Historical setting: 589 C.E. In the Vosges Mountains My thoughts seem always on Ana. Confessing the sinful distraction would give me another chance to say her name aloud. And by this time my tonsure is hidden in the curls of a layman and my thoughts of Ana are simply part of my gratitude. ThankContinue reading “Post #31.6, Thurs., April 14, 2022”
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Post #31.5, Weds., April 13, 2022
Historical setting: 589 C.E. In the Vosges Mountains I stand here among the pilgrims for the chanting of the psalms. I know that many who dedicate themselves to obedience in Christ assume grief and suffering are the virtues that make them holy. I’ve known some use suffering to nurture their own ability for empathyContinue reading “Post #31.5, Weds., April 13, 2022”
Post #31.4, Tuesday, April 12, 2022
Historical setting: 589 C.E. Annegray in the Vosges The keeper of the birds told me there is a “Rule of Ana.” “It is forbidden to speak any notion that this ‘Ana’ you have called by name as anything but an angel.” “I understand. I know this rule was made for her safety. MayContinue reading “Post #31.4, Tuesday, April 12, 2022”
Post #31.3, Thurs., April 7, 2022
Historical setting: 589 C.E. In the Vosges Mountains Annegray is a ruin of a fortress. Like Ana’s house it has very sturdy stone walls. But here pieces of a makeshift roof are only in the places most needed. With skins hoisted over here and striped tenting or woven waxed cloth over there it hasContinue reading “Post #31.3, Thurs., April 7, 2022”
Post #30.15, Thursday, March 31, 2022
Historical setting: 589 C.E. The cottage in the mountains “The Rule of Columbanus is a shorter document than the Rule of Benedict,” she tells me clearly intending to change the subject. “So these are easier rules?” She smiles at that silly question. She explains, “It takes fewer words because all thatContinue reading “Post #30.15, Thursday, March 31, 2022”
Post #30.14, Weds., March 30, 2022
Historical setting: 589 C.E. The cottage in the mountains The monk explains that in Lent there are more pilgrims than ever at Annegray. He thanked Ana for the seeds and wild roots and flavorful herbs and for instructions for the kind of root cellars used in Gaul. So now, he says, food was alreadyContinue reading “Post #30.14, Weds., March 30, 2022”
Post #30.13, Tuesday, March 29, 2022
Historical setting: 589 C.E. The cottage in the mountains Close to the heart in these mountains deep in its valleys, the Black Forest cradles an eternity of ancient lore. Turned as yarn on the spindles of storytellers are romantic legends of fairies and princes, commoners always reaching justice after cruelty, always turning things upsideContinue reading “Post #30.13, Tuesday, March 29, 2022”
Post #30.12, Thursday, March 24, 2022
Historical setting: 589 C.E. The cottage in the mountains Ana and I are stumbling over steep cobblestones of reunion. Her dream of finding her beloved teacher alive and well, welcoming her back is dashed, and instead she gets handed a man with a wound. She breaks into my silence with words, “Of courseContinue reading “Post #30.12, Thursday, March 24, 2022”
Post #30.11, Weds., March 23, 2022
Historical setting: 589 C.E. The cottage in the mountains I’ve always imagined finding Anatase and it would be a happy reunion, abundant gratitude and endless hopes fulfilled. I’ve done nothing here but stare into the deep sky and I feel like she’s blaming me for all her hurt just because of my gender. Continue reading “Post #30.11, Weds., March 23, 2022”
Post #30.10, Tuesday, March 22, 2022
Historical setting: 589 C.E. The cottage in the mountains Awake again, the brother servant and Ana are having biscuits and porridge. Brother Servant says he will be going back to Annegray right away, and offers to help take me to a straw bed closer to the fire before he goes. That is a kindness.Continue reading “Post #30.10, Tuesday, March 22, 2022”
Lazarus Ink 