Two years ago as I neared the end of my Camino journey, I felt a mix of relief and sadness. I'd carried the dream of walking that pilgrim path for 12 years. When I accomplished that goal, there would be an absence in my life, a dream that had been realized. I'd also be relieved … Continue reading To Realize a Dream: Arrival in Santiago
Camino
Camino Remembered: Vigo to Pontevedra
Two years ago, I was well into my journey walking the Portuguese Coastal Camino. I look back at the Blessing for Departing Pilgrims that I received from my support group back in North Carolina -- American Pilgrims on the Camino, Raleigh Chapter. "May you find companionship on the way and guidance at the crossroads." On … Continue reading Camino Remembered: Vigo to Pontevedra
Walking the Camino: A Transformative Journey
On August 10, 2024, I stepped onto the Camino path north of Porto, I was glad that 8-mile day would be along the Atlantic with dazzling views of the water. At first it was surreal that I was actually walking the Camino -- something I'd had in my heart to do since 2012. For months … Continue reading Walking the Camino: A Transformative Journey
Camino Journey: The Gifts of Being Present
Lately, I've been remembering back to one day of my solo journey in August of 2024 on the Camino. I started that trip in Porto, Portugal and covered 158 miles in 14 days in order to reach the Cathedral in Santiago, Spain. On my third day, with the goal of walking 16-miles of that Portuguese … Continue reading Camino Journey: The Gifts of Being Present
New Year’s Goals: Finding New Strategies
We're over three-quarters through January and I'm looking back at how I entered this new year. In my post 2026: Focus on New Year’s Being, I was feeling residual restlessness, an irritated spirit from what had been a long holiday season. The most important thing was to check my anxious thoughts, my "immediate sensitivity" and become … Continue reading New Year’s Goals: Finding New Strategies
Walking a Path of Faith
This Sunday will mark the second in the season of Advent and the Faith candle will be lit. For me, the Christmas story of Mary and Joseph on their sojourn to Bethlehem, is mostly a story of faith. The practical reason for this trip was to pay taxes. But the overarching story is to fulfill … Continue reading Walking a Path of Faith
Sheltering Trees
It's finally feeling like fall in central North Carolina. The temperatures are going to dip down to the upper 40s tonight. I love jacket weather and feel energized by a chill in the air--compared to the lingering heat and humidity that has been so oppressive. In a few weeks, I'll be heading to the mountains … Continue reading Sheltering Trees
Surrendering to the Seasons of Life
Last year in August when I walked on the Portuguese Coastal Path of the Camino, I was amazed that there were flowers blooming that are at their peak in spring and summer in North Carolina. I was surprised to find a pumpkin growing on a garden fence which we'd typically see in September. In that … Continue reading Surrendering to the Seasons of Life
Camino Journey: Opening the Door
It was a year ago when I completed my journey on the Portuguese Coastal Path of the Camino. In reliving those fourteen days, I've looked back at my pictures, journal entries, and printed pages of maps and directions. Throughout my travel in Portugal and Spain, like on other trips, I was fascinated by doors and … Continue reading Camino Journey: Opening the Door
Camino Journey: Kairos Time
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
Connie Rosser Riddle 