Keep Calm and Cloister On
Dear Ones, I greet you from Mason County Washington, where we've yet to have our first case of coronavirus, but are "epicenter adjacent" as folks who live here work in healthcare and as first responders in the Seattle area. Our schools and libraries closed yesterday until April 24th, worship services in my Episcopal diocese have been cancelled, and many offices are closing doors to the public, all in an effort to protect our most vulnerable friends and neighbors. In the midst of all this, it's hard not to feel like we're in Game of Thrones, and winter is coming, and that in our fear and panic we should hoard limited resources as we hunker down for battle. And yet, that is a damaging and depressing narrative for our lives, especially during a crisis. I'm not yet sixty but almost everyone I encounter in my daily life is, and I want to do all I can to keep them safe. As I attempt to keep calm and cloister on, I'm thankful that there's a larger more inclusive story, one in which we respond with compassion and kindness as we limit our in-person activities for the sake of others, and reach out to connect in new and virtual ways. Below you'll find some good news and creative offerings from me and others. I hope it will offer sustenance for your spirit. Feel free to share this newsletter, and to let me know of other resources of light and hope. Warmly yours, Cathy
An offering of peace:
a one minute video of this morning's high tide
and an accompanying Haiku:
For this minute — breathe
In rhythm with breaking waves
You're carried by love
Amidst the very real fear and anxiety, Abbey of the Arts is hosting a daily live webinar session from March 17 - 25 (recorded for those who can't join live) to slow ourselves down, and connect deeply with the heart, to listen for new ways of doing and being.
A Novena is an ancient mystical practice of setting aside daily time for prayer for a specific concern over nine days. We enter into this Novena during a time when we are strongly encouraged to self-isolate for the greater good. Sessions will include time in silence together, reflection on a helpful spiritual practice, short guided meditation, sharing, song, poetry, and a daily written scripture reflection.
A Novena for Times of Unraveling is a free offering. Please feel free to invite others to join in this journey. Once the Novena is complete the nine recordings will stay available to anyone.
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47 FABULOUS DAYS OF POETRY MARCH 15 - APRIL 30
April is National Poetry Month, and I was already planning to send out a poetry prompt each day in April for anyone interested. But the world could use more beauty and creativity right now, so I'm getting started tomorrow and I hope you'll join me. Send me an email and you'll receive a poetry prompt in your inbox each day. If you don't want to clutter your inbox, you can join this private Facebook group. Everyone who signs up is invited to share your poetry with one another. We'll provide only positive feedback and encouragement—no critique. Since many of us are practicing social distancing we might even have more time to write. Participate as much or little as you'd like.
A Story Instead of a Sermon
I hadn't looked at the Gospel lesson before I signed up to preach tomorrow morning, but when I saw that it was the story about Jesus and the Samaritan Woman at the Well, I remembered that years ago (turns out it was 2002) I'd written a story about her. I shared it with the congregation in Boulder Creek way back then, and now it will be mailed out to my fellow parishioners at St. David of Wales as we worship at home in the wake of church closures. Sometimes, probably almost all the time, a story is more meaningful than a sermon. You can download my story of The Woman at the Well here.
I had a memoir writing workshop scheduled next Saturday and was looking forward to leading the participants in one of my favorite exercises: using smells to spark our memories. I usually have a variety of items available to sniff before we write, but wanting to be cautious, I decided to come up with a list of smelly items rather than bring the items themselves. I cancelled the workshop, but wanted to share my "smellphabet" list of fragrant (some pleasant, some not) things. You can find the list on my blog, and I hope you'll find something there that reminds you of a time and place in your own life. If you do, take a few minutes to jot down the story (somewhere between 5 and 20). Once you've written your memory, I invite you to share it with someone. Was there someone else in your memory that'd get a kick out of reminiscing with you? Email them the story, or give them a call. You are also welcome to share your story with me via email, or post it as a comment on my blog.
A CASSEROLE FOR YOUR CLOISTERED FRIENDS
Homemade Macaroni & Cheese has been a favorite of my vegetarian daughter and the rest of our family for years, and a required dish on Thanksgiving and Christmas. I've adapted it as I've needed to eat gluten-free and light on lactose. It's endlessly flexible, easy to make, and would be a welcome meal for anyone.
Mom’s (that’s me, Cathy) Famous Mac & Cheese
1 lb noodles of choice (wheat or gluten-free) cooked, poured into a 9 x 13 casserole dish
Sauce:
2 Tbs. butter (or olive oil if you don’t have butter)
2 Tbs. flour or gluten-free substitute
1 Tbs. mustard powder
1 tsp. black or white pepper, ground
2 cups milk: cow, goat, or dairy-free alternative
4 cups grated sharp cheddar (or other firm cheese like swiss) about 1 lb.
To make the sauce: melt butter or heat oil, sprinkle in flour, stirring constantly. Sprinkle in mustard, stirring constantly. Immediately add milk, pouring 1/4 cup or so at a time, whisking constantly to make sure there are no lumps of flour. Mixture will thicken gradually, add the grated cheese, stirring constantly until melted. Stir in pepper
Pour sauce over the noodles. Sprinkle with grated cheese.
Bake at 350 for 45 minutes
Optional addition: caramelized onions (takes about 30 minutes)
Dice 1 onion, melt 3 tbs butter or use 3 tbs olive oil on high heat. Add onions, stir frequently. Cook until onions are very soft and brown, scraping the pan with a wooden spoon. Add small amounts of water and/or more butter or oil during the cooking process as needed.
Optional addition:
1-2 Cups frozen peas
Serves 6 - 8
Happy cooking XO
Meet Maggie, the newest member of our feline family. My husband, Kevin, found this affectionate, beautiful and emaciated cat inside a vacant house where we store items for our business, a place we've dubbed "Maggie's Hardware." Maggie is about 4-5 years old, weighs less than 5 pounds, and has a clean bill of health from our vet. She's enjoying her own guest room in the basement and lots of canned Friskies (the McDonald's of cat food) while we work to fatten her up. Right now, Kevin is installing a screen door at the basement stairs, so our other two cats will get glimpses and sniffs of her before they share space. We just never know what opportunities will land on our doorsteps!
Wishing you all well in body, mind, and spirit.