10. Wal-Mart diversity: I found myself Wal*Mart Saturday to buy jello (see #7) for Easter and the check out lady was a lovely black woman who called me babe roughly 12 times during the minute and a half we spent together. Including Pick up your card off the floor, babe (when I dropped my credit card and didn't pick it up immediately) Being in Stapleton made me realize I live in a very white world and it makes me sad. Mostly because at my grocery store dads don't ask their fussy baby girls "why you gotta be like that, girl?" which I had the pleasure of hearing there.
9. Lindsey & Jen's original Southwest Salad: Salt and pepper seasoned chicken, chopped and chilled; chopped jalapenos, corn, black beans, lettuce, spinach, tomatoes, avocado, fresh squeezed lime, a dash of olive oil and red-wine vinegar. Amazing! Give it a whirl!
8. Tenebrae: A Triduum tradition with the gradual extinguishing of candles with each recitation of psalms, Lamentations, and readings from the Divine office. When the last candle remains it is walked slowly behind the alter while everyone stomps their feet and beats their pew to signify the earthquake after Christ died upon the cross. The chapel echos with mourning and tension while the lone flame escapes from site and then returns again to placed back on the stand. The lone, flickering light is returned, the clamor ceases, and all leave in silence. It is a beautiful experience of the drama of the resurrection which the Denver seminarians hosted.
7. Jello eggs: For years my sister and I have been using the jello egg molds, we purchased circa 1998, to no avail. Every time the eggs fall apart or won't come out of the mold or don't keep their form. But this year (sadly, without photo documentation) it worked! Alleluia! An Easter miracle!! Tip: run the mold under hot water before removing the jello eggs
6. Random encounters: Walking to Aveda this weekend I intersected Bri, Nathan, and Ben on their way home from REI. (I love living so close to the city! And to them!!) They had just randomly seen Denny, Rachel, Anastasia, and Denny's sister and were pretty jazzed about it. I continued on my stroll and as I was crossing 17th saw some familiar faces- there were Denny, Rachel, and the gang! I asked if they were waiting for me, assuming Bri and Nathan told them my whereabouts. Not so. Another random encounter! Then Denny pushed me in an attempt to keep me from being late to my appointment.... It was great to see them.
5. Healing Mass: Some friends and I went to a healing Mass Tuesday and, in addition to being a beautiful encounter with God's healing, heard some great tips about prayer. I will share them: When we pray we should read scripture as little children, about 4 years old. When we are 4 we know our own limitations and we are dependent upon our parents to wipe us up when we puke or go to the bathroom in the wrong place. As a four year old we will also be in awe when the great stories of the Gospels unfold. We should ask Mary to pick us up and kiss the lies out of our heads. And we should
4. I'm little: From many people this week I've been reminded that I am just like I was when I was young and I have a littleness about me that I need to recognize and honor. Even though it is sort of an odd thing to hear outright it was freeing to be reminded of who I truly am; a simple little girl who delights in the mystery of this life and who just wants to love and be loved... nothing really more than that.
3. History lesson: Ashley's bf, Bob graciously shared stories from history with me, Diane and Ashley on Friday. We were full of questions and he was full of answers. I realized how much I love being told stories. And I realized how skewed the US view of history is.
2. New family member!! John!!! Welcome to the Catholic Church, baby! It's great to have you!
1. Easter!!!! Christ, is risen from the dead, trampling over death by death -Matt Maher. Easter has always been my favorite holiday. From my childhood I loved the minimal hype and complexity of it all. The excitement of springtime, the presence of my family members, the candy, and sand-pit volley ball at Aunt Nona and Uncle Ron's. I mean I've pretty much been destined to love this day. As I've grown, the reality of Easter has grown more vibrant and I see how it is an occasion for transformation. I mean, it really does change everything. If death has been trampled by our loving God we are FREE!! And the depth of our freedom depends on how we embrace it. May we fully accept the graces and joys our Lord desires to give us this Eastertide. 50 days of celebration, baby!
