It's been three years since I was preparing for my first solo journey abroad-- my trip to Iona, Scotland. I wondered then how my week-long retreat at The Abbey, an ancient pilgrimage site, would impact me later. Our theme for the week, "The Pilgrimage of Life" had been part of what drew me. Throughout those … Continue reading Iona: Three Years Later
Solo journeys
Out of Sorts: Restoring Balance to Our Lives
One of the blessings that's come out of the pandemic is that I have more leisurely phone conversations with family and friends. I refer to them as 'phone visits' because they're more than brief calls with the assumption you'll talk later in person; you share that space like you're sitting down to a delicious meal. … Continue reading Out of Sorts: Restoring Balance to Our Lives
Worth the Wait: Continuing in The Gap
For months I've been navigating across the rocks in the river of The Gap-- that place between the Old Life and arrival at the bank of the other side where you cross into the New Life; Looking back I'm amazed at all that God has brought me through. When you've had to be focused on … Continue reading Worth the Wait: Continuing in The Gap
Author to Author and Heart to Heart
Over the first half of this year, I spent many hours going through items in our old house. During one of those days in early April, I came across a collection of poems written by Ernie Ruckert, a man I'd met at my church. He and his wife, Ginnie were two of the first people … Continue reading Author to Author and Heart to Heart
Virtual Vermont: Staycation Solo Journey
This week I continued to rest in the coolness on that rock in the river of change-- trying to escape the brutal heat and humidity of late July. I continued to allow myself to just follow my energy and give my mind and body the needed time and space to heal. To combat the heat, I … Continue reading Virtual Vermont: Staycation Solo Journey
Finding a Place to Rest
Yesterday my apartment began to feel more like home. My younger son, Ross came over to put up my pictures and then After Hours Geek arrived to mount my television to the wall. It's been two weeks since I've seen any programs, and I've missed more than anything the morning news shows. Often I've had … Continue reading Finding a Place to Rest
Morsels of Hope on the New Path
Last week I stepped across two more rocks in the river of The Gap; the first was moving to my new home and second was closing on our house. These were exhausting, yet invigorating, accomplishments that were reminders of God's faithfulness in helping me to move forward on my new solo path. On the morning … Continue reading Morsels of Hope on the New Path
Independence Day
Today our country celebrates Independence Day. It's not a typical year of the crowd-gathering festivals and celebrations, but there'll be plenty of backyard barbecues and meals with family and friends. We take time to remember how our country earned its freedom and recognize that many men and women have sacrificed to maintain the liberties we … Continue reading Independence Day
Gathering Energy for the Journey
This week I continued to navigate my life through The Gap--a period between the Ending of my life as I knew it and the Beginning that awaits. In looking at that stream pictured in last week's blog, I think that perhaps I need to spend some time sitting on one of those rocks. Crossing over … Continue reading Gathering Energy for the Journey
Released from Quarantine: Return to Joy
Last week I was able to come out of my fourteen-day quarantine that kept me from caring for my grandson, Baker. It resulted from being in the nursing home with my mother the last two days of her life. While she didn't have COVID-19, nor did any other residents, my son and daughter-in-law felt it … Continue reading Released from Quarantine: Return to Joy
Connie Rosser Riddle 