What CATS Really Captured

Jellicle Cats are black and white, Jellicle Cats (as I said) are small;If it happens to be a stormy nightThey will practice a caper or two in the hall.They are resting and saving themselves to be right, For the Jellicle Moon and the Jellicle Ball.T.S. Eliot "Old Possum's book of practical cats" I’m ready to…

Is It Enough?

“What do you do?” One of the first questions asked at a dinner party, salon, social gathering, chance encounter with an old friend, etc…  “Oh, I’m  a nurse/teacher/accountant/analyst…” We often associate who people are with what they do.  “Oh, she’s into marketing. He’s a chef. Et cetera.” A variation of “I’m so busy,”  usually comes…

A Quarter Catholic

“I’m like a quarter Catholic.”  The man stated, as I poured him a glass of wine.  He was a regular at the winery and almost always wanted to discuss the Faith.   He explained that he had chosen snippets of different ideologies to form his religious foundation.  I listened intently and then responded, “Well, as you…

Let Me Be Simon

I had been in Rome for almost two months; at that point, I felt as if my whole existence had been Rome.  The sounds and smells were so familiar. The novelty of the city was starting to fade away.  The tricks to getting around had been learned, and if I close my eyes, even now, I…

Help: I Lost My Window

“So, did you cover it?”  the man eyed me with the faintest trace of pity.  “Well… I did, but you see, my trash bag fell off.” The man guffawed. Any pity was gone.  “What?! Well, that’s something you don’t hear every day.”  Wiping his eyes he added, “alright, let’s go outside; I’ll help you tape…

The Peter Pan Effect

“All children, except one, grow up…” C. S. Lewis claimed that a good children’s book is one that can be enjoyed well past a person’s  youth. The reason is because a good children’s book appropriately captures the balance between the simple and profound.  It is able to fill one’s heart with wonder, joy, and tranquility,…

Pride, Women, & Love

I think it's time we talk about three things: women, pride, and love. Recently, after a long, hot summer day, I was curled up on the couch absolutely engrossed in George Cukor’s 1939 film The Women.   Based off of the play by Clare Boothe, the story boasts of an all female cast, and scrutinizes…

We are Irreverent People

Modernity has committed one of the most egregious errors.  We have become entangled in an ideology of self-glorification, or perhaps, colloquially speaking, “you do you.” Ultimately, you know what is best for you.  If that is the case, all you need to do is act on whatever that perceived good is, and good will inevitably…