Why should catholics get to have all the fun?

Oh wait.

That’s right, they never get to have any fun. Ever.

Well regardless, I rather like the concept of having something nice smelling to occupy my fidgety hands and mind while in the depths of my meditations. I like the concept of making that something by hand, then creating a clever play on words for its name even more!

Enter the old school rosary. No molded plastic balls here. No sirree JC, just concentrated roses and patience.

The process goes something like this:

Gather the roses and chop the petals as finely as you can. This is definitely the most important step (outside of having divine patience) as it makes the difference between a pretty bead and a lump of petals mashed together. Put them in a saucepan and barely cover with water. If you have a cast iron skillet, the iron will impart a nice deep hue to the beads. Heat for an hour, but do not let it boil. Repeat this for three or four days and if necessary, add more water. It is important to never let the water boil! Just warm it up each day over moderate heat.

When the petals have reached the consistency of clay, you are ready to start forming the beads. Place the mixture in a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth and press out as much water as possible. Make the beads by working the pulp into balls. When they dry they will shrink by about half, so you can start big. When thoroughly well worked and fairly dry, press on to a bodkin (a long needle, or you can use thick wire or a metal hanger) to make holes in the center of each beads. The beads have to be moved on the bodkin from time to time until they’re completely dried or they will be difficult to remove without breaking them. When dry, remove, string, smell and marvel.

Now I just need to find someone to give me a bouquet of roses…