Bread-baking as a " body prayer"

 

                                  Challah { Yiddish Sabbath Bread} that I baked FROM SCRATCH this past week. Its YUMMY! Photo by The Pensacola Hippie. 

    The Jewish festival of Purim { the Hebrew Scripture story of Queen Esther's badassery } was this past weekend. I felt the need to do something special here at home { since joining our reform Jewish neighbors for Sabbath services was impossible this year thanks to COVID} Part of the joy of being interfaith is { at least for me} bringing to life my Yiddish culture to my very WASP-y spouse. He had never eaten challah-- and rather go to the store on the off chance I could find some, I did a Google search for a recipe. 

   Baking bread is strangely prayer-full & very healing. For some reason, I became more open to the Spirit as I methodically stirred i the 8 cups of flour to my mixture of warm water, yeast, honey and a dash of salt. I felt my entire body fall into a comfortable. contemplative rhythm as I added flour to the increasingly gooey mix.  

  After covering the dough and letting it sit for the time required for the yeast to work, I scoped the blob of dough from the bowl and put it on a sheet. Carefully I kneaded the bread with my fingers as I added some golden raisins to the risen dough.  I gave thanks for the elements of flour, yeast, water and honeybees that made the basic challah recipe possible. I kneaded and shaped the bread into two big loaves, not attempting to braid the dough as is traditional { Maybe in the future I'll be brave enough to try that , but not yet! The kitchen was a mess by the time the bread went to the oven anyway!} 

  As the bread slipped into the over, I felt a sense of accomplishment that is similar to when I finish a painting . I knew I gave my best to the creation of that bread, and I thanked God for the means and physical ability to bake bread. 

  Its odd that I enjoy bread making , because I do not consider myself a " Sarah Homemaker" at all.  As a matter of fact, my Home Economics teacher in middle school  probably could not figure out why such a visual -thinker such as myself  HATED{ and I mean hated} sewing & cooking.  Sewing, especially was torture-- I had a perfect rendition on paper of my sewing project, but lacked the eyesight needed to enjoy sewing. Cooking was not much better-- what I envisioned in my brain never quite materialized in reality. 

 Bread-making, with its scientific formula, allows one the freedom of knowing what the result will be. Having very specific instructions, allows for me to know " what comes next" & therefore allows me to enter into a contemplative state of mind/body/soul.  Plus, when I pull the fresh bread from the oven, my heart is happy knowing that I can create something from scratch that can fill others' bellies. 

  I look forward to baking more challah & am already researching other bread recipes to try. 

  In the Name of the Holy Three...

  Amen. 

  ~Sarah McCarren 

  2 Lent 2021

The Abalone Shell's Universal Spiritual Appeal

       Photo of the abalone shell that was gifted to me by a friend. Native to cooler waters, these mollusks are sacred to many cultures around the world. My one-decade St Joan of Arc rosary is intentionally-placed in the shell. Photo by The Pensacola Hippie. 

One of my good friends gifted me a simply beautiful, thoughtful gift . It is a whole abalone shells that now takes up residence on my home altar among my other sacred objects. 

To be honest, I did not know too much about abalones when I was gifted this shell. I knew that the beautiful  mother-of-pearl is often used to make jewelry , butt hat had been the extent of my education regarding these creatures, 

A simple Google search showed me that these univalve mollusks are sacred to many cultures. Although the outside of the abalone is ordinary-looking, the internal part of she she is radiant with an array of colors { The colors apparently are the results of the types of seaweed an individual abalone eats during its lifetime}

The Maori people of New Zealand use the abalone to make eyes for their warriors and gods. The tough outer part of the abalone is shaped like a warrior's shield, and many associate it with protection. Maoris believe that adornments made with this shell provide strength to the wearer. 

Many North American First Nations people combine the healing powers of the abalone shell with the sacred act of burning sage. 

Cultures worldwide associate the abalone with the power of the ocean. For me, a Christian who is tied to the more Nature-loving Celtic expression of my Christian faith, I associate the abalone with the waters of Baptism. The strength of the shell reminds me to " stand strong" in my faith-- and to live out the Gospel in a way that honors all persons. 

Today I am grateful for the abalone shell. 

Amen. 

~Sarah McCarren 

 

Honoring #EatingDisorder survivors & remembering the victims

 

Eating Disorder Awareness Ribbon

This week is, among other " weeks" , is Eating Disorder Awareness Week. 

Hi. My name is Sarah. I am a survivor of an Eating Disorder. 

I am grateful for the grace of God, the love of my parents, coaches & friends. I spent too many years-- all of my teen years & most of my 20's-- battling an invisible, insidious enemy. It landed me in a hospital. The effects of the disease harmed my family, teammates and friends. Over time, this disorder permanently altered my body chemistry so that I will never bear children. 

Yet I am alive . So many people-- individuals of all ages, races, genders, demographics, ect can develop an eating disorder. yes men can develop ED's too.  There is no-- contrary to popular belief-- " look" of a person with an eating disorder-- all body types are vulnerable. 

Eating disorders-- unlike what the media portrays  is not a " middle-class White woman's problem. " yet many medical professionals and most  of the general public refuse to take eating disorders & the treatment of them seriously.  When I was in the throes of my illness I often felt alone and frustrated that no support systems were offered to me . Americans are great about offering support to those who battle with alcoholism & other illnesses that cause dangerous behavior, but somehow people with eating disorders are seen as merely "weak" or " attention-seeking". Support is essential for those who suffer from eating disorders-- I am so blessed that I had enough support to manage my symptoms enugh to work in recovery. 

Also, recovery from eating disorders is life-long. 

Finally, if you or someone you know is struggling with this illness please feel free to reach out to me. 

Peace,

Sarah McCarren 

Pandemic Life has taught me...

 

                                                                     Brian and me

  I've learned a lot in Pandemic Life.  I think most people will agree that Year 2020 is on of epic clustermugs-- from pandemics to storms to the most divisive election in my 40 plus years of life.  And year 2021 has not started out too well. We are still stuck in a surreal Pandemic Life { but people are  rolling up their sleeves for the vax } , most of the continental United States is suffering the effects of a furious Elsa The Ice Queen and the country remains deeply divided. 

   What have I learned so far in 2020-21? 

   Firstly: I miss people. Although I am an introvert-- thankfully  I overcame my shyness. I do not miss big crowds in public, but I miss gatherings with people from church & my Pensacola Progressives community. I miss church suppers, ball games, and other activities in my community. I miss Cards Against Humanity with the women in my Sunday Card Ladies' group.  I'm grateful for virtual gatherings, but it is not the same as occupying e same physical space as other people. 

 I miss options. This polar weather would normally see me running the treadmill at the gym near our house, but Pandemic Life makes gym-going not possible.  Although I prefer to walk outdoors, I miss the occasional treadmill mile challenge at the gym. I miss eating in a restaurant. Brian and I do buy take-out from local places , but I miss the atmosphere of relaxing with my spouse and totally let someone else do the dishes. 

But perhaps the most important lesson that I can take away from this entire experience is that I really  am becoming the person I always was-- life is too short to pretend to be anyone other than one's authentic. self. One of the reasons I admire recording artist Lady Gaga is that she overcame her " misfit" status in her formative years and found success in embracing her authentic self.  She's built a successful brand based on who she is and what she believes.  However, unlike other famous " authentic" people,{ I won't mention names} Gaga did not earn her fame and fortune by being cruel.  Many of her lyrics uplift and empower people-- especially girls & women.  I say all this to learn that life is to short to be anything other than the best version of myself. 

I ,like everyone else, lost much during this pandemic. But I've re-claimed myself. The Gaga says: 

"So hold your head up, girl, and you'll go far
"Listen to me when I say"

I'm beautiful in my way
'Cause God makes no mistakes
I'm on the right track, baby
I was born this way
Don't hide yourself in regret
Just love yourself, and you're set
I'm on the right track, baby, I was born this way..." 

Peace , y'all...

~Sarah McCarren

This is me. Deal with it.

 

                                    St Brigid of Kildare, my Soul-Saint.  Unknown artist. 

There is not secret that I've struggled with self-acceptance for much of my life. As a matter of fact, until I met my spouse, Brian, I hated the person I saw i the mirror today.  In spite of my parents' best intentions, the message I got from most people is that I am " too much." Too smart. Too sensitive.  Too skinny. Too awkward.  Too liberal. Too, Too, Too.....

 Most of the time, I'm fairly confident in how God made me.  But sometimes, people's reaction to me calls back to the painful, lonely days when I felt like an alien in my own skin. 

Lady Gaga's song _Born This Way_ illustrates the sort of self-confidence and raw feminine power that is hidden in a woman once she realizes her full potential.  I've worked extremely hard to get even a wee bit of that " Gaga Factor" sauciness, and I am not going back in time. 

Here are some lyrics: 

....I'm beautiful in my way
'Cause God makes no mistakes
I'm on the right track, baby
I was born this way
Don't hide yourself in regret
Just love yourself, and you're set
I'm on the right track, baby
I was born this way

Ooh, there ain't no other way
Baby, I was born this way
Baby, I was born this way (born this way)
Ooh, there ain't no other way
Baby, I was born this way
I'm on the right track, baby
I was born this way

Don't be a drag, just be a queen
Whether you're broke or evergreen
You're black, white, beige, chola descent
You're Lebanese, you're Orient
Whether life's disabilities
Left you outcast, bullied, or teased
Rejoice and love yourself today
'Cause, baby, you were born this way...

Gaga gets how lonely it is for a young girl who is " too much " of everything.  Finally at middle age, I am meeting women who are confidently, unapologetically whom God made them .  These past four years have been really hard on me, as I watched everything I'd been raised to believe is " good" vilified. 

I'm too sensitive. 

I'm too smart. 

I'm too skinny. 

I'm too awkward.

I'm too liberal. 

This is me. 

I'm claiming my " too_________" Don't like me as God made me? Tough luck. 

My name is Sarah. Hear me ROAR! 

~Sarah McCarren

Rush Limbaugh & Using Words Wisely

 

                Amanda Gorman: Using her words to bring light & love to ALL Americans

Rush Limbaugh is dead from cancer at age 70. 

 I feel sorry for people in his inner circle who loved him. I DO NOT celebrate his death. 

 However, I will not miss his presence here on Earth. 

 Mr Limbaugh was a divider-- he made his fame and fortune by producing racist, sexist, ablest , homophobic radio content. He energized a base of White Americans that played a part in the racial/ethnic violence we have seen during the past few years. 

His views , no matter what some might think, are not traditional values of the Republican Party.  However, his work is part of the movement that has transformed the Party Of Lincoln into The Party of Hatred. 

I don't feel disgusted by him because he is a Republican. I know many fine people who are Republicans, and they do not share the racist , sexist, homophobic views of Mr Limbaugh.  I am disgusted by his legacy because his words { and actions that these words have incited over the years} 

However, during Lent I am working on seeing the lessons in life that will bring me closer to God. 

Rush Limbaugh used words as a weapon. Very few people were safe from his dangerous word-bullets.  This begs the question: How am I using MY God-given ability to speak . Am I being uplifting or tearing others down with words? 

We all have been guilty at some point of using words as weapons. I know I've been more guilty of this sin than I'd  normally be-- since this last election cycle was the most divisive in recent history.  Perhaps the lesson for all of us to take away from the life and death of this man is to be kind with out words--- especially on the Internet. 

Words do hurt, and I think that the Internet has groomed we Americans to be lazy with our words.  I know I've made Internet comments that I'd never say to someone in-person. I know I'm not alone in this faulty behavior. 

I'm more mindful of what I say now, but there is room for improvement--- especially when the subject of such hate-filled figures as Mr Limbaugh arises. 

O God, Creator of the Universe, I long to use my speech to lift up others. Please catch me when I fall and remind me that I am a reflection of Your Belovedness. Forgive me, and help me to forgive others who misuse Your gift of words Amen. 

~Sarah McCarren

To dust we shall return

 

                                          Repent= " to turn towards"

Today is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of the season of Lent on the Christian Church Year Circle. Like many people, I feel like Lent, 2020 never truly gave way to Easter.  Looking back, I can see some hope in this new calendar year. We have vaccines &a new Presidential Administration. yet COVID is still running amok, there is a lot of political division in our nation, and { the latest} a Deep Freeze hit most of the United States. 

  On this day, Christians remember that we are mortal creatures.  However, I am choosing to mark this Lenten continuum by remembering that God loves we humans in spite of our brokenness.  { see Psalm 139} We have but this one life on Earth to make a positive difference in others' lives and there is no time like  Pandemic Lent : Part 2 to use our God-given creativity to share the Light & LOVE of Christ with other people. 

  For me, practicing intentional listening will be my Lenten discipline for 2021. 

  Lenten peace..

  ~Sarah

#Sermonlesson Light, Listen, Love

 

                                               What we are called to do as Christ-followers. 

My priest's sermon had three good words that were my " take-away" as we walk into this Pandemic Lent. 

First of all, I was on the fence about whether or not I would even bother to observe Lent this time-- as the pandemic has us in a very long , painful Lenten journey. Everyone has " given up" a lot in order to keep themselves and others safe and honestly more intentional self-denial is not a healthy way to observe a holy Lent during the continued pandemic. 

 The three words that were offered to us as we enter Lent are these: Light. Listen. Love. 

 Light:  Perhaps rather than walking in the continued Pandemic darkness, perhaps we can actively seek out opportunities to bring the Christ Light to others. In a time when so many have died or fallen ill with COVID, and all of us have had to self-isolate to a certain degree, maybe now is the time where we can creatively shine that Christ Light on others' doorsteps.  Living the Pandemic Life  has caused many people { myself included} to feel useless. As Christians, we are called to help the needy, but the pandemic has put the breaks on most traditional  service-to-others projects. 

I am not sure how this will look for my own life, but Lent is a good time to prayerfully consider what can be done { from home or in small, socially-distanced groups} to bring Light to those in need. 

Listen : If we Christian have learned anything from the 2020 election cycle, it is that Americans of all political stripes lost the art of ACTIVE LISTENING.  To listen actively means that we take the time to see *** and*** hear another as a beloved child of God.  Listening actively means that we be fully present and tuned into what the other is saying. Too many times, we humans " listen " only to rebuke the speaker--- we are too busy formulating our reaction and do not understand what the speaker is saying. 

St Benedict of Nursia says" Listen with the ear of your heart."  See the other person as a beloved child of Creator God-- and offer them your full attention.  I've learned in 2020 that this skill is especially important in having hard conversations regarding racism with people I love. I'd learned a hard lesson  on choosing responses intentionally when discussing sensitive matters such as race and politics. 

Love  As I think about entering into Lent during these pandemic times, I cannot help but think of the love that Christ-- God-with Us-- had for humanity. Maybe this Lent is not so much a time of self-denial, bt I time to lean into how much our Creator God loves us-- that God be human { Word became flesh} and He showed humanity a way to live in LOVE.  Can we live into the LOVE that God has for us more fully? 

Peace 

Sarah

Sarah's " Badass Women Saints" Project

 

                              Photo of ORIGINAL ART by Sarah Beth McCarren 2021. St Joan: Warrior Acrylic on Canvas. 

     I am REALLY enjoying my winter Covidtide project of painting portraits of BADASS WOMEN SAINTS. What started out as both a labor of love and a challenge to my artistry : a portrait of St Brigid of Ireland has turned into a quest for me to tell the little-known stories of famous women Saints & ' saints" who inspire me. 

   I've painted Brigid, Perpetua & Felicity, Hildegarde, and just completed St Joan of Arc. My hope is to tell a wee bit about the woman's story as I paint her portrait.  Colors are chosen carefully. For instance, the backdrop of St Joan of Arc's portrait is crimson--- showing that she was a martyr.  I also " dressed" Joan in military fatigues to connote that she is the patron saint of soldiers. 

  Part of the joy that I get by doing these is seeing how other artists have portrayed these women throughout the ages. For instance, most artists portray St Brigid with red hair, but I came across more than one rendering of the Irish saint as a blonde.  For my own image of my favorite saint, I stuck with the red hair. I also dressed my version of St Brigid in a clergy collar and chasuble-- as there is a story that St Patrick " accidentally" ordained Brigid as a BISHOP rather than consecrating her as a nun. 

  Yup. Badass. 

   For me, thinking about these women & their unique stories makes me feel like there is a place for me-- a childless artist, writer, beer-drinking, non-traditional woman in God's World.  The stories of the women I choose to paint are from diverse places in time and different locales. Each woman was a product of the times in which she lived, yet God used her unique gifts & circumstances to accomplish a part of the Great Plan.

 Furthermore, none of the woman I've featured in paintings has a husband.  I find the women's " one in themselves"  refreshing-- as I was single for many years before I met my spouse. I've been with my partner for over a decade, and he blesses me every day. However, I do not forget how lonesome Church life can be for a single and childless woman.  Single Christian women { as opposed to widowed women} are looked at as suspect even as far as the 21st century.  I cannot count the many times that well-meaning church people asked me " So when are you gonna get married? " or the more invasive" Why don't you have a boyfriend?"   Looking back to those years, I wish I had the comfort of stories about Brigid, Hildegarde, and other women whose Belovedness was not attached to a man. Now, of course I love Brian, but I am a full person apart from him. 

  Being childless is still hard. But I am comforted by the legacy that Blessed Hildegarde leaves me: she " mothered" by tending to her music and writings. Hildegarde left behind a wealth of knowledge about medicinal herbs. 

                                    Hildegarde: Nun, musician, writer & herbal healer. Photo of ORIGINAL ART by Sarah Beth McCarren Acrylics on Canvas 2021

        Once again, I was deliberate about the colors I chose. Hildegarde wears the traditional black nun's habit of the Benedictine order. the green overlay and the lavender  branch represents the saint's gift for cultivating healing herbs. 

       Mothering children is a high calling, but for those of us who " birth" creative or scientific works  rather than human children, church life can be lonely.  I am incredibly blessed to know & love many women in my own life now whose generative gifts are used in areas other than birthing/raising children. 

     This has been a wonderful journey, and I'm eager to share the women I " meet" with friends & family. 

   ~Sarah McCarren

      12 February 2021

Being " Salt & Light" in an Unreal Reality.

   

                  Sermon quote from my priest that popped up on my Facebook memories today. 

          I've been thinking about Lent.  To be honest, I really am not too thrilled with observing this season in 2021.  Normally I love a chance for some self-reflection, self-denial, and more " quiet time".  However, this pandemic has been one seemingly endless Lenten season.

 I know I am not alone when I say that our lives have been uprooted-- public safety has forced us to abstain from much of what makes " ordinary time" sweet. 

 As much as I am introverted, I've spent entirely too much time alone in self-reflection since March. While the absence of movie-going, plane-riding, and big in-person community events is no HUGE sacrifice for me, being restricted from in-person Bible studies, coffee dates indoors with friends, and ability to go to the gym on rainy days does leave me weary. 

   I can endure pretty much anything for a season, but knowing that we are rounding the corner to 12 full months of Pandemic Life makes me pause. 

   How ** can ** we observe a meaningful Lent during this continued Pandemic Life?  Perhaps the question is should we bother to observe Lent while LIVING Lent? 

  The Gospel of Matthew says this: 

You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.

 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.  Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."

   Jesus tells us that we ARE ' salt and light'.  He tells is to let our light shine--- every day. 

   Perhaps we Christians are called to look differently at Lent this year? Perhaps we are called into a ministry that can ** only** be carried out from home. Maybe we are called to reconcile with  someone with whom we've had a falling out?  Maybe God is asking us to use this time to engage our minds and hearts with LISTENING to voices of oppressed persons.  Perhaps some of us are called to tend to and nurture our part of this beautiful Earth by cultivating a garden, or participating in an organized trash pick-up near our homes? 

  If I have learned anything from these long months of Pandemic Life, it is how to think and act in new ways that feed my soul and bring glory to our Creator. 

Amen. 

~Sarah McCarren

 

Just LISTEN to UNDERSTAND, rather than REACT

                                                 A PUPPY!  Photo by The Pensacola Hippie

 My priest's sermon yesterday offered some advice that any and all people can use.  The " take-away" that I gleaned from yesterday's Gospel story and sermon was this Listening is the Language of Love. 

Too often we humans-- and I definitely include myself-- do not listen actively.  Most of us listen with our ears  and forget about listening with our hearts. 

I am fortunate that my spouse does listen with his heart.  Even when we disagree-- I know Brian is actively listening to { try to} understand me. Most of the time, he merely listens-- and only if I ask offers some solution to the situation at hand. Brian is a Mr Fix-it by nature, so his natural instinct is to rush to find solutions. 

Especially when we are discussing touchy subjects such as politics, we need to practice actively listening to our conversation partner. This is done by refraining from listening for " holes" in one's logic as they explain why they feel as they do . 

Anyone can train themselves to be more active listeners. I honed this skill during my time in the four-year theology-by-distance program aimed for educating laypeople called Education For Ministry { or EfM} Each year, students are required to present a spiritual autobiography-- highlighting where God was felt or where one could not feel God with then in their life so far. Presenting these autobiographies required participants to become vulnerable-- and to be fully present  when others presented their own stories. Listeners were told to open our hearts & listen -- not to REACT { or offer advice} but to UNDERSTAND. 

In life, we need to practice listening with the intent to understand. None of us form our thoughts, preferences or opinions in a vacuum-- our biographies are a big part of what shapes us now. One does not need to agree with another in order to understand their viewpoint. 

May we all LISTEN to UNDERSTAND. 

Amen

Sarah McCarren 

 

Same Storm, but Different Boats

                           Channeling St Brigid on this cold, damp early February day.  Photo by The Pensacola Hippie. 

        This pandemic SUCKS!  And yes, I know damn well that all of us are stuck with this reality. However--- we are not " all in this together. " Sure-- Pandemic Life is a storm that is worldwide, but different people are on different " boats" based upon experiences & life circumstances. 

       I know I am blessed -- especially since all my basic needs of food, shelter & clothing are covered. I am married to a wonderful spouse. 

       However-- as a person with some physical and mental disabilities--- living during this time can be challenging.  After one year-- I'm accustomed to the abnormal life that we must lead now. On most days, I'm okay. yet on some days--- especially when my chronic pain flares I resent COVID Life more than I ever resented A.T. in school. Add an unusually  cool & dark Northwest Florida winter to the mix and it adds up to a Sarah-in-a-bad-mental-place. 

    Being stuck inside, suffering a pain flare on a dark day during a pandemic affects me differently than it does people who do not suffer physical and/or mental health challenges. 

    So, please don't judge that person who struggles on some days. 

     Thank you for your patience. You can now return to your regularly-scheduled COVID programming. 

  ~Sarah

   

" Covid Rage" is a thing

 

o

This might be the NECESSARY " look" for folx who dare venture out in public during a pandemic, but it is not natural. Photo by Brian. 

Y'all it has been a year . And I am so weary of Covid Life. Now I KNOW damn  well that ' we are all in this together' and have been doing our parts to keep ourselves & others safe for months.  Most of the time, i soldier on; staying home way and wearing masks when in public. 

 I've learned to accept the ZOOM for meetings, although I do not use it for socializing. I've " attended more virtual ordinations & funerals than I can remember. { including my own grandmother's funeral in Pennsylvania. 

For 12 months, I've done my part--- with only a few instances of "Covid Rage" . But lately, I am more short-fused. I've discovered that I'm more apt to scream and cuss when things break after living a life  almost entirely virtually for so many months. 

I wear the mask, and my patience for those who do not is nil. Not long ago I found myself feeling growing anger & resentment towards an elderly person who  seems to think they are above Pensacola city-wide masking mandate. 

Masks fog my glasses. But  wearing the mask is an act of love and social responsibility. 

Until we all cooperate, we'll all be stuck in COVID Life. 

My name is Sarah , and I have COVID Rage. I know I am not the only person who struggles with long-term COVID life. I'll say it again for people in the back. None of this lifestyle that we're forced to adopt for protection is " normal'. It is NECESSARY-- absolutely. But " normal" interactions are three-dimensional and/or involved reading others' faces. 

This race has gone on too long. I want to go home. 

~Sarah McCarren

A New Endeavor

 

          My parents' rescue pup " Lucky" His adoption story is the basis for my children's book idea. Photo by The Pensacola Hippie. 

 Brian and I had a day full of errands. To be honest, it started out as a rather shitty day. In the morning we discovered that our faithful truck, " Suzy-Q" had a totally dead battery. We ALMOST had to call a wrecker to tow her to the shop, but my spouse's persistence with juicing up the battery enough to get us to Firestone . His determination { and PATIENCE} saved our household 50 dollars in tow fees. 

  Anyway, we finally got the truck her new battery and decided to drive to Santa Rosa County to do some errands. We stopped at my parents' house and I played with their puppy. As we were leaving my folx's house for home, I pondered the idea of fictionalizing their dog's adoption story. I even have a working title The Luckiest Puppy  & working names for my two main characters, one of whom is a person-of-color { That will be all the spoilers I am giving now-- buy the book when it is published! }

There is much to do to figure out, and networking to begin I do not feel comfortable enough { yet} to illustrate my own story-- but I *** can*** work on cover art. 

Peace to All...

~Sarah McCarren

Feast Of The Presentation