In a week, I’ll take off for Porto to start my walk on the Portuguese Coastal Camino. I’ve considered what I should carry beyond the necessities of clothing, medications, maps, and travel documents. I’ve felt a need for symbols that will anchor me in my purpose. For many years, the scallop shell has been the symbol for the Camino. It indicated that the pilgrim had completed their pilgrimage and arrived at the Tomb of St James in Santiago de Compostela. The shells were plentiful in that region of Galicia in Northwestern Spain. The vertical lines or groves have come to represent the various paths we walk that end at a common point, on the Camino, as well as in life. I’ve been partial to the shape of this shell since I was twenty-four and lived for a year in the coastal city of Wilmington. When I purchased this bookend, I had no idea that years later it would represent my pilgrimage on the Camino.

For my trip, the easiest way to carry my symbols is in charms on a necklace. That way I can see and feel those symbols with each step of my journey. I found a scallop charm that is specifically geared for the Camino with St. James in relief on the underside.

Pondering my 16 days on the path and three weeks away, I’ve thought about those I’m leaving behind. It’s hard to cross the threshold and set off on a journey without those who are dear, those you love. I’ll carry them in my heart and with that thought I bought a charm to represent them.

Perhaps the most basic fear of travel, especially to distant places, is worry about safety. As a woman traveling alone, this may be especially true. Back when I was in middle school, I saw my male cousins, and guys from my community, going off to serve in the Vietnam War. I remember some of them wearing St. Christopher pendants along with their dog tags. Later, I looked up St. Christopher and understood why he was a symbol carried by the soldiers; he’s the patron saint of safe travel. In reading about him, the legend is that he was a very tall and strong man who served Christ by helping travelers across a dangerous river. I’ll be crossing five rivers, without the same dangers as ancient times, but the journey may have other dangers, risks for me–as there are for all travelers. My St. Christopher charm will remind me of my prayer, and those that others’ are praying for me, that I’ll have a safe journey.

I took my three charms to my friend and owner of the Firefly store, Melanie https://firefly-carrboro.myshopify.com and told her about my trip. Together, we chose a chain that was durable for wearing and had an older look to speak to the ancient pilgrim’s path. I was so pleased with how they came together and have started wearing them on training days, reminding myself of what each charm symbolizes.

You’ll see me wearing this in my pictures from the Camino.

For me, this journey on the Camino feels like an experience that will be a benchmark in my life; I don’t know how; it will be revealed, it will unfold in the walking. I do feel a shift in my ability to focus on my writing and that includes reaching out to readers through my social media.

To that end, I’m now relaunching my Facebook writing business page where you’ll find all things related to my writing at Author Connie Rosser Riddle. I plan to start posting video clips there mid-week on a regular basis and more often when I’m on the Camino and other journeys. I plan to post my first video this Wednesday.

Please help me out by following and liking my page at https://www.facebook.com/connierosserriddle55

I appreciate your ongoing support.

Best to you,

Connie