Thursday, August 15, 2019

This and That Thursday


I was up at 5 AM mainly so I could have the dorm style bathroom to myself and out at 7 AM to spend a half an hour at my little beach watching the sunrise, and meditating while doing Qi Gong exercises movements. I knew no one else would be at my beach so early in the morning. Wading in the water, looking for shells and beach stones was a great way to start the day


After Mass, the priest called all those who would like to have their hands blessed to come forward. In my past experience, this was reserved for the artists taking the workshop. But if you think about it, everyone uses their hands for their work. So a blessing to do the best work you are able.

We spent the morning practicing Uncial, the hand we would letter the House Blessing. After lunch I wandered around the gardens. The dahlias were just starting to bloom so I was happy to at least get a glimpse of them. They won't be fully in bloom until later in August, and they are the show stoppers of the gardens.

When we returned to class, we made shell gold from sheets of loose leaf gold, gum Arabic, and water. It's called shell gold because the medieval artists made and kept the gold paint in a sea shell. We would use this paint as part of the gilding process.


I think the church doors had been painted since I was last on the island in 2015. I was happy to see the doors are a bright, TARDIS blue.

After dinner, a walk to unwind. I found an adorable stone kitty with a bird faucet handle. I also found a secluded spot on the opposite side of the causeway and my little beach to watch the sunset.

24 comments:

  1. Love the journal pages you made. Good that you were able to get out for some time alone, that's always so necessary. It was evidently a great week for you. Valerie

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    1. It's just so beautiful on the island. You have to make time to get out and see it or you really miss part of the experience of being there.

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  2. Perfect sketches to remember your time on the island! :D

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  3. Wondrous, CJ. I love the idea of blessing the hands.

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  4. The sketches / watercolor paintings in your journal are beautiful. It sounded like a very peaceful, relaxing time there, before and after classes.

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    1. The schedule is nicely paced. Time for meditation/prayer, time for work, time to socialize. At other conferences the pace is so hectic.

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  5. Your posts continue to build a picture of such a peaceful, beautiful setting. I'm wishing I lived closer to it :) and to the ocean.

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    1. One of my classmates was from Lexington, Kentucky, and one came all the way from Montana. Prayer of St. Francis starts 10/20 to 10/25. You don’t have to be Catholic or Christian to play. And I believe all skill levels are welcome. Just a thought . 🤔

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  6. enjoyed reading this post CJ and your art work is as da tabbies say, total lee awesum; 984 paws UP !! :)

    tardis blue...huh...what...no star trek silver ;) !! ☺☺♥♥

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    1. I’ll keep my eye out for StarTrek silver when I go back in Oct.

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  7. I totally get wanting the bathroom to yourself. I would do the same thing. Nice journal sketches. When you go back in the fall you can continue this journal then. Hugs-Erika

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  8. This sounds like a peaceful and creative place.

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  9. Beautiful drawings and absolutely gorgeous journaling. I agree about wanting the bath to myself. I've never had to share a bath since I was out on my own. I can see why you wouldn't want to share. You make this trip sound so wonderful.

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    1. Not sharing. That's a Little Princess trait 😉 Enders is such a beautiful place. I think it may be impossible to not have a wonderful experience.

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  10. sounds like a beautifully serene and nice experience. I like your journal pages.

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  11. I do like your journal pages here.
    It certainly sounds a wonderful experience.

    All the best Jan

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  12. I love the idea of blessing your hands!
    I really love your journal CJ and the retreat you went too!

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    1. It's a nice part of the retreat and a good way to start the class.

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