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photo for the FB algorithm, which otherwise flags us as offensive content, go figure |
Tempus fugit when you're having fun, they say, and so I am astonished (though not surprised) to find that a) we have not posted for three months; and b) the last Novena for Order was in 2022.
To address b) first, at the conclusion of 2022's Novena, a time when I was in a miserable quagmire of trying to do some paid writing, I said:
As I reach the end of my novena, I don't know if my life is approaching better order. If anything, I'm more aware of where I lack it. In general, I have a happy, easy life, in which our lifestyle is well suited to my inclinations: we have a gentle educational routine which seems to be bearing fruit; the house is pleasant, comfortable, and moderately clean; we like to be with each other. But as I try to write this paid piece, I am stymied. My habits of disciplined creativity are rusty.
This is not the worst thing ever. Establishing a strong, stable foundation for my family will bear fruit in eternity in a way no personal endeavor of mine will do. But as I want my children to go from strength to strength, I'd like to grow from strength to strength, both creatively and spiritually. I would like my life to be ordered, not to my comfort, but to my flourishing. I want to order my life wisely, as the prayer says. This gives me plenty to think about as Lent nears, and one has the gift of actually being able to choose your own sacrifice.
Three years later, it seems that what indeed has endured, and has borne fruit in unexpected ways, is the happy and comfortable family life, and indeed my creative life has flourished to the extent that my family has been involved with it. This has been the case with a), and the reason that there has been radio silence in this forum. The entire family was involved in our community theater's production of Singin' in the Rain, which I directed. There's almost too much to say about the past three months, and the last week of production in general, but fortunately, I don't have to write it up because the local news already did, with photos:
DELAWARE, Ohio (WCMH) — A central Ohio theater company used all its resources to keep its production of “Singin’ in the Rain” from turning into a total washout.
Arena Fair Theatre Company, located in Delaware, found itself without a lead actor just hours before the curtain went up on opening night.
What happened next to get the production on stage was a feat of technology, talent and sheer willpower. David Hejmanowski, a member of the Arena Fair Board of Directors, explained to NBC4 that Kent State University freshman dance major Silas French stepped up to perform the physical portion of the role on stage.
The final piece of the puzzle came together when Brendan Hodge, husband of director Cat Hodge, became the voice of Don Lockwood, delivering the lines offstage on a microphone.The same day, Music Director Brian White traveled to the hospital with recording equipment in tow to capture Hawkins’s singing voice, bedside, to be synced with the music. The production also included prerecorded silent movie flashback scenes of Hawkins that the audience got to enjoy.
In an interesting observation, Hejmanowski remarked that the plot of “Singin’ in the Rain” is about the emergence of “talking pictures” in the 1920s, where a young actress is hired to dub the lines of a silent movie star to bridge the studio’s transition to the “talkies.”
Additionally, Hejmanowski praised Cat and the cast for pulling off the incredible achievement for all four performances. He shared his astonishment at how seamlessly the musical came together, noting that it “had no business working as perfectly as it did.”
The audience agreed, with dozens of social media comments lauding the cast and crew’s accomplishment and sending well-wishes to Hawkins.
“Amazing opening night!” an audience member wrote. “Great job, everyone—especially you, Cat Hodge 🥰 Now go get some sleep!”
“Reading this moved me to tears,” said another person. “There truly is nothing like live theatre. It’s all incredible every single night.”
“Sending best wishes to Ryan and the whole team,” added another fan. “’Singin’ in the Rain’ might just be the perfect show for pushing through challenges!”
During his hospital stay, Hawkins has been keeping the community informed of his health by blogging about his progress.
“I have Transverse Myelitis, or inflammation in the spinal cord, that is causing widespread numbness in both of my legs and limited mobility,” Hawkins explained in a CaringBridge blog. “The root cause is still unknown, but doctors suspect an autoimmune condition.”
In his post last Friday, Hawkins said he was “feeling much more awake and alert” and had “a level of confidence” that improvements would continue.
A GoFundMe for Hawkins’s medical bills was also posted.
Arena Fair’s upcoming productions include “You Can’t Take It With You” in September and “The Shawshank Redemption” in October.
(Since we're gluttons for punishment, that production of You Can't Take It With You will feature me, Brendan, and our daughter Julia.)
My chief takeaways from having about 24 hours to recraft an entire show with three people playing one role are 1) marry you a man with a fine radio voice who will step up when you beg him to read lines the night before the performance; and 2) although a weight loss of five pounds due to stress is neither sustainable nor desirable, I can actually be a person of constant prayer even without the impetus of sheer desperation. To that end, let's begin the Novena for Order 2025.
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For Ordering a Life Wisely
St. Thomas AquinasO merciful God, grant that I maydesire ardently,search prudently,recognize truly,and bring to perfect completionwhatever is pleasing to Youfor the praise and glory of Your name.Put my life in good order, O my GodGrant that I may knowwhat You require me to do.Bestow upon methe power to accomplish your will,as is necessary and fittingfor the salvation of my soul.Grant to me, O Lord my God,that I may not falter in timesof prosperity or adversity,so that I may not be exalted in the former,nor dejected in the latter.May I not rejoice in anythingunless it leads me to You;may I not be saddened by anythingunless it turns me from You.May I desire to please no one,nor fear to displease anyone,but You.May all transitory things, O Lord,be worthless to meand may all things eternalbe ever cherished by me.May any joy without Yoube burdensome for meand may I not desire anything elsebesides You.May all work, O Lorddelight me when done for Your sake.and may all repose not centered in Yoube ever wearisome for me.Grant unto me, my God,that I may direct my heart to Youand that in my failuresI may ever feel remorse for my sinsand never lose the resolve to change.O Lord my God, make mesubmissive without protest,poor without discouragement,chaste without regret,patient without complaint,humble without posturing,cheerful without frivolity,mature without gloom,and quick-witted without flippancy.O Lord my God, let mefear You without losing hope,be truthful without guile,do good works without presumption,rebuke my neighbor without haughtiness,and -- without hypocrisy --strengthen him by word and example.Give to me, O Lord God,a watchful heart,which no capricious thoughtcan lure away from You.Give to me,a noble heart,which no unworthy desire can debase.Give to mea resolute heart,which no evil intention can divert.Give to mea stalwart heart,which no tribulation can overcome.Give to mea temperate heart,which no violent passion can enslave.Give to me, O Lord my God,understanding of You,diligence in seeking You,wisdom in finding You,discourse ever pleasing to You,perseverance in waiting for You,and confidence in finally embracing You.Grantthat with Your hardshipsI may be burdened in reparation here,that Your benefitsI may use in gratitude upon the way,that in Your joysI may delight by glorifying Youin the Kingdom of Heaven.You Who live and reign,God, world without end.Amen.translation by Robert Anderson and Johann Moser
from The Aquinas Prayer Book