Today I returned from my writing retreat at the Ft. Caswell Coastal Retreat and Conference Center in Oak Island, North Carolina. I appreciated that even though I'm not of the Baptist denomination, the facility is open to folks, like me, who are not. What a gorgeous setting on the 250 acres that was part of … Continue reading Artist’s Retreat: Ft. Caswell
thankfulness
When the Morning Glories Bloom
Late last spring, I planted two seed packets of Heavenly Blue Morning Glories. Years ago when I first saw that vine with trumpet-shaped blooms spilling over a mailbox. I stopped in my tracks, startled with an "Oh my!" at their azure-blue unlike any other flower. Soon after that, I found myself in the garden aisle … Continue reading When the Morning Glories Bloom
Livin’ the Dream: Phases
This week I enjoyed a late morning walk on the paved path around Hunter Street Park. The weather was perfect and the leaves were hinting at fall with branches displaying some orange-gold color. The nice thing about retirement is that I don't have to walk in the early morning darkness like I did all those … Continue reading Livin’ the Dream: Phases
Sheltering Trees
It's finally feeling like fall in central North Carolina. The temperatures are going to dip down to the upper 40s tonight. I love jacket weather and feel energized by a chill in the air--compared to the lingering heat and humidity that has been so oppressive. In a few weeks, I'll be heading to the mountains … Continue reading Sheltering Trees
A Twenty Dollar Chain Reaction
My friend, Delores has an empathetic heart; one way she expresses this is by sending her homemade cards. She delights in taking breaks to retreat to her "She Shed," her RV camper in the backyard, where she has her table set up with all her card-making materials. She also takes it upon herself to encourage … Continue reading A Twenty Dollar Chain Reaction
Surrendering to the Seasons of Life
Last year in August when I walked on the Portuguese Coastal Path of the Camino, I was amazed that there were flowers blooming that are at their peak in spring and summer in North Carolina. I was surprised to find a pumpkin growing on a garden fence which we'd typically see in September. In that … Continue reading Surrendering to the Seasons of Life
The Teachers in Our Path
Over the past few years, I've become a fan of watching Youtube videos by relationship coaches, motivational speakers, and spiritual/faith leaders. Last week, I listened to one by Dr. Wayne Dyer (5/10/40 - 8/29/15), "Everything Happens for a Reason." Dr. Dyer was a self-help author and a motivational speaker with degrees in psychology and counseling. … Continue reading The Teachers in Our Path
Bittersweet: Watching Our Children Grow Up
This week marked the beginning of a new year for the schools in our area. My grandsons have been anticipating the first day, the older one, Baker would be entering second grade and his younger brother, David "Parks" would be in kindergarten. I've been reminded of the benefits of having an older sibling as I've … Continue reading Bittersweet: Watching Our Children Grow Up
Camino Journey: Opening the Door
It was a year ago when I completed my journey on the Portuguese Coastal Path of the Camino. In reliving those fourteen days, I've looked back at my pictures, journal entries, and printed pages of maps and directions. Throughout my travel in Portugal and Spain, like on other trips, I was fascinated by doors and … Continue reading Camino Journey: Opening the Door
Camino Journey: Kairos Time
A year ago, I was in Porto, Portugal in the days before I'd step onto the Portuguese Coastal Path of the Camino. I'd had the dream of walking the Camino for twelve years, since I'd seen the movie The Way. That desire had been pushed down and other journeys had filled my life until it … Continue reading Camino Journey: Kairos Time
Connie Rosser Riddle 