The Ticking Clock

July 11, 2026 at 11:00 am I will be presenting a paper about teaching kids the basic principles of mimetic theory. Every thing got very real when I opened the conference schedule. The conference is the Colloquium on Violence and Religion in case you're interested. You can still sign up. If you don't have four days to give in the middle of July you can message me and I can send you my paper.

In any case my life got real with those time coordinates. I've been thinking about pivoting for a long time, but July 11th I'm doing it. I'm advocating for good changes in the world.

Hopefully one thing will lead to another and I'll explore the path of teaching but I have other possible plans—writing, or advocating for the poor or fostering ecumenical relationships. Luckily I kept most of the notes I've scribbled down about possible projects. Who knows where they are, but they engrained themselves in my mind with the act of writing. I am not starting from scratch.

The oyster is the best part of the turkey. It's small and succulent and worth volunteering to carve the bird for. I am hoping the next two decades of my life are my turkey oyster. Freed from raising children I want to get the max out of my life and gifts.it will be a seemingly small part of my life but hopefully it will be the most earnest.

Knock Off

My youngest has turned eighteen. I'm presenting a paper at an academic conference. My life is turning a new corner. Due to the nature of raising six children my stuff is all wrecked. The slow process of rejuvenation has begun, but my purse is still tight. I used to indulge in fantasies of walking into Apple and saying ”I'll have one of everything”. Even then I knew it was a fantasy. So I have entered the world of the knock off, and I have to say it isn't treating me badly. All the things work, and since I don't know what premium is I don't miss it. I am happily enamored with regular stuff. It's cheap, cheerful and usually comes in pink.

Think pink!

Be Not Afraid

 When I became a Catholic I discovered all these great Christian songs I’d never heard of. One of my favorites that I sing a little every day is “Be Not Afraid”. The lyrics are

Be not afraid. I go before you always

Come unto me, and I will give you rest.

There is more to it, but the chorus is usually enough for me. 

I’m going on a big adventure this summer, and I have so much work to do to prepare. I have a paper to write, a presentation to prepare, clothing and supplies to purchase, and I’m giving a new diet and exercise program a go. I would normally be quaking with fear, but I’m old now. I don’t get so worried. I’ve discovered St. Julian of Norwich and her good news about God’s love, and over and over and over again this little problem, that fore-step, has been already answered as He has gone before me.