Means of Grace
Ecumenical Travels
Contortions
Sometimes you put yourself where you can focus on the blooming flower.
Photo of Vatican courtyard
Plenty
I didn’t fix my eyes on one thing.
But then, I tend to do that a lot.
Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls, Rome, Italy
Play
Play.
People talk about the lack of opportunity to play.
I think there is a lack of definitions.
Photo at St Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City, Italy
Collecting
There are shops that sell things that you always think you need. For instance, there could be a reality where I have giant head in my house.
But it is probably more profitable for me to imagine uses for this head than to collect another thing I actually could fit into my house.
Photo of shop near the Vatican
Our Lady of Accurate Translation
I spoke with an Italian in English. I felt self-centered when she asked me to slow down a little bit. I was thinking I should have been more mindful and done that anyway.
It’s easy to be overseas and “forget where you are” and think everyone speaks English. But then when you get back to work, you may be wishing you could forget where you are and be someplace else.
Snakeskin
I liked the roads in Rome that made it seem like you were being invited some place if you just keep your eyes ahead of you.
Now, I look at the picture and I keep seeing a snakeskin road and something about that seems inviting, too.
Rich Bitterness
So this is Italian hot chocolate. It is actual chocolate. It never had to become a powder through a soul sucking process.
It is rich and real. But bitter. At least to my sensibilities. I looked at the one little sugar packet and wondered if I should be real and express what my tastes wanted.
Why is it that there is not always enough sweetness to appreciate the richness of the bitter?
Means of Grace 