A Personal Introduction
When I was five years old, I fell madly in love with God and discovered the sacredness of the mystical realm through the Catholic Church where I attended school. The love affair continues today.
My life and writing are informed by the stories of the saints, the early Christian feminine mystics, the medieval Beguine movement, and sacred feminine wisdom. European cathedrals and monasteries, labyrinths, the Rosary, nature, and illuminated manuscripts…nourish my spirit and inspire my pen.
In 2008, I was ordained in Asemwald, Germany as the first Roman Catholic woman bishop in North America (now retired). I served in ministry as a hospice chaplain, pastoral associate, spiritual director, and in recent years as the foundress of Belle Cœur Sisterhood, a contemplative and creative, global sisterhood. I am a member The Association of Roman Catholic Women Priests and an instructor at People’s Catholic Seminary.
In the early 1990’s I experienced a mystical vision of a 13th Century sisterhood of women in medieval France that inspired my first novel, Ink and Honey. The book was named the 2013, Independent Publishers Illuminations Book Award, Gold Medal Winner for General Fiction. A new 2nd Edition of Ink and Honey is available in hardcover, paperback and ebook versions.
My spiritual guidebook, The Way of Belle Coeur: A Woman’s Vade Mecum, offers prayers, journal reflections, practices, and inspiration for women seeking the sacred in daily life. In 2013, I was inspired to found the Sisterhood of Belle Cœur, a contemplative, spiritual, and creative community. If you wish to complete an application for the Belle Cœur Sisterhood Formation Program please go here.
I am a passionate seeker and pilgrim. The value of sacred journeys inspired me to lead several pilgrimages to Chartres Cathedral in France. The value of ancient mystical wisdom and the merging of spirituality and creative expression with everyday life are central influences for my online courses and writing.
As the mother of two adult children and a grandmother, I pray for the future of our planet and her people. I have hope that the challenging times we are living in will become a catalyst for a renewed spiritual and creative renaissance.
My husband and I make our home in the Heartland of the United States, where we continue to enjoy our fifty plus years of life together. I spend my days following the movement of the Spirit, writing, slow-stitching, and seeking answers to life’s questions.
Thank you for visiting my site. I send you blessings as you journey inwardly and outwardly.
Postscript: A few personal notes:
I adore rainy, foggy, chilly days.
My favorite season is autumn.
I prefer to write a first draft by hand in the pages of my journal.
I live by monastic hours…Early to bed (9:00 p.m.) and early to rise (4 a.m.).
Candles burn in my workspace throughout the day.
I am passionate for all things French.
Slow-stitching by hand centers my spirit.
There’s nothing like a new journal (Paper Blanks) to inspire my creativity.
Uni-ball Signo pen, black ink, bold is my favorite writing tool.
My favorite films include: Girl with a Pearl Earring, The Hours, Doubt, Antonia’s Line, The Godfather, the list is long and diverse.
Classical music, especially Chopin and Eryk Satie, as well as, Gregorian Chant are my soundtracks.
Authors that inspire me include: Tracy Chevalier, Alice Hoffman, Kristin Hannah, Louisa May Alcott, Jane Austen, and on and on and on…
A Mediterranean diet works best for me.
The Jesus Prayer is my mantra.
Advent is my favorite liturgical season.
Acorns, doorways, labyrinths and spirals are my symbols.
Knitting and a passion for fiber arts, threads, embroidery, and crochet give me joy.
As a long-time student of iconography, I hold a deep appreciation for sacred icons.
Earl Grey tea with honey in the morning, or a cappuccino…and a glass or two of Pinot Noir in the evening enrich the day.
Quiet evenings at home with friends/family are always a blessing.
In a previous life, I’m sure I was a nun in medieval France.
The Rosary is my lifeline.