During my preparation for the Camino, and later on the path, I was given three pieces of advice that served me well. Sometimes advice goes "in one ear and out the other," but these words of wisdom, from three friends, made for a more successful journey. Last February, when I was buying gear and going … Continue reading 3 Tips for the Journey
thankfulness
Camino Completion: I Did It!
On the fourteenth day of my journey, Friday August 23rd, I trekked the final 16 miles and walked into the plaza in front of the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. As I walked in, by myself, not seeing any whom I'd met on the route, I felt a lump in my throat and a fullness … Continue reading Camino Completion: I Did It!
Santiago, Finally
When this third post during my pilgrimage is published on August 25th, I'll be spending my final day in Santiago. Two days before, I'll walk from Padron to Santiago, a 16 mile stretch over natural pathways through oak, pine, and eucalyptus woodlands. As I get closer to Santiago there will be sections of main road … Continue reading Santiago, Finally
Pilgrims and Patients: Walking a Common Path
Yesterday I met with my "tribe" of members of the Raleigh Chapter of American Pilgrims on the Camino https://www.facebook.com/groups/199622577531678/. Thirty of us took the annual five-mile sunflower walk at the Dorothea Dix Park. This is the third time I've done a Saturday hike with the group and each time I've met different people; every time … Continue reading Pilgrims and Patients: Walking a Common Path
Artist’s Residency: A Gift of Grace
This summer heat has reminded me of 2016 when my solo journey was two weeks at an artist's residency. I applied and was accepted to Artcroft https://artcroft.org a sixty-six acre Kentucky farm and working space for artists of various mediums. The application was lengthy and required several references. Not only would I work on a … Continue reading Artist’s Residency: A Gift of Grace
My Mother, My Teacher
Today is Mother's Day and I think of Mama and all that she taught me. I realize, now that I'm older and a mother and grandmother, that our mothers did the best they could based on all that formed them. Mama, was born in 1923 and grew up in rural North Carolina during the Great … Continue reading My Mother, My Teacher
Cycle of Life: A Time to Plant
We're almost to mid-April and the official end of the threat of frost in central North Carolina. My grandmother consulted the Farmer's Almanac for advice on planting and now I consult with my Master Gardener, Brother-in-Law, Winslow. He recommends putting things in the ground after April 15th. To prepare for planting, I bought my seed … Continue reading Cycle of Life: A Time to Plant
The Gift of Time: Precious Moments with a Child
At Christmas, one of the things I gave each grandson was an "event with Grammy." This followed from asking my son, Brooks for suggestions on what to buy his boys. Brooks responded, "Give them a special time one-on-one with you." There are days during the year that I have time with each one alone--when they're … Continue reading The Gift of Time: Precious Moments with a Child
2024: The Year of Finding Your Tribe
This year I've decided to become part of two "tribes" or communities of people with common interests. While I've had individual interest in each area, it feels like being in a tribe is like having a broad network of interesting people who play different roles in each community. Four years ago, a guy I met … Continue reading 2024: The Year of Finding Your Tribe
Making Holiday Memories: Still a Family
Just a week until Christmas. The excitement was building last Friday night for my three-year-old grandson, Parks and five-year-old grandson, Baker in the midst of the Durham Bull's Baseball Stadium. That was where we went for our holiday outing to the Wool E's Winter Wonderland. The field was transformed by colorful flashing lights, a huge … Continue reading Making Holiday Memories: Still a Family
Connie Rosser Riddle 