Springtime on S. Ellis Ave.
Our backyard has turned into a colorful springtime wonderland. The birds chirp long into the twilight, bright indigo flowers and lime green grass coat the corners of our yard, and we even have a pair of ducks that quack at our bird feeder. The trees are thick with just-blooming buds of pink and green and white.
And with the flowers and rain come reminders of newness, of possibilities, of good things coming in our community, individual lives, and beyond. During the past few months, we had our first backyard bonfire of the year, hosted a Lenten collage night and our first retreat, welcomed guests, and continued to share stories and laughter and food at our community dinners (they happen every Tuesday and Thursday at 6pm—you’re always welcome!)
I (Cassidy) have lived in Chicago now for almost 8 months. This city has grown on me in ways I did not anticipate, but I dare say—I love it here. The other day I read a Thomas Merton quote that I think speaks to what we are trying to do here at The Fireplace: offer rest and space to be in this city that we love, with all its grungy and holy chaos.
“Although we know no hills, no country rivers,
Here in the jungles of our water pipes and iron ladders,
Our thoughts are quieter than rivers,
Our loves are simpler than the trees,
Our prayers deeper than the sea.” —Thomas Merton
Enjoy these photos from the past few months! And hope you can join us for upcoming events :)
—Cassidy
collage night was so fun!!
Sister Angele led some “Painting from the Heart” days here. Here she is with Sophie!
from our first retreat, led by Sister Julia and Leslie on the theme of beauty and brokenness. Here they are doing a Kintsugi activity!
cupcakes before Taize in Oak Park!
spring cleaning with Leslie
on a fearless mission to find an Irish pub
Cristian and Sister Angele!
