Wednesday, September 2, 2009

I'm Late, I'm Late For A Very Important Date!

Today we start Chapter 3 in The Artist's Way...but I got caught up with wish work and I didn't remember to post my results from Week 2. So I'm late, but I had my date and did my work and now I have to share it with you so it becomes real.

I'll start by telling you that if I could have five other sorts of lives it would be: A veterinarian; a Samurai; an owner of a bed & breakfast; an ambassador to a foreign country; a lawyer. My crazy maker, is most likely me. Yeah, I know, it's disturbing when you realize yet again, you're your own worst enemy. My affirmation is, "If I start it, I need to finish it." For now, that's the only one I'll share.

And now, on to my second date. Perhaps there's a future there for me, after all two dates!

For the past five years I've lived in here, there's a spot I've wanted to visit. Every time I fly past it on the tree lined road I say, "I want to go in there." I have never done it. Why? Couldn't tell you.

Just down the country road from my house rests St. Vincent College and Abbey. It's the oldest Benedictine Abbey in the U.S. It's a beautiful campus in the rolling hills close to Latrobe. Back in the 1800's the monks used to run a grist mill where the farmers from all around the area came to have their corn and wheat ground.

The monks still make whole wheat flour that you can buy in the small general store. You can watch through the glass as they work. Very interesting.

Down stairs in the Grist Mill is a coffee shop. Small and quaint. Free Wi-Fi is the only sign of recent times. The students run it. Very efficiently I might add.

I decided to go and took along a book I'm working through and my camera. I'm always looking for an image or two. The sign? Well, that's nothing to do with my camera or me...that's the way I found it. I'm thinking the painter may have had way too much of the house brew.

Planters full to the brim with late summer glory. Quiet all around. Blue skies so clear and intense, it could break you heart as you consider the glory of it. Cool in the shade, too warm in the sun. That time of the year that makes you feel uncertain what to wear from minute to minute. Sweater on; sweater off; sweater on...

On the campus, is a major wet-lands and eco-system project. There is a retention system with massive square ponds stained the most beautiful sable brown. They work to clear mine run-off; the color is caused by iron in the water. Birds and wild life find safe haven in the protected area. Blue bird houses stand sentinel every so many feet. Salt licks for the deer and other creatures. Crickets, frogs, you name it.

And, then I started to notice some details close to my seat. What else would you expect to find at an Abbey but a pink bird feeder shaped like a church? For sure I wasn't there on a Sunday...the joint was empty.

I sat on the deck and watched a class on an excursion to discover the life there. I thought about asking the Brother if I could tag along, but just at the last minute I stopped myself as I know the Artist's Dates are supposed to be singular activities. Listening to the laughter and chatter as it wafted across the breeze was very soothing.

I considered that the trees and the environment know the season is about to shift as I looked up to see the green pods of the black walnuts hanging heavy and low....just a few more days I reckon, till they start dropping to the ground and the squirrels go crazy with their harvest.

And, then I finally got down to what I had come for. What it took me five years to get around to experiencing...
I slowly savored one of the nicest Chai Tea Lattes I've ever had. And, to think, it was waiting just around the corner from my house. What the heck took me so long?

Namaste' Till Next Time,
Holly

20 comments:

Life With Dogs said...

Not at all what you were seeking, and possibly better. Delicious irony.

Janet said...

sounds like a lovely day. that latte looks divine! thank you for sharing!

Cindy said...

Holly, sounds like a great day, I bet the latte was good. What is the artists way about. sounds interesting. Take care and good luck on your journey.

Grammy said...

I so love your inspiring words. You are surrounded by magic. I did not join in this group. I am running a bit late on wishing. May I ask about the watercolors in a tube? I have been thinking of ordering them. Are they powder or paste . I did know they would dry up.

Rose said...

A very lovely day... I think The Artist's Way is a very easy book to get behind on anyway - I think I am currently about three weeks behind...

Anne H said...

Holly - your whole life is a beautiful work of art.
Thanks for sharing it!

clairedulalune said...

Holly, you found a treasure dove of of a place! I love it when that happens, especially when it is by your doorstep! What took you so long? Because it is all part of the excitement, what else would we live for special days like that? Thank you for your lovely comments on my blog, i love that you come and visit! Beautiful post!

beth said...

dates are made to be broken and you did it quite fabulously well !!!

Judit said...

I could just feel the atmosphere, the cool and the sun, the feeling of discovery so close to home.
I had that longing in me to get out there and discover some magical moment on my own.
Thank you!

Eileen said...

Holly, I am so jealous ... can you think of anywhere here in B'more that offers such beauty and serenity?

Sarah Sullivan said...

Oh how heavenly...I am drawn to abbeys and similar places...totally called by them. I love the peace and gentle spirit you find in the air there. As I am not Catholic..it is odd..but still I loove to just be there. I think I would feel the same about a Buddhist monastery though too!
So glad you took yourself out to a place your heart was calling you!!
That Chai..loooks heavenly!!
Hugs and love, Sarah

Lisa said...

Wow I can't tell if the place is really that beautiful and magical, or if it is your wonderful poetic eye and way with words that makes it seem so. What a great artist date and a lovely piece of writing.

You got there just in time!

Boozy Tooth said...

With so much literary texture and gorgeous photography, why am I stuck tunnel visioning on that latte? Must be my unsatisfied jones for whipped cream.

You write good.

Toni said...

artists dates are supposed to be solitary? I never got that out of it, by the way -- I used to deliberately seek out children's activities, like at the Science Museum, and with Ciera Beara and her posse. But maybe I should re-read it. Or maybe artists dates can be whatever the artist spontaneously stumbles onto by way of idea or opportunity? dunno. Hanging with the kiddos woulda been cool. But what you did was cool, too ... I'm going to email you a link for a recipe for chai tea ... yummmmmmmmmmmmmmm.

Meredith said...

That chai latte combined with the photos. You took your artist on such a delicious and soul-nurturing date. I'm sure she's preening even now :)

Where I grew up, there was a monastery famous for its bonsai about a half-hour away. Makes me wonder if there's such a place around here...

By the way, to make your affirmation more loving to Holly, maybe you could phrase it, "I now finish everything I start, without the need to strain or force." I know the tenses are a little weird, but affirmations work best for me stated as if they're *already happening.*

Kathleen Krucoff said...

Removed my first one due to a type-o that I saw after the post....Here's the comment:

Love this! And to think it was so close all along. I bet you are going back on a regular basis. Very cool.

Barbara said...

Sounds like a heavenly way to spend the day! (pardon the pun) That little pink birdhouse is so darned cute! I did Artist's Way YEARS ago, and can hardly remember all the excercises, but I recall I wasn't as vigilent as you. Sounds like I should try it again.... Hugs, B

Sheila said...

Oh, GOOD for you, Holly! You did a great job laying it out like a feast on the table to share - thanks sooooooo much for inviting me to your table. I'm not so much drooling over the Latte but could you wave your hand over it so the aroma drifts this way????? :)

Nina said...

The sweetest rose is always in our own garden. Now you can make up for lost time! It sounds like a place I'd like to visit sometime. Love and Light, Nina P.

Joanna Jenkins said...

I'm late getting to visit you today. But this is a lovely way to end my hectic day. It looks like you had a lovely time and now you know what's so close to home. When are you going back again?
xo

Blog Widget by LinkWithin

My Previous Musings