Maybe
rhapsody January 20th, 2009
From Ignatius Insight Scoop
rhapsody January 10th, 2009
an article by Taylor Caldwell I read over
thirty-five years ago, about a young couple
and unexpected aid they received during
a dangerous escape:
The Miracle at the Berlin Wall.
Labels: Why I picked my confirmation name
On the ninth day of Christmas
rhapsody January 3rd, 2009
Beautiful Vietnamese Stone Church
rhapsody December 21st, 2008
Designed by a priest known as
Father Sau, between the years
1875 and 1898…
They have thousands of visitors
during the Christmas season -
I would love to see their nativity
scene! If I find a pic I’ll try and
post it. Couldn’t link the pics I
picked from online sources -
I’m not sure if it was a copyright
issue or a computer glitch, but
they wouldn’t upload…
Many thanks to Thomas for the
links to the story. 
Labels: 1st posted 12/21/08 at 9 PM
Christmas Presents
rhapsody December 21st, 2008
THE PRIVATE LIFE OF SANTA CLAUS
BY
Santa, one year, was upset, so I hear,
And his nerves were most terribly jolted,
When one wintry morning, without any warning,
The little tin soldiers revolted.
What in tarnation’s the matter?”
*******************************************
ERNESTINE COBERN BEYER
Santa, one year, was upset, so I hear,
And his nerves were most terribly jolted,
When one wintry morning, without any warning,
The little tin soldiers revolted.
The Captain, black-booted, clicked heels and saluted.
“I speak for my regiment, Santa!
We’re refusing to go through the sleet and the snow
To Kalamazoo or Atlanta!
“My men and myself shall remain on the shelf.
I know this is strictly forbidden,
But we don’t like our suits or our helmets or boots –
So, on Christmas, we plan to stay hidden!”
Cried Santa Claus: “STOP! Who’s running this shop?
I never heard sillier chatter!”
He sharpened his scrutiny.
What in tarnation’s the matter?”
The captain of tin raised his little tin chin.
“Our uniforms couldn’t be duller!
We’re ashamed to be seen in this poisonous green!
We think we’re a horrible color!”
Santa replied with a grin hard to hide,
“Your color’s your only complaint, sir?”
He loosened his buckle to let out a chuckle.
“Well, that can be altered with paint, sir!”
Smiling a lot, Santa got out a pot
And worked with his paints for a minute.
Having mixed up a shade guaranteed not to fade,
He dunked the whole regiment in it.
And so, Christmas morn, no longer forlorn,
The soldiers looked ever so jolly,
Each with his puny form decked in a uniform
Brighter and redder than holly!
*******************************************
Tommy’s Letter to Santa
Santa Claus, dressed in the loudest of vests,
Was reading his mail full of Christmas requests,
When he found Tommy’s note (rather smudgy to see)
Which said, SANTA, PLEASE SEND A BONNET TO ME!
“A bonnet?” thought Santa. The rest of the note
Said, SANTA, PLEASE BRING ME A SILK PETTICOAT!
AND PLEASE BRING A DRESS OF A COLOR NOT GLOOMY–
A BABY IS COMING, SO PLEASE MAKE IT ROOMY.
Santa glanced at his wife and remarked with a wink,
“This Tommy deserves something special, I think!
He asks for some presents,” he smilingly said,
But not for himself–for his mother, instead!”
Santa’s wife reached for a jar on the table,
A jar which had “MAGIC” inscribed on its label.
She then found a box, sprinkled magic inside it,
And helped by old Santa, she carefully tied it.
Was reading his mail full of Christmas requests,
When he found Tommy’s note (rather smudgy to see)
Which said, SANTA, PLEASE SEND A BONNET TO ME!
“A bonnet?” thought Santa. The rest of the note
Said, SANTA, PLEASE BRING ME A SILK PETTICOAT!
AND PLEASE BRING A DRESS OF A COLOR NOT GLOOMY–
A BABY IS COMING, SO PLEASE MAKE IT ROOMY.
Santa glanced at his wife and remarked with a wink,
“This Tommy deserves something special, I think!
He asks for some presents,” he smilingly said,
But not for himself–for his mother, instead!”
Santa’s wife reached for a jar on the table,
A jar which had “MAGIC” inscribed on its label.
She then found a box, sprinkled magic inside it,
And helped by old Santa, she carefully tied it.
When Christmas day dawned, very sparkling and pleasant,
Tommy discovered his gaily-wrapped present.
He opened it up and stared for a minute,
The box was quite empty! Not one thing was in it!
Then he noticed a card–and surprised to his socks,
He read, “Merry Christmas, my lad! Shake the box!”
Dazed and bewildered, he put on the lid,
And rattled the box just the way he was bid.
Well, I give you my word that he’d no sooner done it
Than out fell a stylish and flattering bonnet!
He shook it again, then he stared, goggle-eyed,
For out fell a dress that was seven yards wide.
Next came some rompers and booties so small,
They seemed to be made for a real baby doll!
But that wasn’t all! Came a jumping-jack toy
And a book and a sweater just right for a boy!
Far off, Santa Claus and his missus were sitting,
He with his corncob and she with her knitting.
Their magical radio brought them the joys
Of the lad still delightedly finding his toys.
“That’s Tommy,” said Santa Claus, beaming with pride,
“He’s shaking our box with the magic inside!”
********************************************
Funny Face
Santa, it seems, had been working all day,
Preparing the toys he would take in the sleigh.
Weary, he glanced at the dolls on the shelf,
All of whose faces he’d painted himself.
Pleased with his work, he consulted the clock
And began to unbutton his paint-spattered smock;
But he paused as he noticed one doll he’d forgotten.
Her face was a blank little blob of white cotton.
He chuckled: “‘Twould be the unkindest of tricks
To leave you in such an unfortunate fix!”
Her cheeks were so pale that he gave her a blush,
Then painting her face with his talented brush,
He remarked: “You’re the prettiest doll of the year.
I must fetch Mrs. Santa to see you, my dear!”
As Santa departed, a gremlin came in.
And moved toward the doll with a mischievous grin,
Seizing a brush, he proceeded with haste
To give her a look that was more to his taste.
Dear Mrs. Santa, good-natured and chubby,
Then entered the room on the heels of her hubby.
Seeing the doll, Santa gasped with a blink:
“I never painted that comical wink!”
By jingles! A gremlin has been here, I think!”
Mrs. Santa consoled him. “Her smile is so sweet,
And her wink’s so delightful, she’s really a treat.
She’ll make people chuckle, she’ll fill them with glee,
And laughter’s good medicine, don’t you agree?
She’s so funny, my dear, I know just what to do–
Why not give her to kids who have colds or the flu!”
On Christmas, he did this, I’m happy to tell . . .
And the little sick children all laughed themselves well!
Labels: Thank you to Ernestine’s daughter Barbara Beyer Malley for permission to post
24 hr. Eucharistic Adoration
rhapsody November 23rd, 2008
It’s that time of the year again! :D
rhapsody November 23rd, 2008
From Read Me a Rhyme, Please!
(linked to the right:)
Holiday Dinner
By Ernestine Cobern Beyer
Sing ho for the turkey of pleasant renown,
Sing ho for the stuffing, deliciously brown,
Sing ho for the gravy, potatoes, and greens,
Sing ho for the gravy, potatoes, and greens,
And ho for the cranberries, biscuits, and beans!
Sing ho for the celery, salad, and pickles,
And ho for the cider that tingles and tickles!
Sing ho for the walnuts and jellied preserves,
And ho for the pudding that grandmother serves;
Sing ho for the cookies fresh out of the range,
And ho - I mean WHOA! Don’t you feel a bit strange?
Labels: Poetry by Ernestine Cobern Beyer
Great vid & song from
rhapsody November 22nd, 2008
Beyoncé - If I Were A Boy (link)
Can’t post the vid, but can post
the link to it. I’m more of a music
person, as I can’t always catch
the lyrics - & at first the words to
this song were kind of confusing.
However, the melody & Beyoncé’s
beautiful singing drew me to the
video, which makes the meaning
clear.
Am actually more familiar with
the work of Beyoncé’s sister
Solange Knowles, from the enter-
taining cheerleader-themed movie
(yes, you heard right), Bring It On:
All or Nothing (2006), with
Gus Carr & a hilarious (IMO)
performance by Heroes star
Hayden Panettiere - talented
performers all.
Enjoy!
Labels: Girl stuff
Got mine!
rhapsody November 1st, 2008
from Ignatius Press…
Dear and Glorious Physician,
by Taylor Caldwell -
H/T: Mom:-)
Growing up, this book, (one
of my mother’s favorites) - about
St. Luke, was practically required
reading.
It has been out-of-print for a while
now, so it’s great to see Ignatius Press
making it available again.
Originally posted 8/2/08
Labels: And I can’t help wondering…
