This is the time of year when I'm usually planning my upcoming solo journey. I've found that the best guide is my energy and my interest. Finally, I've realized that my body will tell me what's best when it comes to my energy level. When I've pushed against that in the past, insisting that I … Continue reading Mini Solo Journey: The Thing That’s Calling You
creativity
Lessons learned by a Drop Out Knitter
Years ago I entered a phase of intense experimenting with different crafts and arts. I'd held in my creative urges when I was raising my boys -- given I had so little time for anything after work. Once my sons were in high school and more independent, able to drive themselves to their activities, I … Continue reading Lessons learned by a Drop Out Knitter
2025: One Big Goal
Last week I ushered in 2025 with the post Intentional New Year. I described my use of a new inventory to evaluate 2024 that I'd found on the Mel Robbin's podcast. Reviewing my answers to that tool, I started thinking about what I wanted to accomplish this year. I realized that completing the Camino journey … Continue reading 2025: One Big Goal
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
The White Christmas of Childhood
Christmas is a season of remembering. The older we become the more we work to recall those earliest memories that have grown fuzzy and faded over time. As I watched the local evening news this week, every night included the weatherman's predictions for snow and if we'd have a White Christmas in central North Carolina. … Continue reading The White Christmas of Childhood
Artist’s Residency: A Gift of Grace
This summer heat has reminded me of 2016 when my solo journey was two weeks at an artist's residency. I applied and was accepted to Artcroft https://artcroft.org a sixty-six acre Kentucky farm and working space for artists of various mediums. The application was lengthy and required several references. Not only would I work on a … Continue reading Artist’s Residency: A Gift of Grace
Internal Pilgrimage: Plunging into Mystery
In the last two posts, I've explored aspects of the internal pilgrimage that we're all walking using Christine Walter's Paintner's gifts of embracing doubt. ( p112, Ch. 7, "The Practice of Embracing the Unknown" The Soul of a Pilgrim: Eight Practices for the Journey Within ) When thinking about mystery, I considered why it is … Continue reading Internal Pilgrimage: Plunging into Mystery
Cycle of Life: A Time to Plant
We're almost to mid-April and the official end of the threat of frost in central North Carolina. My grandmother consulted the Farmer's Almanac for advice on planting and now I consult with my Master Gardener, Brother-in-Law, Winslow. He recommends putting things in the ground after April 15th. To prepare for planting, I bought my seed … Continue reading Cycle of Life: A Time to Plant
Happy 400th Post!
This is the 400th post on this blog that started in May of 2017. When I began, I wasn't thinking too far into the future; it was just a response to the advice given at a writers' conference. The general consensus was writers needed a platform and having samples of your work on a blog … Continue reading Happy 400th Post!
The Gift of Time: Precious Moments with a Child
At Christmas, one of the things I gave each grandson was an "event with Grammy." This followed from asking my son, Brooks for suggestions on what to buy his boys. Brooks responded, "Give them a special time one-on-one with you." There are days during the year that I have time with each one alone--when they're … Continue reading The Gift of Time: Precious Moments with a Child
Connie Rosser Riddle 