There’s a Meme floating around the Blogosphere to name ten people who are the greatest influence on you, not including God or your family members. I got tagged by Meg and then procrastinated enough that I was also tagged by Raphael and Laura I’ve realized I have to just get a list down and not worry about elaborating too much. Also, I want to point out that I may not mention people who I certainly consider influences.

1)Patricia K. my Russian professor who introduced me to Orthodoxy, taught me to love Slavic literature, music and art, and in a humbling moment for me, agreed to be my Godmother.
2)Charnette. A family friend who has become an honorary aunt, reminded me to enjoy reading and education, provided lots of love and laughter, nurtured a love of baseball and the Beatles.
3)Mrs Mousethief. A lovely friend who has taught me a lot about being Orthodox, being a good mother, etiquette, sweet tea, and all with a wonderful sense of humor
4)Connie N. My boss, mentor and friend. She encourages me in my work environment, honors my mothering skills, enjoys my sense of humor, and tells me often how much I am appreciated. I am honored to work with her
5)Father John. I am truly blessed to have such a wonderful Priest and Spiritual Father. He has taught me about being a Christian, is an eloquent speaker, provided just the right amount of advice, and is an invaluable asset to the Church. Thank you.
6)Nanette. She’s my Godsister, what can I say? A friend who first invited me to Holy Trinity, smiles and laughs with me, and is a comforting presence in my life. She fell in love and moved to Cypress and I miss her dearly
7) My English teachers in High School. Even though I ended up studying History and Literature, I still can recall lessons on Shakespeare, great books, reading for pleasure, and grammar from Mr. Peckler and Stew.
8)Scrapbooking teachers. I’m not naturally artistic, and those teachers who have taught me to enjoy the process of creation and step up my pages have allowed me to grow and change in my pages and to trust my instincts. I’ve been blessed to learn from national celebrities, the scrapbook store owner, fellow students and my scrapbook buddies I meet with regularly. I appreciate all of you.
9)My Blog Friends. I have met so many wonderful people through this online diary of life, and I take something from everyone’s post. I am thankful for those who I have met, and humbled to be in many of your thoughts and prayers.
10)Jeanne. My first boss who took me under her wing when Eddie and I found ourselves expecting Cedric. She gave me hand-me-downs, taught me how to look at a Real Estate contract, and offered friendship and support.

Thank you to everyone who has touched my life, I honestly can say that I learn from everyone who I meet. And, it was hard to not mention my parents, my sister and brother, my beautiful nephews, Cedric and Xavier who have taught me that parenthood is watching your heart walk around outside your body, and most of all Eddie who loves me for who I am, encourages me to be who I can be, and can crack me up with just a look. You are my heart!

Who should I tag? how about Susan Sophia and Arika

Today is the beginning of the Nativity Fast the Advent Fast, or Philip’s Fast. Whatever you call it, it is our preparation for the Nativity of Christ (Christmas) on December 25th. It is a time of fasting, prayer and repentance. It is also a time of joy, longing, and preparation. Minor Clergy’s blog had a beautiful piece on how fasting is a pilgrimage, but it is down right now. If it comes back up, I’ll post the link.

Huw has challenged Orthodox Bloggers to post the O Antiphons early Western Chritian meditations and prayers during Advent (I believe they are still used in the Western Liturgical Rite of Orthodoxy, the Anglican tradition, and the Catholic tradition, although my blog readers of those traditions will have to confirm that for me).
O Wisdom,
who proceeds from the mouth of the Most High,
reaching out mightily from end to end,
and sweetly arranging all things:
come to teach us the way of prudence
O Sapientia,
quae ex ore Altissimi prodiisti,
attingens a fine usque ad finem fortiter,
suaviterque disponens omnia:
veni ad docendum nos viam prudentiae.

The wisdom writings of the Bible are very dear to me, and I often think of them. When I was just beginning to be aware of Orthodoxy and in college, I wrote a paper on the character of Sophia in Dostoyevsky’s Crime and Punishment I took the position then that she was an embodiment of Divine Wisdom, and read the Wisdom writings in depth, as well as some of the applicable Orthodox hymnography. I think this research was important on my Orthodox journey, and thank Dostoyevsky as well as my Professor for the good grade it garnered.

Thinking of these writings, reading the scriptures (I’m working on the Old Testament and happen to be in the middle of Job right now) and beginning the Nativity Fast, this Antiphon seems to be most appropriate. May you have a blessed Nativity Fast, and just think, only 40 days until Christmas!


(on another note, I have two Memes I’ve been tagged with that I’ll get written up and posted in the next couple of days. I’m not ignoring them, just thinking!)

Weekend Wrap-up

I have a lot of little bits to say, I guess.

Friday was a day off work, Dawn was planning on coming down and making cards with me, but she had a nasty cold and decided to get some well-needed rest instead. So, I spent the day folding laundry, reading, sweeping the floor, following up on phone calls (my boss is away) and making a couple of gifts - a money holder out of a library card pocket and a composition book for a friend.

Saturday - Our Book Club went on a field trip to visit one of our members who has moved to downtown Portland. It was a fabulous trip - we rode the train to Portland, walked to her loft, had a great homemade meal, then went to Powells to pick up the next book, and shopped, ate, browsed galleries, and drank before getting back on the train home.

Sunday - After Liturgy, our Church School classes made Advent Chains as the Nativity Fast begins tomorrow, and then the boys went to the Mousethief house, while Mrs. Mousethief and I went to a wedding shower. It was lovely and there were great games. Sadly, my team took over 2 minutes in Pictionary; the winning team took about 46 seconds. It's harder than it looks. Finally, getting to home, we had pinto beans that Eddie cooked while we were away, I read the paper, the end of The Historian, and then watched a lovely retrospective on Saturday Night Live in the 1980s. I wanted to watch the new PBS Masterpiece Theater on Queen Elizabeth I, but it wasn't on our station. (Did anyone see it, was it good?)

I hope you had a wonderful and relaxing Veteran’s Day weekend as well.