“To know God is to love many things.” -Vincent van Gogh
I am a writer, process theologian, andretired minister who loves many things: a good cup of tea, theology, philosophy, cats, trees, Rilke, Mary Oliver, Alexander McCall Smith, Bach, the Beatles, classical guitar–and, of course, Vincent van Gogh.
I also love learning about different cultures and ways to preserve the planet’s health and beauty. Living on the coast of Ecuador for five years instilled in me a deep appreciation for the beauty of diversity, both in people and in nature. Residing next to an old-world fishing village, ensconced in the wild natural surroundings of the dry tropical forest, I wrote not only about Beauty (with a Capital “B”), but also about broadening our souls for the sake of the world (Fat Soul Philosophy). The gist of it: A fat soul is a beautiful soul!
Beautiful ideas inspire me. My favorite philosopher, Alfred North Whitehead, thought of God not as an all-powerful king in the sky, but rather as the “poet of the world.” This concept rocked my world as a philosophy grad student. My first “process” book was Embracing a Beautiful God (2003). Since then, I have continued to plumb the depths of beauty in both fiction and nonfiction as an important aspect of theology — as well as a spiritual value that lures us toward creation care for the sake of future generations.
I have led retreats and conferences on beauty, process, and the spiritual life — both in the US and Canada — including online courses with The Cobb Institute and Spirituality & Practice. (Over the past few years, I have transitioned to primarily Zoom presentations.)
I am not a tea drinker and thoroughly enjoyed both The Metaphor Maker and Fat Soul Friday’s …in its blog format. For the first time in a long time, I had to actually READ…to think, to ponder. I now have a few snippets of your work I carry in my iPad, my take-away’s from the lessons your characters learned that were meaningful to me. Can’t wait for what comes next! Sarah
I just had the pleasure of reading “The Metaphor Maker,” (don’t know why it took me so long to discover it!) and I recommend it to anyone who reads this. Patricia’s novel is a wonderful piece of art full of interesting characters, philosophy, and events. It touched my heart and soul–and memories. This novel will particularly resonate with women who grew up in the 1960s and 70s. Can’t wait for “Fat Soul Fridays!” I also visit the website JJB — http://www.jesusjazzbuddhism.org/ — and read Patricia’s essays–she is a feature writer for the website and I have become an avid fan–she is a wise woman with a beautiful heart. Thank you, Patricia
Amiga, you are too modest! How have I missed this site? it’s beautiful, and internet willing (ja!) and if the ocean ‘don’t’ rise, I look forward to reading every word!
Z
Bergamot fragrance waifs scentfully throughout the pages with a mysterious agenda that draws one forward into this soft world of good will, attractive dreamers and not so obvious outcomes. I like the atmosphere created in the tea shop and can smell the salty taste of the nearby sea. Very good story telling from a beautiful Oklahoma gal !
This is PJ Anderson. I remember meeting, speaking to, and having tea with you. A lot has happened over the years and yes we both are published ministers and ordained ministers. You kind of know my story, but since the last time we met a lot more has happened. Feel free to contact me any time 210-430-3947 or the Email below.
Patricia Adams Farmer 
I am not a tea drinker and thoroughly enjoyed both The Metaphor Maker and Fat Soul Friday’s …in its blog format. For the first time in a long time, I had to actually READ…to think, to ponder. I now have a few snippets of your work I carry in my iPad, my take-away’s from the lessons your characters learned that were meaningful to me. Can’t wait for what comes next! Sarah
Oh, I can’t wait to get Fat!
I just had the pleasure of reading “The Metaphor Maker,” (don’t know why it took me so long to discover it!) and I recommend it to anyone who reads this. Patricia’s novel is a wonderful piece of art full of interesting characters, philosophy, and events. It touched my heart and soul–and memories. This novel will particularly resonate with women who grew up in the 1960s and 70s. Can’t wait for “Fat Soul Fridays!” I also visit the website JJB — http://www.jesusjazzbuddhism.org/ — and read Patricia’s essays–she is a feature writer for the website and I have become an avid fan–she is a wise woman with a beautiful heart. Thank you, Patricia
Amiga, you are too modest! How have I missed this site? it’s beautiful, and internet willing (ja!) and if the ocean ‘don’t’ rise, I look forward to reading every word!
Z
Bergamot fragrance waifs scentfully throughout the pages with a mysterious agenda that draws one forward into this soft world of good will, attractive dreamers and not so obvious outcomes. I like the atmosphere created in the tea shop and can smell the salty taste of the nearby sea. Very good story telling from a beautiful Oklahoma gal !
This is PJ Anderson. I remember meeting, speaking to, and having tea with you. A lot has happened over the years and yes we both are published ministers and ordained ministers. You kind of know my story, but since the last time we met a lot more has happened. Feel free to contact me any time 210-430-3947 or the Email below.