Well, dearies, I have been tearing it up, as they say, over at PeaceBang.com, if you’ve been wondering where I have been.
Writing is not always a choice for me. When I have something that I need to write, I literally cannot rest until I express it on the page. People who ask me, “How can you be so prolific?” might be interested to know that I write extremely fast, and that I become peevish and emotionally constipated if I can’t get to a computer or paper when something HAS to come out. Some of you will understand this. I only wish that sermons would always come so effortlessly and rapidly!
I heard from one of my spies that going in jeans and a button-down shirt to a seminary event was to be noticeably overdressed. Of course this depresses PeaceBang no end, but she takes comfort in the fact that this event was for those merely considering seminary and that she still has plenty of time to get to them before they unleash their extreme informality onto the world as representatives of the Church.
How is your winter going? What are you doing, using, committing to, that is working for you? I just got a flu shot in the hopes that I can avoid getting terribly sick again this year. I got so sick last March. As far as ministry goes, it has been calm and fairly quiet in my own parish. There’s a real blessing in that, as it affords me time for long, deep conversations with lay leaders, and those unhurried social visits that crop up unexpectedly when you run into someone. I have been able to catch up with some folks who have been somewhat under the radar and to check in with some who were struggling financially last year at this time and came to the church for assistance.
I think of this as Beagle Ministry, just sniffing around and following the trail. I enjoy it a lot because it suits my intuitive way of going about life, just feeling about for connections, picking up the phone as someone’s face pops into my mind, reviewing the autumn’s work and planning the “next semester” of the year. I got a lot of reading and organizing done in the week between Christmas and January 1st, which is such a joy, isn’t it?
My lips are always dry in January and I am devoted to Badger Creamy Cocoa lip balm.
It comes in a nice, thick stick and is very emolient. It’s made of good stuff so you can use it a lot. It’s made in New Hampshire and if you’re a fan of Honey Badger, like I am, you can giggle every time you apply it. Boys can use it too, and should!
Another current favorite is Nature’s Gate Oatmeal liquid soap. Holy cow, does this stuff smell delicious! And it’s organic and very moisturizing, so will earn a permanent place in my shower. By using waste free products from https://wastefreeproducts.com/, you’ve decided that you will not be using wasteful plastic containers and commit to zero waste plastic free products.
That’s it for now, dear ones. What’s going on with you?
Burt’s Bees Shimmer Lip Balm in Champagne–in the winter and all year long! Soothing, inexpensive and pretty. I use it over SkinCeuticals Sheer Physical Defense UVA/UVB sunblock — in winter and all year long. And I go through gallons of Cetaphil moisturizing lotion.
I’m coming OUT of a writing funk. Getting excited for my last semester of seminary and out on the call (job) PROWL. Thinking of you and spreading the peacebang love far and wide in Kentucky–“There’s nothing a glass of wine and a flat iron can’t fix!”
–e
Aquaphor is my favorite for dry, cracked hands. Mine are terrible in the winter (they crack and bleed) and Aquaphor soothes and heals quickly. Sometimes in a pinch I use it on my lips if I am out of my beloved Burt’s Bees lip balm.
Thank you for your recent posts over on Peacebang – you are, indeed, tearing it up and saying things that I can only wish I were articulate enough to express.
Re: seminary attire
Yes, sometimes I feel overdressed among some (not all) peers, but I dress for the work I am doing here – classes, chapel, meetings, community meals – as I did for previous roles I took seriously. Most days, for me, that means a simple skirt and top, with a cardigan or jacket, and often a scarf to add a dash of color and personality. My closet is tiny and I don’t have time to think about it too much, so a black-gray base palette, with a few accents, makes for easy choices. And it’s comfortable enough for 16-hour days.
Some people cite the expense, but it doesn’t have to cost any more than jeans and tees/shirts. Many pieces I’ve had for years, and occasionally checking in with thrift/resale shops adds items like a $5 Brooks Brothers tailored skirt.
When I’ve taken a few minutes to give attention to basic grooming, and get dressed in grown-up clothes, I know I am ready for whatever the day holds. I never worry that I will feel awkward when I need to meet with faculty, or have an opportunity to meet visiting clergy and other leaders of the church. Besides, it won’t require a whole new wardrobe when it is time for (hopefully) a parish call.
When I was in about sixth grade, I saw a headline in a Vogue pattern book that I still remember: “One of the best ways to get to [_____] is to dress like you are already there.†It’s not just about the outward appearance – it’s what it does to the wearer. When we feel like [a leader of the church], I believe we are more likely to act like one.
Thank you for the comment from the Vogue pattern book…it really struck a chord with me. Something I clearly need to think about some more…
Yes jeans and t-shirts are the staples of the seminary community that I’m a part of just as they are at most institutions of higher learning with a population in their 20s. Frankly if I’m going to spend an hour and a half in class and six hours at my desk studying I’m not going to try too hard for that hour and a half (unless I’m giving a presentation of course). I do dress up when I lead worship and when anyone preaches in preaching class they wear their collar and we all know to send some extra prayers their way.
Oh–one other great tip from my dermatologist: Every time you brush your teeth, use your toothbrush (preferably an electric toothbrush) to exfoliate your lips. At night, I also put Aquaphor on my lips before going to bed. Since I started doing this a few years ago, I have been fortunate never to have cracked peeling lips.
Over Christmas break I had the opportunity (?) to go to the ER with my sister-in-law two times. Admitted both times. . . busman’s/buswoman’s holiday, eh? She’s better now. But, I discovered the greatest stuff — Remedy Olivamine Skin Repair Cream. My skin is frightfully dry and very sensitive. Most of what was mentioned above it okay (although some of them irritate my skin)- but it tends to sit on my skin (it is THAT dry). This stuff is great. Works in, softens the skin, heals the cracks over-night (or at least gets a really good start on them) and leaves the skin with a talc like feel. Between the cold of winter and working with yarn (I crochet) and this lotion, this is going to be a good winter, finally!
[Great tip! We certainly hope sis-in-law continues to improve. xoxo- PB]
Oh my, I’ve been doing the electric tooth brush thing since yesterday and its already making a difference. Thanks to Rev Brigid for the tip !
I kicked off the new year with a trip to a gorgeous outdoor skating rink, which was really fun–until I twisted my knee falling to avoid a tiny skater who had wiped out right in front of me. Fell on my right hip–my left thigh bone smashed my left shin bone. Had surgery to rebuild it Thursday, am non-weight-bearing for two months. This is causing disruption in household, family, and church–and I only have a couple of things to wear that will fit over my cast! I’m certain we’ll have things figured out in the next week or so, but it’s stressful right now. My winter recommendations include green tea and Netflix!