Brainiac Spammers

Among the vast panoply of e-mails that I receive promising the enhancement of certain body parts that I, as a woman, do not have, as well as medication ads to assist the enhancement of the aforementioned parts, there have also been headers with brilliant titles such as, "Thanks, we have accepted your debt request." Because, yes, I would actually contact a creditor and say, "you know, I'd really like more DEBT."

I mean, come on, if you are going to spam me, at least have the dignity to be CONVINCING!!!

In Memoriam: Madeleine L'Engle (1919-2007)

I was saddened to learn of the passing of Madeleine L'Engle last Thursday, and have been surprised at how little mention I've seen of it in the news. She was the first author to write of art, music, and faith that made sense to me, and I was introduced to her work at a time when I really needed people to help articulate the relationship of these in new ways. She was also one my earliest introductions to the Episcopal Church as well, and it's amazing to me how my attraction to her work was a precursor of future trajectories for me. Ms. L'Engle was also able to articulate emotional realities that I had perceived but never been able to voice, and I have often returned to her work to help me understand these better. She writes of both a desire for God and the struggle with disillusionment in the midst of seeking God without minimizing either. I am very grateful for her life and writings.