WIWS: Ready to Run

I almost called this weeks the "When you run with The Doctor" edition. I laced up my pink converse (high tops, hoping they'd help give stability to my achy ankle) and headed over to the chapel for some prayer and journal time.

I really love prayer and journal time in the chapel.

This past week has felt like such a build up to...something. I don't know what it is, but it felt like today should have been Laetare Sunday. I can't explain how the day felt full of excitement, except in the little moments: Things like seeing the camellias finally in bloom (ours tend to bloom in February, but none would bloom till March hit) or the shuffle of furniture that allowed me to have an actual desk in my room again (and additional storage for my craft supplies) or the very fact that our spring cleaning (usually held during Holy Week as I have the entire week off from work) has begun and there are boxes of things piled in the computer room, waiting for me to sell or donate the lot.

And then there are my pink Converse...

In the world of Doctor Who, Converse are associated with the 10th incarnation of The Doctor: the 'last of the Time Lords", alien who regenerates into a new body (so to speak) instead of outright dying, has an insatiable curiosity and can't ignore a cry for help. He has his share of virtues and vices, but no matter where he is, who is with him, or which incarnation... there is a lot of running! One thing I associate with Ten (the 10th incarnation) other than the Converse shoes, the suit or his hair....is the constant feeling of anticipation. Even when he takes a friend to some place just to relax and enjoy their surroundings, Ten enthusiastically awaits the next adventure. So long as he has those Converse on.... he's ready for whatever comes his way.

At mass, Padre talked about chasing after joy, seeking God's love in our lives... and being 'strange'. "Who cares if (the people close to you) try to make fun of you for praying a lot... They should be thanking you. They need to just stop laughing at you and go find some place to pray themselves!"

Now, Padre had some choice phrases that left an impression (and had us giggling...ah, Padre!) but as a single gal, it brought to mind images of The Doctor (a goofball, dresses in funny clothing, acts strange, but doesn't let someone ridicule him into changing his personality), hipsters (counter cultural in a way... but hey, isn't striving to be obedient to the Church also a bit counter cultural?) and lastly, the portrayal of St. Rita of Cascia in that movie... St. Rita. In fact, it was something I pondered during my prayer/journal time before mass. St. Rita was portrayed at a bit stubborn (in a good way), practicing her faith and sticking to her guns even when her in-laws responded with scorn.

As a convert whose family isn't churched and (after repeated explanations) simply don't value my faith as I do... I can relate to her situation. At home (and sometimes, at work when I'm bombarded with "but you know better than to be Catholic!) I have to stick to my guns even when dismissed...even when others mock confession... even when I'm told to "just skip it" when mass interferes with someone else's plans to spend half the day golfing (or travel plans..... any plans, really).

(Just FYI, as part of a two-man caregiving team, the general rule is that we don't leave Grandma alone at the house for more than 20 minutes. If one person has plans, the other needs to be home... I don't make plans that often because my 'other half' won't let me touch the master calendar, then forgets, then blames me for "not saying anything" even though I verbally go over the daily schedule on a daily basis....daily.)

So what did I walk away with tonight?

"Have your spiritual Converse on (so you're ready for everything) and don't let anyone make you ashamed of your faith."


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Today's Outfit (Sorry, I've had trouble with the photos and these were the only ones that managed to load)
Shoes:  Converse Chuck Taylor high tops in Hot Pink, Kohls
Top:  Pure Energy junior's short-sleeve top in Fresh Mint/Black, Target
Pants: black yoga pants I bought far too long ago at Kohls
Veil:   Long White Floral Lace Mantilla, Veils by Lily

Bonus: Hair (Post-Mass Pompadour)

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