Mist on the Water

There is something about wings that just fascinate me. Maybe it is because they remind me of angels. This is a close-up of a seagull from the ferry that takes you from Bremerton, WA to Seattle. I've made that trip twice and was enthralled both times with the experience.

The second time, it was early morning with thick fog. As the sun came up, the fog slowly burned off and the pictures were quite mysterious with sunlight only occasionally shining through on the water.

As we came close to the shoreline, the fall foliage peeped through the morning mist.

How can anyone say there is no God? This could never exist out of pure chance.

On the Shores of the Sea of Gallilee.

A restaurant in Tiberius on the Sea of Gallilee

The Eternal Now

I don't know why, but I have always liked this photo I took in Assisi, Italy in 2008. This was taken in front of the Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels. Like a photo I posted of a nun outside of the Church of St. Mary over Minerva, I just hit it at the right time. These religious are in the world but not of the world. That is the way we should be too. Sunday's Gospel about not worrying over what you are to eat or wear - that God will take care of us because we are of greater value than the birds of the air or lillies of the field - concentrates on just that. We must focus only on God and all will fall into place. Worrying about tomorrow solves nothing. We are guaranteed only now and God is enough for now since He is the Great I AM - the Eternal Now.

Inspired Word

First of all, I have to admit that this isn't my photo, but my husband's - taken with an inexpensive Sony point and shoot at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. But the result is awesome. The lamp used to illuminate the pages of the Lectionary seemingly glows with the inspiration of the Word of God. AWESOME!

Was this co-incidence? I think not. More like God-incidence!

Oh Say, Can You See . . .

It is amazing what you can do with pictures using manipulation. This picture was taken on the sea of Galilee in November, 2010. The sailing crew raised the American flag for us and we sang the Star Spangled Banner. What you do not know is that I was on the opposite side of the flag and so the flag was backwards. By flipping the photo around digitally, it is as though I am on the other side of the boat taking the picture from the correct side of the flag. Nice trick, huh?

Again, it is in the eye of the beholder which is the better photo. The composition and camera settings are the same, but in the original picture, the perspective says, "This is wrong" because the flag is backwards. Which one is better in my eyes? Take a guess. Here is the original photo before flipping:

Ever Faithful and True

This photo was taken of the stained glass window behind the alter where we had Mass at the Church of the Transfiguration on Mount Tabor. Peacocks were a theme that ran through our pilgrimage to the Holy Land.

Originating with an ancient legend that the flesh of the peacock did not decay, Christians adopted the symbol of the peacock to represent immortality and the incorruptability of the soul. Because it sheds its old feathers and grows new ones every year, the peacock is also associated with the resurrection of Christ. The peacock also symbolizes fidelity since they are faithful to one partner. Sometimes, the peacock is shown drinking from a vase. This symbolizes a christian drinking the waters of eternal life. In addition the " multitude of eyes" upon its stunningly beautiful fan tail, suggested the all seeing eye of God. Wherever I saw the symbol on the pilgrimage, it was associated with the Eucharist as it is in this photo of the stained glass window.

Mosaic floor in a church in Galilee where the multiplication of loaves and fish took place.

Top of one of the alter pieces in the Orthodox Church of Mary's Tomb in Jerusalem

where it is believed that she was assumed into heaven.

On our last day, we actually saw some real peacocks in Jericho.

And finally, we found prayer shawls with peacocks on them

 - a nice souvenir of our travels through the Holy Land.

Light of the World

This photo captures the sense of mystery. It was taken at the Dormition Abbey in Jerusalem.

Many Blessings!

My friend, Maria, at Castel Gandolfo to see Pope Benedict XVI. He will bless all our rosaries and other sacramentals!

Pilgrimage Silhouette

John was our guide on our pilgrimage in Italy in 2008. As we waited for permission to have Mass in this little church, I turned to see John's silhouette in the doorway. Outside, you can see someone in a car. Interesting symbolism here. Our faith prepares us for the journey - beginning with Baptism. The entire journey is a sort of pilgrimage. Notice the font on the left side of the doorway. In this Church is the body (without the head) of St. Catherine of Siena. Her head is in Florence, I think.

901 Main Street

Also taken in Telluride, Colorado, the rows of houses were often a series of various colors. The majority of these are rented out to tourists.

A Unique Flower Bed

 

Taken in Telluride, Colorado, this gives a whole new meaning to the term flower bed. I couldn't resist taking a picture.

Archtecture and Old Lace

Reflections often make an interesting photograph. This was taken in Macerata, Italy in 2008. Macerata is a quaint little city. Old government buildings are reflected off a window in the piazza. The contrast of angular structures with the curves in the lace is striking.

Blessed Are the Poor in Spirit

This photo was taken in Assisi, Italy outside a little church called Santa Maria sopra Minerva. The church was built at the site of a temple dedicated to the Roman goddess, Minerva. You can still see the ancient columns of the temple. The site is now dedicated to Our Lady. As I walked up the street, I saw this nun coming down the steps and thought it would make a great picture. I did not see the man in the shadows until later. There is lots of interest in this photo.

Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down his disciples came to him. And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying: "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. "Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. "Blessed are you when men revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so men persecuted the prophets who were before you. "You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trodden under foot by men. "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid. Nor do men light a lamp and put it under a bushel, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.  ~ Matthew 5:1-16

St. Peter's Square

St. Peter's Basilica in Rome - 2008

Chandelier

A chandelier and ballustrade in the Sheraton Gunter Hotel in San Antonio, TX

On a Summer's Eve

Taken from the top of the Drury Plaza Hotel in San Antonio, TX - on a Summer's Eve

San Juan Skyway

Only the telephone lines and house mar the landscape. The clouds in the sky were just beautiful! What a view!

Winter at Grand Teton

An aerial photo of my most favorite mountains - the Grand Tetons in Wyoming - caught out the window of the plane on a trip to be with my grandson on his 2nd birthday.

River Walk

Taken on the San Antonio River Walk on August 6, 2010.

Gateway into Peace

Taken in Williamsburg, VA at the governor's mansion.