Blogs - Chief of Pray Blog

Sisters by Choice, Sisters in Spirit

I was talking to Barbara Montiero, a super-sharp top New York literary agent. I’m trying to convince her to represent the new Prayables book, Personal Peace: Prayers for Women of All Faiths. She likes it, and we’re talking… so far, so good. Like most business people I meet, I had to get her over the hump, and prove that I’m not a religious nutcase. Somehow the idea of “prayer” has been hi-jacked by crazy people in homespun sack-cloth, speaking in tongues. Inevitably, I find myself having to do damage control.

This time, Barbara just wanted to share her excitement about a multi-talented nun named Sister Karol Jackowski. Sister Karol is an author, and an artist, who has a reputation for being a fun nun! Yes, when you think about Susan Diamond, you immediately want to make introductions to a sister with good habits. I went to check out Sister Karol’s website, but landed instead on Sister Carol’s website.

Who knew? Sister Carol and Sister Karol are not the same sister!

Sister Carol (Carol Theresa Eastis) is a talented Reggae artist. Right away I realized I was on the wrong site, but something about Sister Carol caught my attention.  She’s known as the "Black Cinderella" and in addition to concerts and recordings, she does movie soundtracks. I played a few sample tunes and loved what I heard: A strong feminist voice with beat, and a clear and expressive spirit.

I found my way over to Barbara’s recommendation, Sister Karol, the fun nun and writer of fun books. One caught my eye: Ten Fun Things to Do Before You Die. A little glimpse into the pages on Amazon, showed me what I wanted to know. This nun is funny and wise. She advises us to “Find the good laugh waiting to be discovered.” And tells us: “Nothing exhilarates and sends the soul soaring more, than having the best time ever.”

What a happy visit I had with the Sisters Carol and Karol! Like a daily prayer, it was a refreshing picker-upper. I look forward to more music, more words of wisdom and more fun!

Sisters by Choice

She's the one I turn to in
moments of sheer panic.
A straight shooter who tells it like it is.
She's the cavalry rushing in,
saving me from myself, 
talking me down from the ledge.

She ís the one responsible
for uncontrollable
bursts of laughter,
playing off each other
until our mascara runs.

She's my touchstone, the one friend
I could never live without.
Thank You for her incredible gift of empathy,
always knowing my feelings.
Thank You for her quick mind;
she really gets me.

Thank You for her all-encompassing love,
that never knows boundaries.
Thank You for making us sisters by choice
and my very best friend.

-Heidi Haller