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The Man Who Would Not Be Pope (Habemus Papam)
I used to go to the movies several times a month. As independent cinemas closed and viewing opportunities moved in-home (where I don’t have a television), my desire to go to the movies ebbed. In the past year or two, I am lucky if I see a movie once every several weeks, preferring to spend my time in practice and study or conversation. I still keep my eye out for a film that looks like an invitation to beauty or engaged thinking. I was called earlier this week to see Habemus Papam by this:
“The unanswerable question at [Habemus Papam’s] heart is this: How does a leader hold onto his sense of self when the job he is about to take both demands and denies his own humanity?” Michael O’Sullivan for the Washington Post.
Habemus Papum is at one level a small story; it is just a few days in the life of a select group of individuals. It is rendered with charm and love, but it asks some very big questions and ones highly relevant to any who contemplate (in this country that makes a cult of celebrity and celebrities in politics and spirituality and not just on stage and screen) what it means for an individual or a ruling body to have or to seek leadership, power, or worship, or to be given it in greater quantity than the one(s) on whom they are conferred can handle.
Unexpected Treat
As I was leaving my massage therapists house, his wife said, “it’s open,” walk up 15th Street and check it out.” I turned from my usual track and headed up 15th Street Between C and D Streets, SE, a young guy was standing in a freshly painted doorway calling out to see if anyone wanted free samples. Having already been given a thumbs up, I stopped and joined two others who were enjoying the offer.
I was handed a freshly baked Philadelphia style pretzel and a squeeze container of mustard. The pretzel had been baked within the half hour, there was just the right amount of salt, and it was definitely a treat after a Saturday afternoon massage.
“It’s a simple concept–just the pretzels, and I am still working out hours and prices. Have to work around having a two-year old at home.”
The neighbors, who definitely were enjoying their pretzels and the neighborhood setting, said they would be happy to be in a picture for my blog.
The pretzels will certainly appeal after the Little League games across the street, but it’s a treat for those in post massage bliss and people taking a casual walk around the neighborhood, too.
I am happy to support this new venture. What changes and integrates our neighborhood includes the willingness to open a small business off the beaten track (340 15th St., SE) that will appeal to a broad section of the community.
To find out information on prices (he does special orders for parties) and hours of operation, check out “The Pretzel Bakery”s Facebook page.
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Peace and light, E — Posted with WordPress for BlackBerry.
Glad to Have Friends Who Inspire Me to Think
My friend K, whom I love and respect for her very self and for her sustained peace activism, had this attached to an email yesterday:
Rev. Howard Thurman (1899-1981): “Don’t ask what the world needs. Rather ask — what makes you come alive? Then go and do it! Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.”
So good I wanted to re-share everywhere.




