Hidden Glimmers

Hidden Glimmers: Weaving Contemplative Photography and Haiku Art Exhibit Reception

Janet NeurauterArt exhibits, Poetry 1 Comment

In Holy Wisdom’s new art exhibit, local photographer Sandy Wojtal-Weber and poet David McKee bring their individual work together in a very personal way. Knowing each other since the early 1990s, the collaboration was inevitable. Hidden Glimmers will feature 23 of Sandy’s photographs enhanced by David’s haiku. “We are of the same mind,” they said. “We simply use different mediums.” “For me, it’s all about paying attention,” said Sandy. “The world lets me in and my eyes and mind are in the same place at the same time. With my lens I capture the stillness. It takes my breath away.” …

The Genesis of the Sonata Art Exhibit

Holy Wisdom MonasteryBenedictine Bridge, Main, Poetry Leave a Comment

Our Sonata exhibit artists gather to proof and critique each other’s work (L-R: Gregory Bleck, Donna Carnes, Blair Mathews, Kent Sweitzer) Last autumn, I discovered that one of our neighbors and biggest fans, Donna Carnes, was involved with an art exhibit at the Pyle Center on the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus. The exhibit featured her poetry, paired with poetic works by Blair Mathews, matched up with watercolor paintings by a local artist. I had never met Blair before, but quickly discovered that he is well-known in various circles at the university through his career as a fitness instructor and poet, …

In Winter Stillness

Michael BelongiePoetry Leave a Comment

Barren of leaves, the oaks, maples and elms offer capillary silhouettes on the horizon. In winter stillness. the saps, although sluggish, are accruing resolve for budding. Starkness of the trunks and limbs broach extravagance, both symmetry and asymmetry, in this cold and contrast. The rooting ball in each anchors these crowns, laid bare; we are to stay the course. Michael Belongie has dedicated his fifth collection of 52 poems, Now is All We Have, to Benedictine Women of Madison. Michael and his wife, Jane, have donated the proceeds from the book to the new monastery building at Holy Wisdom Monastery. 

A New Song

Holy Wisdom MonasteryPoetry 4 Comments

Out here you listen to bells   rain   birdsong you listen to snow falling in the pinewoods hum of bees in the tall prairie flowers footsteps, footsteps walking to prayer. Wind rustles a field of big bluestem, a heron cuts across the sky— there is a pulse in everything ordinary; a rhythm to the hours; night and day and night and day; there are hints, everywhere, of Presence. Out here the ear of the heart opens to wisdom: live close to the earth, care for the land, order your days by the seasons. Out here the ear of the …