A Freeper Odyssey: New Skete Monastery

Self ^ | 12/15/08 | Joe 6-pack

[Joe 6-pack]

One of the monks noted my Louisiana license plate and remarked that I'd come a long way. Indeed I had.

[Joe 6-pack]

Dedicated to the Brothers and Sisters of New Skete who welcomed a wayfaring stranger.

[Kimmers]

This about the 5th time I have read this and I enjoy the mental journey every time....you are a gifted and humble writer my friend.

[xcamel]

One of the great hidden gems of what otherwise is a pretty dismal state.
Down the road is some of the best cheesecake (NewSkeet Nuns) that you will ever have in your life.

Enjoy your pup (if you're getting one). I used to raise Romanian White Shepherds, but the bloodlines were getting so poor, I gave up trying to get new stock.
The Monks provided a wealth of information and technique, for which I will be forever grateful.

[Joe 6-pack]

LOL. This *gifted* writer corrected a lot of his inital errors, and in doing so probably unleashed a whole pack of new ones.

[AnAmericanMother]

Still a splendid story.

NYer, ping the Catholics please!

[Faith65]

Thank you for sharing!

Dogs make life much sweeter!

[TheMom]

Wonderful story. Thanks for sharing.

[BnBlFlag]

A great story, Joe. Too bad you couldn’t have taken a puppy with you.

[Radl]

Great story and great pictures! It made me think about the time I visited my son at college. He had a boxer. While sitting at the table I noticed a book that was severely chewed up. I can’t remember the title but it had something to do with dog training. Needless to say it didn’t work.

[swordfishtrombone]

Beautiful imagery; earnest writing... very cool

[TASMANIANRED]

Pinging lovers of beauty, Monasteries and fine animals.

[TASMANIANRED]

Wonderful job.

You were called there in more ways than one.

Had it not been for the winter storm your experience would have been different. You were blessed.

[Joe 6-pack]

You’re not the only one who’s made that observation, and it’s one with which I can’t disagree.

[TASMANIANRED]

I’m just in awe, everything from the etheral quality of the day to having the place to yourself with the Monks and the dogs.

I’m praying that the “hole in your heart” where a dog used to be is healing.

[Gator113]

I can not thank you enough for what you have done.

[Joe 6-pack]

Thanks again for the sentiments and the encouragement. The monks guide that master to use their dog as a touchstone or doorway to relate to all creation, and by learning, or at least striving to view life through the eyes and psyche of another creature, we get outside ourselves and enhance our relationships with our fellow man.

Our society has lost sight of the virtuosity of humility, which simply means a groundedness and ability to observe and accept one's proper place in the big picture...Timber was a big part of me, but as the monks write:

"Do the bonds of relationship extend beyond this life? We have no proof, one way or another. But there is a depth to our experience that awakens faith, faith that in the mysterious character of life ultimately nothing of real value will ever be lost. Our closest relationships, both with humans and with dogs, somehow point beyond themselves, leading us to hope that there is indeed something of the eternal present in them."

I think there's a good chance I'll be seeing my Timber again :-)

[SumProVita]

This is THE most beautiful thing I’ve read in a long time...

(Monks are awesome. Dogs are awesome. Monks and dogs....must be heaven. ;-) )

[IrishCatholic]

THANKS for the wonderful thread!

[TASMANIANRED]

Dogs in specific but pets in general help us become more truly human.

People that cannot love a pet have something lacking.

My best friend as a kid was a GS. I told her secrets that I'd never tell a human and she just looked at me with those warm accepting eyes.

The total acceptance and trust that a dog gives back to you is golden.