Are you missing the Abbey this week? I have been hard at work on my book Awakening the Creative Spirit: Bringing the Expressive Arts to Spiritual Direction, which I am co-writing with the delightful Betsey Beckman for Morehouse Publishing and is due at the end of the summer. With my husband away and my sweet dog by my side, I have relished the long quiet hours to do the hard work of writing. Some moments it comes freely, like a hidden spring. And many moments it is just hard work, writing word after word, even if they don't feel especially poetic at the time. In between the writing I take breaks to do some reading in preparation for the monastic spirituality class I am teaching or to gather art materials for the retreat I am leading on lectio divina and the arts which begins Sunday. Or I go for a long walk through the park and listen for the wisdom of trees. And at all times I feel profoundly grateful for this life I am privileged to lead.
So I just wanted to pop in here for a moment to say I do miss you, dear readers.
Oh and my newest zine – Sacred Poetry: An Invitation to Write — is here and I would love to send you a copy. I am going to keep the pre-order price up for just a few more days, so get your order in!
And there is still time to join me for the retreat on lectio divina and the arts at the beautiful Palisades Retreat Center in Federal Way, WA.
If you are interested in a brief article on lectio divina, click here for the latest issue of Listen (a publication of Spiritual Directors International) and turn to PAGE 5 for some words from yours truly. You can order the whole book here.
And last but not least, here are some articles online I have really been enjoying that I thought you might too. (You know, to enrich you until I come back this weekend. Next Photo Party is on Monday).
The Joy of Less (great article on the root of happiness)
Born Again in Brooklyn (a poet reflects on her struggles with the Catholic church and why she stays)
The Poetic Contemplation of Thomas Merton (exploring the connections between poetry, contemplation, and love – with implications for ministry)
i do miss the abbey, but particularly those who inhabit it…furry and friends alike
xooxox
lucy took the words right out of my mouth. Mind you, why she bothers with other earthlings when she's sunning herself in Bermuda I don't know!
christine, i am sooooo excited about the new book you are working on – can not wait to get my hands on a copy!!!
'cuz i am kind compassionate wonderful and humble
oh, and it's cloudy…
aw lucy, we miss you too. swim in the ocean for me and take a nap for Petunia.
But I think that is what they call a "fair weather friend" (or maybe that's a "foul weather friend"?)
Thanks Tess, yes I am very honored by lucy taking time out of her busy schedule of "naps and laps" to stop by.
Thanks Stacy! I am pretty excited as well. Next spring!
I miss the abbey too. I just ordered Sacred Poetry and Praying the Elements! I can't wait to get them.
I definitely miss the Abbey but appreciate the link to "Poetic Contemplation" by Mr. Merton, I'm clicking on it next for a relaxing little read. Thank you!
Yes…been missing the Abbey and Abbesses! Thank you for easing our withdrawal symptoms with the beautiful links…savor your peace-filled time. Blessings~Kathy