From Kathleen's Kindle, THE ROSARY: A Book Review

I just finished reading a wonderful love story, and it's free on Kindle. It's how I spent much of the heatwave, after weeding and watering the garden in the early morning hours and cleaning the house before the temperatures spiked. And it was good reading!

The Rosary by Florence Louisa  Barclay is a Victorian love story that stands the test of time. Beautifully written and thought-out, it is indeed a page turner. Now, I am not a reader of romance novels. A Harlequin Romance title has never crossed my threshold. But this story is unique.

Barclay relates falling in love with the Rosary, how each moment can be like praying the beads, holding the beads of joy in your hands and giving away your heart. The story also invokes patience and deep abiding love. It depicts too characters of opposite demeanor learning to carefully consider the needs of the other--something we rarely read in romance novels.

I truly believe that-- in the way Barclay uncovers the love and how the two lovers, Jane and Garth, live out the callings that were implanted in their hearts and souls-- the author has left us with a remarkable and timeless primer of how to love best.

Garth declares to Jane, "You have lifted the veil, and I am entering in!"  However, Jane is overwhelmed by this surprise declaration from her lifelong friend, and she makes a decision she later struggles to undo, praying that she will not have to live with the regret for the rest of her life. Garth's condition, both physical and spiritually, will chip away at your heart, as Jane secretively brings him back to life with her selfless and thoughtful actions.

Even though the novel is Victorian, it is still very readable and enjoyable today. It just might be a great story to read with your teenage daughter.

If you don't have a Kindle, you can download a free app for your laptop, iPhone, etc. Just visit Amazon, click on the Kindle Store, and check out the sidebar on the left. Everything you need is there. Kindle has a large selection of free literature that is in the public domain--everything from cookbooks and knitting instructions to classic literature and Boy Scout campfire stories. You'll never know what you'll find. There are three more free titles from Mrs. Barclay, all novels. I hope you enjoy a little reading during these hot August days.

God bless!

A Very, Very Attractive Man

When your spouse becomes ill, it changes your life and your marriage forever. In my new column at CatholicMom.com, here's one way it has changed our lives for the better, if just a little bit.

I hope you enjoy the column. Click here.

God bless!

Nessun Dorma, "No Man Shall Sleep"

Catholic writer and fellow homeschooling mom, Susie Lloyd, posted Pavarotti's Nessun Dorma on Facebook one day, and it reminded me just how much I love this aria.

Nessun Dorma means "no man will sleep", and it's from Giacomo Puccini's opera Turandot. In 2002, I included its English lyrics in one of my collections of classical poems, which I compiled for Ballantine Books.

Of course, Pavarotti's voice makes the aria super intense, and anyone who listens to it is sure to get goose bumps. But once you know the lyrics, you just might shed a few tears as well, especially if you've ever fallen deeply in love.

Here are the lyrics:

No Man Will Sleep


No man will sleep! No man will sleep!
You, too, oh Princess,
In your virginal room,
Watch the stars
Trembling with love and hope!


But my secret lies hidden within me,
No-one shall discover my name!
Oh no, I will reveal it only on your lips
When daylight shines forth!
And my kiss shall break
The silence that makes you mine!

Depart, on night! Set, you stars!
Set, you stars! At dawn I shall win!
I shall win! I shall win!

Giacomo Puccini
(1858-1924)

God bless.

St. Valentine's Day with Kids

by Kathleen Blease

(learn to make your own at  808-creative-cards.com)

These last few days I have been pondering what I can write about St. Valentine's Day that could stir the soul and make it a memorable feast. But to tell you the truth, I don't have anything grand to tell you. (I think St. Valentine's life is testimony enough!) My favorite valentine memories are quite simple, and they revolve around our kids.

When our boys were little, my husband and I tried in vain to enjoy a romantic dinner for two at a posh restaurant, only to find it expensive and empty. Then it finally dawned on us what was missing--our kids! Perhaps it was the babysitter who had the best time, drawing and crafting with the kids while we dined in quiet surrounds.

Now, every year, my husband cooks a gourmet dinner. I set the table with china, linen, silver, and crystal, and the boys fashion valentines out of construction paper and stick glue. Candles stand at the center of the table. We eat, we drink (sparkling cider for the boys), we tell the boys stories of how we met, fell in love and married, and, of course, we share those times when we were anxiously expecting the arrival of our baby boys. The food and drink are wonderful. The company is terrific. And the valentines are adorable; each year they reflect the boys' ages, artistic abilities, and, of course, their sense of humor. To top off the evening, we savor chocolate-covered strawberries.

The pile of valentines I now have is growing, and the years are certainly rolling by! Now in their teens, our children still look forward to our traditional St. Valentine's Day feast here at home.

It all seems to make sense to me. I asked a little girl last week what she plans to do for St. Valentine's Day. She looked at me a little confused and said, "Oh, no. Valentine's Day is for grown-ups, not kids." I have to disagree. St. Valentine devoted himself to marriage and family. What better time to instill in our children how much we (husband and wife) love each other with tender devotion! What better time to throw open the heavy curtains of daily life and let your children see your warm, fuzzy, googly-eyed feelings for your sweetheart! It might become a habit. And, you know, they just might like it.

Happy St. Valentine's Day! God bless.

Three Days Until St. Valentine's Day

(photo source: st-valentine-screensaver.en.softonic.com/)

"The water, air, and trees just outside the window fill the head with scent, and at last, the face in the mirror looks like the person it always wanted to be; it's gleaming, rosy, and smiling. True love simply can't be hidden. It radiates the undeniable quality of feeling alive!"

from Introduction by Kathleen Blease, from Love In Verse: Classic Poems from the Heart

Six Days Until St. Valentine's Day

Dear St. Valentine,

Pray for our hearts and minds. Pray that we are filled with the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that we may celebrate the love that has walked into our every day lives!

Amen.

(photo from www.zastavki.com/.../wallpaper-4959.htm)


"The first time two hearts connect, that is the day to mark and celebrate, for it’s the birthday of life. The first day of life as it should be!”

from Introduction by Kathleen Blease, from Love In Verse: Classic Poems of the Heart

Countdown to St. Valentine's Day!

Seven days until St. Valentine's Day is upon us! So why do we celebrate love so urgently?

Maybe because...

“The path we travel before love is found often seems to be a tangent without destination, but then love steps in front of us and our destination is made perfectly clear. The path brought us right here. Arriving at a beautiful surprise, arriving at love."

from Introduction by Kathleen Blease, from
Love In Verse: Classic Poems of the Heart

If Your Husband Isn't Catholic

by Kathleen Blease

If your husband isn’t Catholic: You have the joy of seeing someone you love understand one more piece of the Faith and be amazed by it. Enjoy!

If your husband isn’t Catholic: You are called to pray for him—and for his family. In this case, there usually isn’t anyone else to pray to Mary and ask her to intercede for them. And there is no one else who can put the saints in Heaven to work for them. You’re it. Go for it!

If your husband isn’t Catholic: You have the motive to study your Catechism with the eyes of an adult. Your 8th grade answers need more depth. Find it and love it!

If your husband isn’t Catholic: You have a babysitter when your two-year-old just can’t sit still in Mass. Enjoy your peaceful time with Christ!

If your husband isn’t Catholic: You have the opportunity to learn patience, watching Christ fill your husband a little at a time. Grace drizzles in. Pay attention!

If your husband isn’t Catholic: You have the joy of introducing him to the liturgical year. Fish on Fridays, Advent Wreaths, Holy Days and Feast Days. Make it count!

If your husband isn’t Catholic: You hold back the tears when he goes to Christmas Mass with you and the kids, sings out his lungs, prays The Our Father, and kisses you at the Sign of Peace. If you see a mom get mushy at Mass, remember why.

If your husband isn’t Catholic: You get an extra special thrill when he finds you a statue of Our Lady, Queen of Peace for your home’s entrance...or garden. Display her happily.

If your husband isn’t Catholic: You might overhear his friends and family say, “Well, she’s Catholic, you know.” Be glad they notice!

If your husband isn’t Catholic: You get a special view of love and faith and thank God for bringing your sweetheart to you. Don’t take Providence and grace for granted.

If your husband isn’t Catholic: You have to remember that…you are! Rejoice and be glad!