Warming up to Spiritual Traditions

Sunday morning reading

I have been up for hours due to the whining of one hungry feline, a full bladder and the joyous noises of the young family living below.  

I sat in my morning fogginess, sipping my first cup of instant coffee, and read a few blog entries by womanly writing acquaintances. One is sharing tidbits about pancakes, mardi gras and the preparation for Lent.  Another is lamenting the approach of Valentine's day and weighing the benefits of being an older, single woman.  

As a recovering Catholic, I read the former while recalling distant memories of long, boring church services.  One could say that since publishing the novel, I am leaning towards the irreverent.  I don't wait until the start of Lent to share in a pancake feast.  That's almost a bi-weekly tradition in our home.  

Enjoying my singledom, I chuckled at the latter's musings.  Except for the vague "be my valentine" invitation from an eccentric male acquaintance, I don't expect much these days.  It's not that I've given up... it's more like I have become wary of consumerized expectations.  I also have some apprehensions due to how some people interpret love and distort a relationship into one of abusive entitlement rather than gentleness and mutual respect.     

As the jaded fog clears, I acknowledge the new moon, the worldwide and beyond celebrations of the Chinese New Year, the Year of the Snake.  I have a list of things to acquire at the store. I just need a few more tasty treats to enhance the meal and gathering of family and friends in le petit apartement.  

As I leaf through Spiritual Traditions: Essential Teachings to Transform Your Life, I appreciate and respect the similarities of world religions and belief systems.  

I value my journey, exploration and opportunities to share common goals or beliefs with others while respecting those who differ.   

What it comes down to is that anyone can choose to begin the day feeling gratitude, joy and compassion.  

Sometimes, one needs a little boost from a cup of hot coffee.

T

SharePoint, SharePint and that Irreverent Pub

At a social gathering after a professional event this past weekend, I visited an Ottawa pub for the first time.  No, this wasn't the first time I visited a pub; it was the first time I had visited a certain one called "Pub Italia".  

I was in shock and awe due to the decor.  It was colourful, eye-catching and slightly irreverent towards the Catholic church, monks and saints. Holy mother of ...! 

 

Since I was in a pub, I followed cue to order a beer as recommended by the waitress.  I felt intimidated when I saw the hefty Beer Bible.  My distress was calmed by an order of deep fried zucchini sticks which I shared with my ride.  

When I became overwhelmed with the loud chatter and joyful noise, I pulled out my trusty Canon PowerShot and took a few pictures.  One batch was taken on my way back from the ladies room.

 

The Year of the Rabbit - a novel about Fate, Family and Forgiveness contains many a reference to the Roman Catholic Church.  One of the main characters is an Italian-Canadian priest.  The other is his biological daughter.
 Got your interest? 

The pub visit was an interesting social experience yet a little too noisy for my liking.  Thanks to the guys who offered to buy the first round!

I look forward to more gatherings with SharePoint professionals but in a quieter venue. 

I also look forward to some quiet moments with family and friends over the next few weeks.  You will have to drop by again or subscribe if you want to learn about the next life adventure. 

If you're looking for something interesting to read or a thoughtful gift, drop by the domain for my pretentious novel, The Year of the Rabbit.  Thanks to the flexibility of publishing with Smashwords, I get to let you set the purchase price. 
 
T