Dear 1036: The Flag that is There

Dearly Beloved 1036 Clarence,

On our Branson mini-vacation 22 years ago, we stopped at a Five-and-Dime Store.  There, I bought a US flag.

I eagerly put it on display on my desk in my bedroom.

Complementing it was a poster I got at the Bright Ideas store with the US flag and all the state flags.

The flag of the USA is a great symbol that speaks to how deeply I feel about this country.

To this day, I still have that flag, and I think about it as the USA celebrates the 250th anniversary of independence this year, and what the deeper meaning of the flag.

As I look at you, 1036, I think about the deeper meaning of what it was to live in you, and how I was shaped to be the person I am, embracing the values of being part of something greater.

And I declare that you shall not fade into the background but remain deeply in my heart as that dearly beloved place.

We remain connected:

All my relations.

With joy and gratitude for you,

God's blessings,

Paul

Celebrating Oak Park, From the Top

January 25 is the anniversary of when Oak Park became an independent Village in 1902.

As I celebrate this historic occasion, I think about what makes Oak Park special.

One thing that comes to mind is the Barrie Park Hill.

In all seasons it is a great place for recreation.

On a snowy day like this, it's fun to sled down the hill.

On warmer days, I enjoy walking up the steps to the top and taking in the view of the breadth of this place I call home.

Gifts 2025/2026: Reflecting in the Spirit of the Magi

The Christmas Season is a glorious time to reflect on how God revealed His glory visibly in teh great gift of His Son. 

And in the light of the Incarnation, we continue to see how God makes Himself known in tangible ways, like in the exchanging of gifts at this time of year.

As is my custom, inspired by Father Larry McNally, former pastor of Ascension Parish, I reflect on gifts I gave and received with the Magi's gift as a guide.

Gifts I Gave

Gold: 

I gave some treats to my parents, like Trader Joe's biscotti.

Frankincense:

When I went to the annual Maker Fair at Julian Middle School, I found an angel candle made of beeswax, and I gave it to my Abuela.

Myrrh: I enjoyed giving tamales to various family and friends from the special batch we made.  I also enjoyed volunteering at the special Advent Dinner event for the students at St. Teresa's.

Gifts I Received

Gold:

My parents gave me a wooden juicer tool that was from Israel.  It is a nice tool to use for squeezing juice out of citrus fruits and its purchase supports merchants in Israel.

Frankincense:

I got many nice cards and gifts from families of students I know in Religious Education, including home-baked treats.

Myrrh:

My brother got me a kitchen mixer.

Glory to God for His great gift in sending us the Son, Jesus Christ, Who brings us light, life, and joy.

20 + C + M + B + 26

Grapes of Anticipation 2026

Happy New Year 2026!

This first day of the new year offers a blank slate. Yet I already have anticipated some milestones for this year that make me want to shout "Huzzah for 2026!"

Using the Spanish custom of 12 grapes as a guide, here's what I look forward to in this new year:

Grape #1: The USA means so much to me, and so I'm excited about celebrating the 250th anniversary of US independence.  It's a great time for "Huzzah!" to make a comeback.

Grape #2: The 2026 elections will be a good opportunity to engage with the process of government.

Grape #3: I have travel plans in place, especially in the eastern USA:   I've made plans to go on vacation for my birthday again, and celebrate with my birthday partner James Madison at his Montpelier estate in Virginia. And I look forward to what I'll get to experience during this year's annual family Washington, D.C., Metro Area trip.

Grape #4: I look forward to seeing the world come together again for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy.

Grape #5: It's going to be a good time getting our kicks as we celebrate the centennial of Route 66, along with the other US federal routes.

Grape #6: I get great vibes when it comes to Colorado and my family there, so I'm looking forward to celebrating the 150th Anniversary of Colorado on August 1.

Grape #7: I'm excited to celebrate the centennial of actor Andy Griffith's birth.

Grape #8: As a huge Lucy fan, I'm excited about celebrating the 75th anniversary of the debut of I Love Lucy, which follows up from last year's 75th anniversary of the establishment of Desilu.  I think now's a good time to bring back the expression "Real gone", for that which is amazing.

Grape #9: I can think of two family milestones for this year, my brother and sister-in-law's 10th anniversary and the centennial of my Great Aunt June's birth.

Grape #10: I'm looking forward to the 10th anniversary of my MLIS graduation on May 8 and reflecting on my role in librarianship.

Grape #11: 2024 was an inspiring time of connecting with the Eucharistic Lord with the National Eucharistic Congress and the National Eucharistic Pilgrimages.  I'm glad that there was a pilgrimage in 2025 and plans for another pilgrimage in 2026, which I'll be following.

Grape #12: The US bishops voted to consecrate the USA to the Sacred Heart of Jesus in celebration of the 250th anniversary of US independence.  I'm sure this will be a graced time to encounter the unseen God Who makes Himself marvelously known in the love He shows us and for that love to abound in our lives and all we do day by day, even in our part as citizens.  I hope it will continue to provide a point of inspiration as I seek to make God's love known, including in my involvement at Church, especially in Religious Education.  I've built so many good relationships, and I look forward to how I'll continue building them.  I also know that I have so many resources to support me as I think about milestones in 2025 for Relevant Radio and Word on Fire, which can help lead me to encounters with God.

So I offer a prayer that God will bless the United States of America.  And may we all, during 2026, open ourselves to the ways we can live purposefully through the graces God bestows on us throughout the ages for how we can live in this moment in which God has placed us.

Huzzah for the USA! Huzzah for 2026!