Views from St. Joseph's Oratory

Back in Quebec... the Basilica stands on top the mountain and views from the seven stories are spectacular. There are 230 stairs from lower gardens to first level of Basilica and pilgrims are known to climb them on their knees. I wished I had enough time at the shrine to choose that option. Shrine is six levels high with chapels, Brother Andre's tomb, museum, gift shops and basilica. Full day is needed to fully witness the glory.

Christmas Morning

My baby with his baby. I cherish the love and trust exhibited.

But look at the smiles that happen when Mommy has him in tow! Love that little Fyo!

Merry Christmas!

Sculpture in front of Basilica and National Shrine of Our Lady of Consolation in Carey, Ohio.

Painting of the Holy Family at rear of Cathedral of Notre Dame. Wishing all my friends and family much joy on this blessed day!

No Vacancy

I think it was the "Joy Diet" that suggested you post a sign in your sacred space. Thought it appropriate to post in remembering that our Mother Mary and St Joseph were turned away from the inn.

St. Joseph's Oratory of Mount Royal

Back to pilgrimage. At St. Joseph's Oratory, Montreal, Quebec. Saint Brother Andre's enormous undertaking. The first chapel built in 1904, quickly became too small, expanded in 1908 and again in 1910. In 1917 a crypt large enough to hold 1000 people was inaugurated. Building continued although halting during the Great Depression of the world's largest sanctuary to St. Joseph. In 1936 a special meeting was called, snow and ice threatened to damage a roofless building. Brother Andre stated, "This is not my work: it is the work of St. Joseph. Place a statue of him in the middle of the building. If he wants a roof over his head, he'll see that one is provided." Within two months funds to complete the project were secured. Thousands of people asked Brother Andre for healing, through the intercession of St Joseph. Brother Andre died in 1937 at the age of 91. More than one million mourners attended his funeral. His body lies in a simple tomb inside the shrine now standing on Mount Royal. (Wonder if the use of the statue of St Joseph's in selling real estate might stem from miracles here?)

More Marker Practice

I did buy these markers intent for this book and it seems fitting I fill the pages with inspiration and collections. Never had frogs before the subdivision and ponds were put in down the road. I really enjoy the family living under the dogs outside water dish. Did he think he was hidden in the great photo op from last summer?

Winter Sunrise

Love my east/west views. The sun colors are always so brilliant in winter.

Sign for Christmas

Christmas~Jesus~Celebrate His Birth Last season when volunteering for Caring Hands Thrift store in Yorkville I bought several of these signs as gifts for those who'd appreciate. Winter winds are too strong to keep it down by roadside for passerby's to see. Thought I'd share as previous nighttime shot didn't have visibility.

Fox River Snails

More practice from my river jaunts collections.

Marker Eagle

Filling in pages in the book, used a photo back from Dillman's that I took when canoeing with my cousin Laura. Fortunately I have close up lens, We didn't actually get this close to it. Up above in the pines, close up shot, my camera was shaking with the lake currents. Considering doing some multicolor linocuts and practicing colors for mixing.

LED Lights

I recycled some old strands of lights and purchased new LED bulbs, hung last weekend in the bitter cold, photo after Saturdays heavy snow. Made the wreath this year from mugho pine trimmings. A little bit of new cheer!

Make Your Mark

Been doodling in past due sketchbook which really should have been ready some years past. Some sketches of a river clam shell turned into patterned design.

Underwater Cache

Love to witness nature, maybe this ought to be a print, might have to work on that.

Boat House at Dillmans

Never finished sharing sketches from spring outing. The verse has been attributed to someone, was it St. Francis?

Break in the Weather

Got a lunchtime walk in yesterday. The robins were happy to get out for some berries and their songs filled the crisp air. Dozens come in from the woods when a break in the weather allows. Took a few snow snapshots and many robin pictures. Walking was difficult as my friend who plowed the gravel sides deep for me had retired in October, but I wore my boots and traversed on to the tropics of Schaefer's greenhouse. Been peeking through windows at all the poinsettias for some time now, but entering the greenhouse is magical. After taking off the winter wear to prevent overheating I thoroughly enjoyed the festive location. There is a wonderfully landscaped settee for visiting Santa behind the wonderful tree display complete with horse-cart full of foliage. Quite a magical setting. An abundance of garden gifts to drool over...

Gift from the River

Another trip to the river on a gray warm day, walked up to the dam just to feel the water rushing. Heron friend flew across the river and perched where I could view him. A lovely water goblet to get cleaned up was found at river's edge, just south of the dam. Thick heavy glass, could it possibly crossed over the dam without breaking? I'm considering dressing it with a pretty ribbon and filling with Christmas candy. My early Christmas gift.

Back to the Tanglewoods of Stockbridge

I was going to share my lunch outing today, but with low battery on camera, I couldn't zoom in the shot to be readable and computer refuses to allow me to crop... but then I thought I hadn't yet shared pictures from Canada, but these Stockbridge pictures in same folder seemed to need to be witnessed. I had heard that the reason Stockbridge was so famous for it's fall colors was because of it's Tanglewoods. I still don't know what a Tanglewood Tree is, I googled it and just discovered the famous fall music festivals of the area. The base of this tree shared was quite interesting, maybe it's a tanglewood. St Francis didn't speak up, he was stationed in the pines. Colors were quite spectacular though. I'll share some of Canada soon.

Visitor

Stepping out this morning, I felt the rush of red hawk fly from my front bushes into tree off front walk. Went back to grab the camera and it appeared to be gone. I still felt very blessed to be so near witnessing such a beautiful bird. I guessed she was near the feeder to capture any of my visitors. I had seen a naughty squirrel on top my feeder while washing some windows. After lunch I went out to cut back the wild roses and perennials in front flower beds, a little late, but better late than never... there she was. I didn't want to disturb her, so plumped up to avoid the cold day. I kept thinking it could be an owl, so plumped up. I'm not sure what is wrong but she stayed as I photoed her. Fearing she may be injured... she did fly this morning, but maybe she was too weak. I fed her some vegan cheese as I had no meat to offer and as she ate I thought hey, some canned dog food might do the trick. I didn't witness her eating the dog food but after she hopped away under the bushes and down into my south sunshine out of the cold winds I couldn't find it so I set out some more. I'll have to keep a tight rein on the chihuahua until she's strong enough to leave, although she appears to be acquiring a taste for my offerings.

South of the Bridge

Usually I head north of the bridge to walk the shoreline, but river was high this week so I ventured south along the bike path. Nowhere near as much garbage this side of bridge. Pleased to see the heron out in middle of river not flying away but feeling safe and secure that I was distanced. Probably the best picture I could get at distance with my camera. Even the ducks didn't swim away, but nonchalantly addressed own needs while I witnessed.

Fall Decor

Much has blown free with the weekend winds, but forgot I had this photo op. All the leaves of the maple caught among the branches like fall ornaments on the Christmas tree. Maybe I'll light up the tree again instead of the roof this year..

George's Family Restaurant, Montgomery

Many times I've passed by this restaurant and have never been stopped, so today I scheduled a solo lunch date with my walk and ordered a nice Greek salad. Quaint little place, usually bustling at lunchtime when I pass. Very clean. Not much for my vegan diet plan, but for anyone else... people were enjoying themselves.

Stations of the Cross on Eden Hill

Aren't these the perfect gardens for contemplation?

Back inside the National Shrine of Divine Mercy.

After mass, Father Matt shared a little of the history of the shrine.

Fyo

Fyo at 14 weeks, he was laughing, but the camera wasn't fast enough. Love that little angel!

Sunday on the Bicycle

Took the bicycle out for overdue venture and changed my normal route to pass this old Presbyterian Church. Should have gone another 100 feet to the old cemetary, maybe next time.

Happy to see that the goats were still neighbors. They were quite a distance from the road, surprised that the picture fared so well.

About a mile from home the snow cover clouds interrupted my sunshine, I held the flash closed... the sky wasn't really as yellow above the storm clouds, but what a nice picture!

So, back home, the view from back yard. This is why I work so hard to stay where I am at, is that not God's palette?

National Shrine of Divine Mercy

On top of Eden Hill, nestled among the Berkshire Mountain, the National Shrine of Divine Mercy and offices with a retreat house for limited pilgrimages. Our group stayed in town, but we had two days here to witness the beauty.