Entries from November 2009

the winner of this week’s Poetry Party drawing is . . .

November 29, 2009 · by Christine

. . . The Pollinatrix!  Send me your snail mail to Christine@AbbeyoftheArts.com and I will send you a copy of Crossing the Threshold: New Year, New Beginnings.
Make sure to stop by last week’s Poetry Party and revel in the expression of gratitude overflowing there.   I am delighted so many of you took the time to [...]

Posted in Fun | 1 Comment »

Advent: Uncovering What Has Been Hidden

November 28, 2009 · by Christine

Every year for the first Sunday of Advent we read a version of Jesus’ description of the end of days.  In the Gospel reading from St. Luke this week, Jesus’ language is filled with apocalyptic images of fear and trembling and signs “in the sun, the moon, and the stars.”   The word apocalypse essentially means [...]

Posted in Advent Christmas Epiphany | 10 Comments »

Preparing for Advent

November 25, 2009 · by Christine

Sunday the season of Advent begins. Advent is my favorite liturgical season in large part because of the time of year when it falls here in the northern hemisphere.  My heart expands in the growing darkness of winter days and Advent calls me to tend to what is birthing in me.
During the Advent season I [...]

Posted in Abbey Bookshelf, Advent Christmas Epiphany | 4 Comments »

Invitation to Poetry: Expanding the Heart in Gratitude (and Book Giveaway!)

November 23, 2009 · by Christine

Welcome to our Poetry Party #41!
I select an image and suggest a theme/title and invite you to respond with your poems or other reflections. Add them in the comments section and a link to your blog (if you have one).  Make sure to check the comments for new poems added and I encourage you to leave encouraging comments for each [...]

Posted in Poetry Party Invitation | 32 Comments »

Way of the Monk, Path of the Artist – NEW SECTION ADDED

November 22, 2009 · by Christine

I am so thrilled about the beautiful and splendid souls who have made the commitment to dive into their monk and artist selves with me beginning in January.  With participants from Australia, Canada, United Kingdom, Italy, Singapore, Thailand, and across the US it will be a rich & meaningful journey together.
To my surprise – and [...]

Posted in Abbey Online Classes | Comments Off

What is God’s will for a wing?

November 20, 2009 · by Christine

(Photo taken in Squamish, BC – quote discovered while on pilgrimage)

* Crossing the Threshold: New Year, New Beginnings will be available early next week – order your copies for holiday gifts today! *

© Christine Valters Paintner at Abbey of the Arts:
Transformative Living through Contemplative & Expressive Arts

Posted in Photos, Poetry | 3 Comments »

The Deep Muscle of the World

November 18, 2009 · by Christine

 
As I began this year I had an encounter with a flock of pigeons which lifted my heart unexpectedly and then I found a feather on my doorstep.  And so “Taking Flight” became my image for the year ahead.  On my recent pilgrimage, winged ones – both avian and angelic – were significant symbols for [...]

Posted in Nature, Photos, Pilgrimage, Poetry | 9 Comments »

Two NEW Online Classes and a NEW Journal!

November 16, 2009 · by Christine

Two NEW ONLINE CLASSES to cultivate your inner monk and artist selves!  The first class begins just after the New Year (making it a wonderful part of your resolution to commit to creativity) and the second class begins just after Lent (with its emphasis on seeing with the eyes of the heart, consider a commitment [...]

Posted in Abbey Online Classes, zine journal | 4 Comments »

we must rise on wings of longing

November 15, 2009 · by Christine

(photo of angel wing taken in Vienna)
© Christine Valters Paintner at Abbey of the Arts:
Transformative Living through Contemplative & Expressive Arts

Become a fan of the Abbey or follow this blog on Facebook
Available for Pre-Order at Amazon.com: Awakening the Creative Spirit: Bringing the Arts to Spiritual Direction February 2010) and Water, Wind, Earth, and Fire: The Christian Practice [...]

Posted in Mystics and Saints, Photos | 3 Comments »

Visual Meditation: The Winged Energy of Delight

November 13, 2009 · by Christine

Photos taken in Rome, poem excerpted from Rilke’s “Winged Energy of Delight”
© Christine Valters Paintner at Abbey of the Arts:
Transformative Living through Contemplative & Expressive Arts

Become a fan of the Abbey or follow this blog on Facebook
Available for Pre-Order at Amazon.com:
Awakening the Creative Spirit: Bringing the Arts to Spiritual Direction (February 2010) 
Water, Wind, Earth, and [...]

Posted in Photos, Pilgrimage, Poetry | 8 Comments »