That’s it in a nutshell; the answer to the question that people ask, “How do you go about these solo journeys?” Choosing the place starts with the question, “Where should I go this year, God?” I wait to see what comes from inside—my interests, my curiosity, my need. Various external factors have impacted my choices, … Continue reading Dream it, Plan it, Do it
Navigating a Rough Road
Driving south on I-95 toward my solo journey to Jekyll Island, Georgia, I was reminded of my struggle in that toxic research job. When I passed the exit for Lumberton, North Carolina, I thought of a trip there to one of our study sites on a very hot day in August. I didn’t want to … Continue reading Navigating a Rough Road
Into a Life
When I was diagnosed with cancer, I was already in a fight for my life—my professional life. I’d left my secure job as a school nurse to give clinical research a try. The company where I landed was a toxic working environment. I planned to escape to something better-- once I passed the one year … Continue reading Into a Life
Golden Light
There’s a unique beauty in the magical moments at twilight, when just after sunset there’s a golden glow to the earth before darkness arrives. Last year when I had a two-week writer’s residency at Artcroft in central Kentucky, I spent most nights observing that hilly acreage as my final act of the day. It occurred … Continue reading Golden Light
Distant Cousins
As I grow older, with time passing rapidly and the future pressing in, I feel a need to reconnect with my extended family. It’s like I want a second chance to know them. Since my mother and father were both from families of eight children, I have lots of cousins. One cousin I’ve wanted to … Continue reading Distant Cousins
Searching for Mama
Today is Mama’s 94th birthday. We’ll gather at the nursing home and she’ll see that there’s something special going on: great-grandchildren bringing her balloons, tables covered with bright cloths and vases of flowers, birthday cake and family singing to her. Thinking about how little she understands now, I’m glad I went in search of her … Continue reading Searching for Mama
Places in My Path: Antietam
Yesterday’s celebrations of the Fourth of July are now vivid memories: backyard barbecues, American flags, booming fireworks exploding into a rainbow of colors followed by a smoky sulphuric smell. Underneath all the celebration we honor those who’ve earned our freedom. I was reminded of that on my solo journey to Harper’s Ferry, West Virginia when … Continue reading Places in My Path: Antietam
Transported Beyond Cancer
It’s been seventeen years since I heard the words, “You have cancer.” Now the waiting room, which had always had an acrid smell of chemo drugs, doesn’t make me nauseous. Before this visit, I didn’t feel anxious like something bad was about to happen. My sleep has been good, no lying awake at 3:30 a.m. … Continue reading Transported Beyond Cancer
Vermonters in My Path
On Monday evening I arrived in Vermont after an easy train ride from NYC. I chose to start out in White River Junction since the Hotel Coolidge, a historic train hotel, offered Hosteling International beds and was just across the tracks from the Amtrak station. The next morning, I called the rental car company and … Continue reading Vermonters in My Path
Sunday Suppers
It was almost 9:30 on Friday night when the Amtrak train finally pulled into Penn Station in New York City. The eleven- hour ride from Durham was my first solo journey by rail. Our younger son, Ross, was twenty-eight and had lived in Manhattan for five years. I would spend the weekend with him before … Continue reading Sunday Suppers
Connie Rosser Riddle 