Five Favorites

Well, this is my first Five Favorites, linking up with Moxie Wife.  Anyhow, andiamo as they say in Italy!

1.  I am head over heels in love with Pope Francis.  While Benedict focused very well on the liturgy, Francis is the perfect compliment by focusing on living a Catholic life.  No one will pay attention to the liturgy unless they live as Catholics, and no one will want to become Catholic simply because the liturgy is correct.  People will be attracted to the Church because they see the joy and love that Catholics have in themselves and with their dealings with other people.  Pope Francis is a true example of the Catholic joy and charity.  When I was in Rome, there were rumors circulating that Papa Francesco himself snuck out of the Vatican at night to feed the homeless under the Bridge of Angels.  Now, I have no idea if this is true or not, but I wouldn't be too surprised.

2.  Since getting back from Rome, I've been really appreciating all the down time I have at home and being able to just sit, drink tea, and read.  The other day, I purchased Anna Karenina, and it is proving to be quite the worthwhile read!  It is slow going though, keeping track of all the long Russian names and the intricate plot twists, but despite all that, it is very enjoyable.  In ENGL 202, we read Crime and Punishment and my professor enlightened me on the main themes of these Russian novels, so it is kinda rewarding to be reading my book and going "oh yeah!  I know what they are alluding to here!"

3.  Its See's Chocolate season again around here.  When we lived in California, See's was aplentiful, but now that we are living not in CA, we only order a 2 lb box around Christmas time.  I would say that See's is arguably the best American produced chocolate.  And, huge plus!  It doesn't have any artificial flavors or preservatives!
 
 

4.   This time of year, cozy chunky sweaters are absolutely, positively my favorite wardrobe staple.  I was able to acquire some nice ones in Rome and other places.  My favorite is one that I picked up in Fatima.  It is so cozy, and as one of my friends said, a good sweater to have tea in.

5.  And finally, I love this song so much.  It has a good message to bring to us, especially as we near the end of the year: learn to appreciate what you have.  If you don't step back and take a good look at your blessings, then you will only realize how much you had when it's gone.  Truly, we are all so blessed, each of us in different ways and different circumstances.  God is very good.