My online journal sharing interests in photography, nature, coffee life, journaling, fountain pens, bicycling, spirituality and asking deep questions.
This past week, on a whim, I drove up to the Abby of St. Walburga, located at Virginia Dale, Colorado. The Abbey is a small community of Benedictine contemplative nuns,a place of prayer. Now this is a place of quiet. The monastic life they live is based on a praying the Divine Office. There have been periods in my life where the only prayer I said was “Oh God!” So, I commend those who devote their lives to prayer, meditation and contemplation, no matter what faith. And, as I’ve aged prayer, meditation and contemplation are playing a larger part in my life.
To get the Abby you almost have to drive to Wyoming. As you notice in the above image there are not many trees up there due to the rocky soil and the wind. So, if your’e not careful, your hat will end up in South Platte, Nebraska. For me it is a beautiful drive along Highway 287. The wind blown rock formations. The antelope and soaring hawks and clumps of trees scattered here and there caused me to wander all over the road. Sometimes I think photographers should not be driving. So I had to stop and take a few images and left my hat in the car. The image below is taken near the main door of the convent and shows the surrounding hills and a bronze statue.
“No one lights a lamp in order to hide it behind the door: the purpose of light is to create more light, to open people’s eyes, to reveal the marvels around.” ― Paulo Coelho
Having my daughter and two of my grandchildren living with me I find quiet time hard to come by. To solve that problem, and since it is the Lenten season, I’ve started going to a couple of churches nearby. One is a Catholic church called John the 23rd and within walking distance. Just behind the alter are two large figurines, one of Joseph and one of Mary. The late afternoon light was gorgeous as it beamed down on the statue of Mary. I hesitated to move forward and take a photo because I did not want to disturb those who were praying nor did I want to show any disrespect. But, that light was calling up black and white visions in my head so I walked forward to the altar, bowed in reverence, then walked around the statue, taking several images. The light was awesome.The moment was awesome. Moving. Once those images were given to me I knelt down with gratitude and enjoyed more quiet time: prayer, meditation and contemplation.
“There are many forms of photography. I consider myself simply a recorder of that which I find of interest around me. I personally have no desire to create or stage direct ideas.” – David Hurn
Like Paul, I’ve also been going back over my archives. It’s amazing to realize all the places this job has allowed me to visit. It is one of the benefits of this work. As I’ve mentioned before I’m a street walker which is where I find things that interest me. Once placed in my viewfinder, then compose, I press the shutter. Found this angel in front of a church in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Hope everyone has a good day!
I do that once in a while, eat too much. This time my youngest daughter called and wanted to know I would join her and her two youngest children for dinner at Adelita’s, one of my favorite small mom and pop places. They always place a basket of chips and salsa on the table so when dinner does come you’re already full. So, on my way home I stopped by Benson Park just to walk off the enchiladas I happily consumed and the chips. Just as a reminder the park has 136 pieces of sculptures. Man, I ate too much!
The artist of this sculpture has included details that require the observer to patiently walk around it and take it all in. As a photographer I fail at times to walk around my subjects and take in all the details. At other times I’m on it. So how much do the simple details we find and present say about the subject others may overlook and what do they say about the artist? I hope you’re having a great day!