Go where your best prayers take you.
Listen to your life. See it for the fathomless mystery it is. In the boredom and pain of it, no less than in the excitement and gladness: touch, taste, smell your way to the holy and hidden heart of it, because in the last analysis all moments are key moments, and life itself is grace.
I had not heard of Frederick Buechner until a few days ago, when I met him through George at Transit Notes (see my blogroll). I had to find out more, read more. He is a poet and theologian, a spiritual memoirist and essayist. I liked what I found. The quotes I've included are his. The words themselves seem full of grace, attended to by a keen and loving heart.
Late this afternoon I went over to the church at Ranchos de Taos. It's been painted and photographed countless times by many artists including Georgia O'Keeffe and Ansel Adams. I've photographed it more than once over the years, but I wanted to go back and pay homage to it again. And, for the first time, I had the place all to myself. It sure was fun.
Great pics!!! love them...
ReplyDeleteLove, love, love the quotes.
ReplyDeleteAmazing and beautiful photos. Agree, Buechner's words are grace. A lovely combination with your private time at Ranchos de Taos. Can't imagine finding it in peace, without others. One of my favorite places to make pictures. So many shadows, lines, curves and that history. You captured them all with love. Another meant to be bit of timing. "fathomless mystery", yes.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoy how your references to wholeness and grace are reflected so well in the images of this beautiful church.
ReplyDeleteA lovely combination of images and words.
ReplyDeleteIt was very nice timing. I am still so grateful to have been able to move around freely, no people to work around, and on a late Friday afternoon. Pretty cool.
ReplyDeleteThank you all for taking the time to read and leave your comments.
Lovely photos, Teresa, and I'm so glad you followed up with Frederick Buechner. I find him very inspirational and love the soft touch with which he shares his views.
ReplyDeleteYes, it is his "soft touch" that spoke to me, his gentleness. Thank you so much for the introduction through your post.
ReplyDeleteYou have described perfectly through Buechner's words the feelings I have had at the few churches I have visited where I was there alone, their perfect calm and peace enveloping me when I was there; and I am recalling a church I visted on this last trip in Texas; I just know you would love that church; here is the link for you to see the photos of it; can't remember if you were a reader back then.
ReplyDeletehttp://bluestarrgallery.blogspot.com/2010/02/simple-trust.html
Thank You, Linda! That church is reminiscent of others I've seen in the SW, and a perfect example of what we're talking about, that simplicity and grace. I'm glad you shared the link.
ReplyDeleteSpectacular! Every photo is just spectacular. And that quote is just so timeless and comforting.
ReplyDeleteCheryl, Thank you and I quite agree, the quote is timeless and comforting...
ReplyDeleteHow in the world did I miss this post with the photographs of Ranchos de Taos? Really good photos!
ReplyDeleteJack, I'm so glad you've now seen them. I have to say, that was a perfect opportunity and I remain very pleased with the photos I took. The light was perfect, of course.
ReplyDeleteThanks (always).
ReplyDeleteAnd you are very welcome (always).
Delete