Visit the Abbey of the Arts online retreat platform to access your programs:

Flowers Appear on the Earth

For see, the winter is past,
the rains are over and gone.
The flowers appear on the earth,
the time of pruning the vines has come,
and the song of the dove is heard in our land.
The fig tree puts forth its figs,
and the vines, in bloom, give forth fragrance.
Arise, my beloved, my beautiful one,
and come!  (Song of Songs 2:11-13)

Yesterday was a beautiful morning in Seattle.  I went on a walk with Tune to capture more images of those wondrous cherry trees. As the flowers appeared on the earth I heard the ancient call that keeps hope planted inside of me ready to spring forth like a spectacle of snowy petals.

-Christine Valters Paintner @ Abbey of the Arts

You might also enjoy

Abbey of the Arts Celebrates 18 Years!

Today we celebrate 18 years since Abbey of the Arts was created. In its first year it was a blog called The Sacred Art of Living where I was retraining myself to write for a broader audience after my highly academic training. A few months

Read More »

Monk in the World Guest Post: Starr Regan DiCiurcio

I am delighted to share another beautiful submission to our Monk in the World guest post series from the community. Read on for Starr Regan DiCiurcio’s reflection and inspiration for writing your own prayer. Over the years I have spent considerable time in monasteries, primarily

Read More »

5 Responses

  1. Thank you Cathleen, Britt-Arnhild, Carla, and Suz! I adore watching the fruit trees blossom and I had a good weekend away, more tomorrow!

    Blessings, Christine

  2. I hope you are having a wonderful time with your beloved! Please send me more information about the retreat…I am quite excited at the possibility!

  3. The grass is just starting to green – we are several weeks away from flowers appearing so it’s a treat to see these beautiful blossoms. Thanks for sharing. And many wonderful blessings on your time away with your beloved!