Twelve Quiet Hours

Spent Saturday Uniquely. (Pause to wonder how repugnant it is to begin a blog post with a sentence fragment. But that's sort of the way of the blog. Heck, it's lately the way of the newspapers and magazines. No one follows grammar rules anymore.) I had my first official once-a-month "Day Off." Humble thanks to my husband who gave me his blessing and cared for the fabulous four kids from sunup to past sundown.

My theme for the day was solitude and silence. Let's see if I can recall the few words I spoke here and there throughout the day.

1. (Well, there was a lot of speaking to go along with the liturgy of daily Mass - I won't type it all here.)

2. "Bless me, Father..." (I went to confession next.)

3. "Two people actually," when I was asked by a man in a suit and tie who I was looking for at a cemetery at 9:15 a.m. Other than the overly-bold and nosey employee, it was a silent time.

4. "I'd like the Power Wrap." "Thanks." "Thanks." "Sure." "Thanks." (Brunch.)

5. "It does look really old." (Regarding a copy of Robinson Crusoe I picked up at the library's used book sale. --- Janelle, I will find out how old it is!)

6. "One for 'He's Just Not That Into You.'"

7. "Just an order of fries, please." (After six hours without food, but not wanting to spoil dinner.)

8. "A chocolate chip Frolatte, please?" "No whipped cream." "Thanks."

9. "Honey, it's me. Where's the gas cap release button on this car?"

10. "Shredded beef bowl, please." "Beans." "Mild." "Yes." "A Sierra Nevada, please."

After dinner, I went home. It was a glorious, very still, contemplative day. I particularly enjoyed ending it sitting in Chipotle reading my homeschool book at a table alone and drinking a Sierra Nevada.