Although I have not done any systematic analysis on this, I think I put on mascara about every 15 days or so.  I don’t know, I suppose I’m just in a phase of life where I don’t really need it.  A lot of my time recently has been spent cooking, cleaning, and driving my pick up Ramses Maria to the local nursery for mulch and potting soil. On top of that, something has happened to my eyelashes – they have become horribly short.  I clearly am a candidate for those Brooke Shields-endorsed implants because I can barely get the mascara brush to make any kind of sweeping motion on my stubby, half-the-length-they-used-to-be lashes.  Oh well, not having on mascara came in handy last night when I went to hear Father Jim Martin (author of our book club selection for May) speak at Holy Spirit Catholic Church.

Thanks to the efforts of Chick K (Kim Schulman) and the staff at Holy Spirit, Father Martin entertained me and a crowd with his stories of humor and its relationship to faith.  His talk included 10 points, all of which I recorded on the only “paper” I had handy – miniature lime green post it notes.  Beyond his numbered points of emphasis, however, came story after story about witty Popes and bishops; the funny side of Jesus and his ministry; self-deprecating jokes about the Jesuits and their relationship to the Franciscans and Dominicans; and a host of examples of humor and its place in our daily spiritual lives.  I have been to many inspiring talks on faith since becoming Catholic.  Never have I been so inspired by laughing so much.  I’m talkin’ gut wrenching laughter.  Silly, giggling laughter.  Thank goodness I don’t have on any mascara laughter.

Thank you Father Martin.  If laughter is the best medicine, then I was the healthiest person in Atlanta last night.

Chick B