I alluded to the fact of not quite explaining our move to the Gulf coast recently, yet I’ve posted picture after picture of some of the amazing views of our new life in Mobile. There’s a story, of course, and it kind of begins with my book, My Badass Book of Saints, which features St. Rose of Lima in one of the chapters, and ends with building a dream cottage on the water.
Or maybe, that’s where the story begins.
We’ve settled into a life of retirement, and although I always promised myself that when I retired I would sleep until noon, it’s impossible to sleep past 6:00 AM around here. First of all, the sun finds my eyes at just about 5:55 AM. It wakes me enough to clamp a pillow over my face, but I’m lucid enough to hear the Angelus bells ring at the little church nearby, so I’m out of luck. Or in luck. Or actually, blessed to be called to prayer. Ain’t no going back to sleep after that.
It’s a tough life. I highly recommend it.
The church is named St. Rose of Lima, and were it not for St. Rose, I’d still be teaching college, and we’d still be telling Otis to quit chasing squirrels. It happens that while on a weekend getaway to the area, we were looking for a church and picked St. Rose because, well, I’d just finished writing about her. My husband was looking for a church and when he saw the name he thought he’d surprise me.
Boy, did he surprise me. It turns out, there was a for sale sign in the area, and before we knew it, we were moving into this house he built in a year. There’s more, but I’m kind of holding onto that for a while.
In the meantime, I’m writing books instead of teaching college. And Otis? Well he gave up squirrels. Now he’s chasing pelicans.
We are so happy that you chose beautiful LA for your retirement. Your book has been an inspiration for all who read it. The St. Rose community welcomes you and John to our little piece of heaven on earth.
Thank you!
Hello maria, congratulations on the move, Alabama isn’t,
don’t worry we will find you some where in the USA. We will be there 2018 for Daniels wedding in NY. maybe you can come up. let you know our love always Leonie
Hello maria, congratulations on the move, Alabama isn’t, it.
don’t worry we will find you some where in the USA. We will be there 2018 for Daniels wedding in NY. maybe you can come up. let you know ,our love always Leonie .
Angelus bells ringing! What a lovely sound even if it’s at 6am. ?
Its funny because today is my moms saints day, St. Rosa de Lima. She said she wanted to know more about her, so I told her to go to your wonderful book and read that chapter. I remember the beautiful story you told me of how you came upon this church. How amazing a story it is! It was truly meant to be in your path. You can’t ask for a better backdrop, the Gulf, the community, the church and its inspiration, in your new retirement phase of life. May the creativity continue to guide you.
Love always,
Yuyi
I was wondering how you made it to our neck of the woods. I was an avid listener to the catholic weekend and bought several copies of your book, “My badass book of saints”. Welcome to south alabama and congratulations on retirement:)
Thanks Barb! I’m so happy here — peaceful and inviting!