Saturday, March 12, 2011

Ash Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent and occurs 40 days before Easter.

Ash Wednesday is the beginning of forty day liturgical period of prayer and fasting, just as Jesus spent forty days fasting in the desert before his public ministry, where he was unsuccessfully tempted by Satan.

The priest, minister or officiating lay person, marks the forehead of the participant with black ashes in the shape of a cross, which the worshiper retains until it wears off, considered a sign of the faithful. The priest or minister says this as ashes are applied to the forehead,
Remember that thou art dust, and unto dust thou shalt return.
—Genesis 3:19
I find these words very strong and meaningful, and try to live my life guided by this powerful message. What is essential to me is invisible to the eye - not attached to material goods, goodness and kindness is what constitutes my sense of peace and accomplishment.

Ashes on the foreheads of the faithful is a sign of mourning and repentance to God. Ash Wednesday is observed by fasting, abstinence from meat, and repentance. The ashes used are the previous year's burned Palm Sunday.

In the Catholic Church, ashes, being sacramentals, may be given to anyone who wishes to receive them as opposed to Catholic sacraments, which are generally reserved for church members. I missed receiving the the ashes this year because I still have not fully recovered from my flu yet. This is 'another' first day where I feel strength and comfort, hopeful that it lingers on.

The Lenten season is here, a time of reflection, prayer, and service, contemplating the Lord's 40 days of prayer and fasting before He embarked on his life's work. Let us immerse in it.

Let us also offer our prayers to those affected by the massive earthquake and tsunami in Japan, that the may suffer no more, that they may receive the help they need to recover and be comfortable. We also offer our prayers in gratitude for sparing us. Amen.

Sunday, March 6, 2011

The Martha Graham Dance Company in Des Moines

The Martha Graham Dance Company, accompanied by DSM Symphony, was enjoyed by all. We, with Issa's friend Suzanne, were entertained by quintessential Graham ballet pieces.

Appalachian Spring, "Ballet for Martha," 1944, is a classic, with my favorite heartwarming folk song Simple Gifts by Aaron Copland.

I did not fully get the story of Cave of the Heart, 1946, until I read the program notes. Yes; love, betrayal, vengeance - so sad.

Diversion of Angels, 1948, was love in colors: white as mature love, red as erotic love, yellow as adolescent love. I enjoyed this best because it was more classical ballet, instead of modern American dance which confuses me.

The dancers were all beautiful - toned, strong yet graceful, well trained in their craft.

Joie de vivre's back

I was ghastly sick for 3 days last week, downed with a virulent case of flu. Fever, chills, body aches, a hacking cough, colds, weakness - delirious. I could hardly press Maia's speed dial from being so weak. Maia was home because of school conference. I quarantined myself because I did not want her to get sick right before a big state dance performance in DSM, 1 of 2 girls in her HS chosen to the All State Dance Honors Team (240 of 500+ who auditioned). I longed for the evening when my C. would come home & take care of me, and all is well with the world again.

I am thankfully well now, several pounds lighter, feeling much better. Joie de vivre back. Giving thanks to the good Lord.