What I’m into, March 2017

March: busy, musical, Lenten. Here’s what I’ve been into.

Books

God Moments: Unexpected Encounters in the Ordinary

I was delighted to get an early peek at Andy Otto’s God Moments which releases tomorrow. Andy explores the timeless goal of Finding God in All Things – which is also the theme of his excellent blog – using examples from his life and giving practical tips for readers. He gives a timely, personal take on practices like the Examen, imaginative prayer, and discernment.

(I particularly appreciated his few pages on the Enneagram, where he reveals his struggles as an “Eight”. I think we may need to start a Catholic Eights support group)

The Stone Boudoir: Travels Through the Hidden Villages of Sicily
Despite the ridiculous name, I enjoy the vignettes in this book about the author’s travels in Sicily. Having run out of travel books about Sicily I have turned to history and memoir about Sicily instead. There are far more options at the library in that section! I’m surprised I hadn’t come across Theresa Maggio’s writing before; I’m looking forward to further reading.

Music

Vocal Recital

After months of preparation my recital at Boston College was March 22. Victoria, Cathy and I performed Schubert’s Shepherd on the Rock, which Cathy and I had been hoping to perform since we met in Assisi a few years ago. The rest of the program was Mozart, Hahn and Barber. It was a special joy to perform Barber’s Hermit Songs in the same space where I first sang them on my senior recital 15 years ago.

Recordings are coming. Watch this space!

Remembering JoJo

Another walk down memory lane was joining with other alums of BC bOp!, BC’s jazz ensemble, to sing a special piece in honor of my late friend JoJo David at their spring concert. The current students were generous in welcoming us back even though we had to take a lot of their time at dress rehearsal, and it was magical to be back with some friends I haven’t sung with in years. I think JoJo would be pleased.

Into the Woods

This month we began rehearsals for Into the Woods at Riverside Theatre Works. The show goes up in May and things are coming together wonderfully!

Lent
This has been a fairly easy Lent in terms of carrying my little cross, since I don’t have any major crosses in my life bringing me down other than those I self-impose. So I’m not drinking, and took Facebook and Twitter off my phone, and am ready for Easter.

Food

I’ve gotten in a habit of making quiche on the weekends and eating it for breakfast all week. I’ve been making my own crusts, mixing flour, butter, lemon juice and ice water in the food processor. I’m following a process from a cookbook but every time I try my crust comes out a different fashion of not-quite-right (but still usable). Any tips for a great quiche crust?

Otherwise I’m still making lots of green food.

Thanks as always to Leigh Kramer for the linkup! What have you been into?

PS: Here’s the easiest way to buy Andy’s book (affiliate link):

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