Beauty
9.16.2020
Starting college in the midst of a global pandemic is strange to say the least. So many inconveniences. So much anxiety about the future. When I was applying to college, I never dreamed I’d be wearing a face mask and social distancing on campus. I was worrying about whether I’d make friends, be able to do my own laundry, or do well in classes. Now, the world is topsy-turvy and I don’t know what the future will hold.
It’s easy to spiral into a dark place of despair, wondering when things will go “back to normal.” It’s hard to silence the negative voice that whispers in the back of my mind, telling me that nothing is going right or will ever go right. Sometimes, the only thing I can focus on is the cotton fabric in front of my face and the tape lines reminding me to distance from others. The anger blooms up in my chest like a fire eating away at kindling as I look for someone to blame. Sadness overwhelms me as I scroll through the news, wondering why our world aches so hard and so much.
But eventually, inevitably, peace fills my heart. It’s a wave of grace that feels like balm on a throbbing burn. The light of beauty draws my eyes upwards, away from the deep chasm in which all my complaints and worries fester and call for me to join them in their misery.
I can’t help but notice the way someone’s eyes crinkle up when they smile, even though I can’t see behind the mask. My heart rejoices as sunlight fades and flickers behind the trees, silently promising that it will reappear after the passing of night. My lungs breathe in the crisp morning air with delight, and I know that fall is coming soon. The seasons will continue to march on, even when everything seems out of my control.
The world is so inexplicably beautiful. The beauty always manages to shine through the dirt-encrusted and blood-stained shambles of this fallen realm. It makes me feel a longing of such intensity that my heart stings, my head full of confusion and wonderment. Yet, with the longing, there is also contentment. I know that all will be well. The beauty reminds me that there is Someone in control, ready to draw joy out of the sorrow. It hints at better things to come. However, beauty is not solely a harbinger of a better future. It sanctifies the present day, the present hour. It shines light on a past hidden by cobwebs and shadow.
Searching for beauty in the mundane (and the sadness and suffering) can be difficult, at first. Indeed, finding it is a lifelong challenge that I’m not sure we can ever fully master. Yet the more we seek it, the easier it will be to find. And when we find it, we will be able to find so much more.
~ K A T H R Y N

Hello, Inklings!
While this is not a fashion blog, fashion is one of my greatest passions. Designing new outfit combinations, thrifting, and learning about the styles of different time periods are some of my favorite things to do, and I express myself primarily through my clothing.
But, remember when I told you that I try to avoid buying brands that support the violating of the human right to life? Well, it's hard. Really really hard. It's been so disheartening to see my favorite brands supporting Planned Parenthood under the guise of supporting "choice" or "empowering woman." It's virtually impossible to only buy brands that support life.
Abortion does not empower women, and it never will. But supporting women through life-affirming action is something that we all can and should do. Buying brands that affirm the value of all human life is an easy but effective way to spread a pro-life message.
That's why I was so excited to discover Culture Of Life 1972, a fashion brand that celebrates rather than de-values life in all of its stages. Not only are the pieces cute and trendy, but they also serve as great conversation starters. I was so excited about COL1972's mission that I wanted to get involved in their affiliate program.
But why 1972? Roe. v. Wade, the supreme court decision that legalized abortion, occurred in 1973. COL1972 hopes to resurrect the culture of life present before this decision. Boldly wearing a 1972 piece is a fantastic way to start a conversation.
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1972 Necklace |
Save 10% on your order with the code Kathryn1972!
I've been thinking about the importance of discussion a lot lately and wanted to share some tips I've learned.
Let me first preface this post by emphatically stating that I do not always apply these tips to the best of my ability. I make many mistakes and invite you to call me out on them whenever you see them on this blog. I can be lazy and don't always put in the effort needed for a fruitful discussion--I'm fully cognizant of these faults and am trying to work on them. However, as I have become a little more tactful in my dealings with controversial topics (if you've been following me for a while you'll remember the well-intended but rather childish rants I used to post...), I've gathered some tips that are good to keep in mind when engaging in discussion.
1) Define your terms.
It's impossible to get anywhere in a discussion if the terms used aren't clearly defined and understood. If you find yourself using any term that has a debatable or unclear meaning, turn to a reputable dictionary (i.e. not Urban Dictionary), and look up that word.
A recent example I noticed on social media: I saw the word 'conservative' being thrown around rather carelessly. Many people were using the term to mean the polar opposite of progressive, essentially saying that a conservative was someone who championed oppression/racism/sexism, etc. I found this to be very simplistic and I decided to look up the actual meaning of conservative because I hadn't really thought about it before. I found that conservative means "a person who is averse to change and holds traditional values." The word comes from the Latin conservo, conservare--to preserve. A progressive is someone that "favors and implements social reform or new, liberal ideas" The definitions of these words do not expound on what "traditional values" or "liberal ideas" are, so I do not think that it makes sense to say that a conservative supports X and a progressive supports Y when we haven't even defined what makes a value conservative or liberal.
2) Primary sources are key.
Media bias does exist. That's why I prefer to do my own research on important topics. Major news outlets are a great way to stay up-to-date on current events + get a feel for the general thoughts surrounding an issue, but unless credible data is provided, I tend to take the media I consume with a grain of salt. Also, for the record, Instagram, Snapchat, Tik-Tok, and the like are not the most reliable sources (for obvious reasons.) You wouldn't cite Snapchat stories in an academic paper, would you?
Some ways to get data and reliable information: If you're curious as to what a movement/organization stands for, go directly to their website and use the information you find to form your own conclusion. For example, I saw lots of social media posts about the Black Lives Matter movement (with varying commentaries and opinions), but I found it really helpful to peruse the official website to get the scoop on what the movement is all about. If you see a video clip on the news that seems a little fishy, do some digging in order to find the context in which the clip fits. Quotations, video clips, etc. can be manipulated to fit a particular narrative.
Likewise, I like to double-check any stats I share when talking about the pro-life message (or any other potentially controversial topic). Planned Parenthood's annual reports provide useful statistics, and nobody can claim that you're making up stats if you draw them from a reliable source. There are also resources put out by actual doctors that explain what exactly happens in an abortion procedure. Primary sources and reliable data serve for wonderful discussion fodder. I really appreciate it when news outlets/organizations provide the sources for their statistics!
3) Try to see things from a different angle.
I read Aristotle's Rhetoric for school this year, and this was a point that stuck with me. Aristotle points out that fully understanding your opponent's position can help you support your own. Sometimes we get caught up in our own opinions, and this can be a stumbling block to successful dialogue. Also, trying to see things from different angles is a way to introduce empathy into the conversation.
Seeing things from different angles is not saying that you agree with these different angles. It's showing courtesy to your opponent by trying your best to understand what they're saying. No matter how right you think you are, you can't have a successful dialogue if you refuse to consider other viewpoints.
4) It's okay to admit you were wrong.
Sometimes it happens that, with additional study and thought, you change your mind. That's okay. There is a stigma around "failure" and mind-changing that inhibits growth. If you're compelled to change your stance on a position after further examination, don't be embarrassed. Take note of what led you to your current position and continue learning.
5) Be respectful.
I have not always fully understood the importance of being courteous in a debate. It's sometimes hard to remember that there are people behind disagreements. People, that, despite holding different views, have the same dignity as us. There is a way to disagree and still be respectful. Try positive instead of negative language, acknowledge that you see where your opponent is coming from, refrain from personal attacks and uncharitable comments. Don't be the person whose last resort is petty comments like "oh, X is overweight" or "Y's suits are ugly." That won't get you anywhere.
Box Thoughts
6.03.2020 • Food for Thought
We speak in absolutes because it’s easier. Less messy. We clean up the dirt by placing each person in a nice little box. Flinging around simple little terms we’ve invented for things that are complicated. But, despite the immense power of words, sometimes they are meaningless. A single word cannot paint the whole picture. Because our world is more than that. Too great to be summed up in a solitary word or phrase. The universe doesn’t have a catchy tagline.
So, what is the solution to the world’s problems? How do we clean up the mess?
Certainly not by shoving people in boxes.
Putting those boxes in the garage so they’re out of sight. Out of mind.
Pasting pretty labels on ugly things so that we can have the feeling of satisfaction that we said something on the subject in question. Then, after we’ve said something that sounds like it matters, we walk away. We never look back. We shove it all into a box, labelled “do not open.”
No. Our world is more than that. People deserve more than that.
They deserve to be looked in the eyes. Called by their real names, and not a label that’s made one-size-fits-all. Look at their story and acknowledge that it’s like no other, even if it takes more time and effort to get to the truth, to figure things out. Even if you know you’ll never fully understand them. Even if you realize that you were wrong about them.
When it comes down to it, some people choose darkness. Some people chase the light. Some people are still stuck in the gray areas, too scared to move, too unsure to act. But despite our differences, there is one thing that we all have in common. We are all made in the image and likeness of God, and thus deserve to be treated with dignity. Regardless of our station in life, our backgrounds, our personal opinions. Human dignity must never be compromised or forgotten. We must never allow our own opinions to take the place of this truth.
What if we set aside politics and the many labels that we use to further our agendas. Because democrat, republican, or in-between, we’re still all people. What if we said ‘no’ to pride, refusing to allow it to cloud our vision. What if we thought quietly for a minute, instead of impulsively posting what we think people want to hear on social media. Because at the end of the day, the political party you were part of means nothing. Whatever you re-posted on your Instagram story means nothing. What matters is how you treated the person in front of you.
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via Google Photos
Praying for you, friends.
~ K A T H R Y N |
Tea and a Read - March & April
5.26.2020 • Tea and a Read
In case you're new here --Tea and a Read is a bi-monthly link-up celebrating good books and good teas (or other drinks you like to sip while enjoying a read). I hope to encourage you to take time for leisure that edifies your mind and soothes your soul.
On-and-off these past few months I've also been reading the Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien. If you're a Tolkien fan (and even if you're not), you'll find these letters fascinating.

You can never get a cup of tea large enough or a book long enough to suit me.
C.S. Lewis
Currently: in Quarantine
5.11.2020 • Currently
I haven't done a Currently post in a while, and I thought now would be the perfect time to do one. The novelty of lockdown has certainly worn off, and my family has been a little stir-crazy. We've been discovering new ways of keeping busy and learning how to be patient. ;)
- reading -
May is always a busy month school-wise, so I haven't been reading as voraciously as usual (or rather, reading books that aren't involved with school.) However, I recently started Enemy Brothers by Constance Savery. It's a light read geared towards a younger age, but it has substance. It's also written before the end of WWII, which is super interesting. And I am a strong advocate of indulging in well-written children's literature every once in a while. It's good for the soul.
- watching -
The family and I have been working our way through The Twilight Zone series. These shows, despite their lack of special effects, are certainly creepy and very thrilling. They've been inspiring me to write, which I'm excited about. I haven't had any writing inspiration in a while.
Another show we've been progressing through is Foyle's War. I highly recommend it if you enjoy history, mystery, and pondering over ethical questions, three things I happen to love. :)
- listening -
This year, I decided to create a playlist for every month to reflect my tastes and moods. Here is my playlist for April, as well as a study playlist I've been listening to frequently.
- playing -
We're a gaming family. A board gaming family. ;) Our current favorite games are Citadels, Camel Up, and Dixit (great for writers). If you have any game recommendations, be sure to drop them in the comments! We're always looking for new ones. :D
- doing -
I've definitely been cultivating my culinary skills during quarantine. I may or may not stress bake, which is great for mental health and not so good for le physique. XD I've been making a lot of recipes from the Once Upon a Chef food blog, and every one has turned out fantastically. I made the lemon chicken and broiled feta for Mother's Day, and mom loved her Mediterranean feast!
My sister and I also dyed our hair for the first time! She did a dark brown and I did...red?! My hair is very highlighted with both brown and blonde (before and after below), so I wanted to do something very different. It's semi-permanent, so it should be interesting to see how it washes out. So far I'm loving my new look, and would definitely consider doing it again. The only con is that I can't get my hair wet, as the dye washes out every time it comes in contact with water (I'm avoiding water unless it's shower time.) I use water to style my hair every day, so this has been a tricky adjustment.
- pondering -
I've had a lot more time to think recently, so I've been confronting some of my anxiety issues/general worrywart-ness. I finally committed to a college, a decision I had been debating for what seemed like foreeever. (I'm very happy with my final decision, and believe it to have been the right one.) Sorting through your own junk and baggage can be really hard.
My family also experienced a very sad loss, and I'm learning how I grieve. It's been weird, and I'm very grateful for parents that have been putting up with my (very) emotional self while struggling through heartache themselves. Writing hasn't really been the release I always thought it was, but I did write a poem. Artistically, I don't think it's very good, but it certainly captures our feelings.
I've also been frustrated with all the suffering I see in the news every day. I'm fed up with politics, and am restless because I don't have the usual volunteer opportunities that make me feel like I'm doing something to make a difference. I'm realizing the power of prayer. Because sometimes, you just need to turn off the news and surrender your frustrations to the Lord, Who knows what is in your heart.
Overall, it's just been a very interesting time of learning to acknowledge and deal with emotions, something I'm not very good at. But I'm certainly growing, that's for sure. And my heart is joyful when I think of the ways my family and friends are helping me through difficult times.
- thankful -
I am thankful for my family and friends. For teachers that truly want the best for me. I am so glad that I was able to receive Holy Communion and go to confession last week for the first time in months (insane!) I think that gave me the grace needed to crawl out of the rut of hurt and discontent that I've been in these past two weeks. I'm thankful for technology that keeps us connected + entertained during these strange times. I'm thankful for my bodily health. Really, the more I think about it the longer the list becomes. God is good.
To A Little Saint
5.02.2020 • Poetry
i never met you, face-to-face
but i loved you from the first
i never got to see which of us you looked like
was never able to hold you in my arms or
gaze for the fifth time into eyes of innocence
eyes that speak softly of all that is good and beautiful
but from the beginning, i knew
that you were the only you there was and ever will be
that you are special and beloved
by us all and the One who made you
it's strange to say goodbye before
you've even said hello
but perhaps a more joyful meeting awaits us
joy that will consume this sorrow
this darkness
this heartache
perhaps i will finally understand what cannot be understood
all pain eclipsed by indescribable joy
pray for me, little one