Starting to Draw Again!

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Hello friends! As some of you know, my brother Esteban over at Sketched Drawn and Painted, is an artist (and very good!). I used to draw and paint in middle school art class, but then high school and college came along and I decided I didn't have any time. Fast forward eight years, and...I've started drawing again, partly in thanks to Esteban's encouragement (he's always telling my siblings and I how anyone can draw, "just look at it in shapes") and partly because I can bring a hobby to the monastery. I wanted to begin working on my skills before my free time is limited. :) 

I wasn't planning on doing a post so unfortunately, I don't have any progress pictures. Esteban wanted me to do a guest post on his blog, so it's reposted here but you can go check out that post here.

Last October, I decided to draw St. Therese of Lisieux because she is one of my favorites and it was the month of her feast day, but...it took me five months to finish! The wimple was definitely the hardest. What's a wimple, you may ask? It's part of a religious sister's or nun's (yes, there's a difference!) habit that covers the head, neck, cheeks, and chin. It was originally worn by women in the medieval times, but now (sadly) only a select few communities of religious still wear them. 

Anyway, I think I asked Esteban about 100 times "How do I make the folds/wrinkles while still keeping it white?". His answer for every question: "Draw what you see, not what you know!". That phrase is going to be stuck in my head forever. After a few times of erasing it entirely, I was happy with the result. :) It really does make a difference when you break it up into shapes and different shades. 

About a month later, I drew St. Catherine of Siena for her feast day, but she's also one of my favorites (and a patron saint of mine...does that give my first name away?). I gifted this one to a friend who's also named after her. This one was definitely much harder to draw- closed eyelids, hands, Crown of Thorns, Rosary, flowers, and the crucifix. I'm really happy with the result though! I added my favorite quote from her: "He will provide the way and the means, such as you could never have imagined. Leave it all to Him, let go of yourself, lose yourself on the Cross, and you will find yourself entirely." 

Finally, my most recent drawing...St. John Bosco! You guessed it, he's also one of my favorites! There are so many wonderful saints for every occasion in life, so how could I just pick one favorite? ;) He was by far the hardest because I had to draw ears, folded hands, and hair. I think I prefer drawing veils over hair... my drawing vs. the reference photo.

However, I was happy with the result because someone guessed it was St. John Bosco based on the curly hair, one of the hardest parts! Also, I made some great progress comparing start to finish. I tried to draw on smaller paper and Esteban looked at it and said very nicely "It would be easier to draw him on bigger paper." He was right! Thanks, Esteban! ;) 

I just laugh at this drawing now, but I had to start somewhere! 

Next up, I'll be drawing St. Gemma Galgani because...she too is one of my favorites!

What do you think? Which drawing is your favorite? Have you ever drawn anything?

-Miss K

Rudolph, A Saint?

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Every Christmas, there is a little known saint who shares her feast day with Our Lord's Birth. That saint is St. Anastasia. Did you know there is another lesser known Christmas saint?

Everyone has heard of Rudolph, the Red Nose Reindeer. But...do you recall St. Rudolph, the Bishop of Gubbio? Chances are you haven't since there is very little known about him. 

*I was reminded today that there are only 100 days until Christmas, so I wanted to finish this post...started back in December of 2023*

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In the 1030s, a very holy bishop was born...the end! 

Just kidding! :D If you got my hint, there isn't much information about him because he lived so long ago. However, we do know that he became bishop at the very very young age of 25. He must have had a very holy life leading up to this point, right? Wrong! He actually converted to Christianity at the age of 17, after meeting St. Peter Damian. (Don't you love the saint friendships in our beautiful Communion of Saints?) 

His conversion was so radical that he not only joined St. Peter Damian's Benedictine order and became a monk, but also gave away his castle that he had inherited from his family! He also practiced some very rigorous penances, such as wearing a hair shirt; abstaining from meat, eggs, and cheese; walking barefoot; and sleeping on a wooden board without blankets. 

Because of his piety, the Church made an exception to his young age and consecrated him a bishop at only 25 years old. He continued in his severe penances and only ate food that was given to his servants. He loved caring for the poor and most vulnerable. He is often called "a miracle of unselfishness". 

To the sadness of the world, St. Rudolph lived a short life- he died on October 17, 1066. St. Peter Damien wrote that St. Rudolph was "quod in eremo didicit, in ecclesia non omisit", in English "what is learned in the hermitage, do not forget in the church". 

Feast day: October 17

Patron of: Gubbio, bishops, and preachers

Sources:

https://www.keytoumbria.com/Gubbio/Eremo_di_Fonte_Avellana.html

https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=4647

Let us be inspired by St. Rudolph's piety in all things, doing all of our work simply for the greater honor of God! 

St. Rudolph, pray for us! 

Are you familiar with St. Rudolph? 

-Miss K

Saints from A to Z: Letter C

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I've finished another post that has been in my drafts for two years! Esteban has been asking me to post some of these biographies to go along with his art, so without further ado...one of my favorite saints! He's a sort of a "twin" saint to St. Augustine, as he had a huge conversion later in life. 

Clues:

CLUE 1: My early life was hard- my mother died when I was only 12 years old and my father was often away as a solider. 

CLUE 2: St. Philip Neri was my spiritual director who encouraged me to enter the priesthood. 

CLUE 3: I was a priest in Italy, who founded the Camillians. 

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It is Saint Camillus de Lellis!

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Can a gambler become a saint? Let's look into the life of St. Camillus de Lellis because that is how his road to conversion started- with a love for gambling...

St. Camillus de Lellis was born in 1550 in modern day Italy. From a young age he endured much suffering: his mother died when he was barely a teenager and his father, being a solider, was often away at war. Eventually, Camillus himself joined the army with his father. As one can imagine, this was a horrible idea and led to much trouble, but God was watching out for him all along. 

At the age of 17, a disease on his leg gave him an incurable sore, one that would last his entire lifetime and be the source of his conversion. (Isn't it truly amazing the way God works good through evil in every instance of our lives?!) While doctors had difficulty curing his leg, Camillus never gave up and found work at a friary. There he had his conversion when a friar spoke the words "God is everything. The rest is nothing. One should save one's soul which does not die". At this point, he realized how much he had wasted his life, how much more he could do to help others grow closer to Christ. 

A few years after his great conversion, he entered the Capuchin friars, but was sent away due to his incurable sore on his leg. He tried to enter a monastery another time but was sent away, again for his leg sore. 

Finally, God blessed him with his love for the sick- he became the hospital director. Since his conversion had such an impact on his life, he began to live a life of penance and was charitable to all who encountered him. He treated each patient as though he were speaking with Christ Himself. One event led to another...

until he met St. Philip Neri, who became his spiritual director and sent him to seminary. At the age of 34, St. Camillus de Lellis was ordained to the priesthood. He founded his own order, called the Order of Clerks Regular, Ministers of the Infirm (M.I.), now known as the Camillians. He devoted himself to caring for the sick and dying out of pure charity; no one was left alone. Camillus and all of the brothers in his order took a forth vow of "service to the sick poor, including the palgue-ridden, in their corporeal and spiritual needs, even at risk to their own life, having to do this out of sincere love for God." 

In his final illness, Camillus was administering to the needs of others, despite his great pain. He had such great compassion for their physical needs, but he wanted more than anything to save their souls and bring them to Christ before death. 

Patron of: hospitals, nurses, the sick, and physicians 

Feast: July 18

Sources:

https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-camillus-de-lellis/

A Solider Surrenders by Susan Peek (I HIGHLY recommend this book! This is how St. Camillus became one of my favorite saints of all time. :) )

Let us be inspired by St. Camillus and not be discouraged by our past failings and sins, but be enlightened by the mercy of God and persevere in all things! 

 Be sure to check out Esteban's drawing of St. Camillus here. 

St. Camillus de Lellis, pray for us! 

Who is your favorite saint who was a priest? 

-Miss K

Sunshine Blogger Award

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Hello dear readers who are still here! It has been THREE years already since I last posted. Life has kept me busy, but God continues to teach me new things every day. Over the past year, I've especially learned that in all things He is good and never fails to prove His Infinite Love! I'm excited to announce that I will be entering a Benedictine monastery next month. Please keep me in your prayers as I prepare for this next step! 

My first tag has been in my drafts since 2023, so I thought I'd finish it up today. :) Thank you to Sarah @ In the Hearts of Jesus and Mary for tagging me! 

Rules: 

-Thank the blogger who nominated you in the blog post and link back to their blog. 

-Answer the 11 questions the blogger asked you. 

-Nominate 11 new blogs to receive the award and write them 11 new questions. List the rules and display the Sunshine Blogger Award logo in your post and/or on your blog. 

Sarah's questions:

1. What is your favorite time of the year? Not necessarily a season (unless that truly is your favorite) but maybe a holiday, feast day, yearly event, or liturgical season. What makes it your favorite?

I'll say it now, but I don't pick favorites...:) If I HAVE to pick one, I'd say Lent especially the Holy Triduum. Without it, we wouldn't have the glorious liturgical season of Easter. The last few years, I was blessed to attend the pre-1955 liturgies, which are absolutely glorious! I love the Holy Thursday Procession and hearing the Pange Lingua and also the Altar of Repose. It is such a glorious yet somber day as we await Our Lord's Death and Resurrection. 

2. If you could learn any musical instrument, what would you choose? 

I already play flute (and I can play a bit of saxophone) but the violin would be cool to learn. Side story: when I was a toddler, I loved watching my older siblings play violin and made everything into a toy violin, including race car tracks. When I finally got old enough to play, around five years old, I hated practicing so much and didn't notice my mom returned my violin until a month later. Haha! It's a good memory to look back on and see how much I love music now! 

3. Describe your dream sitting room/living room. (Pictures are a bonus!)

Hmm...my dream living room has always included a huge library... with my entrance to the monastery, I'll have access to the biggest library I've ever been in! I've always loved going to homes with fireplaces too. 

4. What do your daydreams usually consist of?

My daydreams right now consist of seeing my future life in the quiet monastery...waking up at 5 am, not having any free talking until 4 pm, having 12 hours of Grand Silence, offering night Holy Hours for our priests...I can't wait to embrace the silence and live with Our Lord under my roof! Here's the monastery I'll be entering: 

5. Where's your favorite spot in the world to pray and talk to God?

My favorite spot in the world to pray and talk to God is in front of the Blessed Sacrament. I love Eucharistic Adoration, especially our parish's perpetual adoration chapel!

6. What's the most recent quote you wrote down somewhere or saved on Pinterest/Instagram?

I'll share the two most recent. :) My desktop background currently has a quote and photo of now Saint Pier Giorgio Frassati: 

"When God is with us we don't have to be afraid of anything." 

I'm also working on a drawing of Saint John Bosco, who is one of my favorite saints! I added one of his quotes decoration at my farewell party. 

7. Describe a delightfully ideal Saturday afternoon for you. 

I would say a delightfully ideal Saturday afternoon would be anytime I'm exploring God's beautiful Creation with my family. I recently went on a week camping trip with some of my siblings and I am still amazed at this incredible sunset by the lake! 

8. Out of horses, giraffes, dolphins, and elephants, which one would you choose for a pet and why?

Horses! This might be the easiest question on the list because horses used to be my favorite animal and I had a childhood obsession over horses...just ask any of my siblings, they know. Without my obsession, though, I'd still pick horses because they're a good source of transportation while still having fun. 

9. What is your favorite medium of art whether you actually use it or just appreciate it? Acrylics, watercolor, pastels, charcoal, mosaics, etc...?

My favorite medium to appreciate is watercolor because it is just so versatile; while my favorite medium to actually use is graphite pencil. 

I started drawing again for the first
time since middle school...St. Therese
of Lisieux!

10. What is your favorite smell?

Incense and candles! There's nothing better than a High Mass with lots of incense. 

11. How do you come up with your blog post ideas? 

I originally started this blog to post biographies for my brother's art work but I also post about anything that comes to mind. Stay tuned for some more biographies and reflection posts! 

Thank you again, Sarah, for tagging me! 

I nominate: 

Esteban @ Sketched Drawn And Painted

Samantha @ Bookshire

Chloe @ Movies Meet Their Match

Megan @ Only Mildly Mad

Lizzie @ Starlight & Saucepans

And anyone else who would like to nominate themselves! :)

My questions: 

1. Where is your favorite place to read? 
2. If you could be the patron saint of anything, what would it be and why? 
3. Swimming pools or lakes? 
4. You have to spend an entire day in one room of your house. Which room would it be? 
5. Would you rather lose your hearing or your sight? 
6. What is a song that's always stuck in your head? 
7. Who is the most inspirational person in your life? (real or fictional)
8. What is your favorite book series? 
9. If you could learn a new language, what would it be and why? 
10. You have the option to travel back in time for a month. Would you stay in the present or choose a time period?
11. Why did you start your blog? 

I'd love to hear from you! What have been up to lately? Do you enjoy fall? 

-Miss K

Saints from A to Z: Letter A

My dear little blog has been neglected for the millionth time. I have plenty of books to share but today we're moving on to the second biography in the "Saints from A to Z" series. Maybe one of these days I'll catch up to Esteban's drawings! 

Today, we're going back to beginning with letter A. 

Clues:

Similar to the last biography, I'll give you some clues before the biography. :)

CLUE 1: I died as a virgin-martyr in the year 304. 

CLUE 2: Little is known about me, but most sources agree that I was martyred at age 12 or 13. 

CLUE 3: I am often shown with a lamb to represent my innocence. 

That third clue might have easily given it away... 

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(scroll no more) 

It is Saint Agnes of Rome!

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Similar to the lives of saints who lived long ago, much of St. Agnes' life is legend with very few facts. She was born in 291 AD to a Christian family and though her life was short, she lived it well and holy. Because her family was wealthy and she was beautiful, men often wanted her for marriage. Agnes had a wish, however. She wanted to live a pure life and often declared: "Jesus Christ is my only Spouse". 

One case involved the governor's son, Procop. He tried many times to win Agnes as his wife with rich gifts and promises, but Agnes kept her promise to the Lord: "I am already promised to the Lord of the Universe. He is more splendid than the sun and the stars, and He has said He will never leave me!" 

Procop and his father did not approve of Christianity. They tried to change her ways by making her deny God, but she never accepted. Again, they put her in chains but she became more joyous through this suffering. A third time they sent her to a sinful place, but an Angel rescued her. With no other way to make her suffer, she was condemned to death in January 304 at the age of 12 or 13. The pagans were even sad to see her dying at a young age, but she was happy to go to her only Spouse. After her death, it is believed that Christians used cloths to soak up her blood. 

Patron of: young girls, engaged couples, and chastity

Feast: January 21

Source:

https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=106

https://www.americaneedsfatima.org/articles/saint-agnes

Let us follow in St. Agnes footsteps of innocence and put our full trust in God! Be sure to check out Esteban's drawing of St. Agnes here. 

St. Agnes, pray for us! 

Who is your favorite martyr saint? 

-Miss K

A Reflection on Holy Thursday

Today marks the beginning of the Sacred Triduum, commemorating Our Lord's crucifixion, burial, and resurrection. Today is also the last Mass of the Lenten Season, making it a huge day for us Catholics. Although the liturgy is transitioning to a more somber feel, the Mass of Holy Thursday will be more joyful: not only will the priest wear white vestments, but the Gloria will be heard by all, while the bells ring one last time before Easter. After Mass, the liturgy becomes more somber. The stripping of the altar takes place to remind us of the crucifixion and death of Our Lord that is only hours away. Tomorrow, the bells will stay silent and instead, we will hear the crotalus. Before leaving the church, tonight we will "watch one hour with Me" after the Blessed Sacrament is brought to the Altar of Repose. 

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Each of the three days has a special event and today is especially special. Today IS the night of the Last Supper, the night that Our Lord gave us His Body and Blood through the Holy Eucharist and instituted the priesthood: 

"And whilst they were at supper, Jesus took bread, and blessed, and broke: and gave to his disciples, and said: Take ye, and eat. This is my body. And taking the chalice, he gave thanks, and gave to them, saying: Drink ye all of this. For this is my blood of the new testament, which shall be shed for many unto remission of sins" (Matthew 26:26-28). 

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In today's Epistle, the True Presence of Our Lord in the Eucharist is explained by St. Paul: 

"For as often as you shall eat this bread, and drink the chalice, you shall shew the death of the Lord, until he come. Therefore whosoever shall eat this bread, or drink the chalice of the Lord unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. But let a man prove himself: and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of the chalice. For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh judgement to himself, not discerning the body of the Lord. Therefore are there many infirm and weak among you, and many sleep" (1 Corinthians 11:26-30). 

He teaches that the Eucharist IS the body of Jesus, not merely a symbol. How often do we truly love the Body and Blood of Christ? He committed the greatest sacrifice ever seen for love of us! So many times we offend Him and yet He continues to love us. Tomorrow is the day that we remember all of the pain that we caused Him- it is by our sins that He suffered so much pain. Now is the time to reflect on our little sufferings that God sends us each day; how often do we complain about them? Instead, look up to the Cross and remember how much suffering He went through to show us His love. Be silent then and offer up each suffering for love of Jesus.

-Miss K

The Christmas Saint

 Merry Christmas to all of my readers! Because we're in the season of Christmas, I thought I'd introduce you to a special Christmas saint, whom I learned more about thanks to the author, Susan Peek. 

A Special Saint: 

Christians around the world know that Christmas when we celebrate the birth of Our Lord. In the Catholic Church, there are many feast days celebrated leading up to Christmas and during the Christmas Season, but many haven't heard of the saint whose feast is on Christmas day. St. Nicholas is a common Christmas saint, as well as St. Stephen and St. Lucia. 

This saint is one of the female saints commemorated in the Canon of the Mass too. Any guesses?

• St. Felicity
• St. Perpetua
• St. Agatha
• St. Lucia
• St. Agnes
• St. Cecilia
• St. Anastasia

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The answer is... (drumroll)... St. Anastasia of Sirmium. Because she lived so long ago (during the time of Diocletian's persecutions of Christian people), her entire life is thought to be legendary. We do know, however, that she was a martyr. 

St. Anastasia's father was a very rich pagan, but her mother was a devout Catholic and is a saint. Her father's name was Praetextatus and her mother was St. Fausta of Sirmium. Without her father's support of the Christian faith, her mother baptized her in secret and raised her as a Christian. 

After her mother's death, life only got harder; she no longer had her mother for support. Praetextatus forced her into marriage to a pagan, Publius, but she continued to live her Christian life in secret. She visited prisons and cared for the sick, until her servant found out. As you can imagine, Publius did not like this so she was locked up. She was happy to suffer for the love of Christ. She also stayed strong through her trials by writing letters to her Christian teacher, St. Chrysogonus. 

Eventually, St. Anastasia became a widow after Publius's death. Once again, she began to help the poor by giving her property to the poor and suffering and visiting prisons. She often helped those suffering from poison during her lifetime and through intercessions, giving her the name "Anastasia Deliverer from Potions". 

Many attempts were made to martyr St. Anastasia, but God protected her and set her free. Eventually, she met another widow, named Theodota. Both continued to help the poor, while spreading Christian messages. Diocletian hated the miracles and good deeds and wanted her martyred. First, Theodota was martyred, but Anastasia survived 60 days of starvation. According to the legend, St. Theodota fed St. Anastasia. Another time, Diocletian tried to drown her, but St. Theodota appeared to the prisoners and led the boat back to shore. St. Anastasia's martyrdom occurred on December 25 in 304 AD, after being burned alive on an island.  

Although her whole life is legend, much of it is believed to be true because it is all found in a "Passio" written shortly before the 6th century. Her life and faith was so great that she is not only commemorated in the Canon of the Mass, but also in the second Mass on Christmas Day. 

I encourage you to read "The Forgotten Christmas Saint: Saint Anastasia", by Susan Peek. Although it is a children's picture book, it is full of excellent information and great illustrations! 

Patron of: weavers, martyrs, widows, those suffering from poison

St. Anastasia, pray for us! 

Are you familiar with St. Anastasia? 

-Miss K

I Finally Review Some Books

Hello, readers! This post has been drafted multiple times in the past few months. It started out as "July Review" and then July was long gone. "October Book Reviews" came next and now it's December. Let's just say school anatomy and physiology has been keeping me VERY busy. In fact, so busy that I've only read a mere twelve books since July. Help! I hardly have time to read. :( 

The beautiful scenery of October! 

On the Blog:

Since July, I've written two posts on this blog and four on my letter writing blog. 

June Review

Hobbit Day!

A Graduation Gift!

I'm a Little Behind: Weeks 20 through 27

Catching Up to Week 39: 52 Letters in a Year

A Handful of Letters and Replies: 52 Letters in a Year

Books:

Although I only read twelve books in five months, they were all very good! Most of them were new to me and not surprisingly, historical fiction. I also started rereading the Chronicles of Narnia, as I've never read the last few books in the series. It's great to be back in the world of Narnia and C.S. Lewis!

A great mix of books! (Photo credits: Goodreads)

mini reviews:

I started draft posts for reviews of some of these books, but for now, you'll be getting mini reviews. 

★★★★★

The Father of the Little Flower: Celine Martin

A short, but wonderful read of St. Louis Martin! Before reading this, I didn't know much about him, but this gave me a LOT of new information. I especially enjoyed the quotations and letters from St. Louis to his daughters. They showed his personality of always showing kindness to everyone around him. Every task put forth before him was accomplished with holiness and growth in virtue. I highly recommend!

Moon Over Manifest: Clare Vanderpool 

Oh my, how do I begin to write a review? This book was ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL! In fact, it has moved up to my favorite historical fiction read of the year. Clare Vanderpool writes with wonderful descriptions, taking you to two time periods-1918 and 1936-with a first person point of view, old newspaper clippings, and storytelling from the townspeople. At first, I had no idea how the plots were going to connect and it all seemed random, but then I started to love it! I didn't want the stories to stop. The stories of Ned and Jinx were wonderful, as well as Abilene's mysterious background.

The Magician's Nephew: C.S. Lewis

On a second reading, this book was much more enjoyable. It has been six years since I read part of this series and honestly, I forgot about everything in this one (except the creation of the rings). Philosophical and amusing certainly describe this book. 

• Digory is such a curious little boy, yet trying his hardest to be a gentleman. There's something about his sweetness that isn't found in any of the other characters.
• Polly is another favorite character of mine. She is feminine, has a hint of being a tomboy, shows strength, is determined, and won't let unfairness get in her way. 
• My third favorite character has to be Uncle Andrew! He has his faults but what would Narnia be without him? 
• Finally, my two absolute favorite events are the creation of Narnia and the animals debating over Uncle Andrew! Amusing for sure. :)

Precious Treasure: The Story of Patrick: Elizabeth Matthews

A beautiful story about an autistic boy, Patrick, and his trials, leading his mother to see God's purpose in everything she does. The piles of laundry, the fingerprints on the walls, the screaming during the night, and everything else happening during the day led her to see why God has placed her in each situation.

"Children are a beautiful stairway to heaven. Slowly, day after day, hour after hour, minute after minute, they work with God to help us grow in virtue and to scrape away all the filth that covers us because of our sins."

I especially loved the format of each chapter- starting with a letter to Patrick from his mother!

The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe: C.S. Lewis

The scenery while I read this book was perfect- SNOW! Once again, there were many new details that I didn't remember from my first read many years ago. This time, I saw SO many Christian elements, such as the White Witch's "always winter, never Christmas", showing a world without the celebration of Our Lord's birth. The power of Christianity against nonbelievers was also presented in a way that I loved- and in a way I didn't notice on my first reading. 

★★★★

The Ball and the Cross: G.K. Chesterton

Chesterton has an interesting and comical style of writing. I've never seen two characters oppose each other so much, yet have such a strong friendship, but that is what I loved most about it. t was amazing how passionate Evan McIan and James Turnbull are for their beliefs. I also enjoyed the character arc of McIan because although he fights for Catholicism, he has his flaws just as Turnbull has his flaws. It was also fun to see where McIan and Turnball's adventures led, as each chapter had its twists and turns.  Chesterton, I WILL be back for more!  

Yosemite Tomboy: Shirley Sargent          

A quick, one day read, reminding me of the Little House on the Prairie series. Jan and her brother are sent to live near Yosemite National Park (bonus star for extra history about Yosemite!), but it is a big test for Jan. Being only 11-years old and very dramatic, she must learn the challenges of pioneer life. 

Hattie Big Sky: Kirby Larson

Homesteading on the Western frontier in the early 1900s was difficult, right? Now, imagine being a 16-year old homesteading all alone. Hattie Brooks travels to Montana as a brave 16-year old to prove her late uncle's claim. The only problem: she has less than a year to learn the ways of homesteading. While it is historical fiction, Larson does a wonderful job of detailing the joys and hardships of homesteading. Each chapter begins with letter to her friend, who is away at war. Letters in books are always a plus for me! 

Books in Progress:

• A Place for Me: Patrick's Journey Home, Mark and Elizabeth Matthews

• Prince Caspian, C.S. Lewis

• The Hobbit (on audio), J.R.R. Tolkien

That's all the reviews for now, but I'll be back soon with four more books. For now, I hope you all enjoy lots of reading for the last month of 2021! 

Have you read any of these books? What have you been reading this month? 

-Miss K

Hobbit Day!

September 22... a day that all Tolkien fans should know because it's HOBBIT DAY! To celebrate J.R.R. Tolkien and his wonderful masterpieces, this week Hamlette is hosting a Tolkien Blog Party. 

*I know I haven't blogged in a LONG time and I just appeared from no where. :) An update will be coming soon, hopefully.*

The Tag Questions:

    1. Aragorn: Favorite Tolkien hero/heroine

We're starting out with the hardest of all...Tolkien's characters all have such great stories. My favorite will always be Sam followed by Frodo and Gandalf and Faramir and Aragorn and Eowyn and, noooo, my list could go on forever! Alright, I'll pick one favorite... Faramir! (It'd be Sam if he wasn't highlighted in another question) 

Faramir's triumphs may not be as physically great as others. BUT,  his selflessness, patience, and humility shown in every situation are equally, if not more, great. He goes through many trials, including harsh criticism from his father for not being as good as Boromir, but still shows love for those around him. In tough situations, he stays kind and becomes wise throughout by resisting temptations. True heroism! 

"But fear no more! I would not take this thing, if it lay by the highway. Not were Minas Tirith falling in ruin and I alone could save her, so, using the weapon of the Dark Lord for her good and my glory. No, I do not wish for such triumphs, Frodo son of Drogo."

 

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    2. Boromir: Favorite Tolkien character arc

There are so many good character arcs, but my favorite will always be the coming of age of Sam and Frodo, as well as Pippin and Merry. They undergo so many trials on their journey, never knowing if they will survive or make it back home to their cozy little hobbit holes. None have ever ventured out into the big, wide world, but all come back tougher, especially Pippin and Merry. Sam also stays loyal to Frodo by always referring to him as "Mr. Frodo", but at the same time becomes closer to him. When all four hobbits took their first step out of the Shire, they had no idea that they would come back so changed. 

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    3. Frodo: Favorite song or poem by Tolkien

Easiest question on the list: 

All that is gold does not glitter, 

Not all those who wander are lost; 

The old that is strong does not wither, 

Deep roots are not reached by the frost. 

From the ashes a fire shall be woken, 

A light from the shadows shall spring; 

Renewed shall be blade that was broken, 

The crownless again shall be king."

    4. Gandalf: Favorite wise Tolkien quotation

"Out of the darkness of my life, so much frustrated, I put before you the one great thing to love on earth: the Blessed Sacrament...There you will find romance, glory, honour, fidelity, and the true way of all your loves on earth, and more than that: Death: by the divine paradox, that which ends life, and demands the surrender of all, and yet by the taste (or foretaste) of which alone can what you seek in your earthly relationships (love, faithfulness, joy) be maintained, or take on that complexion of reality, of eternal endurance, which every man's heart desires."

    5. Gimli: A Middle-earth location you'd like to visit

This should be so easy, yet it's so hard. Hmm, stepping foot into a hobbit hole would be awesome! I suppose the Shire would be the best place to do that, but Rivendell would be on my list too. 

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    6. Legolas: Favorite Middle-earth Weapon

Weapons aren't something that I've given much thought to...but the elves' bows are pretty cool. 

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    7. Merry: Favorite way to celebrate Tolkien's stories

Reading, of course! And watching the movies, although I've only done that once. Oh, and having a Hobbit Hole cake for my 17th birthday, made by my brother!

My favorite birthday cake by far! 

    8. Pippin: Favorite funny Tolkien quotation

My siblings and I reference this almost every time we have potatoes: 

"Po-tay-toes! Boil em, mash e, stick em in a stew. Lovely big golden chips with a nice piece of fried fish."

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    9. Samwise: A Middle-earth food you'd like to try

Since it's the one food I'll never forget, I'd like to try rabbit stew. It actually sounds interesting! 

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What is your favorite J.R.R. Tolkien book or movie? How are you celebrating Hobbit Day?

 

-Miss K

June Review

July is almost half over so it's time for a review of June! Last month, I graduated from high school which was bittersweet for me. I also got a job which has given me lots of time to read during my break.

My graduation party set up- before all the rain came
and we had to quickly set up inside.

I made some graduation caps with Peanut Butter Cups,
Hersey Squares, M&M's, and embroidery thread

On the Blog:

June was a pretty busy month so I wrote zero posts. 

Books:

I had a great month of reading with a total of four books. That may seem small, but it's the most I've read in one month for 2021. My two favorites were "Flight into Spring" and "Around the World in 80 Days". (Photo credits: Goodreads)

• Flight into Spring by Bianca Bradbury
• Around the World in 80 Days by Jules Verne
• Listen, Slowly by Thanhha Lai
• Flutter: The Story of Four Sisters and an Incredible Journey by Erin E. Moulton 

Other Happenings:

The biggest event this month was my high school graduation! I also celebrated with a party a few weeks later. It was planned for outside but it down poured so we quickly moved everything inside. All turned out well! The other big thing that happened was starting my first full-time job at a daycare. (Eleven kids aged 8 and under)

I also finally finished watching the Lord of the Rings with my siblings. (And before I read the last book...)

Sam and Frodo: my favorite hobbits 
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"There's some good in this world, Mr. Frodo...
and it's worth fighting for." -Sam 
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July Plans:

• Finish writing thank yous to my graduation party guests
• Start celebrating the nine birthdays in our family that range from July to October 
• Continue working 
• Finish some more books on my to be read list
• Take a family trip up north

Is your summer going by fast? Have you watched the Lord of the Rings?

-Miss K

The Little-Known Saints Author: Susan Peek

 Hello, my friends! It's been a whole two months since my last post, but now that school's done (all my writing during these last months went into a 3600-word paper) it's time for another post. This week is also Catholic Blog Week, hosted by Sam and Megan. Please enjoy learning about one of my favorite Catholic authors and her wonderful books! 

Susan Peek:

Susan Peek writes about the saints who are often forgotten, including St. Magnus, St. Camillus de Lellis, and St. Dympha. She begins each book with the quote: "In many chapels, reddened by the setting sun, the saints rest silently, waiting for someone to love them." Her stories are historical fiction, as there isn't a lot of information known about these saints. However, the information is accurate and the dialogue enriches the story and will keep you on the edge of your seat. 

The King's Prey: Saint Dymphna of Ireland: 

"An insane king. His fleeing daughter. Estranged brothers, with a scarred past, risking everything to save her from a fate worse than death. Toss in a holy priest and a lovable wolfhound, and get ready for a wild race across Ireland. Will Dymphna escape her deranged father and his sinful desires? For the first time ever, the story of Saint Dymphna is brought to life in this dramatic novel for adults and older teens." (Goodreads)

Saint Magnus the Last Viking: 

"Come back in time 900 years, to the fierce and desolate Northern lands, where Norsemen ruled with ax and sword. A dying king, a shocking death-wish, his heirs divided with an oath of blood... In this fast-paced new novel by the highly popular Susan Peek, the conflict unfolds between Magnus Erlendson, a heroic young prince aflame with the love of God, and his outlawed cousin Hakon, who blames Magnus for his banishment from their kingdom. What follows is a tale of betrayal and revenge, bravery and forgiveness, as Magnus seeks to restore his father's vanquished kingdom to its rightful hands. Entertaining and inspiring from start to finish." (Goodreads)

A Soldier Surrenders: The Conversion of Saint Camillus de Lellis: 

"At last... A Saint for Strugglers! Soldiering, gambling, brawling, drinking. As a young man, Saint Camillus excelled at them all. Add to that his fiery temper and innate knack for getting in trouble, and Camillus de Lellis seems the last person who could ever achieve holiness. But God had plans for the stubborn young soldier, whether Camillus liked it or not..." (Goodreads)

Crusader King: A Novel of Baldwin IV and the Crusades: 

"A new historical novel about the unusual life of King Baldwin IV of Jerusalem, the leper crusader king who- despite ascending to the throne at only 13, his early death at 24 and his debilitating disease- performed great and heroic deeds in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds." (Goodreads)

Each book by Susan Peek will teach you something new, while bringing exciting adventures alive. I read all of these books in less than a week, and Crusader King took me one afternoon because I could not put in down. Peek has a lovely writing style and you can never predict what she will make the characters do. I really enjoyed all four of her novels, but my absolute favorite is "A Solider Surrenders" because it shows how someone can go from having no belief in God to attempting to join an order of monks. In addition, Peek also tells how St. Cammillus started his own order and was the original founder of Red Cross, not the well known Clara Barton. There are many more facts throughout all her books, but instead of spoiling here, I encourage you to go out and become a fan of her books! 

Have you read any of Susan Peek's books? Are any of these saints familiar to you?

 

-Miss K