I hadn't seen Paula in six years. How did we go that long after years of spending so much time together? She and her husband, David had been my friends since I met them at Evergreen Church when my sons were in high school. They helped with the youth group and David was also one … Continue reading Hike Over Bluff Mountain: Friendship Continued
dancing
The Camino is Calling
This past week was my third of training for the journey I want to take next June. I was talking with my younger son, Ross and described my travel plan. I told him I'd written a blog post and referred to taking a journey with more walking than I've ever done. Then I confessed, "I'm … Continue reading The Camino is Calling
Late Bloomers
I've been to two 50th High School Reunions in the past month: mine and John's, my boyfriend. Before each, I've looked at the annuals for our senior year. There were so many similarities in that any page of class pictures looked very much alike because we shared common hair and clothing styles in 1973. Like … Continue reading Late Bloomers
Feeling Fragile: Finding a Network of Support
Over the past week, there were three consecutive days when I felt the fragility of life, the impact of growing older. On Tuesday night, I went to the Blues Jam at the Blue Note Grill in Durham. I've been going there to dance since last November. Over that time, I've found the people to be … Continue reading Feeling Fragile: Finding a Network of Support
Changing Seasons of Our Lives
This is Memorial Day Weekend. Our US Flags are flying, honoring those who have provided military service for our country, and remembering those who sacrificed their lives. Many people are taking their first summer vacations. It's been a rainy, chilly three days in central North Carolina. Mostly a good time for leisurely reading and afternoon … Continue reading Changing Seasons of Our Lives
Herons on the Shoreline
It's the first of April and springtime is apparent everywhere with dogwoods in full bloom, tulips and irises at their peak, and new buds making the trees look like a study in green. I'm waiting on the bluebirds to come to their new house and feeder in my garden area, but so far, only cardinals … Continue reading Herons on the Shoreline
Hidden Dreams: Hidden Selves
I'm at an age where many people are downsizing and cleaning out their homes. Some folks are taking care of their parents' or older relatives' estates. At times, it's an overwhelming task, with so many decisions to make-- some items easy to discard and others with sentimental value that must be saved. As hard as … Continue reading Hidden Dreams: Hidden Selves
A Journey in Joy
Over the past few weeks, I've had rich conversations with several friends about finding the artist within. Since many in my age group are retired, it's natural that they have more time to focus on creativity. Sometimes people hesitate to speak of themselves as being "creatives"--- as if that's a designation for only a select … Continue reading A Journey in Joy
Planning Your Next Pilgrimage
For twenty years I was a school nurse. Though I've been retired from that position for over five years, I still find myself following the rhythm of the school year. By this time, with the holiday stretch from Thanksgiving through the MLK Holiday weekend, the reality of winter and the long road to Spring break … Continue reading Planning Your Next Pilgrimage
Riding a New Carousel
Stepping into the fog of this new year, things felt a bit off-kilter for me, like I couldn't quite settle down after my move and the holidays-- still thinking there's "one more thing" I need to get done. But the thing I most needed to do was spend time yesterday with my younger grandson, Parks. … Continue reading Riding a New Carousel