We've now entered Advent--- as it's called in the Christian Calendar, that time of waiting for the birth of the Messiah. And for others, who may not be steeped in the Christian tradition but celebrate the season, it's also a special time of memories and meaning. As much as popular and traditional songs celebrate this … Continue reading Christmas Time: Loss and Longing
taking risks
Hike Over Bluff Mountain: Friendship Continued
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
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
Planning for Pilgrimage: Can I Do It?
Last week I talked with my friend, Judy about her recent trip with the Road Scholars to South Dakota. She's gone on multiple treks with that group that offers educational and recreationally challenging experiences for those over the age of 50. The last trip Judy had taken was right before the lockdown from Covid in … Continue reading Planning for Pilgrimage: Can I Do It?
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
Summertime
Of my forty-four years in nursing, twenty were as a school nurse---mostly with 6th, 7th, and 8th graders. I will always remember early June as a busy and exciting time. We staff, were just trying to finish up the school year and anticipating the summer break. I knew it would take weeks to recover from … Continue reading Summertime
Walking a Pilgrim’s Path
Last week I talked with my friend who had exciting news. She's leaving on Friday with a travel partner to walk the Camino. After years of not taking any vacations, she's spending six weeks trekking their path which is 500 miles. She's never gone on a pilgrimage, never set out on such a long trail … Continue reading Walking a Pilgrim’s Path
To Plant a Garden
To plant a garden is to outwardly show you trust the future; you'll be around to see those seeds sprout, those plants grow. You invest in soil, fertilizer, seeds, plants, and tools to form the garden of your dreams. It's a display of the colors of your heart, the patterns of your mind, the creative … Continue reading To Plant a Garden
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
Connie Rosser Riddle 