Conversation Stopper

Here's how to stop a conversation at a party:

While standing amidst a small circle of conversation (at a party comprised mostly of aging Vineyard hippies along with their children and an assortment of grand-babies and grandchildren) it was noted that orange seemed to be a dominant color in the guests' attire.

"Orange is the color of life according to Buddhist tradition," I offered.

He: "Really? Well, yes, I suppose so, what with the saffron robes and all." The gentleman went on to ask (while either ignoring, or somehow completely missing the large purple wampum cross prominently dangling against my white tee-shirt background), "Are you of the Buddhist tradition?"

Me: "No. I'm Catholic. And proudly so." At which point she walked away while he stammered out a few words, including something about "a new pope," before disappearing into the crowd.

Checking In

So sorry to be so far behind in my writing. All I want to say, one year and three months later is, I am so happy to be home, and so happy to be Catholic. I mean, really - every time I'm at Mass, which is every day, I think to myself, Why would anyone bother with anything besides this: the absolute straight story. I mean, we're talking pure drop, here: forgiveness, the Bible, the sacrifice at the altar, and the Real Presence in the Eucharist. The rest is commentary.