A Tribute to the Inspiration From This Year

 

I guess it starts with this lovely actress, Emma Stone. (I really love her in the movies, The Help and LaLa Land). 

It was the 5th day of the school, and I was assigned to go to a U.S. History class. It seemed exciting and interesting, and I was in a World History class last year. Upon entrance, I told the teacher what I was there for (to take notes and gain information for a student(s)) and had briefly interrupted the teacher talking. She was totally cool with it, and later came to the back of the classroom where I was at a teacher's desk. She introduced herself and knew what I was there for (which was really nice, since there are some teachers who don't really know/understand). She was friendly too, another plus!

I knew from the get-go that I would thoroughly love this class and was instantly inspired, excited and thrilled. The teacher looked pretty young and looked close to my age, reminded me in her demeanor but mostly in some way in her speech of the actress, Emma Stone, (though I mostly made it up in my own head, I don't actually know the actress lol) and it lasted the school year where I always enjoyed going to this class, sitting in the back and listening, taking notes and definitely learning a ton of new riveting and interesting information, and some review of good ol' U.S. History. Every time I went to the library, mostly to study and work on assignments, I would get inspired browsing through some more of the History section and thinking of this class. 

The school year started with associating it with Emma Stone and the inspiration she brings to her films, and it also ended with relaxing and watching some scenes from the funny and lovely movie, The Help. In the middle of the school year, when I went to the Bachelorette Party (in Scottsdale, AZ, later learned she was from there ha) I instantly felt inspired to get back into my own writing, as her main character was a hungry artist, recent college grad, with a strong sense of gusto, personality and ambition as well as independence. It made me want to read this book again! One of my favorite lines from her, as the guy she went on a lame date with is trying to apologize to her, she says somewhere, 'Well, I have a lot to say'. And I love that, since I feel I have a lot to say too, in my writing but also from this school year, so let's continue!

I mentioned this blessed in another blog post from last semester but can't help but include Blessed Carlo again. I printed out some of these inspirational photos I am sharing here, and I put his picture above my desk in my room. I feel that I can go to him for various needs (vocation, devotion to the Eucharist, as well as Technology), and there is a lot to know and learn in my program with pertains to technology and other topics, so what better intercessor to have!

I can't forget dear Elisabeth Elliot. Her books are gems and her story, witness of faith among others are treasures to bestow, not to mention her talks. She passed away in 2015, but she is still very much alive to me! Browsing the website all about her (her books, talks, story, etc..) was also interesting and inspiring to bestow.

These shoes, and others like them. It seems kind of random but seeing this type of style (without backing) I saw everywhere. I purchased a pair- a sandal dressy type with not backing, and they are nice and felt quite the trend (bought for a bachelorette weekend). I also these types of backless flats all the time worn by the U.S. History teacher, and her style of clothing was inspiring, trendy but cool to see the different components, and somehow it also made me in a fashion inspired mood. As they say, its nit the clothes, but who wear them that makes it great. These cute, spring type shoes (though she wore them in Fall and winter too!) will remind me of that class and teacher. 

I love her blog!!! I was always so amazed, encouraged and yes, inspired with her story, joy, witness of her faith, courageous spirit and her artistic and fashion taste. Her blog writing helped me immensely this year! There were countless days and moments where I was going through a hard time, a discouraging thought or feeling came once again, or just some joy needed to be found. I read her posts multiple times, took notes on them and even began translating some of them from Spanish into English (thanks Google Translate!) She felt like a dear friend beside me, and I would think, how did she go through all that she went? She certainly helped instilled that hope and joy, as well as perseverance through her own journey. 

Good St Nicholas! I have a prayer card of him and found it at the cute little church in Half Moon Bay visiting with my mom in January. I knew I had to take it since I was encouraged from reading on the Opus Dei website about St. Josemaria's devotion to this saint, in many needs, and in most particularly in finances for The Work. I read this in December, and his feast day is December 6th. That time I remember since it was when the first semester was drawing to a close and the cold weather, the tiring, long semester up to that point, this felt like a glimmer of hope and light. 

Another website I often checked and took notes on was Blessed is She. I found some real encouragement and community from my desk, from my experiences, and sometimes just craving a spiritual perspective and inspiration. Many notes came from it, and I am still in the process of typing them up!

I can't forget the library as a source of inspiration! The webpage was a life saver and life source for research for books, renewing my materials, or just curating ideas. Somehow it didn't get old checking my account (though it could happen maybe 3 times a day!)

I can't forget games! These two come easily to mind: Scattergories and Wordle. We played them both online which was convenient. It was another way to stay innovative with the time. And it all came about with the first week of school open ended with extra time and wanting to utilize and connect with students more. Wordle and other online games were ideas from a student, and we really connected and bonded over playing these games. Her asking me, 'Did you get the Wordle today?' or 'Did you do the Worldle today?' 

Creativity, innovation, more creativity, and more innovation is what it has all taught me!! 

If I come up with anymore or remember ones I've forgotten to mention, I will write another post. :)

The Journey

 Why do these thoughts come to me? They seem to become a string, a thread, then a spiral. A downward spiral. But these do not come from God or ensue peace, confidence, grace or even joy. They speak and tell of anything but. They are also lies and schemes from the evil one for me to get distracted of the real purpose and meaning, of God's plan and timing, of the beauty that surrounds me.

The priest's homily today was spot on with surrendering and letting God take control of our lives even if we are afraid to do so. It's a scary prayer to give God all when we think it lies within our comfort or control. Emeritus Pope Benedict the 16th and St. Pope John Paul II said something along the lines of, "When you give God everything, you don't lose anything, but rather gain everything and become more of yourself." I heard this from the Cale Clarke Show recently and found it to be an encouraging reminder. 

Perhaps I've been reflecting on this past year, and how difficult and raw it was at times, and looking at the future, not gleaming but rather feeling like it will be the same old story, or nothing new. Perhaps I'm facing a challenge in my young adulthood, questioning, wondering what's next and how to cultivate the things I'm seeking. And even thinking what it is that I seek when I'm still on a journey.

Journey. I think of the coffee shop~ Journey's coffee that is nearby to my sister's place and how inspiring, inviting it is. The founders' story is encouraging and full hope, as well as inspiring. Their company coffee shop wasn't part of their plan at all, but God continued to write their story in the thick of the unknown, in the foggy mess and the hazy disappointment. They still felt called to where they moved to and now saw it as an opportunity and were on a mission.

God continues to write and leads with a pen that only he can see, and I will see later. Just like a painting, as you look closely (such as in impressionism), the dots, the strokes, the faint colors and the randomness all create and provoke meaning, but the observer will only see this as they draw back, look with clear eyes that are unbiased, and clear. How beautiful our lives are like paintings, and everything becomes lovely from there. 

Filling Up a Desert

 It was a beautiful spring day, and I was on my walk. Something in me didn't want to listen to music anymore for the remainder, but something with more awe provoking, inspirational and spiritual realm. Elisabeth Elliot came to my mind all of a sudden and I realized I hadn't listened to her in a long time. Listening to her voice and some topics on the podcast felt relaxing, therapeutic and peaceful. It also was reassuring because she was such a devout, convicted, courageous and strong woman of faith. It was just what I needed to be reminded of from a kindred soul. 

Reading her books or listening to her speak reminds me of last Fall. That was when I read a couple of her books and got really into her story, her speaking and who she was. I was going through a difficult time, sometimes dry, other times disheartening, discouraging, still others flat, boring, unknown. Her voice got me through and sharing a love of her with my sister was a compelling connection. It was like we had met another friend who was wiser than us, spiritually gifted and devout, and had the gem of 3 marriages teach her lessons about God, waiting, trust, and hope. 

I would often look at her website which had devotionals, quotes, a list of her books. It encouraged and inspired me to keep my heart up on some of those heavy days. Her wisdom flowed, expanded and melted in my heart and soul, and I didn't feel so disheartened. 

I plan to read more of her books. And listen to more of her talks. She's an old-fashioned lady, classy and proper. She's like a grandmother figure to me and reminds me of my own grandmothers. She was traditional, and true to herself. Her melancholic spirit comes through just as much as her streaks of choleric did. I'm grateful for the gift of being inspired by her. Sometimes, you never know how God will answer your prayers or even fill up a dry season, a lonely or difficult season with a spring. 

That Note

 The memories came back to me all at once. I was easily reliving certain feelings, conversations, visual memories from this time, this precious time. Some became full of nostalgia, beautifully and delicately reminiscing in hindsight. Sometimes even wishing I was where I am now at that time. But I think I've held on to these memories good enough for me to replay them in my mind, to ponder, pray and immerse myself again whenever I feel is necessary and whenever I like. 

I was looking one evening for some inspiration. I was going through some letters and came across the one from when my sister was moving 2 summers ago. I read through it again, and the memories, feelings were so much stronger, deeper and meaningful than they were when I first read her lengthy note. 

This was the inspiration I was looking for. And now I could start to write and begin on her wedding toast. I felt like I had everything I needed and could go from there. And I did, and I finished my long note, and I'm excited to read it aloud on her wedding day. 

Mother's Day

 It was a few days before my brother's wedding, and I had my nails nicely done and manicured. It was the feast day of one of my favorite saints, St. Gianna Molla. I decided to wear my Grandma's engagement wedding ring since it fits so well and what better way to remember here when a wedding was so soon. I thought of her also with this saint Gianna because they both had later vocations to marriage, and it gives me comfort, support and consolation in a unique way where I am. 

They were both mothers. One became a saint by sacrificing ad giving up her life for her 4th baby, and the other (my Grandma) gave birth to 3 children, one of them being my Dad. My dear sister created and composed a beautiful, touching and deeply moving book of our Grandma a few months ago since most of us were not born in order to meet and remember her. Somehow, she has a touching and delicate presence in our or my live(s) now. Perhaps family weddings bring upon certain feelings, depth and reflections. 

Celebrating Mother's Day, I feel is always somewhat bittersweet. How do you showcase through a card and or a gift all that a Mother can mean to you? Has done for you? And will continue to do for you? You don't want it to be a let down or a disappointment, but something special, meaningful and most certainly generous and thoughtful. 

I can't help but think of Our Lady, who is a Mother to us all. This is her month and what better opportunity to continue with the rosary and other beautiful devotions to her. And the feast day of Our Lady of Fatima is coming up this week too! Motherhood is difficult to describe the beauty, the significance and depth in just a few words or strung out sentences that could deflate like a balloon after reading them. What sticks, and holds some meaning and value?

 I know there are many saints and blesseds who have shown devotion and importance to mothers, including St. Pope John Paul II. I really love what my cheerful said wrote to me today,

 "A woman by her very nature is maternal- for every woman, whether married or unmarried, is called upon to be a biological, psychological, or spiritual mother-she knows intuitively that to give, to nurture, to care for others, to suffer with and for them-for maternity implies suffering- is infinitely more valuable in God's sight than to conquer nations and fly to the moon." -Alice Von Hildebrand

Easter Sunday, 2020