Woke up with a migraine and slept three hours today, after I took the girls to school. That’s the wonder of demoral. Two of them knock me out. I’ve never understood how people can take fistfuls of them and remain upright. The relief from the pain is very tempting though, so I do see how folks get addicted to them. I resisted narcotics as a migraine “treatment” for two years, and then let the doctor prescribe me some. She doles them out in small batches and I tell Paul every time I have to take one, which is about twice a month. I have such and addictive personality so I feel like I really need the accountability. If only someone could dole out baked goods in a measured and control manner!

Even though I was in pain last night, I went to bed in a happy glow. We had a potluck for Monkfish Abbey and everyone brought just the right stuff to make a very nice burrito bars. Mis brought friends and Erin came to visit from Mars Hill. Clarissa found us through the PI article and came to join the fray, and Jen M from Generous Orthodoxy made her second appearance. (My kids love her; she’s going to make a great teacher someday!) Lindell finally brought his very beautiful girlfriend, Ingrid, to the party. (Don’t worry Rose, she’s not leaving VCC!) And Jennifer B. reappeared from her December hiatus with Eli in tow, pneumonia free and full of life.

In addition to brining their own food and cleaning up the joint, the monks also lead themselves in a New Year’s reflection, looking back on the past year and forward to the future. Jen R., Becca, and Jen M came early so they got the instructions on what I had planned, as I knew I’d be down for the count by 8pm. I set out all the materials and the gals ran the show. While I downed demoral and drifted in and out of sleep upstairs, the monks laughed and reflected and filled our communal shrine with hopes, prayers and symbols for the new year.

When things like that happen, when I disappear and life goes on, I know there is really a “here” here – Monkfish Abbey is real, thriving, and purposeful. So thank you my loves. You’ve made me feel so much better!