Tea at Two. That's what we'd agreed on, my new online friend and me, fellow breast cancer survivors from either side of the pond. We'd have tea near my hotel at Hyde Park in London. I was excited to meet her in person and to have a real British teatime. I envisioned a table covered … Continue reading Tea at Two
#solojourneys
Go Fund Me
Today I take off on my trip and feel deeply grateful. I remember back to the end of March when I retired. Our school staff and my nursing colleagues honored me and later there was another party with friends. What I didn't expect was a surprise party given by my family. I was shocked and speechless-- a … Continue reading Go Fund Me
The Path of the Storm
I ran my travel errands amid the reports of Hurricane Irma approaching Florida and two other storms, Jose and Katya, also churning the waters. Watching the predictions of Irma’s path, I’m focused on Atlanta and Charleston, the two cities where my sons live, and then I watch for our area of central North Carolina. Besides … Continue reading The Path of the Storm
Chicken Man of Chincoteague
I wanted a picture of the sign by the road, my final snapshot from my journey to Chincoteague Island, Virginia. It would be a gift for my chicken-loving-friend in Baltimore. Pulling out my camera, a man came over to me. "Mind if I take a picture of your sign?" "It'll cost you some silver," he … Continue reading Chicken Man of Chincoteague
Walking to the Depths
My third solo journey was to the Sea of Peace House of Prayer, a center for contemplation at Edisto Island, South Carolina. I was searching for pastoral support to examine my life. Sharon, the spiritual director, described the tools available including one-to-one sessions and walking the labyrinth. When I saw that sandy path edged in … Continue reading Walking to the Depths
Packing Grandma for Pilgrimage
When I was a girl, my only grandparent was Ola Gilchrist Smith who was my mother’s mother. She lived on a farm about twenty miles from my house and was a pillar of her small church-- Cedar Rock Presbyterian in Harnett County, North Carolina. There are lots of Presbyterian churches in that area where Highland … Continue reading Packing Grandma for Pilgrimage
Pilgrimage: Invitation to the Unknown
Pilgrimage is an invitation to the unknown. This year on my solo journey to Iona, Scotland, I’ll be going to an ancient pilgrimage site. I’ve reserved my week at the Abbey where I’ll live in an international community of staff and guests. My information sheet gives me some idea of what it’ll be like; it’s … Continue reading Pilgrimage: Invitation to the Unknown
Scotland Calling
In one month, I’ll take off on my yearly solo journey. This time Scotland is calling me to the ancient and sacred island of Iona located in the Inner Hebrides. Ten years ago, the seed was planted when I was in Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts. Riding the island shuttle bus, I met a man from Glasgow … Continue reading Scotland Calling
It’s About the Future
I sat on a rock overlooking the Great Smoky Mountains on that Sunday morning in September. In the stillness that was shrouded in fog, I felt the burden of trudging through cancer treatment and my toxic job. I prayed for God to lift me out of that pit, and waited for some sign that God … Continue reading It’s About the Future
Connie Rosser Riddle 