Sometimes when I write something heavy (ahem, Sunday’s post), I get emotionally worn out and need to follow it up with something light and fluffy. And since I neeeeever manage to do link-ups because I’m a last-minute procrastinator and can’t get my act together in time to participate, I thought I’d get all fancy and join in with Jenna’s #FiveFaves. It wasn’t until after I’d made my list that I realized 3 out of 5 favorites were Benedictine. Not sure what that means, but it seems significant?
Alright, here’s what I’m into lately:
1. The Life of Saint Benedict
We’ve been digging this picture book by Brother John McKenzie, O.S.B. from Ignatius/Magnificat. It’s just right for Benjamin (age 6), but Lucy (age 3) can follow along, too. It’s written by a Benedictine monk and illustrated by a lay oblate and it’s based on the biography of St. Benedict by Pope Saint Gregory the Great. I always think of St. Benedict as kind of a Lent-y saint, so it’s a good read for this season. I just love a good picture book about saints. I’m pretty sure my local library is starting to hate all my inter-library loan requests for obscure saints life children’s books, but c’est la vie.
2. Lady Leggings by Whole Parenting Goods
I have three pairs of leggings (grey, brown, and black) that I wear almost every day. But I am coveting these lovelies from Whole Parenting Goods because they’re just too adorable. What’s not to love? Organic, locally-sourced fabrics in gorgeous prints made by fellow Catholic mama blogger Nell. I mean, really.
3. In This House of Brede
Christy recommended this Rumer Godden novel to me and she’s never led me astray. I finished this semi-huge book in just over a week. The setting is Brede Abbey in 20th century Britain. The protagonist, Philippa Talbot is a successful business woman turned Benedictine nun. I would say more, but I could write pages and pages about how much I love it and we plan to chat about it in a future podcast, so you’ll just have to wait til then. As Kathleen Kelly says, “Read it. I know you’ll love it.”
4. Raspberry Chia Kombucha
I made Daniel try this stuff after the great sell, “Taste it…it’s soooo weird. Like…alien food, or something from Star Trek.” He was disgusted. I’m mildly obsessed. Gwen is into it, too, and cries when there’s no more “bucha.” I’m doing a modified lenten whole30 though, so it could be that I just think it tastes yummy since it’s been awhile since I had a gin and tonic.
Cute baby break. You’re welcome. I mean check out that baby bun!
5. Lent at Ephesus
Need some Lenten tunes? The Benedictines of Mary Queen of Apostles have you covered. I love everything these sweet ladies do. Advent at Ephesus, Angels and Saints at Ephesus are great albums, too, and I JUST discovered they’re releasing an Easter at Ephesus album next week. (Hooray!) They definitely help bring some peace and order in the midst of chaos at my house. It’s kind of like a tranquility button. I turn it on and suddenly the children that were doing somersaults off the couch decide to color sweetly at the kitchen table. I dig it.
What are you into lately?
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Is #1 a board book?! House of Brede is on my too-be-read list, and I’m so excited because I found one for less than a dollar at a local book sale. So excited to hear the podcast about it!!!
It’s not a board book, Michele. It’s a picture book. I’ve kind of stopped buying board books. I mean we have a lot from when Benjamin was a baby, but now that they’re only for Baby Gwen, it seems silly to keep investing in them since we already have plenty to pass on to future Stewart babies. You will LOVE Brede. I just know it.
Yay! Thank you for the recommendations ~ I’m always on the hunt for a good book and my oldest is 7 and starting to get interested in the saints.
I whizzed through Brede this week after one of my friends recommended it and now it’s an all-time favorite. Laughed, cried (read: sobbed), the whole nine yards. Can’t wait to hear you and Christy discuss it!
That book has been on my to-read list for a long time. Maybe I can get a hold of it before you publish(?) your podcast so I’ll be able to follow along better. 😉
One of my faves, but remember that they are Anglican nuns, which means a slightly different approach: little emphasis on the Mass and the Eucharist, for one. Still, a fantastic book.
One of my favorite non-religious-but-religious-when-you-get-right-down-to-it is also by Rumer Godden, The Kitchen Madonna.
She also wrote Black Narcissus and Five for Sorrow, Ten for Joy, all of which involve sisters and nuns. But they’re not necessary cheerful, just compelling and interesting.
Brede is Anglican nuns, Therese Z? I am completely absolutely positive they’re Catholic nuns! Am I wrong? All the uproar about the Vatican II changes, etc? Devotion to St. Therese of Lisieux? What gives you the impression they’re Anglican? I’m so curious now.
You’re right, there is a lot of Pope and VII. Now I have to go back and review my positivity. But I wouldn’t count dedication to saints as not Anglican, I don’t think the High-Church ones dumped the communion of saints. Sorry if I misspoke, whoops!
But you should still read The Kitchen Madonna.
Oh Kathleen Kelly… I wish she were real and could tell me all the books I should read. 😉
Thanks so much for the suggestions! I so appreciate hearing about new Catholic resources and other fun things to add into my life. I love your blog. Thanks for sharing!
I’m also super into Kombucha lately. The Gingerade flavor is my fave. I’m even try to grow a SCOBY and make my own, which has my hubs and four kids rather weirded out. The jury is still out on whether my experiment is working. 🙂
The cover of The Life of St. Benedict reminds me of a favorite children’s book of ours, The Monk Who Grew Prayer by Claire Brandeburg. Here is a synopsis… A monk prays deep in the forest. It looks like he is just doing simple, ordinary tasks, such as chopping wood & tending to his garden. But as he works he is really growing prayer. The monk prays continually throughout the day & night, & as the seasons pass, he becomes a holy man. This delightful, beautifully illustrated book teaches children that no matter what they are doing, or what hour of the day it is, they too, can pray.
For our Lenten listening, we can’t enough of the various versions of this beautiful & ancient song, Agni Parthene (O, Pure Virgin).
Oooh, In this House of Brede is on my to-read list. Glad to hear you liked it. 🙂
I love Rumer Godden and our library system is not generous with her works. I’d forgotten about Brede and must hunt it down.
Can you believe I’ve never tried kombucha? I think the scoby freaks me out. Tell me to calm down about it. Maybe I will try this raspberry stuff…
And thank you for linking up 🙂 xxoo
Should “Benedicine” be pronounced to rhyme with “medicine”?
Not sure! Twas a typo. Thanks so much for bringing it to my attention. Very helpful! 🙂
Oh Kathleen Kelly. I heard her voice saying it as I read it. =)
Thanks for that lovely Etsy shop – I LOVE her knitting. What a gorgeous shop to browse and now I have a new blog to read.
I also can’t fathom Gwen’s hair. Annie only had her first haircut before the holidays lol There’s no way I could do any styling with it!!
Homemade kombucha, Haley, you have to try it! It is the easiest, and weirdest science experience you will do. My kids absolutely love it, and it is a good alternative to pop (soda, whatever) since it can get fizzy. I find it very easy to try new flavors (I use the flavored black teas from Celestial Seasons).
“In This House of Brede” is my second next book I am going to read.