Hannah's Sabbatical

Sabbatical coming to a close...

2010-07-10T15:21:00.000-04:00

Dear all--
It is Saturday, July 10th. Bob and I have traveled from Iona to Oban to Mallaig to the Island of Skye, to Aberdeen and are now in Glasgow, Scotland. We've seen an extensive amount of countryside and a few castles. In each place we've sought out artwork done by local people as well as visited art galleries and museums. It has been a time of immersion in Scottish ways--both island and urban living.

We will head back to the States on Monday, July 12th. I wanted to post some final pix of Iona and then a few from our trip since then. It has been a rich, wonderful Sabbatical but I can honestly say that I'm ready to get back home to family, friends and St. Stephen's!

So enjoy the photos and comments with them...and I will be back in church on Sunday, July 18th. :) H+

From Iona, we went to an island called Staffa, about 45 minutes north of Iona. It is known for Fingel's Cave and the unusual geologic formation of hexagonal basalt that forms the island. Staffa is also a place where puffins nest along the cliffs. When the boat landed there, we were able to get up on top of the island via stairs ('Get off the boat at your own risk' reads the sign!) to see the puffins. Then we walked at our own risk down along the rocks into the cave.

A view of the ring of rocks around the island--hexagonal balsalt!

A view from the top of Staffa. The puffins swoop into their nests on the sides of the cliff.

David managed to get this good close-up shot of two puffins. They are quite small and very colorful.

This is the rather dangerous passage to the cave. The handrail is to the right. It is there for most, but not all, of the journey into the cave. And, fortunately, it was low tide for us so there was a longer way down to the freezing cold water in case of a fall.

Finally it was time to leave Tighshee. David took this shot of the three of us--it was a bittersweet day!

Gwen and her friend, Anya, saw us off a few days later when we left Iona via ferry. :(

The train from Oban to Mallaig took us through hill and dale. You might recognize this viaduct from a Harry Potter film!

Mallaig (pronounced Mai leg) was a beautiful small port. Lovely!

This is Seaview where we stayed in the B&B.

A view from country hike in Mallaig. After two days in Mallaig, we took a ferry to the Isle of Skye and rented a car. Skye was fabulous! We visited local weavers (naturally dyed wool out drying in the sun), held our own against gale winds on a hike and basically settled in at another B&B.

Recently dyed wool drying in Portree, Scotland

Thatched cottages in the northeastern portion of Scotland. Rocks are hung down along the sides to hold it in place with gale winds.

Old Man Rock: Can you see the outline of his face?

The Anglican/Episcopal Cathedral of Aberdeen, Scotland

We are aware that in these last few days God continues to bless us with 'gems' through people and events. Some people might call these coincidences. We prefer to call them Godincidences.

Let me give you an example--

On Thursday when we arrived in Glasgow, we decided to take the remainder of the afternoon to get a look at the Glasgow School of Art. Bob and I were a bit late to jump into an ongoing tour of the school, so waited for the next one to start at 4 pm. Lo and behold, the tour guide at 4:00 showed up speaking with a clear American accent. Well, it gets better...He is from the Berkshires and just completed a two-year degree in Fine Arts at the Glasgow School of Art. Today we went out to lunch together and learned more about his artistic process, his choice of media and future plans. This is the sort of delight we have experienced throughout our trip!

Tomorrow we will visit some final places in Glasgow and have fresh seafood for dinner. Then it will be time to fly home early Monday afternoon.

I cannot begin to thank you for all the prayer, good thoughts and support you have offered both Bob and me during these three and a half months. It has been a once in a lifetime opportunity. My gratitude to the Rev. Jennifer Gregg and the entire staff at St. Stephen's is enormous.

I will want to have some significant time with the Sabbatical team as well as the Vestry in order to share our mutual experiences of this Sabbatical. Prayerfully reviewing through the lens of the Holy Spirit will be our common work in the months to come. Can't wait to see everyone!

Iona: Spirituality in all of Creation

2010-07-03T16:09:00.001-04:00

Dear all--
Words hardly do justice to the palpable presence of Spirit on the Isle of Iona. I found myself resorting to photography, art and walking in silence in order both to absorb and express the depth of the holy on such a small spit of land (as Gwen calls Iona). It is hard to believe that the island itself is only three miles long and one mile across. From north to south and east to west, every inch of coastline offers a distinct character. As we explored the various beaches and cliffs we felt as if we had arrived in another country more beautiful than the one of the previous day's adventure.

Here is a little photo tour of the island. We'll start with the Abbey toward the northern section of the island.
We worshipped there on Sundays along with hundreds of other people. Gwen told us to be there at least 45 minutes ahead of time to get good seats! On the first Sunday we sat right across the aisle from my best friend in seminary, the Rev. Hazel Glover, who was there with eight teens on a pilgrimage. :)

-The inside of the Abbey-

There is no formal Choir so we were able to sit in the original Choir seats while able to watch musicians (piano, flute, vocal) play in an alcove on the other side. All of the music was taught before the service and then led by a music team via sound system.

This is the outside of the Abbey, looking at its northern-facing side. The scaffolding is set up for pointing that is being done to the stonework on the tower.

-After a Sunday morning worship service-

Walking north beyond the Abbey, there are sheep everywhere. There is also a magnificent climb to the left up to Dun I which is the highest hill on the island. Here are some of my favorite shots: of a ewe, a gathering of sheep in a front yard and then a look down from Dun I over an expanse of the island.

A view from Dun I

Along the path toward the northern shore, there is an ancient cross to the right. It was dedicated by the Duke of Argyll to his wife.

At the end of the path to the north, there are white beaches and sea grass. Beautiful!

Compare this with the southern tip of Iona called Columba's Bay. It is rocky and swimming is not allowed because of the rip tide. From the northern shore to Columba's Bay, it takes approximately 1 1/2-2 hours to hike. The portion of the climb to and from Columba's Bay is particularly difficult.

Here I am combing the beach at Columba's Bay for green stone.

On the hike coming back up from Columba's Bay. Whew!

To the east of Columba's Bay is the former Iona marble quarry. This is a photo taken from a sailboat ride we took around the island. The quarry work ended when it became too difficult for boats to get close enough to load the marble aboard due to rough seas.

The western coast of Iona has one of the most beautiful beaches called Port Ban. It is where most people go swimming when it is warm enough (is that ever possible???). However, Bob did brave it one day and was able to swim about ten strokes before becoming numb and getting out of the Atlantic.

The western coast also boasts difficult hikes/climbs on the hills.

David and I hiked up the second highest peak, my favorite view of Iona.

David, our son, came to spend the final week in Iona with us. It was a good break from his role as a State Trooper in Rhode Island but the constant sunlight and bleating of sheep challenged a good night's sleep!

Finally, to the eastern shore of Iona you will find the jetty for the ferry and moored boats. To the south, on the eastern coast, though, is another spectacular beach with many unusual seaweeds, kelp and shells.

Hope that helps give you an orientation of Iona through some visual images. God, through creation, is everywhere.

Blessings to you all--

Hannah

Iona was amazing; now we are on the Isle of Skye in Scotland!

2010-07-02T12:44:00.000-04:00

Dear all--
We were far away from computer access while on the Island of Iona. While I could have gone to the local hotel to post a blog, I had no access to my pictures (nearly 500 of them!), so I waited until we were settled in a B&B on the Island of Skye.

Bob and I traveled with Gwen Sears from Boston to Iceland to Glasgow, Scotland via Icelandic Airlines. We then took a bus to Oban, a ferry to Craignure, another bus to Finnaport and another ferry to Iona. Once there, we stayed nearly two weeks in a cottage that we rented called Tighshee.

Gwen on the bus to the airport!

Bob and I are ready for the adventure to Iona.

Our ferry into Iona

On the road from the ferry to our 'home.'

It was roughly a mile from the downtown portion (very tiny) of Iona so that meant a lot of walking for all of us. Gwen was a real sport and kept up quite well. The best part of being on Iona with her was meeting all of her friends (the locals) who would pass us on the road, slam on the brakes, back up and poke a head out the window and say, "Gwen, is that YOU???" The word was out quickly that she was on the island. Gracious with her introductions, we were included in the 'inner circle' of island life with some of the contacts which made all the difference in the world.

Tighshee!

These were our closest neighbors who were up til sunset (11:30 pm) and awake again upon sunrise (3:30-4 am).

The Abbey on a foggy morning.

Downtown Iona.

Amazing ruins of the Nunnery.

I will post more pictures tomorrow after we get a good rest tonight. All is well.

Gwen is reunited with daughters Deb and Nancy and is en route to England to visit family. Bob and I stayed in Mallaig for two nights and caught a ferry to Skye this morning. We rented a car and have each had a turn at driving on the opposite side of the road. (Pray for us.)

Cheerio!

Hannah

Coming up out of the silence to say a few words...

2010-06-05T07:57:00.000-04:00

Dearest friends,
Oh, what an indepth experience I have been through during these last thirty-five days! And now we are entering what is called the 'Appropriation Days' when we take all of our experiences into prayer and small group sharing to further integrate the learnings for everyday life back home. The sixteen of us have grown so close to one another as we have eaten meals, shared the hallways and walked the land in silence. Now we are able to speak with each other in greater detail.

Artmaking and creativity have continued to lead the way for me in this process. The Ignatian Exercises have led me not to discern what to do in life because it is clear that I am an artist-priest, but HOW to be. This is important for all of us, but for me as a creative, contemplative soul I am keenly aware of how my daily life needs some reordering in order to live from that basis. The time with Jesus has led me to clarity around my personal vocation: To give myself to beauty and delight through creativity. I look forward to returning to St. Stephen's and begin prayerfully living into this deeper truth as I encourage others to find their authentic, God-given selves.

Here are some pictures of the land as spring gave way to summer in full bloom and intense heat! Also a bit of my artmaking.

Bob will come to pick me up on Thursday, June 11 and then we are off with Gwen Sears to Iona within a few days!

Much love and deep, abiding faith,
Hannah

Newly plowed field and mountain lupine/poppies growing in another field.

Beautiful poppy! So lovely and fragile.

A small 2" cross made of eggshell pieces that I painted/decorated. I made 15 of them, one for each classmate during third week of the Passion/Crucifixion of Jesus.

On left, a watercolor resist done of a stylized poppy. On right, Hilda sitting on the top of an altered book that I made during my time here...inside are painted/resist covered eggshells waiting to be turned into interesting creations.

Stylized poppies painted on eggshells collected from breakfast over weeks!

My classmates collected them, too, and I've painted about 60 of them. :)

A close up of some paper fabric made with items from the Guelph land. I've made each spiritual director a small gift using this fabric. Much fun!

Finally, a word from Hannah at Loyola House in Guelph!

2010-05-13T16:46:00.001-04:00

All--

Bob drove me up to Ontario so I could begin the second phase of my Sabbatical. We came through Niagara Falls--always a treat.

I've been on silent retreat since May 2 here at the Jesuit Retreat Centre in Guelph, Ontario. There are sixteen of us from all over the world, men and women of prayer, who have come to complete the Ignatian Spiritual Exercises. By the end of our time together, on June 10th, we will have completed the forty-day retreat (5 Disposition Days, 30 Retreat Days focusing on four main themes, and 5 Appropriation Days).

Each day is very scheduled with a focus on a theme from Scripture or theology. The pattern looks like this:
3-4:30 am Prayer and Reflection
6-7:30 am Prayer and Reflection
8-Breakfast
9-10 Meet with my Spiritual Director, Jeanine Glute
11:30-Worship in the Chapel with Holy Eucharist for all!
12:30-Luneh
1-2:30-Prayer and Reflection
2:30-4:30-Walk/Nap/Art
4:30-6-Prayer and Reflection
6-Dinner
7-8:30 pm-Prayer and Reflection
8:30-9 pm Examen of Conscience and Bedtime!

Today we have had a short Day of Repose. We were allowed to speak to one another and to send an email or two. I wanted to publish a new posting so you know that I am very, very well. This is a transforming experience. Just after completing the first portion of our 30 day retreat, I know that my relationship with Jesus and my understanding of God have forever deepened.

The land at Guelph (600 acres) is rolling farmland. The Jesuit community is vitally committed to preserving farmland and using it cooperatively with local farmers who grow only organic produce. They have a training program for new farmers to learn the theology of caring for God's good earth. That's forward thinking!

This is a view of the farmland from a bench in front of one of three hermitages.

Daffodil Path!

   This is the front courtyard with
   a sculpture of St. Ignatius facing
   into the wind.

During this time I am praying for our Confirmands at St. Stephen's, family members, friends and parishioners who come to mind. Please continue to pray for me as I grow in faith. For all those who have made this opportunity possible, thank you!

Our Lord does wastes not even a crumb of our lives to bring us to this present moment.

With love and gratitude,
Hannah +

On to Guelph, Canada!

2010-04-29T19:08:00.002-04:00

On the last morning at the Guild, I was in for a surprise! Scott Dillman, the potter/sculptor, suggested that we raku my clay pieces so I could transport them back home before heading out to Canada. It was a fascinating process, done outdoors. All my pieces survived the firing and I was able to box them up as a carry-on for the airplane flight.

Here is the outdoor kiln where raku firing is done. You can see my pieces loaded on two levels: blessing cups on the bottom shelf and a ceramic tray on the top. The temperature must reach 1800 degrees and special raku glaze is used to get the unusual colors.

When the firing was done, Scott took each piece off the shelf very carefully with long metal tongs. Each was placed in a garbage can filled with wood chips. After the piece was in the garbage can, I threw more wood chips on to create a fire and then quickly put the lid on the can to trap the heat.

After about 5 minutes, Scott took each piece out of the garbage can, again with the tongs and plunged each into cold water. This process stops the molten glass (glaze) and produces very cool designs and colors. It is impossible to predict exactly how the finished products will look! This is what I loved about raku: mystery.

How fun is this!? Looking into the water at the colors on each piece... Scott and his mother, Denise, helped me with the raku firing. It was one of the most exciting and satisfying art creations of my life.

This is what the tray looked like right after the water bath.

And this is what it looks like now after being scrubbed clean.

I made a rattle, too. That was very fun! You wrap little pieces of clay with newspaper or tissue and put them inside the closed form. The paper will burn out in the firing process and will make a rattling noise when the piece is shaken. You have to be sure to poke some small holes in the rattle so that the hot air can escape or it will explode in the firing process.

My rattle in the water bath.

And then after the scrubbing and cleaning!

Thanks to Scott and the rest of the Grunewald Guild crew: (left to right) Erica (weaving, office administration), Mike (woodworking), Diana (painter/sketching/printing and hospitality), Joe (older of the two Oberg children and a track maniac), Dan (director and musician), Sam (younger of the Oberg children who loves to ride his bike and do cool jumps) and Lois (gardener, keeper of the plants in the greenhouse and teacher/caretaker for many!) If you can't see everyone in the picture, just put your cursor on the picture and click. Magic.

From the Guild I went on to Yakima Valley and then over the Cascades to Centralia, WA to visit a friend I met at the Guild--Jan Nontell. Thousands of pear trees were in brilliant white bloom.

Jan took me to the annual Arts Walk in Olympia, WA on Saturday. Roughly 3,000 people of all ages and in all stages of life dress up as animals, plants, insects and fish. This is to honor the four elements of the earth: water, land (earth), air and sun. The costumes were to be homemade using imagination and recycled materials. It was awesome!

Check out the bumble bees on bikes and the giant flowers with butterflies.

One guy even came as a fly.

After my time with Jan in Olympia, I drove to Seattle and stayed with a good friend, Anne Beaufort and her husband, Guy. We had time together in the city during both sun and rain. Mid-week I flew home to see Bob, do laundry and repack for my 42 day silent retreat at the Ignatian Spirituality Centre in Guelph, Ontario Canada. I'm not sure if I will have computer access during that time. Stay tuned!
Peace and blessings,
Hannah

Final week at the Guild!

2010-04-19T15:15:00.000-04:00

This is my final week at the Grunewald Guild. Each day I have taken time to notice the details around me and to create a small meditation square in response. Each is roughly 2" square and I'm journaling about the event or person that prompted my creativity. Here is the compilation of them so far.

This is one of my favorites in response to a worship service at Faith Lutheran. I took pieces of the Sunday bulletin and cut them out to represent my core belief about Christian faith in community.

After I return from Sabbatical, I want to display these pieces and have an opportunity for people to really look at them and discuss them. It has been an important discipline for me to honor. This is one of the ways I believe God is retraining me to see and appreciate the small things in daily life.

While I've been at the Guild, I've created in fabric, paint, paper, clay and done a little cooking, which can also be creative! I've had opportunities to work in the garden and be a part of the cleaning crew around the campus. Each day I've done yoga, quigong and have walked a steady hour to stay limber and fit. I've also been reading each evening, which has been a true delight. Here's what I've been reading--

Take This Bread, by Sara Miles (True story about Sara's conversion to Christianity and her subsequent call to start a soup kitchen at St. Gregory's Episcopal Church in San Francisco)

Garden of Hollows, by Jan L. Richardson (For Lent and Easter with Jan's own artwork)

The Contemplative Pastor, by Eugene Peterson (One of my all time favorites...but I needed time to re-read his wise words!)

The Healer Within, by Roger Jahnke (How to practice traditional Chinese techniques of movement (quigong), meditation and breathing on a daily basis)

Celtic Prayers from Iona, by J. Philip Newell (Daily offices of Prayer for each day)

Stony Road, Art by Bernd Koberling (Bob and I saw Koberling's work at the Nordiska Akvarellmuseet Gallery in Skarhamn, Sweden on the island of Tjorn in May, 2005. He splits his year between winter teaching in Berlin and summer painting in Iceland. When painting, he sits down on the land with paints and paper spread before him. His work is highly organic and cellular; very colorful. He inspires me!)

Prayers to Sophia, by Joyce Rupp (Great story about a traditional Catholic sister discovering the feminine of God in the Sophia/Wisdom literature)

Steering by Starlight, by Martha Beck (Interesting book written by a leading life coach about discernment of one's path/journey in life)

Cave in the Snow, by Vicki Mackenzie (True and wonderful story about a British woman, Diane Perry, who became Buddhist in 1976. Her Tibetan name is Tenzin Palmo. As part of her path toward enlightenment as a Buddhist nun, she lived in a remote cave 13,200 feet up in the Himalayas for twelve years of intense Buddhist meditation! I think a month-long silent retreat will be enough for me. :))

What a rich time it has been here. For the remainder of the week, I have a few projects that I need to complete or take to a deeper level. And then there is the wonderful opportunity to learn, perhaps, wood block printing!

My happy, creative table.

Hannah +

2010-04-15T13:04:00.000-04:00

Today is my 57th birthday and I'm spending time in gratitude and quiet, recalling people and places who have shaped me into the person I am today: My parents and sons, Dave and Chris, have taught me the most about life and love. Bob and my closest friends have added a layer of learning filled with texture, truth, mercy and unconditional love. My three brothers are individuals in their own right who I cherish. And then there are the people I have known through Quaker meetings and Episcopal churches over many years who, through word and action, have deepened my faith and encouraged my unique journey as an artist and a priest: artistpriest. For all of you and the many opportunities afforded me in this lifetime so far, I am deeply grateful.

Yesterday I spent time with other folks in the garden here at the Guild, clearing out old growth so that the new will have space to come alive. So it is with my own life as I prayerfully discern what is trying to find space to grow and what I need to clear out in order for this to happen. As I go through this process, I am being attentive to the details of each day...whether that is in the dirt of the garden or noticing what is happening around me.

On Tuesday one of the staff members, Erica, worked with a young student studying weaving. He completed his first ragrug, made of t-shirt strips. I got to see the final steps and thought of God as Weaver of our lives. Sometimes it's hard to see the pattern but eventually it emerges over time.

And then I worked on my own clay pieces...God as the Potter in our lives, shaping us into vessels. I love, love, love working in clay, fabric and paints!

Scott, the potter/sculptor at the Guild, showed me how to do scraffito--which involves putting porcelain slip over a clay piece and then carving into it. Way cool.

Peace, Hannah

Stella and Lambie at church!

2010-04-12T13:22:00.000-04:00

This was a week-end of integrating all of the creative work I did last week and reflecting on ways God is bringing me healing and insights. I spent time hiking at Lake Wenatchee and again attended Faith Lutheran Church in Leavenworth. The highlight for me happened at church when, as part of the children's portion of the worship service, a family brought into the service a week-old lamb wearing a diaper! It brought back memories of growing up on Pennsylvania farmland when my parents raised some sheep. We once had a lamb, Sarah, who stayed in our house to be bottle-fed. So it is with little 'Lambie' who Stella is caring for these days. (The pictures of Stella and Lambie are posted here with her parents' permission.)

Lake Wenatchee, Southern Entrance

God's grace is bountiful. We need only to recognize it.

hannah +

Paper Fabric Design

2010-04-09T17:44:00.001-04:00

For the last two days I've devoted about 6 hours/day creating paper fabric. It involves taking a piece of interfacing or muslin, collaging paper and pictures onto it and then painting in color with acrylics and watercolors. Once the piece dries, you can cut it and use it as you would regular fabric. I am designing a n applique pillow cover and have done a small book for a friend. (Just click on an image if you want to see the detail.)

This is a pink sheet of paper fabric with prayers from the Easter bulletin.

A sheet of blues with some remnants of painted egg shell and pieces of wrapping from hydrangea soap I brought along for the trip.

A small 'soul book' for a friend that measures 3 1/2" x 4 1/2"
Inside is a quote that is calligraphed on a wall hanging here at the Grunewald Guild:

I myself having been created
I cannot help having the desire to create.
--Igor Stravinsky

This week-end I will not be posting any blogs. I am using my week-end time to process and integrate all that I have created, journaled, dreamed and read.
Peace, Hannah

2010-04-07T16:49:00.000-04:00

Today I learned how to enamel! Jean Tudor, a leading enamelist in the States, was teaching a student the finer techniques of enameling and I was invited to make a pendant. The process took a few hours but was fascinating. Check out the pictures from start to finish. :) Hannah

You start off with copper discs.

After preparing them, you add a liquid flux and scrape out a design. Then fine glass powder of different colors is applied and you fire the pendant in a kiln at 1500 degrees for 1 1/2 minutes.

Here are the discs with sketching and one firing.

Each side of the copper disc must be enameled to maintain an equal surface tension.
Here are the finished products after two coats of enameling on either side!

'Sweet Pea Cross'

'Spring Green Spirit'

2010-04-06T15:33:00.000-04:00

Easter morning on the way to Faith Lutheran Church-- Note the snow!!!

and here is a picture of the inside of the sanctuary--

Finally, a view of the Fiber Arts House that I am calling home right now.

Easter week-end at Grunewald Guild and Faith Lutheran Church

2010-04-06T15:27:00.000-04:00

Oh, what an Easter week-end. I had lots of free time to create Easter eggs and will post a picture of one...used a glue resist, watercolors and gold dust. I also learned about Faith Lutheran Church in Leavenworth, WA which is highly creative and welcoming. So I traveled a good half hour through the mountains to get there for the Easter Vigil. There were four children baptized. The sanctuary is small with pews on all four sides facing inward toward the central altar. There were about 50 people. The lessons were all done via story-telling. Artists from the parish have painted the sanctuary walls with a modern mural of Jesus' life and ministry.

I returned there on Easter morning and was warmly welcomed. I believe I have found my 'spiritual home' away from home!

Since then, I have been busy creating, creating, creating for hours every day. As part of the community, I have responsibilities of cleaning and helping in the kitchen. Other than that, I have unlimited time to hike, rest, paint, sculpt, print, write and photograph. :)

My room was switched to the Fiber Arts Building for greater security so I am surrounded by twelve looms in the great room and tons of wool, string, ribbon of many colors.

Blessed Easter season,
Hannah

2010-04-02T16:44:00.000-04:00

A little tired from jet lag, but very happy!!!

In Seattle, overlooking Puget Sound. Note the ferry in the background and Hilda joining me in the picture. I graduated from University of Washington in 1976 with a double major in Spanish and elementary education. It's good to be back here to see this beautiful part of the country! This shot was taken by my cousin, Trudie, during the few minutes of sunshine we enjoyed. :)
Hannah

2010-04-02T16:30:00.000-04:00

I am at Grunewald Guild near Leavenworth, Washington! My trip was uneventful, other than having my suitcases go to San Francisco rather than Seattle. They caught up with me the next day.

Having stayed with my cousin, Trudie, and her family in Seattle for two nights, I drove a few hours up into the Cascade Mountains and over the major pass to reach Grunewald Guild. It is a quiet time for the staff as they gear up for spring and summer programming so I am blessed with lots of quiet and solitude.

My room is in the River House (by the Wenatchee River) where I also have ample space for my artwork. While in Seattle, I went to my favorite art supply store, Daniel Smith, and purchased enough paints, glue, paper and brushes to last for quite some time. Now I am busy painting and trying my hand at making paper fabric (a technique described in a book called Stitch Alchemy.

My intention for my time here at the Grunewald Guild is to find a holy rhythm of daily life that will ensure a margin of grace/space for rest, creative time, prayer and community. Already my prayers are being answered.

You should know that I've brought a creative muse with me named Hilda. I made her a number of years ago from an old flannel shirt when Bob and I were vacationing in the Adirondacks. Whenever I need a good laugh or a reminder to create, I get Hilda out where I can see her. I took her to Daniel Smith where you see this picture of her in the watercolor display. The staff was laughing hysterically but Hilda was not offended.

Peace,
Hannah

2010-03-25T22:26:00.002-04:00

2010-03-25T22:16:00.000-04:00

So one of my best friends, Kate Reid, is here in Pittsfield visiting before I head out of town. We are filled with joy and laughter as we talk about life. It is good to connect with soul mates before adventures like a sabbatical. She knows me so well and together we wonder what will happen to me during this time.

2010-03-19T15:15:00.000-04:00

2010-03-19T15:04:00.000-04:00

The day is warm and sunny--unusual for March in the Berkshires. It is my Sabbath day: Friday. I spent part of the day outside, noticing some of my favorite plants in our yard in their bleak state, looking anemic after a cold winter. I realize that when I'm on Sabbatical, they will spring to life. What new life may come to me? To St. Stephen's?

2010-03-13T07:37:00.000-05:00

Saturday, March 13, 2010

Two weeks left until my Sabbatical begins!

I realized this week that I am preparing not out of exhaustion or fatigue, but with a deep and abiding sense of curiosity. Like a child, I am wondering what I will discover during my time away: Who will I meet? What creations will I engage through art? What new or forgotten ideas will come to me that will find their way back to St. Stephen's and into my/our lives in Pittsfield? What new territory will I explore--both outward and inward terrain?

In my closet I have a plastic bag that I am using to collect items or ideas in preparation for packing (which I always do at the last minute, much to Bob's dismay!). So far I have my watercolor paints, books on art, theology and a few novels, a special bar of lavendar soap for each of the three locations where I will live and a pile of notebooks for journaling.

Getting ready but staying present where I am. Off for a walk before going to prepare for the Ordination of Johanna Marcure to the priesthood. I've been waiting and praying for this day to arrive for her for a few years. And, finally, it is here. I am grateful to be here to witness it, too. Full circle.

Hannah

Getting Ready

2010-02-18T15:51:00.001-05:00

How does one get ready for a Sabbatical?
+ Be present where I am
+ Prepare to travel lightly
+ Pray about the disciplines or daily practices that will keep me centered and rested
+ Be in regular contact with people who matter most in my life
+ Set up plans for people to take over responsibilities in the parish, at the Blessing Cup Project and home
+ Eat three good meals a day; exercise and pray...
+ Make lists of books and art supplies to get ready for the trip!