Friday, May 16, 2014

Look who has come to live in my yard

"Ok, there is a newcomer in our backyard. I must check this out."
 "Hmm? What is on the back side of this creature?"
 "Maybe there is something different on this side."
 "I give up. I don't know what this is. It is too big for me to attack. I am not happy about this turn of events. I think I will go groom myself."
 "Oh, Betty, you little goofy kitty, it is St Francis, patron saint of animals."
"I think we should let him stay."
As usual, Dino is right. St Francis of Assisi has come to live in our backyard. If you have ever heard of St Francis, you know he is the patron saint of animals and nature. But did you also know that, in 1220, he was the first person to set up a nativity scene? With a manger filled with hay flanked by an ox and a donkey, it was much simpler than the creches we create these days.

(If you want to learn more about the very first manger story, be sure to get your copy of "The Christmas Story in 40 Days".)

6 comments:

Denise said...

I love it, where did you get it?

Chris Loehmer Kincaid said...

I have wanted a fountain or other water feature in my yard for years, so we were looking for one in Menards and found this guy. I couldn't leave without him. The hubby goes "will he fit in the car?" to which I answered, "that's why we got a hatch-back!"

Denise said...

I have a St Francis fountain, it is very high maintenance. If you don't run the fountain the bees plug it, if it is windy you have to watch the water. So you can be very pleased with your choice.

Lisa Johnson said...

I love him Chris!

Chris Loehmer Kincaid said...

Thanks, Lisa. Isn't he adorable??

Beth Camp said...

I still remember carting a gigantic statue of St. Francis through a supermarket parking lot for my sister. Such a great image of peace and joy. Your photo essay was a very nice (and subtle) promo for your book. Well done! I was leaning to Giovanni because I thought you were looking for a kitty name at first. But how could St. Francis be anything other than St. Francis, even in 'bear' form?