Last Sunday was a stressful day. It was one of many.
Sometimes life travels too fast. The plate becomes full to overflowing. Carrying a load of worry and frustration can become oppressive.
Time to off load my burden … time to take out the kayak. Continue reading “Taking a moment to just … be …”
From my first CD called Teach Me to Love I present a fun and uplifting song, “Come Holy Spirit!”
Of all the songs recorded for this album, “Come Holy Spirit!” was the most fun. At the time of its recording in 2000, my husband Rich was co-leading the youth choir at our parish of St. Luke the Evangelist. Made up of teenagers (along with Rich, co-leader Sarah Connors and percussionist Joe Jaworski), the youth choir sang at the Sunday night 6:30 mass. Continue reading “Celebration in Song: “Come Holy Spirit!””
This is my latest monthly column for The Catholic Free Press.
I have now admitted in print that I am a crazy cat lady! 🙂
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While I have two cats of my own, that’s only the beginning. I also follow live kitten cams online and chat regularly with the many viewers. My main reason for visiting Facebook is to follow the lives of foster kittens after they have been adopted. Continue reading “Latest Catholic Free Press Column – Lessons learned from crazy cat people”
Celebrating second chances in song* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
“Teach Me to Love,” recorded in 2000, is one of my favorite songs for several reasons.
Mother Teresa died right around the same time that Princess Diana died. With Diana dominating the headlines, there was very little attention focused upon what had been a living saint. It was then that I sat down and wrote “Teach Me to Love” so that I could honor this woman small in stature who loomed large in her service to the poor. Continue reading “Celebrate with Song: “Teach Me to Love””
Celebrating second chances in song* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
“Teach Me to Love,” recorded in 2000, is one of my favorite songs for several reasons.
Mother Teresa died right around the same time that Princess Diana died. With Diana dominating the headlines, there was very little attention focused upon what had been a living saint. It was then that I sat down and wrote “Teach Me to Love” so that I could honor this woman small in stature who loomed large in her service to the poor.
I love “Teach Me to Love” for another reason– because my daughter Meredith, then eleven, sang on this song with me. Here she is in the recording studio:
Eight years later, Meredith and I had a chance to sing “Teach Me to Love” at our parish coffeehouse and someone captured it on video:
“Teach Me to Love” was an important song when it came to learning to sing again after losing my voice. In River of Grace I write,
“That first small step back to music was taken with my high school confirmation class. After hearing a speaker who had worked with Mother Teresa, we returned to our classrooms to discuss it. As music has a unique way of conveying a message, I wanted to present the right song to the class that would affirm what we had learned about Mother Teresa’s mission while creating an atmosphere conducive to prayer and reflection. Searching through my iPod, I came upon one of my own songs called “Teach Me to Love.” The words were perfect but the song was recorded in a way that would not produce the ambiance I desired. I paused, wondering if I still had the voice to sing it live in front of my students. Singing to them in person would create a sense of intimacy that a recording could never achieve. I decided to go for it. I loved these kids and wanted to give them the best opportunity for meaningful prayer and reflection. The result was that sweet stillness in the air followed by spontaneous applause. By overcoming fear I was able to lead my students into a sacred moment. I gave; the gift was returned, and it became a prayer.”
“Teach Me to Love” is part of the Teach Me to Love CD.
You can win a free copy of “Teach Me to Love”
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Read Susan’s blog, Louisa May Alcott is My Passion
You lose something precious, an essential part of yourself.
You grieve. And rail. You lament. And cry.
You tick down a long list of regrets, of missed (and botched) opportunities.
You think it’s all over.
Four years ago I lost my music. The singing voice disappeared. The songwriting stopped. The passion died.
Continue reading “Celebrating a second chance with singing!”
What happens when you are in one place but your head and heart are elsewhere?
How does it feel when you must pay attention to the present while your head and heart are dragging you into the future?
Does it feel like this?
Ugh. That was my week. Super busy at work and equally busy in my head. Struggling to remain in the present moment.
Are you feeling like that too?
Continue reading “When Worlds Collide! After yelling “Help!” what next do you do?”
The Sunday Readings: Deuteronomy 4: 32-34, 39-40, Psalm 33, Romans 8:14-17, Matthew 28: 16-20
Is it because the Church is perceived as an authority figure bent on depriving us of personal freedoms, especially that of choice?
Is it because it is seen as an institution that deprives rather than as a life choice that fulfills?
Ever wanted to bring the outdoors in, especially to your office?
Listening To Nature Sounds At Work Can Boost Your Mood And Productivity: Listening to the sound of crashing waves or a babbling brook isn’t just useful for helping you fall asleep — it may also help you to focus at work. Continue reading “Fun Facts Friday: Nature from an app, powerful women, movie gotta-see, circus cats and more!”
Ever wanted to bring the outdoors in, especially to your office?
Listening To Nature Sounds At Work Can Boost Your Mood And Productivity: Listening to the sound of crashing waves or a babbling brook isn’t just useful for helping you fall asleep — it may also help you to focus at work.
You can download an app for that!
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Who makes history, and why?
And who are the top ten most powerful women in the world, and why?
Check out Forbes most powerful women list
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Speaking of powerful women, anyone know who this is?
Hint: Think Alan Dershowitz in a dress …
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And yeah, I want to see this movie:
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on the kayaking front …
Lewis and Clark go Urban Kayaking
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You think cats can’t be trained to perform? Check this out:
The Amazing Acro-Cats: the touring circus that proves cats can be trained
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But no all cats are so cooperative (and I don’t blame the first one at all!)
Puyallup’s Siegfried and Roy?
Cats can turn wild when these groomers go to work
Join Susan Bailey’s Email List (special surprises just for you!)
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Be as One 