I have had the gift of spending the last week by the sea, a time of retreat, rich reflection, and abundant blessing. Today is my birthday and we head back home. I take with me a gathering of gifts, some of which you will find below here.









All photos taken this last week on the Sunshine Coast in British Columbia.
© Christine Valters Paintner at Abbey of the Arts:
Transformative Living through Contemplative & Expressive Arts
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Happy, happy birthday, Christine! May you continue to be blessed with the richness with which you bless your readers. You are grace in my life.
I love them all, but the dog's snout — amazing, just that detail, and you know the creature.
Happy Birthday, Christine
Thank you Anna and Sarah! Yes, I do know the snout well and have kissed it many times.
Happy Birthday, Christine! May your life continue to be blessed with beauty and love. Thank you for all that you do to minister and nurture. I'm so grateful to know you. Love, Bette.
Beautiful photos – expressive and bold. I love the contrasts, the light and shadow, and the touch of water to earth and sky. Thanks for sharing them and Happy Birthday!
Happy Birthday, Christine. I am grateful for the day you were born. Your photos are so beautiful! I like the black and white ones you are doing. But then Tune's snout was the best of all!
I forgot to mention that I sent your pictures and Mary Oliver poem's to my husband at work. He said it was a wonderful way to start the day.
Blessings to you!
Happy Birthday, Christine.
What joy your living …
Wow, Christine, your photos are gorgeous. Sammy gave Tune a lick on the nose.
so many lovelies from which to choose. i do believe the "nose" is my favorite
xooxoxox
Thank you, thank you, thank you friends! I'll tell Tune she has been voted best of all (again).
your photographs with interplay of shadow and light create a gentle inward stirring. thank you