[Biggles]

. . . are a couple of books by Monica Baldwin. She was the neice of the British Prime Minister Stanley Baldwin, who at the age of 18 (I think) took holy orders in a closed convent in Belgium and stayed there for 28 years until she decided to leave and return to the "normal" world (only she returned smack bang in the middle of WWII and she was astounded by how much the world had changed since she'd left it behind). She died some time in the 1970s.

The first book, "I Leap Over The Wall", is an autobiography. It's taken me ages to get hold of a copy because it's now out of print, but was dramatised on BBC Radio 4 a few months ago, which aroused my interest. Her second book "The Called And The Chosen" is a novel about a young woman who becomes a nun, but there are significant parallels to her own life. The insight she provides of a nun's life is fantastic and has left me in complete and utter awe of these special women. I honestly never realised just how much they give up and how driven by and devoted to their faith they are.

Monica Baldwin's style of writing is really lovely too. If you can get hold of a copy of either of these books, I'd definitely recommend them. They are so simply and honestly written not to mention being injected with such a sweet sense of humour.

[Pippy]

Biggles, your post of those books reminded me of something I once saw....there used to be a movie actress in the 50's and 60's who was just starting to make it big and I had the impression she would really have gone places in that kind of industry. She was extremely beautiful!!!! But she gave it all up to become a nun(a cloistered nun). And what was bittersweet to me was there was a gentlemen(and he was truly a gentlemen)who was her friend and he loved her deeply!! He would liked to have married her. But she went through with her calling to be a nun and,this is so bittersweet, never married. They still remain friends. It was very touching. It showed what love is truly all about...sacrificing and loyalty, esply to Jesus and then living a life that reflects His goodness. Pip

[judy]

The gentleman was Elvis Presley and he kissed her in a movie that they made together....I don't know her name, though, but I did see her in an interview / she is still beautiful !

[Pippy]

Judy...I think we ARE thinking of the same woman/actress BUT the man was not Elvis. This man has never married to this day because he loved this woman so much. He looked like a sweet man and he settled for being her friend and remained a bachelor. It tore at my heart to see this story. Pippy

[Biggles]

I can't remember where I read it (either online or in the weekend newspapers), but Mel Gibson's 20 year old daughter is thinking of becoming a nun. (Just thought I'd chuck in a bit of celebrity gossip for good measure!)

[Pippy]

Hey...as long as it centers on faith!! Pippy

[judy]

Pippy,
now I think you shed more light into my brain.....yes, it is a different man that still loves her, but she was in a movie with Elvis and he did kiss her...
Thanks and God Bless

[LittleRed]

The former actress turned nun is named Delores Hart(now Rev Mother) and she was engaged to businessman named Don Robinson....I had to google it to find the names out...

[Pippy]

Yes, Judy, you are right and Shar, thanks for doing Luka's job!! But seriously thanks! It is a beautiful love story that truly centers on Christ. Pips

[starbright]

So there are some good men out there then who are looking for wives and who truly love a woman? I think I've kissed some frogs but never found a prince...Seriously though, that is a lovely story, especially the bit about him never marrying but remaining her friend. How sweet! And how sad.

[Pippy]

Yes, Little Star, I believe there are good men out there looking for good women too...but because we are so different from each other in our thought processes and emotions, it is sometimes hard to find each other. Personally, I believe if you have the desire to find that special person then that desire comes from Jesus and He has someone just for you. The problem is knowing who it is....Jesus won't tell us outloud but I think if we listen He'll whisper it to us...Pippy

[starbright]

Pippy you're very kind.

I like that kind of bitter-sweet story like you do

[Pippy]

It's true, Little Star...the one will come when all is lined up...when you are both ready for that encounter. I understand well because I am in the same situation as you but as you get older you aquire more patience(only through prayer)and you keep believing that love will find you but you also have to look for it but try not to have any expectations in the meantime. It's hard but it can be done. Do you have organizations through the church that you can join or volunteer for? Or can you think of other places where you may meet decent men? (I feel like this could be a Medj. singles network!!!) Hey! What about joining a Catholic forum specifically for that? Pippy

[starbright]

I could look for a Catholic forum especially for that. There is also a group called the 2030s in London, a group of twentysomethings and thirtysomethings who meet and socialise. There is also a dating agency for Christians called friendsfirst. So there are a few ideas out there...I just need to do it one day when I'm feeling brave and then maybe I'll find my man! It is just encouraging when you hear of men who really love a woman like that man in the story who didn't ever marry anyone else because of her. It's so sweet. Thank you for your kind wishes about finding love, I wish you well with it too!!

[Pippy]

okay..then let's pray for each other! It will come...as with anything concerning God, it takes time....can't rush the Divine One! Pips

[judy]

One of the best books for people exploring Catholicism is " catholicism for Dumbies" It is so well written and actually fummy in a lot of sections. It is good for people that just want to know why Catholics do certain things and also for Catholics that do things but don't know why

I highly recommend it

[starbright]

Sounds good. By the way, can you tell me if you know if it is an American title or international? I found that my library has more trouble getting hold of some American titles because they're not published over here. Some are, of course, and that is what I mean by 'international'.

Of course Amazon doesn't have trouble getting hold of these books but I try the library first or I would have hundreds of books!!

[judy]

Star,
OOPs, I guess I should not checked my spelling on that e mail, huh?
I believe it is American, but I am not sure.
God Bless

[starbright]

Thanks, I'll try ordering it!!