“We can send them to you via FedEx. Could you please notify us of your wishes?” There are all kinds of things that can be sent FedEx. They specialize in getting items from here to there. And apart from that movie “Castaway,” they seem pretty good at delivering. But this was different. This was not … Continue reading Non-Standard Mail
It was not a normal birthday. Often birthdays are filled with cakes and parties and music and gatherings of family and friends. I was going to be in a small darkened room, with only my sister in attendance and a couple of medical staff. Instead of dancing and mingling, I would lying almost completely still. … Continue reading Age of Generosity
I'd like to start by saying, "Thank you." Thank you for taking the time to read my blog. I've been at this now for almost a year. I started to blog because I felt like writing would be a good discipline for me and that I had finally lived long enough to have something to … Continue reading Help Wanted
I recently saw a story online that caught my interest. Someone was out in Amish country and came upon an elderly gentleman. There is more curiosity about the Simple People than answers for most of us. The Amish are not usually quick to engage in public conversation about matters of faith or politics, and their … Continue reading Ask my Neighbor
When I hike I always touch the sign posts. I have often marked the time when I began and when I officially ended a hike. I will typically take a quick picture of my hiking poles leaning against the posts as I come and go. It is a handy way to have a time stamp … Continue reading Touching Home
Lost. Even hearing the word seems to affect us. Have you ever been lost in a dangerous situation? Being lost is a matter of either not knowing where you are or not knowing where you’re headed. It may be a more common experience than we realize. I’ve been lost in the woods before. A friend … Continue reading Lost
I like to backpack. I’ve been doing it since I was young. It has long been a part of my pilgrimage on this planet. There have been some grand adventures and some disappointing days along the way. I’ve been excited, and occasionally injured. I have enjoyed incredible views and days when you could only see … Continue reading Only What You Take With You
Being pedestrian can mean many things. Traveling on foot leads to endless variations. There is simple walking. There is strenuous hiking. There is jogging. You get the point. Two feet—many modes. Those many modes can lead to many moods as well. Last week I was writing about footsloggin’ where the task is just to keep … Continue reading Lollygaggin’
Envisioning. Planning. Preparing. Packing. Starting. Hitting the stride. There is something about starting a trek that is energizing and exciting. There is something about heading out on a hike that gets my attention and seems to move me along. For a while. But hiking can be hard. The spiritual journey can be arduous as well. … Continue reading Footslogging
I love planning a trip. I will devote lots of time and energy to thinking about a trip, whether it’s a long trip across the country or a short walk in the woods. I am prone to pore over maps and books and reviews of things. Planning is a big part of the process and … Continue reading Hitting My Stride
Character in the Making 