Making our own March Madness fun March 16, 2020By Rita Buettner Filed Under: Blog, Open Window In the midst of my nephew’s disappointment, he came up with an idea. Everyone in the family could pick two favorite fictional characters, and he would build a bracket.
It’s an Irish lullaby March 16, 2020By Rita Buettner Filed Under: Blog, Open Window There’s something about the rhythm, the soothing tones. You move from words into humming, holding the baby until he’s just tired enough that you can slip him into the crib. Then you tiptoe off to bed, fingers crossed that you can get a few hours of sleep.
Spring blossoms, old photos, baking, and everything except what’s on everyone’s minds in 7 Quick Takes March 14, 2020By Rita Buettner Filed Under: Blog, Open Window Many of us have one topic on our minds right now, but my mother challenged me to write a 7 Quick Takes post that doesn’t mention it. And I do love a challenge. So, here we go.
Missing the holy water March 8, 2020By Rita Buettner Filed Under: Blog, Open Window Dipping your fingers into holy water on your way into Mass seems like a small gesture until you can’t do it. There was no water there. I could bless myself with a waterless cross, but I missed that tangible encounter.
The deliciousness of meatless Fridays, a child’s innovation, a Shamrock shake, and signs of Lent (7 Quick Takes) March 7, 2020By Rita Buettner Filed Under: Blog, Open Window, Uncategorized I love Lenten Fridays so much that I always think I should give up something else besides meat those days.
“Are you from Iowa?” March 3, 2020By Rita Buettner Filed Under: Blog, Lent, Open Window A chance meeting with strangers added light to this Lenten journey.
A goody bag from church, charcuterie, the story of a super ball, and our Lenten prayer basket (7 Quick Takes) February 28, 2020By Rita Buettner Filed Under: Blog, Open Window Last weekend we took a day trip to Frederick, and John suggested that we stop at St. Peter’s in Libertytown, Md., for Saturday evening Mass.
A Lent lesson from Call of the Wild February 25, 2020By Rita Buettner Filed Under: Blog, Lent, Open Window As we begin our Lenten journey, we cannot know what we will experience through these 40 days. We don’t know what obstacles and opportunities life will present. But Lent can change us in positive, beautiful ways if we are open to how God is working in our lives.
Please don’t give up social media for Lent February 22, 2020By Rita Buettner Filed Under: Blog, Lent, Open Window During Lent, people are spiritually hungry. We are in the desert, and it can be a lonely and dark time—this time of repentance, this season with no alleluias. By remaining active on social media—or even approaching it more intentionally—you have the opportunity to help others see and connect with Christ in a new way.
Our Lenten prayer basket, tiramisu, The Crown, cake pops, and a surprise in the mail (7 Quick Takes) February 20, 2020By Rita Buettner Filed Under: Blog, Open Window Ash Wednesday is next week, so sometime before now and then, we will fill our Lenten prayer basket.
How to prepare for the best Lent yet February 18, 2020By Rita Buettner Filed Under: Blog, Lent, Open Window In these days before Lent begins, you—like me—might be trying to figure out what to give up or take on for the 40 days that lie ahead. I still haven’t decided, but these are some questions I am considering.
A Valentine’s Day proposal, chicken soup with rice, sending valentines, and more (7 Quick Takes) February 13, 2020By Rita Buettner Filed Under: Blog, Open Window Sixteen years ago today, John asked me to be his wife during a beautiful dinner at the Candlelight Inn in Catonsville, Md.
