Weekend Coffee Share is a time for us to take a break out of our lives and enjoy some time catching up with friends (old and new)!

If we were having coffee this weekend, I’d urge you to try Japanese Forest Bathing. I did on Saturday with my library. Forest Bathing entails slowly walking mindfully through the woods. It’s supposed to make you feel more peaceful, energized and creative. I will say I felt terrific afterwards.

Later I joined a prayer 40 Days for Life prayer service in front of a clinic in Chicago. I haven’t done this sort of thing, but the issue is major and my eyes have been opened by Prager U videos and the film Unplanned so I went. There was a good turnout and many people driving by showed their support. There were volunteers who supported abortion and unfortunately, they used foul language and insults to state their case.

On Friday a friend and I had a good dinner at Siam Rice before going to the Goodman Theater’s Next Stage Festival, where a novice playwright’s work is performed. Hats off to the Goodman for offering new writers this opportunity. The performances were free to attend. We saw In the Sick Bay of the Santa Maria, which takes place in the bottom of one of Columbus’ ships. One character is feigning illness to escape work and the rough sailors on deck, another really is ill. A subplot centers around a strict college professor whose students complain about her teaching. In my opinion the second story didn’t fit the main plot well and was just a distraction.

We had snow, and lots of it in time for Halloween. I felt sorry for the kids trick or treating, but then I realized many years I had to trick or treat with a winter jacket on. So that’s just life in the Midwest.

Friday I took my mom to St. John Cantius for an All Saints Day mass. It’s a magnificent example of traditional sacred architecture. Even if you’re not a major traditionalist, if you love art, you’ll appreciate this church.