Sabătica “Unplugged” at The New York Botanical Garden {4.7.18}

March 10, 2018March 31, 2018Leave a comment

There is something rather soothing and reviving with being surrounded by beauty and vibrant colors, especially after months of Winter. I don’t know about you but I’m excited about Spring and everything it brings along — warmer weather, flowers, time outside — and can’t think of a better way to kickstart the season and slow down then with a day at the New York Botanical Garden.

NYBG Cuban Orchid Show

Please join us Saturday, April 7th as we do just that. We will hop on the train in Stamford and head to the NYBG for a day of fun adventure and beautiful time of rest, including:

– Private Guided Tour of this year’s Orchid Show

– All-garden pass

– Lunch

– Meditation & Reflection

All for $80, excluding transportation

Our private tour starts at 11:00 am and we’ll need to arrive at the garden no later than 10:45am. Please consider and plan your departure time accordingly! For your convenience, we are also working on providing transportation options; please check back in for any update.

There is still time — reserve your spot TODAY!

Thank you for slowing down and pursuing beauty with us. We look forward to seeing you at the NYBG. Remember to wear your comfortable shoes, invite a friend and bring your camera!

Selah,

Christine

Photo Credit: C. Dorvil

“Beauty and grace are performed whether or not we will or sense them.

The least we can do is try to be there.”

— Annie Dillard

SABĂTICA FOCUS ON: Barbara Boland, Master Gardener

May 9, 2016May 11, 2016Leave a comment

Five years ago I returned to the East Coast from the Hollywood Hills after living there for 20 years.

Yes, the climate is very different in California and the gardening is without truly defined seasons. But as a gardener, I truly missed the drama of seasonal changes as they occur here. Here one becomes more aware of the passage of time. Birdsong in spring feeds my soul.

I have photographed extensively in the Southwest – ancient Native American sites such as Canyon de Chelly, and Chaco Canyon – as well as in Italy in the ruins of the Villa dei Misterie in Pompeii.

The mystery in places such as these elude analytical thinking. They are history, but become alive on some level in my poetic mind as I photograph, explore and research.

As as florist, I wonder – what is it of flowers that provides an aesthetic protection? The elegance of garden roses emitting their fragrance of ’real’ roses. The richness of an armful of foraged flowering branches or wildflowers. The simplicity of a flower floating on water. Protection and delight as a part of our lives.

Barbara Boland
Certified Advanced Master Gardener, UConn 2015
M.A. / NYU – Photography
Instagram : barbarabolandflowers

We are excited and honored to have Barbara Boland join us on June 4th as we kick-off the Wellness Initiative at the Bartlett Arboretum where she will not only stimulate our creativity with her workshop on floral arrangement but also help us understand how flowers can affect our mood and overall wellness. An experience not to be missed!

Sabătica Supper No. 1

February 20, 2016May 20, 20161 Comment

Despite the cold, windy, below zero degree weather, eight brave friends came out to join our very first Sabătica Supper – for me, it was a night to remember! We cooked together, laughed, sang and got acquainted with one another. Old friends got to catch up and new friends were made. As the hostess of Supper No. 1, I felt an overwhelming sense of joy as I looked around and observed how engaged, unreserved and happy everyone was. In that singular gathering, many nations were represented namely the United States, Haiti, Peru, Mexico, Venezuela and Italy; thus bringing to life a long-time dream of opening my home and table to the world. Above all, as I watched everyone kick off their shoes and put their worries aside for those few hours; as I subsequently hear comments about the Supper bringing relief to someone’s depression and a well needed break to an exhausted mom, I am overtaken by a deep sense of gratitude to have had the opportunity to witness, on day one, Sabătica’s mandate to facilitate immediate respite and to encourage a life of joy, lived in the now. [SS No.1 – 02.13.16]

Awakening to Majestic Wonder…

November 2, 2015Leave a comment

While driving on the Merritt/Route 15 the other day, I couldn’t help but be in awe of the beautiful tapestry that was all around me. The parkway was lined up with those tall, majestic, colorful trees – of different sizes, shapes and shades of green, yellow, red, orange. I couldn’t help but be grateful for such abundance of beauty and soul remedy — available to me, to us at the blink of an eye and free of charge or the need to wait in line. At some point, I wanted to stop the car, to stop time and stand still – to take it all in and to capture it in a picture. My heart was overtaken by God’s unmatched provision for our innate and deepest longing for beauty, peace and wonder.

Photo: MassDrive

I was reminded of King David’s amazement when he uttered, “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky proclaims the work of His hands;” and of Paul who wrote, “For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made…”

So friends, as you walk or drive around, be awakened to God’s marvelous gifts to you and which are all around. Turn every corner with a sense of wonder. Stop, pay attention to the little things. Take it all in. Allow the beautiful fall colors to tickle your soul and to remind you that life is now – in the whistle of the falling leaves, in the brisk morning air, in this very moment.

Sola gratia,
Christine