Oops I missed a day yesterday in the haiku Heights challenge as I had a dreadful migraine and could not face the computer. However all well today so am sneaking both in together!
Island Haiku
In Ladoga Sea
Russia’s rejected lived, on
Old Valaam Island
I visited Russian Karelia and Finland in 2001 on a tour of Monasteries and Orthodox Churches when I was studying Icons. It was a totally wonderul trip and I saw some magnificent sights. We stayed at the new Valaam monastery where there is a brilliant iconographer. I learned a lot from him. We also visited the Old Valaam Monastery which is on an island in lake Ladoga. In 2001 the island was a sad and menacing place. The monastery and cathedral were badly damage; with lots of deliberate damage from its troubled past and natural damage from the severe weather. In times past Russia’s disabled soldiers and rejected people, many suffering awful physical and mental problems were sent to this island. They were virtually abandoned there, isolated from the rest of the world and had to fend for themselves as best they could. They had no love for the buildings or the faith of the few monks left there and lived in abject poverty and squalor.
I am thrilled to say that the monastic community is now thriving and the buildings are restored. The website http://valaam.ru is just wonderful and will tell you all about the history of this special ancient place. There is also a wonderful picture gallery so do look at it if you have time.
As I mentioned I am very interested in Icons and I loved to travel and take photographs or collect pictures of old icons. My favourites are the Marian or Theotokos (Bearer of God) ones, and I have a collection from all over the world. It fascinates me that every culture has their own take on the Mother of God and I have black ones, Chinese ones, and even an Indian squaw one from a reservation in NW Canada. There seems to be a deep need in every culture to revere a mother figure so that is what my next Haiku reflects:~
Lights haiku
She lights up my life
Motherhood epitomised,
My icon, my rock.
Beautiful post. Your blog caption caught my attention and I saw the quote: “words are sacred. they deserve respect…”. It reminded me of a previous post that you might like to see. http://teeceecounsel.wordpress.com/2012/04/19/words-mean-much/
Keep up the good work and leave smiles on the world.
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Thank you, I will check out the blog you recommend!
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Thanks much. Keep up the good work.
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Indeed, She is capable of lighting up the receptive life!
Three Lights
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She certainly does mine! I have been to Lourdes many times and always feel very close to her.
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incredible post and thoughts..love the details. motherhood is divine,
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Thank you, I agree, motherhood is wonderful and a great blessing x
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sweet tribe.
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Thank you x
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Wonderful set and unique take on the prompt. Thank you for the background info.
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You are welcome x I enjoyed writing it this morning while sitting at my daughter’s house waiting for a bed to be delivered. A lovely rest x
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Beautiful haiku set. Your process note is classic. Had never known about the island. It’s not just informative but educational too. Thanks for sharing Brenda!
Hank
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Oh I am so pleased you liked my post. I love researching and remembering stuff for my posts. The theme words just set me off and I am kept enthralled for hours!
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