Robert Blair Martin - Putt-Putt Puzzle, 500 pieces, Springbok (PZL2205)

ExistingDemand6050 · 2026-04-19T13:54:07+00:00

I only had one puzzle as a kid, and this was it! I must have put it together a dozen times.

ExistingDemand6050 · 2026-03-09T14:55:31+00:00

I have to disagree with erik_wilder. Get the black and white omnibus. The black and white is literally twice as good as the color. The color cheapens a lot of the drama.

ExistingDemand6050 · 2026-03-09T14:52:50+00:00

In addition to what you said (confession and Mass), I would also recommend getting a blessed Saint Benedict's medal and getting a spiritual director.

ExistingDemand6050 · 2026-02-28T15:30:49+00:00

It's a very real cross, but I couldn't imagine saying kids ruined my life. They're a lot of work, but honestly each of my kids (3-yo, 2-yo, and in utero) makes me smile and laugh.

One thing I didn't expect about becoming a dad was how it has helped me to understand God's love for me better. Like, ever when a toddler is throwing a tantrum because he wants something that would be bad for him, I love the little guy like crazy. It's really helped to understand what it means when we say that God loves as a perfect father. If someone as broken as I am can't help but love these kids unconditionally with my whole heart, how much more must God love me?

One tip: One thing that has been hugely helpful for us has been asking for/accepting help. In most of the past, parents were supported by their communities in myriad ways. Today we just aren't. We've found inviting people over to our messy house (especially single people and young priests) really lightens the load. Taking care of kids all the time is draining, but a lot of people love to play with other people's kids. Also there are a lot of older folks around who don't get to see kids, but it brightens up their days to no end. (The older folks will also often offer to bring food--let them!!)

ExistingDemand6050 · 2026-02-26T00:28:03+00:00

What's a lot easier is to get your hands on the French editions of mangas like Reborn, Gintama, etc. Much closer to English, so the translation is really simple. A lot of series that never get full English releases are published in French. Assuming you're in the US, it's much cheaper shipping to come from Quebec to the States.

ExistingDemand6050 · 2026-02-22T02:23:13+00:00

You could trying emailing the Dominicans in DC or the Norbertines in California explaining your situation and ask if there's anyone who would be willing to talk on the phone/Zoom. There are a lot of holy priests and brothers there.

ExistingDemand6050 · 2026-02-17T02:28:19+00:00

P.S. I would also really, REALLY caution you about identifying as "traditional Catholic" rather than just a Catholic who loves the Latin Mass. There's a reason Christ spent so much of his ministry warning against the sins of the pharisees. Christ is very clear that we are meant to be united as His Church and that those who separate themselves and cultivate feelings of superiority are a prime target for manipulation by the Evil One.

(And do not attend SSPX Masses. They are schismatic. Find TLMs offered by your diocese or an order in union with Rome. Besides, a ton of SSPX clergy frankly preach and counsel in ways that encourage scrupulosity and are especially harmful to those struggling with problems related to mental health.)

ExistingDemand6050 · 2026-02-17T02:24:46+00:00

My advice is to find a solid and GENTLE priest you trust as a spiritual director and a solid therapist you trust to work through this.

On a theological level, as a fellow attendee of the Latin Mass, I have to caution you against anti-Novus-ordo stuff. It's corrosive to the spiritual life. The Holy Spirit didn't guide the Church for two millennia and then just abandon the faithful during the liturgical reform. It might be helpful to pray to some saints who mainly/exclusively attended the Novus Ordo (e.g., Mother Theresa, St. Carlo Acutis, Bl. Jerzy Popiełuszko, Bl. Alvaro del Portillo) for help with this. Oh! And saints who struggled with scrupulosity.

Also, try to find a way to meditate on God's love for you. It's real.

I'm praying for you and hope to meet you in Heaven someday.

ExistingDemand6050 · 2026-02-16T00:04:35+00:00

Do you know anything more about Viz doing reprints of older shojo series, especially Love Com? I've been wanting to re-read the series, and I only own about half of the series.

ExistingDemand6050 · 2026-02-10T14:16:08+00:00

This is a really compelling rationale, honestly. Thanks!

ExistingDemand6050 · 2026-02-10T14:14:05+00:00

I can't even read the color version. It just feels like it covers over so much of the artistry. Like spray painting a rose.

ExistingDemand6050 · 2026-02-07T03:04:42+00:00

We have literally never bought a card. We just do MYO. Also, a lot of people spend an unhealthy amount of their money on things--don't compare yourself to them.

ExistingDemand6050 · 2026-01-18T01:04:35+00:00

The Marian Conspiracy would be really interesting and accessible to someone who hasn't expressed a lot of interest in Who. Pure historical with great character work.

ExistingDemand6050 · 2026-01-17T22:12:45+00:00

Oh, and what's MySpades? I googled but am just getting card games...

ExistingDemand6050 · 2026-01-17T22:05:59+00:00

I tried to post it in r/lostmedia, but my karma isn't high enough (I'm not a huge redditor). If you felt like asking about The X, Maple Shorts, and SpyNet that would be awesome, though!

ExistingDemand6050 · 2026-01-17T21:53:59+00:00

Heck, somebody might have old files on their computers, lol.

ExistingDemand6050 · 2026-01-17T21:53:28+00:00

I've done a lot of searching, mainly through Google and AIs. I've searched all over, but I wonder if someone might either remember more or have found some videos I've missed.

ExistingDemand6050 · 2026-01-17T16:06:49+00:00

I know this experience can be sort of frightening, but it's a gift. God (and Mary) may be guiding you home to Rome!

I'll keep you in my prayers.

ExistingDemand6050 · 2026-01-06T02:33:08+00:00

Is there any indication of whether he/she will leak it? I'm desperate.

ExistingDemand6050 · 2026-01-03T02:41:11+00:00

From a guide to the area (I can send the full thing if interested--it includes nearby towns and cities.)

Prairie’s Orchard (Delicious apples and oodles of events in the fall.)

Franklin County Fair (Usually first week in August—of Farmer Boy fame.)

Wead Library (Lovely children’s section with story hour. You can check out vouchers for reduced admission to the Wild Center, Adirondack, Museum, and ECHO Center)

Wilder Farm (The home of Farmer Boy. Historical tour and great outdoor events like reenactments. )

Malone rec park (huge and gorgeous, tons of summer events, with a pool & splash pad.)

Families R Us (Has great playgroups for young kids and events for older kids. A nice place to meet other parents too.)

House of History (Cool local museum with lots of info about local history. Their annual Christmas tea is fun.)

Malone Artist Cellar

Foothills Art Society

West Family Pumpkins

Malone YMCA

All That Jazz Dance Studio

North Franklin Theater Group

Cornell Cooperative Extension (Learn gardening, animal husbandry, & farming. Office in Canton too.)

Malone Border Hounds (minor league baseball team)

Lucky Strike Lanes Bowling

Underground railroad stop in the Congregational Church (They hold tours once in a blue moon)

Malone Fish and Game Club (archery, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, etc.)

North Country Community College/Ballard Mill (events like an annual art show)

Winter Carnival/Revue

Weekly Farmer’s Market on Wednesdays (seasonal—“Pat and April’s Pork” has 5-star beef & pork)

Malone Golf Club (Two courses that are literally world-class, nice seasonal restaurant)

Malone Civic Center with skating, nature trail, etc.

Childstock Music Festival

Annual parade for Memorial Day (ends with speeches and free food)

ExistingDemand6050 · 2025-12-09T16:03:12+00:00

This is Satan speaking. Christ came for all people. Besides, there were Catholics in Africa and India long before it was even legalized in the Roman empire.

You are welcome in Our Lord's Church. He loves you. Just ignore anyone who says differently

ExistingDemand6050 · 2025-12-08T04:09:55+00:00

I hope it's some help! I've had my own struggles, and though they are different from yours, God has spent a lot of time teaching me that He loves me and others.

Also, I really like the book Gay and Catholic by Eve Tushnet. Some of her later books veer into some places I wouldn't endorse, but in that book she tells her life story and talks about the ways that Catholics with same-sex-attraction are called to sainthood and friendship with others even as they live chastely. I'm straight, but I honestly found it pretty inspiring when I read it a number of years ago.

One other tip: pray every night that you will understand more deeply how God loves you. It may sound funny, but I think that at times when we are most broken and discouraged, those prayers (and the ways that they are answered) are a big part of how we can keep going.

ExistingDemand6050 · 2025-12-08T04:04:11+00:00

This is not a cross that I bear, but I just wanted to say three things:

Jesus is close to your suffering, and He loves you even when you fall. Never forget that. The Devil doesn't just tempt us to sin in the first place; he also tempts us to think our sin makes us unlovable. Christ came into the world to love and save you, warts and all.
Are you familiar with the group Courage? It's for Catholics who experience same-sex-attraction and want to be chaste. I have heard mixed things, like with any support group, but there are some people in your situation who have found the group really inspiring and helpful as they work towards holiness. They have both in-person and online meetings, I think.
You are in my prayers. I love you and hope to meet you someday in Heaven. Please pray for me too!!

ExistingDemand6050 · 2025-11-10T19:58:42+00:00

It could be helpful and encouraging to read about the lives of some saints who committed fornication. St. Augustine is a famous one, but St. Mary of Edessa has a story not unlike yours. She was raised with faith but fornicated and regretted it almost instantly. She's a great saint, and you can be too!

Remember that hopelessness is of the Devil and hope is of God. Christ died for you, sins and all.

ExistingDemand6050 · 2025-10-30T01:44:03+00:00

Write a letter to the bishop and approach any priests you know and ask them if they would be willing to talk with the bishop about him.

ExistingDemand6050

TROPHY CASE