Posts

Bourbon & Cigars

Bourbon & Cigars
Smoke in this Life not the Next

Featured Post

Wednesday, September 17, 2025

Image
Wed, Sep 17 Ember Wednesday – Pruning Elijah Craig Small Batch + Oliva Serie G “What needs pruning in my life to bear fruit?” 🌿 What Needs Pruning to Bear Fruit? In vineyards and in life, growth isn’t always the goal—fruitfulness is. And fruitfulness often requires pruning: the gentle art of letting go so that something deeper can thrive. As I walk through my own rhythms of hospitality, winemaking, and spiritual stewardship, I’ve begun asking: What needs pruning in my life to bear fruit? It’s a question that invites honesty, courage, and trust in the Gardener’s wisdom. ✂️ Five Areas That May Need Trimming 1. The Overgrowth of Good Intentions Not every worthy idea is meant for this season. Some projects, even beautiful ones, may be crowding the vine. Discernment: What commitments no longer align with my deepest calling? 2. Perfectionism in Planning I love crafting rituals and symbolic meals with care. But perfectionism can choke spontaneity and rest. Discernment: Can I...

Charlie Kirk: Why The Hate?

Image

DC on Oct 5th Register your live event or find a live event near you! RE...

Image

Wednesday, September 24, 2025

Image
    🌍   Dara’s Corner: Aboard  The World September 24–30, 2025 Theme:   Waters of Mercy & Thresholds of Fire  — Sailing from Zulu coastlines to sacred crossings 🕊️  Day 1: September 24 —  Durban , South Africa  (Anchor Point) Sunrise Rosary : On deck, invoking  Our Lady of the Indian Ocean Symbolic Meal : Bunny chow with mango pickle and coriander—fusion of spice and soul Evening Ritual : Rooibos-infused bourbon and cigar at 6:15 PM, paired with  Psalm 93 : “Mightier than the thunder of the great waters… the Lord on high is mighty.” 🌊  Day 2: September 25 — At Sea Fast-before-Feast : Light fasting until sunset, honoring the crossing Reflection :  Cry, the Beloved Country  — themes of exile, justice, and return Ritual Anointing : Marula oil and bergamot — “for the healing journey” 🕌  Day 3: September 26 — Maputo,  Mozambique Pilgrimage : Cathedral of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception or imagined M...

Tuesday, September 23, 2025

Image
 reflection for Day 7 – Principle 7 from The 5000 Year Leap : 🇺🇸 Day 7 – Principle 7: The Proper Role of Government Is to Protect Equal Rights, Not Provide Equal Things 🏛️ Reflection This principle draws a sharp line between justice and forced equality. The Founders believed that government exists to safeguard our God-given rights—life, liberty, property—not to redistribute goods or outcomes. When government tries to guarantee equal things, it risks violating the very rights it was created to protect. James Madison warned: “Government is instituted to protect property of every sort… This being the end of government, that alone is a just government which impartially secures to every man whatever is his own.” This principle affirms that true charity flows from individuals and communities—not mandates. It invites us to build a society where generosity is voluntary, and justice is impartial. 📜 Journal Prompt “How do I balance justice and generosity in my daily life? W...

Domus Vinea Mariae

Domus Vinea Mariae
Home of Mary's Vineyard