Today is St. Martin's Feast Day in Germany. When I was a child, this was always a very exciting day because that was the day when we finally were allowed to light the candle inside our lantern, ready to walk im 'Martinszug' up the hill. Anticipation had built in the weeks leading to it because … Continue reading November 11, 2016
Weekend Plans
Plans change Fact of life Friends were supposed to visit and couldn't come. I am disappointed, prepared the house, and now I feel like a deflating balloon. Bummer!!!!! The good thing is, the house is clean, there is plenty of food in fridge and freezer. Wine is always here. Now I can take time for … Continue reading Weekend Plans
Historic Cemetery Jacksonville
A belated birthday lunch and a hike are scheduled for today, exploring the Quarry Trail near the historic cemetery in Jacksonville. We are meeting for lunch. My favorite Thai restaurant is For Sale. We head for another Asian restaurant hungry for Vegetable Curry. Our conversation circles around recent events and travel, necessitated by the loss of … Continue reading Historic Cemetery Jacksonville
All Souls’ Day
A faint sun greets eerily, diffuse light filters through morning fog. Heavily it lays on the crimson leaves of the Dogwoods. November casts its shadow on my soul, my emotions as I reminisce on the past three decades. There has been much grief. Mourning the loss of my parents, mourning the loss of my unborn child, … Continue reading All Souls’ Day
All Saints’ Day
All Saints' Day is a national holiday in my country of origin, a day where we commemorate saints and those who have gone before us. Driving to our ancestors' graves, an annual ritual revered by my family. Floral arrangements of evergreens, small red candles to be placed in the lanterns. Hand tools to groom the … Continue reading All Saints’ Day
Day 31 – Only
Hiking in the fall in the mountains high above the Rhine and its tributaries, late grapes on colorful vines are waiting for the first frost - only a memory now. Holding onto my grandfather's hand, we walk between carousels set up in the middle of our historic downtown. I trust him to wait for me when I leave … Continue reading Day 31 – Only
Day 30 – Cut
So many meanings and applications. It all begins with that first cut, when we enter this world, and our connection with our mother is CUT off A paper cut always catches us by surprise - cutting out stars from golden paper, that will twinkle in the candles lit on the tree, and gently dance in the … Continue reading Day 30 – Cut
Day 29 – Date
There is nothing better than hiking with your best friend that knows you better than anyone else in the world? Hiking up mountains to get to the view from the top, then slowly descending on a different path to take win all the beauty. Going out on a dinner date away from everyday chores and … Continue reading Day 29 – Date
Day 28 – Eat
There is a reason why people around the world, with the exception of the USA, place importance on food. Eating together with friends and family is the connection that not only feeds our bodies but also our souls. Eating locally grown foods, prepared with the expectation of delightful, new tastes and the adventure to … Continue reading Day 28 – Eat
Day 27 – Bouquet
The word reminds me of my wedding bouquet, the one I held when we got married in Tønder/Denmark, thirty-six years ago on October 30, 1980. The bouquet was a dream in pink - Roses, Gerbera Daisies, Baby's Breath. It matched my pink angora dress perfectly. We danced into the courthouse, holding the flowers tightly, and we … Continue reading Day 27 – Bouquet
Hiking Poet 