BENEDICTINE MONASTERY STAY

MOUNT SAINT BENEDICT CHAPEL

Voice journal August 30, 2016
6:39 AM

As I played this recording, I was caught off guard. I expected to hear my voice talking but instead I heard the voices of the Benedictine Sisters of Erie at Mount Saint Benedict singing psalms a Capella at morning worship. And memories came flooding back. It was my first visit to the monastery in Erie Pennsylvania. My plan was to use it as a base for exploration. But the next morning - this morning - I decided to go through the day with the sisters and start with morning worship at 6:30 AM. As I sat in the chapel, I was overcome with emotion while listening to them that first morning, and it all flooded back while listening to the beauty of their voices on the recording. That morning, I envisioned the sisters sitting there morning after morning, year after year after year after year starting their day this way - in beautiful song and praise and thanks... and I was overcome with the beauty of it all. The simplicity and soulfulness of it was profound. During this visit, I felt something special take place within myself.... This was the first of many visits, as I found myself called back time and again to make retreat there with the sisters. Each time, my soul became filled and it was so good to connect with different women visiting on retreat. In my later visits, I participated in some of their ministries in the community where they are loved and respected.

Hospitality is a way of life for Benedictines. They often hold formal retreats or welcome travelers or those wishing to pursue a private personal retreat. The rooms are simple and small and share a bath. Meals are taken 3 times a day in the cafeteria and prayer is held 3 times a day in the chapel. There is a suggested donation offering per night stay. To learn more about guest accommodations and hospitality at Mount Saint Benedict, CLICK HERE.

To listen to the voices of the sisters in song, CLICK HERE.

ALTERNATE ROUTES

ON THE WING

Voice journal recording July 10, 2016
11:37 AM

I've always taken the road less traveled... I've always searched for alternate routes on foot and in thought and in  life. When I was little I was intrigued by Amelia Earhart and her brave explorer spirit, and not so interested in Barbie who frankly scared the heck out of me with her unrealistic waist combined with Dolly Parton tatas. I've learned to embrace being an adventurer and wanderer at heart. And I can settle for a little bit but then my restless spirit pushes me to journey and explore again.

Everyone has oceans to fly, if they have the heart to do it. Is it reckless? Maybe. But what do dreams know of boundaries? -Amelia Earhart

There is more to life than being a passenger. - Amelia Earhart

You can find this fine art photography print ON THE WING in my ETSY SHOP.

A PIECE OF PAPER

“I've always felt there is something sacred in a piece of paper that travels the earth from hand to hand, head to head, heart to heart.” 

― Robert Michael Pyle, Sky Time in Gray's River: Living for Keeps in a Forgotten Place

WANDERLUST

Each day, a common routine and ritual for many of us, is going to check for mail... I mean paper mail. It has been a ritual I miss so very much and took for granted. Since becoming a traveling gypsy for over 500 days, receiving mail has become a special sacred occurrence. People always ask me how I receive mail while on the road traveling so many places.

Before I began this current adventure, a traveling nurse friend told me about a thing called a traveling mailbox. These are companies where you can have a mailing address to receive things that need to be sent to you while on the road - bills, checks, cards... things that can't be done via internet. These companies scan the mail for you to view online and then download and print if you like. They also deposit checks for you. It has been a lifesaver! The company I use is actually called Traveling Mailbox! I picked an address in Florida because I liked the idea of it, being an Ohio girl!

Many traveling nurses, RVers, digital nomads and other wanderers use services that have sprung up for a new population of people who have taken to the road most or all of the time. Since I've been seeking longer stays, I have gotten PO Boxes to actually receive cards and real mail! I have a PO Box in Maine and just got one in Georgia which is my current stop for a while. And for stays of shorter duration, I discovered you can receive mail general delivery at the post office where you are staying.

It's so nice to be able to have an address to give out and look forward to getting mail!

Find my WANDERLUST fine art print from my recent Florida adventure in MY SHOP.

STORIES

Artist retreat - Maine

All of these lines across my face

Tell you the story of who I am

So many stories of where I’ve been

And how I got to where I am

But these stories don’t mean anything

When you’ve got no one to tell them to…

~ Brandi Carlile 

Today, on my birthday, I crossed the threshold… I have now lived longer than my mom. She was always my point of reference… My guide in life and living, my go to for questions or understanding, my lesson teacher. So, my mother point of reference is officially gone and I’ll now be blazing the ultimate trail and journey without her. On my birthday, while driving through Florida back to Tybee Island, Georgia after visiting a friend, I listened to Brandi Carlile’s song The Story. It’s always been a favorite but this time the lyrics struck a different chord. 

We are all woven of the many stories of our lives... and most people don’t know the stories that often lie quietly within us. These stories, when told and shared, take on a richer deeper meaning for the teller and the receiver. I found myself wondering about my mother’s untold stories. She was very private and kept most of them close to her heart. And I now wish that I knew more of them.

Sunrise... in Maine.

At the beginning of my artist retreat in Maine this past November, I begin living and creating what would become one of my life stories. While traveling, I’ve been meditating for over a year and using an online program / app to track my daily progress. This past November I began to communicate with “B” from Florida, who also used the app. B was a fellow photographer. We immediately began daily communication off the site. We started the day with each other by sending photos of our sunrises and would also send the sunsets in our very different worlds. I found myself looking forward to these photographs, voice messages and written messages sprinkled throughout each day that became bright spots in the short days & long dark nights of Maine winter. One day at the beginning of December, I asked him to tell me a story… Anything he felt like telling me about himself or his life. That simple request became a wonderful sharing of written stories of who we are and how we got to be where we are… These were stories he and I had not shared with many or any people before. They were part of the fabric and history that was each of us. They were the kind of things that you don’t normally tell people because they are often so every day and ordinary.. but they reflect so much of who we are. They are the memories and feelings and emotions that speak so loudly about who we are more than if we would try to tell someone who we are. There was something special and magical in the actual sharing of these private pieces of ourselves, and it became a discovery of each other and a sort of self discovery as well. We would randomly ask each other for a story. It was wonderful to reflect on bits of my life and what to share, when asked. And it was equally special to read what story he shared. It was safe intimacy from afar... like sharing with someone sitting next to you on a plane or in a coffee house. It was simple and flirtatious and uncomplicated and beautiful.

 Morning walk to the sea at the Maine art retreat.

We would write messages in the sand and send them to each other.

Recently, communication just began to fade away and then stopped between us. Maybe the interaction had served its purpose and had its time. All I know is it was wonderful & I enjoyed it immensely! I’m so very thankful for him and for the adventure of our story telling. I think we both learned how to communicate this past winter... both in stories and personally. I learned how to open my heart and my world and to stay present to something instead of running or walking away from it. Vulnerability can be scary, but it is also so full of riches and the best way to live. Because of this experience with B, it caused me to grow and to reflect on so much in life and to learn to communicate better than I did before... And to accept someone just as they are and to be thankful for them. I’m pretty sure I won’t think of Maine without thinking of him.

The funny thing is, I recently began communicating with someone else through a meditation program / app. He is ironically also from Florida and he wanted us to meet in person to tell each other our stories... I love the synchronicity and beauty of that. And once again I said yes to life and what it offered.

So this week, he and I ended up meeting in Savannah, Georgia for coffee and we laughed and talked and rode bikes and walked in nature at Skidaway Island State Park and the activities flowed from one thing to another into the afternoon to evening to nightfall and we told each other our stories for almost 11 hours! Amazing things happen when we get out of our comfort zones, away from expectations and out of our own way and let life just happen and evolve into a new story.

Skidaway Island State Park - Georgia

To purchase fine art photography prints from my travel adventures stop by my Society6 shop or Etsy Shop. For home Decor and furniture pieces stop by my Deny Designs shop!

CREATING LIGHT WITHIN MYSELF

ADVENTURE ALONG THE SEA

When living so firmly and presently in each moment, growth and changes aren’t always noticeable or immediately felt. But as I leave each place that has been home for days or months, and stand in the doorway and look back remembering myself when I entered that space, the growth and changes become boldly apparent. 

The past winter spent in Maine at the artist retreat was quite solitary. The days are so short and the darkness stretched for what seemed like forever. Like the trees gathered outside my windows, my roots stretched downward and inward to find sustenance deep within myself. Winter is a quiet season, but incredible life & change happen below the surface & in the stillness. We all need to learn to quiet ourselves and allow for the growth and rebirth waiting to come, if we have faith and hope. I joined the Y in order to have contact with others and move my body when the snow, and especially ice, made it difficult to hike or snow shoe. I began crafting rituals to ground myself and to create light within… Music was always playing. Each morning I greeted the day with a Morning Ritual Meditation on Insight Timer and then a yoga session. Each evening after returning from my daily hikes down to the sea, at Camden Hills State Park or Birch Point in Owl's Head, I would take long leisurely bubble baths by candle light. Candles were everywhere, and I lit them all every evening creating a magical ambiance you can only enjoy in the darkness. Each clear night I would go out into the endless dark space that surrounded me, and gaze up at the the millions of stars above that I could never see in the city lights. It was breathtaking, and magical and I felt connected to something so much larger than myself and this world. There are riches to be found in stillness & solitude... if we dig deep. This ended up being a very spiritual and profound winter… on my final morning, I awoke to discover sea fog had shrouded the landscape. I walked down to the ocean and did my meditation by the foggy sea. When I returned to my artist retreat apartment, I went into each room and gave heartfelt thanks for my time spent there. As I stood in the doorway, I placed my hand on the wall and left my good thoughts, creative energy & intentions for the next person who would call the space home. The final time I cross the threshold, I place my hand on the door frame and remember all the happiness, creativity  and changes that happened within the walls and give my heartfelt and profound thanks and gratitude for the place, the people, the possibilities and opportunities. This is my leaving ritual...

From Maine, I drove to Erie Pennsylvania to spend Easter at the Benedictine Sisters of Erie (Mount Saint Benedict Monastery). Hospitality, meeting each guest with a prayer, a greeting of peace and a good meal is a Benedictine rule. This monastery has a guest wing with simple rooms to welcome travelers and those on retreat. While here at the monastery, I immerse myself in the routine and spirit of this place beginning with the bells ringing at 6:25 in the morning calling the sisters to morning praise. My heart feels grounded and wiser after being on retreat here...

From there I stopped in my hometown of Westerville, Ohio for quick visits with friends before heading south to Tybee Island, Georgia outside Savannah. I’ve been in the tropical setting 3 days & memories of winter are quickly fading!

 SUMMER OF LOVE AT THE BEACH

MOUNTAIN SUNSET ABSTRACT

MOUNTAINS AND SEA

Find these (and more) long exposure fine art photography prints HERE IN MY SHOP.

NOVA SCOTIA

CLOUD BALLET

A PLACE TO DREAM

There is so much raw wild untamed beauty in this place I can’t even convey it with my camera. Nova Scotia must be experienced with all of the senses and with one’s wide open soul... from rugged Cape Breton (I especially loved the Mabou area), to the South Shore & untouched Kejimkujik Seaside, to the Annapolis Valley... Each area has its own distinct geography, beauty and draw. I'm so thankful to have found this magical land years ago on my honeymoon. It has called me back ever since.

GIFTS FROM THE SEA

STEPPING INTO LIFE

SEASON OF CHANGE

Recently I passed a milestone..... 500 days with home being wherever my feet were that day. It has been that long since I sold my condo and life served up a great adventure. Amelia Earhart, explorer extraordinaire, once said "When life offers a great adventure, you don't refuse it." So when life presented an opportunity, I decided instead of doing the safe thing, to embrace the situation and see what might unfold. So far, my feet have been in the Adirondacks and Finger Lakes regions of New York, a monastery in Pennsylvania, the Massachusetts coast, various points in Maine, New Brunswick Canada, Nova Scotia Canada and back to Ohio. Parts of myself have been left scattered along the way, and I've taken and kept little bits of all those places and people with me. I've kept the journey and the growth and changes that have happened pretty close to my heart. But I feel it's now time to begin sharing the writings and voice journals I've been making during this time of journey. I'm not sure where to begin with them all, so I'll just begin with my thoughts at the beginning of this year and go from there.

I walked out of 2017 giving thanks for such a beautiful year so well lived. My heart was brimming and overflowing with happiness, gratitude, and love. All the people & moments from this past year are wonderfully stitched into my heart and soul. I’m bringing that tapestry into 2018 with a hopeful spirit. I won’t have a word of the year which I will have forgotten six months later, or resolutions that really don’t matter. Instead, I’ll do more of what worked and improve upon that… Yoga every morning, meditation every day, keeping kindness in my heart, living simply but richly, living fully in each wild wonderful riotously beautiful moment, loving deeply and nurturing friendships. My mind will stay open to possibilities and I’ll continue to say yes to life. When I’m in new uncharted territory or fearful or uncertain about the situation, instead of running away I’ll turn and take a step toward it to see what might happen.  I’ll create every day and seek inspiration everywhere. Each morning I will greet the day with a thankful heart for this gift and adventure that if life.

WANDERERS and THOSE WHO INSPIRE

Early in the morning two days ago, I left my art retreat in South Thomaston (Rockland), Maine, and drove 4 hours to the Canadian Border at St Stephen New Brunswick. From there it was an hour drive to St John, New Brunswick and the ferry across the Bay of Fundy to Digby, Nova Scotia. It was wonderful even though drizzling and moody, and much better than driving all the way around the Bay of Fundy.

I decided to stay at The Harbourview Inn in Smith's Cove at the suggestion of a friend. The rooms were cozy and the Inn was in the country with quiet surroundings and lovely open views. It was a short walk to the cove, which I heard was a good spot to find sea glass. I didn't have any luck. I did have a chance to meet a fabulous couple, Andrew and Ursula, from Switzerland who had also been on the ferry and were staying at the Inn. We went to dinner in Digby where they told me of their planned adventure. They were heading next to Halifax and then on to Newfoundland to see the icebergs. After a week exploring they planned to journey to Labrador and slowly wind their way to Quebec City from the North. They would then travel to Montreal and across Canada and then on to Alaska. Once their epic sojourn was done, they would drive back to Florida. I was intrigued, inspired and excited! I had always wanted to go to Newfoundland and Labrador! And I loved their adventurous spirits. 

The next morning we had breakfast together at the inn and I enjoyed listening to their stories philosophies. Andrew commented that people say they would like to have an adventure or travel, but he said people are afraid to get out of their comfort zones - which he called a rut. They both have had so many out of the ordinary experiences and travels. Andrew talked about having gone on a freighter and gave me sites to find information on such adventures. We parted ways and I left feeling so happy to have met them. While wandering and traveling you take a little bit of every person you meet with you, and leave a little bit of yourself behind with  people and in places... It is these chance meetings with fellow nomads that inspire me. A society of kindred spirits roaming and adventuring...

WATERCOLOR and ALTOID MINTS

 When I arrived in Maine at the beginning of May for my art retreat, just a hint of Spring green was visible in the trees - signs that new life was about to awaken. I came here to learn new art techniques specifically watercolor, and I'm leaving with a renewed sense of creativity and and a passion for watercolor.  I got out of my comfort zone! It's been an amazing month!  And since arriving, the world has turned green and is blooming profusely! Leaves are out on the trees, azaleas and lilacs are in  bloom. Everywhere there are flowers and birds singing! It's been a slow and beautiful spring season.

On this adventure, I explored Islesboro and Vinalhaven islands. The ferry ride out in the sea is wonderful! Other days I explored Rockland and Camden. But mostly, I painted and watched online classes I had purchased with Danielle Donaldson. Her enthusiasm was contagious! My time in Maine is coming to a close, but my painting will continue. Since I'll be traveling, I wanted to have small watercolor palettes I could easily carry along.

 I got some half pans at Rockport Blueprint, as well as some small self stick magnets & a great little watercolor journal. Then on my way back to my studio I got a couple of ALTOID tins. Now I have a couple small limited palettes to easily take with me while on my journey to Nova Scotia!

MEDITATION

Last January 1, I began doing yoga and it was life changing, when I thought it would just make me more flexible! At the end of my morning yoga, I would usually meditate and pray. With my recent travels, yoga is sometimes not easy due to cramped space or other reasons. But I still try to make the time to pray & meditate. This morning I woke with lots of thoughts swirling in my mind. Things aren't always easy on a travel adventure! I sat down to meditate & my mind couldn't go still....  So I began a series of letting a thought come, but not following it down the road and start to spin with it. I realized that you can have the thoughts & not fight them, to not attach to them, just let them go. That alone cleared my mind. It seems that when we "fight" against things, they grab hold. But if we let it just be, then we flow. I'm having a bit of a struggle right now as my computer has died. I want to edit my photography, and get my art where it needs to be online. But I finally realized during meditation that perhaps I'm supposed to be doing something else right now and that my art shops are actually taking care of themselves.

Often I'll get asked how this travel adventure has changed me. It's still ongoing, but I guess the easy answer is that you look at life, yourself, everything differently - with new eyes. When you do something that scares you, or that you think you cannot do - well, it stretches you,  shows a strength you didn't know you had - especially when doing a solo travel adventure. 

When I'm out hiking and photographing, I always turn around - many times - because where I just was looks so different when I turn around and look back. That is what it is like on this adventure... 

Don't Think Too Much

I can overthink. Probably most of us have gotten into that pattern or habit where we're thinking and thinking.... trying to decide something & thinking and thinking. Some big life decisions that I made based on thinking/analyzing versus my heart, or intuition (gut), weren't always the best decisions. (My X comes to mind, but that is a whole other blog post!) I think most of us can think ourselves in or out of  any decision, course of action or idea.

This adventure has been a learning experience and lesson on many fronts. I have been focusing on following my heart & following my gut & actually kind of turning my brain off. It's become an exercise in faith many times also. And in making this change, I've had really amazing experiences and met some really incredible people because I just shut the over thinking off and went on faith and intuition. I still sometimes catch myself wanting to make a list of pros & cons, but then I get quiet & listen to what my heart says.

Yoga and mediation have helped me become grounded and present in the moment. Which helps to hear what the heart and intuition are saying. And I've noticed a happy influence on my art in the process! So, don't think too much!

Begin Anywhere. Just Begin.

Seventy three days ago I sat at a table at the title company, across from the people who had just purchased my beloved condo. It was as I had hoped - giving them the key to their new home, I felt I was passing the torch to people who were going to love the wildlife, windows & light as much as I had. My heart was happy as I walked out the door to my car packed with belongings to start an adventure I had planned. Little did I know then, that things don't always go as planned... but often end up as they are supposed to (if we are open& allow it). I set out with an open heart & mind to start my adventure. And now, instead of sitting in a cottage in snowy Michigan, I am sitting next to a wood stove in a cottage in snowy Nova Scotia. And my heart has never been happier or felt more at home. I'm a thinker, so at times I wonder if this feels so good because it's truly to be my new home, or if it's because I'm so content & happy in my heart that anywhere would feel like home..... Then I tell myself - Be still, and know.  So I stay in the moment with a thankful heart to be in such a beautiful place with friendly kind people, & I just feel blessed.

I have been wanting to blog about this adventure many times during these days, but felt overwhelmed. There are so many adventures & stories & places to talk about. Where & how to begin. So I decided to begin anywhere, but just begin. It didn't have to be chronological, the story just needed to start to be told. 

Today I'm in a wee cottage in Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia Canada. It's chilly with a few snowflakes swirling outside in the air. And I'm enjoying the ritual of bringing in wood to light the wood stove to warm the cottage. It is a wonderful way to start the day - making your warmth & appreciating it so much while making fire. After the fire is started, I meditate or do yoga. And then sit by the warm wood stove with hot coffee and oatmeal.  The other day I heard a favorite Rolling Stones song & the words felt so right & true. "You can't always get what you want, but if your try sometimes you just might find you get what you need. "

CHANGE

It's been 3 weeks since I took one of the biggest leaps of faith of my life, and I finally have time to sit down and begin writing about it all - to document the journey of where I've been both physically and also the inner journey. I've heard over and over about how brave I am! But life is so short and this was super scary and I'm still figuring it out as I go.  But when I looked back on my life, I did not want to have any regrets or wonder what would have happened "if I had done (fill in the blank)"...

Over a year ago, the idea began forming that I would move. My sweet dog Maggie was supposed to take this journey with me. But she passed away after an amazing time on this earth - we lived so many lifetimes together. And I feel her spirit still with me - ever the sighthound looking ahead to the next adventure.  Bit by bit, I began purging  Elon gongs from my home with the idea of listing my place for sale (or at least to begin living a simple essential life free of clutter). My home was full of natural light and felt like a tree house with birds and wildlife in abundance. It was a beautiful haven in the city.  I called that place home longer than any other in my adult life. For months I struggled with selling and leaving my home. I loved it so & was quite comfortable there. It would have been so easy to stay there, with my friends & wildlife & routine....  But each time I thought I could stay, there was something in my gut saying it was time to go. That inner struggle went on for several months until one day I realized I needed to just take the leap of faith. An adventure was bout to begin!!!! But I tried to have a safe adventure! I had planned a 3 month stay in a furnished rental in an area I knew & loved & surrounded by friends. But my plans fell through at the last minute immediately after my home sale closed, & I was suddenly homeless with my few kept belongings stored at a friends or packed into my car. Adrift.... This was not how I planned or envisioned things. But then life is often full of surprises and hidden gifts.

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Don't Blink

It seems time is running a race with itself lately. I blink and 5 days have passed. There is a song that says "don't blink..." I get that now. Each morning I have been doing a yoga flow where I start the day being present - mind, body, heart all right there - present with the new day. Then I set my intention to guide me and focus on for the day. This practice seems to have slowed time a bit - I'm more aware and present during the day which is awesome - no mindless chatter or random thoughts racing through my mind, or me racing through the day. Sunday was my birthday - I won't say which one since my spirit is young, but I feel wise in living! It was nice to stop all else and give myself the gift of time wandering up to one of my favorite destinations to get away from the city and just relax in the moment. I took my camera and let creativity show itself. What a wonderful day in the sunshine exploring Kingwood Gardens. Not much was in bloom yet as Spring is late this year. But I did find much to photograph in the greenhouses. It was nice to take the time to see the beauty and uniqueness of each plant and slow time a bit even if just for a day.