Dominican Retreat: The Peace, the Calm, the Quiet.

Well I don't even need the disclaimer on this one.  If this offends you, I give up!

This past weekend I was at the Dominican Retreat House in McLean, VA for a Lenten Silent Retreat.  I'm first going to explain that you don't spend the whole time on your knees praying.  There is Mass, there are conferences, and plenty of time to walk the grounds, sit in Chapel, in the library or lounge and just BE QUIET.  It's a great way to disconnect from the phone, the computer, the kids, the mail, the demands of your life outside.  TRY IT sometime.  Call me, inbox me, whatever.  I'll get you connected.  I know peeps.  (I am a promoter.)

So the retreat master was a Franciscan Friar.  He was humorous, down to earth and a great speaker.  The nun in charge, Sister Agnes, is a cute little white haired Dominican sister.  In one of the handouts was this prayer by St. Francis deSales.  It is a WONDERFUL prayer and you should copy and paste this to your notes or whatever.  It applies to some more than others but really everyone.

BE AT PEACE -

Do not look forward in fear to the changes in life.

Rather, look to them with full hope as they arise.  God, whose very own you are, will lead you safely through ALL things.

And when you cannot stand it, God will carry you in His arms.

Do not fear what may happen tomorrow.

The same everlasting Father who cares for you today will take care of you today and every day.

He will either shield you from suffering or will give you unfailing strength to bear it.

BE AT PEACE and put aside all anxious thoughts and imaginations.

AMEN.
                                                            -St. Francis deSales


Say it, pray it, believe it.  God will be sure ALL your prayers are answered.  Sometimes the answer is NO.  HE will put you where you need to be.  All things happen for a reason, and in His time, not yours.

Thanks for reading.

                   

On the "Academy Awards"....

It's been awhile since I really ranted about anything.  I'm going to skip the whole "winter weather" shit because I'm tired of it all, and am SO over this winter.

I'd love to see the Philadelphia Flower Show...  at least it would be a sight of Spring.

 Anyway, tonight are the "Oscars"... I will be DVRing it because I hate all the extra stupid crap the presenters have to go through, and the commercials.  Will probably get through the whole show in under an hour. Watch Ellen, skip all the shit till Pink performs, then pause and rewind to see what the bitches are wearing and look at the hot guys. (We DVR American Idol and get through it in less than 15 minutes and still hear all the singers.)

Now if you really follow any of these so-called "stars" or care about what any of them think or feel, or otherwise give two shits about who wins, and/or are easily offended.... STOP READING NOW.

Personally, I don't think there is a "star" left... the big, real, genuine Hollywood Stars are all gone.  (Clark Gable, Charlton Heston, Cary Grant, Vivien Leigh, Bette Davis, Richard Burton, Joan Crawford, Hedy Lamarr, Liz Taylor, John Garfield, June Allyson, Robert Mitchum, Burt Lancaster, Gene Kelly, Fred Astaire.  They were REAL Stars.)

If I really thought any of them cared, or I had anything to do with this "show"... I would have some rules.

Before the rules, I will say that I really like and admire Ellen DeGeneres.  I think she is a good person who is funny, and does a lot of good things for people.  I like her show, too.  It is a pity she will have to read the idiotic shit written by somebody's sixth grader.  

RULES:  NO exceptions unless you are one of the real Stars coming back from the dead...

1.  Refrain from heavy drinking/drug use before going to the ceremony, and at least LOOK like you want to be there.

2.  You have money, for the love of Beelzebub, go GET YOUR HAIR DID. If you're a guy, and you want to carry off the 'scruffy' look, please at least make it a clean scruffy look. You can look scruffy and still look sexy. All you gotta do is look like you took a bath. And for pete's sake, BUY A MIRROR and use it.  If you want to wear a strapless gown, maybe you should make sure you have something to hold it up with, and make sure you don't keep having to hike it UP every five seconds. If you think a deep vee-neck gown showing your boobs being flattened down is attractive, look again. It's NOT.

3.  Have the writers refrain from the cornball shit that could have been written by somebody's junior high kid.  Nobody needs to see you fake flirt with your co-presenter.  You're an ACTOR, at least act like you want to be there.  ACT a little dignified even if you aren't.

4.   Introduce presenters. Presenter, get up there, read the damn nominees without pretending YOU'RE going for the Oscar. Cameraman, pan the audience for the nominees. Presenter, announce the winner without the pregnant "American Idol" pause. We don't need it. Winner: get up, wave to everyone, go to podium, accept your award graciously, smile, wave, say Thank You and GO SIT DOWN.

5.  Try to remember that almost no one, at least I, don't give a shit who you voted for.  I don't want to hear how much you love the Obamas, Kennedys, or hate the Bushes.  I don't care if you love every politician and have slept with half of them. I don't care to hear about your views on gun control, how much you hate conservatives, immigration, the economy, the deficit, gay marriage or anything. Just say "Thank you" in less than 25 words, and GO SIT THE F**K DOWN.

This would make the Oscars so much more watchable.  Cut the shit, let the singers sing, let the presenters present.  This show, like American Idol, can be cut by a few hours if they would just let it run without all the inane badly written 'comedy'.

And there you have it... I feel much better.  And I'm sure at least some people agree.  Goodnight.

.  

On Despising Winter... a mini rant...

If you're one of these nutcases who love winter... STOP READING NOW.  I don't want to hear how not nice I am.

People are posting pictures, saying how beautiful the snow is, and how much they love it.  However, your friggin' big ass four wheel drive cannot negotiate slippery roads.  This morning, I saw a full oil tanker on York Road SLIDE.  Every time the poor driver applied the brakes, the whole tank would sway and slide.  I felt bad for him, and remembered how many sleepless nights I had knowing that Lou was out driving in it.

See?  It really doesn't have to do with the weather bunnies, barbies, bimbos, bowties and assorted fruits and nuts.  It's really not about Skeletor McSkinnyass and her kickbacks from the supermarkets.

Yeah, the snow is beautiful.  For about the first 10 minutes.  After that it's just a menace and a source of danger for anyone who has to drive or be on the road, or has to work today.  So in effect, I don't know if I hate the snow more because of the cold, or because some people think their four wheel drive cars can do anything and drive as fast as they like.  What a bunch of MORONS some of them are.  You endanger those I love, and that makes you the ENEMY.  If you know me at all, you know there is one thing you don't want to be, it's my enemy.

If you have someone you care about who MUST be on the roads today... as I did, and still do, you will understand WHY I despise winter, snow, cold, and ice.  So yeah, it's pretty.  I'm over it.  MELT.

End of mini rant for now.  I still HATE HATE HATE WINTER.  But now maybe you understand a little of the reason.  If not, and you're offended, too bad.

Black Friday: A few thoughts...

First off... if you're one of the people who insist on shopping ON Thanksgiving Day and/or are easily offended....  STOP READING NOW.

I love Thanksgiving, always have.  I think it's even nicer in some ways than Christmas.  Christmas is nice too but somewhat hyped and way too commercialized.  In fact, it is at least as hyped as a Skeletor McSkinnyass snow forecast.

Now, the stores and big corporate stuffed shirts have seen fit to hype the madness of Black Friday by morphing it into Thanksgiving, or what is quickly becoming "Thankless" Thursday.  It is disgusting to think that these stores can't stay closed for a measly 24 hours to allow employees to be with their families, or just have a nice day off.  Don't give me shit about people being offered overtime either.  I don't want to hear it.  I am the wife of a man who HAD TO work every holiday, because the food business operates every day.  And as you well know, nurses, firefighters, police are always on duty out of necessity rather than greed.  The people who patronize these greedy non-essential corporate bastard stuffed shirts are as much to blame, for without the demand it wouldn't happen.

There was not one holiday from 1980 till 2002 that my husband and I didn't have to leave a family gathering very early so he could grab a few hours sleep before having to go to work in the wee hours of the morning.  We would have given anything to have a whole holiday off.  It didn't happen till he retired.

And now I can't even fathom WHY someone would want to go shopping on Thanksgiving.  I can't fathom why someone would wait outside in the cold for 10 hours to get a "bargain" of any kind.  I can't fathom what couldn't wait till Black Friday, or be bought online.  What, you don't think you can get the same sale and free shipping if you don't look hard enough?  No, sorry, won't believe it.

This morning, first story I see was how people trampled, yes TRAMPLED each other like damn ANIMALS to get through the door first.  People were hurt.  In the past, people have DIED.  Really, is ANYTHING worth that much?  Is your kid gonna die without the latest electronic beeping pain in the ass of the toy du jour?  Are you gonna die without the latest Iphone, Ipad, Ipod, IWhatever?  I don't think so.

Now, Black Friday might be another story.  Still the same amount of materialistic insanity but at least it's a little more 'traditional' if you will.  I know people who make a day of it, and have fun with it.  Fine if that's what you think of as fun, go with it.  But for cripe's sakes, don't KILL each other doing it.

There was a time I would go to downtown Philadelphia and loved seeing the stores, Strawbridge's, Gimbels, Lits, Wanamakers all decorated.  I'd see the light show at Wanamakers, have lunch at Strawbridge's restaurant, and just walk around to get into the "spirit".  Now, downtown Philly is a shell of its former self.  Macy's is a POOR rendition of a department store, at least the one in Philly is.  The other stores are all gone.  There is nothing left for me in downtown Philly, sad to say.  The Gallery?  Yeah right, that' place is nothing but a criminals and pickpocket's heaven.  After it turned that way I started taking Black Friday OFF so I didn't even have to go anywhere near downtown.  I'm glad my memories of the past are good.

I sincerely hope I'm wrong about Thanksgiving morphing into Thankless Thursday, and just another day of trampling each other for shit you don't need.

OK rant over, at least till Skeletor's next "snow event" and the rest of the weather bunnies, bow tie weenie boys or weathergeeks go all apeshit over a few snow flurries.  PFFFFFTT.

Today's Gospel... 10-27-13... one of my very Favorites...

Today's Gospel, according to Luke.

Jesus addressed this parable to those who were convinced of their own righteousness and despised everyone else.

Two people went up to the temple area to pray; one was a Pharisee and the other was a publican (tax collector).  The Pharisee took up his position and spoke this prayer to himself, "O God, I thank you that I am not like the rest of men, greedy, dishonest, adulterous, or even like this publican.  I fast twice a week, and I pay tithes on my whole income."

But the publican stood off at a distance and would not even raise his eyes to heaven but beat his breast and prayed, "O God, be merciful to me, a sinner."

Amen I say to you, the latter went home justified, not the former.  For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted."

The reason I posted this today... well, all week I've seen opinions, discertations and judgments of those who think differently than we think, about abortion, health care, politics.  I myself am guilty of this.  I'm sure I'm not alone.  But if you interpret a law, a sentence, or the Bible differently, it doesn't mean you're always right and the other person is wrong.   Not our job to judge since we are not God.

It is my hope that every one of us can take something from this reading, whether you put yourself in the eyes of the Pharisee who thinks they're better than anyone else, or the tax collector who was the picture of humility.  We have all been guilty of the first, and hopefully can examine ourselves enough to take the role of the publican...

This has always been one of my favorite Gospel readings... among others, the Prodigal Son, the Centurion's Servant, and on very top of the list, the appearance of Jesus to (doubting) St. Thomas the Apostle.  That's because I'm one of the world's biggest cynics and hardest sells.  If you don't recall these Gospels or are unfamiliar, just Google them.  It might prompt you to read a little Gospel.

It may not help... but it sure as hell can't hurt.  

On another note...  this week our family lost two members, both young and quite suddenly.  Their families won't come out of the shock of the loss for a long time.  That's another lesson... don't put stuff off.   Make sure your family and friends know you love them.  SAY it, MEAN it, SHOW it.

I know this is pretty uncharacteristic of one of my posts since there is no warning about being offended.  If you're offended by the Gospel... I just don't know what to say.

Have a good day... Do something kind.  Pay someone's tab.  Make someone smile.  

Reprint of the "red equal sign" Mini Rant, (with a few changes)

Mini rant for the day:  Before you read further, remember the name of this blog:  NOT SUGAR COATED.  If you are easily offended, STOP READING NOW.  Be warned.  This is a very close reprint of a mini rant posted a few months ago when everyone starting putting red 'equal' signs as their profile picture on facebook.

I'm noticing that there are lots of same sex marriages and such taking place in NJ and other states.  Whatever...  Blah blah blahhhhhhhh.  Here's how I feel.

If you are gay... fine.  I really don't care.  If you are straight, I really don't care.
If you want to marry... fine.  I really don't care.  If you don't, I still don't care.
If you want to marry your pet goat... fine.  I really don't care.  If you don't, I really don't care.
If you want to be happy with whoever... fine.  I really don't care.  If you want to be miserable, I don't care.
If you like broccoli... fine, eat it till you drop.  I really don't care.  If you don't... I don't care.
If you think marriage should be between a MAN and a WOMAN,  fine.  I really don't care.  If you think otherwise, that's your right, too.  And I will not judge you, it's not my job.

If you are some self righteous, judgemental person and want to interpret the Bible and say gays are all bad people and are going to hell, you're perfectly free to think that, but YOU aren't the ultimate Judge.  That's not our job.   It's not our job to say ANYONE goes to heaven or hell, including Hitler.  Who are YOU to say where he is???

If I used birth control and you think I'm going to hell, well, you don't know me, and still don't have the right to judge me any more than I have a right to judge you.

I don't believe that politicians should be involved if you want to marry your girlfriend, boyfriend, or your pet goat, pet lizard, or your neighbor's llama.   Elected so-called 'officials' should have a whole lot of more important shit to worry about, especially after acting like five year-olds this past month.  And also...

If you are kissing in public and are straight... I don't want to see it.  YUCK, EW, GROSS.
If you are kissing in public and you're gay.....I don't want to see it.  YUCK, EW, GROSS.
If you treat me badly and you're straight, I will not respect you.  If you treat me badly and you're gay, I will not respect you.
If you mistreat or hurt someone I love and you're straight, you might as well be dead.  If you mistreat or hurt someone I love and you're gay, you might as well be dead.

Noticing a trend here?  You're already all equal in my book.

If you love this blog... fine.  I really don't care.  If you don't, I still don't care.  Find a cereal box or something.

One Nation, Under GOD.

Since my laptop fried because of some software to register a new Garmin GPS, this rant is brought to you from my husband's desktop, which I have temporarily hijacked.  Subliminal message:  Don't buy a Garmin and try to download their software.  It may fry your hard drive as it did mine.

As always I will start this post with my normal statement:  If you are easily offended, stop reading NOW.  Go find a cereal box or something.

This morning on the news I heard that some idiots from Massachusetts, who are athiests, are trying to strike "Under God" from the Pledge of Allegiance.  They are feeling "disenfranchised" and "excluded" by having their children forced to say the Pledge every day.  Wah.  This rant is aimed at them, even though they probably won't ever read this blog, and maybe can't because it don't have enough pictures.

Well, MORONS, if you like Freedom of Speech for yourselves, and you are in this country enjoying that freedom, please have an intelligent thought, and know that those who want to say "under God" have EVERY right to do so.  If you don't like what is said, don't say it.  But don't think you idiots can stop everyone else from saying it because.... yeah, there's that cumbersome Freedom of Speech thing again.  Another case of the minority trying to make the rules for everyone. And another case of the double standard "freedom of speech for me, but not for you if you don't agree".  No, dipshit, it shouldn't work that way.  This country isn't a dictatorship, and thousands of people died to make sure of it.  Because of those souls, and those who survived, we aren't speaking German or Japanese.  To simplify that for your weak intellect, if you don't want to say it, don't say it, and if you want to say it, say it.  

I bet you don't mind that In GOD We Trust is on all the MONEY you want, and need, and spend.  Do you burn every piece of currency that comes into your house because GOD is on it?  I think not.

I say this... if you are so damn convinced that there is no God, you'd better be damn hopeful that you're right because someday you're going to die, and if He exists... well, hope you're wearing the asbestos drawers because you just might need them.  I'm not judging, just throwing that out there.

And there you have it.  Rant over (for now).