There have been moments this week when I've felt overwhelmed, vulnerable. Mostly those times come when I'm tired, spent from doing too much or not sleeping well. While I make an effort to look at life from a positive point of view, when I'm tired, that all falls apart. That was the case last Tuesday … Continue reading Encourage One Another
taking risks
Solo Journey: Walking Lavender Fields
When I was in my forties, I took my first classes in visual art. I never selected them as electives in high school because I thought only certain people can do art. Those people included my close friend, Donna who excelled in that area and was always chosen by the teachers to do the classroom … Continue reading Solo Journey: Walking Lavender Fields
Choosing Freedom
As we've moved past our July 4th Independence Day in the US, I'm reminded that we're now into the second half of 2025. During the first half of this year, I've found myself learning how to relax in the flow of life. Through most of my years, I've been a planner, goal-setter, and daydreamer about … Continue reading Choosing Freedom
Solo Journeys: Riding the Rails
Over the last few days, I've had train travel on my mind. I've been working on my sequel memoir, writing about the summer of 2015. That year, for the first time, I went by Amtrak on my solo journey. The summer before, I'd had my longest road trip ever to northern Michigan and it would … Continue reading Solo Journeys: Riding the Rails
Camino Journey: The Friends We Carry
Lately, I've found myself reminiscing about my Camino journey last August, 2024 and scrolling through the many photos on my phone. Those fourteen days of walking were so full of new sights and the steady demand of covering miles each day to reach my lodging. I'm thankful that I wrote notes every night about the … Continue reading Camino Journey: The Friends We Carry
Planting Seeds: Allowing the Space for a Slow Process
This morning I spaded holes in my patio garden for the six sunflower plants that survived being washed out from downpours. I bought a third packet of seeds, determined that this year I'd have enough of the tall ones to stand watch at the back of the garden and small ones in front to cut … Continue reading Planting Seeds: Allowing the Space for a Slow Process
Mini Solo Journey: The Thing That’s Calling You
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
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
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?
The Joys of Getting Lost
I often lose my way on my Solo Journeys. Sometimes it's been due to problems with technology while traveling. Last August when I walked the Portuguese Coastal Path of the Camino, I had problems with my apps. Two hours before I completed my 158 mile journey, I discovered that I'd failed to have my internet … Continue reading The Joys of Getting Lost
Connie Rosser Riddle 