Today is the Day!

As I awoke this morning the first thought in my mind was "Today is the Day!" like a kid with the excitement of finally arriving at the time I've been preparing for.  This was quickly followed with the thought that it was the last time for the next 36 or so hours that I will be horizontal.  I am actually ready to be on the plane and hope to get a little sleep!

The flight leaves after 6 PM this evening - I am almost packed and when I see it spread out - it looks pretty sparse for 6 weeks!  The little sleeping bag, liner and little mat are already in the pack.  I tried to adhere to 2 shirts and 2 pants but capitulated to my desire for more flexibility - I have 4 shirts, 2 pants and yes, I threw in the skirt.  I may be leaving things behind as I walk.  My justification is the week of sightseeing in Barcelona and Bilbao before the walk commences.

I am leaving the watering of the patio and deck pots and the greenhouse until last - it is so grounding and relaxing to be with my plants.

This morning Diana and I went to our regular Wednesday morning spiritual book group and had a lovely breakfast send-off including songs about walking and bare necessities that I recorded, and here is a group shot of our sisters!

We are both so blessed to be carrying the good wishes from so many people who will be walking the Camino virtually with us.

I read this blessing today that was shared with us in church on the 11th - it is for all of us.

A Blessing for Diana and Holly for her Long Walk  adapted from a blessing by Macrina Wiederkehr

May flowers spring up where your feet touch the earth. May the feet that walked before you bless your every step.

May the weather that’s important be the weather of your heart. May all your intentions find their way straight to the Divine.

May your prayers be like flowers that blossom for other pilgrims. May your heart find meaning in unexpected events.

May friends who are praying for you carry you along the way. May friends who are praying for you be carried in your heart.

May the circle of life protect and provide for you and keep you safe along the way.

May the work you do during this journey plant seeds to also heal the brokenness in our world.

May you carry your joy, your light, your love, and your sadness and concerns in the backpack of your soul.

May you feel the love and support that surrounds you.  It will give you strength and courage whenever you need it.

May this long walk be the exact perfect next step for your transition and for you knowing deep inside where you are meant to be. 


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These are musing from last night when I couldn't sleep from the excitement!

Last night before take off.  Part of me is saying “so what?  You’ve been to Europe before.”  The other part is saying, “not like this!”  I keep reading and hearing that this trip is a journey within.  It will also be a physical challenge.  Like any challenge, I want to befriend my physical limitations and enjoy the trip.  This applies to the inside job as well, befriending my other limitations and having a good time.

I am excited.  I am also excited that you’re reading this.

I’m taking a break from all the last minute details.  I thought I was prepared, but I’m not quite there.

My angel card today was “freedom” and this trip feels like freedom to me.  I feel like running with wind in my hair like I did when I was a little girl.

My other foot is still appreciating my home and garden, friends and the fact that I can make this trip.  I feel so lucky and definitely blessed with so many people cheering me on as well!

I am so grateful that a wonderful colleague will be staying in my house.  Diana Laufenburg is back in Philly to help open a new SLA-like school (where Chris Lehman is principal).  Hailing from a Wisconsin farm, she knows how to take care of the chickens, cat and garden.  The wonderful part of this deal is we both feel like we won the lottery – she has a quiet and peaceful place (private garden with wifi etc) to hang out, and I have someone keeping the home fires warm.

As I leave this home for a number of weeks, it occurs to me that my home reflects myself.  Without all my stuff, who am I?  One of my original intentions is to pare down on “stuff” and there is a limit to what I can carry, but I’m getting carried away with the query about what is it with humans and stuff?  I remember a colleague wearing a tshirt or a hat that said “The one with the most stuff wins”.  This notion is a little foreign to me, but I still have a romance with stuff.  Stuff follows me home from my travels or visits with people.  I have so many mementos that some days I feel a little choked by the volume of stuff in my home, no matter how well it’s organized.

I can already see meditations on “stuff” as I walk – don’t worry, I also have a library of good tunes and podcasts, and who knows, there may be people I’d like to chat with.  Anyway, it’s already a major theme.

Need to wind this up and go to bed – tomorrow  is a long day.