| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| MeadowLark |
Posted - Jun 27 2005 : 5:34:52 PM
As I approach my 50th year of life, I realize I have not really tested myself. This is not the rambling of a mid-life crisis... I feel that personal goals have not been met, that somewhere deep in my soul or psyche there is a place I have not been to, and I NEED to go there. I am for the most part a happy, forfilled, content woman and yet I know there is something out there...I am sure all of you of a certain age has experienced this, or will. What have you done to test yourself...or will you do? Or do you feel the need at all? I have not traveled like I have wanted too...Partly from fear, economics, time constraints. I have read alot about the historic pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostelo, Spain. This time of year in Northern Spain, thousands from all over the world find a starting point somewhere in France or Spain and follow a route that has been walked every summer, since A.D. 814. It is in honor of St. James, whose feast day is July, 25th. I am not searching for some epiphany or to escape my own demons. It is just something I would like to do. Am I crazy? Is it hormones? Maybe a little... But after 49 some years of mediocrity, I want to fly from the nest...
"Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing, there is a field. I'll meet you there." Rumi, 13th century. http://www.xs4all.nl/~josvg/cits/sb/sb101.html |
| 25 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| MeadowLark |
Posted - Oct 18 2005 : 2:52:20 PM
HI and Welcome Debby! Your sundial treasure is beautiful! Your post gave me the chills! How joyful to have been to Lourdes, which is the starting place I would prefer when walking the Camino! Oh Debby I would love to visit Provence! I have many books on it...and it is one of the places on earth I want to experience before I push up daisies! Provence is a pull for me, as well as the Camino and Stonehenge in Salisbury! I would love to hear more from you on your travels to Provence, the food, the people, the smells, the herbs and flowers on and on! Have you ever been to Aachen, Germany? That is another sacred mystical place that draws me in. I have chatted with bubblesnz (Helen) about NZ and that is one country that is spectacular in it's beauty. Now that you will be moving back there I will know two people to visit! Helen is on the North Island. Her place is lovely and so pristine. Your other treasures from travel are so cool! I especially loved the girl and wheelbarrow from Rome, and the Kiwi bird and nestling, and the shrine from Slovenia! Thanks for sharing your treasures and the information on the Compostela! I look forward to hearing more of your world travels! Jenny from Kansas
If I keep a green bough in my heart, the singing bird will come. |
| Debs |
Posted - Oct 18 2005 : 1:42:38 PM
Meadowlark
Apparently the pilgrims used to use little sundials to tell the time - I bought a replica of one of these when I went to Les Baux de Provence (near Arles, which is on one of the pilgrimage routes). I have a few photos of the sundial here in my treasures folder I want to share with you (and anyone else who's interested):
http://uk.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/turehu2/my_photos
(One side has latitude and that spins round, and the middle bit flips out and has roman numerals for the time)
I even saw two gentlemen making the pilgrimage when I was in Lourdes and felt immmense respect for them, as they headed towards the Pyrenees. It is a real soul-searching journey and certainly a beautiful place - you would not regret making the effort getting there! Don't forget Provence has fields of lavender, olive groves, beautiful tablecloths and pottery, bouillabaise and santons! So if you do go, start your journey to Compostela there!
Oh, yes, and you should go to New Zealand as well!! I should be back in my homeland by then and you can come and stay with me as well!
Debs |
| MeadowLark |
Posted - Jul 15 2005 : 7:24:05 PM
I sent you an email Helen!
"Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing, there is a field. I'll meet you there." Rumi, 13th century. http://www.xs4all.nl/~josvg/cits/sb/sb101.html |
| bubblesnz |
Posted - Jul 15 2005 : 7:08:25 PM
If you want to leave that one on the card, I can send you another for a necklace, send me an email.
A great oak, is just a little nut which held it's ground. |
| MeadowLark |
Posted - Jul 15 2005 : 3:33:56 PM
Keep that pot warm sister! I am stretching my wings and gonna fly in this decade of my 50's coming up! What a sweet and kind person you are to offer lodging and time to explore your beautiful country Helen! You also have a place in the heartland (Kansas) of the US to stay and visit and drink some coffee (and sun tea). I'll take you to some prairie places, where the buffalo roam! (ps I am going to make the copper Koru into a necklace, I just love it and what it stands for!) Bless You
"Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing, there is a field. I'll meet you there." Rumi, 13th century. http://www.xs4all.nl/~josvg/cits/sb/sb101.html |
| bubblesnz |
Posted - Jul 15 2005 : 3:18:57 PM
Meadowlark, Reach deep down inside your self and jump beyond the square. Come too New zealand, we have many things to experience. I also offer you a place to stay and time to share your experience. Come on over art sister, I have the coffee on.
This message is also for others on here who would like to visit my country.
A great oak, is just a little nut which held it's ground. |
| sqrl |
Posted - Jul 15 2005 : 10:34:47 AM
Deb, thanks for telling us about her. I would love to join in on her cookbook idea.
Blessed Be
www.sqrlbee.com |
| MeadowLark |
Posted - Jul 11 2005 : 8:41:39 PM
Deb, Very interesting lady! I liked her web site and her message. I don't have the money or the time to be a world traveler, but she seems to inspire women to stretch themselves and take the leaps where they are at. Sounds like a book I NEED to read! Thanks for the recommendation! Her children's books look neat too!
"Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing, there is a field. I'll meet you there." Rumi, 13th century. http://www.xs4all.nl/~josvg/cits/sb/sb101.html |
| Fulminous |
Posted - Jul 11 2005 : 6:33:23 PM
For a highly reccomended inspirational book about a woman who travels the world (with nothing but the clothes on her back) after a late-divorce with her high-profile husband. She leaves her well-to-do life in search of something more. The book is Tales of a Female Nomad: Living at Large in the World by Rita Golden Gelman.
Might I mention that the author is likely a farmgirl in her heart; a direct quote "My life and my book are all about connecting and what happens when I do."
She writes children's books as a way to support her nomadic life.
Check out her website if you like: http://www.ritagoldengelman.com/home.html |
| MeadowLark |
Posted - Jun 30 2005 : 9:50:07 PM
I believe the shell is for James the Greater... His feast day is July 25th. My husbands birthday, and his name is James! His mother is a very devout Catholic, and named her eight children after saints. I keep a scallop shell I found on a beach on my desk. They are beautiful.
"Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing, there is a field. I'll meet you there." Rumi, 13th century. http://www.xs4all.nl/~josvg/cits/sb/sb101.html |
| jpbluesky |
Posted - Jun 30 2005 : 5:09:20 PM
Meadowlark - I wear a golden scallop shell around my neck all the time. It is a Christian symbol of being reborn in the spirit, and thank you for giving me even more information about St. James!
jpbluesky
Heartland girl |
| cecelia |
Posted - Jun 30 2005 : 5:03:42 PM
I am in tune with this topic! Two books I've read are "If Not Now, When? Reclaiming Ourselves at Midlife" by Stephanie Marston and another (can't remember the title or author) but I believe it was something like "60, the Last .... by (Madeleine L'engle?).
I'm winding down from my 50's, and even though I've had no problems with going through menopause (except for middle age spread!), it seems like for some reason I can't put my finger or mind on, this is the worst decade of my life!!! Partly stress, partly the deaths of loved ones, etc. I am actually feeling like I'm just coming into my own life, and can't wait for my 60's. It just seems that I am finally finding the courage or wherewithall to say no to a lot of things I "had" to do. I don't feel the need to "do" things, rush, etc. Must be something in the air...
Cecelia
ce's farm
"Curiosity is one of the forms of feminine bravery" Victor Hugo |
| sqrl |
Posted - Jun 30 2005 : 08:24:05 AM
You are truely blessed you have what I dream of. Life's funny.
Blessed Be
www.sqrlbee.com |
| MeadowLark |
Posted - Jun 29 2005 : 7:16:02 PM
Here is a link about the Camino. There are beautiful pictures posted of villages on the route. The route is marked with yellow arrows ( kinda reminds me of the yellow brick road) and scallop shell art dating to the Middle Ages. The scallop shell is the symbol of St. James. Pilgrims from centuries ago would identify themselves by wearing the shell around their necks on a leather cord. Cool, huh?
http://www.santiago-compostela.net/
"Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing, there is a field. I'll meet you there." Rumi, 13th century. http://www.xs4all.nl/~josvg/cits/sb/sb101.html |
| jpbluesky |
Posted - Jun 29 2005 : 11:20:42 AM
Wow Meadowlark - you are blessed! To be honest, I do not think any trip could surpass what you have just described. That is not to discourage new travels and journeys! But you have journeyed well thus far.
jpbluesky
Heartland girl |
| MeadowLark |
Posted - Jun 29 2005 : 10:56:18 AM
Very wise words Melissa! And a burning is a wonderful idea. Clare does this also. Turning something into another element would be a release, and a comfort. I will do this, just so I have some sort of peace about it, and can move on. You are very fortunate to have travelled. Physically I have not travelled that much, but mentally I have been many places. Who was it that said they were an armchair traveler? I am a voracious reader, and searcher. The arms on my chair are well worn. If it is meant to be then it will be! But, I am grateful for the beauty of my land right here. I can see sunsets that are unearthly in color, stretched across the wide prairie sky. My land yields grains to feed others, vegetables, grapes to make wine and jam, apple trees for pies, flowers to fill pitchers and vases. My cattle graze peacefully on a clean grassy pasture, growing fat and healthy bearing their young. My daughters have grown strong and healthy and wise on this 20 acres. I am blessed.
"Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing, there is a field. I'll meet you there." Rumi, 13th century. http://www.xs4all.nl/~josvg/cits/sb/sb101.html |
| sqrl |
Posted - Jun 29 2005 : 09:28:04 AM
I feel so grateful to be a part of this, to be able to share these feelings and stories. To know that there are other women out there who think and feel like me, real women. Who aren't just conserned with wanting a new car or a big new house. ( can you tell I lived in LA for a while?) Thank you so much for sharing your intimate life with me, this stories are so special. I hope that I can meet you all one day at the Farm Festival. I wanted to go this year but alas, I cannot get enought time off of work to get there and actually enjoy it. But I could planned for next year. We could have a farm girl reunion (or I guess a union since many of us have never met). Oh that would be wonderful, to see your faces.
I have traveled and seen beautiful places and am happy I did it. But I know you must look inside first. Because the scenery can change and the grass will always seem greener but it is all in perception and it is the eyes that must see it differently. I do undersatnd a yearning for something unknown. And the more I go in and search, the more I feel like I'm starting to see more. Try a manifestation of some sort. I always love doing ( especialy on holidays like halloween or solstice)a burning manifestation. Write down what you need or need to know and even a thank you for something. then fold up that piece of paper and go outside and burn it. And since you are turning that piece of paper into a differnet element- smoke and ash you are also turning those words into a different element and giving them up to something that is beyond your reach. And than trust( which is the hardest part), thrust that someone will answer. Just like the story of Mary Poppins.
Blessed Be
www.sqrlbee.com |
| mollymae |
Posted - Jun 29 2005 : 08:56:40 AM
We could get serious about this! This is doable! I know it's a year away, but I can check to see the average price for a plane ticket of that nature, and start saving saving saving!
Cead Mile Failte,
Molly
"I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived." --Henry David Thoreau
**When life throws scraps your way ~ Make a Quilt!**
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| MeadowLark |
Posted - Jun 29 2005 : 08:38:36 AM
I am a little closer than that Molly! How about making a connection from Madison to Kansas City, I will meet ya there and we can fly on together to Spokane, then rent a car and drive the rest of the way...Maybe pick up some other farmgirls along the way for the trek to MJF. Sounds good to me. It is always more enjoyable to have travel companions! ( especially farmgirls!)
"Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing, there is a field. I'll meet you there." Rumi, 13th century. http://www.xs4all.nl/~josvg/cits/sb/sb101.html |
| mollymae |
Posted - Jun 28 2005 : 10:24:36 PM
I want to go to Farm Fair 2006 too! I checked on MapQuest, and it's only a mere 26 hour drive from Wisconsin....LOL! (NOT!) I think I'll check into flying into Spokane and driving the rest of the way!!!
Cead Mile Failte,
Molly
"I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived." --Henry David Thoreau
**When life throws scraps your way ~ Make a Quilt!**
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| MeadowLark |
Posted - Jun 28 2005 : 7:46:58 PM
I will check the library Clare... Hey 3 years should be enough time to lose some wieight and prepare myself physically, spriritually, and prepare my savings account for this journey. I will also pack plenty of underwear and "hygiene" items for the road, and several pairs of rockport shoes to hike. Probably will need anitibiotic creams for the blisters and sores on the tootsies too. I have a packable, portable tent that will be serviceable for shelter, and lots and lots of clean socks. MJ's foods would work for this too! Better pack plenty to share with other pilgrims!
"Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing, there is a field. I'll meet you there." Rumi, 13th century. http://www.xs4all.nl/~josvg/cits/sb/sb101.html |
| Clare |
Posted - Jun 28 2005 : 6:41:47 PM
Okay, girls.... the ex-travel planner in me is rising! Should we shoot for, say Spring of 2008? Hmm.. let's see, in three years I'll be 55.5 yrs old ... that's still doable. Heck, it'll take me that long to condition my body! haha. (and save some $$ to do it). Some people only walk portions of it because it takes several months if you're not an avid hiker and portions of it are extreme. Sleeping in the various "refugios", which are like youth hostels, --(that experience I don't think I'd be up for)....those are experiences in and of themselves.... but those are provided for the pilgrims at very little cost, I think. Meadowlark, I do recommend reading her account of her experiences. The last 1/3 of the book, that didn't speak to me as much as the first, which was after she'd been hiking for about 4 weeks, was of her experiences on the Camino of having past lives revisited. That's all I'll say. I'm open to just about anything, and indeed I'm open to her experiences, just relating to that was a stretch for me. I totally respect her for talking about these things. How else would we know of lifes' various possibilites? Oh yes, about a year ago I found her book in the bargin bin at a bookstore for mere pennies compared to the original cost... should've snapped those up... you might check the library or discount book places.
****Gardener, Stitcher, Spiritual Explorer and Appreciator of all Things Natural****
"Begin to weave and God will give the thread." - German Proverb |
| MeadowLark |
Posted - Jun 28 2005 : 6:29:11 PM
Molly, It has been empowering to chat and exchange knowledge and ideas with others on this forum. I am normally a quiet type, kind of reserved. But WOW, I have turned into a chat monster on this forum! Another goal is to attend the farm fair! I am planning on summer 2006. So many kindred spirits here! It is wonderful!
"Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing, there is a field. I'll meet you there." Rumi, 13th century. http://www.xs4all.nl/~josvg/cits/sb/sb101.html |
| mollymae |
Posted - Jun 28 2005 : 6:02:25 PM
To expand on what you said, Jenny, about what finding MJF has done for you, I have found bravery as well, a sense of belonging that I have craved for so long, a desire to create, and the knowledge that I can do anything I set my heart to do! Rubbing shoulders with all the talented and accomplished ladies on thie board has helped me to see my true place in the world. By the way, I want to walk the Camino too, sounds wonderful! <grin>
Cead Mile Failte,
Molly
"I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived." --Henry David Thoreau
**When life throws scraps your way ~ Make a Quilt!**
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| MeadowLark |
Posted - Jun 28 2005 : 5:51:20 PM
Ahhh, Wise words from such wise women...And they are a comfort. Clare, YOu mentioned the Shirley Maclaine book " Camino"... What was the other 1/3 of the book about? Did she get wierd on ya? I do not know her or that much about her, although she has done some movies I admire, and I know she has delved into reincarnation and spiritual channeling... I am not going to judge because she may have validity and experience I am not aware of. In other words, until I walk in anothers shoes, who am I to judge that person. But I am intrigued she walked the Camino as a 50+ individual and I admire her for that. Kathy A. I love J. Buffet, will explore that book as well... He always was a pirate! I do need an outlet to give back... this will take more exploring. Jp you made a good point...a place in the heart opened to a new view. Mary Jane Butters has opened my heart to a new place, and I love this place very well... Yes I found Simplicity Molly, right here, the means to trim or scrape the proverbial clutter materially and emotionally on this forum. I look at it as refinement of home, land, consumerism, attitude, ect. Finding MJF has and is a journey in itself! Life is an adventure! This forum has given me bravery. Thank you. Now it is time to live the rest of my life! But, I still want to walk the Camino! Lets go there Clare!
"Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing, there is a field. I'll meet you there." Rumi, 13th century. http://www.xs4all.nl/~josvg/cits/sb/sb101.html |
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