Happy Mother's Day!

I spent a pleasant chunk of Mother's Day with my mom, my sister and Joanna. We decided not to brave the crowds, so we went to Harris Teeter and got sushi. We ate around a card table, since my mom sold her dining room table in preparation for her move to San Antonio.

She is moving down there to shack up with her boyfriend. Parents these days! No moral compass!

Anyway, I borrowed a cargo van from work to bring home some chairs and end tables and such. I didn't think I was taking that much, but right now it looks like I just moved in. I will be getting rid of stuff to make room for better stuff.

Two things I brought home are treasures. One is the rocking chair my great-great-grandfather made. My great-grandmother was rocked in it, my grandmother was rocked in it, my mother was rocked in it, I was rocked in it, and Josh was rocked in it.

I remember sitting in that rocking chair for hours reading books that were way above my grade level. The Rime of the Ancient Mariner and Walt Whitman's O Captain! My Captain! stand out as favorites.

I was an odd child.

The other treasure is Frank.



St. Francis to those of you less aquainted. I have a special affinity for St. Francis, as some of you may know. This particular representation of him has always touched me. It is a primitive wooden sculpture my mom and Bill had, and he just always represented what I love most about St. Francis and all he taught about unconditional love and humility.

I find the face of this particular statue very moving. I can see the love and compassion for all living things in this carving. It is one reason why I love it.



The other reason I love the statue are the feet. The beautiful, sandalled feet.



Our feet are where we are grounded to the earth. St. Francis is the patron saint of animals. He was the original ecologist. Frank was a shaman. No question about it.

Canticle of Brother Sun and Sister Moon of St. Francis of Assisi

Most High, all-powerful, all-good Lord, All praise is Yours, all glory, all honour and all blessings.

To you alone, Most High, do they belong, and no mortal lips are worthy to pronounce Your Name.

Praised be You my Lord with all Your creatures,
especially Sir Brother Sun,
Who is the day through whom You give us light.
And he is beautiful and radiant with great splendour,
Of You Most High, he bears the likeness.

Praised be You, my Lord, through Sister Moon and the stars,
In the heavens you have made them bright, precious and fair.

Praised be You, my Lord, through Brothers Wind and Air,
And fair and stormy, all weather's moods,
by which You cherish all that You have made.

Praised be You my Lord through Sister Water,
So useful, humble, precious and pure.

Praised be You my Lord through Brother Fire,
through whom You light the night and he is beautiful and playful and robust and strong.

Praised be You my Lord through our Sister,
Mother Earth
who sustains and governs us,
producing varied fruits with coloured flowers and herbs.
Praise be You my Lord through those who grant pardon for love of You and bear sickness and trial.

Blessed are those who endure in peace, By You Most High, they will be crowned.

Praised be You, my Lord through Sister Death,
from whom no-one living can escape. Woe to those who die in mortal sin! Blessed are they She finds doing Your Will.

No second death can do them harm. Praise and bless my Lord and give Him thanks,
And serve Him with great humility.