Photo: Ipswich and Marblehead

To see photos of the North Shore towns of Ipswich and Marblehead, please click on the link below:

Pics of Ipswich

Photo: The Full Moon Rising Over the Atlantic

To see photos of the full moon over the Atlantic Ocean, please click on the link below:

Pics of the full moon rising over the ocean

Sublime Days

These are the days that are sublime. I enjoy going to bed each night and I arise to great eagerness to start my day each morning. The weather is delightful with its cool night-time breezes that refresh and bring clean air into our homes. I find myself as I awake just taking in deep breaths to say to God, "I'm glad I'm alive and thank you for your creation." The warmth of the early sunrise makes me realize I have no control over anything and that gives me even more freedom. I am just to live the day before me. I don't want to miss out on anything as my senses take in all that surrounds me. Mmm. These are good days.

Photo: Gloucester in mid-July

To see photos of Eastern Point in mid-July, please click on the link below:

Pics of Gloucester in the height of summer

Day of Repose

Yesterday was a needed day of repose for the retreatants. I realized I needed some time off as well. With all the gardening work and the spiritual direction, I needed a Sabbath's rest. I got it. I first went to the rocks to take pictures. I began kicking myself for not getting out to the rocks daily. It is a gorgeous place. I began to breathe deeply and I wanted to lay down on a rock at take a nap there. If I didn't get sunburned so easily, I would have considered doing that. But I remembered that breathing is an essential part of a prayerful day of retreat. I will get back out there today.

The last seven-day retreat ended very well. I enjoyed the retreatants and I wish them well as they settle back into their world. Retreatants always make me pray better because I pray for them and for others. I also learn how to pray for my own needs. It is easy to have my heart get filled with greater compassion for others. It is quite nice - a marvel, really.

Since I had a little time to run errands yesterday, I went to the market to get a few needs for the house. I was stunned when on this blistering hot day, the store clerks were putting out Halloween and Christmas items. Brrr! I had to turn away. I couldn't look at them.

I took a break from the garden and landscaping work so I could admire the property. I took photos, which I have added to this site. I took the day to appreciate the beauty of this place.

Lastly, I came across a brand new Charlie Brown movie called "Happiness is a Warm Blanket." I didn't think new ones were made. Even though I had a reaction to the Halloween stuff in the stores, my favorite movie is "The Great Pumpkin Patch."

Back to the retreat. I have renewed energy to listen well.