Author Archives: sbpeterman

In Honor of All Saint’s Day

Posted on November 17, 2012 by sbpeterman

All Saint’s and All Soul’s days were celebrated a couple of weeks ago.  (I forget the difference between the two and just know that it is a time to honor the dead.)  But how to engage with the memory of … Continue reading →

Posted in Spirituality, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Fourth Week of Lent

Posted on March 20, 2012 by sbpeterman

Gratitude—essential to the spiritual life.  Easy enough for splendid things like the arrival of Spring.  Azaleas, those bushes of background evergreen, now grab the spotlight in blazing fuchsia and white.  Daylight stretches into evening, finding more bounce than trudge in … Continue reading →

Posted in Gratitude, Lent, Philosophy, Spirituality | Comments Off on Fourth Week of Lent

Third Week of Lent

Posted on March 13, 2012 by sbpeterman

“No plan” and “No word” and, it seems, “No one else”.  These past couple of years I have had more solitude than not.  Quite a bit different from having children at home: soccer games, open houses, and family dinners at … Continue reading →

Posted in Lent, Philosophy, Spirituality | Comments Off on Third Week of Lent

Second Week of Lent

Posted on March 4, 2012 by sbpeterman

At the start of this year, I decided it was time for a plan.  After all, don’t gardeners ponder seed catalogs while fields are empty and cold?  Nothing too restrictive, just an arrow or two pointing the way, or at least … Continue reading →

Posted in Lent, Philosophy, Spirituality | Comments Off on Second Week of Lent

First Week of Lent

Posted on February 29, 2012 by sbpeterman

Lent.  A Christian season about practice, not creed.  Belief in the virgin birth matters not.  No, Lent only asks for the belief that a change in routine—taking on or abstaining—will crack open life.  And that it be done with intent … Continue reading →

Posted in Lent, Philosophy, Spirituality | Comments Off on First Week of Lent

Autumn

Posted on October 23, 2011 by sbpeterman

Re-entry has been more difficult than first supposed.   Like newly purchased bed sheets fresh out of the package, then shaken, washed, and used, my life cannot get folded tightly enough to return to its original envelope.    With those new sheets, … Continue reading →

Posted in Philosophy, Spirituality | Comments Off on Autumn

Souvenirs

Posted on October 3, 2011 by sbpeterman

Jacques, an gold-orange kitten from the litter at le Mas de Salel, meows and meows at me, his round, blue-green eyes fixed on mine.  Ah, he is hungry again!  We are getting to know each other as this winsome Averyon … Continue reading →

Posted in France, Philosophy, Spirituality, Travel | Comments Off on Souvenirs

Erratum and Not

Posted on September 29, 2011 by sbpeterman

My last full day in France.  It was hard not to be anxious about making it count.  The day unfolded into a bicycle ride to say good-by to a few favorite spots.  A stop and wave to the Russian Church, … Continue reading →

Posted in France, Philosophy, Spirituality, Travel | Comments Off on Erratum and Not

Getting to the Meaning

Posted on September 28, 2011 by sbpeterman

The Cathedral of Saint Cecilia in Albi is a massive, simple structure of brick.  The multiple small towers and long, narrow windows add to the look, which is more like a fortress than a church.  Stepping inside, every surface is … Continue reading →

Posted in France, Philosophy, Spirituality, Travel | Comments Off on Getting to the Meaning

Discoveries

Posted on September 27, 2011 by sbpeterman

I set off on the main trail from Le Mas de Salel to walk 20 minutes and then turn around, returning by lunch.  It was on the way back that I saw it, just to the side of the trail: … Continue reading →

Posted in France, Philosophy, Spirituality, Travel | Comments Off on Discoveries