Let me introduce my dear friend, Carla Pineda, writer, retreat leader and certified spiritual director – and, lucky for me, assistant manager at Viva Bookstore, one of my favorite places to visit. We were talking the other day about the upcoming Sacred Ground exhibit, and I asked her to tell us about some of the books she’s bringing on Sunday to celebrate the art exhibit, the new Cathedral Park Meditation Walk, and the empowering partnership between the visual arts and the literary arts. (Speaking of partnerships, Carla and I have some great ideas for exciting events at the Studio – stay tuned.) Here’s Carla! . . . . . . . . . . .

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I am so excited about the Sacred Ground Art Show at Bishop Jones Center this Sunday.

Scouting the shelves here at Viva Bookstore for books to bring to the show has been so much fun.  I’ve found ones that speak of landscape, creation, beauty, prayer ,and the elements. The words water, wind, earth, and fire, pilgrimage and thoughtful gardening grace the covers of books I’m bringing.  One of my favorite books this year is entitled, “Bright Wings: An Illustrated Anthology of Poems about Birds.”   It’s about more than birds.  I think birds are poets we often miss listening to and I wonder how many different bird voices fill the skies around the sacred ground of Jones Center.   “Nature as Spiritual Practice” is a book I haven’t read but just the idea of “practicing” nature makes me want to give it a try.  I think I’ll do a little practicing on Sunday.  Another title, “The Solace of Fierce Landscapes: Exploring Desert and Mountain Spirituality” is one of my favorite books.  Yes, I know Jones Center isn’t desert or mountain but I wonder if, in the past, before the city grew up around it, and before it became what it is today, if those who settled here didn’t feel it as fierce.  So, on Sunday I’m going to listen, walk, explore and experience this special place, its history and the gifts of talented artists.  Hope to see you there!  And, course, I’ll have books!