11.23.18 … “For in grief nothing ‘stays put.’ Round and round. Everything repeats. Am I going in circles, or dare I hope I am on a spiral?” – C.S. Lewis

“Solvitur Ambulando” – It is solved by walking, 2018 Labyrinth Walks, Davidson College Labyrinth and Peace Garden @ Hobart Park – Davidson NC:

Today is Black Friday. I had no interest in real shopping or cyber shopping. I made my favorite breakfast and read the paper. I did the sudoku puzzle and read a book.

And then I dragged Albert to Davidson to walk its labyrinth.

As I entered the town I noticed the yellow ribbons everywhere. Patrick Braxton-Andrew, one of Davidson’s own, was killed October 28 in Mexico. He grew up here, he went to college here, and he taught and lived here as adult. The drug cartel thought he was a DEA agent. My heart aches for his family. I did not know him, but I pray for peace for his family, his friends and his many communities. Here are some links:

https://account.charlotteobserver.com/static/paywall/stop?resume=221943630

https://www.facebook.com/385867481951919/posts/393204457884888/

And then I smiled. As I turned onto Main Street I saw the trees aglow with color. I had to pinch myself. I sometimes think it really can’t be as beautiful as a I remember it. Today it was.

The labyrinth walk was quick. I heard the rustling leaves and enjoyed the zen fountain which I am sure will be turned off soon. I don’t think Albert much liked the walk …

But all in all a nice day to enjoy the labyrinth.

And here is a quote I found on grief and the labyrinth. It was posted by Matthew McEwen at Chartres Cathedral Labyrinth Public Group | FacebookFacebook › groups › Chartres-Cathedral-… on November 16, 2018.

I am taking a course on grief, and discovered that there are a number of counselors who use a labyrinth in their practice. I attended this event by Oasis (York Region, Ontario, Canada).

I also recently finished reading “A Grief Observed” by C.S. Lewis. Here’s a comment from that book that links his experience with grief & labyrinths: “Tonight all the hells of young grief have opened up again; the mad words, the bitter resentment, the fluttering in the stomach, the nightmare unreality, the wallowed-in tears. For in grief nothing ‘stays put.’ Round and round. Everything repeats. Am I going in circles, or dare I hope I am on a spiral?”

Happy Thanksgiving to all …

11.23.18

11.3.18 – 11.9.18 … the challenge: 7 days, 7 black and white photos of my life. No people. No explanation. Challenge someone new every day.

7 days – 7 black and white photos of my life, social media challenges:

I actually enjoy the social media challenges. So I gladly found photos that meant something to me and converted them to b&w. This challenge came from Lynn Mc., a Davidson friend…

The Challenge:

For Nancy Lister-Settle: Accepting the challenge: 7 days, 7 black and white photos of my life. No people. No explanation. Challenge someone new every day.

Day 6 of 7.

I challenge Dennard Lindsey Teague.

Day 1 of 7: And here I go …

Lynn, I accept your challenge: 7 days, 7 black and white photos of my life. No people. No explanation. Challenge someone new every day.

I challenge Mary-Stewart!

Day 2 of 7:

Lynn, I accept your challenge: 7 days, 7 black and white photos of my life. No people. No explanation. Challenge someone new every day.

I challenge Daniel!

Day 3 of 7:

I Lynn’s challenge: 7 days, 7 black and white photos of my life. No people. No explanation. Challenge someone new every day.

I challenge Eleanor!

Day 4 of 7:

I accepted Lynn’s challenge: 7 days, 7 black and white photos of my life. No people. No explanation. Challenge someone new every day.

I challenge Elizabeth!

Day 5 of 7:

I accepted Lynn’s challenge: 7 days, 7 black and white photos of my life. No people. No explanation. Challenge someone new every day.

I challenge Ann!

Day 6 of 7:

The challenge: 7 days, 7 black and white photos of my life. No people. No explanation. Challenge someone new every day.

I challenge Ruth-Ann.

And thanks, Lynn, for the challenge.

Day 7 of 7:

The challenge: 7 days, 7 black and white photos of my life. No people. No explanation. Challenge someone new every day.

I challenge anybody that feels so inclined … .

And thanks, Lynn, for the challenge.

11.3.18 – 11.9.18

11.6.18 … I am a hoarder. I must admit it and move on …

Things …

I am a hoarder. I must admit it and move on. I have things that date back 100+ years. Some have a story that I know and others do not.

I am going through my house chest by chest, closet by closet, bookshelf by bookshelf, room by room.

Today, I did one very old chest and two overstuffed hall/coat closets. I gave many things to Goodwill, including 8 coats, I have a large bag of trash ready for the curb, and I now realize I probably don’t need to buy most lightbulb sizes and styles ever again.

However, these items made me pause:

1. A Dyson pink vacuum cleaner that I bought during one October Breast Cancer Awareness campaign many years ago. There was a period of time where I bought an item each year and named it for a friend who had had breast cancer. Every time I have used this vacuum cleaner I have thought of my dear friend Cary. It has cleaned up many a mess.

2. A London Fog men’s khaki colored jacket with zip out down lining that my mother bought for her father, my grandfather, a farmer who would have never spent that kind of money on himself. My mom bought it in the mid80s. He had never had a down jacket, and it kept him warm during the last few years of his life. My grandfather Joe L Dennard (and for whom I am named) traveled extensively, but the one place he never traveled, and wanted to, was Alaska. Last year when I traveled to Alaska I grabbed the jacket on a whim. Once there, I wore it on a glacier hike with John and my son Jack, our guide. I believe my grandfather was with me. Today, I decided to donate it. It has barely been worn, and I hope it will keep some person warm and they will feel the love that went into this gift many, many years ago.

The value of these things are in the stories.

Blessings and Tidings of Good Will …

11.6.18