My Favorite Author....and my least favorite guest

I am so flattered that Jenni linked to my blog from hers. I am in awe of her writing, so if you haven't stepped over there, please check it out. http://onething.typepad.com/one_thing/

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As a result of Jenni's linkage, my comment section clearly reveals that I am not alone in my love of fictional small towns in the mountains of North Carolina. I tend to use the Mitford books by Jan Karon a lot in my life. Even though the main character is an Episcopal priest and I am Catholic, his faith (and the application of it in everyday situations) is an incredible inspiration to me. I have never picked up a Mitford book and not been moved. I cry every time I read about Miss Sadie dying, or Barnabas being snatched away from Fr. Tim, or Cynthia's painful confessions about her past. I never fail to cringe every time I turn to the page detailing Edith's blue casserole sitting on Fr. Tim's counter, or read the description of the wounds left by Lace's abusive father. And I am always full of anticipation and joy when I read about the careful restoration of the nativity scene, or about Hope's faith in goodness, shown by lighting the tree above Happy Endings.

I love the Mitford books so much, in fact, that my local library nearly wept with relief when I finally decided to buy the entire series on eBay. I found a fabulous deal, too, which made the deal even sweeter, for Pete's sake, and now when I finish one book I can just walk up to my dear shelf (made by my Darling) and trade it for the next.

Mitford is a gentle little town, full of rich characters and lively episodes. I've always kind of wondered about what a fine television series it would make. The trouble is, so few people want to watch that kind of television anymore. "Little House on the Prairie" and "The Waltons".....sadly, gone the way of syndicated dinosaurs. And because of the way TV usually works, there's no guarantee that the show would be faithful to the books.......so I will stick with my imagination where Fr. Tim's kitchen, the Lord's Chapel office, and Cynthia's studio are concerned.

I strongly encourage you to look into these books for a comfortable, inspiring, enveloping read. They're great on a porch swing, with a light breeze and glass of sweet tea, or snuggled up in a big chair with a blanket and a nursling and a cup of hot cocoa.

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Now on to more......icky....stuff.

The Major has launched a counter attack that apparently I cannot defend. That's right: Major Pukey has taken up what seems to be permanent residence just outside the flimsy walls of my pitiful fort.

What began last week as a "one time" incident, a small battle, a mere duel, has, apparently become a more regular occurrence. While I wrote about it just the other day, I later proceeded to ineffectively defend my stronghold against the Major's minions. Corporal Drool marched up and slapped me silly, while Private Bile waged a guerrilla attack. I eventually waved the white flag (er, that would be toilet tissue...) and gave in. I did feel better for a few minutes, if not completely exhausted.

And again last night--mid-supper, mind you!--the battle field was staged yet again. *sigh* I am now wondering if this is indeed better than dealing with the Nausea Bug. I know there are you crazy types out there who are nodding profusely, saying, "Yes! Yes!! Surrender to the Major!!!" But I have my doubts. Ah well.....each swing of this particular pendulum is an indication of a healthy Bean growing within. So I will do my best not to moan and groan, except while in the midst of hand-to-hand combat.

I guess it's time to buy stock in paper products.