The Last Rose of Summer
September Newsletter
A Chara… [Dear Friend, in Irish],
I’m sorry it’s been so long. I’ve been beavering away on many things, making plans for the coming seasons, but I haven’t been in touch. I plan to write regularly again, now that summer is nearly over. See that lovely rose that bloomed last week? It may have been the last rose of summer. I know I should prune that long, winding climber, but I don’t quite have the heart. I want to give the LAST last rose a chance to bloom before winter really sets in. September isn’t over yet, and the sun’s out today.
I won’t write much now, but I want to share a few things I’ve been working on.
The first is - I have a new website! Please check it out (and let me know if you find any typos!) If you’ve been considering spiritual direction, there’s now a very easy way to book an appointment, even just to inquire.
And, the beautiful photo on the main page was taken by one of my retreat participants, John Anderson, on a morning prayer walk. Isn’t it lovely? Thank you, John (who’s also a Bless My Feet member).
Here’s the link to my website:
Over the summer, I offered four more Thoughts for the Day on BBC Ulster, if you have time for a quick listen:
Today is the last day of the early bird rate on the Resilient Spirit Pilgrimage to Ireland in April 2024. If you’ve been wavering about whether to come or not… today is your day! Book your place here:
Are you on Instagram? I’ve started a Bless My Feet account, where I’ll share glimpses on my daily walks on the north coast of Ireland. I’ve been posting short videos on my Facebook story for the past year, and it helps me to notice special moments every day. So I’ll be doing that on Instagram now, if you want to follow along at @blessmyfeetkyw
There’s a new podcast episode coming out imminently, with the one and only Pádraig Ó Tuama. Subscribe to the podcast to make sure you catch the episode as soon as it comes out!
And a question to ponder… what’s blooming in you, even as the seasons change around you?
Blessing for Our Journey
May the God who causes the rose to bloom
cause new and beautiful blooms in us
to rise up and emerge
and show themselves to the world,
even as the winds become sharp
and the days grow shorter
and the crisp air nudges us indoors
and inwards.
May our faces still seek the sun
to bask in the rays we can find,
and may that rose of who we are
grow and blossom
into its fullest, late season beauty.
Amen