On Day 2 of the Catholic Writers Guild/Catholic Marketing Network conference, I'm
linking up with Cari for Theme Thursday--blogging from a hotel room in the Garden State (but I took some pics on Tuesday before I left home, just so I'd be prepared). I love religious statues, so I was excited to see that today's theme lends itself to showing them off.
When my #4 son was about eight, he bought me an old plaster statue of Our Lady of Fatima--spending a whole $1.00 of his own money--at our boys' Catholic school's annual tag sale. It was chipped when he gave it to me (Our Lady's nose was broken right off), and the paint job was faded and peeling. But I thought it was indescribably lovely just the same.
We have a lot--I mean A LOT!--of statues in our home (of the Sacred Heart, Our Lady of Grace, Our Lady of Fatima, St. Joseph, St. Therese of Lisieux, St. Patrick, and others), but I think this one is my absolute favorite. Even in its run-down, hand-me-down, tag sale state, I loved that statue. But then I put a lot of TLC into it, repairing the plaster and doing paint touch-ups where they were needed (even using some actual gold leaf paint on the embellishments that decorate the mantle of the Blessed Virgin Mary and on the Rosary She's holding), so now it's even more beautiful than it was before.
The reason this statue is my favorite is that I love the gentle expression on Mary's pretty face.
This statue, my favorite out of all the Marian statues in our home, takes pride of place in our living room, right next to (but a little bit below) a larger Sacred Heart statue that my husband brought back from a trip to Rome some years back. It is one of the sweetest little boy gifts I was ever given.
And while we're on the subject of statues--or trophies, or what-have-you...I am not going home with the Catholic Arts & Letter Award. But I'm more than fine with that. My husband, the moral supporter extraordinaire, was much more disappointed when my title (
Finding Grace) was not announced as the winner at the CWG/CMN breakfast this morning than I was. So I may not have won the CALA statue...but look at all this wonderful Catholic SWAG we're bringing home from the conference!
And it's not even over yet!
Oh, what a beautiful statue of Our Lady of Fatima! The look on her face makes me wish I could cuddle up in her arms. *smiles* And look at all those treasures from the conference! I might have half an eye on "Under the Mantle"... I might should talk to my parents about a birthday present ;-) God bless!
ReplyDeleteOh Laura, I am just as disappointed as Tim! I wanted you to win. You are a winner in my eyes!
ReplyDeleteYou were robbed! The fix must have been on.
ReplyDeleteOh noooo! I'm with Mike here! You were robbed!
ReplyDeleteWhat a sweet gift from a young son.
ReplyDeleteSorry about the loss.
Your statues are all beautiful! Sorry about the award, but hey, you have quite a prize of a husband!
ReplyDeleteI just love how your husband is your biggest fan:)
ReplyDeleteWhat wonderful statues to have in your home. It makes my heart swell reading that your son bought it for you and it has been loved so much.
ReplyDeleteThat is a beautiful statue with a beautiful story. Sorry about your not winning but hope you continue to enjoy the conference.
ReplyDeleteI agree, Mary's expression is gentle and quiet. I love how you have her placed, as she is always in service to Our Lord, isn't she?
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry you didn't win the award. Hugs, and congratulations on the nomination, though!