Featured What Are Your Goals For 2020?

@Vintage Maven , I considered the same in my younger years. I did a lot of research, went to convents and monasteries and met the most fantastic people. There were also monastics in my family and acquaintances.
My interest was the Carmelite order, for the contemplation, the sense of beauty in and around us, and the sense of humour. For that last part, read stories about st Teresa of Avila. St John of the Cross is still my favourite mystic.

I finally decided my health just wasn't good enough for that kind of life, and certain church doctrines were in conflict with my conscience and convictions. I have always been a spiritual person, but to me spirituality and organized religion don't necessarily have to go together.
I went on to study theology, specializing in Mysticism, Shamanism and medical ethics. My final degree was in Shamanism, a direction which allows for personal mysticism, and for syncretism (incorporating different faiths). It is also the spirituality of my Indonesian ancestors, and the one I grew up with alongside Catholicism.
I worked as a spiritual therapist for a while, until that became too strenuous for my health.

I don't know which denomination you are thinking of, or which order. Many orders have third orders, lay people who commit to the teachings of the main order. I know several third order Carmelites and Franciscans who do wonderful work in their communities.

 

@Any Jewelry I thank you so very much for relating your choices, and experience. If I should have any further questions for you, considering your background and education, I hope I may be able to ask. Very Sincerely, Maven

 

I sincerely thank you Greg, I am also grateful for your kind sentiment, and other words of wisdom. ❤️Maven

 

You can pm me any time.
Remember, every path is a journey, you don't have to be perfect to embark on any journey. And you can make a different choice if your insights change. Being happy also helps make the world a better place.
You are the only one who knows your heart, and you are the only one who can follow it.

 

I thank you. ❤️Maven

 

My goal is simple, steal an early american piece of furniture.
So far, it's not looking good in previews so far released by americana week sales.
Last year i did well, i stole an early table with killer provenance.
Sometimes you eat the bear, sometimes the bear eats you........

 

Good luck with that James!

 

To achieve that goal you may need to watch Ocean's 11 for inspiration. James will be the SWAT leader loading up the van with furniture in the museum's loading bay and then calmly driving away into the sunset! Roll credits.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ocean's_Eleven

 

I will need luck this year, for sure, there are no deep pocketed collectors this year with large furniture collections like there was last year with DOZENS of early pieces.
So far, i only see 1 piece, a friggin baby cradle, uhhhhhhhhhhhhh noooooooooo
There are still a couple previews to go so, hope springs eternal!
C. 1685, Baby Cradle

 

Nahh, watch Ocean's 8 ...steal the jewels....buy the furniture !!!!

 

@Vintage Maven ....you may be petite...but you've got a big heart !

We don't all get to choose where we wish to go in life.....and for many , the direction is not always promising..
If you find your calling , and can pursue it....more power to you !!



You could even start a Nuns hockey team....


There is a lot Nuns can do in this brave new world..!!

 

Maven, many Blessings for however your vocation finally winds up! You've always sounded so pure of heart on this site, I'm sure that whatever you eventually choose, you will be successful at and bring joy to all you encounter!!

 

Awe @komokwa Thank You, you are a very sweet man, very kind, all who know you must think the same as well. ❤️Maven


(P.S. I might be the one pictured with the smartphone lol)

 

@Aquitaine That is so nice of you to say, with your kindness, you just brought ME joy. ❤️Maven

 

I spent time again part of the day today with the sisters at St Benedict’s in discussion, vocational etc. Seems my creative abilities as a photographer would be an asset as well. I would also eventually be an “outgoing” and welcoming benefit to some events at the retreat centre as well. I would be the youngest woman they currently have potentially entering there, so my options, and educational opportunities are very open. They are certainly pleased with me, they all have such amazing backgrounds. I am truly inspired by that alone. I will be taking much advice/direction from the vocational director, she said there would be some trial and error should I commit fully. I will also have much reading and more reflection to do. I am up late, tired, but yet excited with a million thoughts in my head. I also wonder about the Apostolic approach as a means of service in the community, there is so much to think about. ❤️Maven

 

I can imagine that. Many orders here have artist members, and photography is also part of communicating their intentions.

They usually have, sometimes late callings after an interesting life. Which makes their choice even more interesting. There is a lot of life experience and wisdom to be found among monastics.

Take good care of yourself though, especially after being ill so much. Have you tried selfheal tea? Selfheal is a herb, and it can do wonders to boost your resistance.

 

I will @Any Jewelry And thank you for your advice, truly appreciated. Another vocation I’ve studied and inquired about, is the Apostolic Sisters, (Sister Servants of Mary Immaculate) as a means of being more “highly active in the community”, and there is an element of flexibility, but still with the values and vows. There are some very big considerations ahead for me in early 2020. I am excited about choosing my path ahead. ❤️Maven

 

Maven was there any one life event that shifted your focus towards this path? Not to pry but this is a pretty drastic change from your current lifestyle. Will you be moving far from your current place of residence? How is your family taking this?

I was watching a program on the Mayo Clinic on PBS last night and was impressed by the compassion of the sisters who served as nurses for the early hospital and whom put their own objectives aside to serve.

 

@Joe2007 You are not prying at all. I will try to answer as honestly as it will allow. I have always gone about my life trying to stay true to interests of my heart, expression as a photographer has certainly been one of them. But, I have always felt a sense of other purpose, and have considered becoming a nun in the past, so it is not a spur of the moment thought. I guess I’ve reached a maturity in my life where I can truly feel this is what I want, some people have the strength to commit at a young age. I grew up in a family of means, and my life/lifestyle may have distracted me from some true callings. But life experience eventually gets you on the path you are meant to be on. I can stay in the city I am currently in to carry out the vocation I desire to pursue, my family, when I spoke of my decision have been supportive, they are always there for me no matter which direction I choose. I think that’s what makes it so much easier, and better. I grew up with much love, now I can truly give love and understanding to others in a committed, and compassionate sense of serving those around me. ❤️Maven

 

@Joe2007 P.S. I just got off the phone with a vocational sister from a local Apostolic order regarding some inquiries I made. We had the most interesting discussion about recruitment, and retention of sisters, it was explained there is somewhat a “progressive approach” with this order, in today’s world environment. It sounds like I can certainly live outside the order, but still strong belief in adherence to vows of obedience, chastity, service etc. While we spoke, she got a sense that I would be a good fit, I agreed. There would be a period of association etc, but it sounded like it would go swiftly. I will meet with her next week, for further face to face question, and discussion. ❤️Maven