Sr. Connie's Photo Album



In addition to her professional skills as an educator, spiritual director, and facilitator, Sr. Connie is also a talented and avid photographer.  Her photos of the house and grounds, people, animals, and activities at the Priory capture its wonderful essence.

Click on any image below for a slide show of Sr. Connie's photos:

 

Winter Peace- The new fallen snow offers irresistible stillness and beckons you out for a walk in the crisp, clear air after a snowstorm. Down our tree-lined drive or on the wooded cross country ski trails, winter peace is easy to find here at the PrioryCallie Cat-Coming to us as an abused stray in Fall 08, Callie was so frightened by humans that we never saw her except at mealtimes. She has been transformed into a friendly, cuddly, and fat friend. What a wonderful example of God's love giving new lifeHello, Spring! These joyful harbingers of spring appear in the yard by the statue of St. Joseph. They pierce the winter-hardened earth, greeting us with their delicate blossoms. We note their message of grace in finding inner strength despite fragility.Awaiting the Garden- How fortunate for these daffodils to have such an interesting still life companion in this empty metal tub. We are reminded that we are all vessels waiting to be filled during each season of our spirit-filled journey of life.
Made It to the Top- When hiking companions reached the end of the Indian Head Trail in Keene Valley, NY they took off their boots and sprawled out on this rock in the warm sun and gasped at the view. Nature offers us fine rewards for our efforts.Water Dog-At nearby Indian Lake our vivacious black lab, Moira was interested in a duck or bird (note her curled up tail) and forgot the tennis ball she was retrieving. What fun it is to take such delight in whatever surprise comes next in life!Priory in Summer-Sun drenches the Priory in a heavy, warm stillness, graciously broken by the slightest breeze through the pines. If we listen, we can hear how God speaks to us in so many ways, sometimes just in the silence of waiting.Air Meets Water- Usually playful, this mother loon on Pyramid Lake sprang into action to protect her baby (like a gray rock near her right wing) from a kayaker. Parenthood poses its challenging moments, but Nature has a way of keeping the balance.
Serenity from Above-New gravel paths in the perennial gardens in Fall 09 gently lead the visitor to this instant and serene retreat, as seen from the second floor loft in the Priory.Shout Out to Autumn- Sr. Connie spotted this bright red leaf just lying among the dead leaves of late fall out in the yard. It stands as a reminder that in the midst of letting go of the world around us, there is bright and new beauty to be found.Harvest Treasures-Master Gardener Sr. Fran created this display of treasures from the garden and the greenhouse to greet visitors at the entrance to the kitchen. There are always ways to celebrate the joy of ending one season before entering a new one.