Happy New Year 2021

December 31, 2020December 31, 2020 LadyEm63Leave a comment

Dear Ones,

I am writing this at about 5pm Italy time. It’s morning in the states.

As we face New Year’s Eve here in Italy, we are in a Red Day. It means we are “forbidden” from going anywhere. Curfew is at 10pm for take out/delivery of food, etc. But we did manage to go buy a dog crate today for our little girl (three months old) as she gets out of the play yard and into the boy’s bed. HA

Facing 2021 has be going between these two memes.
First this…

Basically just be cool and get things done – quietly… but don’t try to get too excited.

Then this…

Yes! Every day we start again. Just like every Saint and wanna be Saint before us and beside us. Never give up. Sigh…

But I knew I wanted to share with you a way more uplifting message than that… And I never really have to look further than my Magnificat. Y’all. Seriously – I could just regurgitate it all day look. Read John 1: 1-18 and then read the below!

2020 was a hard year in MANY ways… However; in our home, many great things happened during 2020:

my husband beat cancer he didn’t know he had.
we had time to clean and toss.
we learned we were tougher than we thought.
we made a list of things we need to do – as individuals and as a family.
- I lost 10 of the nearly 20 lbs I gained.
- I found my voice again and made myself a priority.
Our children are healthy.
Our grandchildren are healthy.
Most of our friends have beaten cancer and Covid and other things they have faced.
- Please continue to pray for all who have not beat these things.

Today is New Year’s Eve. It’s the end and the beginning in one 24-hour period. Let us all work together to keep our minds sharp and positive. How blessed are we that God loves us so much he comforts us and guides us? He never leaves us. We can be certain of this! And whatever test we are walking through – HE is with us. Reach for his hand…

Let me quickly tell you how I intend to do stay positive, get more organized, AND concentrate:

I am using several videos to stretch/strengthen and tone. I need to move more – PERIOD. Moving helps your energy level and your mind. It really does.
I am on a 100 day fast from purchasing things I want vs. really a NEED. Sigh. that will be hard – but good.
- I have my meal plan in place.
- I’m going to try to figure out sales here and buy on the economy more because frankly the base is so expensive.
- I’m looking for a job.
I am formulating a plan to be purposefully Liturgical. You say, WHAT? Y’all when I homeschooled, I was on it – Feast Days, etc. Between Italy and how we feel about being here, and the COVID Shut Downs… it has drained my brain and hope… Base Church is weak at best… and my disdain for it all has helped me understand we need to live more purposefully as Catholics.
- More family time.
- More positive mindset.
Increase my prayer life. I’m trying. I have books and things (I will talk about them later). But mainly it’s about concentrating.
- I’m serious – is there a prayer for concentration or a Patron Saint for concentration.
I will find a job.
There will be more goals. That’s a good beginning.

Listen – I’m praying for you in 2021. We are all going to do our best to have a great year. It’s all we can do. Pray for me too.

HAPPY, BLESSED AND WONDERFUL NEW YEAR!

We’ll chat soon.

Love & Hugs,
LadyEm

#LadyEmCrafts · Book Review · Catholic Bible Journaling · Catholic Book Reviews · COVID · Italy · Quarantine2020

Book Review Wednesday – Ignatius Press Bible Journal

November 4, 2020 LadyEm63Leave a comment

Dear Ones,

I hope this post finds you well. It’s been two weeks since I posted, but y’all, I have had a busy two weeks.
I’m the PTSA President and I was at school nearly every day. Between Teacher/Staff Appreciation, our spirit gear coming in and needing distribution, “spirit week” – which I will show you later this week, and school pictures… it was a lot of fun! I’m so thankful we could bring fun into the school.

I meant to get this up early this morning but today’s been a rather long one. You see, we are about to be told we are closing till January and going to a Google Classroom setting. UGH. I’m heartbroken, and also relieved at the same time. Now, we know and we don’t have to deal with “is it happening” thoughts. Ya know? Here is the latest Italian Decree. It’s not great. But guides the command on how the Italians expect the rest of us to act. It’s their country, after all. If you open it in Google Chrome, you can see the fun… You’re welcome. HAHA

But you didn’t come here for that. You came to see the new Bible Journal I was sent to review. I love it in so many ways… there is just ONE thing I wish was different, but it won’t stop me from using it. I’ll explain. First and foremost, I have literally been praying that Ignatius Press would create a journaling Bible. And when my friend Monica told me about it, I knew I wanted to review it. So thrilled to have been sent this Bible. Because I’ve already given the last one I reviewed away – even though I said I wouldn’t. I’ve loved the Ignatius Bibles since I homeschooled through Seton. And I agree with Mr. Scott Hahn, who said that the NRSV Second Catholic Edition is the most beautiful translation of the Bible. Hands down – agree!

WHAT I LOVE:
- This Ignatius Note-Taking and Journaling Bible a sturdy Bible- in fact, the leather is beautiful.
- The pages are thicker than a regular Bible and easy to work on.
- My artwork didn’t bleed through too much, but that doesn’t bother me anyway.
- I love the off white color of the pages.
- The maps are great too.
- I love the size of the Bible – its 6.25×7.25 and maybe 2 inches or so thick. I have super small hands and it’s easy to hold.
ONE THING I WISH WAS DIFFERENT:
- Font Size. 7 pt font is too small for this 57 year old.
- It’s not their fault I wear trifocals like Mr. Magoo… But that is truly my only issue.
- Luckily I have access to a bigger version so I am clear on the verses I am working with.

This is my new favorite. In the pictures below, you will see the cover, the comparison of size/font to the last Review from Catholic Bible Press, a blank page, and a page with artwork.

Pictures of the Ignatius Note-Taking & Journaling Bible – RSV, 2nd Catholic Edition.

When I journal, I try to plan it out beforehand, and I always try to write a note.

On this page, I used:

Sharpie bright yellow highlighter
Various gel crayons, water, and paintbrushes.
Tim Holtz Sunrise Stencil.
Various Stamps from Sweet & Sassy Stamps. One item each from three sets.
Gina K Amalgam Ink
Distress Ink

The verses I journaled are Psalm 43:3-4 –

As always, I washi-taped a plastic mat under the page I worked on, so that the Bible wouldn’t get wet. I air dried this one, and then I stamped on it, and wrote out: Let Me bring light to the world through God, who’s light and love I share with others! Meet me on the Holy Hill! Walk with me, I am NOT alone!

Dear Ones, I have to hop off to go watch the explanation of the latest decree by our Command Staff. Pray for us over here.

Love, Hugs & Blessings,
LadyEm

Catholic Faith · COVID · Family · Italy · LadyEm · Saints

Happy Humbling Birthday!

October 18, 2020October 22, 2020 LadyEm634 Comments

Dear Ones,
Today, I am 57. Phew. We had plans to go out with friends, Covid-19 slayed that. Additionally, our son was supposed to have his wisdom teeth out on the 30th and it was moved up a couple weeks. There is a lot of fear we are moving into another lock down. It would not surprise me.

Anyway – I share my birthday with Saint Luke. As in The Gospel of Saint Luke, the Acts of the Apostles, not to mention he was one of Saint Paul’s companions. Read about him – HERE. He authored the Gospel of the Repentant sinners and Merciful Heart. I’m pretty sure he talked directly to Me in much of it. I’m not kidding. The Gospel of Saint Luke is my favorite Gospel, though I love them all. His name means “bringer of Light!”

When I found out bud was having surgery this weekend (10/16), I was like – BOO. I’ve gotta change all my plans. Sigh – you know, because in that split second it was all about me. But as a mother, there is no room for selfishness when it comes to our children’s health. No – I don’t say that because I was beating myself up. But I can’t make anyone feel badly – that’s NOT what Jesus would do. But seriously – my name means INDUSTRIOUS LIGHT (Emily Helen). And I truly aim to live up to that. I was faced with a choice… to be happy today in all it’s changes or to Sulk. And I chose happiness. I choose LIGHT. And that is NEVER a bad choice. I’ll get back to my birthday in a second.

Let me explain how things work in Italy. So – when you work for the Military, in a foreign country, you follow the Base Command’s directives as those directives are based on the laws/directives in the country you are in. If you follow my blog, you know we are in Italy. Our region was the first RED area in Italy this Fall (see Map & Link Below):

Additionally, the numbers are rising daily. In fact, if you look at the Campania Region, the numbers “Resting in Domicile” have doubled in the past three weeks. Below are yesterday’s Numbers. Todays have not come out yet.

So when the region or country changes rules about how they are approaching Covid, we have to follow suit. Further, the Command has requested we not dine out (we can do takeaway) and has given us other directives – all so we can thwart this thing and avoid another lockdown.

Why do I tell you the above? What you need to know is this… Happiness is a CHOICE. My family is here. My neighbors and friends in Italy are fantastic. My family and friends from home are showering me with love. My kitchen and home are all stocked up in case of a lock down. I could feed half the base LOL just kidding – but a lot of them. HA

I’ll admit, being here is lonely at times. But – this weekend has been quiet and full of family time. Bud is healing, though today is probably not his best day. My husband and I made a birthday cake. We took soup out of the freezer and will make some fried eggplant and zucchini later. We will have wine with our neighbors. And my 2020 birthday is NOT ruined… you know? Does it look different – YES.

Friday night, a friend brought us dinner. Veggie and Cheese pizza. AND sweet potato fries. Thanks Dawn. A few people sent cards and/or dropped off sweet presents. My husband bought flowers from he and our youngest… and I ordered a tan jacket with a burberry lining for my birthday. I mean it’s FAR from bad. I will share a few pics, then I will continue my story:

From top left – Wine glasses from Dawn, cards from Kelly and Dawn, Gift bag from my friend Julie and her family, and Flamingo Assortment from my friend Gen.

Literally the best gift ever. Purple Playdoh from the heart of a 3 year old. #imnotsharing

But let me tell you what made me cry. You see that purple PlayDoh. That is from my bestie Ms. C. She is a 3 year old and I adore her. We have similar spirits – which should tell you something about my maturity. Her mama, my friend Julie, left me a bag by our gate, and When she told me that me that her sweet girl had sent me something too…… Y’all, this precious girl – she gave me her play doh. And that is something — you know? How humbling is that?

So I ask you – in the spirit of Light and Salt of the earth – I’m pretty dang blessed. the people I “let in” now, they mean something… And I’m humbled and thankful. Not because of the gift of things, but because of the awareness that I care for people and they care for me too. That, Dear Ones, — THAT is the best gift. Love of others is the gift worth cherishing.

Jesus is the true light! We are to emanate Him. So I say – be humble and shine your light.

Love, Hugs, & Blessings,
Lady Em

Catholic · Catholic Faith · COVID · Davis Family · Italy

COVID INSANITY… it’s a thing y’all.

September 21, 2020September 21, 2020 LadyEm634 Comments

Dear Ones,

I don’t talk about a whole lot of politics on my blog, but I just want to remind anyone (you know, the three of ya) who reads my blog to research and look at conflicting views on things. Don’t just take your favorite news channel’s views on thing. And mostly – choose the view of The Church. YES – we have to follow the law of the land, but we are bound by our Faith to stand with God’s Rules. Currently there are so many infringements on our rights going on in our beautiful America, that my head is about to explode. More than that, common sense and logic are GONE! I feel like I am in an Eagle’s nest watching my beautiful country implode.

I think the isolation and fear of it all have gotten to so many otherwise sane people. I really want to believe there are a lot of good people left in the world. Let’s PRAY for that to be true. Because – COVID INSANITY… it’s a thing y’all.

I am framing a few posts about race and things, given that my family is bi-racial and I’m not going to be forced to choose which child I like better based on the color of their skin. I mean – who would do that? But I will be waiting to post them until I can state my position in a classy way, because it all kinda makes me angry. And I believe in tempering my words.

Which got me thinking… we need to teach our children to be good people, good listeners, and loyal friends. In the past week or so, I’ve been thinking about negative people… you know the kind who NEVER have a positive thing to say. It’s all about their way or what they desire and they are NEVER wrong. You know the type. The scatter the earth with rumors and lies and are narcissistic adults that bounce from friend to friend because they can’t keep friends long term. It’s so sad. I judge myself harshly for being so lost in the mire of life where you feel stuck in the negativity after so much as gone wrong – bogged down in the mud and much. But we must lift ourselves out of it brothers and sisters, by clinging to basic truths taught to us by Jesus.

Surround yourselves with good and loyal Christian people. Be the kind of spouse, friend, parent, family member others will admire and respect because they see Jesus in you. And for those you come across who don’t really know Jesus, use their ugliness as a reminder to pray for them. Truly – it will soften your heart.

Many of us are isolated. I’m in another country, for heaven’s sake. Mass is televised. It’s a sad time for us all. But we have the Saints and so many others to look to. Get out your Saint Books. Read your Bibles. Play Family Games. Bake for a neighbor. Exercise. But please, bite your tongue and say a Hail Mary or just call on the Holy Spirit instead of saying or doing something ugly. It’s enough already. For the record, if you feel like COVID is making you a bad version of yourself reach out to someone who will listen. I’m here. AND maybe look away from the news and insanity.

I pray your week is great. We spent the day cooking and prepping for the week yesterday – so I am feeling organized – Kinda.

Love, Hugs & Blessings All!
Lady Em