Synopses & Reviews
In a remote canyon in northern New Mexico the early morning stillness is broken by voices chanting praises to the Lord. And thus begins the daily cycle in the Godcentered life and search of the Benedictine monks at the Monastery of Christ in the Desert.Seeking God is a monastic tapestry. The daily life of the monks is interwoven with the seasonal changes and celebrations and the candid words of the monks as they speak of their life their hopes and doubts their hardships fears and joys their prayer. Weaving this tapestry together are the hauntingly beautiful chants songs of praise and reverence that echo through the darkness before dawn throughout the day through the solemnity of Vespers in the evening and Compline at night. The majestic beauty of the environment captured in every season reflects a peace and tranquility that becomes an integral part of this monastic tapestry. The high red rock walls of the canyon where eagles fly cradle the valley whose stillness is broken only by the flowing waters of the Chama River and the winds that occasionally funnel through. Seeking God presents the ongoing process of the monastic way through the words and activities of these Benedictine monks as they move through the day and through the seasons in their search for God through prayer work study and song.
Synopsis
Everyone who knows Norma Jean McQueen Haydel knows that shes a supreme cook, that shes the steward of the McQueen family recipes. But she didnt measure when she cooked. Or write things down. Norma Jeans brother Horace got to worrying about this. He cooks, too, but his repertoire isnt as vast as Norma Jeans. So he began bothering her about writing down how she makes her many dishes. I didnt want Norma Jeans recipes, or our Mamas recipes, to be lost. We have kids coming. And other folks love to eat at my sisters table, too.” So the two got busy recording their treasured family recipes from the South. This collection of more than 250 dishes are their best ones. This is food you will absolutely enjoy,” says Horace. Traditional, full of marvelous flavor, enhanced old-timeys!” Norma Jean and Horace have put together the full line-up: Crawfish Bisque, Poblano Cream Soup, Wilted Spinach Salad, Smothered Pork Ribs, Zesty Broasted Chicken, Baked Catfish, Cajun Rice Jambalaya, Stuffed Cornbread, Five-Flavor Pound Cake, Margarita Pie, and on and on. This is food to pass on to your loved ones!” says Horace. Youll want to try itagain and again!”