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The weekend
Apr. 19th, 2004 03:50 pmI went out early saturday morning to take some pictures of the retreat center grounds before morning prayer, just after the sun came up. It was a beautiful morning--the sun was out, but there were clouds in the west. Everything was covered with dew.
It is such a peaceful place. Fifty acres of secluded woods and gardens, isolated from the suburban sprawl that surrounds it. After four years, I have begun to recognize the rhythms of the place--when things bloom or change colors, where the sun hits at a particular time of day in a certain season. I will miss being there as often as I have been.
The grounds are maintained by a gardener named Rafael. He is a joy to talk to--he can tell you about almost every plant and tree. His pride and joy are the roses--about 30 plants bordering one of the drives. Such a variety of colors and smells!
When I was there a month ago, the bushes were just beginning to show buds. This time, they were in full bloom. I took dozens of pictures as the morning sun hit them; the light reflecting off the dew still sitting on the petals. It is in these moments that I feel most at peace. I will miss spending time here. I will go back periodically, to be sure, but it will never be the same.
It is such a peaceful place. Fifty acres of secluded woods and gardens, isolated from the suburban sprawl that surrounds it. After four years, I have begun to recognize the rhythms of the place--when things bloom or change colors, where the sun hits at a particular time of day in a certain season. I will miss being there as often as I have been.
The grounds are maintained by a gardener named Rafael. He is a joy to talk to--he can tell you about almost every plant and tree. His pride and joy are the roses--about 30 plants bordering one of the drives. Such a variety of colors and smells!
When I was there a month ago, the bushes were just beginning to show buds. This time, they were in full bloom. I took dozens of pictures as the morning sun hit them; the light reflecting off the dew still sitting on the petals. It is in these moments that I feel most at peace. I will miss spending time here. I will go back periodically, to be sure, but it will never be the same.
