Author: Maria

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Featured Saint: Joan of Arc

Saint Joan of ArcOn this day, July 7th in 1456, Saint Joan of Arc’s conviction for heresy was reversed in a hearing that became known as the “nullification trial.”

Many of us grew up hearing the story of this brave young woman who heeded voices from saints urging her to fight for the crown of France.  She proved to be a formidable opponent, demonstrating courage as well as influence in military maneuvers against the English during the Hundred Years War.

Joan’s victory at the siege of Orléans led to the coronation of French king, Charles VII, and ultimately to French victory in the war.

Unable to quell Joan’s popularity, English sympathizers, including Bishop Pierre Cauchon of Beauvais, had her arrested on charges that included heresy —  she was ultimately found guilty of posing as a man due to her military dress. Joan signed what amounted to a confession although she couldn’t read what she signed, and was subsequently burned at the stake.

She maintained until the very end that she heard voices from God directing her.

Saint Joan of Arc died a martyr, and continues to be a model of courage and conviction today.

 

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4 down, 21 to go

The Book Challenge Returns

 

I’ve actually read about 8 or 9 more books since I last posted this series in February, but time got away from me, and other lame excuses. If you’ll bear with me, I’ll try to catch up on the books I’ve read (and keep reading on my goal to finish 25 books this year that aren’t related to my work).

I explain the personal challenge here, but in a nutshell, I’ve challenged myself to read a variety of books this year, and post my reviews. So here goes with book #4.

 

Madeline L’Engle {Herself}

compiled by Carole F. Chase

 

Madeline L'EngleI loved this book. It’s a collection of snippets from Madeline L’Engle’s workshops and advice to writers. I didn’t read it in one sitting. Instead, I endeavored to read one passage at a time and reflect on her advice. It was too good, though, and I’d find that I had read 5 or 6 entries before realizing that my intent was to savor the book. Silly me. It’s just so rich, and speaks so very perfectly to my writer’s heart.

She offers the following advice about getting started, and I find I suffer from the same experience:

The hardest part is the first three sentences. Sitting down with pen and paper and just getting those first three sentences out. I sometimes have to write my way into something knowing that that first paragraph is just preliminary, but I have to write myself in. It’s like being in a cold lake and sometimes you have to go in toe by toe. Some of you can plunge in, but not always; you have to write your way into it. And then you’re swimming.

 

 

 

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Anniversaries, Memories, and Love

popA year ago today my father passed away after a long battle with cancer.

Fucking cancer.

Beautiful things have happened since then. Things he’s missed from our perspective — but I trust he’s seen from a better angle. Milestones and victories. Adventures and daring deeds. More often than not, simply the daily grind.

I remember him in this dug up post from 2013 — a musical message from him, and my response.

I miss him, but I encounter him in every corner of my life, especially if there’s music. Especially if there’s percussion. Where there’s a beat, a heartbeat, there he is.

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