Jeez Louise

 Word of the day: simplicity: the quality of being easy to understand!  The original disciples were “simple” fishermen.  So, on the 23rd of October, we left Lleida for my first day back on the walk!  Our numbers had increased to 24, but not everyone walked everyday.  It was a test for my tolerance and strength. My cough still lingered.  We are asked to reflect on the last supper and the suffering of Jesus.  We are asked to walk with Jesus.  And like Peter-and the other disciples, there are times in my life I have denied Jesus and my creator; and have  not remained vigilant in my faithfulness to God; but even more so, those I love!   This day, we traveled through farmland.  So the terrain and the smells of manure, harvest, and the earth; were all familiar to me! This day, in January, I can reflect upon that journey!   Onward, across our first bridge.  Several in Lleida!   Always graffiti, but more apparent in this indu...

Word of the day:  progressing: moving forward or onward.  A trick of searching pictures on an IPhone.   Place just the date in the search category; and pics from those dates over the years are presented.  So, as we progressed on our walk: Our family has progressed over the years as well:    The family at the wedding reception for my niece Anna and husband David.  October 23, 2021!             The boys, the combine, the farm! Bennett, Julian, Braden and Scarlett chilling at the reception. This is the view of the lovely Snake River valley where I was raised. In the background is the Big sky and beautiful Owyhee mountains!                           And the happy family  Scarlett and Julian with Great grandpa Eddie,  October 23, 2021.  Their great grandma Helen died in August and we all felt the void! Scarlett practicing a bit of yoga meditati...

Yesterday was the feast of the nativity.  My grandchildren came over to place the kings around the baby Jesus, so they could complete their journey.  We called their aunt Tia Leenie (Eileen) where she was celebrating King’s Day!  In Spain and other Latin countries, this is the day of gift giving. Feliz Dia de Reyes!  Word of the day:  fishermen.   Fisher of men and women.  The readings on this 17th day of our journey included the story of John and James who left their profession to become fishers of people. We are challenged to become contemplative in action!  Always following the River.  The Segre River is a tributary of the Eros, the river we had followed in the Basque Country, beginning in Loyola.   The church at the top of the hill in Lleida. And the ever beautiful changing sky!            It was great to reconnect and meet new pilgrims! And of course, the journey continued!        ...

 Word for the day:  celebration: pleasure at an important event.   I have missed a week due to celebrating the birth of Jesus with my family and friends.  However, I continue to have my mornings of silent reflection.  Now the morning NPR has become a distraction.  Prayer, mindfulness and contemplation are becoming a daily routine.   The Christmas 🎄 holiday was blessed and joyful.  The grandkids were happy with their “haul.”  And we all attended the Children’s Mass together. And extended family for the day!   This was part of my disconnection from the group.  I was still trying to get over my cough and prepare for return to the walk on the 22, with the large group.  Today I am reminded to do all things, “for the greater glory of God.”   This day of meditation offered us “the 2 standards”. We can choose to follow Jesus and a life of simplicity and love,  or we can choose the ways of the world.   While the pilgrims...

 Word for the day:  Anticipation: expect, regard as probable  Christmas, almost here!   The grands anticipating the coming of Christ & Santa Us, at the lake, -13 at night, anticipation of the days becoming longer after celebration of the Winter Solstice in our warm lake home! Anticipation, regarding as probable that the Christ child will come to us again on Christmas Day, to remind us again of the important things in life.  Caring for one another, especially the poor, homeless, disenfranchised. The importance of peace in the world, turning the other cheek.  Living a simple lifestyle.   And so, as the”Winter Season” begins; so begins week 3 of the spiritual exercises.  Week 3: centers on the passion of Jesus. The retreatant is asked to travel the way of the cross with Jesus. The readings today focused on the Good Samaritan woman at the well who provides water to Jesus.   Here is a statue of the Samaritan woman with her water jugs.  Sh...

 Word for the day: contemplation: deep reflective thought!  And prayer:  solemn  request for help or expression of thanks addressed to God or an object of worship. The end of Week 2 of the spiritual exercises.  Lessons from week 2?  A learning and leaning toward patience! I began to learn to listen and to care for my soul, my spirit, and my body.  I contemplated Jesus’ turn to his ministry and his oh so public life after working with his father Joseph, as a carpenter.  A builder, from buildings to souls!  I also was once again confronted with learning to be humble. A hard lesson for me in this life!  I was humbled by realizing I was unable to complete the whole walk.  I had approached it with a certain swagger, having always been one of the fastest walkers I know!  Humbled to realize that my lung disease MAC may actually have some debilitating effects on my lungs. And that stress, colds, and bad air quality all contribute to di...

 Word of the day: Hanukkah: dedication The Hebrew word Chanukah means  “dedication.”  Hanukkah begins today! The holiday commemorates the triumph of a band of rebel Jews (known as the Maccabees) in reclaiming the Temple in Jerusalem from the Greek-Syrians. Their victory is documented in the First and Second Book of Maccabees. Hanukkah, therefore,  celebrates freedom from oppression. I took  a day trip to Girona after the end of the pilgrimage.  A Star of David at the Jewish Museum there. This city had a large Jewish population until they were expelled in 1492.  The holiday commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem during the second century B.C. Although there was only enough oil to keep the menorah on the altar burning for one night, the menorah miraculously burned for eight days.                Menorah in the museum               ...