This is the time of year when I'm usually planning my upcoming solo journey. I've found that the best guide is my energy and my interest. Finally, I've realized that my body will tell me what's best when it comes to my energy level. When I've pushed against that in the past, insisting that I … Continue reading Mini Solo Journey: The Thing That’s Calling You
writing
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
Invitation to a New Year
This is my Birthday Eve. At 2:10 a.m. I'll roll over into a new year and a new decade of my life. I've been preparing for this, reading and pondering what it means to be seventy. The book that's been most instructive is Ageless Soul: The Lifelong Journey Toward Meaning & Joy by Thomas Moore … Continue reading Invitation to a New Year
Change Your Location, Change Your View
When I started taking fiction writing classes, one of the books that was recommended as a classic, must-read was Writing Down the Bones by Natalie Goldberg. One of the book's take-aways was the value of writing in coffee shops -- like she did in Santa Fe. It helped the sometimes lonely work of a writer … Continue reading Change Your Location, Change Your View
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
Valentines: Characteristics of a Lasting Love
Today is Valentine's Day and the time of year I go back to Mama and Daddy's letters to remind me of their special relationship. I love pulling out the box of letters and seeing their handwriting as they maintained their steady flow of communication in the late forties. It wasn't easy to pick up a … Continue reading Valentines: Characteristics of a Lasting Love
2025: One Big Goal
Last week I ushered in 2025 with the post Intentional New Year. I described my use of a new inventory to evaluate 2024 that I'd found on the Mel Robbin's podcast. Reviewing my answers to that tool, I started thinking about what I wanted to accomplish this year. I realized that completing the Camino journey … Continue reading 2025: One Big Goal
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
Hidden Dreams: Hidden Selves
I'm at an age where many people are downsizing and cleaning out their homes. Some folks are taking care of their parents' or older relatives' estates. At times, it's an overwhelming task, with so many decisions to make-- some items easy to discard and others with sentimental value that must be saved. As hard as … Continue reading Hidden Dreams: Hidden Selves
Author to Author and Heart to Heart
Over the first half of this year, I spent many hours going through items in our old house. During one of those days in early April, I came across a collection of poems written by Ernie Ruckert, a man I'd met at my church. He and his wife, Ginnie were two of the first people … Continue reading Author to Author and Heart to Heart
Connie Rosser Riddle 