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Published by the Clan Cameron Association, this 344 page "masterpiece," by John Stewart of Ardvorlich, is dedicated "To all of the name of Cameron wherever they may dwell."
The history of Clan Cameron follows along side the history of the Camerons of Lochiel, the hereditary Chiefs of Clan Cameron. For this reason among others, this work details the Chiefs and their family from the fifteenth century through the present day. In addition, Stewart focuses on the many "tribes" and "septs" of the Camerons, those who either adopted the surname of Cameron or who followed the various Lochiels throughout the years. Coat of arms, tartans, poetry, music, Cameron "place names," and a listing of historically "famous" Camerons are also included, with twenty-five photographic plates of historical relevance.
Within the pages of this work, which is endorsed by both Colonel Sir Donald Hamish Cameron of Lochiel
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However, though the Catechism begins with that statement in #25, it is easy to overlook it in the press of understanding the doctrines and the rules and the rituals. An interested non-Christian, concerned with the infrastructure of the church where he or she is considering membership, might easily miss the centrality to everything Catholic of the love that God has for His creatures. Most non-Christian religions do not have this emphasis or focus of love. Even the table of contents and titles of the sections of the Catechism itself move quickly to the creed, cult, and codes of Catholicism.
A catechist, instructing other Christians in the differences and similarities between Catholicism and various Protestant creeds and practices, might easily state this fundamental truth of God's love and then move quickly into the teaching of the faith, the handing down of specifically Catholic theology, practice, information, etc. A focus or emphasis on the personal love that God has for each of us is important and needs to be maintained in the presentation of all doctrine, all aspects of the Catholic practice. And that is what this little book reminds its reader.
It is pleasant, reassuring and uplifting to read on the dust cover of this book "The key to the Catechism is the mystery of the triune God - 'the love that never ends.'" As a focused and well-prepared instructor, even as a prayer warrior concerned about my students, interested in providing the right environment and content for conversion, I find it tempting to divert from catechesis on God's love in each of the pillars of the Catechism. Will the baptism or profession of faith of the new Catholic-to-be be properly supported by understanding of doctrine and rituals; will there be enough practice in prayer, sufficient support by intercessor and sponsor and godparent? However, it is not this re-presentation of the catechetical truths and codes that will save, nor even the support the faith of, the potential Catholic.
This book reminded me of the great need to echo the voice of Christ as He has spoken to His Church. The inner comparison, taking place within the inquirer, between Christ's voice and grace within himself or herself and the catechesis of Christ's voice within the setting of the Church, is the process of conversion. Recognizing the Shepherd's voice as the voice of love as well as way-truth-life will empower the inquirer toward conversion and prepare the soul for the joy of communion.
What indeed can a catechism offer for Catholics if not the universality of love of God? Surely, other creeds are easier to live, there are less codes to follow, less difficulties in being what that church might call "holy." The very love of God in calling us to live His very life is distinct and different from every other faith. It is, after all, union with Christ in His Church, in a common union with all the holy human saints of history, that is being offered in a Catholic conversion. Not a lifestyle, not a set of beliefs, not a set of practices. Nothing less than union in love with Love itself. That changes the focus of presenting Catholicism to an inquirer to "courting the catechumen" - we are proposing a marriage to the inquirer, through the truth, the way and the life outlined in the Catechism. That reminder throughout the book is what moved me as I read it.
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Hedwig and the Angry Inch was a really fabulous off-Broadway show, though I don't think the script on paper will quite capture the experience and power of it. Still, as it is a most worthwhile production, any marketing tool behind it is assuredly for the bet.
If you haven't seen it, I'll admit, reading the script isn't going to do it for you, but if you've at least heard of it, go out and get yourself the CD and read along between the songs. There's also some incredible photography to look at, many of which haven't been seen before. You get a semi-decent idea of what's going on on stage, anyway. It's quite a show by some extremely talented people. I will never forget Hedwig or her brain parents as long as I live.
Buy the soundtrack, and if you are at all moved, the next logical step is to buy the book. You will not be disapointed.
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FYI -- When I took my boards, everyone told me to read Schwartz for the written and Cameron for the orals; I did that and passed (I think) easily. Although I think some of the new textbooks such as Dr. Greenfield's give Schwartz a run for the money, no other book challenges Cameron for studying for the oral boards.
Children love hearing true stories. They are often more surprising than fiction. In this embellished true story, a homeless chicken and a black cat meet, become friends, and find the chicken a coop.
Columbus the cat brings Henrietta the chicken home to his family-a mother and her daughter, Katy. Although Katy's mom allows the chicken to stay, they have no coop, forcing the distraught chicken to roost in the trees. "If I survive the night," Henrietta wails to the cat, "where will I lay my egg in the morning?" Columbus tells her not to worry: "In the morning, I'll show you my secret passageway, which will lead you into a new world."
Columbus shows the chicken how to use the cat door and invites her onto Katy's bed, where she lays her egg. Katy hides the eggs at first, fearing her mother's reaction, but the story twists again, concluding with Henrietta getting her very own quilted coop.
The author is an educator and animal enthusiast; this is her first children's book. The story follows the true experiences of her neighbors in Northern California who had a pet chicken that actually used the cat door and laid her eggs on the little girl's bed. Told in a casual way, the story is more believable and entertaining because it is based in reality.
The illustrator lives and works in the Scottish Highlands but captures the lush colors and landscapes of the rainy California area. Using details such as printing "Mendocino Children's Choir" on the back of Katy's pink jacket, he brings the story to life. His patchwork paintings offer a memorable picture of a family learning to include a chicken.
Animal lovers will enjoy the friendship between the cat and the hen. All readers will appreciate the creative problem-solving skills of the animals and the warm welcome Katy and her mom gave them. Sometimes true stories really are the most amazing.
Anna Stewart