts his wife. Gallup has been polling people since the 70's regarding trust.

It was an ironic segment for what is going on in my life right now. I'm struggling with trust in the "institutions", in "leadership", in anything beyond secure, individual relationships that have withstood the time tests. Breakdown of trust is detrimental to institutions and untrustworthy leadership leads to corruption, greed, and poor leadership and decision making.

How do we develop trust when trust has been shattered? Whether it be in the large scheme of an institution or on personal level...breakdown of trust can be loathsome and heart wrenching.

One poingnat concept from this interview that I heard was to think about the "incentives facing those who are making decisions"...from a business standpoint that makes sense. Where are the conflicts of interest that are forming biases in leadership? Can we trust them?

Whom do I trust? This is one of my lifelong quests...trust has been broken and rebuilt, broken and rebuilt, and then shattered once more. I trust God. I trust myself...some of the time. I definately don't trust the institutions right now, but I will think more about what incentives come from poor decision making from this point forward to gain some perspective.

Thanks NPR always considering all things...

Soul Malaise and a Message to the Universe

2011-10-01T16:51:00.000-05:00

I've felt totally uninspired to blog the past two weeks. I've been in a funk--heartbroken and sick with soul malaise (a coined term from a friend).

I've written about, prayed about, and been on a discernment journey for quite some time. It's been very rough at times and other times pure joy! I know I've grown from my icky, squirmy experiences and that I'm a better person for them. I have met the most fantastic people and grown from them too.

I'm a journeyer...a seeker...a questioner...I've been trying to find my way--where I most feel at home. Where I can be the me I was created to be. Where I can live out where I believe and experience God calling me. (Hello...can we say...baptismal promise...here folks?)

I just hit a gigantic road block...smack in my face...stopped me dead in my tracks. Ouch.

I tried being mad a God. Didn't work. It's people that got in the way; not God. People that may think they know God's voice in my heart better, or clearer than me. I don't accept that; no one knows how God is speaking to you but you. I guess it's a big part of our faith journey...dealing with the people who get in the way. Look at what Jesus had to deal with! Read about the Saints...see what they had to deal with to live out their call sometimes!

To the universe and the people that get in the way, I want to say...

LOOK...I am a woman of God...faith-filled and willing to serve. I have a lot to give and an immense heart that's ready and capable of great loving. I have gifts that I'm willing and ready to share. I am willing to be on the journey...no matter how hard it is. I will make mistakes and I will grow. I will challenge and I will be challenged. I will love and I want to be loved for who I am not who you'd like me to be or how you think I should be. I'm a learner, a perseverer, and committed. I will follow the Spirit speaking within and around me as best as I can. I will find home...and live as God is calling me.

As much as it hurts me and cuts through everything I have known and loved for a long time--I'm back on the journey to find my "home"...the place where I belong. It's a little harder to trust the Spirit this time. A little harder to trust that voice of God in me. It's a little harder to see what's possible. But...I will find it....and when I do, I'll live it.

Living Intentionally: An Inner Excavation Day Part II

2011-09-10T17:37:00.000-05:00

I've spent the last several hours praying with, playing with, journaling, and creating with the word enthusiasm. (If you'd like to know why...read Living Intentionally...Part I)

I don't know that I came any closer to the answers to my questions, but I did have some interesting experiences! First I went on an image walk...I took my camera and snapped photos of things that stood out to me in relationship to my word enthusiasm. Here's a little montage (Gotta have a...MONTAGE)

Grass growing

Going down backwards!

Pinwheels!

Add caption

My car has "insight"

Pretty random stuff. I think. Things that represent play, energy, and growth are the themes I see that connect all of them.

I did some photos of me walking and skipping too...

Just for fun. See what enthusiasm might look like from my head to my feet. :-)

Then, I created these eyedropper ink pictures...which one do you think spoke to me the most of enthusiasm?

If you said #2 you're......................WRONG! Actually, when I sat with the pictures, it was #3 that stood out. Something about the girl seems more real...genuine and contemplative. #2 is the "Tap-dancer"...you know the type--center of attention, always keeping the party alive. I think the Tap-dancer has surface enthusiasm, but #3 is has it buried deep within and only comes out on special occasions. She is the "Questioner"--taking her experiences and letting them soak in.

I used to be the Tap-dancer. I was enthusiastic on the outside about almost anything! I had a big shift in me a couple years ago while my journey led me down a long and unknown path. I found this person who is quite reflective, contemplative, and introverted. It was such a relief for me to find this part of myself because it really fit me; I'm much more comfortable in my own skin. Whereas...when I was tap-dancing...it was at great effort sometimes to keep that energy going. The Questioner me likes to take in my surroundings and let the process germinate before reacting. When I am experiencing enthusiasm...it's usually a combo package of energy and deep passion for something I believe strongly in. It's much more real for me.

I end with a fun poem from one of my favorite poets: Hafiz. I think his poems are so visual and capture these deep, sometimes inexplicable things with humor and images. I think this is the Hafiz interpretation of someone who forgets their enthusiasm... Enjoy....

We Might Have To Medicate You

Resist your temptation to lieBy speaking of separation from God,

Otherwise,We might have to medicateYou.

In the oceanA lot goes on beneath your eyes.Listen,

They have clinics there tooFor the insaneWho persist in saying things like:"I am independent from theSea,

God is not always around

Gently Pressing againstMy body."

Bottom line for me...If I fall into a trap of persistence that I am "independent from the sea"...some one knock me over the head with this poem.

Finally...to try and see where God is in all of this enthusiasm...at first it seemed obvious...God is in all things. But as I continued to reflect on my Questioner and Tap-Dancer personas...I came back to something I've written about and said before. At the deepest place of my being is where my passion is. That's where my questions are. That's where my journey continues. That's where I grow and learn the most. It's who I am at my core...and inside of me...that's where God is. Ok...so maybe there is more to this enthusiasm stuff.

What struck me the most was...I drew this card and thought SA-WEET...something easy. I can prance around all day and think about being enthusiastic. My reality was a very quiet and reflective day understanding a little more about where I find these characteristics that I sometimes forget are inside of me. It was definitely a surprise...and from the old definition of enthusiastic...inspiration from the presence of God.

I enthusiastically bid you adieu....thanks for reading.

Living Intentionally: An Inner Excavation Day...Part 1

2011-09-10T13:07:00.001-05:00

Today I am having "Inner Excavation Day"--A day to pray, play and create. I'm really trying to work on the concept of "living intentionally"; and an inner excavation day seemed to fit right in!

The task: I decided to use my Angel cards (little cards that have a word on them) and choose a word for today. That word would become the focus of my activities today.

Now...I truly believe the Holy Spirit is at work when I do things like this. I always get the word I need not necessarily the word I want. In fact, most frequently, I get a word that makes me cringe and squirm and I don't discover why it was the perfect word for the day until much later...sometimes days, weeks later! So...I shuffled my little cards. Spread them out. Said a little prayer like, "God...help me to be open to the possibilities of today," and I chose one.

Flipped it over (crossing my fingers and toes that it wouldn't be something like "growth" or "mercy" or "feelings") and I got...

ENTHUSIASM! Wow! What a fun word to choose! Thanks for the easy road, Spirit. Did I just say, easy road? HA! Discovering--excavating, if you will, is not easy. Sometimes it's more fun than other times. Sometimes it's happy sometimes it's painful--but nothing about this is easy. Good thing I like a challenge.

So I'm into enthusiasm today. I sat in my comfy chair and just sat in the quiet for a bit. I had already gone for a run this morning--did I run with enthusiasm? What does it really mean to live with enthusiasm? Where is God in the day-to-day enthusiasm? Do I really know what the word means?
I couldn't really answer the last 3 questions; I gathered this is what today's quest is going to be about.

Do I really know what enthusiasm means?

I had some initial thoughts...energy, joy, passion, active, happy, bouncy...ok...I usually have one or more of these characteristics going on. So what? I looked it up and this is what I found from Wikepedia:

Enthusiasm originally meant inspiration or possession by a divine afflatus or by the presence of a god. Johnson's Dictionary, the first comprehensive dictionary of the English language, defines enthusiasm as "a vain belief of private revelation; a vain confidence of divine favour or communication." In current English vernacular the word simply means intense enjoyment, interest, or approval.

INSPIRATION or POSSESSION...BY THE PRESENCE of [GOD]. Are you kidding me? How awesome is that? I had no idea that was the original meaning. What a great starting off point...so I reframed my questions a bit thanks to Wikepedia.

How am I inspired by the presence of God? ...in the day-to-day? ...in the bigger picture? Do I live with enthusiasm? Let's see how the day unfolds...

Stay tuned for Part II...

Womanspace--happy places; spiritual spaces.

2011-08-18T13:23:00.000-05:00

I don't know about you, but I have these special places that I usually refer to as my "happy places". Door County, WI is one of them for me. My entire family (grandparents, uncles, cousins, etc) used to go up to Door County every summer for a week and go camping together. It was a great time. When ever I go to Door county those memories and rituals just produce such a comforting feeling for me...it's a happy place!

Womanspace in Rockford, IL is one of those places for me. Womanspace was founded by two of our Sisters: Dorothy Bock and Elaine Hirschenberger. You can read more about their story here.

I started going to the center about 6 years ago to play, create, and spend time with Elaine and Dorothy. I try to get there 1 or 2 times a year. When I am there I feel this peacefulness and groundedness within me. It is a space where I can let go and be creative. I love listening to Elaine and Dorothy's stories of their experiences. I am truly at home when I am there.

I haven't been to Womanspace in about 2 years and I had the opportunity to go and visit the other day. As soon as I pulled into the driveway I felt a shift within...it was that "home" feeling. I was thrilled to be greeted by Elaine who embraced me. She had some things to finish up so I had a few minutes to take in the space. I walked outside through the Lily garden and enjoyed the beauty. I walked through the woods to the labyrinth. Walked around the front and sat for a few meditative minutes in the Celebration Garden while I waited.

Outside at Womanspace I try to s-l-o-w myself down and really take in the beauty that is around me. There are artistic renderings everywhere...easy to miss if I'm not being purposeful in my walking (which is my usual mode of being).

While I was walking and enjoying the art and natural beauty...I felt this calmness and serenity that I have had before while being in this place. It took photos of little things that seemed to speak to me. I gave thanks for this time and this space.

I also enjoyed a great meal and conversation with Elaine and Dorothy, whom I also haven't seen in a while. Driving home I was reflecting on my relationship with them and experiences I have had at Womanspace. I am filled with gratitude for how the spirit speaks in these unique ways...through art, nature, and relationships with good people.

Womanspace is definitely on my list of "happy places"...even better it is truly a place where I encounter God in so many ways. Where are some of your happy places or spiritual spaces?

My happy place and spiritual space...thanks Womanspace! Thanks Elaine and Dorothy...much love to you!

Ahhhhh Vacation!

2011-07-05T15:59:00.003-05:00

Flower from the Moonglow Bay Garden

A lot has been happening in my life! I have a new job! I am a Curriculum Implementation Manager for the company Achieve3000. I will basically be going into all different schools giving professional development to teachers and administrators. It's right up my alley and a good mix of my skills and talents as an educator. I'm thrilled! So between ending a school year and beginning a new job, the blog life has been on the back burner.

View from our Deck

But...as I type I am sitting outside, overlooking the river, sun shining and a gentle breeze. I'm at Moonglow Bay, a vacation home that a group of my nuns and I rent for the week. It's glorious. They are the perfect people to vacation with. We relax, read, play together, pray together, share meals, laughter, and stories. It's a chance to celebrate our community life as well as have time and space to retreat and nourish our spirits. We get all get along great and there's always something to do...if you want to!

I had pie-making lessons from
Mary "Pie Maker" Extraordinaire"

I think vacationing is actually an important part of community life. In our "regular lives" we negotiate the day-to-day living along with ministry responsibilities. We carve out intentional time to live communally, pray, and play. Laugh if you want, but I think being able to relax and just be together is another art that people have to negotiate in community life.

How are we with one another when we eliminate the structure of the day-to-day? Can we find time to be together and be comfortable with being on our own...or in different configurations of groups? How do we communicate "vacation expectations"? It's a different pace, a different routine...all which I think bring us closer as community as well as helps us grow as people. (Yes...a true educator...I just transformed the concept of "vacation" into a learning process).

Sparklers for the 4th of July

With the images, I'm trying to capture the more unique aspects of vacation in an artful way. It's all about the R's--refresh, relax, rejuvenate, revive, reconnect, reestablish, relationships...etc. Enjoy this first offering of Vacation 2011...

Quintessential Vacation Pose---Lounging with Kindle

Mandalas

2011-06-06T14:18:00.000-05:00

Haven't blogged in a while...busy busy end of the school year. All my educational ministry friends know what I'm talking about!

I have had some time to do some artwork though!

I did a mandala series. I used to pray with mandalas a lot and then stepped away from it, but something called me back. I approach my creative time as prayer. I don't preplan what I'm going to "make"; in fact, I have no idea what's going to emerge. This really frees me. It mutes my perfectionist's voice who often says, "It has to be like _____" and really makes room for the Holy Spirit to enter and do her good work! My creative time is quiet, sometimes with music...or not. My artwork usually represents how I'm feeling, what's going on, and how God is speaking to me. Sometimes, I'm amazed at what emerges!

What in the heck are mandalas, you ask? Simply, in Sanskrit it means circle. I was introduced to it as a means of prayer and conversation early on in my spiritual direction. Here are some more good resources on mandalas:

Click MANDALA for the wikipedia version.
The mandala project has some great resources.
And my friend, Stella DeVenuta, OSF does some of the most brilliant mandala work--as an artist and as an interpreter/spiritual guide.

So...I have this mandala series...actually they are not finished yet. I'd like to add some poetry for each one. I'd also like to mount them with some sort of colored background and maybe add some more embellishments like fibers or rice paper or something.

I hesitate putting something up on my blog that is "unfinished" until I was praying the other night and realized that might be my perfectionist talking. (That's him...with the tie on...LOL)

An aside story...While I was having a rough time in my life, not knowing which end was up half the time. I created this cartoon book called "On The Inside". On The Inside is 47 "characters" that are literally on the inside of me...like perfectionist, intuition, frustration, anger, joy...etc. Each character has a name and a haiku that describes who they are and what they do. It was a great project; gave me language for things I didn't really understand. It also was quite amusing and fun to create! So anyway...that's Percy Perfectionist.

Back to unfinished mandalas...so I decided this was a challenge for me...share a part of myself that's "in process", unpolished, not quite up to my standards...yet. I watercolored paper and went all crazy with stuff. Then I ripped it all apart and sewed (those of you who follow my blog that know me...YES I SEWED using a SEWING MACHINE) the pieces back together. Boom...reflective, prayerful, unfinished mandalas. I don't have titles or poetry with them yet, just the images. I have some close-ups of each one so you can see the detail too. Enjoy!

This is the first one (actually it's the last one created). It was the ugliest, most putrid painting I've ever seen. I was going to throw it away! I resisted and sewed it back together and I felt really drawn to it. I love the complexity and the layers. My favorite part is the window with the fibers showing through. And...there's glitter! Who doesn't love sparkly?

This one I think is going to be called "I AM's Fire"...hmmm...it's really intense. But then again, so is the fiery, passion of my I AM.

This one seems very serene to me. I like the pockets of white and I'm addicted to salt resist with watercolors. It just looks so cool (and it's something I can do with my paint phobia)

I saved my favorite for last. I don't know what I'm going to call this, but this really speaks to me at a deep level. I've been praying with it for a couple weeks now. I love the intensity of the colors. And yet, there's a calmness in parts too. This was some total Holy Spirit action going on here that's all I know!

Retreat Artwork

2011-05-01T12:38:00.002-05:00

I wanted to share some of the creations that I did during my retreat days. I had the intention of making this some creative space days and the Holy Spirit was definitely present. I was arting like there was no tomorrow. It was wonderful. Here are some pieces with haikus that go with them from my Triduum retreat.

This "I AM" is a profound thing for me. She came out of a prayer experience and has given me some of my "hutzpah" back. She is the me who is confident, faith-filled, believing. She is my strength. Her name is, "I AM" and has been a rich part of my prayer and journey lately. You will see she appears in my art work and Haikus frequently.

As sun rise: I AM
Strong; harmonious: I AM
I AM who I AM

She finds her balance
A sense of place, she has found.
Yes. She did fight back.

A spiraled journey
She has traveled day by dad
To the center: Joy.

Words capture moment
Stay with me, in the present.
Look toward the sun. Rise.

Who is this shadow?
We know she burns with passion.
She will break through. Free.

This "I AM Cross" doesn't have a Haiku. This cross was significant for me, a piece I did on Good Friday. It really symbolized a refounding of my I AM.

This next piece is a triptych entitled: "Caves of Faith" They each have an individual title as well which I'll put in the caption with her Haiku. I love this piece. I didn't intend to leave the ladies white, but when they emerged out of the background, it was so powerful. This piece was truly the Holy Spirit working through me.

"Caves of Faith"

"Pleading"
Begin the journey.
Pleading: "God please understand."
Humbly waiting. Loved.

"Belief"
I know you're there God.
My call; always in my heart.
I will wait for you.

"Joy"
I give my life, God.
To You, I sing the praises.
Yes...for all my life.

Sacred Silence

2011-04-23T13:43:00.000-05:00

I have reflections to reflect and artwork to share, but not enough time at the moment--Stay tuned for that.

I took a few days away for retreat at the CSA Motherhouse hermitages for the Triduum. It was a wonderful space for me of rest, art-ting, prayer, and sacred silence. Holy Thursday, on my walk, I brought my camera and just snapped anything and everything that caught my eye. I saw many glimpses of the resurrection as green emerged from the SNOW (snow? Yes...SNOW on April 22). Enjoy the slide show of the images and the song: Sacred Silence by T. Booth.

Passion Sunday--"He went out and began to weep bitterly."

2011-04-17T19:24:00.001-05:00

Today at Mass, I found myself reflecting on the strangest of phrases in the Passion reading.

"He went out and began to weep bitterly."

Peter. I don't think I've ever given more than a moment's thought about Peter; and let me tell you, usually the moment I give to thinking about Peter is irritation at his dopiness sometimes.

Why Peter? Why did this phrase jump out at me as if to clonk me over the head with a 2x4? I thought about the sequence described by Matthew.

He insists that he would never deny Jesus. He is above that; thinks that's ridiculous. Jesus gently fortells his actions and Peter passes it off. Then it happens. Not once, nor twice, but three times; cock crows and Peter is enveloped in deep sorrow almost immediately. He denied one that he loved dearly. He betrayed Jesus by word and action. I wonder what was going through his head at that moment.

I touched into Peter in the role of "betrayer". Then, I had this profound sense of compassion for Peter. I thought about his suffering and agony he must have been feeling; knowing he can't take it back nor can he run and express his love for Jesus.

I really wanted to say, "Hey, Peter...buddy! You screwed up! You have allowed for your humanness to come through. Your love for Jesus is stronger than your mistake. The relationship will be restored someday." I was moved with compassion.

Then of course the second 2x4 came swinging by to clunk me between the eyes. What's this churning around in me? Where's my lesson in this?

I have felt the ache of betrayal. The ache is sometimes an indescribable pain from deep within. It rolls through me and cuts me open. Surprisingly, underneath it all, is still love. A deep love for these people who hurt me badly. Why? How? How can I still love these people? Well...the question that came to me today, thanks to Peter is: How can I not?

So...in turn I felt compassion for my betrayers today. I do care about the relationships and hope the gap can be lessened in the future. Underneath all this yuck is still love. I pray for them.

Thanks, Pete. I'm sorry I called you dopey; you taught me something quite profound today. Thank you for sharing your humanness. Happy Holy Week everyone!

Sustained Friendships

2011-04-09T14:37:00.001-05:00

The Girls

10 years ago (10 YEARS AGO?), I studied abroad in Chester, England for a semester. It was one of the most fantastic times of my life. While there, I met two other American foreign students: Lisa and Janelle. Lisa is from Wisconsin and studied coincidentally in Milwaukee at another college and Janelle from New York. The three of us clicked...it was fabulous. We spent all of our time together and became truly wonderful friends. 2 or 3 years after that, the year before I entered the convent, Janelle came to Milwaukee to live with me for a year--just a little adventure. The three of us were back together again; having a marvelous time. I entered the community. Janelle moved back to New York. Lisa got married and remained in Milwaukee. A couple weeks ago, Janelle came to visit from New York (just north of the city...lol inside joke). I hadn't seen Janelle in 6 years!! It was great to have a reunion.

It got me thinking about my fantastic friendships. I have several relationships that are long-term, sustained over time and distance. It's the best feeling to be able to pick up where you left off, knowing that although you may not talk or see the person, they are still there. It's great to see how we've grown-up (i.e. coming home at 11 and going right to bed...ha ha). Talk about the paths our lives have taken us--the ex's, the currents, the good, the bad, the ugly. Laugh hysterically like it's our full-time job. Not even a beat has skipped. Those are good friends.

I am really blessed with great people in my life. I have sustained friendships from all parts of my life; friendships that weather the storms and gaps of time and distance. I am blessed and simply grateful.

Now for the fun part...PHOTOS!

Waiting for yummy pizza at Transfer

Title belt me! STRIKE

Lisa at Koz's Mini Bowl

Doing the Happy Dance at Koz's Mini Bowl

Janelle "Strike Master" Tavormina

It should read "31"
Lisa and Janelle at Milwaukee Public Market

Charlie's Angles or Random Lion Hide? You decide!

Birthday Post (better late than never)

2011-03-19T13:19:00.002-05:00

Well, I'm now 31! Definitely not as traumatic as last year's big 3-0. I actually quite enjoyed this birthday; had some nice gathering with friends and happy days.

I found this website: Wordle to use with the kids. I did a great Faith Sharing activity with them using these "wordles" and they turned out so nice; profound actually. I took the day off yesterday to have a "me day"; spent it with some nice reflective and arty-time. I reread my journals from the past year and picked out some words to describe this past year of my life. It was probably the most turbulent, transition and grief-filled year of my life; however, it has probably been the most growth producing as well. Enjoy my artistic interpretation of my 30th year of life!

Just Run

2011-03-13T21:13:00.001-05:00

My attempt at a running self-portrait

I've taken up running as a hobby since last year. I struggle with the motivation to work up to the running--getting the clothes on, stretching, thinking about actually doing it, etc.

I'm really trying to enjoy running; I can't say I feel great during the run, but afterwards is another story!  Every time I run, I feel so good. My power music keeps me going and my mind can somewhat drift off to where it needs to be. It's great process time for me. So why the struggle? Why the hesitation? Why the lackadaisical, "Oh, I'll run tomorrow (when I know I may not) attitude"?

I'm sure there are plenty of metaphors which can go along with running and my journey, if I thought hard enough. Maybe for now, the fact that I am running is enough. I'm being present to running. I'm allowing time for running. I'm just running, not a lot, not great distances, but I'm there. I'm not good at it, I'm not winning anything, I'm not competing. I'm just running.

Maybe the fact that I am knowing and being present to my journey is enough. I'm allowing myself the time to journey. Just journey.  Maybe this is enough for now.

Enough...why does that word love me (and by love me, I mean haunt me) so much?  Enough...yes? Just enough.

Ash Wednesday

2011-03-09T18:53:00.000-06:00

I actually am one of those people who love this day. I love the ritual and symbolism, the coming together as a faith community, the reminder of humility...I think it is such a powerful ritual in our faith tradition.

I decided on a few Lenten practices for myself with the hope of some inner transformation. I would like to get back into my more reflective stance. I would like to be more regular in my prayer life. I decided to limit myself to an hour of computer time each day (not including work necessity) and with the "leftover time", get back into a prayer and journaling routine. I also committed to doing at least one experience of art journaling each week. God willing, it will be more. I see this time as time for me to slow down and go inward, again. A practice of quieting my spirit, in the most positive sense. A quieting to be able to listen for what messages are trying to emerge. All part of my "Inner excavation" journey, I guess.

Luckily, I had my camera with me today! (I told you I was going to carry it around with me.) I would have loved to take a few shots of the kids at some points during the liturgy, but I was the cantor and serving in that way. So I snuck into church during my prep period and captured a few things which spoke to me of this special day and beginning this Lenten journey.

May you all be at peace and walk gently these next days of Lent.

The Journey has Begun...

2011-03-06T20:48:00.001-06:00

I needed to gather a few tools for this project.

My first step to this new process was creating my art journal.

I collaged and used watercolor crayon for the cover. I am in LOVE with watercolor crayon. They are fun to use and have such vibrant colors. It's like, "Hey I can paint, but ha! It's really a crayon!"

The author of this book does a lot of self portrait photography...so I gave it a whirl the other day. I made them with a blue tone on my camera and printed a couple off for the first page in my art journal. The quotation on the left says, "The feeling remains that God is on the journey too."--St. Teresa of Avila

Personally...I like the shoes the best.

Finally...these are my feet getting ready to take the first steps! (The book does a lot of feet photographing, which I actually think is a kinda cool perspective.)

So...we're off! I'm pretty sure a lot of these activities will be taking place over the summer when I have time and space to spend a day with the camera and such. I will be carrying my camera around with me now, trying to capture different aspects of my days. Enjoy!

Re-creation

2011-03-05T14:04:00.001-06:00

Well...

As you can see, my blog has had an extreme makeover. Title, description, colors, everything! I've been sloshing this around in my head for a few months now. I needed something different; something that's more appropriate for where I am on my journey and what I plan on blogging about. I needed a better fit.

I got this book called: Inner Excavation which is an art journaling project that I began to do. I thought it was a great title so I swiped it and added my own little twist, "Journey of I AM." This whole I AM concept came to me in a prayer experience I had recently. It's the voice of God in my life. It's the journey. It's the balance, the discovery, the direction (or lack there of...). I AM has become an important part of my discernment and sums up where God is for me lately. It's been quite powerful!

So I invite you to continue with me on my journey...same station, same me...just a new look and direction.

Peace out!

Calling all readers!

2011-03-01T18:01:00.000-06:00

I have been suffering from a major writer's and art block. I don't know if it has been the February Blah's or what, but I just haven't been able to do much arting or thinking about interesting things to blog about.

So I'm asking for my reader's help...

Are there topics you're interested in?
What have you liked in the past on my blog?
Any ideas? Requests?
Any cure for writing and arting block?
HELP!

Thanks...I love blogging and I feel guilty when I am absent from the blogosphere for weeks. Thanks for helping me get back on track.

Peace,
Katy

Emanating Faith

2011-01-24T19:19:00.000-06:00

I have these little prayer books that I use sometimes for my prayer at night. I usually take the next day's reflection. Sometimes that amazing Spirit is just so right on with what I need to reflect on. Here is tomorrow's:

If I feel unsure about the directions of my life, I take a deep breath, remembering that faith is my sure foundation. It is the basis upon which I build my life. When the winds of change are blowing and my future is unclear, I remember Jesus' words to his disciples: "If you have faith and do not doubt...it will be done." I stand on this promise, knowing that I have the strength of God within me. So I not only stand firm in the face of adversity, I move forward with confidence, trusting the faith that emanates from the core of my being to guide, support, and encourage me. All things are possible.

Holy Moley! I'm really bad at this; I'm just gonna say it like it is. Granted, my "winds of change blowing" have been more like series of destructive tornadoes; however, the message is so good for me. Uninvited and unwanted changes. Sometimes, I get really frustrated and discouraged with this.

I have a great image in my mind of what it would look like to have the faith emanating from the core of my being. It's saying, I AM strong. I AM called. I AM moving forward. I AM who I AM with light pouring out. That's empowering and encouraging.

Our foundresses said, "Nothing is impossible with God." A quintessential ending to this reflection for me. They were (and thank God for them and their vision!) I AM.

Merry Christmas--Haikus and a Few of my favorite things...

2010-12-25T16:25:00.003-06:00

I can't believe the month of December has flown by! It is Christmas Day, early afternoon. I get a little break in between family festivities and food fests so I thought I'd blog a bit. I wrote some Haiku's and took some photos of some of my favorite things about Christmas. Enjoy!

Moon rise; silent night.

Simple stable; holy night.

Love. Came down for us.

Star brightly shining.

Stop. Listen. Can you hear him?
Singing songs of peace.

Look, little one, look.

He comes. A child, just like you.

Embrace. He is love.

No rain drops on roses or whiskers on kittens, but these are a few of my favorite things...

Bubble lights!

Snowy Christmas

Remnants of Joy-giving.

Grandmas cookies and coffee for breakfast

Ornaments with stories

Our motherhouse. I sang with the choir for "midnight" Mass.

Handbells. I love singing and ringing.

The revered and most special of all cookies...the Butter Horn. Only on Christmas do we get to partake in such splendor.

Finally...my most favorite is spending time with my family and community...

Mama and Kate

Crama, Dan, Mama, and Kate

Ellie and Kate

Sisters Guisselle, Charlita and me

Sisters Kathleen and Joyce

Sisters Connie, Mary Jane, Toni and Bernadette

And because this is just too funny to let go...My sister Ellie attempting to play wii tennis with a text break in the middle of it. :)

Whack!

Oh...hang on...text break.

Hiyah!

Merry Christmas faithful readers....

Joy, Be You, And this is Just the Tip of the Iceberg?, Forgiveness

2010-11-24T16:58:00.000-06:00

I've been "arting" lately; which I really enjoy. I wish I could dedicate more time to it (and some funds to get some supplies to add to my meager collection). I really should take a class in painting or something; I have no idea what I'm doing half the time. I'd love to learn how to better produce mixed media art. Oh well someday. Enjoy the 4 pieces!

Joy

Be You

And this is Just the Tip of the Iceberg?

Forgiveness (This one is based on Sarah McLachlan's song Forgiveness from her new album!)

Pilgrim Journey

2010-11-12T19:02:00.000-06:00

A few weeks ago I was in Door County with one of my nuns. I went for a 3 mile hike and created this video meditation with some haiku's. Enjoy!

We are the Body of Christ

2010-11-06T13:48:00.000-05:00

I did this awesome prayer service with my 8th grade religion classes a few weeks ago. In a "magnetic poetry-esqe" fashion, I blew up print from all sorts of different books and bibles. The kids were to let the words pick them so-to-speak and the prayer poems they created were phenomenal! They were not supposed to worry about grammar, etc.--just go with the Spirit.

I made a little video on them to share. I did this video in 20 minutes, so it's not my best quality, but you'll get the picture. The song is from Casting Crowns--If We are the Body. Enjoy the work of the Spirit through these 8th grade wonders.

Winter's Here

2010-11-06T12:08:00.001-05:00

Winter is here! Yesterday the high was 36 degrees! I actually love winter. Well...ask me at anytime of the year and I'll say I love that season. I don't love winter in April that's for sure. But this time of year, bring on the snow and the coolness. There's something meditative about winter unlike other seasons. I like getting bundled up, drinking hot drinks, fires in a fireplace, snow, etc. It's a quiet season. I was inspired to do some writing last night about the unofficial, but weather indicating switch of seasons. Enjoy my latest Haiku series.

Slowing down season

Crisp, chill air of winter's bite.

Deep invitation?

Sun illuminates

Enfolding darkness around.

Living with balance.

Breath of life is seen,

upon God's chilly backdrop.

Bundled in God's love.

Interconnected

Beauty of stark trees surround

Blanket of snow, come.

Exterior chill

Go inside to find yourself.

Interior warmth.

Shout Out

2010-10-29T16:39:00.000-05:00

I need to give a shout out to the barista at Caribou Coffee...who ever you are! Thanks for reading my blog!

Here's the story...

One of my 8th graders comes barreling into my class today. "Ms. LaFond, Ms. LaFond!"

"What's up?"

"The craziest thing happened today. I was having coffee at Caribou with my dad this morning. The barista said, 'Don't you have school today?' I said yes. She asked where I went. I said, St. John Vianney. She asked what grade. I said 8th. She said, "IS YOUR TEACHER MS. KATY LAFOND?" I said, "YES" She said she loves your blog, she reads it all the time, and you should post more."

How freaking cool is that? So my student was totally jazzed up. I think that's awesome. Thanks, Barista...I will post soon.

Peace out!

Humility

2010-10-04T18:02:00.003-05:00

Humble Surrender

Humbly I pray here.

Amid healing, flaws; just me.

Heart surrenders here.

Your presence is joy.

Teaching humble acceptance.

Peace for a stirred heart.

Franciscan Spirit.

Try to remove? Can't. It's me!

And yes, I wear jeans.

Transitus Joy

2010-10-03T15:09:00.000-05:00

Some Transitus artwork and poetry to digest. I'm trying to embrace and "complete" my joy these Franciscan feast days. My "transitus" of spirit is giving me lots of reflection to say the least. Perhaps I'm called to experience what losses happened at the loss of Francis. True and perfect joy...not always what one wants to reflect on. I carry my Franciscan tradition in my heart; that is joy enough. Happy Feast Day!

Trasitus Joy 10/3/10

Transitus being.

Feast day carried in the heart.

Sister Joy hidden.

Francis welcomed dark.

Embraced joy within; around.

Joy will be complete.

Carry feast in my heart.

Marked with a Tau forever.

My God has called; JOY.

Phoenix Girl

2010-09-21T18:36:00.001-05:00

I've been able to get my work done at school this week and I haven't had many things on my calendar either. Wahoo! I've been feeling creative and having some pretty powerful images when I'm praying and dreaming. Today I painted this which came from an image I had this morning while praying. My image included heavy things "raining" down on the girl too, but I omitted those from the painting and focused on the rising from the flames. Avoidance? Most definitely...why would I want to ruin a great image with bricks and stuff raining down on her? Nope..not this image.

I like how she looks strong and powerful, she's open and solid. She appears confident in her transformation. She is who she is and that's all that matters.

I also wrote a Haiku (A 5-7-5 poem) that goes with her. When I was away in DC, someone gave me the "assignment" to write a Haiku a day. It was a really nice and focused way for me to get my thoughts and feelings together. I write a lot of Haiku's now and most often with my art work. I'll share my Haiku's periodically on my blog with ya'll.

Phoenix Girl rises

Flames transform her; open, strong.

She is who she is.

Phoenix Girl--9/21/10 KML

It was a good image and I think I'll pray with it the next few days and see what else comes up.

Casting into the deep...

2010-09-19T20:06:00.002-05:00

So...I'm surprising myself these days. I am NOT a morning person by any stretch of the imagination. My usual morning routine is wake up, run out door.

I think I've turned over a new leaf. I have to leave my house by 7. I've been getting up between 6 and 6:15a.m. (sometimes 6:30 ha!). I have an automatic coffee maker so I take my cup o' Joe and put on Pray-as-you-go. I've blogged about this website before. It's really really a great way to pray. It's 10-13 minutes, has some world music, the reading of the day and thoughtful reflection questions. I've found that centering myself for these 10ish minutes has been a great start to my day.

Last week, or the week before (I forget which day), one of the readings was Jesus telling the guys to cast their nets into the deep waters. I was praying and that image of casting into the deep really struck me. I spent the last 11 months "casting" a lot into my deepest spaces and being challenged with the hardest situations of my life. I still find that underneath the tough stuff (ya know...hurt and other yuck) is love...just love. That is when I have the rare occasion and I'm more comforted and can say, "Ok God...I don't like this, but you're in charge. I have the love." The other times are much more frustrating. I guess if I keep casting...it will come. Not a big fan of the whole surrender thing. It's not so bad when your deep carries love, though. I just need to remember that.

Casting into My Deep--9/20/10 KML

Another week...another fishing trip ahead! Ahoy!

Takin' Some Time Off

2010-08-27T17:03:00.004-05:00

I'm Baaaaaaaaaccccckkk!

It has been a LONG time! I'm thrilled to be back in the blogosphere! I know there have been lots of questions and comments these 10 months. I have good news and I have some bad news. The answers to the questions everyone wants to know...

The GOODnews: I was away at a renewal program in Washington DC for 10mo's. It was rewarding and I am doing GREAT! I am teaching 7th and 8th grade English and 8th grade religion at St. John Vianney Catholic School this year. I'm living in a great apartment not too far away from all my best people.

The bad news: In June, my provincials asked me to take some time away from community. This is extremely difficult for me because my heart is an SSSF. I know God is with me. I'm trying to be open to this time despite my broken heart. Please keep me in your prayers.

I contemplated changing my blog title, making a new blog, quit blogging until I re-entered. I really enjoy blogging. I figured I would take this opportunity to be One Fun "Taking Some Time off" Nun. To avoid confusion, I have settled on One Fun Laywoman. I still think Religious Life Rocks and am discerning and healing my heart. I plan to blog about my experiences living this year as a laywoman and continuing my discernment about religious life. I'm sure I'll have much to share, some ups and some downs. Regardless...I'm happy to be back on the blog scene. Stay tuned, faithful fans.

True and Perfect Joy

2009-10-04T00:44:00.001-05:00

On this wonderful Feast of St. Francis...I present you with:

True and Perfect Joy.

A "Fun Nun" modern and witty interpretation of the Parable told by

St. Francis to Brother Leo.

Brother Leo--"Hey, Francis...what's up with the joy thing?"

Francis (in the tone of any good teacher)--"Well, Leo...what do you think joy is?"

Leo (rolling his eyes)--"Seriously? Ok...joy...hmm....world peace, end of poverty, violence, hunger, war, extinction of peas, raisins, and the song kumbaya, Brother Al not snoring so loudly, living the Gospel fully, and Godiva chocolate."

(Francis considers Godiva chocolate as the essence of Joy, but thinks better of it and makes the sound of a game show buzzer...errrr)

Leo (rolling his eyes again)--"Oh great...parable time...I can see it in your face. Here we go..."

Francis (smiling broadly)--"You mentioned Brother Al's snoring and the extinction of peas."

Leo--"Only you..Mr. Dance in the streets would connect snoring and peas. Alright I'm listening."

Francis--"Let's say...you and Brother Al went together to Farmington, Saskatchewan to give a mission talk. You arrive at the Friary and Br. Ivan says when he opens the door, "Oh...geeze...they sent you two," and slams the door in your face.

Leo--"You do remember that I asked about joy right?"

Francis--"Oh yes I do...wait we're not even to the good part yet! So...you and Br. Al ring the bell and Br. Ivan says,

'Oh and your stubborn and don't take not-so-subliminal messages very
well either. I'll show you your room.'

He takes you out to the barn past the stables and shows you two blankets on the ground.

'Good luck with your mission talk, my Brothers, heh heh. Dinner is served at 7."
You look at Br. Al and think, "Last mission talk, we were in a hotel. I sure hope I brought ear plugs. His snoring is going to keep me up all night." And, for all intents and purposes, you can assume that it will.

Br. Leo--"JOY, Francis...JOY stay focused."

Francis--"Are you kidding me? Anyway...you go to the kitchen for dinner and discovered that it was the Regional Franciscan Iron Chef competition with secret ingredient--PEAS. Yep...that's right...6 courses all with peas."

Br. Leo--Gross...I thought the snoring would be the bad part of the story. Do I experience Joy when I muddle through the Pea-fest and come to bed to realize there is Godiva on my hay bale?"

Francis--"NO...this is the best part! True and perfect joy, my dear Brother is when you eat everything offered, offer to do the dishes for Br. Ivan, and sign up for 3 more days in the Friary under the same conditions, and finally...tell Br. Al how grateful you are that the two of you had this experience of deepened community and friendship."

Br. Leo--"Where's the joy?"

Francis--"It's in the accepting, patience, and seeing the bigger picture. You were sent to another fraternity to spread the Good News, Brother. Responding in gratitude and with sincerity...is where you'll experience true and perfect joy."

Br. Leo..."I'm sorry I asked."

Francis--"I'm not. Now, go reflect on that."

Br. Leo (rolls his eyes and walks back to his room)

Francis--"Praised be God...creator of all things good...help me see the true and perfect joy in the 'eye rolls"

(enthusiastic applause)

I'm kinda in a Brother Leo-ish space right now. I'm wanting a big box of Godiva chocolate and I'm being served a 6 course meal of peas. To top that off...I've got all these "Francis'" saying, "Oh Katy...it's True and Perfect Joy". EYE ROLL.

I'm Franciscan, we're all about the conversion, with a giant plateful of JOY to go with it. The conversion part is pretty much the Blobby Yuck that I've talked about in other posts. You resist it, you don't like it, ew...yuck...when do we get the joy? Then you hear stuff like, "Oh...you have to walk through this and you will come out of it with wisdom and joy..." I feel compelled to scrunch face, roll eyes, and change topic.

When I professed my vows...I had learned in "nun school" about poverty, chastity, and obedience. I heard stories, experiences and had some of my own initial lived experiences of how the vows are lived out. So "a journey begun" won (ha ha ha...)...I've begun a spirit-journey, not necessarily on my terms. I professed publicly "I will obey the Spirit speaking in community".

The vow of obedience has snuck up on me in unexpected, challenging, and profound ways. The Spirit finally spoke so strongly, I couldn't even argue. (Pick yourselves up off the floor, stop hyperventilating--think conversion, it can happen to anyone!) Tending my spirit is what I am being called to right now; for me...not easy and kinda scary. But the Spirit (in the form of many of "My People") is saying: time to embrace the peas to get to the chocolate.

So...I'm just sitting down at the table, trying to be open to the fact that I'm about to eat a 6 course meal featuring peas so that I can enjoy a wonderfully raspberry filled, dark chocolate Godiva bar when I am done.

True and Perfect Joy...

Thank you God for calling me to Franciscanism.

So friends in the blogosphere...I am not sure how bloggy I can be in the next month or two...stay tuned...The Adventures of One Fun Nun...has just begun. Until then...

Peas and all Good-iva

(I couldn't resist.)

News from the Alma Mater

2009-09-06T14:22:00.002-05:00

Well...apparently my letter to July didn't work...It's September now! We finished two weeks of school already...I can't believe it. Life at St. Roman's is definitely in full swing again. I am not as faithful to this blog as I'd like to be; I'm so glad I still have fans! I am still around...just more sporadically.

Friday, I went to my sister, Ellie's soccer game. She's a nursing student at Alverno and a very talented player. She broke the college's record for number of points scored! WOOT WOOT. I played on Alverno's very first team...I guess I held the record for most points scored 1 season (1pt; only goal we had all season). Ellie is incredible. Here's the link to her article http://athletics.alverno.edu/soccer/releases/252-inferno-soccer-downs-north-central-minn-lafond-is-new-all-time-points-leader Go Inferno!

Dear July

2009-08-03T23:03:00.002-05:00

Dear July--

I need you to come back; I was just not ready for your swift departure. I have vacation to post about and exciting things to get ready for school. I just feel like we didn't get the chance to spend any time together. I'm begging you...please please come back.

Sincerely,

Sr. Augustin Denial

Retreat Installment #2: Whimsical Yo Yo

2009-07-08T00:15:00.000-05:00

Profound YoYo (see Retreat Installment #1) had the spirit working over time in lots of intense prayer time...LOTS. Because the spirit believes that my goal for life is BALANCE...she surprised me my first afternoon of retreat (day after YoYo Ma) with a care package. I woke up from a nap and opened my door and voila! Here's what I saw:

A little context...My friend, Sr. Vicki, CSA is the proud owner of a Hoops stuffed animal. Hoops has been on retreat, around the US, and most recently in Ireland accompanying a group of Dominican students on a trip. Hoops missed having a buddy to join in the photographing fun...so he decided to surprise me with a Yo Yo care package to help balance some of the seriousness (or as my retreat director said, "You need a little whimsy!").

So I opened the door and laughed (I was totally surprised) and in addition to Yo Yo there was a coffee mug and a fun and thoughtful card. I now had an assignment...Yo Yo needed to have a retreat with me so he could share with Hoops all of the great things we prayed about this week.

It was a good diversion when life got a little intense, that's for sure. And it was fun to say, "Hey...Yo Yo could take a picture of this...and this...oh and this!" (Yo Yo is having way more fun on vacation! Just wait until those photos come!)

Well...folks...that is Retreat Installment #2: Whimsical Yo Yo. There is one final chapter to be unveiled...

Retreat Installment #3: Multi-Media-ing Yo-yo...stay tuned....

Retreat Installment #1--Profound YoYo

2009-07-06T14:30:00.005-05:00

Yo-yo...blog readers!

Seems hardly fair that I can be sitting outside, on a deck, in the sunshine over looking Dell Creek on an 80 degree day in July (where my only frustrations have been: I have to keep moving so I can see the computer screen and just now, "Oh shoot the wind blew over my cheese and cracker). I thought at one point I was called to be a cruise director...maybe I should revisit that. :-) I love vacation!

Last week I was on RETREAT, my annual week-long, "silent" directed retreat. I knew I needed a retreat badly...(that's definitely a sign of "nun-culturation") and was looking forward to Q-U-I-E-T time. Sure...the externals were quiet--but inside "Katy-land" not so much. Retreat definitely slows the pace and gives good spaces for prayer, reflection, working through stuff, etc. Retreat can be hard work, too *insert look of disbelief and laughter (c'mon I've seen it before)*. My last two retreats were working retreats...but this one was like boot camp for the spirit-self. Unfortunately, for me...all wasn't in, out, gone by Friday either. It was more like "AHH...Ooh...NOO...ugh...I see...hmm....argh!....ack!....yay!!....what?...WHAT??...c'mon....hmm"

Yeah...it was that kind of retreat...I just kept thinking...oh PRAISE GOD that I have vacation afterwards for retreat recovery. Don't get me wrong...retreat did it's job and took me along for the ride; but it was definitely a bumpy ride with UPs and DOWNs and "Are we there yet?" isn't even worth asking, because you know very well that you're not there YET.

Funny I should mention UPs and DOWNs...the Yo-yo seemed to be a theme that came UP in three interesting ways: 1. YoYo Ma 2. Yo-Yo (as in best friend of Hoops www.hallmark.com) 3. yo-yoing So...welcome to my crazy world of retreat reflections 2009.

I have three needs for retreat: good weather for walking, water (as in lake, river, ocean, etc), and a director who likes a challenge (...and it's not my goal to be challenging). I've posted about retreat before...so I won't reiterate all of that stuff.

Anywho...night #1 I went walking with my mp3 player and this haunting cello (Well it was a symphonic piece, but the cello was highlighted throughout) piece came on.

**NOTE: I have the piece in the video above, if you want to hear it. The flower was just an aide to circumventing the "no music hosting on blogger"; that's the only image, if you want to keep reading**

I had been making my little deals with the spirit for retreat (more like begging...PLEASE...I WANT TO HAVE A GOOD RETREAT...C'MON spirit work your magic!) I've probably heard it a million times, but this time the music played right through me. I was totally drawn into this piece of music and the cello in particular. I still really don't have words to describe my reaction, but what ever IT was...IT was deep and profound. I don't really do feelings all that well, but if someone came up me and said, "well how does that make you feel?" I'd have given them my headphones.

Well...that set the context for my retreat for sure. I'd actually been struggling with "words" in my prayer and journaling for a while--F-R-U-S-T-R-A-T-I-N-G. Try journaling without words (and being a stink-o artist) for a few months and see. One of my learnings these days is to love the power of images (something I hated a few years ago) and allow other things (like music, movies, um...people :-) ) get "in", to get "out", and moved "on".

I came back to the retreat house and sat and stared out the window for a long time listening to this piece over and over (and over) and then started writing. Now...I'm not a write-er, I don't do stories or poems or creative artistic writing stuff. I can make up Haiku's, Quatrains, Limerick's, but they are silly and for fun. While listening to this piece was was just writing down the images that popped into my head...and this poem-ishy thing appeared in my journal:

The deep, slow drone
Draws her in--without warning.
Bowed gently, her subtle melody
Thoughtful and intoxicating.
Smooth and simple phrasing,
She feels the ache of each note.
Careful chording, haunting sound--
Tangled in her sad story.

Marveled by passion and intensity--
The cellist shifts focus,
Soft and serene,
Higher and faster--
She is fooled again; quickly returning
To the song's deep darkness.

A constrictor like melody,
The prey is right where he wants,
Almost teasing its victim.

The cellist releases the bow,
Family of strings begin;
Listeners, perceiving a resolution.
To this deep grieving song.

Lastly, woodwinds, in their rescuing ways,
Take most to a masked land, which doesn't exist.
All eerie dissonance resolved.

Except for the prey,
Longing for him to reach the final cadence;
Only to hear silence and feel peace.

Ok Spirit...you had my attention at least (AND THIS WAS THE FIRST NIGHT)...Welcome to retreat, Sista Katy...it's going to be a "fun" one!

Stay Tuned for Retreat Installment #2: Whimsical Yo Yo.

Fan the Flame...Camping 2009

2009-06-20T00:34:00.004-05:00

I'm into pictures and video these days...

Here's camping! We had a blast and decided to do an annual GV Young Nuns Adventure with T-Shirts and everything!

Enjoy the video!

Giving Voice--Living community in the 21st Century

2009-06-15T08:26:00.003-05:00

We had our 4th annual Giving Voice Conference: Living Community in the 21st Century this weekend at the very lovely Alverno College in Milwaukee, WI (Yeah SSSFs baby!)For our opening ritual we asked participants to send in photos illustrating their congregation and people who are important to them and describe "Where We've Been and Where we Are". Throughout the week we took many photos and today at our closing liturgy we integrated the photos into our opening one with the 3 songs we used for reflection these days. (there are a couple GV bonuses from many of our gatherings too!) I hope you enjoy this picture video....we had a blast.

I'm going camping for a week now with some of my GV friends. I'm so excited to just be in nature and relax and um...relax and oh yeah...maybe just relax. I'm sure there will be pictures and stories to share from that too! :)
Thanks GV friends...it was a fantastic weekend! I love religious life...and I'm committed to it's future! WOOOOO HOOOO! YAY for Party buses and butterfly pictures!

PS I know there are photo repeats...let's just say: 2:30a.m. last night of conference. :)

MIA...and found again

2009-05-23T23:39:00.002-05:00

I can't believe it's Memorial Day weekend! I really can't believe that I HAVE NOT POSTED IN over TWO MONTHS!! I can't believe how time (and life) has just been in a whirlwind of activity.

A few weeks ago my 3 time a year column was published in our Catholic newspaper in the MyFaith section....I thought I'd share it with my readers (if I have any left...)

http://www.chnonline.org/main.asp?SectionID=24&SubSectionID=21&ArticleID=1465&TM=2316.467

I try to take a day of reflection to write my columns and usually end up writing about what's going on in my life currently. This one came at a particularly good time for me and I even surprised myself! I hope you enjoy it too. (and the best part is the Catholic Herald forgot to "age me" with my column...I'm still 27!! That means I have 3 more years until Th-Day instead of less than a year! WOO HOO!)

Please pray for our 8th graders this week...they are coming home from DC tomorrow, having their graduation retreat on Tuesday and graduate on Saturday...they are really excited. I'm so proud of them; what a fantastic group of 8th graders we have this year. I may even miss them!

I'll try to get back on the blog bandwagon soon....thanks for hanging with me. Life shouldn't be this crazy...right? Peace out!

28+1--OR--25+4--Either way...it's the Annual Birthday Blog

2009-03-17T23:24:00.000-05:00

A comment about the photo, just in case any of you think that I've gone all Lucky Charms on you with my birthday and St. Patty's Day...there's a connection, but you're going to have to read the WHOLE entry folks.

Just under the wire, but I'm here...with the annual Birthday Blog--the reflect on the past year and where I'd like to go in this next year of life! It seems like every time I do this review there's been "big stuff" (new life, new formation stage, new jobs, new careers, etc). I am not fond of uncomfortable transitions (I find change energizing); yet my last few years seem like it's my other-other full time job; this year was no exception!

I usually post with the image of the shamrock fields. I have a lovely photograph of a rainbow which I took in Ireland when I was there in 2001, but unfortunately in those days, ahem, we didn't have those digital cameras that these young folks carry today...and I'm too lazy to go through the boxes in the basement, find the album, and scan it...So thank you web image searches.

A few days ago, I had some time and space to "gear up" for my thoughts about my upcoming special day and was journaling a bit. The image of a rainbow kept creeping into my thoughts and I don't know that I connected it until this evening.

We all know the faith symbolism of the rainbow in the biblical tradition of Noah, the ark, God's covenant made in the symbol of the rainbow. I also think the folklore of rainbows is fascinating; with the leprechauns, pots of gold, and luck at the end of the rainbow--if you can find it. Finally, from the logical science Sister Katy--refracting visible light (which is truly the color white) through a prism to create an allusion of the visible light spectrum to break apart the various colors which make up "white light" is amazing to me as well.

So some themes emerged for me:

**God's covenant of love and the hope (or relief) Noah must have felt when he could experience this presence of God.

**Luck at the end--IF you can find it.

**refracting what one can see normally, breaking it apart to see the many "colors" which make up the whole.

What sealed the deal for me to use this image...was the fence. The short of it...the Book of Wisdom has come up in different aspects of my discernment journey in many different contexts. Sr. Mary Ann created this wonderful Wisdom Retreat (created around Wisdom literature) for women discerning which I was able to help her with a couple times. One of the activities which I always appreciated was when we drew our "gates" (where Wisdom is found) from Wisdom 6:14.

This image said...the only way you're going to get to that rainbow, Lady...is if you go beyond that fence. And as much as I'd love to say, "Oh...too bad...that fence is there." I can't conceive being "fenced in" either...so move through the gate, Lady.

In many ways some of the things I have had the opportunity to reflect on this past year have much to do with a covenant of love. My vowed commitment seems get deeper within me, causes for greater reflection on what these vows mean to me, how I live them, and am challenged by them. Situations, reflections, and relationships have caused me to see how my vowed commitment is deep within me, in my spirit, and passion for where I am called--in ways I never predicted or could have imagined! And none of those profound moments of saying, "Oh crap...that's what obedience is," have been easy...in fact on some levels the challenges have been greater than anything I've experienced in my life. My commitment to God and growing more and more aware of God's love is what gives me that hope and relief that this is what I need to do with my life. In that respect...I can see a rainbow fitting for my symbol of hope as I move forward with my personal journey.

The science piece makes me laugh because of course I needed some logic to have a reflection to write. Then that got me thinking...of course. Refracting light--light passing through a medium in which it bends to create multiple dimensions and view points. And of course knowing that "white light" (pure visible light) is made up of many colors...UGH. I hate it when life lessons are that cliche and obvious. So yeah yeah...rainbow shmainbow...allow "stuff" to pass through a "refractor" (and I'm not going to define that because I know that just asks for "I told you so's" and this coming back to me) so that you can see what many factors make it up. The cynic in me says, "And then it goes away!" The "reflective I enjoy growth and insight" me is saying, "Oh...and you can still find beauty in acknowledging the multi-facets." That would be end-of-year 28's bow of insight (groan groan...bad pun)

So for year 28+1...I had dinner tonight with one of "my people". She gave me a beautiful journal that has artwork, quotations, excerpts from poems, etc...scattered among the journaling pages. The images are serene and peaceful. So I came home...knowing that I wanted to do my annual blog and I opened up the journal and on that page was this excerpt of a poem entitled: This Ecstasy by John Squadra...

All that matters is what you love

and what you love is who you are

and who you are is where you are

and where you are is where you will be

when death takes you across the river.

You can't avoid the journey but

you can wake up...now

and see where you've been

and where you are going.

Now that is the spirit speaking to me...that's a good place for 28+1 to look toward at this moment. (Thanks, Lady)

That's that. Easy breezy last year--renewing covenant, hopeful sign, God's love, oh and the let your stuff refract so you can look at it thing too.

Even smoother new year--what you love is who you are...you can't avoid the journey...

And lest I forget my fence...I guess I have to go through another gate to hear my Wisdom...who is sitting there waiting for me to pass through. Piece of cake...ha!

Sr. Katy on Living our Faith

2009-03-10T05:52:00.003-05:00

Hey everyone...

Two weeks ago I moved into a new community house (in case you were wondering what happened to me and my blogging efforts). I am now living with one of our Sisters near Alverno College. As I get settled, I'm sure I'll have more to share.

A couple of weeks ago I was on our Archbishop's television series: Living our Faith. Two Marquette students did the interviewing and filiming of it. I was so impressed with their skills and professionalism. The two students really produced a nice segment. I just heard that they won a scholarship for this piece too! I'm so proud of them.

Enjoy!

C'mon Fill out our survey...ya know ya wanna!

2009-02-08T22:00:00.000-06:00

Hey blog readers...

Here's the low-down:

I'm the co-chair of a committee for my religious congregation called: Engaging Young Adult Women. We're trying to hear from young adult women (imagine that?) what would be some good programs, events, faithy, service type things that would generate some energy and attendance. It's all about engaging people in our mission...and we want to hear from YOU!

So...especially if you are a young adult woman...or you know a few...would you fill out our survey..please? Also...invite friends, students, etc...to come and fill it out too. I'll keep my readers updated on what the results are.

There are two ways you can take the survey:
I have a link posted on the side bar under "linkage" just click and go! OR--

If you'd rather have the survey e-mailed to you, send me a "comment" with your e-mail address (I won't publish the comment).

Thanks for helping me out!

Month of January--GIVING VOICE!!

2009-02-01T22:00:00.001-06:00

This is really the "S. Katy Talks about Giving Voice" Installment, but I need to include some of the Christmas concert photos from my school, because they are too cute for words...then it'll be down to business!

A couple things to note in the photos:

1. CUTENESS factor (you totally forget what they did a few hours earlier...ha ha).

2. Any Nativity should always be done by people under 7--they take their roles very seriously (even the child who cried because he really wanted to be Jesus and said how he was "jipped" when they told him they were using a doll.).

3. The lady in the red jacket, waving her hands around--she hadn't conducted a thing since 1999 when she took a semester of conducting and picked a Sousa march for her final (an infant trying to grab for mom's hair is essentially conducting a Sousa march) exam--co-conducted two songs with the music teacher--240+ kids in a 2 part chorus--sometimes a principal disciplines, sometimes gives out ice packs, sometimes conducts during a concert.

"Responding to the needs of the times" is one of the School Sister Foundress sayings...OH YEAH...Take that Mothers Alexia and Alfons! (and I was so stinkin' proud of my kids...they really struggled with this song and they NAILED it. I don't know if I was happier or if they were.)

4. Two people with green papers--one is my 4th grade teacher the other is a 5th grade student who is an extremely talented little singer. Yeah...Sr. Katy had the worst case of laryngitis ever (like was not AUDIBLE AT ALL) and was supposed to sing a song with all of the kids at the end. Yeah, not happening...so my teacher and student subbed for me--they were great. :-) Takes many hands to make this community work!

Okie dokie...I just couldn't resist...

GIVING VOICE--20's and 30's Young Religious Gathering

(or the gathering of the other "Fun Nuns" in the US)

I've written about GV (Giving Voice) tons of times. It is the organization for Women Religious who are under 50. We have a National Conference (At Alverno College, MILWAUKEE, this June 11-14th) every 2 years and a gathering of the nuns in their 20s and 30s every MLK weekend.

The weekend is such a great balance of prayer, sharing, support, and socialization (with people who know who Punky Brewster is, probably listened to Pearl Jam, and get Wii's and Rock Band for final profession gifts). It's always re-energizing for me. These women are my good friends in religious life around the country. We're intercongregational, ensuring the future of religious life and supporting each other--us crazy cats who have responded to the call of the Sistahood. We were in Tampa, FL, at the Franciscan Retreat Center--niiiiccceee. (When Sr. Vicky, CSA and I left Milwaukee the piolet announced that without the windchill it was -20 degrees with windchill it was -60; school was cancelled two days! It was an 80 degree difference when we landed in Tampa.)

We had 21 Sisters together, 7 of whom were Giving Voice 1st timers! Sarah (a Dubuque Frannie), one of my novitiate girls came too! That was awesome to be with her!!

This year, my friend Jeannie (an Ursiline from the Bronx) and I were the planners. We decided to preface our June conference with prayer, reflection, and sharing centered on our experience of community life. For our process, we used an excerpt of a piece called The People Gathered by Sr. Mary Fran, an IHM sister. We opened Friday night with sharing of symbols and a bit about our congregations to create the space of: "we come from our individual communities to form community with one another." The discussion was profound and energizing. Many insights about our unique challenges, how important it is to support each other as peers, and where we see community life going for the future.

There was a retreat going on of Young Adult Catholics at the same time as us and they enjoyed playing football in the yardspace. Saturday night, after Mass we walked over to them and said, "Ya wanna take on the nuns? There are 12 of us and 10 of you!"

They accepted...and much laughing ensued...with some "I can't believe they are nuns" comments and although we lost, we gave a good showing. Crazy enough, there were people from Milwaukee there who recognized my Alverno College T-shirt. Small world...great times...Witness to the call of religious life, one completed pass at a time. (Our team was the one that didn't have guys on it, in case you had trouble figuring it out. ha ha)

We played two really awesome games tool, well into the night on Saturday. One was called, "My Family" and the other "Mafia"--both thinking/strategy group games. I've played Mafia before (we used to play in the intercommunity pre-novitiate) that was way funny. My Family was cool too, I think my nuns at home would like that game.

Both teams...pose for a picture. :) There was one injury...Lisa came out as QB for one play, stepped wrong and her knee went out. We have the before and after shots (before the ER and after the ER...imagine the retired sisters faces when I came to the door asking if we could borrow a wheelchair from the retirement home! Yeah...we're the young nuns.) The backpack was a bonus...Lisa needed a backpack for her laptop for the flight back home. Maria and I debated between My Little Pony or Little Ms. Giggles...it's dangerous when you send your friends into Target and say, "I just need a cheap backpack, I don't care what it looks like." Let's just say...Little Ms. Giggles is still entertaining us.

Once again, I came home renewed and revitalized...in my own spirit and the spirit of my call to this life. I love connecting, seeing, and meeting new friends. I miss them already, but I get to see them in a few short months at MY COLLEGE!

By the way...If you are a YOUNG RELIGIOUS (Under 50) or you know some Young Nuns...please encourage them to come to GV in June...it will be an awesome conference! Just visit the GV website for more info!

The Month of January (With a Christmas and New Year Bonus)...in Three Installments

2009-01-25T20:58:00.000-06:00

Installment 1: Christmas and New Year's

Ok...my life since Christmas has been nuts, wonderful, but nuts: Christmas, New Year's, back-to-school, make-up concert, Confirmation retreat, Giving Voice, and now this week is Catholic Schools Week! All good...just a lot on one month! So I thought I'd share a bit about these days and some pics to catch ya'll up on the life of this "fun nun". (This one is really the "photo album" installment)

I had a few good Christmas Celebrations (which have some photos to share!)...the family one, my White House group one...just to name a couple.

My grandma and grandpa always put on such a great celebration on Christmas Eve!

Here's my mamma...opening her gift from me! Yay for Jill!

And there's me with two of my most favorite people in the whole wide world: my grandma and Judeen. (after the gift opening, if you couldn't tell by my accessories)

I also spent my Christmas vacation with Judeen at the White House; the other Sisters were visiting their families for the holiday! We had a really nice time together. Judeen's sister Jeanne, from Arizona came to visit too...another great time. It was nice to have some time off of school to relax and slow down a bit.

Judeen and Jeanne were making this nostalgic meal "slicker noodles", (sounds gross, tastes pretty yummy!) and I had the pleasure of photodocumenting it. Jeanne to the left...Judeen to the right! (Stand up, sit down, ...oh wait...nevermind.) For me it was entertainment, watching those two go at it in the kitchen (I think it would be much like my sisters and me in a few years).

For New Year's Eve, I was in Chicago with two of my other most favorite people in the whole wide world! We had a very relaxing time. I made a New Year's dinner for them. They requested Vodka Pasta (yum!), salad, and chocolate raspberry mousse. The mousse didn't turn out like I had hoped, but like Mary Ann said, "I guess you'll just have to practice on us some more!"

Now, my dear friend Mary Ann...she is all about goals (for OTHER people). So I decided to make my 2009 goal right away and get it over with. I am not a fan of the fish-type foods and neither is Mary Ann. She does take a walk on the dark side by eating herring on New Year's for prosperity.

I've watched people eat herring for years and just can't figure out why cold, scaly, fish in cream sauce on crackers is a good idea. So my goal for 2009, was to try herring! Mary Ann took the opportunity to make sure there was photo documentation (I was happy she was taking them for proof that I set and met my 2009 goal). She claims that the best faces occur ed in between shots, don't believe her...these are good enough!

Sr. Katy Sets and Meets 2009 Goal

Operation: Herring

Here's the play-by-play: Does she like it? Will it become a "fun nun tradition"? You be the judge!

Katy, slightly apprehensive, picks up the jar and says,

"Herring? Really? What is this stuff?"

Peering into the jar, hesitantly, she calls out,

"Here fishy, fishy, fishy! Oh...my...they have scales!"

"Buck up skippy! Put it on a cracker," Mary Ann calls out from behind the camera. "Ok, ok...I'll do it. Just let me ease into this...I don't know that I've ever accomplished my yearly goals in 7 minutes before, geeze."

Glancing sheepishly toward the camera, Katy puts herring a la cracker into her mouth. Recognizing the familiar look when Katy stops breathing, Mary Ann cries out, "Breathe! Chew! Swallow! Get a grip! Gotta have goals!"

Is raising those eyebrows in delight? Is she making a kissy face because she's just recently joined PETA and realized that fish are people too? Is she grimacing because she has a slimy, scaly, cold fish in her mouth? Dun...da...dun.....What will be next? What will she do?

Oh...she's swallowing, but it looks painful, folks. Poor herring? Poor Katy? Was it worth the prospect of prosperity? Is she internally joyful that she met her goals? Should canoes be made out of wood? Or Aluminum? (Veggie tales anyone?)

Well, Katy of course never walks away from any experience and challenge without the opportunity for growth. This is what she learned from Mr. Herring and Sr. Mary Ann:

Sometimes you set goals and when you achieve them it's like waiting for the right moment and then enjoying a tender, medium-rare steak; can't have it all the time, but when you do, wow.

Sometimes it's like eating herring on New Year's: short, sweet, over...but still a mouthful of YUCK.

All in all...you did it and there's the sheer glory of just doing it and meeting the challenge...and there's always the opportunity for chocolate afterwards.

Stay tuned for Installment #2!

Great Day for the WORLD

2009-01-20T22:19:00.002-06:00

Just a quick update...I hope to fill ya'll in on my weekend with GIVING VOICE, etc this coming weekend.

I'm not a big emoter (don't understand crying at commercials etc). Today, though...knowing the good and the change that I'm anticipating with our new President, I was just very hopeful.

All of our students gathered to watch the swearing in and President Obama's speech...it was electrifying in the "send goose bumps through you" "I'm so elated I don't know what to do" way. My students were engaged and many were excited. We clapped, we cheered...it was just a wonderful day.

I believe it is a wonderful day for our country, our people, and the world community. My prayers and blessing go out to our new President and his family as they begin a long and difficult journey . I am grateful that he has generated so much energy, excitement, and hopefulness.

Happy Day!

Images (and Insights) of the Journey...and it Continues

2008-12-22T00:12:00.000-06:00

St. Roman was supposed to have our Christmas concert on Friday, but we got walloped with 15 inches of snow during the night! So no school for us...begin our Christmas break a day early! I was pretty wiped...so I stayed in my PJs all day (and shoveled), loafed (and shoveled), opened up my presents from school (and shoveled), and worked on a few projects (oh...and I did some shoveling). It was nice. Yesterday, we got oh depending 3-5 more inches...and this was light, fluffy, but make the roads icky snow. Today... -4 degrees with a -30 windchill! Translation for those of you where the sun shines always: THAT IS REALLY REALLY COLD.

4th Sunday! This is it folks...our Advent journey is almost complete. I can't very well, write about the last three and skip the 4th. Plus, being cooped up in the house, I took the opportunity to play with my replacement camera (replacing the one that was stolen out of my suitcase) and took some neat photos. For me they are familiar signs that our preparation is almost complete and JOY and NEW LIFE are right around the corner.

My 4th experience of community during this week of Advent was with my staff. The week before Christmas break in a school is so exhausting. Kids are checked out and crazy, staff is worn out, Christmas concert preparation, etc...let's say we are all ready for break when it arrives. On Thursday (not knowing for sure that we'd be off the next day), we had our little staff Christmas gathering after school. It was lovely...nice conversation, low key, yummies...I stepped back and observed for a while and thought...wow! The energy was so positive and cheerful, despite the tiredness of the days before. It was a delightful time and people seemed to enjoy it. That's a happy!

Transition is a hard thing in general; I've come to appreciate the perspective of a leadership transition for a staff/school. I work with gifted professionals who have been successful teachers, at St. Roman for 30+ years. They've had principals/pastors/colleagues come and go...philosophy changes, transition...transition...transition. I work with gifted educators who are relatively new (myself included!) to the field and have an energy and enthusiasm for the possibilities. For myself, I have a good knowledge base and clear directions in which I'd like to see education (universally) go. Put all of this into a big pot and mix it up and then empty it...and then ask people to find what was theirs. Um yeah...it's a journey (ACK...that's one of those formationy words that I swore would never come out of my mouth! HELP!).

Stepping back and "observing" has been one of my processes as I transitioned into this new school. That's not easy for me; I'm a watch you for 2 minutes to see how you do it, jump in and do it, and adapt/learn as necessary person. Stepping back and observing...sometimes makes the journey seem a bit tedious at times, but the relationships that form are worth it. I stepped back and observed for a few minutes at our party and it hit me. We've come very far since we began our journey together in August. Relationships have formed as a staff . The spirit in our school is lively and supportive. People seem to be free to share ideas and weigh in with an alternative perspective. We can enjoy each other's company, outside of "shop talk".

I used to think (although a lover of Advent as a kiddo) that Christmas was this burst of JOY and EXCITEMENT...that it all started with that day. In light of my 4th week of Advent experience, I realize that unless the journey happened, the JOY and NEW LIFE could not be the end result.

Oh geeze...now that I type that...I think--"Great, Kate...that's one of those insights that has multiple meanings." I know this entry will come back to bite me sometime; another Spit in your Soup moment courtesy of the Fun Nun.

I found this simple poem written by one of my nuns, Sr. Irene Zimmerman, in her book Incarnation, which spoke to me this morning in my prayer time:

Christmas Sky

That once-in-a-world-time night

even the stars, otherwise

so distant in their ancient skies,

came to adore the in-the-beginning Light.

May the "blessings" (yes, even those ones that don't seem like blessings...and don't I know that!) be with you as the JOY and NEW LIFE of Christmas emerge. Cha, cha, cha.

(It's like the birthday song...all this seriousness, needs a "cha cha cha" once in a while.)

Peace out!

Gaudete! Rejoice!

2008-12-14T21:41:00.000-06:00

Not writing since November 1st...even I miss me! Ha Ha Ha...

Actually, I've had a lot of material to write about, but just not a good chunk of time to sit and write. Let me give a brief update before launching in to my real thoughts (which will actually relate to the title)...

I had a magnificent Thanksgiving surprise! My mom surprised my sisters and grandmother with a cruise to celebrate her 50th birthday. We had 4 days to make arrangements, pack, etc...I don't do spontaneity very well, but I managed. We went to the Bahamas and had a wonderful time together. I have great pictures too; I'm not going to post them though. Why you may ask? Unfortunately, my suitcase was ransacked sometime after we checked our luggage in Miami and picking it up at MKE...camera and pictures...all gone. Booo! I guess I can hope that the person who took it needed a camera; I'm mostly bummed about the pictures.

School is good...really good, but crazy these weeks. These kiddos (who am I kidding? The teachers and principal too) are R-E-A-D-Y for break. We have Christmas concert rehearsal this week, concert on Friday, by 10:00 p.m. Friday I am officially on break! Woo hoo!

That's about it for the updates...and now for our regularly scheduled entry:

Gaudete! Rejoice!

I LOVE ADVENT; I have since I was a little kid. Something about the anticipatory excitement, the stories, the rituals at school, the multi-sensory experiences, I love it! I was always fascinated in grade school, hearing the Isaiah stories and thinking, "WOW...how did he know all of that?" Obviously didn't get the whole concepts of prophecy and fulfilment yet. NO, this was not last year, I was little...like 1st/2nd/3rd grade. Ha ha...

When I started teaching, I was even more excited because it became a challenge for me to get my students more involved in Advent than skipping right over it and launching to Christmas. My classroom always had a shift during Advent (and Lent too) where our routine would change slightly, so that we had time to consider why our faith tradition has this intentional time. Business is not as usual, or should not be as usual, during this time of preparation. When I see my former students, they often remember our change of pace, activities, and projects we did during these special times of the year. I love it just as much as a principal; planning the school wide, community building events with the teachers is energizing. It's one of those, "Yeah...that's why I am a Catholic educator" moments.

Community building...that's what has struck me this Advent Season. Three different experiences, yes, one each week. All of which have been outside of the context of my religious community (I mean, C'mon...that's a given). Rather, they were profound moments of how important a ministerial community is to my call and commitment to serve.

1st Week of Advent--O Come O Come Emmanuel

The Advent committee at St. Roman, decided that each Monday of Advent we would gather as an entire school for an Advent Prayer around our Advent wreath at the entrance of the school. The student council kiddos led the prayer each week. I stepped back that first week and was just goose-bumped--do you know what 287 kids and 20+ adults, packed into the entrance of a school around a wreath, praying and ending with O Come O Come Emmanuel is like? It was awesome! The big inquisitive eyes of the 4 year olds when the candles were lit, to the attentive middle school kids making sure their "younger buddies" were not goofing around. I was so proud of our students and was happy they have these experiences of being the "living church".

2nd Week of Advent--Be Born is us Today

We have an extraordinary volunteer who is adored by EVERYONE (and that is no exaggeration!). He had to have minor surgery as was going to be out for a few days. We had a regular Tuesday liturgy scheduled and after the homily, we participated in the sacrament of Anointing of the Sick for Tom with the children.

Now, my practical side thought, "Oh what a great learning opportunity for our students as a part of their faith development." I was so moved by the experience. All of the school staff were called forward with Tom to lay hands on him together as Fr. John led us through the sacrament. He involved the children in the Rite too. When those little ones all extended their hands in the gesture of blessing over Tom, if you couldn't feel the Holy Spirit present--WAKE UP. Then we all hugged Tom and finished our liturgy.

I was very moved by what a witness and expression of community we shared. Tom gives so much to our school and our students--we adore him too! The kids were able to be a part of the healing prayer of our church and in such a special way. I tell the children how the love of God is in all of us; Advent is the time to prepare for Jesus to be born in us again, year after year. I can't think of a more profound moment with students that gave me a tangible experience of what I teach the children. Light and love of God...born in each of us...Holy Spirit all over the place...yeah that was quite special.

3rd Week of Advent--Gaudete! Rejoice!

If you can honestly say to me that finally getting to that "different" candle wasn't the most exciting...you need an attitude shift! C'mon it's PINK CANDLE SUNDAY! Really...it doesn't get more exciting than that! By the way...this excitement began circa 1985 for Katy...well B.C.(before convent); so don't blame the nun thing. We're almost there...

I cantored the Mass this morning at St. Roman. After the homily (do you see a pattern here?), Fr. John announced that we were having a wedding at Mass today. This couple who had been married 60 (that's right folks SIXTY) years were going to received the sacrament of marriage through the Catholic church. The wife was not Catholic and this year decided to go through the RCIA program and they both agreed they wanted to renew their vows and officially be married in the eyes of our faith. These two elderly people, with corsages and all, walked up to the front of the church. Fr. John went through the marriage rite and they exchanged vows. Fr. John adapted the Rite so eloquently to acknowledge that they have been in a sacred union for 60 years and now being sealed by the Holy Spirit through this sacrament. The husband could barely get through his vows...teared up and all. (98% of the church was all teary and stuff) They looked into each other's eyes with nothing but JOY, for what has been and what is yet to come for them.

It was beautiful and again, moving. And in the context of the Parish community...wow...again, to have the support from your parish community to celebrate and be vehicles of the spirit working through us...how can you not GAUDATE?? That was the PERFECT 3rd Sunday experience for my theme of ministerial community this season of Advent.

1 more week!!! My ministerial community at St. Roman's has helped with these important "pre- Christmas reminders" that: God will send Emmanuel; Jesus will be born in us again; and we will REJOICE once again!

Blessings these final days...

The Call...Quite Literally/Communion...Come Union

2008-11-01T15:53:00.001-05:00

"The captain has indicated that you must fasten your seat belts, we are experiencing some turbulence." It's one of "those" blog entries...Yes there are two titles; you'll understand why in a moment.

Without further adieu...The "fun nun" presents something fun:

"The Call...Quite Literally"

I begin with a moment of hilarity and spiritual irony (betcha didn't learn that one in middle school language arts!!) which actually occurred today and would be more appropriately placed in the middle of this entry:

[from my interior prayer monologue--yes all true; the double negatives and even the quoting of an educational theorist--my brain works in strange ways]:

So...what is it? What is the "it" that I'm still wondering about? How/where do I fit? Where am I doing? I understand the bigger picture of where I'm called; no it's more than that. Um...I am totally content with the bigger picture of call. Ok, yes, it kinda weirds me out sometimes because there is no other area that I don't worry or question about; but it's mostly freeing. So, it's not the big picture. It's the little one. It's the now. It's the Bronfrenbrenner hierarchy: with the concentric circle design--except "most people" (according to the model) start with the inner circle and move outward. Oh no...not me...let's get the big picture down and then move inward. Makes perfect sense...NOT. I'm not struggling with where am I called for LIFE or forever or with whom. NO...I'm thinking about where am I called in myself, in my day-to-day...Call it's always about CALL...

No lies...absolute truth--at that very moment THE PHONE RANG. Now...that may not seem like such a big deal EXCEPT for one little detail:

I WAS IN OUR MOTHERHOUSE CHAPEL (alone).

It was your typical, non-digitalized, non cell, hang on the wall with a cord...RING of a PHONE; in our CHAPEL. I NEVER in my LIFE have heard a phone (like that) RING in our CHAPEL. Who calls the chapel? Where is the phone in the chapel? And all of this at the same time I'm trying to have another one of my arguments with the divine about call?? Nice...really nice sense of humor SPIRIT.

I burst out laughing...and this "phone" didn't stop ringing. (I was in the choir loft) So I thought...as soon as I get up it will stop. I got up, started walking back toward the relic chapel...and got in the room...Stopped. Didn't see a phone anywhere. Hilarity...I thought I better blog this story just because it was so unbelievable.

Now that I have your attention....

The nun, who is also fun, now presents (something less humorous, albeit hopefully just as intriguing):

"Communion...Come Union"

(I'm throwing some random pictures in this part because it helps break up all of the text and I can't figure out the formatting rules of blogger--so there, blogger!)

Today after I slept LATE and knew I just had some time to chill, I knew I needed some uninterrupted quiet. There are 6 of us living in our house...uninterrupted quiet is difficult to achieve sometimes and when I'm in my bedroom there are too many "distractions". So I thought I'd go hang at the MamaCasa in the chapel for a while. (yeah...I don't really do this much at all)

I grabbed my "Saturday-I get to take my time today" coffee mug, filled it up, grabbed the ol' journal and mosyed on down the hill to the big house. I actually was drawn to the adoration side of the chapel (that was weird to me), but couldn't quite bring myself to bring my coffee in there and hang. So I settled on my favorite spot...up, up, and away in the choir loft on the director's stand. Spent some time in quiet, drinking my coffee, thinking, praying...[insert story above here]. There was not a sound and no one around...it was just what I needed.

Then I took out the journal and started writing. I go in journal spurts...sometimes I write, sometimes I don't. I know that if I really want to get somewhere with my journaling...I need to write down what comes without editing. I also am learning that when I have time to write, it takes me a little while to get out of the head; I'm not a fan, but big stuff comes out then. Here's where my reflections led me today:

Every year we have this liturgy for All Saints (the eve before) called Candles of Love. This is my 2nd favorite liturgical custom we have in my community. (The 1st changes--it's usually St. Francis Day) We celebrate the people who have walked with us in mission, our benefactors, friends of the community... We also celebrate the lives of those who have died this past year who have a connection with the SSSFs--family, friends, our Sisters, etc. People are invited to send in "Candles of Love" cards with the names of people to remember at this liturgy. The cards are presented at the offertory and then placed in the Adoration chapel for the Sisters to pray for this month. We get hundreds of cards each year!

We always have a litany during the liturgy; in typical SSSF fashion, it's not your run-of-the-mill litany of Saints, proper. Names are read of people, living and deceased, who have walked paths which coincide with our mission. We pray for/with those who give of themselves in order to partner with us in mission. We pray for our loved ones...we pray for justice and the pain around the world. It's always so powerful to hear those names; some of whom are often unspoken.

On the dome of the sanctuary there are these little gold crosses "floating" on a sky like backdrop. One of my Sisters, when I was having a really rough time in the novitiate, sat with me in chapel and told me to think about those crosses as our Sisters who have gone before us, watching over me. Every time I'm in chapel since then, I look up at that dome. Last evening, I was very aware of their presence among us.

Then the litany came...I was so moved; not so much by the names like usual, but what/whom they represented; commitments of people who minister to those who are or have been: poor, marginalized, afflicted with AIDS, terrorized, victimized by natural disasters, and all who have been affected. Those who work for peace and justice, in a profound way. People who have lost their life because of efforts toward a just and peaceful world. We prayed by name those who are often not prayed for: those recently executed and those who are incarcerated.

There was a presence in the space; I never experienced before. Maybe it was the space I was in? Who knows? The themes were quintessentially our charism and our mission to be present in the world. There was a connectedness...a unity present. This is pretty hokey...but it was real and profound: It was almost like you could imagine (see? dare I say feel?) the prayers being turned over to the spirit. It was another one of those "God moments" for me...hard to describe in words; even hard to figure out why.

Ok...so we talk about the "Communion of Saints". I talk about it with the kiddos. I think we have no real way of knowing who is a saint and who isn't...but that "they" are up there and walk with us. I rely much more on the Saints I can connect with or "know" (um...like some of our Sisters, friends, etc) much more than your official"Saint-a-day" "Patron Saint of XXX" variety...but they are cool too; especially Francis and Clare!

But last night (and this morning), I was like, "WOAH...back that truck up!" What does this mean? We talk about being in communion. Or receiving communion. Or the Communion of whatevers...like it's this existential, out-there, don't try to touch it, just do it, concept. Is it?

I thought, communion...hmmm. It struck me that communion implies some more action: being and receiving. Even those "saints"...whomever they are (living, dead, "official", not...) Being a part of the communion, implies that they've done something. Staying in communion with others requires something of you. Receiving "communion" is a commitment we make to be a member of the "body of Christ". It's the "do" part that gets this communion stuff rolling and then the "be" part that follows (like BE aware, BE connected...) is what creates the space for the communion to sustain.

So... Last night, I was listening to those names being read, aware of the spirit's presence, and the communion of people with whom we are connected through prayer, commitment, sharing of life and resources, world view, justice, ministry, and mission.

And then this morning...sitting back in chapel, with my coffee, looking up at the dome and thinking about the communion of people who walk with me in spirit and love...and realized that when I hear communion, I hear the invitation of come union. Union in love and mission. Listening those who are in need and those who speak to your heart saying, "come".

*Sigh*...reflecting and connecting is exhausting...LOL! :)

The captain has now turned off the fasten seat belts sign, please feel free to move about as you wish...

And now a "Fun Nun" update...

2008-10-12T12:00:00.000-05:00

Oh...so much to share...where do I begin?

The past month in 5 key points or fewer:

I'm settling in at school. It moves at such a fast pace, I'm in disbelief that we're 1/2 way through October. I work with great kids, great families, and wonderful teachers. What I'm most appreciative of is the collegiality I am experiencing. People are very supportive of one another, help where help is needed, laugh and enjoy time together, work well as a group, have common goals and a vision for moving forward. I think us newbies are supported and feel welcomed. I think our wisdom figures are energized and open to new ideas. All of this is very good....very, very, GOOD.

Mary, one of the Sisters in my community (and one of my educational heroes), and I presented a session together on Using Descriptive Feedback as a Powerful Learning Tool. At the Archdiocesan Teacher's Convention. We had about 140 participants over 2 session. Despite a sleepless evening before, my gut in my throat, and out of WHACK nerves...when I got into the flow with Mary...I thought we did a great job and made a great team. I experienced us to be complimentary in that we come to the same outcome with slightly different strategies...so I think multiple learning styles were reached. People gave us great feedback too!

St. Francis Day--October 4th--WOO HOO (Need I say more? I'm a Franciscan for gosh sakes!)

Planning has started for 2 Giving Voice gatherings...what a great transition! The scoop: Giving Voice = group of young women religious across the country...saying, "We are called...we're not alone...let's walk this crazy journey together!" (I've posted a couple times about this...) We have 2 regular gatherings:

The January Gathering--happens every January over Martin Luther King Weekend, in Florida. It is a gathering specifically for women religious who are in their 20s and 30s. GREAT time to be with our own age group, talk about life, and offer support for one another.

The National Conference--happens every other year, usually in summer. This gathering is geared for women religious who are under 50. This year the national conference is at ALVERNO COLLEGE IN MILWAUKEE! WOOOO HOOO.

I am working with some of my GV peeps with planning for both...so I'm very energized and excited about all of this! If you are a young women religious reading this posting, you like to have fun, talk about your reality, call, prayer, community, etc with other folk who get that playing music in the kitchen while you're cooking isn't strange...or that it is ok to leave the house with jeans/shorts on...or there is life after 9:30p.m. :-) PLEASE consider coming to one or both of our gatherings! I'll link the GV website to my blog...all the information is there. Meet new people! Have fun! Pray! Play! Laugh! Discuss! Frolic! It's great...great great!

So those are my highlights...that's where I've been hiding. Hope life is good for all too...

Oh...I'd like to give a shout out (although I hesitate ever using this phrase again) to my friend: Sister Susan Rose Francois, CSJP, who just made her first vows, YESTERDAY! Welcome to Vowed Land!! YAY!!!! (Click on her name...and you can check out her blog too; come to think of it, maybe I should do the same and see if she's posted her big day... :-))

It's 70+ degrees here on this beautiful fall Sunday...I'm going to enjoy it. Peace out....

TINGLY HAPPYS, LOVE, CHALLENGES--Lisa's Wedding (and the thoughts which ensued)

2008-09-14T23:01:00.000-05:00

WOW! What a weekend....I'll give you a brief synopsis (WATCH THE VIDEO...it's worth it) and then I actually have some thoughts to share!

Ok...the low-down in 100 words or less:

Lisa (one of my best friends) got MARRIED this weekend! She and her (now) husband Jake had a lovely outdoor, woodsie, nature--go hug some trees wedding and reception. I was honored to have been asked to be the "Mistress of Ceremonies" for the wedding prayer service. It was really a nice experience searching for prayers/transitions and adding a little bit of my own thoughts to make this prayer service personal and wonderful for Jake and Lisa. It truly was lovely. I haven't enjoyed myself this much in a long time...I am so happy for them! Watch the video...see pictures...woo hoo! Need more of the nitty grittys to cure that insatiable curiosity that the VIDEO can't curb? Visit the wedding site of Jake and Lisa.

And now....my thoughts....(brace yourself)

So...my thoughts started on the car ride up to Medford, WI (5 hours away from Milwaukee). I was so grateful that my friend Shemagne agreed to be my travel buddy and "wedding date". I could tell that my brain was on hyperspeed overdrive; I don't think I was nervous, well maybe a little, but I think I just needed to wind down from my week at work and I knew I had to be "on" all weekend. Don't get me wrong...there's nothing I'd rather be "on" for than seeing someone I love commit themselves to someone they love! I digress....

So my friend Shemagne asked me something like, what do you think love is? (Or how do you know you're in love? you get the idea) At first I thought...ugh...I don't want to talk about this...now. So I said, "Let me think about it a minute." Now...I have spent some serious time thinking about this in my recent past. C'mon...I just made my vows a year ago...and I was thinking about this love stuff way before that!

I replied to Shemagne, "Well...I think the most profound love is deep within; the person challenges you to be the best version of yourself and you consider always what's best for the other." When I said that I thought, "Do I believe that?" So we pondered quietly for a few miles. My mind was racing again. What do you mean...do I believe that? DUH...of course I do.

Well...then I started thinking of the people that I love and care for very deeply. They do challenge me to continue being the best version of myself--and sometimes to be totally honest, that doesn't feel much like love--at least not right away. Sometimes these "challenges" to keep that becoming process moving, really challenge me to TRUST that these things are coming out of a space of love.

Obviously...a big part of LOVE is mutuality (that's a total nunland word) or reciprocal...so I thought...do I challenge the people I love deeply? For me too...this love stuff always circles back to trust. Man oh man...

So...Shemagne and I solved all the world's problems dealing with and defining love. Yeah right...but we did have a thoughtful conversation. Now...what does this have to do with the WEDDING? Well...I'm getting there...chill.

There are a few givens when I am out socially with non-nun folk, who don't know me. There's the introductions by the friend who does know you, "Oh...this is my friend Katy, she's a nun." Or maybe people have already heard the news. As people feel more comfortable and realize that indeed I am pretty normal (ha ha!)...then the questions start. And you know...I love this...I love that people are interested enough to ask me about my lifestyle choice and that I get to respond with some reality to try and avoid the stereotypes.

Almost ALWAYS someone asks me, "Wow...a nun. Um...how is that for you?" I smile and enthusiastically share that it's GREAT for me. We all have to find our niche...where we can be most ourselves (and now I've added where we can be challenged to keep growing...EW), for me, it's in religious life and I truly couldn't be happier.

NOW...at a wedding...where people tend to be all gushy anyway...people recalling the love between their partners and themselves. People who haven't made the plunge yet are considering it. People who haven't found their life long challenger are hopeful. People who have found true love are content...you get the picture.

In conversation, someone asked me, "So...is this hard for you? You know...um...being at a wedding?" (Yeah...I'm a little dense and replied, "No! I love dancing!" DUH KATY) so she clarified, "No...is it hard because you'll never be in love and have this? You know...like commit yourself totally to one person and know that they'll be there for you no matter what?"

Immediately I said (and my face matched), "NOOOOOOOOOO! This is GREAT...one of MY best friends just married a wonderful person. They compliment each other--a perfect fit. I have nothing but JOY for them." Then I explained my life choice and how it very much is connected to the same profound love, it's just expressed differently. And how much I am in love with what I have committed my life.

Well...I just couldn't shake that conversation and the impact it had on me...right in my gut and in my chest. I had this happen once before, when I was blessed to be present for Sydni's birth. My mom said, "Kate, now...after witnessing that [childbirth], do you ever wish you weren't a Sister?"

Let's see...I was gushy (well as gushy as I get) during this celebration...I was all tingly and happy. I was touched in a special way at thinking of Lisa committing her life to Jake. HER WHOLE LIFE. She was glowing, the joy was from the inside out and we were all there to witness and celebrate this.

I recalled my reception day and my vow day and immediately experienced that rush of joy and contentment that comes with when you commit yourself, your life to something/someone (which ever it may be) and there is no question whether this is the best way to give your love. Religious life, as in marriage, isn't about what you don't have. It's about where can you be your most authentic self, be at home, allow yourself to love and fall in love again and again, and yes...be challenged to be the best person you were created to become. WOW!

Yeah...I loved this wedding. I loved the opportunity to recall my commitment and choice in whom I've committed my life to. I could have possibly taken a pass at realizing that the people that challenge---and I'm not talking about whimpy challenges, people...I'm talking "make you squirm, want to run away, sometimes get mad at the challenger, no way Jose...and then you realized they're right (ooh I hate the you're right ones)..etc...like biggo's---do it because there is a deep love between you--Nah...this is a helpful insight for where I'm at right now.

My little thoughts on BIG things....like LOVE. I still know that my falling in love with my community is still emerging...and that's exciting. I also know that when I do experience these other "mega love fests" (I.e. weddings, babies being born, etc)...I experience much JOY for these people that I love committing themselves for LIFE .

I think my JOY or TINGLY HAPPYS...are experienced even more deeply because I know that I am deeply in love with what I have committed my life to.

Practical Jokes

2008-09-06T23:56:00.003-05:00

Religious Life 101--A brief lesson to set context:

In formation, you learn the Religious Life "lingo" pretty quickly...one of the buzz words of formation is "Family Systems". You get some speakers on it, maybe read a bit about it, encounter it when the flares are up in the novitiate. It's basically, the "rules" (spoken and unspoken) that families have that affect us as we grow older. In Religious Life, living with other adult women who are not related to each other, usually brings together many unique personality types. It's how you negotiate your life together that builds community and understanding your own "family system" and what "rules" you are bound by or react to in relationship to the other "rules" and systems that the Sisters with whom you live are at play.

So...I am predisposed to humor, sarcasm, and a good, healthy practical joke now and again. I can't help it! It was one of those core values that ran deep though my family system. I grew up hearing the stories of my mom and her 4 brothers and all of the shenanigans they pulled--in and out of Catholic schools, camping, you name it--those Taylor kids did it! My sisters and cousins learned the ropes quickly as our uncles were training us for the real world--either you were two steps ahead, or you got squashed by what ever joke they were playing and then you learned! Ha! Even in the extended family...we had "Large group" practical jokes...oh like a traveling plaster Greek Goddess statue, an ugly plastic bow that would find itself on presents (that went around for like 15 years)...you get the idea. My mom (the catalyst of most of the Taylor mischief), had one rule: "Practical jokes are ok as long as no one gets hurt and nothing gets destroyed" Fine...thanks...no problem mom! The world was our oyster...and we had great models! Mom and uncles...this blog's for you!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Naturally, when I entered the community, it was only right to start finding out who else had this predisposition to practical joking. Fortunately...I was blessed with Sisters who indeed had a dry sarcasm that can keep us laughing for hours and some very good practical jokers (actually...it goes back in our community's history...those "serious young sisters" were just TROUBLE)!

One Sister in particular (and trust me, it's always the quiet ones)...she has had a LONG history of great jokes. She even sent one of our sisters BUGS in the MAIL...ew! So I have been fortunate to have taken in many of the stories. So this is the story of our Sister Maureen (Moe)...

Meet Moe: Hi Moe!

You see she looks all innocent in this picture...she's on retreat and she's doing her prayer mandala. BUT...there is a serious practical joker behind that aura of peace and calmness.

Moe loves many things. 2 things that Moe REALLY loves are: Leon's Frozen Custard and Dunkin' Donuts. When in Milwaukee one must stop often at Leon's when accompanying Maureen to and fro, hither or tither...there is always a necessary Leon's stop. Milwaukee is a little low on Dunkin's; however, sometimes she'll want to go there. But when Moe is in Chicago...Dunkin's is a regular stop...and Maureen has creative ways of getting her fix as does Mary Ann have creative ways of making her earn it!

Last weekend...I just so happened to be in Chicago with two of my favorite people...chillin' and hanging out. Luckily, Sr. Mary Ann has similar predispositions to humor/jokes that I do (actually, I learn so much from her in this area!). Upon finishing a lovely liturgy at St. Robert Bellarmine Parish...Sr. Mary Ann thoughtfully pulls into a Dunkin' Donuts and gets us some coffee and muffins. Aww....

Now, in community we do share all things in common--that's part of our vows, our constitution, and our commitment. It would have been rude of us not to include our dear Sister Maureen into our thoughts that morning, knowingly eating and drinking coffee and muffins from her favorite place. So we thoughtfully picked up the phone and called her. In community...where two or three are gathered, enjoying DD...there Maureen is too. We called her just to let her know that we were thinking of her. Aw...that was really a sweet gesture on our part.

Upon completing our phone conversation, we were sitting around the table trying to think of other ways to torture, oops! I meant to share the love and care for our Sister. We thought about mailing our DD garbage to her...so that she too could partake in the physical experience of our breakfast that morning. Luckily, I remembered that she was coming to Milwaukee this weekend and I offered to take the garbage and create a lovely representation of our time together...something tangible...something uniquely for her. There was really only one thing to do...Make a Dunkin Mobile...

I laminated our crumby muffin wrappers--this was excitedly disgusting...I can't believe I put crumbs in a laminator--(um...I won't say where the laminator was from...I know who reads my blog!), used the DD bag and tissue, as well as Mary Ann and my used coffee cups..complete with coffee residue on the inside and out. I made a wonderful mobile for our Sister Maureen and hung it above her bed for her arrival.

We Franciscans believe seriously in hospitality...when you come to stay at our house...we'll have your mismatched towels and washcloth along with a cup on your bed. There will be a little "welcome note" from the Sisters in the house. Sometimes I put some chocolate out for people who I know would appreciate it.

I couldn't think of anything more Franciscan and hospitable than recycling used garbage from Dunkin Donuts--crafting it into an exquisite mobile--WOW! That's community. That's love. Sharing art and beauty. Being thoughtful to another Sister's likes. Acknowledging one's family system and honoring that tradition in one's self and in others....(I'm sure my community will be so proud that what I report about family systems is my predisposition to humor :-) )That's sharing in the spirit...wooo hoo hah hah hah!

Her reaction?? Well...see for yourself:

Best Cartoon Ever!

2008-09-02T20:36:00.004-05:00

Two of my favorite noun turned adjective and/or verbs all wrapped into one cartoon that I just find very funny. I know this doesn't really count as a post...but I thought I'd share!

What I Did On My Summer Vacation By: Sister Katy LaFond

2008-08-24T23:37:00.000-05:00

To the tune of "Yankee Doodle"

It is Sunday, end of August, what am I to do?

School is starting, summer's parting...I think I'll blog for you-ouuuuu.

End of summer va-ca-tion! Start of a new school year.

Do the happy dance and sing--'cuz that school bell's about to ring!

No, I haven't lost my mind completely...yet. I was clearing out photos on my camera and realized that I had some good pics to blog about from my summer break. Hmmm...I believe I only updated twice this summer...retreat and new baby. Well...I thought, the night before my summer break is over, why not do a little photo/video journal using the ever famous cliche title:

What I Did On My Summer Vacation

By Sister Katy

June 22-28

Summer really began with my retreat...you know where to find that report! If not click here:

Retreat 2008

July 1

Summer break is (technically) over! Oh yeah...you read that correctly. I excitedly began my new ministry at St. Roman Parish School. Check out our website!

July 5-12

VACATION!!!! In formation you have to have goals. My goal for this first year of temporary vows was to go on vacation. I have had a couple days here and a weekend there (where were wonderful and with some of my favorite people), but I have not had a week long vacation since I don't know when!

My White House group of Sisters, rented a house in Lake Delton, WI and spent a week together. (There is some irony here...with the traumatic and disastrous rains in the beginning of June, Lake Delton was completely emptied due to flooding. It was awful. Fortunately, the house we were renting was ok and we became "disaster tourists" and supported the local economy.

Many many people cancelled their reservations because there was literally no lake. Lake Delton will be refilled next year and people are working at getting their homes and losses restored. Many prayers went toward that situation and we were glad to support our renters and the community!)

Seriously this was one of the best week vacations I have ever been on. It was soooo relaxing. My White House group is a great group for me...I find being with them very easy and I think I fit in pretty well. Mornings (whenever people made appearances) were quiet--people read, walked, ate, slept...etc. We would usually pick an excursion or two to suggest each day (i.e. mini-golfing, boat tours, regular golfing, etc...).

When it was excursion time, there was no expectations...people either chose to go or not to go. Then we'd take turns making dinner and enjoying our dinner late evening (like 7-8ish) on our great deck. We'd end our days with either Trivial Pursuit, cards, movies, baseball game, and even a campfire! It was just wonderfully restful and relaxing...and I was thrilled to be with 6 of my favorite people.

(Here's some bonus never seen before video footage of the great Trivial Pursuit Contest...in 4 installments...Enjoy!)

(By the way...this was a 2 day experience. We were getting creamed that first night. We had a team meeting before round 2 and we came back to win it! WOOO HOOO!)

July 18-22 Vow Group Retreat
One of my community's favorite formation events are "Reflection Groups"...well last year, as a part of my vowie wowie prep I requested to have a group of my Sisters together for a preparation/bonding retreat. It was so awesome and wonderful we wanted to do it again. So I asked the provies if this could be my yearly thing in lieu of a reflection group. Voila!

We met a few days before our assembly and had just a marvelous time. Good sharing, good process and prayer.

It's great to come together to pray, play, veg out, and continue to support one another on the journey. We are excited for next year!

July 23-27 Provincial Assembly

Every other year the US Province (all of the Sisters in my community who are in the US grouping of our International Congregation) have a "Provincial Assembly". It's basically our governance meetings for the province. We pray, we meet (and meet and meet), we learn stuff, we have processes, and this year we even played! It's pretty energizing during and afterwards...you know it's been good when you're just wiped out. :-) Don't have any pictures, but you could try our website...there are pictures and daily summaries...oooh lah lah!

August 16th--Reception of Sr. Deb

We have a new Sister! Woo! We have a new Sister! Wooooo hooo!

Deb Murphy, our affiliate this past year and one of my "live-ers"...was received into the novitiate in an absolutely beautiful liturgy on 8/16. It brought back so many gushy butterfly tinglys from my reception 5/2005.

Sr. Deb has begun her apostolic year and will be traveling our Province, meeting the girls, and doing some other cool stuff (LIKE GOING TO SCHOOL AT ALVERNO, volunteering, praying...yes...I am a little bit envious :-) ) I am so happy to welcome our Sister Deb into a deeper commitment with our Congregation!

Here are some pictures from the rehearsal hooo-hah at our house the night before. Just image that giant Tau made of yummy frosting, in silver around her neck...yeah!

We decided it was the role of the Affiliate minister to cut the cake...Yeah for Sr. Mary Ann!

WOO HOO!

August 23--Sea Dog Adventures
Don't have pictures (Sr. Barbara needs to send them to me!)...

For my last hurrah...5 of us SSSFs went to downtown Chicago to ride on the 40mph speedboat SeaDog...for a quick tour of Chicago's skyline. It was delightful, fun and nice being with my Sisters! I'm looking forward to our Intermodel Adventure next. (Ha ha..SMAM!)

Well...that consists of your audio/visual tour of my summer vacation. I hope you enjoyed this update.

School begins tomorrow! Please send prayers to the faculty, staff, students, families (oh and principal) of St. Roman's Parish School. Peace and all good!

New Year...New Ministry!

2008-08-23T00:42:00.001-05:00

As I have alluded to in previous entries, I changed jobs after the 2007-08 school year!
July 1st I began a new ministry as principal of St. Roman Parish School. St. Roman is located on the "south side" of Milwaukee--a thrilling 3.6 miles from my house! I am very familiar with the Parish, as that is where I have attended Mass with the White House Sisters for the past 5 years; I am a cantor and a Eucharistic Minister as well. With the White House, we have come to know Fr. Bill very well these years. I was thrilled when I saw that St. Roman's School had an opening for principal, I applied, interviewed, and bah da bing...I am now the Principal of St. Roman's! Woo hoo!

There are many gifts of this transition for me: It's WAY closer to my home, it's a familiar environment, and my heart is committed to Catholic Education in an urban setting. I also have made friends with people who minister in the parish: my fellow cantors (some have kiddos in the school, RuthAnn was also just hired as the co-director of faith formation...watch out world, here we come!), the Liturgist/Musician (Oh Holy Father of the Organ, Patrick), RaeAnn the other co-director of faith formation, and of course Frs. John and Bill. It's nice to walk into a new ministry knowing that you have support and partners on the journey.

So since July 1st, I have been opening cupboards, setting up my office, trying to find things, make too many to-do lists to count, etc. I was so happy when my awesome Administrative Assistant, Cindy, started on August 1st...it was getting a little too lonely and quiet in that building. We've been buzzing like crazy to get things prepared for the teacher's arrival this week.

YEP...you read that correctly...THIS WEEK. AHHHH!

We began our 2008-09 school year together on Wednesday, August 20th with a retreat day!
Sr. Stella DeVenuta (she did let us do the Streetcar adage in the beginning STELLLLLLAAAAA) a Lake OSF from Milwaukee was our facilitator. Stella is an incredible artist, spiritual guide, and retreat guru. (Go visit her website sometime....let it speak for itself!)

Her theme for us was Seeing Things Whole. We prayed and played keeping mindful of our gifts and how they fit into the whole. It was a great day of community building and beginning our year in the context of prayer.

Thursday we had a morning full of in-service led by moir. The Home and School provided us with the yummiest breakfast and treat bags to welcome us back...how nice! I wanted to talk about expectations and all of the nitty grittys involved in being a new principal in a school. I created a powerpoint called: Help! We have a New Principal...Now What do We do? I led a conversation in developing common language and expectations that we have/created as an "educator team".

We ended our session Thursday with handbook Jeopardy! Complete with the section on Bloodborne Pathogens (oh yeah...no silly video this year folks!) and prizes...good prizes. I strategically had the prizes set out all morning for my faculty to drool over wondering in anxious anticipation on how they will get to partake in the great variety of goodies I had. :-)

Today was an exceptional day! I led a "visioning process" for the faculty on creating character sketches and commitment statements for our students and our practice. It was all done in the context of recognizing the wisdom of the past and present so that we can put into action what is needed for a sustainable future. The sharing and discussions were quite profound and I was very much energized by the process.

Those kiddos come on Monday for "Welcome Back Day" (Drop your books, meet your teacher, get your picture taken...woo hoo!) and Tuesday is the first full day of school. I can't believe summer is over!

To all of my blog readers who are in the educational fields...blessings on your new years! More updates to come!

God Moments and Miracles

2008-08-01T18:08:00.010-05:00

There are these moments in my life which I call my "God Moments"; sometimes it's an insight or an awareness. Sometimes, they're disguised as a friend saying the right thing or just knowing without saying much. Sometimes, it's just really being aware of the presence of God. It's awesome and profound when these "God Moments" happen.

19 months ago (that would be December 31st, 2006), I was sitting at a group of my Sisters house watching the Packers play the Bears in the last game before the playoffs. Luckily...we weren't the ones needing the miracle for this game--(we won; however, that was the unfortunate year that the Bears clinched the division and my poor poor Packers weren't going on to the playoffs...yes there are miracles for teams like the Bears--occasionally. Sometimes the "God moments" are not what you'd like...I digress...) Then I got a phone call from my best friend's husband saying, "It's baby time...are you coming?" That evening, I got to be present for my best friend, Carli as she brought her first baby (and MY Godchild), Sydni into this world. It was the most amazing thing I have ever witnessed. In fact, I still don't have the words to describe the experience!

I watched my friend transition through the different phases of labor and delivery. And then in minutes this baby, this complete little person was here. She was just perfect! I looked at her and thought...God is so good. I was so grateful to have been able to have that experience in my life. I was happy to be there to support my friend (actually I was comic relief to keep her occupied, if you can imagine that?!)

So...last night I was privileged enough to have had a 2nd invitation to witness the birth of Carli's second child! I arrived around 8:30p.m. to the hospital where Carli and Tom were settled. My job was to keep Carli laughing (perfect). See look at the good job I'm doing...she's been in labor for about 4 hours now and she's still smiling. (Unless that's the "get the camera out of my face look"; nah, she's smiling.)

We had a great staff of Health Care Professionals--they were fun too! They called our room the "Party Room" and came in often (I think they liked us!) I'm pretty sure the anesthesiologist who came and did the epidural didn't want to leave...oh well. Carli's OB doctor...was great. Young and spunky...we were teasing each other with analogies from our past. She had a great sense of humor and I knew my friend was in good hands. Thank you to Nurses Jean and Becky and of course Dr. Lorree Moehring! You all rocked!

When it appeared as though Carli was in for a long haul...we watched one of our favorite movies: Austin Powers and reminisced from years ago when we were both lifeguards and could recite that movie in its entirety across the pool into our lifeguard cones (I know, I know...we were talented you)

Shortly after 1:30...we realized that baby was coming...and she was COMING NOW. So the doctors and nurses came in and Baby Emelia Marie was welcomed into this world. She has a great set of lungs and a beautiful little face. Again, I was just in awe of the process and the miracle of this little human being coming into the world. So fascinating and wonderful; another one of those"God Moments" in my life, truly witnessing a miracle.

Here is a little video of Carli introducing us to Baby Emmi (I thought she was going to kill me for taking a video, but she was a good sport.)

To the left is a picture of Baby Emmi getting all cleaned up. She's about 2 mintues old! To the right is Mom Carli and her OB/GYN Dr. Moehring (Very cool lady...we loved her!)

Aw...Mom, Dad, and Emmi there first family photo (sans big sister Sydni). A picture of Dad and Baby Emmi in the middle. And even I got a chance to hold this little peanut; so tiny and cute.

Welcome to this world, Emmi! Happy Birthday! Thank you God....

The Adventures of Media Nun

2008-07-12T16:31:00.004-05:00

This fun nun was on vacation for a week (ahhhhhhh) and I have some more media news to share...

You got it folks....One Fun Nun has hit the media scene again! Woot woot!

WTMJ-channel 4 (Milwaukee's NBC affiliate), interviewed me and a couple of my peeps. Click on the title of this post for the interview! Then click on "Video" underneath that charming picture of me.

Thanks to Stephanie Graham and the neato camera people she brought with her. They did a great job!

Enjoy!

Video...it worked!

2008-06-29T11:47:00.003-05:00

Ok...I think I figured out the problem. I didn't covert the file to a .wmv file which was incompatible with my bloggy blog. I guess that's the risk of working at 2 something in the morning. But after an investigation and some further playing around...I now present you with the video. More blogging to come... Enjoy!

RETREAT VIDEO!

2008-06-29T02:02:00.004-05:00

Hi folks...here's the low down...it's 2:13 in the morning. I sat at my computer to simply upload some photos to make a little video from my retreat. Well that was at 11:30 and then I got to playing and started making this video...and then got all excited that I could do cool things and just couldn't stop until it was finished. So I got it all purty and ready to upload and for some reason I lost all of my images...EEK! Well I'm too tired to fix it now...so you'll have to keep your suspense mounting for a bit longer until I can fix the video.

And I PROMISE...promise promise promise...I will blog about some more of my incredible (IT WAS AWESOME) retreat and life in general very very soon (I'm hoping tomorrow but notice I'm sticking with "soon".)

Trust me this video is SOOO worth it though. Now...I MUST go to bed. I'm bushed.

Yay for retreat week! woo hoo...

Where ya at?

2008-06-22T14:45:00.002-05:00

VERY VERY BRIEF UPDATE...

I finished school! (Yay!) I have a new job which begins July 1st. (SURPRISE!) I'm leaving for retreat (RETREAT....RUN AWAY!) in 13 minutes.

Will write about life, love, and the God things when I return.

Hasta la vista!

Ciao Ciao!

Signs of Summer...Gardening and a Brewer Game!

2008-06-03T00:06:00.001-05:00

This past weekend we had gorgeous weather (FINALLY). On Saturday, Sr. Phyllis asked me if I'd go to Stein's with her (I think she needed my 'big' muscles to carry the top-soil :-) ) So we went to Stein's--it was NUTS with all of the people buying things to grow!

You have to understand something...I do not grow things. I enjoy things that grow (plants, veggies, animals, flowers, children, me on a good day ha ha) but I'm not a good grower of said items. So much to Sr. Phyllis' surprise when I said, "Hey, I'll help you plant this stuff!" So she gave me some instructions and I was in charge of the herb garden...GREAT! Deb and Phyllis were on flower patrol and brick laying duty.

I decided I like planting/gardening...well this part of it. I'm pretty sure I wouldn't like weeding or getting up early in the morning to water, but I enjoyed this piece. I had my Zune Tunes playing and found it great to be in the sun.

I enjoyed mixing up the soil with the pitch fork and I loved getting my hands in that dirt (I was a mess..dirt everywhere...like a kid!). I found it all quite meditative and enjoyable. And I was so pleased with the instant gratification to see the finished product--I think I'd be less enchanted with planting seeds (Um...hello...that would require waiting and patience).

Last night, the White House Sisters and I went to the Brewer vs D'Backs game at Miller Park Stadium. We had a blast! Here are my White House Girls: L-R (back row) Srs. Judeen, Mary, Marlene, Joyce, and Kathleen and (Front row) Sr. Liz! Yahoooooooo!

We had pretty good seat too; just beyond the 1st base foul line, as you can observe. I thought we had such a good time together!

It was quite an exciting game and a nail biter at the end. D'backs were up 3-1 and two crazy errors helped us score two runs. The bottom of the 8th Prince Fielder (As Sr. Mary said, "He's a prince of a fielder" *groan groan groan*) hit a home run (WOOO HOOOO) and we were up 4-3. Top of the 9th...D'Backs HAVE NO OUTS and load the bases....EEEEK. We held them for the win...phew! We were very excited...Go Brewers Go Brewers GO!

Of course a baseball game isn't a baseball game with out your 7th inning stretch. I think every stadium does "Take Me Out to the Ballgame", but here in Mil-town...we also add the age old, timeless, load of fun and laughter "Roll out the Barrel POLKA" Here's exclusive footage of the White House does 7th inning stretch (You can only see it here folks!) Enjoy both videos...

I don't think I've ever blogged a "Top 10" list before...there's a first time for everything. Although blogging "Top 10" would be less than creative so how about Sr. Katy's top 7 (random numbers are my friend).

Top 7 Reasons why Brewer Games are Awesome:

7. Between inning music for dancing!

6. Bob Uecker--50 years as Mr. Baseball and for those of us who are real dorks remember him on Mr. Belvidere (I can't believe I admit that)

5. BRATS, MILLER, and deep fried CHEESE CURDS...woo hoo

4. Majority of the players are younger than me!

3. Miller Park has it's own organist and pipe organ (all of those organy sounds are real folks!)

2. SAUSAGE RACE! Helllllll-oooooooo (That almost made #1) only in Milwaukee!

and the #1 Reason why Brewer Games are Awesome.....

#1......Spending time with my Sisters---laughing, cheering, checking stress at the gate, and having a marvelous time! Aw...it's all true.

A few of my favorite things...

2008-06-01T02:30:00.000-05:00

Yeah...I can't sleep. So I found these goofy quizzes and I thought I'd do a little tour of: "Sister Katy's Personality based on her Favorite Foods" Sad but true...it's Saturday night...have a little fun!

Your Ice Cream Personality:

You like to think of yourself as a fairly modest person. And it's true that you don't talk yourself up... but you're also pretty happy with who you are.

You have a wild reputation, but you're not as wild as you seem. You take risks, but only measured risks.

You are a fairly open minded person with a wide range of tastes. You are quite accepting of unusual ideas and people.

You are a natural multitasker. You feel alive when you're doing more than one thing at a time.

You can be a big dramatic and over the top sometimes. You are bold in every way

The Ice Cream Personality Test

What Your Taste in Chocolate Says About You

You are sophisticated, modern, and high class.

Your taste is refined, but you are not picky.

You are often the first to try something new.

You are confident and strong.

You know what you want, and you're willing to wait for it.

While you do eventually get what you want, people consider you materialistic.

You love new adventures and activities. You enjoy living a full life, even if it is chaotic.

You feel lost when things are quiet. You rather not think... you prefer to just do!

The Chocolate Oracle

What Your Pizza Reveals

You have a hearty appetite. You are likely to complain if a restaurant has small portions.

You aren't particularly picky about pizza. It's so good... how could you be? You fit in best in the Western part of the US.

You like food that's traditional and well crafted. You aren't impressed with "gourmet" foods.

You are generous, outgoing, and considerate with your choices.

You are definitely unique and artistically inclined. You should consider traveling to Prague.

The stereotype that best fits you is geek. You're the type most likely to order pizza to avoid leaving your computer.

What Does Your Pizza Say About You?

So that's what my ice cream, chocolate, and pizza preferences allegedly say about me as a person. The only thing dorkier than me posting this are the people who create these quizzes. Mmmmm...Ice cream, choclate, and pizza....yummy! Now I'm hungry...

Prayer of St. Francis

2008-05-29T20:13:00.002-05:00

One of my favorite musical artists is Sarah McLachlan. I was YouTubeing tonight just looking to see what kinds of YouTubes are on about Franciscans and nuns, etc (it's Vocation research) and I came across this version of Prayer of St. Francis sung by my FAVORITE...

It's really a great version of this song...the images are ok, but the music is phenomenal! I hope I can find the mp3 to download on my Zune. I'm a super Sarah fan; I can't believe I didn't know she did this song! Does anyone know which album it's hidden on...I thought I had all of them!

Hope all are well...10 more days of school! Yipeeeeee! Enjoy the music!

My Faith

2008-05-25T00:24:00.002-05:00

Hi Blogg-ets...

My second go at journalism (ha ha ha); well writing for our Catholic newspaper The Catholic Herald was published this week.

(Click the Blog Title...to take you there)...

My favorite part is the first paragraph...ha ha....

Enjoy!

Jubilee! (And other said Frivolities)

2008-05-19T08:29:00.011-05:00

Still in Boston...and having a marvelous time!

Jubilee! Jubilee! One of my Sisters has a brother who says that us Religious have "code words" for things...like Retreat = Vacation and Jubilee = Party! I would like to advocate that we don't have code words which replace vacation and party...just more opportunities!

Jubilee is a celebration of milestone anniversaries in Religious Life. And the Jubilarians get a whole year to celebrate! In our community the different regions have a jubee celebration (like Chicago and Alverno are two of my favorites) and then in June we have the big community Hoohah where we celebrate all of the jubilarians. And then sometimes the Jubee's will have their own hoohah at their ministry and/or home parishes.

Giving Voice is of course the group of young women Religious and our foundress (ha ha) is Kristin who is a Notre Dame de Namur. Kristin is a woman of incredible passion and vision for religious life. She inspires me! I was so happy to be able to be here in Boston with some of our other GV peeps to celebrate her 25 years (YES YOU READ THAT RIGHT FOLKS) of commitment to religious life.

Here she is right before her liturgy...can we say HAPPY?!!! YAY! KRISTIN WE LOVE YOU!!!

Saturday Lisa and I picked up some more Giving Voice folk from various airports and headed toward Lawrence, Massachusetts where Kristin is a teacher and campus minister at Notre Dame High School.

Lisa and I were responsible for coordinating the music for the event! Yay! Lisa is an extremely talented singer, guitarist, and drummer...I love singing with her. So Lisa and I practiced a bit and the others chatted until the Liturgy began!

Moose forgot to get in the car, so we had to leave her at home. Monkey was fortunately able to join us (and good thing too...we needed some extra guitar and percussion assistance!)

The liturgy was beautiful...simple and very Kristin. I have some video and pictures of the event (No too many because I was a signing most of the time). Here's the GV people...Maria (OSU), Katherine (SND), and Jeannie (you can't really see her) (OSU) next to her. YAY OUR GV PEOPLE!

Kristin gave the homily and it was really wonderful. It was about love and relationships (if you follow my blog, do you see a theme? Welcome to religious life people...love and relationships are at the core.) Here's an excerpt of her homily (Sorry it's sideways...don't know how to flip it.)

Here's Kristin renewing her vows (just tilt your head...it'll be just like you were there!):

Maria wrote beautiful intercessions and really touched on the spirit and needs of the world. They were powerful and inclusive. She invited everyone to share blessings and prayers for Kristin which were also lovely because you got a sense of the impact and spirit of Kristin and how she has entered into other's lives.

After the liturgy we shared a nice meal and some good conversation. And yes...Kristin is still smiling! Happy Jubilee Kristin!

After the clean-up we went to Kristin's house to hang out for a while. I ended up teaching them some Comedy Sportz games which became a theme for our conversation and meeting the next day. After a deeply profound conversation of hidden talents, Katherine (Last name is withheld to protect the innocent) decided to share with us one of her talents:

To say that we were impressed, just wouldn't do her justice. Fun and good camaraderie was had by all.

Moose and Monkey's Great Boston Adventure Part 1

2008-05-16T00:22:00.000-05:00

That's me, Moose at the computer! Ok...Let's begin the adventure:

Like sands through the hour glass....nah, that doesn't fit us. Um...

In a galaxy...far, far, away...nope doesn't work either.

(Think Law and Order) In religious life there are younger religious who gather in a special unit for those under 40. They put puppets on their fingers and go about cities in the United States...these are their stories...bum bum.

(Gotta have the "bum bum"...that totally works)

After a great night's sleep, I woke up in Boston! I'm staying at my friend Moose's convent in Newton Centre (Boston area). I'm here for a little R&R, time with my Nun Friends, Elephant's Jubilee, and a meeting. What's great is I got to sleep late and take my "perfect morning."

Now, like Katy, I'm not a morning person. (C'mon...I'm her finger puppet) So the perfect morning is this...wake up, look at the clock and say "no way lady" and roll back asleep for a while. Then decide it's time to get up. Grab some coffee and take some quiet pray time...like a retreat schedule. Ease into the morning...take your time...oooooh....I love these kinds of mornings. (or early afternoons depending upon when I begin them.)

So that's exactly what I did! There's me listening to my God music and writing in my journal. It was nice because I really could take the time to think and just be; which was GOOD. Yay!

Then it was time for our adventure! We decided that we wanted to go walk the Freedom Trail it is such a wonderful walk! The weather was good too...unfortunately it wasn't sunny, but the temperature was perfect walking weather. So we hopped on the T (or the Chaaahley) and headed downtown to the Boston Common (which eas ahh behg Pahhhk--that's my Bostonian accent spelling) where we met Paul Revere (look in the far right of the picture)! Wow...we came on a special day!

From the Common Pahhk we walked to the State House and then on to the Granary Burial Ground. Lots of famous people are buried here including Paul Revere, Sam Adams, and Mother Goose (which is actually how Maria (OSU) got her "Mother Duck" puppet). Monkey and I couldn't believe how old the graves and everything was. It was really eerie and beautiful.

There's a picture of the Burial Ground, a close up with the State House in the background and here's us at the entrance to the Burial Ground (Can you find us in the picture? Look up!)

Following the Freedom Trail we went on...until we stopped at a big statue of Ben Franklin! WOW...We tried very hard to take a picture with him. There was also an interesting sculpture of a donkey and then opposite of the donkey were two feet with elephants facing the donkey; the plaque said, "Standing in opposition" Well...we weren't too sure about those feet; I think we "accidentally" covered up the elephants when we got our picture taken..oops Moose, Monkeys and Donkeys standing together!

Off to the North End because our little tummies were hungry! The North End has the Italian Village. There is this cool sign with all arrows pointing to the different regions of Italy; of course I HAD to have my picture taken with Umbria (that's where Assisi is!), being a Franciscan Moose and all. The Italian Village looks like Italy with the narrow streets and cafes and flower boxes. We said absolutely we want pizza. So we found Ernesto's which was this little bitty cute place and MY GOSH they had wonderful PIZZA! Mmmmm....After pizza, well we had to have a Gelato; I mean c'mon...we were in Italy weren't we?

After our tummy's were full, we headed on our "Red Line" (The Freedom Trail is literally a red brick and in some spots painted red line, all through the city. You know you are on the right track when you are following the red line!

Anyway...next stop was Paul Revere's house and then on to the Old North Church...you know the historic "One if by land, two if by sea" shin-dig.

The Old North Church was really beautiful, and the congregation sits in these boxes. In the time of Paul Revere, families "owned" boxes. It was crazy to see name plates with the year 1796 on them!

Across from the church there was the ST FRANCIS GARDEN! WOO HOO! I was so excited. Monkey was excited too...she's got some Francis in her. We had a thoughtful conversation with Francis about how nice the garden was. Of course we were welcome guests...a Moose and a Monkey? Francis loved animals!

We also thought it was neat that in the Francis garden were bleeding heart flowers. Monkey is a RSCJ or Religious of the Sacred Heart of Jesus; hearts are to them as um...Taus are to us? (We'll go with that analogy!) So we had our Franciscan picture and our RSCJ picture...and really what is boils down to is being on the journey together! Yay...pals for life!

Back on the red line trail for us...Phew we're getting tired! We just have to see Boston Hahbah and you can see the bridge in the background.

One more old old old burial ground stop (they are really beautiful in a strange way), and we were on the bridge over looking the Harbor (hahbah). Then we decided to turn back...look for a T station and head on home to be with her Sisters for supper. When we got back to Newton Center, we just had to have one more photo of our T station. Wow what a great adventure we had!

We got home and enjoyed a lovely meal and conversation with Monkey's Sisters and then a nice prayer. Monkey and I were beat, so we decided to watch a movie. What a great day!

Tomorrow we're off to Salem to do the Crucible/Witch History stuff. Cool...more adventures coming soon!

....Bum Bum...

REUNITED...and it feels so good!

2008-05-14T22:05:00.001-05:00

I am proud that I used that wonderful song from the 80's as my blog title! However, I am not hosting and providing a link. :-)

Greetings from BOSTON! WOOO HOOO! It's Thursday night and I just got here. Lisa (RSCJ) and me (SSSF..duh) are just chillin' tonight. I am here in Boston for a little R and R, celebrating my good GV friend Kristin's (she's SNDdeN) jubilee, and a Giving Voice meeting.

For those of you who have been faithful One Fun Nun blog-ettes, you will remember last June I was here in Boston for the National GV conference. Thanks to Katherine Feeley (an SND), we were provided with alter-egos in the form of finger puppets. For those of you who have short-term memory loss and/or need a refresher or would like to be introduced to our alter-ego puppets please see the Giving Voice Day 1/2 post.

Here's the picture from July 2007! Moose and Monkey (Katy and Lisa) (Sheesh...I had bangs...lol)

Tomorrow Moose and Monkey are going on a Boston adventure and I'm sure Moose will want to blog all about it!

Until tomorrow...pleasant dreams! Reunited...and it feels so gooood!

PS...HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD!!! :-)

MKE Article

2008-05-10T09:37:00.003-05:00

MKE, a free weekly newspaper in Mil-town, did an article about me and it was published this week!

Amid all of the coolness there were three notably cool things about this:

1. The reporter reads my blog and that's how she heard about me.

The blog mission is WORKING! Oh yes...I have a mission for this blog (Of course I do...I'm me and I'm one of these goal-y, mission-y people.) and apparently it's successful. WOO HOO!

2. Her questions were really good and appropriate for a 20-30 something audience

Like she REALLY wanted to know about what it's like to be a Sister and how in the heck that works for someone like me. My favorite part was when she said, "My friends and I read your blog and it makes me want to join." C'mon...let's go! You know I invited her to consider the possibility! I don't know that many 20-30 somethings have come into much contact with Religious women in the grand scheme of things.

3. It's not a ME thing, it's a WE thing; I get to talk about the School Sisters and spread the news of how wonderful WE ARE.

That's what I'm most passionate about...religious life and my community. Anyone wants to sit and talk to me about that...great...I could talk all day. Why would I do this with my life? WHY WOULDN'T I? I couldn't imagine living any other way. My community? Well...yes the title of this blog is Religious Life Rocks, but underneath that is the School Sisters who really really ROCK. Giving access to people that wouldn't necessarily have come into contact with our mission and our life together is pretty neat.

Enjoy! (Click the title of this blog entry for the linkage :-) )

The Peace of God

2008-04-30T21:02:00.005-05:00

UPDATE! I DID IT! I DID IT! It's not embedded, but I found a hosting site...so just click on the link below where I give the song title and you can get the music!

________________________________________________________________
So I've been spending the last few minutes (ok like 90) trying to figure out how to add an audio clip to my blog! Grumble grumble...I can't find a hosting site that gives me a Blogger friendly HTML code. HELP...blogger world...how can I get my audio file embedded into a post? Know any good hosting sites? Know HTML well enough to help me fudge it? Jody...are you out there? You are the computer Yoda from my past.... :-)

Here's the text that goes with my song...I'll try and get the song soon!
___________________________________________________________________

Music is one of my outlets; whether I'm listening to it or singing--it's away for me to get outside of my head. I've had some pretty profound "God moments" on retreat, on my walks, or sitting in my room with saying to God "puh-lease...help me know what to do here..." and then a song will come on and it's like WOAH...hellllll-oooo. Ok..gotcha God.

I had one of those moments during Lent. I was in a icky yuck yuck space and I prayed the night before trying to find a way to understand it. The next morning on my pray-as-you-go track, this song came on and it just got inside of me. It was beautiful and the lyrics were amazing. It was everything I couldn't say or figure out at the time and I swear it was God singing to me (what a beautiful voice she had too!). I think I listened to it 100 times in the next three days. I even brought the song to my spiritual direction and played it saying, "Here...this is where I'm at and what I'm thinking and feeling." (And in the back of my mind I thought WOO HOO...I don't have to say it; I'll let her sing it...even better!)

I have a Zune mp3 player (which I love by the way) and this song came up the other day when I was praying and had the Zune set on Random.

Peace of God by David Haas

The lyrics really tapped into me. Again, it was like "Katy argues with God again...and God wins...again." I had just said, "What do I NEED to get THROUGH this? GRRRRR AHHHHH GRRRRR **growl growl**" And then this song comes on and I think....oh superb. The God of the Zune does it again.

**Sidebar story--Related to "Katy Argues with God...again"***
I had some photos taken because MKE magazine is going to do an article on me. They wanted to know where my favorite place to pray is, so I told them smack dab in the middle of Sr. Marie's Director podium square block thingy in the choir loft of our chapel. It's my absolute favorite place (well...that's a lie...my favorite place is at the ocean, but that wasn't an option and neither was the lake that day...so it's 3rd, but I still love it.) to sit and think and journal and stuff.

So I brought my journal and the photographer, (Maria Huebner)she got this hilarious shot of me talking to her friend Keith and I was joking about something with him. When she sent it to me I had to laugh...my journal is open and seriously I thought...oh great a picture of me arguing with God. How perfect. (yep...that's me! Woo hoo!) BTW...Maria rocked! She was so much fun to be with and a very super duper talented photographer.

**Side bar story---over** **Continuing original train of thought**

For me the line that seems very present to me right now is, "Stay with all that you have learned..." Seriously...my reaction was *ugh* and then *duh* and then back to *ugh* that's usually a pay attention indicator. Sheesh...I tell ya.

So, I've incorporated THIS song into my life these days. I listen to it on my way to work and coming home from work. And then I try to BREATHE (2, 3, 4...right SMAM?) and keep plugging along on this crazy journey.

May the peace of God be with you too!

Spring....New Life...

2008-04-20T23:12:00.000-05:00

Does anyone remember that SNL "commercial sketch" Deep Thoughts, By Jack Handy? I loved those! So I thought to kick off this post with a new series: And now Random Thoughts by Sister Katy: (Press the play button on the video screen below)

So yeah, I thought I'd open with some verbal reflections (plus it's playing with my camera). Actually...this is kinda cool. I set up my camera on the bench in our Mama Casa garden and propped it up with my cell phone. And just started talking...one take, nothing fancy schmancy (I did make sure that you could see me and not my forehead or adam's apple or something like that).

Embrace the randomness...and the extroversion--thought pop; mouth speak. What do you think? Should the Fun Nun continue the video series of Random Thoughts? Or should I stick to the written communication? Feedback appreciated... :-)

Personally, my favorite part of the video is that the first thing you hear are the birds chirping...I was aware that there were many birds talking while I was in the garden. Way cool.

Ok some pictures and reflection are what I promised and that is what you shall have!

This triptych is of the buds on the tree that is in our back yard. My bedroom window looks out at this tree. I used to have my prayer corner so that I could look out the window. I love seeing the transformation of trees through the seasons. This tree seems to take her merry little time budding every year, but is very nice when she's all green. We get visits by lots of birds to our little backyard tree and Sr. Phyllis is always aware that there is some bird food for them. I love trees.

A little context setting for this reflection...Before I became an affiliate (see Nunspeak); we had to write an autobiography. I chose to do a creative, visual interpretation of this assignment and created a scrapbook of sorts which took my 23 years of life and related different components to the seasons. The seasons and changing of seasons is a strong metaphor for my life as well as an important part of God's creation that I appreciate. I love living in a part of our country where I get to experience all of the seasons. I always LOVE the season that is beginning and am ready when we change. If I had to pick a favorite...it would be autumn, but I really do love all of them.

For each season/section of my autobiographical account, I began with a quotation and an introduction to what that season describes for me in my life. For winter I used the following quote by Ruth Stout:

"There is a privacy about it [winter] in which no other season gives
you...In spring, summer, and fall people sort of have an open season on each
other; only in the winter, in the country, can you have longer, quiet stretches
when you can savor belonging to yourself."

I wrote the following introduction to my "winter times" (As I reread this...I think...woah...these things are still very true to me):

"Winter is a season of solitude, hibernation, and dormancy. There is a
beauty in the simplicity of nature during the winter; however, days are shorter
and we are deprived of sunlight and warmth which is wearing on those of us who
long for sunlight. For me, winter represents the hard, depressing, and more
negative experiences in my life. As extroverted as I am, my introverted side
shows its face in times of trouble. As the quote states, "...when you can savor
belonging to yourself...," I savor in the hibernation of my "winters." Winter as
season and metaphor provides the necessary balance to the cycle of nature and
life. Winter flows out of the season of transition and has the season of growth
to follow. But as in nature, we have to pass through the winters, whether they
may be long or short, to get to the springtime."

Here in Milwaukee, we made the record books for the 2nd snowiest winter in history. Ironically, it was also the year that I decided to work 45 miles away from my home! I LOVE snow...and I usually am so disappointed that we don't have snowy winters...this winter was a bit over the top. It was Good Friday...our 15 inch blizzard that I said, "enough is enough"...I'm ready for spring.

It has been a long winter for other reasons too...Lent was very difficult for me this year; although I found solace in some of the readings and Lenten music that I haven't experienced before this year. Holy Week was very challenging...and then Easter came, but I wasn't really in the Resurrectiony/Alleluia mood.

I just wanted the sunshine and the trees to start budding and the flowers to start blooming. The warm weather...come on...it just couldn't come fast enough. I did spend my winter hibernating on many levels and although in my reflection of 5 years ago, I used the word "savor"...I don't know that is how I'd describe this winter. And it's also interesting that I remember "belonging to myself" really spoke to me then and now...I have shifted. It's that whole moving from Independence to interdependence thingy that we talk about in this life.

Anyhey-so today...the sun was out and it was 65 degrees. I peeled potatoes outside listening to my Zune (ABBA is great potato peeling music!) and then decided to go on a little prayer walk. Coming out of my own "winter", I wanted to reflect on the signs of New Life.

I was thinking about the resilience of trees and bulb-type flowers (Um..side note...I appreciate very much nature and plants and things...I do not grow them and know very little about them). They make it through these harsh conditions and they always come back every spring. And it's so cool to see...poof...one day there's little green thingys shooting out...a couple days later they are budding...and finally gorgeous, cheerful flowerage. I love it!

I guess we too show resilience in our winter times...I have to remember that there is a spring coming...and NEW LIFE surrounds us.

I love the sounds of spring too. The birds are great, but it's also great to hear kiddos playing outside, families having parties, etc. I caught two of our sisters outside walking too! I think there is such an appreciation to be outside after being all cooped up.

The thing that I think I reflected on the most were these different, tightly protected buds. They already risked coming out of the ground, ready too bloom--where anything could happened! And yet...they aren't quite ready to show their fullest potential I guess. They are so well protected and yet there is a beauty to them in this state too. Of course there is the anticipation of their blooming that is exciting too.

In the midst of all of this happy new life thoughts I started having this whole "What if Litany"...like... What if the flowers worried about blooming? (I know I'm a total weirdo dork, but I embrace it!) Or what if they decided that they'd be better off not blooming? What if it wasn't worth it to come up at all? Of if they have been too weathered that they won't be as beautiful or if they decided not to come back up from the ground at all? Or that they took the risk to come up again and then get lopped off by some crazy lawn mower or had your head bitten off by some squirrel--OUCH! Ok...you see where my thoughts were today! A little too "down" for my taste...reframing here we come...but nevertheless I was thinking about these things.

I was so appreciative of this time too. It was really relaxing and revitalizing. I know God was speaking many messages to me and for that I was grateful too. I also know that another thing Wisconsin weather teaches us that winter may rear its ugly face another time...but spring and summer will follow; hold on...it'll come.That's the bottom line and sometimes I wondered if "spring" was going to come. I wondered where my place was and what new life (if any) was in store for me. I worried that there was more wintering to come and thought...I can't handle another 15 inches of snow; or negative temperatures; or multiple days without sunshine! And yet today...I was just very aware of God's messages to me. NEW LIFE is all around and even out of the most difficult, record breaking winters--Spring comes. A chance to start over I guess.

Not to mention...in my Random Thoughts video...the whole "already bloomed" flowers by Mother Alfons and the whole community thoughts. I guess (and this is an unintentional bad pun) but the community reflections usually have a grounding effect on me. (ba dum dun) It often brings me back to why I do what I do in the first place. That's good...YEAH!

UGH...well at any rate lots to think about and be thankful for. I guess my mantra is "new life is around me...there is possibility for new life...I can bring new life...new life is within me..." Those last two are the ones that I struggle with right now. I guess one of my favorite words plays into this...TRUST that this winter has passed and new life will emerge and unfold in and around me this SPRING!

I hope you enjoyed the photos; my "forced Sensate prayer" was uber fun today....I love play pray time! By the way...this last picture is the greens coming up and that marble slate in the background is Mother Alfons' grave. The orangy flowers are the ones that were the only ones in bloom in the whole garden. Neato!

#1 Fan!!

2008-04-20T14:13:00.005-05:00

Last weekend, Sr. Jan's brother, John came to visit from California! I was particularly excited because I do believe he is Religious Life Rocks #1 fan! He reads regularly, calls Sr. Jan when I have posted in a while to see "what's up", gives me positive feedback, AND thinks that my blog should be a formation requirement for anyone entering religious life (cool...that makes me proud; I love formation! I really do! :) )!

SO...to honor that I indeed have a #1 Fan...I have created the #1 fan award! The 2008 winner goes to JOHN RICE (wooo hoooo...the blogosphere crowd goes wild). To the left is John beaming at the realization that he's won this prestigious award.

We didn't make him give an "Oscaresque Speech"; that'll be for the 2009 recipient! (We work up to such things...)

And here are some pictures of his awards ceremony: