My Life as a Monk

Well not really..since I'm a girl. and I haven't even joined an order. In fact, I'm not even Catholic--I'm still Mormon. But I did do a retreat at a monastery--and that was amazing. It was the at The Abbey of Our Lady of the Holy Trinity. The monks were wonderful. It was so nice to have calm and peace and time to myself. I went to all of the prayer/chant times during the day--and it was so--fascinating. And I could feel that they were men of God, truly devoted to the Lord. I felt the Spirit there, and I was grateful.

I got to read the scriptures, "Preach My Gospel" (to prepare for my mission), and "The Art of Possibility" (an incredible book!). It was cool because some of the readings that the monks shared were things I had just read in Judges and 1 Samuel. I also started reading some of the Psalms--and then I recognized some of them as they chanted them. I couldn't tell you the number, but I enjoyed connecting to the words.

I also did not bring any homework with me. whee!



It was so cold there! I was staying up in the mountains -- Huntsville, UT.

When we arose in the morning (for 6 am prayers) everything was covered in large glorious ice crystals. I'd never seen such crystals so large--standing on end and at all angles on the branches, the trees, the railings, and everything! I especially loved the crystallized branches covering the trees.


I also did some art--painting and pen art. I think it partly springs from my desire not to waste anything, but it has some pretty special effects :).

Well, after I post a few pictures I really will go do my homework and practice my fiddle :) Honest! :D
I was actually pleased that my watercolor looked like watercolor! I think it's a really cool technique and I'd love to get better..so I was pleased for this sign of some progress (or happy luck ;) )







The side one is called "In the wind"
The top one, on the right "I have no idea"
the bottom one "identity?"


And the charcoal as well--I'd really love to figure out line drawings. So more playing around. How do you get charcoal to set? I know there's some spray or something...anyway. I'd also love to get good at pen-and-ink. I adore that style.



Here I even used the yellow gel at the end of the ink. Usually I just use pens that have exploded, but this one I had as well, so I used the yellow ink. :)

top left "more fishy thoughts"
top right "Angel wings"
left "Butterfly wing"
middle "Goldfish in a Japanese tea garden"
the long blue trail down to the bottom "Thoughts from 'The Blue Book'"
bottom right "A bouquet"

top "A dress is sometimes just a mess--of tulle"
middle "The dog running in fast pursuit" (it was kind of road runnerish.. :) )
bottom "And then, of course, the hat is sometimes nothing more than that--to match"

I had a lovely time. Hooray for life!