Mary C. M. Phillips

Many people leave the church; many return.

Coming November 2012

My story, Jumper Cables, is included in the new book, Finding Church (Stories of Leaving, Returning, Changing & Transforming) coming in November from Civitas Press.

I’m in the “returning” camp.

It’s a story about imperfection; a human trait that will never be in short supply.

Grateful again that my words will go further than my own laptop.

Imperfectly yours,

Mary

One more week till Mothers’ Day!

An early Happy Mothers’ Day wish to all the great moms out there that encourage their children to be the best that they can be as individuals.

A Cup of Comfort for Mothers is full of touching and bittersweet stories from daughters, sons, and mothers from all across the country.

You can read a story about my mom (via link below to Googlebooks) on page 85.

Tiaras and Rhinestones

Once in a golden hour

I cast to earth a seed.
Up there came a flower,
The people said, a weed.

To and fro they went
Thro’ my garden-bower,
And muttering discontent
Cursed me and my flower.

Then it grew so tall
It wore a crown of light,
But thieves from o’er the wall
Stole the seed by night.

Sow’d it far and wide
By every town and tower,
Till all the people cried
`Splendid is the flower.’

Read my little fable:
He that runs may read.
Most can raise the flowers now,
For all have got the seed.

And some are pretty enough,
And some are poor indeed;
And now again the people
Call it but a weed.

—  Alfred Lord Tennyson

A day at the library with friends, family, and fellow Janeites.  What could be better?

Kelly Tanza and Mary C.M. Phillips at the Malverne Public Library, March 2012.

Today was the preview of The Life and Writings of Jane Austen at the Malverne Library.

Along with musician, Kelly Tanza, who contributed her beautiful melodies (vocal and harpsichord/pianoforte synthesizer), we talked about books, letters, writing and Jane, Jane, Jane.

One hour of Jane-talk flew by in a Colin Firth heartbeat.

Thank you to the Malverne Public Library and everyone who came out today to join us.

It made me ever so happy to see the smiling faces of fellow Jane Austen enthusiasts; and it made me even happier to see newly sparked interest in those unfamiliar with our girl.

A joyous event and all around a great day!

If you would like to have our presentation at your library or school simply click here for more information.  (The presentation is available through Nassau County Boces Arts-in-Education as of September 2012).