A year ago, I was in Porto, Portugal in the days before I'd step onto the Portuguese Coastal Path of the Camino. I'd had the dream of walking the Camino for twelve years, since I'd seen the movie The Way. That desire had been pushed down and other journeys had filled my life until it … Continue reading Camino Journey: Kairos Time
being a grandparent
The Gifts of Reading
This year I've had the joy of reading to my younger grandson, Parks and his Pre-K class. Next week he'll graduate in preparation for entering Kindergarten at the end of August. I've watched him grow over the past year, with increased concentration and ability to sit and listen without interrupting -- waiting to raise his … Continue reading The Gifts of Reading
For the Love of Mama and Puppies
On this weekend when we celebrate our mothers, I'm remembering Mama and some of what made her special. Mama was born in 1923 and lived on a farm where all the animals were kept outside. Her family had cows, pigs, chickens, mules, barn cats -- and likely, a collie dog -- which would have been … Continue reading For the Love of Mama and Puppies
Dealing with the Seasons of Life
This has been a season of stark contrast between life and death. During the past month, I spent time with my boyfriend, Chris and his family as they took care of his father during his last days. The atmosphere of that somber time was accentuated by the Erie, Pennsylvania weather -- cold, overcast, blowing rain, … Continue reading Dealing with the Seasons of Life
Love and Light at Easter
On this Good Friday, I'm thinking back over the years of my family's traditions at Easter. In reading my post Easter Past, Easter Present written in April of 2019, I recall the days around this special holiday when I was a girl. I noted that as much as we all loved Christmas, there were things I … Continue reading Love and Light at Easter
HUGS FOR FREE: A Crazy Idea?
It was in June of 2023 -- not long after the pandemic lockdown. I was in Charlottesville, Virginia with a friend walking around the downtown area. It was a casual Saturday, people eating brunch at the sidewalk tables and browsing the crafted goods of artisans. Heading for a coffee shop, I almost ran into a … Continue reading HUGS FOR FREE: A Crazy Idea?
Invitation to a New Year
This is my Birthday Eve. At 2:10 a.m. I'll roll over into a new year and a new decade of my life. I've been preparing for this, reading and pondering what it means to be seventy. The book that's been most instructive is Ageless Soul: The Lifelong Journey Toward Meaning & Joy by Thomas Moore … Continue reading Invitation to a New Year
Intentional New Year
This week has been a time of reflecting on 2024 and preparing to step into 2025. In searching for a new way to review the year and create goals for the next 12 months, I searched the internet including podcast sites I've previously found helpful. The one that appealed to me was Mel Robbins' "How … Continue reading Intentional New Year
Letting Christmas Go
I sit at my dining table looking out at my patio garden that is bare--except for the scattering of leaves I need to rake. Birds fly to my feeder, grateful that I just loaded it with a rich blend of seeds and peanuts, something to suit the taste of multiple species and the squirrel who … Continue reading Letting Christmas Go
Shoring Up Our Joy
Over the past week, I've done two things that brought me joy. Storing up good things in my internal well helps to balance out the sadness of grief--that I spoke of last week in my post Struggling During the Holidays: Hope for Depression. Yesterday, I took lunch to my cousin. Growing up, she was like an … Continue reading Shoring Up Our Joy
Connie Rosser Riddle 