Looking More Like My Alter-Ego Again

See me, there on the front row? That was my hair length in March of 2008. It has only grown since then.

I was thinking of growing it out to donate to Locks of Love. I visited the website & the verbage sounds as though they really value children donating for children and honestly, the pictures are a bit creepy. Seriously, whoever decides which pics make the website should re-evaluate the criteria.

Mindy is doing her Pantipalooza again this year. In the past, I have donated panties in my size after being inspired by her thought that somewhere there might be a woman just like me who needs fresh clean panties. The Good Lord knows that there were times in my life that I would have felt blessed by them.

This last week I got to thinking that maybe there is a 42-year old woman with strawberry blonde hair who needs a wig made for whatever reason. So in the spirit of Pantipalooza - and another Elastigirl out there somewhere, I am ready to make my donation. It got cut this afternoon and will be mailed tomorrow to Pantene's Beautiful Lengths Program for women who have lost their hair due to cancer treatments. They require at least 8 inches and I am sending 11 inches of ponytail to them. Thanks for the inspiration Mindy!!

The Merging

This week I will attempt to merge. It's Minister's Week at the seminary and I work on Monday & Tuesday, which means I can get to the lectures a bit late & miss a couple but not too many. Now the questions: will I make the drive from one to the other, or will I throw up my hands & declare it not do-able? Will I be able to live in both worlds this week? Will my penchant for compartments keep me from doing both? Actually it's all the same question, isn't it? I also have a part in the worship service at the seminary this week - reflections on the Iona/Northumbria trip with my fellow pilgrims - that will be fun!! That's my stream of consciousness tonight... thanks for listening.

Not Much to Report

• Job going very well - God has given me a great love for humanity
• Sermon went well last week
• Two women in old diocese were approved for priestly ordination
• Teen in 12 hour rehearsal for upcoming Fiddler on the Roof
• Non-Teen on camping trip with best buddies & their dads
• Quiet here - very nice indeed!!
  

It's a New Beginning

The past Bishop of our Continuing Diocese was VERY enthusiastic when we met the one time last March. He assured me that I would be ordained in that Diocese - the sooner the better.

The new Provisional Bishop is more reserved. He is interested in learning more about me and my history. He has actually started a file on me now, which had not been done yet. He asked me to have an official transcript sent to the Diocesan offices for that file. He does not know what the national canons have to offer to someone in my situation, but he is thinking I will need to begin again from the beginning once a COM is in working order.

I feel as though the meeting went well. Thank you for your prayers for me and my girlfriends in the old diocese. They each passed with flying colors and can now set dates for their priestly ordinations.

By request....

Here's my method of black-eyed pea prep - same as Lady Cream Pea prep (my faves)

• Start with fresh peas - my mom uses dried peas & soaks them, but I've never tried that
• Put the peas in a pot bring enough to add water to cover them and the ham chunk or ham hock that you will also add if you're not vegetarian
• BTW - in the South, you have to specify vegetarian black-eyed peas
• Once the ham parts and water are added, start the burner on medium heat
  
• They simmer for about four hours - while they cook, stir occasionally & add water as necessary
• They should be kinda thick and soupy, so once they are getting tender don't add too much more water
• Somewhere around the third hour, add salt and pepper to taste
• Serve with some of the ham - good eatin'
  
• A couple of good condiments to go along are Tabasco sauce, or sweet jalapeno relish, or spicy chow chow
• Cornbread is also a great side - especially if it's cooked in butter and a cast iron skillet
  

Happy New Year!

• Had black-eyed peas on the 1st with neighbors
• Still enjoying work - apparently I have lost my touch with starting IVs - I hope it comes back
• Meeting with the Bishop January 12 at 10 am - I really hope I come away from that meeting with some solid information
• Other women (now deacons) have meetings in old diocese on same day - they will need our prayers

Best Ordination Sermon

This is the best ordination sermon I have ever witnessed - perfect for the time and place and person.