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first "blog" entry....Leaving Sunday

justbnow

New Member
"You don't choose a life... you live one"

This is one of my favorite quotes from the movie "The Way" that was instrumental in inspiring me to make this journey. And as I sit here, in my new little home secluded in the foliage of Montecito, I feel that that one line has never been more true. I've spent a lifetime "chosing" my life. Trying to be in control. And I would have to say that for the most part... I messed a lot of it up! The choices I made always seemed to come back to haunt me, and a lot of them I am not proud of. And then, a few years ago I decided to give up control, and hand it over to the God of my understanding. I got myself a bus pass, and took the passenger seat... I gave up driving (metaphorically) and just sat back and tried to do the "next right thing". What a relief to not be in charge anymore... and then the blessings started reigning down.

This morning I am sitting here... with 2 days left before I leave for Spain... and I have a cold. A COLD!!! I am sick as a dog... and I have things to do ~ or maybe not.~ Maybe this is God's way of saying... slow down, you are ready...get some rest. I'm not sure, but what I do know is that I am trying to listen... for the lesson. There still are a handful of loved ones that I want to wish farewell.. and reading glasses that I need to buy ('cause in the last week I have either packed or lost all of mine) but what I need to do is rest. And I believe that I am being forced to do just that. grrrr I keep thinking about the preschool lesson we had last month about the butterfly and the cocoon. Wow ~ the patience it must take that worm as it builds it's cocoon, knowing that eventually it will break free, a beautiful butterfly...free...with wings. So, I took my Alka-Seltzer, blew my nose (again) and am heading back to the cocoon of my bed, knowing that I will be fine come Sunday!

I didn't choose this trip ~ it chose me! The longing to make this pilgrimage came from somewhere deep beyond my knowing, and that is why I know it is the "next" right thing to do. If it had been my choice... I would be eating Cocoa Puffs and sitting in a theater somewhere in England reciting Shakespeare! But noooo... I'm not driving that bus anymore.... I am walking 550 miles across Spain... and I WILL gain my wings!

Buen Camino

B
 
The one from Galicia (the round) and the one from Castilla & Leon. Individually numbered and made by the same people that make the ones you see on your walk.
I remember that line from the movie. That film changed my life. I knew within the first 30 minutes that I would walk the Camino even though I had never heard of it before. I had not been East of Colorado, on a plane for more than four hours. I had no idea where SJPP was or how to get there. I just knew i'd do the pilgrimage and I did ...eight months later I was in Spain and walking...230 miles. I was about to "see" my 70th birthday and becoming too comfortable in my comfort zone,& losing confidence in myself. I did it to save my life. Now I'm going back in May 2014 to walk the entire 500+ miles and will "see" my 72nd birthday there. Life is so damned good, I can't stand it!! :=0 And I believe it when it is said that no one does the Camino by accident. As with you, the Camino chose me.
 
A selection of Camino Jewellery
The first edition came out in 2003 and has become the go-to-guide for many pilgrims over the years. It is shipping with a Pilgrim Passport (Credential) from the cathedral in Santiago de Compostela.

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