Quiet days of August

These past two weeks, a lot of cleaning and repairing has been taking place in the guesthouse while we are without guests for the month of August. August is a good time for monks to go on vacation or family visits. This Sunday, Br. Ephrem is preaching and teaching at Bethesda Episcopal Church, in Saratoga Springs, NY.

On the last Sunday of July, Br. Randy organized one of his popular "Jazz Classes" in the St Augustine meeting room. We gather for an evening of enjoying a playlist curated by Br. Randy (with input from Br. John). We enjoy drinks and snacks and commenting on what we are hearing. This "class" focused on Cool jazz.

Cool jazz emerged in the late 1940s and hit its stride during the 1950s and 1960s, defined by a relaxed tempo, lighter tone, and sophisticated arrangements. Key artists of this style include: Miles Davis, Dave Brubeck, Chet Baker, Gerry Mulligan, Stan Getz, Bill Evans.

Jazz class. From top left, clockwise: saxophonist Gerry Mulligan; a resident buck near the enclosure; Br. Randy and Joshua Reinke, of NYC on the last week of his aspirant visit; Bros. Bruno, Raphael, Josép and Randy enjoying popcorn and jazz; trumpetist Miles Davis; Bros. John, Daniel and Bruno listening to cool jazz; the back of St Augustine church in the rising sun.

Br. Bernard took a week of vacation in Manhattan by the grace of friends who lent him their apartment while they were on their own summer vacation. Another generous friend treated him to a Metropolitan Museum pass. He took in a lot of exhibitions at the Met over four daily visits...

He visited the 9/11 Museum. He used to live near the World Trade Center when living in NYC (1998-2004). It took him 25 years to gather his courage and face this emotional experience. The museum is well worth visiting but intense. He also attended Evensong at the Cathedral of St John the Divine.

Br. Bernard's Manhattan vacation 1. From top left, clockwise: Central Park west: a mural art installatioon at the 9/11 museum; Jean Arp sculpture: The Visitation attributed to Meister Heinrich of Constance; "The Grief of the Pasha" by Jean-Léon Gérôme; "Bashi-Bazouk" by the same French painter; the Reservoir in Central Park looking west; Alberto Giacometti sculptures shown in the Temple of Dendur (two pictures).

 Br. Bernard's Manhattan vacation 2. From top left, clockwise: Axel Salto Royal Copenhagen stoneware; Richard Orpen self-portrait; Br. Bernard in front of the Cathedral of St John the Divine: Paul Cézanne "Laurette in a green robe"; evensong at St John the Divine; Willem de Kooning "Landscape at Stanton Street"; Osman Hamdi Bey "Man meditating of the Q'uran"

This past Tuesday, nine of us went on an excursion to the Center for Bioregional Living in Ellensville, NY. We got a tour of the premises that are managed along the precepts of permaculture. Andrew Faust was an enthusiastic and highly informative guide. Helped for fun by his goat sidekick, Jack.

 

Learning about permaculture. From top left, clockwise: Andrew Faust, permaculture designer with ovine friend Jack; Andrew showing us one of the permaculture buildings on his property; Andrew second from left and Bros. Raphael, Will, Bernard, Jacob, John, Daniel, postulant Jeff and Br. Josép: tomato sandwich with heirloom tomato from Br. Jacob's vegetable garden: Jack the goat "weeding."

We hope you are enjoying the graces of the season.

Peace and every good to you.