July is the Month of the Precious Blood

July is the month of the Precious Blood of our Lord and Savior and we need Him more than ever now to save us. I found this beautiful litany in the Opus Angelorum booklet and pray it several times each week. I especially love how at the end, we are reminded that the Precious Blood of Christ is the price of our redemption and a defense against the evils of our day. 

It is also the month of figs! On my walks, I get to have this sweet treat. Below, a picture of Dagny with her first fish! What a beauty!!! And a helper! Another beauty!!!

Dagny in Alaska

Fishing season opens tomorrow in Alaska--I don't expect to hear from her much because she'll be working hard, playing hard, and soaking in all that beauty. But right now, she's getting settled at the fish camp (Kenai peninsula) and enjoying getting to know the families she's working with (and the kittens). I love that it's a family operation. What an adventure! That last picture is of the midnight sun! Deo gratias!!!

Blessings and Gifts in July

I hope everybody had a beautiful day celebrating Independence Day! Dagny had lovely friends visiting. We had a beautiful Mass. I couldn't ask for much more (except fireworks). We are so fortunate to have had wise Founding Fathers who recognized that we are endowed by our Creator the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. I pray we return to our Judeo-Christian roots. God bless America! 

July is also the month when we venerate the Precious Blood of Christ. I wrote about it here last year. So grateful to be able to go to Mass with Dagny as she begins her Alaskan adventure on the feast of St. Maria Goretti (July 6). 

It's hard to believe half the year is gone. I thought by now I'd have a contract for my historical novel with a mere two queries but I'm relieved I've only received a rejection so far. The story needs more work. What kind of a writer will work on everything but the story that won't let go of her? I'm starting to feel that I might need to join the Insecure Writer's Support Group. Though what's at the core of my writerly woe is not insecurity but fear. I'm going to lean into my critique group for support and hope to redeem the story this fall. One day I hope to call myself a novelist. In the meantime, grateful to have this writing life and these gifts--near and far.