I suppose a blog post reference to "spinsters" is not exactly what would be expected with the topic of love. But I loved that line in that Downton Abbey episode because it hints at the power of being single in a married world. As the season went on, we saw Edith sitting with the men at breakfast, hearing their conversations and sticking to her decision to give journalism a try. Unfortunately, she had to learn the hard way that no man wants to be a woman's project and that there are men that are open to dalliances without commitment.
Since my theme for the year is Journey into Catholicism, it is appropriate to consider St. Valentine during February. There are several different stories and there appear to be a couple of different St. Valentine's but all were martyred and their feast day is February 14. Lovely thought for a day that is now associated with Love. But the journey from martyrdom to love is quite long.
Evidently, this month's post is going to be quite the variety of topics!
I really dreaded having to write about this topic because it so tender to my heart. Tender in the way that hurts if you poke it. It hurts to still be single despite a desire to be loved and cherished in marriage. It hurts to see the kids I used to babysit get married and start having children. It hurts to see couples who appear to be happily married.
Yet, I am happy for those who have found that love and I don't think that I'm bitter. I have not given hope that maybe, someday an age appropriate man will look me in the eye, tell me I'm beautiful and that he wants to live life with me and God until one of us passes away into glory.
I've also experienced enough relationship angst to know that I prefer to be single than married to the wrong person. So for now, I will continue to get up for breakfast.
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Journey into Catholicism
Jan - Epiphany
Feb - Love
March - Lent
April - Easter
May -Pentecost
June - Birthday Bliss
July - Saint Day
August - Sunshine
September - Anticipation of Waiting
October - Tears
November - Winter
December - Advent / Christmas
Feb - Love
March - Lent
April - Easter
May -Pentecost
June - Birthday Bliss
July - Saint Day
August - Sunshine
September - Anticipation of Waiting
October - Tears
November - Winter
December - Advent / Christmas
1 comment:
Despite annoying the crap out of everyone I know with "Spinsters Get Up For Breakfast!" jokes, I hadn't thought about the implications of Edith being the only woman at the breakfast table (full of newspapers) every morning! It's a fascinating feminist statement, isn't it, and does subtly imply a selfhood for single girls that married women have to forego.
Of course, it probably also serves the same purpose as bed-check. But we'll overlook that for now. (Though I do have to point out that, in Downton, there's plenty of women that are willing to dally, too....)
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