The Extraordinary Ordinary

1) Workmen have been replacing the roof on my house this week and I have found it an extraordinary encounter for two reasons.  First, it offers me a sense of security I have not known the last few winters as I watched shingles pile themselves up in the yard.  But more importantly, I discovered once again the gentle kindness in virtual strangers.  One very windy day, the workmen realized it would be an act of near suicide to attempt to work up high, so they were going to quit early. I agreed with their decision as I had no desire to see men carrying large metal roofing flying about the place.  But as they were leaving, I asked them if they knew anyone who could fix my lopsided garage door.  Well, it turned out, they did.  And they fixed it in a matter of minutes using skills that involved screwdrivers, oil cans, and a little heavy lifting. They actually seemed pleased to help out. Ordinary kindness that meant an extraordinary goodness to me.

2) Georgios I – Hidden Heritage is coming closer to completion and the cover is just about finished.  Here is a sneak preview. There will be a Georgios blog tour hosted by a number of extraordinarily kind Catholic Writers Guild members coming soon…

3) Late autumn winds have been blowing so the last of the potted plants have been relocated inside.  My daughter’s roses seem to have taken well to the change and have been blooming nicely.  Quite extraordinary!

4) Another child’s birthday was celebrated this week.  Though we celebrate birthdays all year, every year, it is a reminder of God’s gifts to us. An attitude of gratitude makes every day special.

5) I have been reading and reviewing several new books this week.  I will posting the reviews as soon as everything is complete but I must say, I have really enjoyed my reading experiences.  I will be reviewing My Battle Against Hitler about the life and writings of Dietrich Von Hildebrand on November 19th.  I will also be reviewing The Grace of Yes by Lisa Hendey, A Hero for the People by Arthur Power, and Race with the Devil by Joseph Pearce and Emily’s Hope by Ellen Hercash-Gable.  All ordinary encounters with the extraordinary.

6) Speaking of encountering the extraordinary, I was able to hear Joseph Pearce speak at Our Sorrowful Mother’s Ministry in Vandalia, IL http://www.osmm.org/ last weekend and it was an extraordinary joy to hear him discuss Tolkien, The Lords of the Rings, culture, and Catholicism.  I learned a lot and I am awed by Mr. Pearce’s vast knowledge and in-depth understanding of Tolkien’s work.

7) I was also able to hear Bishop Poprocki talk at the same OSMM Conference.  He discussed life, death, purgatory, Heaven, and hell.  Considering it was All Saints Day – it was most appropriate – but it also was a very rewarding encounter with truth reminding me about what really matters as we travel through this earthly journey.

Life is full of extraordinary encounters through the ordinary.