This Sunday is the third of the Christian Advent season. The Shepherd's candle will be lit and symbolizes Joy. I have lots of memories of singing the triumphant carol, "Joy to the World!" with small, lit candles held high with fellow worshippers. Photo by Miff Ibra on Pexels.com At those moments, I was mostly thinking … Continue reading Choosing Joy: Holidays and Ordinary Days
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Plans to Prosper You
Recently, I talked with a friend about her exploration of living facilities for when she's unable to stay alone in her home. She's a few years older than me, but now that I'm seventy, I'm much more aware of planning ahead for the future. She described the "difficult conversation" with her son and all the … Continue reading Plans to Prosper You
Solo Journey: You Can’t Rush a Turtle
This week two of my friends posted photos of box turtles on their Facebook pages. It reminded me of a time in June 2006 when we'd had lots of rain and flash flooding. One evening when I walked down the half-mile road through my neighborhood, I had to step closely to avoid the rivulets of … Continue reading Solo Journey: You Can’t Rush a Turtle
Messages from an Illness
Today I had a "phone visit" with my cousin -- one of those conversations that lasts like a visit, drinking coffee at the kitchen table while settled in the warmth of family connection. I'd called to check on him as he recovered from pneumonia. I'd waited to make the call until I thought he'd have … Continue reading Messages from an Illness
Faith, Hope, Luck, and Love of the Irish
Monday is St. Patrick's Day but the celebrating will start this weekend -- with parades and lots of pubs with live Irish music. Growing up in a Protestant church, I never knew about the Catholic saints. I now read that St. Patrick was a missionary who spread Christianity throughout Ireland during the 5th century. Photo … Continue reading Faith, Hope, Luck, and Love of the Irish
Decade in Review
In one month, I'll enter my seventh decade of life; that feels unreal. While I was snowed in this week, I worked on a submission for my writing group. I made a Big Goal ( see2025: One Big Goal )this year of finishing my sequel memoir to follow the initial work, He Heard My Voice that … Continue reading Decade in Review
Transitioning from Thanksgiving to Christmas: Continuing Gratitude
In last week's post, I considered what it is to be thankful, to hold that space of gratitude that is at the heart of Thanksgiving: "Recently I came across the word "dwell" and it struck a cord with me. I looked up the word, wanting to reconsider all the meaning. One of the definitions, "to … Continue reading Transitioning from Thanksgiving to Christmas: Continuing Gratitude
Camino Samaritan
Last night I went to the Country Dance at Loafer's and talked with my friend who'll soon be leaving on a cruise to Portugal and Spain. I'd gotten the information about that trip and it sent me in a different direction. I started thinking of the Camino and wondered if I could take a route … Continue reading Camino Samaritan
Camino Journey: People in My Path
Now that I've settled back into my life at home, I have the quiet space to review my Camino journey. Things come into a more clear perspective now that I'm rested, and mostly, recovered. I don't want to critique my experience but to live it more fully; it's not about correcting perceived mistakes. I pulled … Continue reading Camino Journey: People in My Path
Camino Adventure: Red Car in Ramallosa
It was my eighth day of walking and I'd need to cover 16 miles starting in Oia and ending at my night's lodging in Ramallosa, Spain. When I was preparing to leave my room in Oia, I felt restless, out of sorts, and my doubting voice asked, "Can I do it another day?" I'd looked … Continue reading Camino Adventure: Red Car in Ramallosa
Connie Rosser Riddle 