The last few weeks have been nothing short of active, and I hope I’ve gotten through it with less scathing than would be normal for this kind of busyness. This post will be part mental health check-in, part inspired, part goal-setting.
Mental Health Check-in for Week 3 of July
I went back to my original post to see what the goals were that I thought I needed to focus on, and this was less than helpful. Goals and goalposts are constantly being adjusted. Looking at the biggest priorities, it’s still been iffy. Although to be fair to myself, I’ve been busy and not wasting time and opportunities, so while it’s been slow-going, it has still been going.
This is very much a positive.
Where are we this week?
- I was working on my presentation until about 7pm the night before. I realized there comes a point when it just needs to be done. I laid everything out on index cards, and did my thing. It was fantastic. I think everyone liked it and learned something new about St. Kateri Tekakwitha. I was able to constructively see things that I would change. I did a little improvisation and even though I finished later than planned, I was able to end on a decent note, and skipped a few slides at the end, and no one was the wiser. All in all, a good experience. I’m willing to do another powerpoint, although I’m hoping someone else presents it.
- Work. July 8th, I began working full-time. I haven’t worked full-time (outside the house) since my now-twenty-eight year old was two. It is a big adjustment for everyone, but my family is being supportive and picking up some tasks, and my co-workers and colleagues are amazing.
- Cursillo needs attention.
- I mentioned that I was going to avoid snoozing my alarms. I’ve still snoozed, but not as much and it’s made me more aware of what I need to do in the mornings to get out the door more efficiently.
- I’m disappointed in how our government is being run. I’m disgusted and repulsed by the Republican party, their hypocrisy, and their hatred. I don’t know how we come back from this precipice or how we survive.
Mental health check-in = EH.
And now for some inspiration!
I’m looking forward to taking my presentation and using it to push my book in the right direction. Below the cut are some of my inspiring and inspired photos from St. Kateri Tekakwitha’s feast day weekend.
Some photos from my presentation:
This was taken over the St. Kateri Feast Day weekend at one of her shrines in Fonda, New York. This is where she spent most of her life. The table in front of the altar is set up with abalone shells, sacred plants, and an eagle feather to be used for the purification rite. This is done as part of the mass in place of the penitential rite. We approach the altar, and wash in the sacred smoke. It is full of beauty and sacredness.
It’s hard to see in the photo but this is an example of the Words Before All Else or the Thanksgiving Address which opens up Mohawk ceremonies. A version of this written by Bear Clan Elder, Tom Porter of Kanatsiohareke was used as our Opening Prayer.
Various religious articles including rosaries, chaplets, prayer cards, and two crosses: one has the Our Father in Mohawk engraved on it, and the other was made at the Kateri Shrine out of fallen sticks and twine, much like Kateri had done in her childhood. There is also a ceramic turtle that my daughter gave me and that represents Kateri’s Turtle Clan, plus a corn husk doll, medicine wheel, pins, and a tour book from the Canadian Shrine.
(c)2025
(c)2025
Griffins and Ginger Snaps 