seven quick takes

Seven Quick Takes Friday

/ CAstfalk / 8 Comments

Seven Quick Takes Friday

Stay With Me Launch Edition

Until two weeks ago, I’d never launched a model rocket, much less a book. But since then, my debut novel Stay With Me has been released. Here are my seven take-aways from the experience.
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Stalking the Amish Baby

My release day leisure-time fun consisted solely of clicking the refresh icon in my browser and watching as my ebook ratings bobbed up and down. To make it interesting, I set my sights on overcoming a variety of Amish romances blocking my path to the top. My Facebook status that day said it best:

“My goal for the day: To catch and surpass Amish Baby Surprise in the Inspirational Religious Fiction category. Maybe even catch The Amish Nanny. My Harley-riding hero and his girlfriend are being smothered by 50 Shades of Hay.”

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Seven Quick Takes Friday

/ CAstfalk / 9 Comments

Seven Quick Takes Friday

Lovin’ Our CSA Share Edition

(Also known as my slow descent into hippiedom.)

For the past decade at least (I’ve lost count of the years), we’ve purchased a share in a local CSA – Community Supported Agriculture. From April through November, I visit a local pickup site each week and bring home a bounty of locally-grown organic produce. (We receive our produce from Spiral Path Farm.)

These are seven ways in which it’s been good for our family.

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Color and Beauty

In late summer especially, you can’t look at this harvest and not simply admire its beauty. God gives us a feast for the eyes as well as for the stomach.

Peppers

Color and beauty. Add some blueberries, and you’ve got a rainbow.

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Seven Quick Takes Friday

/ CAstfalk / 2 Comments

Seven Quick Takes Friday

Lourdes Grotto Edition

Short of a schedule conflict, my husband attends an annual Catholic men’s retreat at Mount St. Mary’s University in Emmitsburg, Maryland. Families are welcome to join the retreatants for Mass on Sunday morning at the National Shrine Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes. Situated on a wooden hillside above the university and seminary campus, the Lourdes Grotto includes paved paths lined by depictions of the mysteries of the Rosary, the Stations of the Cross, and numerous statues. With its wildflowers, natural spring, towering trees, and native Mountain laurel, it’s one of my favorite places.

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The Giant Mary Statue

This towering statue of Our Lady, visible from Route 15 once you cross the border from Pennsylvania into Maryland, is a sight to behold. She towers over the treetops with outstretched arms, beckoning to passersby below.Giant Mary Statue

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Seven Quick Takes Friday

/ CAstfalk / 2 Comments

Seven Quick Takes Friday

What’s Hanging on the Walls Edition

So, here’s what’s hanging on the walls in our house – aside from dirt, kid prints, cobwebs, and errant crayon marks. This is a glimpse at most of the artwork in our home. I confess to knowing very little about art – from creating to appreciating to buying. In this brief look, our tastes seem pretty narrow: one French romantic, religious artwork, and pop movie posters. Perhaps if we had the wall space, money, and leisure to devote to it, we could enhance our home with some more inspiring pieces, but in this season of life, I’m just happy if I’m not scraping dried food from the wall. (Yeah, I’m looking at you, toddler boy.) Continue reading →

Seven Quick Takes Friday

/ CAstfalk / 1 Comment

Seven Quick Takes Friday

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As we dig through the detritus of our computer room in order to convert it into the girls’ bedroom, my husband unearthed these . . . these gnomes, which he painted decades ago. He presented them to our oldest daughter, who squealed with delight. She promptly informed me that the female of the duo looks like me. Really? Say it ain’t so. But, yes, she insists, it’s a remarkable likeness. I’m thinking it’s time for a total body makeover. Continue reading →