The weekly “little of this, little of that” feature here at Like Mother, Like Daughter!
Connoisseurs of {bits & pieces} will have noticed that my contributions have been dwindling lately.
I have had to admit this fact to myself, as well.
Anyone else feeling the ramp-up from two kids to three? Phew. It's been a full summer (oldest one turned 4) and we're looking at a full fall as well. As 1 out of every 6 people in the grocery store (or other public place in which I'm juggling) likes to remind me, “I have my hands full.”
Yes, full of blessings! (A helpful response I learned from my friend Valerie.)
[Pause to appreciate the cool, funky pear from Habibti's pear tree!]
And of course there is down time, and we all can make time for the things we love. And I do love to get on here to contribute and I've loved doing {b&p}. But the truth is that this feature, which was originally my idea, has gotten to be a bit too much, on top of the other things I'm finding time for (over at daedalshop). The links haven't been originating from my reading for quite some time now! I have time for books right now (while nursing) but not for online articles, it seems.
[Pause to appreciate the pretty things I won by rummaging through my neighbor's recycling. Casually took a break in my rummaging to talk about traffic issues with a candidate for local politics as he was going door-to-door… then recommenced rummaging. I'm classy like that.]
[Pause to appreciate the buttermilk chocolate cake I made for Finnabee's aforementioned birthday at the height of berry season. I made a ganache with sour cream – because I had no heavy cream – and absolutely loved it with this cake!]
All of which is to say that I will no longer be keeping up the routine pretending to keep up the routine of {bits & pieces}. Instead, I will try to check in every once and a while when I have a full-on post in me! Thanks for your understanding!
This week's links! (Once again, brought to you by my mom!)
On hurricanes:
- Some businesses are just better than others. H-E-B is one of those: The inside story of what it took to keep a Texas grocery chain running in the chaos of Hurricane Harvey.
- Waffle House is another. “The Federal Emergency Management Agency even measures the severity of a storm's damage by something called the Waffle House Index. When a Waffle House restaurant shuts down, it's really bad.”
- Okay, maybe we all just want to stop thinking about the hurricane(s), but one more: Walker Percy's theory of Hurricanes. (The Chief and I really like his work, especially this one, which remains true and kind of prophetic: Lost in the Cosmos.)
Longer reads:
- A readable explanation of subsidiarity, the principle in Catholic social teaching that orders justice. It's a bit tricky to explain; I thought Stephen M. Krason did a good job here. His conclusions might be a bit shocking if all you ever hear is a secular, government-oriented way of thinking.
- Cardinal Sarah's address to Fifth Roman Colloquium on Summorum Pontificum: “‘Forgetting about God is the most imminent danger of our age', Cardinal Ratzinger warned…'As against this, the liturgy should be setting up a sign of God’s presence,' the Cardinal continued. There can be no doubt that the tangible sacrality of the usus antiquior of the Roman rite serves do this very well today, most particularly in its sung and solemn celebration. Additionally, its disciplined silent sacrality also serves to remind us that in every liturgical celebration of whatever use ‘the primacy of God should be kept in view first and foremost.'”
Archeological news:
- Amazing artifacts: lost secrets of first Roman soldiers to fight the barbarians found — including swords and scabbards!
Randomly:
- The title is a bit click-bait-y — but the article recounts the unique personality of Alice Thomas Ellis.
- We have always loved Hillaire Belloc's Cautionary Tales — this article says they are inexplicably popular, and then goes on to explain.
For fun:
From the archives: Interested in learning more about the Liturgy? Don't forget that we have readings of two important works on the subject: The Spirit of the Liturgy by Romano Guardini and The Spirit of the Liturgy by Joseph Ratzinger (Pope Benedict XVI). You will be guided as you read by moi, and you will understand much better what Cardinal Sarah is getting at in the speech, above. These book clubs would make excellent reading this Fall for your St. Gregory Pocket!
Today is the feast of Sts. Cyprian and Cornelius, Martyrs. Tomorrow, the Sunday supersedes the feast of Hildegard von Bingen, Doctor of the Church, but I'm sure she'll pray for us anyway!
~We’d like to be clear that, when we direct you to a site via one of our links, we’re not necessarily endorsing the whole site, but rather just referring you to the individual post in question (unless we state otherwise).~
carlynb says
I have not even looked at the articles yet, but wanted to say “Yay! Alice Thomas Ellis!” She is one of my favorite writers.
Annie says
I always support mothers of littles doing whatever they can to make life easier. I remember going from two to three and finding it overwhelming. But it gets easier. I promise. I remember number five especially. He arrived and other than the overwhelming amount of love we had for him, we hardly noticed the addition. It was so much easier that time.
But truth be told, Saturday mornings are made so much better by the arrival of b&p. Maybe you could ask a few trusted others to help contribute the good things they find on the interwebs? God bless all of you!
Terri says
I’ll read the other articles later, but couldn’t resist clicking on the Dolly Parton one immediately. I’ve long suspected she is a genius.
Thanks again for all your efforts here, ladies. I appreciate all of your contributions here–frequent or not.
Margie says
Well, I’ll miss your voice. But can appreciate your need to step back.
Enjoy this season of life.
Melissa D says
That blue and white teapot is the best advertisement for rummaging I have ever seen!
Katie says
Oooh, my #3 is on the way in a couple of weeks. It’s a good dose of reality to see a capable, thoughtful person take a step back for a season… I appreciate your frankness! It is an encouragement to me!
Jayne says
I wish I had good neighborhood rummaging! Those are great finds. I honestly haven’t had much luck even at the yard sales around me. I’ll miss your posts, and I do love having something to read over my Saturday morning coffee. But, I understand- I work full time and only have 1 baby, and it is so hard to make time for things that aren’t necessities.
Gemma says
I love reading your thoughts Deirdre but completely understandable you need time to look after the family. God bless!
Claire says
Haha! I remember #3 being quite a ball o’ fire, and thinking “um, shouldn’t I be better at this by now?!”
You’re a wise woman, Deirdre. Different seasons, and all that . . . We’ll look forward to hearing from you whenever you do check in!
PS: What a haul!! Blue and white kitchenware: you can’t go wrong.
Serena says
Deirdre, the title of your last bits and pieces made me sad; I miss pretty, happy, funny, real every Thursday and will miss your voice on Saturdays. However, I completely agree with you!! I went from 2 to 4 all at once and am pretty sure I lost my mind a little 😜. Do check in every now and then so we know how you doing!
Love from Texas,
Serena
Andrea says
Yes! Going from 2 to 3 is the hardest. My theory is that is when the kids out number the adults for the first time. So even when hubby is around, the kids still win. Plus you have to deal with the older kids relationship- monitoring sharing, etc. And the oldest is still usually too little to really help. I remember joking to a friend, “someone is usually crying. Sometimes it’s me!” But it still is a wonderful time when you children are all little. Enjoy the loud, crazy whirlwind that is a house full a of babies. God bless!