Photo A Day: black+white

When is saw that the prompt for today's photo was "black+white," I immediately knew what I had to photograph. An old Catholic catechism that we found a while back at a thrift store. It packages Catholicism into a nice, neat box where, for every question, there is one answer. Nice and tidy. If only life were that easy. I have yet to discover a totally black and white issue.



Life is easy when you have all the answers. You never have to worry. You just do what the rules tell you to do, and you refrain from all the rest. Piece of cake. But I am full of questions and can imagine all kinds of "what ifs."

Photo A Day: looking down

Looking down --- on a house that is unbelievably huge, with several sections only slightly connected. What kind of family buys/builds a house like this? Is it one that has many, many children?  Let's say 20, and they all need their own room?  Hmmm... probably not.  Perhaps a family of individuals who don't really want to be a family, or do family things?  When I walked by this house I felt sick that someone could take up so much space and resources. But I also felt very, very sad.

Photo A Day: something you're grateful for

So many things that I'm grateful for, but for today's prompt I decided on Literacy Outreach, the program I volunteer with. In the last year and a half I have met so many wonderful folks through this program, from Martha, who's in charge of it all, to my student and her beautiful husband and children, and to all of the moms and their little ones who come to the library on Monday mornings for our Conversation Circle.  

My student is amazing. She's keeps busy with her family and church activities, caring so lovingly for her husband, sons, and daughter, and leading the music group at her church. She has the voice of an angel and plays several instruments. DH and I have unofficially adopted them all and consider ourselves Grama and Grampa!  Such fun. 

Most of the moms in the Conversation Circle are waiting for individual tutors, so while they wait they can come and  learn some new vocabulary, play some games, and practice what they already know. And their little ones get to play with other little ones,  and hear English being spoken, and -- big benefit --- see Mama learning a new language. When I mentioned to one little boy, a kindergartner, that he needed to make sure his mama practiced English as homework, he giggled and thought that was the funniest thing ever. Mama has homework! 

I am grateful for this wonderful program, through which I have met many new friends and enlarged my family!  

Bellagatta's birthday

This is Bellagatta, the newest member of our little family. We got her at the Rescue Center near us and she has been so much fun. Like any cat, she spends a fair amount of time sleeping.

We purchased several "cat toys" at the pet store but Bellagatta prefers to make her own. Like this twisty-tie. And bottle caps. 

 Today was her first birthday so we decided to have a little party. We're caring for our friend's dog, so of course he was invited. He refused to wear the party hat, but loved the sardines. Our little neighbor came over, wore a hat, and held Bella's bowl of sardines with the candle. Bellagatta, however, refused to attend. Too bad. It was a fine party.

More fun coming on Bella's blog.  Soon.  Run'way is returning!