31 Days in which I Am Saved by Beauty - Day 22

Seemed like time for a survey, of sorts.

Only a very small one, of course.

And maybe not the last one in this series, either.

Today, I am traveling to northern California

for a spiritual directors' retreat

and will not have internet access until late tomorrow.

So here is just a small sampling of 

the ways in which I am saved by Beauty

in this life of mine.

Most of these reflect the wonder of the

natural world around us.

But there may be a few surprises here and there.

A cormorant, low over the water at Summerland Beach.

 A roadside stop on the way to San Luis Obispo.

 The best ice cream in three counties.

 The view from the Monastery of the Risen Christ, San Luis Obispo.

 Island view at sunset, Highway 101 near Gaviota.

 Goats-for-hire, clearing weeds near a winery in the Five Cities area.

 A variety of shore birds at the Goleta Slough.

 Looking down the coast from the slough.

Hay bales off O'Connor Road, SLO.

Stained glass on the north side of the sanctuary, Montecito Covenant Church.

"Beauty is one of the rare things that do not lead to doubt of God."

    -- Jean Anouilh

"You are as beautiful as your thoughts."

     -- Unknown

"The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched -- they must be felt with the heart."

      -- Helen Keller 

"Your beauty and love chase after me every day of my life. I'm back home in the house of God for the rest of my life."

      -- Psalm 23:5-6

Joining with a few friends as the week begins: