happy st. joseph's day!

St. Joseph is regarded as the Patron of the Catholic Church for the Church is the Holy Family extended in the course of centuries.  St. Joseph watches over children with a loving care as he guarded and cared for the Infant Savior. He protects families because he was the head of the greatest family that ever existed.  He also loves workers because even if he came from the royal house of David, he worked as a carpenter to support the Holy Family.  He protects virgins because he himself had a virginal heart, his wife was a Virgin.  He is also the patron of those who rejoice and suffer because his own heart experienced seven joys and seven sorrows.  He is even the patron of exiles since he spent seven years with Jesus and Mary in a foreign land.  He is invoked for a happy and holy death since he died in the arms of Jesus and Mary. 

  

A novena is often said to St. Joseph when someone is trying to sell a home.  This famous (and successful) ritual is said to aid in the swift sale of homes.  The procedure for this ritual is to obtain a small statue of St. Joseph (sold in most gift stores.)  Make a hole in the ground that is large enough to bury the statue vertically.  Place the statue upside down in the ground.  Face the upside down statue TOWARDS the home that is to be sold.  For nine consecutive days, pray the St. Joseph Novena.  Once the home is sold, remove the statue from the ground.  Display the statue in a place of honor in the new home.

NOVENA TO ST. JOSEPH

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. 

Come to my aid, O God, O Lord, make haste to help me. 

Almighty God, Father of mercies and giver of all good gifts,

I come before you to honor you in your saints

and ask their help in my many needs.

You promised those who ask, would receive,

those who seek, would find,

those who knock, would have doors opened.

Hear the prayers of your church, grant my requests

and pardon my sins. 

St Joseph, just and true, with a father's care

you raised the child Jesus,

and with a husband's love,

you shared your life with Mary, his mother.

I entrust myself to your care and place in your hands

this request of mine (say request)

In quiet Nazareth, long ago, the Holy Spirit spoke to your heart

and you followed God's will with wonderful faith.

In the quiet of my days, and in the hard choices I must make,

help me follow the Spirit's guidance

and believe when I cannot see.

Day 1:  Oh God, guide of those who listen and helper of those who hear your voice, speak to me, as you did to St. Joseph, and help me accomplish the things you give me to do.

Day 2:  O God, you love your people and bless the ordinary lives we quietly live. As you blessed St. Joseph, bless what I do, however hidden and simple it may be, and let all I do be done with love.

Day 3:  O God, ever faithful, you remember us always and in time reveal your blessings.  Help me trust in you,  as St. Joseph faithfully trusted, and never let me lose faith in the wonderful gifts you promised me.

Day 4:  God of families, bless the family that's mine.  Keep us safe from harm, and never let evil come between us.  Let peace remain in our hearts.

Day 5:  O God, who loves children, be kind to our children today. Give them eyes of faith for seeing far, a loving heart for welcoming life, and a place always at your side.

Day 6:  God of our heavenly home, bless our home on earth. Let the spirit of Mary and Joseph rest at our table, shape our words and actions,and bring blessing to our children.

Day 7:  God, our Father, give your fatherly spirit to those who are fathers now. Like Joseph, give them hearts of devoted love for their wives and children and strength for forgiveness and patience.

Day 8:  Give shelter, O God, to those who need it, and bring together families divided. Give us enough to eat, and decent work to earn our bread. Care for us, O God.

Day 9:  Bless all families, O Lord, especially those in need. Remembering the life of Your Son, we pray for the poor, for those who lack a good home, for those in exile. Grant them a protector like Joseph, O God.

As with most novenas, conclude each day reciting Our Father, Hail May and Glory Be.

In the 1890s - 1930s, the waves of Polish and Italian immigrants were faced with a largely Irish Roman Catholic clergy that was unsympathic to a group of peoples they considered inferior, primitive and overly superstitious.  So Poles and Italians created their own Polish and Italian churches, importing priests from the old country and creating schools that preserved the language and traditions. 

Not to be outdone by the huge celebrations of St. Patrick's Day on March 17, St. Joseph's Day, just two days later on March 19, became a chance for Poles and Italians to express their ethnic pride with the wearing of the red, a color that appears in both countries' flags, and huge feasts known as St. Joseph's Tables. 

For Poles, many parishes hold these banquets in the church hall with tables decorated in red and white, a statue or holy cards of St. Joseph, flowers and a donation bowl for the needy. 

fava bean sprout

This is a big Feast for Italians because in the Middle Ages, God, through St. Joseph's intercessions, saved the Sicilians from a very serious drought.  After Mass, a big altar is laden with food contributed by everyone such as minestrone, pasta with breadcrumbs (the breadcrumbs symbolize the sawdust that would have covered St. Joseph's floor), Sfinge di San Giuseppe (St. Joseph's cream puffs);seafood; and always fava beans, which are considered lucky because during the drought, the fava thrived while other crops failed. 

The table, which is always blessed by a priest, will be in three tiers, symbolizing the Most Holy Trinity.  The top tier will hold a statue of St. Joseph surrounded by flowers and greenery.  The other tiers might hold the food; flowers (especially lilies); candles; figurines and symbolic breads and pastries shaped like chalices, fishes, doves, baskets, St. Joseph's staff, lilies, the Sacred and Immaculate Hearts, carpentry tools; 12 fishes symbolizing the 12 Apostles; wine symbolizing the miracle at Cana; pineapple symbolizing hospitality; lemons for luck; bread and wine symbolizing the Last Supper; and pictures of the dead.  There will also be a basket in which the faithful place prayer petitions. 

The cry "Viva la tavola di San Guise!" begins the feasting and is heard throughout the day.  When the eating is done, the St Joseph's altar is mashed and three children dressed as the Holy Family will knock on three doors asking for shelter.  They will be refused at the first two, and welcomed at the third, in memory of the Holy Family's seeking of hospitality just before Christ was born.  This re-enactment is called "Tupa Tupa"  meaning "Knock Knock."

The day ends with each participant taking home a bag that might be filled with bread, fruit, pastries, cookies, a medal of St. Joseph, a Holy Card and a blessed fava bean.  Keep your lucky bean and let it remind you to pray to St. Joseph. xo

happy st. patty's day!

Everything turns green for this occasion and Mother Nature is really nudging things along sooner than later.  We have enjoyed gorgeous record-breaking weather after a mild winter in these here parts.  Everyone is smiling and good-natured, and happy to be out and about.  The jonquils and magnolias are already blooming as the robins frolock in the garden.  One can't help but smile and hold gratitude for these little blessings. 

We have much to be grateful for as the wedding of our firstborn swiftly approaches and tuxedos are being fitted, updos and airbrush appointments are secured and soon we will toast to another Mr. and Mrs. Wind.  As if that were not enough to celebrate, Dan and Darcy will enjoy living in their new digs on Bluebird within weeks and they are excitedly making preparations for the closing.  We decided to take a breather before all the hoopla and indulge in the beauty of Negril in Jamaica for a bit and visit Margaritaville and Rick's Cafe.  Steve is ardently promoting the upcoming release of the movie I Heart Shakey and tying up loose ends at school before he graduates, then finalize his living arrangements at DePaul in the fall. Some of the apartments are fabulous with fantastic views of our beloved city. Whew!  All our boys have milestones to beam about.  Soon we will have two checkmarks on our parental list. Actually, 2 1/2.  LOL.

I discovered a new-to-me recipe using Vienna corned beef for our annual St. Patrick's Day dish.  I wasn't sure how it would turn out so I made the old fashioned version as well, but to my delight, it is divine; hence, I share. 

This easy peasy recipe calls for Guinness beer and brown sugar. 
That is all!

Prep Time:  20 minutes
Cook Time:  3 hours
Serves:  4-5 people

4 lbs. whole vienna beef corned beef brisket
2 cups brown sugar
1 bottle Guinness beer

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.  Make sure corned beef is dry after you take it out of the package.  Place the brisket on a rack in an oven safe roasting pan.  Rub the brown sugar all over the brisket top and bottom ( I did this the night prior) Pour the beer into the roasting pan around the brisket, just slightly getting the sugar wet on the brisket.  Cover and place in preheated oven.  Bake for 2 hours. Add your favorite vegetables in the roasting pan.  Cover again and cook for 1 hour.  You may have to add more beer to cover the vegetables (I did not have to). Allow to rest 5 minutes before slicing. 

Delicioso!

My old fashioned recipe is even simpler, for all you need to do is cut up and boil all the ingredients in a large stockpot for 3 hours.  As info, corned beef is made from a less-tender cut of beef, therefore, it requires long, moist cooking.  Place brisket fat side-up when cooking.  "Fork tender" is a good indication of doneness.  Note that corned beef may still be pink in color after cooking.  Allow the brisket to stand for about 5 minutes after removing from the heat to make it easier to slice.  It is best sliced diagonally across the grain of the meat.  Any corned beef left over from a meal should be refrigerated promptly and used within 3 to 4 days.

I cut 2 heads of cabbage into wedges, added bay leaves, peppercorns, one bag of carrots and one bag of red potatoes and the beef brisket, then simmered in enough water to cover everything for three hours, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.  It is my preference to save the broth as cabbage soup is an excellent digestive cleanser. 

Instead of green beer, we'll have green river soda, a fond memory of days gone by.

Some of the kids in the neighborhood have been building this fort behind our house and it is so cute to watch them make their little nest.  It reminds me of our boys and how they spent many hours in the "echo." 

What is a blessing
but a rain of grace
falling generously
upon those who are in need;
And who among us is without need?
... May this day be a pathway strewn with blessings.
May your work this day be your love made visible.
May you breathe upon the wounds of those you live and work with.
May your breath be the breath of God.
May your own wounds feel the breath of God.
May you honor the flame of love that burns inside you.
May your voice this day be a voice of encouragement.
May your life be an answer to someone’s prayer.
May you own a grateful heart.
May you have enough joy to give you hope,
enough pain to make you wise.
May there be no room in your heart for hatred.
May you be free from violent thoughts.
When you look into the window of your soul
may you see the face of God.
May the lamp of your life shine kindly upon all who cross your path.
May you be a good memory in someone’s life today...xo

thanks to live, laugh, love and vienna beef recipes :)

I believe...

That just because two people argue,

it doesn’t mean they don’t love each other.

And just because they don’t argue,

 it doesn’t mean they do love each other.

I Believe…
That we don’t have to change friends if
we understand that friends change.

I Believe….
That no matter how good a friend is,

they’re going to hurt you every once in a while

and you must forgive them for that.

I Believe…
That true friendship continues to grow,

even over the longest distance.  

 Same goes for true love. 
 

  I Believe….

That you can do something in an instant

that will give you heartache for life..

I Believe…

That it’s taking me a long time

to become the person I want to be.

I Believe…

That you should always leave loved ones with loving words.
It may be the last time you see them..

I Believe…

That you can keep going
 long after you think you can’t.

I Believe…

That we are responsible for what we do,
no matter how we feel.

I Believe….

That either you control your attitude
 or it controls you.

I Believe…

That heroes are the people who do what has to be done
 when it needs to be done,
regardless of the consequences.

I Believe…

That money is a lousy way of keeping score.

I Believe…

That my best friend and I, can do anything,
 or nothing
and have the best time.

I Believe…

That sometimes the people you expect
 to kick you when you’re down,
 will be the ones to help you get back up..

I Believe…

That sometimes when I’m angry
I have the right to be angry,

but that doesn’t give me the right to be cruel.

I Believe…

That maturity has more to do with
what types of experiences you’ve had

and what you’ve learned from them
and less to do with how many birthdays you’ve celebrated.

I Believe…

That it isn’t always enough, to be forgiven by others.

Sometimes, you have to learn to forgive yourself.

I Believe…

That no matter how bad your heart is broken
the world doesn’t stop for your grief.

I Believe…

That our background and circumstances
 may have influenced who we are,

But, we are responsible for who we become.

I Believe…

That you shouldn’t be so eager to find out a secret.
 It could change your life Forever.

I Believe…

Two people can look at the exact same thing
and see something totally different.

I Believe…

That your life can be changed in a matter of hours
 by people who don’t even know you.

I Believe….

That even when you think you have no more to give,
when a friend cries out to you
– you will find the strength to help.

I Believe…

That credentials on the wall
do not make you a decent human being.

I Believe…

That the people you care about most in life
 are taken from you too soon.

I Believe…

The happiest of people don’t necessarily have the best of everything;
They just make the most of everything.

Thank you God for all the wonderful people who help us throughout our journey of life.

May Angels guard you and guide you...xo

thank you live laugh love

new journeys

As we continue our journey in the short time we have here this round, I find my heart singing by not what I am accomplishing as much as what my offspring do.  The years pass quickly and I was wise enough to absorb as much as possible and not take anything or anyone for granted.  I hope I remember more than I forget which is why I blog, I guess.  My boys can always know a little bit about me even if don't remember as they were growing up.  If it's in writing, they can always go back and reflect.  A strong sense of pride and a little relief occur when their parents witness their own journeys unfolding.  We step back a little bit each day so they can embrace their future on their own discover all life has to offer and allow them to make their choices. As adults, they discover more new terrain and sometimes it can be a little scary in the big, sometimes bad world out there.  Deep in their hearts they know we always have their backs, but it is now their time to spread those wings and take off  with whatever they themselves absorbed under our watch. 

Lady bugs are supposed to be good luck so I share this cutesy pic to wish them lots of luck in their new endeavors.  Mike enjoys the comforts of his own new family and begins a whole new journey with his own son.  His whole life is changing in ways he never knew possible and the joy a son brings is insurmountable.  Words cannot express the bliss, but now he knows how we felt with each of our own sons.  Dan resumed his relationship with Darcy and they are full speed ahead, learning from life's lessons and embracing the endless possibilities as they end their days as students and bask in the pride of their hard earned accomplishment with the college diploma opening doors to new and exciting careers.  Darcy has been granted a coveted paid internship and Dan will pursue a masters in his chosen career.  Meantime, they are having fun house hunting and so am I.  I am no stranger to this process and share what I know to decrease the daunting challenge it can be.  They have time to find the perfect nest without pressure so it is more exciting than stressful for them.  Steve is so busy these days with completing his studies at the community college and forging ahead with being accepted at DePaul in the fall.  We will take processing that goal one step at a time.  He is successfully juggling the demands of working, attending college, and special projects.   He promoted a new endeavor with his colleagues in the production of a story called Cody's Girl and they had a fundraiser to supply funds to get this accomplished.  It was enlightening to see how passionate he was about this project and he was rewarded with much support from his family and friends.  His biggest thrill is being asked to take on the task of film marketing coordinator for the new movie being distributed world wide called

You can visit the link at http://www.iheartshakey.com.  He is avidly spreading the word about this adorable movie to all so when it is released sometime around Father's Day, he can boast his role in its successful awareness.  Steve is determined and willing to do whatever it takes to get the job done and knowing him, it is a given.  This could be his portal to his own career.

I had to share this garden for here is where my heart is these days, with discovering the beauty our earth offers and appreciating the simple blessings it provides.  I learned not to sweat the small stuff  and it has brought me contentment and solace.  It takes a long time to get to this frame of mind, and maybe that's how it is supposed to be. 

These are my ultimate favorite flowers.  I love their beautiful colors, the arrangement and their femininity.  This is my goddess bouquet. 

Like the song says "we don't have to make it perfect...

oh, but maybe we could try...

love me for the woman that I am...

and I will love you.  xo

sharing the love

happy valentine's day

with love... from me...to you xo

double nickel

Another year, another page to turn in reflection of this thing called life.  Unlike the basic speed limit, my wings have less limitations and as my soul accelerates,  I share its quest for bliss. 

Travel light, live light, spread the light, be the light. ~ Yogi Bhajan

Some days I’m lost, some days I’m found. There is one thing that I have. That is my hope. That flame burning inside of me that lights up my life. I have hope for my life, for my future, for the calling I was meant to follow. I have hope tha...t the roads I travel down will lead me on a journey of love. Love for myself, for others, for life. A journey that lasts as long as I breathe. A journey of many wondrous things. I just know it. Deep down in my soul, to the secret places of my heart, that there is something I’m supposed to do with my life. Something big, something great, something really meaningful. So I walk in that Faith, in that promise of my future. I shape my present to fit into that bright and warm future. One where the dreams I have, become the reality I know. Where my words, my voice, and my heart brings hope to others. That is what I know, and even though I don’t have it all together. I have this one beautiful hope for the life I lead, and that keeps me strong. It keeps me going…

When our soul assumes its rightful place as the author of our intentions, we begin to hear its quiet voice whispering encouragement to make choices that bring happiness, health, love, meaning, and peace.... David Simon

You do not need to change other people; you can change your reaction to them. When you choose to feel good you are not dependent on other people acting in certain ways to make you feel good. Before you can attract people who will support, appreciate, and acknowledge you, you must choose to do that for yourself.... Orin

Be gentle with yourself. Be kind to yourself. You may not be perfect, but you are all you’ve got to work with. The process of becoming who you will be begins first with the total acceptance of who you are.

To Love is human. To feel Pain is human.
Yet to still Love despite the Pain is pure Angel.
Rumi i ♥

The truth is that our finest moments are most likely to occur when we are feeling deeply uncomfortable, unhappy, or unfulfilled. For it is only in such moments, propelled by our discomfort, that we are likely to step out of our ruts and start searching for different ways or truer answers....

Everything happens in its own right time, you need not force it....Osho

A man once told the Buddha, ‘I want happiness’. The Buddha said remove the ‘I’ that’s ego, now remove the ‘want’ that’s desire, now all you are left with is, "Happiness"...

Wherever you go, go with all your heart...Confucius

Believe in yourself;
Remember how truly Beautiful you are.
Adorn your Soul with Love;
And watch that Light Flow around you;
And touch the World.
Every imperfection, flaw or hurt;
... Is a tiny gem of a precious lesson of Wisdom.

Truly Beautiful things are never perfect.
They are just attuned; To the inner Glow of their uniqueness.
So listen to your instincts. Follow your Truth.
And with Humble Sacredness, acknowledge your Love;
And your self-respect and Courage.

Dance like the fragile flower;
That even blossoms in the snow and Storms;
Just be "You".
For you, yourself, are more Perfect;
Than Perfection can ever be.

I'm becoming more and more myself with time.

I guess that is what grace is.

The refinement of your soul through time.

I'm determined to create a just world...
to leave it a better place than I found it...
to reach out to those in need...
to be myself and love myself...
to respect others and live the Golden Rule...
to offer the best version of myself wherever I go...
to consider the impact on others while pursuing my dreams...
and to live lovingly. xo

priceless presents

nothing like homemade from the heart :)

thanks for filling my heart with joy



gratitude to rumi, radiant lotus, live laugh love and the most beautiful things in the world

 

made in america

My new quest is to consciously and assertively pursue purchasing items that are made in our country, the beloved U.S. of A. I firmly believe that if we commit to undoing the damaged mindset of passitivity and consumers put their money by supporting products made with our own hands, this could create substantial growth and pride that once built our nation into the most powerful country in the world. World News Tonight provides an excellent media promotion for this simple cure and I am convinced if we all unite with the same purpose we could positively make a difference. We must make every effort to make the change we all crave in our land of liberty.

 Today I made my first purchase that is made in Tennessee ~ a cast iron chicken fry pan.  This coveted item had to be made here for it depicts good old fashioned cooking in a good old fashioned tool.   

I have been researching ideas for the perfect recipe for frying chicken and they all call for a cast iron skillet.  I intended to scour Wiltons or Bed Bath and Beyond and just so happened upon this one at Walmart.  I saw the American flag tag and searched no further.

In 1896, in a tiny town along the banks of the Tennessee River, Joseph Lodge began a cast iron cookware foundry and put in place an enduring standard of quality.  The resulting privately held metal formula, precision molds, and exacting wall thickness produce the finest cast iron cookware available.  Not even the most expensive stainless or aluminum cookware can rival the even heating, retention, durability, healtfulness and value of Lodge Cast Iron.  Its legendary cooking performance keeps it on the list of kitchen essentials for great chefs and home cooks alike. 

Good Old Fashioned Fried Chicken

12" cast iron skillet

tongs

drip pan

peanut oil

rub

3 eggs

buttermilk

2 cups self-rising flour

3-4 lb. bird

Prepare the rub prior to the day of cooking.  Rub consists of seasonings you prefer and can be stored for quite awhile.  I am preparing a concoction of paprika, cayenne, garlic and onion powder, salt and pepper. 

It has been advised to use a smaller bird so the pieces cook more evenly, no more than 4 pounds.  I bought one pre-cut bird as well as a pack of chicken legs and another of breasts for variety.

After rinsing and pat drying the chicken pieces, apply rub and store in plastic baggie overnight. 

In a medium bowl, beat the egs with a 1/3 cup buttermilk.  In another bowl, combine the flour with a little seasoning such as salt and pepper or a bit of the rub.  Dip the seasoned chicken in the egg mixture, then coat well in the flour mixture.  Heat the oil to 350 degrees in the cast iron pan but do not fill the pot more than half full with peanut oil.  Fry the chicken in the oil until brown and crisp.  Dark meat takes longer than white meat.  It should take 9 - 14 minutes for dark and 8 - 10 minutes for white.

Use tongs to turn the chicken and remove from pan when finished cooking.  Keep on a drip pan to remove excessive oil. 

I hope you join me in this endeavor to make mindful choices when spending our hard-earned money ~ let's put it back in our own pockets.  Try it! xo