Mindful Moments in Photography

Walking with my camera is one of my favorite ways to relax. Cares and concerns vanish as I am caught up in the wonder of raindrops on a leaf or the way a path winds through the woods.

I invite you to enjoy the gift of imagination by reflecting on photos that stand out. What stirs within as you gaze? Maybe close your eyes and remember the crashing sound of ocean waves, spring air alive with lilacs, or soft cool grass tickling your feet.

My desire and prayer is that these photos will inspire you to be mindful and captivated with the beauty of ordinary life.

(Most of these photos were taken with my Canon EOS R100. It's a basic beginner's camera, and I am grateful.)

Photography by Mary Catherine Meirink

Ahhh! This photo from Scotland looks like me!

Another amazing moment! Autumn 2021 looking into the courtyard of The Conservatory on Main Street

This guy paid a visit while I was on our deck 🦉 July 22, 2023

This lovely creature was nestled in the branches at Faust Park. November 7, 2023

Morning walk in the fog at Prayer Mountain of the Ozarks

I have to say, this photo is probably my number one favorite. There is nothing quite like the silence that settles in with the snow. Faust Park in Chesterfield, MO 2019

A pleasant memory on a bitter cold day. Snowflakes decorated my car window like artwork at a gallery. ❄️ photo taken on January 24, 2025

A quiet moment while I was surrounded by crowds and polka music in Hermann, MO

Walkway leading to the St. Louis Planetarium in Forest Park.

These yellow berries had something' to say! I still laugh when I remember this "ordinary" tree bursting with yellow berries at Faust Park on an early December day. I was joyfully startled when I saw them hanging out at the park. It's like they were waiting for someone to stop and notice them. Well... notice them I did! Ha!

The Chapel at Selah (Autumn Retreat 2019)

My Lilacs 🤗 I'm pretty sure this is what Heaven smells like.

Psalm 65:8 You make the sunrise and the sunset sing for joy. (Lake of the Ozarks with Jack)

Nydia, the Blind Flower Girl of Pompeii / sculpture by Randolph Rogers / photo taken at the St. Louis Art Museum

This lovely greeted me while on a quiet walk before ladies arrived for our Autumn Retreat.

A not so ordinary roof of an outdoor chapel on retreat ✞

Sweeeet! Look who showed up while I was resting on a church bench.

When is the last time you gazed at the clouds and just imagined? (Sunrise view from my deck. July 12, 2024)

Another favorite. The old Ursaline Academy in Arcadia, MO.

I prefer home grown wildflowers in a jar over store bought bouquets in a fancy vase. July 4, 2025 Black Eyed Susans from our garden.

"The day the Lord created hope was probably the same day he created Spring." Bernard Williams

The grounds of Daniel Boone's home in Defiance, MO

Standing in line for the London Eye. I need to get a colorful umbrella!

The morning fog swirled in the breeze and offered this magical moment. 🍁 September 30, 2022 Weldon Spring, MO

I grew up in the city and often dreamed of what it might be like to live in a place like this. Photo from Oklahoma May 8, 2025

Same rock ✨ Different view / We have this treasure in earthen vessels that the greatness of the power might be of God and not of ourselves

And yet one more. How incredible to watch the moon rise above the trees. I am so glad I got my camera.

Quiet reflection before the Women's Retreat at Todd Hall Retreat Center

That's not glitter. It's the dew of Heaven. Summer 2021

How many stories lie behind this door waiting to be told. England July 2025

"But Jesus would often go to some place where he could be alone and pray." Luke 5:16 Contemporary English Translation (photo from Collinsville, OK May 8, 2025)

Time in California with my daughter before our Retreat

Same tree 🌿 Different View (Weldon Spring, MO)

Reflections of a rainy day. My bird bath at Home Sweet Home

winter wonderland outside our deck door. February 16, 2024

The Lord's mercies are new every morning (Faust Park 2020)

October 2024. I left earlier than normal for work and was surprised by the morning's hello. Let's just say I was Not early for work as planned. I stayed here and drank in the moment. Sometimes... work needs to be work. This day... the moment needed to be the moment.

Samuel Clemens (Mark Twain) owned these books and glasses! Hannibal, MO

Saint Paul Cathedral in London July 2025

FLOURISH, verb intransitive flur'ish. [Latin floresco, from floreo. The primary sense is to open, expand, enlarge, or to shoot out, as in glory, Latin ploro.] from Websters 1828 Dictionary

I passed this old General Store in Dutzow on the way to take photos at the riverfront in Washington, MO. I turned my car around and came back because it caught my eye. I was totally surprised as this hay truck came from behind and passed in front right as I snapped the photo. I guess, sometimes, the best things happen while we are on the way to where we are going. I'm glad I stopped to notice. (ps, I did take a few photos at Washington but, this was my favorite.) May 31, 2025

An outdoor pulpit on an Fall day stirred distant memories of forgotten dreams now lying at my feet 🍁Behold the Dream Giver ✝︎ Behold New Life ❀ Autumn Retreat 2022

This is one of my favorite memories. Check out my post titled, A Visit With The Guard

A heart remains where a branch was broken ♡

Misty morning prayer time before ladies arrived for our Autumn Retreat 2024.

Take a wild guess where I captured this moment. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 What emotions or memories get stirred as you recall listening to bagpipes?

Spring 2019 Concordia Seminary in St Louis, MO at a seminar with my fellow chaplains

A Chapel in a Scottish Castle. There were so many castles. I have lost track. I'll get back when I figure it out. :)

This moment is thought provoking... Collinsville, OK May 8, 2025

Todd Hall Retreat Center in Columbia, IL

Memories in dried flowers and wicker baskets

Adorned with praise 🪴Soul Shepherding Retreat

I wish I could remember which cathedral this was in. The colors are amazing

A rainy Spring day at Concordia Seminary St. Louis, MO 2019 a seminar with our CPE Chaplains

Faith & Writing Workshop ✝︎ Concordia Seminary St. Louis, MO

I am unashamedly a thrift store shopper. Scotland!

"If you want to change the world, pick up your pen and write." Martin Luther + Faith and Writing Workshop 2023

Selah Retreat Center in Arcadia, MO. This is the entrance to the first Women's Retreat that I had the honor of hosting. We had 20 ladies from 12 Christ centered churches. I am so deeply grateful.

Ah! Faust Park in Chesterfield, MO. This would have been easy to pass by had I not been looking for beauty

a view while boating underneath the London Bridge - of course!

This happy guy oversees the courtyard of the Crown Jewels

I love this memory of a quiet walk on a Chaplain retreat. This was the season when I discovered the joy of capturing moments through photography. In case you're wondering, Yes! I did swing on the swing with hair flying in autumn's air. I'll stop lest I swing into full-blown sappy poetry. 🍁

Rising Dawn & Setting Moon (San Clemente)

What was life like for those who worked in this old barn located at Faust Park... I gazed through this window and imagined

I love small towns. Columbia, IL - Can you smell the laundromat and taste the Dr. P?

Faust Park in Chesterfield, MO during Covid. The flowers obviously did not know the park was closed 🙂

Guardian of the Nest💙Bluebirds returned to nest more babies! Guardian perches nearby ready to swoop anyone who approaches. Don't even mess with Mama!

Mercy Retreat Center in St, Louis, MO. It is yet another retreat with my CPE Chaplain group. It snowed the next day!

Waze led me down a wrong gravel road. It sure was pretty though 😊

Freshly cut roses on my freshly painted fireplace mantle.

My first business card for Hope Conversations, LLC * I am so grateful to God Who helped me step out in faith.

beautiful... this reminds me of a peacock spreading her feathers 😁

Ladies Day Out at Long Row Lavender May 1, 2025

Saint Paul's Cathedral in London July 2025

Call me nerdy or whatever, but I love early morning fog

All creation radiates the beauty of the Lord

Outside Daniel Boone's House in Defiance, MO

Anne of Green Gables vibe at Faust Park Nov 2025