The Art of Advent: An Adventure

Sundial

Advent 4

On the Fourth Sunday of Advent, I woke up quite late for me.  It was cold, the bed was warm, and it is the first time since I retired in 2018 that I actually slept in.  I had intended to go to church, but didn't make it.  However, my Sunday was very meaningful.

After delivering a few Christmas gifts, I made my way to the University of Mississippi in Oxford.  The campus was quiet; there were a few walkers out, but basically, it was a peaceful morning.  I went to campus to walk the Labyrinth.  

 The last time I walked the Labyrinth on campus was in 2017.  On Sunday, I couldn't remember the exact location and after walking around for a time, I met a very nice young woman who pointed me in the right direction--in fact, she walked with me to the Labyrinth.

Labyrinth on Ole Miss Campus

For many years, I have been drawn to the Labyrinth as a prayer tool.  "It is solved by walking," is a phrase attributed to St. Augustine.  The Labyrinth isn't a maze; it is a spiritual circle with a pattern for walking.  The circle has great significance in Native American and Celtic Cultures.  

The bricks of the Labyrinth have faded over time.  I had to pay attention to the pathway and concentrate on where I moved my feet.  As I walked, I found myself reflecting on what it means to follow Jesus.  How in my advancing years am I following? Am I following?  Advent has always been a journey in my life.  It is about "the already" and "the not yet."  We move through the Advent calendar making our way to Jesus' birthday--we wait for the celebration and feast.  But, also deeply embedded in this journey is the waiting for Jesus' return; the second coming.

Finding the Center

After carefully watching my steps, I made my way to the center.  I stayed there for a long time.  There is something womb like for me in the center of the Labyrinth--God's womb.  I thought of Mary: "My Soul magnifies the Lord, and my Spirit rejoice," she sang aloud!  As I stood in the center, I thought of birth and wondered what needs to be birthed in me.  Turning then in the four directions, South, West, North and then East, I reflected on the Hymn People, Look East. Such powerful lyrics:

"People, Look East. The time is near, of the crowning of the year.  Make your house fair as you are able. Trim the hearth and set the table. People, look East and sing today: Love, the guest, is on the way." Love in the infant Jesus; love in Jesus' return.

Slowly I moved my feet on the pathway as if it were a birth canal.  This Labyrinth fulfilled the definition of the Art of Advent; the Labyrinth filled me!  As I ended my time there, I felt as if I had been to church.  Renewed (and cold, because it was a cold day), I made my way back to the car to return home.  My adventure for this Advent has ended.  Once home, I knew my task was to continue to Look East...for Love is on the way!  Advent Blessings.  Merry Christmas!

I plan to return to the Labyrinth soon!

The Art of Advent: An Adventure

 

Oxford Postcard Mural

The Third week of Advent has moved very swiftly.  The Third Sunday of Advent is often referred to as Joy Sunday.  In many churches, a pink candle is illuminated as part of the growing light in Advent.

What a joy it has been this week traveling around Oxford.  It seems that each time I head downtown, I discover something new!  This mural isn't the easiest to find in Oxford.  It is called a postcard mural; each letter contains something special or significant to the town.  My favorite letter is the "R".  It is said to be a painting of Princess Hoka.  More about her below.

Gnome Homes

Around the Oxford Square, I discovered some cute little vignettes!  I didn't have time to discover all of them, but what JOY to see that someone brought a little Christmas Cheer to the Square.  As I left downtown, I did a little reflecting on these quaint Gnome Homes.  It made me think of Las Posadas, a celebration to count down the days until Christmas.

You can read more about Las Posadas here:

https://www.womansday.com/life/a46096313/las-posadas-traditions/

There are still many around the world who are searching for a home.  We must not forget to pray.

Princess Hoka Mural

In the past few months, I have visited the Mural of Princess Hoka many times.  It is in a bit of an odd spot, but very worth the time to find it.  Princess Hoka, as I have been told, was a Chickasaw woman who owned the land that became Oxford.  This mural captures my imagination!  It is exquisite.  The are aspects of Mary, the Mother of Jesus, that I see when I view this work of art.  As I learn more and more about the Oxford/Lafayette County area, I return to this image again and again!

Here is a link to learn more:

https://thedmonline.com/hokas-first-appearance-in-oxford/

Quilted art

A recent trip to the Lafayette County and Oxford Library was also great JOY.  Small quilt pieces were on display by local quilters.  Again it made me consider all those who wander this time of the year...it is cold.  A quilt helps to keep folks warm, but it is art in itself.  My eyes feasted with delight.  As an amateur quilter, I felt inspired to keep trying 

There is also plenty of whimsy around town!  Oxford is home to the Price Street Pig aka Frances Bacon.  As the seasons change, so does the Price Street Pig.  During football season, his owners provide a real photo op!  Of course, Frances is an Ole Miss Fan!

Price Street Pig

Round About Ornaments

Oxford is also home to many Round Abouts!  This year, I have noticed decorations in some of these spots around town.  Again, it is the addition of some JOY as we continue to journey toward Christmas.

Perhaps there's no art like Nature's art!  Each year during the late fall one of our blueberry bushes turns a brilliant shade of maroon/red.  I am always stunned by the color and it brings about the image of the Burning Bush.  We have been blessed over the last several years to have bumper crops of fruit!  It's as if it is aflame with abundance.  Great JOY.

Tomorrow is the Fourth Sunday of Advent.  How quickly these days move by.  My eyes continue to search for art that depicts an adventure.  The journey is helpful to remember that 1. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and 2. To see a work of art is to call forth a future.  That is part of the JOY of this Advent Adventure.

Thanks for joining me!

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The Art of Advent: An Adventure

A fantastic museum of treasures

 I realize that I am not much of a writer, but my visual sense of the world has really kicked in!  This week, I visited the University Museum at the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) in Oxford, Mississippi.  It was a very cold and blustery day out.  As I got out of my car and headed towards the front entrance, I noticed this incredible work of art entitled "Madre".  I was captivated by this work!  Here in the midst of my adventure, I found a work that deeply resonates with Advent and Christmas for me.  A Madonna and child; so timely for our world.  It brought to mind the many mothers and children around the world: Gaza, Ukraine, and even here in the U.S. I will visit this again and again.

Now I Lay Me Down

As I made my way through the Museum, I discovered the art of a M. B. Mayfield.  Originally from Ecru, Mississippi, I found his paintings brought back memories of my own childhood.  I did not grow up in Mississippi, but as a child, I visited my grandmothers and several great aunts and uncles numerous times.  These images from Mr. Mayfield reminded in particular of one of my great Aunt's home. 

The room looks so familiar. This Aunt insisted we pray at bedtime in the manner presented in this painting.  Made me smile.

Woman at the Well

Another M.B. Mayfield piece is called, "Woman at the Well."  Many of my Mississippi relatives used wells for their water.  This image again, captured me and found me reminiscing.  I vividly remember assisting another great aunt in drawing water from her well.  It was later used for my bath in a big wash pot!  Again, a grand memory, even as I remembered the chill of the water.  I am grateful for Mr. Mayfield's work.  His story is also quite interesting.   You can read more about his work here:

https://mississippifolklife.org/exhibits/an-artist-yet-the-possibility-of-mb-mayfield

The Museum also had a beautiful display of artwork from Central America.  A few pieces of seasonal art were included such as this beautiful piece

Peace on Earth to Beings of Good Will

This piece is by a famous Puerto Rican artist named Marta Perez. 

After a time of wandering through the Museum, I headed to the Gertrude C. Ford Center for the Performing Arts on campus to view the annual Holiday Village.  It is indeed a delight to the eyes and other senses.  My favorite Gingerbread House was based on Cajun Night Before Christmas. 

Amazing work by an amazing family!  A walk around the table that housed this piece brought a chuckle or two as I noticed the intricate and playful detail.  If you're in Oxford, it's worth your time. The Holiday Village is open until December 17. 

As I continue my adventure through this Advent season, I am grateful for visual images that help me to ponder this season.  These images help to recall days of my past and longings for my future.  More next time! Blessings. 

 

The Art of Advent:  An Adventure

John Lennon said, "Life is what happens while you're busy making other plans."  These words seem to be the theme of my life.  This week has had many turns and twists to it.  However, this Advent Adventure is on.

I live in Oxford, MS for those who don't know me.  It is home to the University of Mississippi (aka Ole Miss).  There are also some very special parks in Oxford.  This week, I visited Lamar Park.  You can learn more about the park at this link: https://www.oxfordms.net/lamar-park

Lamar Park is home to some interesting pieces of art.  There is a walking trail.  As I moved around the Park, I thought of Mary and Joseph as they traveled.  What did they see? What did they hear?  It was windy and cold the day I visited Lamar Park.  Advent was very present in my mind. I paused by a piece of artwork titled "I want to See." It moved me; how much we all want to See.  Advent is preparation for Christmas, but also a time for pondering the Second coming.  I want to See.

I want to See

 

Another piece of work found me lingering awhile and perhaps laughing a little too.  It is titled "Big Dreams."  Remembering the dreams of both Mary and Joseph.  And thinking of my own dreams.

Big Dreams

Phoenix

I spent a good deal of time viewing this yellow work titled "Phoenix."  

USA Monument

This statue stopped me in my tracks.  It is called "USA Monument." As I walked around this piece, I was moved.  Take a close look at this one; bombs on the bottom make the letter A, and at the top a knife and fork.  I likely spent a full 10 minutes or more viewing this one as I uttered aloud the word "extraordinary." I had a strong desire to sit with the sculptor of this piece to hear more about this work.

The Mounds in the distance

Continuing on my adventure in the park, I needed a bit of a rest.  As I sat on one of the many park benches, I let my eyes wander over the park.  I discovered the Mounds.  Several mounds are built in the park.  From a distance, I considered our ancestors.  Much of the land around Oxford, MS was inhabited by The Chickasaws, as I am learning.  My first thoughts drifted to Native Americans.  I later learned these Mounds were built for enjoyment.  It is an inviting space for children and others to climb, go sledding when it snows and of course play king of the hill.  As I walked closer to the Mounds, I felt a oneness with the earth.  It was a Holy Moment.

I left Lamar Park with a sense of this dual message of the season of Advent.  It is truly a journey as we wait and watch. Preparations are underway for the celebration of the birth of Jesus.  Very present to me this year is Jesus' return.  We live in the tension of the already and the not yet. However, leaving the news, being outdoors, feasting my eyes gave credence to this Art of Advent.  For me, it is quite an Adventure.  Thanks for joining me!

The Art of Advent: An Adventure

 A new liturgical year feels like a good time to start anew with my "almost forsaken" blog!  Happy New Year as we often say in the Church on the first Sunday of Advent.

Advent comes from a Latin word meaning "coming."  We await the coming of the infant Jesus; Christmas is a Birthday celebration. But Advent is also a time we ponder Jesus' return.  Advent is a season of expectation, of waiting.

Each year, I set out my little statue of Mary on a Donkey, with Joseph beside her.  Each day I move them around my house in a symbolic way of their journey to Bethlehem.   What an adventure.  One can only imagine their journey! But this year, I need a different experience than my usual Advent practices.  I will continue with prayer and reading. This year, however, I am going on an Adventure with Art.  To be sure, there are many great works of art that tell the Advent stories.  My Adventure is more about the Art in my (home) town.

Being a visual person and a visual learner, art has impacted my life in a multitude of ways.  Discovering the art around my town excites me.  What will I encounter?  What message will I receive?  Each week, I will visit a place nearby, take in the images and I hope to share them in this blog with you.  Journey with me.

And please, share your own Advent Adventure, too.

Oh the times, they are a changing

 

Changes in the wind....

It has been some time since I entered into this blog space.  Life has had many twists and turns, and more are coming.  In the midst of a record heat wave, I am learning how to do things differently.  Aging, too, brings new challenges.

My beloved Labyrinth is no longer serviceable for me; some health limitations have prevented me from keeping it free of grass and weeds.  I have abandoned my daily walk for prayer with this sacred space.  

But not all is lost.  I am in planning a painted labyrinth on my patio.  It will likely be quite simple, but the invitation to prayer will continue by the newness of a space.  There is much to be done to prepare and this hot weather isn't making it easy.

Likely, I will sketch out something in chalk and get myself acquainted with the new space.  The next steps will be preparing the space by a good cleaning and rearrangement of somethings that now occupy space on the patio.  In the fall, I hope to begin the process of painting for a more permanent labyrinth.

If you're reading this; thank you.  Perhaps I can begin writing again. Peace!

"Always, we begin again!" --St. Benedict

"It is solved by walking." St. Augustine

 

It's time....

Her story leapt off the page... the video cutting to the core of my being.  No name...only that she was an Asian woman, aged 65, in a brutal attack. Asian American woman beaten in Manhattan outside luxury condo building, police said - The Washington Post  I was stunned; still am! It was time to write on my blog again.

I have previously written that my husband and I tried to adopt a child from South Korea many years ago.  To sit back and watch Asian Americans and others of Asian descent be victimized is very, very difficult. We continue to wonder about a child that might have been a part of our family.   Why? Why, I ask myself again and again.  What motivates people to act out in such brutal ways?  What part of love one another do folks not understand?

Years ago, when our daughter was small, we enjoyed Family Nights.  There was generally a theme and we often used a book called Just Family Nights to set up our weekly events. 

I recall one "lesson" vividly, because I later used in in a Sunday School Class.  It was around the time of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday.  I selected red, green and brown M&M's, placed them in a bowl, and each family member drew out a few to examine.  On the outside, the candies looked very different, but on the inside each was the same.  This image sticks in my mind as I think about the rich mix of our American culture.  How simple the exercise; how complicated is today's response to those who are labeled "different; other."  I like variety...

The name of the Asian woman may never be known ( if you know it please share in the comments below), but I am thinking of her...thinking of how she will heal, how will she trust again, how will she love again.  Words from my mother come flooding back to me in this moment.  She once said, "Either we all need to learn to get along, or we will kill each other off."

Join me in prayer for this woman; and for the man who attacked her.  God knows who they are.