** A Most Blessed Christmas to all my dear readers **
-Christine Valters Paintner @ Abbey of the Arts (all photos taken this week in downtown Seattle)
I am delighted to share another beautiful submission to the Monk in the World guest post series from the community. Read on for Judith Jessop’s reflection on solitude and community. A sabbatical is a precious gift. In my tradition it arrives like clockwork every 7
Imbolc and Brigid Blessing*Spirit of the rumbling ground,help us attune our ears to the renewal taking formbeneath the winter earth,snowdrops and crocusesin white and purple-petaled wonder,hedgehogs and bearsbeginning to stir from sleep.Let Brigid be our guideas we navigate the way from rest to slow emergence,support
I was inspired to share this reflection on Mary as Mother of Mercy by the brave words of Bishop Mariann Budde speaking truth to power: Holy Mary, mother of us all,we see a world filled with violence toward one another,we ask for mercy.We see children
6 Responses
these are so beautiful, christine! it’s funny, but i thought you were already on a “break” because my feedreader had not shown any of your recent posts until this morning when three (this and the ones before and after) showed up.
you are indeed a gift to all who visit here and know you!!! :-) xoxoxoo
exquisite photography, christine!
Christmas blessings from Kentucky.
Thank you everyone.
kigen, I love that my “urban monk” comment gave you permission to claim that for yourself! NYC makes a great Abbey!
Christmas greetings to you and yours!
Merry Seattle Christmas Christine!
I just want to thank you for a gift you gave me this year, and not too long ago, when you called yourself an “urban monk.” I decided this morning that I too am an urban monk, and that New York City must therefore be my “Abbey.” ((-:
…..and Christmas greetings and many thanks to you Christine for your words and images this Advent season, from Orlando.