Remember to come back on Monday for our next Poetry Party!
(Leaves discovered on the ground outside my hermitage this morning.)
May your weekend bring you the still gifts of winter’s release and rest.
-Christine Valters Paintner @ Abbey of the Arts
Monk in the World Guest Post: Michelle Estep
I am delighted to share another beautiful submission to the Monk in the World guest post series from the community. Read on for Michelle Estep’s reflection Your Soul is a Garden. The garden sanctuary often speaks to the contemplative – the birthplace of Creation with
April 29, 2026
13 Responses
Beautiful photos, Christine. I’ve viewed them several times since yesterday. I can almost feel the bite of the frosty air on my nose and the hear the crunch of frozen leaves underfoot. I don’t ever recall appreciating November before but I think I am loving this season of darkness — punctuated by that glorious full moon last night.
Thanks Anne and Suz! I love to help people learn to love the season of darkness. :-)
I love them, Christine. You are helping me see the beauty of the season. I hope I, too, will learn to like winter. It would be an asset in Minnesota!
Incredibly beautiful!!!!
Thank you everyone, I am really pleased with these images!
stunning!
Such gorgeous photos of the beauty that surrounds us here in the NOrthwest.
Wow, those photos are just beautiful. It is always comforting to realize such beauty in this world.
these photos are too beautiful!! what a pile of treasure on your doorstep!!