Yes, it was time to get out the wipes, claw clippers, brush, and very cool razor that cuts under the top layer of hair. The Hairy Beast was corralled between the two us as I first took off close to a half-pound of hair, dust, and dander with the handy-dandy razor. She tried to escape three times, but The Hubby of the Swift Hands caught her, and she was contained each time. Then it was on to the cat wipes, which help keep the dander down and moisturizes her skin (assuming any of it can get to her skin through the hair that was left). One attempted escape. Hairball contained. Then we moved on to the brush. Yet more hair came off. Then the Hairy Beast’s absolutely favorite part of grooming: clipping her claws. The Hubby has to hold her for this, and I fight her after each nail is clipped. Much wriggling and loud meowing ensued, but we got the job done. We released the Hairy Beast, who then spent the next four hours under the bed. She has come out to eat. The Hubby put down treats for her, and lured her out for some hunting. She has been out once since. But has not come up on the bed. I suspect she will not come up on the bed until after we are in bed, and she is sure all is safe. And although, she is still a Hairy Beast, she’s not near as hairy. Her coat is a glossy black and shines. She looks very, very pretty. I told her this. She gave me the evil eye and went back under the bed. Aaah, cats, you gotta love them.

Reverend Mother says, “It’s Labor Day weekend here in the United States, also known as Summer’s Last Hurrah. So let’s say goodbye to summer and hello to the autumn. (People in other climes, feel free to adapt as needed.)”

1. Share a highlight from this summer.

My dad who has been a Cubs fan longer than I’ve been alive got to see his first Cubs game at Wrigley Field. Mom and I said he died and went to Wrigley heaven.

2. Are you glad to see this summer end? Why or why not?

Yes because fall is my favorite time of the year.

3. Name one or two things you’re looking forward to this fall.

The leaves changing and Halloween.

4. Do you have any special preparations or activities to mark the transition from one season to another? (Cleaning of house, putting away summer clothes, one last trip to the beach)

Bringing out the fall and Halloween decorations. Or more of the Halloween decorations, since me and the hubby believe Halloween is a way of life and not just one day in the year. 🙂

5. I’ll know that fall is really here when the wind gets that wild feel to it and when it blows in your face you believe anything is possible.

Okay Brian, I have taken the personality test, and I am still an (drumroll, please):

Although this time I actually have some on the extroverted side. In the past I have scored 100% introverted. I guess extroverts like you are rubbing off on me. 🙂

Sally does write: I am off to spend a few days at the beach chilling out after a hectic few weeks and before I head off for Summer School…

So with that in mind this weeks questions are looking at how you deal with the stress monster!!!???

1. First, and before we start busting stress, what causes you the most stress, is it big things or the small stuff ?

Oh all of it. I worry about everything. It’s something I’m working hard to change with prayer, meditation, and yoga.

2. Exercise or chocolate for stress busting ( or maybe something else) ?

Chocolate baby!

3.What is your favourite music to chill out to?

Over the Rhine

4. Where do you go to chill?

Grant Park and the Lake.

5. Extrovert or introvert, do you relax at a party, or do you prefer a solitary walk?

I’m an introvert who prefers a solitary walk or some cuddle-time with The Husband.

Bonus- share your favourite stress busting tip!

Deep breathing and saying The Jesus Prayer.

I will spending the afternoon at the library working on my novel. Then tonight I have a meeting with the District Superintendent about planting a church in the Chicago Loop and church board meeting after that (whew!). I won’t be back on the computer today, but I will read any comments you leave tomorrow and respond.

I hope everyone has a good day!

I wanted to let those who have left comments in the last week know that I have caught up, with not only making sure moderated comments are posted, but answering them as well. So if you’ve left a comment recently, it is showing up, and I have responded. I hope everyone has a great week!

I am brainstorming ideas for future posts, so if there is a subject you would like me to consider, feel free leave it the comments.

*laughing* Okay, okay, here’s the recipe, and it is very good!

3 cups flour
1 cup sugar
4 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
4 tablespoons chilled butter, cut into thin slices
1 1/2 cups blueberries
Grated rind from one lemon
1 cup milk
2 eggs beaten

Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Coat a loaf pan with vegetable spray. Combine dry ingredients then work the butter in with a pastry blender or with a fork until it looks like coarse crumbs. Mix in blueberries and lemon rind. Stir in the milk and eggs until well blended. Pour into pan and bake for 55 minutes.

I got this recipe from Real Simple four or five years ago. It’s a favorite. Make it while you can get fresh blueberries! Frozen is not the same.

Reverendmother says: “Whoops! I have been in a family-induced haze these few days, with the July 4 holiday and taking time off while relatives are visiting. So I literally lost track of what day it was!

So rather than make you guys wait even one minute longer for the five, I’ll dig up an oldie:”

Today, what are you:

1. Wearing

Denim capris and a Chicago Cubs t-shirt.

2. Reading

Ancient-Future Faith by Robert Webber

The Artist Way by Julia Cameron

3. Eating

Breakfast: Kashi Cinnamon Harvest Cereal with a banana and soy milk

Snack: Blueberry Lemon Bread

Lunch: Tuna sandwich with roasted red pepper and tomato

4. Doing

The Friday Five 🙂

I’ve been shopping, caught up on email, and after this I will be moving on to writing.

5. Pondering

Where did this week go? May be it was that holiday smack in the middle that made it seem go quicker than normal.

Gifts and talents is the theme of todays Friday 5.

1. Personality tests; love them or hate them?

I’m ambivalent about them. Some of are good, some are not. For the record on the Myers Briggs, I am an INFP, and I am a 4 on the Ennegram.

2. Would you describe yourself as practical, creative, intellectual or a mixture ?

I am a creative intellectual. Practical? What’s that?

3. It is said that everyone has their 15 minutes of fame; have you had yours yet? If so what was it, if not dream away what would you like it to be?

No, I haven’t had it. I would like it to be a bestselling book.

4. If you were given a 2 year sabatical ( oh the dream of it) to create something would it be music, literature, art…..something completely different…share your dream with us…

I’d definitely be writing, but I would want to be learning how to paint and do calligraphy as well. I’d love to write and illustrate a book.

5. Describe a talent you would like to develop, but that seems completely beyond you.

I don’t know if it’s beyond me because I haven’t devoted a lot of time to it. I would love to learn calligraphy.

Bonus question: Back to the church- what does every member ministry mean to you? Is it truly possible to encourage/ implement?

I believe every member has a ministry, and I think in small churches it is possible to encourage and implement members’ ministries. I also think at times our definition of ministry may need to be broadened.

or town, or suburb, or hamlet, or burg, or unincorporated zone, or rural area of your choice—pretty much anywhere but the southern hemisphere, it’s summer. (Australians and others, consider this an invitation to take a break from winter for a while.)

1. Favorite summer food(s) and beverage(s)

ICE CREAM!

2. Song that “says” summer to you. (Need not be about summer explicitly.)

Anything by the Beach Boys.
3. A childhood summer memory

Spending days at the ballpark. My dad was a softball pitcher.

4. An adult summer memory

Going to Starlight Theater (outdoor ampitheater in Kansas City at Swope Park). I saw Miss Saigon, Aida, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, Les Miserables, and Aida there.

5. Describe a wonderful summer day you’d like to have in the near future. (weather, location, activities)

Going to the beach and swimming.

Optional: Does your place of worship do anything differently in the summer? (Fewer services, casual dress, etc.)

Not really. We already have casual dress. Although we are all getting together at a members house for a cookout after church Sunday.