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
#peopleinmypath
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?
An Irish Path
One year ago today, I was flying with my cousin, Kim from Edinburgh, Scotland to Dublin, Ireland. We'd just completed a six-day Rabbie's bus tour into the Outer Hebrides on the west coast of Scotland. There, on the wondrous Isle of Skye, Kim had scattered her mother's ashes--her final request, to honor her mother's McDonald … Continue reading An Irish Path
Our High School Reunion
Today I'm reliving memories of last night's high school reunion. It was four hours of switching from past to present, reconciling the frozen-in-time memories of some classmates with the person who was in front of me. There's always a big build up before events like this-- at least I think it's that way for most … Continue reading Our High School Reunion
High School Reunion: To Go or Not to Go
It's a week away from my 50th reunion of Sanford Central High School. I was one of around 360 graduates. It seems impossible that half a century has passed since that June evening when we walked across the stage and received our diplomas. Looking back, I realize we were adolescents, and not as old as … Continue reading High School Reunion: To Go or Not to Go
Crazy Daze: Online Dating
I read online about the annual Lazy Daze Arts and Crafts Festival held this weekend in nearby Cary, North Carolina. It would feature nearly 300 artists from across the country gathered for the juried craft show celebrating the "Lazy Daze" of summer." I now recall memories that I'd pushed down from one year ago. At … Continue reading Crazy Daze: Online Dating
Follow that Push: Trust Your Instinct
In the heat of August, with no solo journeys planned for this year, I've been immersed in memories of a past trip. What has brought it to mind is remembering my "Beta Reader," Mattie Belle who passed away one year ago. I'd made a promise to her that I would "keep writing" as she'd directed; … Continue reading Follow that Push: Trust Your Instinct
Feeling Fragile: Finding a Network of Support
Over the past week, there were three consecutive days when I felt the fragility of life, the impact of growing older. On Tuesday night, I went to the Blues Jam at the Blue Note Grill in Durham. I've been going there to dance since last November. Over that time, I've found the people to be … Continue reading Feeling Fragile: Finding a Network of Support
Treasures from our Trips
My Facebook feed has been filled with pictures of friends and family on vacation. Some have taken trips to beach destinations, some to other spots in the US, and a few, places in Europe. There was a shot made by a friend from her beach chair-- her bare feet pointed toward the ocean as she … Continue reading Treasures from our Trips