I am the world's tallest short woman and the world's shortest tall woman. I admire Pippi Longstocking, but resemble her not a whit. I am fond of pancakes. I was an intellectual Pinnochio, hollow and wooden and glossy; by God's grace, I am slowly becoming more real, more genuine, more full, better able to grasp the universe with an eye humble and un-clouded. In the meantime, give me leave to make an ass out of myself, every now and again.

I arise today
Through a mighty strength, the invocation of the Trinity,
Through belief in the threeness,
Through confession of the oneness,
of the Creator of Creation.
from "The Deer's Cry" - Anon. 8th century Irish poet

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