March 13, 2014
Exactly one year ago, Hugh, the girls, and I (and Flo from Switzerland!) were sleeping in an albergue in Valcarlos, Spain. We had just begun our Camino, even though it felt like we hadn't left New Hampshire. The snow was plentiful and the temperatures were identical to our normal Northeast winters. The four of us felt happy, optimistic, and excited to see what the immediate weeks would bring.
What followed were days of bliss. Yes, I know, roll your eyes if you must -- but I'm serious. Yes, there were moments of fatigue, and yes, the sun was sometimes too bright (for this NH hiker), and yes, there was that bunion I developed (and still deal with). But still. Our time on the Camino was nothing short of magical.
What made the Camino so special? Probably the same thing that makes every thru-hike amazing, in spite of the tired feet and aching muscles. We met, spoke, and broke bread with people from all over the world, we saw beautiful countrysides, and we were able to eat everything we wanted without gaining an ounce of fat -- but the main thing, THE special thing, was the simplicity of our routine. Wake up, hike, find a spot for the evening, clean up, eat, sleep, repeat.
The simplicity -- THAT'S the magic of the Camino. I haven't yet hiked any other long-distance trail, but I suspect that's the magic of them all. Hike, eat, sleep, repeat. Day after day after day. When one strips away modern day-to-day superfluousness (anything more than the basic needs of food, health, and shelter) and is forced to live moment-to-moment, outside, in all types of weather, one is left with oneself. Meaning, there's nothing left but your core. Who you are and what you value becomes abundantly clear after a couple of weeks on the trail.
The girls, being very young, didn't look at the Camino as any kind of back-to-basics experience. They saw it as an adventure. A huge, big, marvelous adventure in which they saw many gorgeous landscapes, spoke to many different people, and ate many fabulous meals. I hope they remember our upcoming JMT hike in the same way they now remember the Camino.
March 14, 2014
I had to stop yesterday's reflection because of mom duties.
I'll conclude this post by listing the following life changes that were a direct result of the Camino. I suspect these changes are permanent.
No more wasted time. I don't mean no more staring at clouds or sunsets -- those moments aren't wasted time. On the contrary, those kinds of moments are what life is all about. I mean, no more wasted minutes or hours spent trying to impress people I don't care about or appease the insecure. No more spending time with people who a) discriminate against...well, anyone or b) participate in organizations that discriminate against...well, anyone.
Simplicity rules. If I don't need it, then I don't own it.
Letting go of my kids while still actively guiding them. See my previous post regarding VLACS. Also, though we will continue to hike throughout the years (the girls show no signs of slowing down), the JMT hike might be our last trek for charity. Both girls want to continue contributing to society, but both want to "give back" in their own, unique ways. Alex wants to do serious trail work in the Whites, and Sage is interested in a specific local volunteer opportunity. This is good, this is important. Each daughter is finding her own way forward, each is discovering how she can make a positive contribution according to her own individual interests. So, in sum, our hiking adventures will continue after this summer's hike of the JMT, but future charity work may or may not involve our hikes. It's important the girls begin to find their own ways forward in terms of volunteerism.
Taking better care of my health. I lost weight on the Camino, and I've kept it off. Keeping it off has been rather easy, since we now make a huge effort to eat healthy, home-cooked meals almost every day. We all continue to get a lot of exercise...and I continue to enjoy the taste of red wine (though I don't drink as much now as I did on the Camino!).
Knowing...knowing...that more thru-hikes/extended outdoor excursions are in my future. Assuming my health remains strong, I will hike long-distance trails throughout my retirement years. If my health does not allow for thru-hiking, then I'll bike cross-country. Or, I'll visit all the National Parks. There will be something I can do, regardless of my health status. The earth is beautiful, and I want to see as much of it as I can. I don't mind tenting, so this kind of travel/retirement won't be expensive. I'm a low maintenance gal.
I'll leave it at that. Time to move onward. Ultreia.
Showing posts with label Camino de Santiago. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Camino de Santiago. Show all posts
Friday, March 14, 2014
Thursday, December 19, 2013
Life After the Camino: Lows, Highs, and Changes
Our trip report didn't happen last Monday. We couldn't hike anything because I had a nasty, nasty cold. I recovered, but now my kids have taken ill. Arg. We hope to be free of all bad bacteria and ornery viruses by this weekend so we can get back up a mountain! There's a ton of fresh snow out there and it will be soooo beautiful on the trails!
Since I don't have any pretty pictures to share, I'll take this time to describe some of my personal, long-term, post-Camino changes. The following might seem silly to someone who's thru-hiked the likes of the Appalachian Trail -- I hiked for six weeks, not six months, and I had a bed and a hot shower every night -- but, even though the Camino is relatively easy by traditional American thru-hiking standards, I'm experiencing an after-effect that radically influences the way I think and live.
First, the lows. I long to get back on the trail. I live in the mountains and there are trails all around me, so I am usually able to hike once or twice a week. I'm lucky, and I know it, so part of me feels guilty for expressing this, BUT -- day hiking is wonderful, but it's not the kind of experience I crave. I long to get out there and not come back for weeks/months. I long for the simplicity of day-after-day hiking, and I long to see new terrain. If my health and finances allow, I will likely become a full-time thru-hiker after the girls leave for college.
My tolerance for petty crapola has fallen to zero. I no longer have time for posers, narcissists, manipulators, egomaniacs, or gossip hens. Life's too damn short.
We still have too much stuff we don't need. I gave away a lot of my possessions after returning from the Camino. We still have too much stuff. If it were solely up to me, I'd give away most of the house. Heck, I might even give away the house itself and move into a small apartment...we're outside as much as possible, so how much indoor living space does a body really need? I'm not the only one living here, though. Everyone else seems to be rather fond of having multiple rooms and a basement.
Next, the highs. Profound joy in the simple things. There's a wonderful sense of satisfaction in shoveling your driveway, taking care of your roof, and holding your pet. The day-to-day tasks now have deeper meaning. I am grateful for the roof over our head, we are appreciative of our reliable car, and we celebrate our relative good fortune. There are so many people who do not have what they need. We realize we are lucky and we do what we can to help those who could use assistance.
Recognizing the beauty all around us. We live in an insanely gorgeous area. Breathtaking mountain vistas are only a few minutes from our front door. It's therefore easy to appreciate the astounding beauty of Mother Nature up here in New Hampshire. Since the Camino, however, I now see Nature's beauty everywhere. I notice the grass pushing through the cracks in the Boston sidewalks. The pigeons in Central Square look adorable. And so on. I'm truly noticing what I used to subconsciously dismiss.
Keeping the body healthy. I've gained back a mere three pounds of the weight I lost on the Camino, which is pretty good considering I'm no longer hiking 10-18 miles a day. My body still feels fit, and, overall, I continue to eat fresh, nutritious foods.
Now, the Changes. Simplify, simplify, simplify. If I don't need it, I won't have it. Nothing new is purchased unless it's absolutely necessary. I try to only spend time on activities I truly enjoy, and I've cut or limited contact with people who, for whatever reasons, caused great stress and discord in my life.
Growth. My primary and most important job for the last eleven years has been the care and education of my children. My role is shifting a bit...the girls and I are at the point where we would all benefit from the help of other educators. My kids would probably enjoy some more independence and, frankly, I need more time to myself. We are a close family and the girls are a joy to be around, but homeschooling is a huge, all-encompassing, sometimes overwhelming job. Six days a week, almost all my waking hours are dedicated to the girls' education and extra-curricular activities/playdates (UP was written between the hours of 10pm and 2am during six consecutive weeks).
I love my children, but I'd like to have more time to myself. We are therefore moving in the direction of online charter schools. With the charter schools, the girls would "school at home" instead of homeschooling...there'd be all the flexibility of homeschooling, but the job of choosing materials and assessing progress would no longer fall solely on my shoulders. The girls are well prepared academically for such a shift, as each has tested at or above grade level for the standard subjects, so there's no anxiety about the potential change. Who knows, they might eventually attend the local public high school (it's got a great reputation). Would this shift be happening if we hadn't walked the Camino? Probably not, as, like most mothers, I tend to put the rest of my family's needs before my own. Walking the Camino gave me a real sense of what was working and what wasn't within my own life. None of these changes in educational methods/styles will affect our hiking, by the way. The girls still very much want to get out there on a regular basis, and I still very much want to take them. I don't see that aspect of our lives ever changing.
If it doesn't feel right, then I don't do it. I'm not talking about sloth. What I mean is, if someone asks me to do something, and I'm already being pulled in five different directions, then I say "no." If an outspoken person wants everyone else to agree with her, and I don't, then I won't nod my head along with everyone else (I'll stand up and state my opposing case). I don't schmooze, and I don't support people who are only out for fame and self-aggrandizement.
I also won't publish another book that concerns my family. At least, not within the next decade. I'm proud of UP, and the girls and I are happy to have it out there. It got stellar reviews from every professional book critic who read it, and I'm thrilled so many people find it inspirational and enjoyable. I love all the people at Random House. No regrets whatsoever with that experience. However, future books concerning details of our family's history..as in, details that don't pertain to hiking...will have to wait until my daughters are adults. I'd want their mature (adult) and informed consent before I moved forward with any such publications. I've written two full-length manuscripts regarding specific aspects of our past, and it felt wonderful to create those documents...but, truth-be-told, I won't mind if the girls never approve those two publications. My enjoyment with writing comes from the act of writing itself. Appreciation is nice, and everyone likes to get paid, but I don't have a drive for fame or fortune. (No one should have a drive for fame or fortune....only unhappy and insecure people actively seek the fame-fortune package...such unfortunate folks don't realize peace and true success do not come from such shallow pursuits.) That's not to say I'm no longer publishing...I am, but not in ways you might expect. I'll leave those details for another day.
The above has gone on long enough, so I'll end things here. I'll list and describe more examples of post-Camino changes on another blog post.
As soon as we're free of sneezes and mucus, we'll get back on the trails. Hopefully next week...
Trish
Since I don't have any pretty pictures to share, I'll take this time to describe some of my personal, long-term, post-Camino changes. The following might seem silly to someone who's thru-hiked the likes of the Appalachian Trail -- I hiked for six weeks, not six months, and I had a bed and a hot shower every night -- but, even though the Camino is relatively easy by traditional American thru-hiking standards, I'm experiencing an after-effect that radically influences the way I think and live.
Life, Eight Months Post-Camino
First, the lows. I long to get back on the trail. I live in the mountains and there are trails all around me, so I am usually able to hike once or twice a week. I'm lucky, and I know it, so part of me feels guilty for expressing this, BUT -- day hiking is wonderful, but it's not the kind of experience I crave. I long to get out there and not come back for weeks/months. I long for the simplicity of day-after-day hiking, and I long to see new terrain. If my health and finances allow, I will likely become a full-time thru-hiker after the girls leave for college.
My tolerance for petty crapola has fallen to zero. I no longer have time for posers, narcissists, manipulators, egomaniacs, or gossip hens. Life's too damn short.
We still have too much stuff we don't need. I gave away a lot of my possessions after returning from the Camino. We still have too much stuff. If it were solely up to me, I'd give away most of the house. Heck, I might even give away the house itself and move into a small apartment...we're outside as much as possible, so how much indoor living space does a body really need? I'm not the only one living here, though. Everyone else seems to be rather fond of having multiple rooms and a basement.
Next, the highs. Profound joy in the simple things. There's a wonderful sense of satisfaction in shoveling your driveway, taking care of your roof, and holding your pet. The day-to-day tasks now have deeper meaning. I am grateful for the roof over our head, we are appreciative of our reliable car, and we celebrate our relative good fortune. There are so many people who do not have what they need. We realize we are lucky and we do what we can to help those who could use assistance.
Recognizing the beauty all around us. We live in an insanely gorgeous area. Breathtaking mountain vistas are only a few minutes from our front door. It's therefore easy to appreciate the astounding beauty of Mother Nature up here in New Hampshire. Since the Camino, however, I now see Nature's beauty everywhere. I notice the grass pushing through the cracks in the Boston sidewalks. The pigeons in Central Square look adorable. And so on. I'm truly noticing what I used to subconsciously dismiss.
Keeping the body healthy. I've gained back a mere three pounds of the weight I lost on the Camino, which is pretty good considering I'm no longer hiking 10-18 miles a day. My body still feels fit, and, overall, I continue to eat fresh, nutritious foods.
Now, the Changes. Simplify, simplify, simplify. If I don't need it, I won't have it. Nothing new is purchased unless it's absolutely necessary. I try to only spend time on activities I truly enjoy, and I've cut or limited contact with people who, for whatever reasons, caused great stress and discord in my life.
Growth. My primary and most important job for the last eleven years has been the care and education of my children. My role is shifting a bit...the girls and I are at the point where we would all benefit from the help of other educators. My kids would probably enjoy some more independence and, frankly, I need more time to myself. We are a close family and the girls are a joy to be around, but homeschooling is a huge, all-encompassing, sometimes overwhelming job. Six days a week, almost all my waking hours are dedicated to the girls' education and extra-curricular activities/playdates (UP was written between the hours of 10pm and 2am during six consecutive weeks).
I love my children, but I'd like to have more time to myself. We are therefore moving in the direction of online charter schools. With the charter schools, the girls would "school at home" instead of homeschooling...there'd be all the flexibility of homeschooling, but the job of choosing materials and assessing progress would no longer fall solely on my shoulders. The girls are well prepared academically for such a shift, as each has tested at or above grade level for the standard subjects, so there's no anxiety about the potential change. Who knows, they might eventually attend the local public high school (it's got a great reputation). Would this shift be happening if we hadn't walked the Camino? Probably not, as, like most mothers, I tend to put the rest of my family's needs before my own. Walking the Camino gave me a real sense of what was working and what wasn't within my own life. None of these changes in educational methods/styles will affect our hiking, by the way. The girls still very much want to get out there on a regular basis, and I still very much want to take them. I don't see that aspect of our lives ever changing.
If it doesn't feel right, then I don't do it. I'm not talking about sloth. What I mean is, if someone asks me to do something, and I'm already being pulled in five different directions, then I say "no." If an outspoken person wants everyone else to agree with her, and I don't, then I won't nod my head along with everyone else (I'll stand up and state my opposing case). I don't schmooze, and I don't support people who are only out for fame and self-aggrandizement.
I also won't publish another book that concerns my family. At least, not within the next decade. I'm proud of UP, and the girls and I are happy to have it out there. It got stellar reviews from every professional book critic who read it, and I'm thrilled so many people find it inspirational and enjoyable. I love all the people at Random House. No regrets whatsoever with that experience. However, future books concerning details of our family's history..as in, details that don't pertain to hiking...will have to wait until my daughters are adults. I'd want their mature (adult) and informed consent before I moved forward with any such publications. I've written two full-length manuscripts regarding specific aspects of our past, and it felt wonderful to create those documents...but, truth-be-told, I won't mind if the girls never approve those two publications. My enjoyment with writing comes from the act of writing itself. Appreciation is nice, and everyone likes to get paid, but I don't have a drive for fame or fortune. (No one should have a drive for fame or fortune....only unhappy and insecure people actively seek the fame-fortune package...such unfortunate folks don't realize peace and true success do not come from such shallow pursuits.) That's not to say I'm no longer publishing...I am, but not in ways you might expect. I'll leave those details for another day.
The above has gone on long enough, so I'll end things here. I'll list and describe more examples of post-Camino changes on another blog post.
As soon as we're free of sneezes and mucus, we'll get back on the trails. Hopefully next week...
Trish
Monday, July 15, 2013
Making the Post-Camino Changes Last, Part Five: Shedding Material Excess
I am grateful for all I have. We have enough money for groceries, my car is dependable, and we each have more than three changes of clothing. To not acknowledge these things would be foolish. In a world where so many other people don't have food and basic shelter, I am blessed with relative plenty.
Not that we're wealthy. Far from it. The girls and I are going to squish into our old 2-person tent during our trip to Utah in a couple of weeks. I can't afford a new 3-person tent right now, so this old one will have to do. We don't buy new clothes and we try to make all our own food so we can have money for plane tickets. We don't have cable television or gaming consoles because we need money for hiking boots. Etc.
Still. Like most of you, we have at least 50% more belongings than we actually need. That excess has to go; we're in the process of getting rid of it all.
We've been home from the Camino for ten weeks. For each of those ten weeks, I've gotten rid of four garbage bags full of stuff we no longer use (or, in many cases, never needed to begin with). Most of the "stuff" has been donated, though some of it has been thrown away (no one wants a torn-up pair of toddler sandals).
If the girls were in college and I didn't have pets, then I'd probably give away every single thing in this house and embark on an effort to hike all 11 National Scenic Trails. The female Nimblewill Nomad, that would be me.
Simplify, simplify, simplify.
All this material weeding has led to some spiritual weeding. I'm changing. Becoming more and more choosy about how and where I spend my time. There is no more room for banal chit-chat.
No more hanging out with people who talk talk talk about others, no blind "liking" of anything my Facebook friends send my way, no doing anything based solely on the expectations of others. I care less and less and less about what people think. I do my best to adhere to my personal code of ethics without regard to current mainstream opinion.
Many pilgrims say the Camino changes them. I used to think that way about my own situation, but now I realize that's not exactly the truth. The Camino didn't change me -- what it did was remind me of all that is important to me as a mother and a woman. It eliminated all the distractions and brought me back to myself.
Right now, my children are my (happy) duty and my time and attentions are concentrated on them. I do a decent job mothering them. I make mistakes, absolutely, but I'm happy with the way things are going. I don't want my current life to be any different from what it is right now.
The woman thing, though -- that's different. I sometimes get distracted and lose sight of what I want for myself...and what I want for myself is very simple. I want to hike. That's it. Besides taking good care of my children and being a good friend to my loved ones, nothing else is important. Nothing. The Camino reminded me of this. Immersing myself in nature, walking through forests, climbing gnarly trails, pushing myself to my physical limit -- such activities are my definition of personal happiness.
When the kids are not with me, when Hugh has them to himself, I'm on a trail. By the time the girls have left for college, I'll have hiked all 500+ trails of New Hampshire's White Mountains. Then, when my nest is completely empty (no kids, no pets), I will live on national and international trails as much as my health allows. Thru-hiking will become my way of life. This I know about myself. It's the one thing of which I am 100% certain.
Fellow trekkers, you understand.
Material excess. Who needs it. Beyond basic housing, clothing, and food, you don't need "things." Happiness doesn't come from material goods. It comes from the bug crawling across your pants leg, clouds drifting across the sky, and the sound of happy bullfrogs.
I give thanks for all I have, as should you. Ten years from now, when my children have left the nest, I'll give constant and in-person thanks for what we all have -- open skies, dirt trails, waterfalls, and mountains.
Not that we're wealthy. Far from it. The girls and I are going to squish into our old 2-person tent during our trip to Utah in a couple of weeks. I can't afford a new 3-person tent right now, so this old one will have to do. We don't buy new clothes and we try to make all our own food so we can have money for plane tickets. We don't have cable television or gaming consoles because we need money for hiking boots. Etc.
Still. Like most of you, we have at least 50% more belongings than we actually need. That excess has to go; we're in the process of getting rid of it all.
We've been home from the Camino for ten weeks. For each of those ten weeks, I've gotten rid of four garbage bags full of stuff we no longer use (or, in many cases, never needed to begin with). Most of the "stuff" has been donated, though some of it has been thrown away (no one wants a torn-up pair of toddler sandals).
If the girls were in college and I didn't have pets, then I'd probably give away every single thing in this house and embark on an effort to hike all 11 National Scenic Trails. The female Nimblewill Nomad, that would be me.
Simplify, simplify, simplify.
All this material weeding has led to some spiritual weeding. I'm changing. Becoming more and more choosy about how and where I spend my time. There is no more room for banal chit-chat.
No more hanging out with people who talk talk talk about others, no blind "liking" of anything my Facebook friends send my way, no doing anything based solely on the expectations of others. I care less and less and less about what people think. I do my best to adhere to my personal code of ethics without regard to current mainstream opinion.
Many pilgrims say the Camino changes them. I used to think that way about my own situation, but now I realize that's not exactly the truth. The Camino didn't change me -- what it did was remind me of all that is important to me as a mother and a woman. It eliminated all the distractions and brought me back to myself.
Right now, my children are my (happy) duty and my time and attentions are concentrated on them. I do a decent job mothering them. I make mistakes, absolutely, but I'm happy with the way things are going. I don't want my current life to be any different from what it is right now.
The woman thing, though -- that's different. I sometimes get distracted and lose sight of what I want for myself...and what I want for myself is very simple. I want to hike. That's it. Besides taking good care of my children and being a good friend to my loved ones, nothing else is important. Nothing. The Camino reminded me of this. Immersing myself in nature, walking through forests, climbing gnarly trails, pushing myself to my physical limit -- such activities are my definition of personal happiness.
When the kids are not with me, when Hugh has them to himself, I'm on a trail. By the time the girls have left for college, I'll have hiked all 500+ trails of New Hampshire's White Mountains. Then, when my nest is completely empty (no kids, no pets), I will live on national and international trails as much as my health allows. Thru-hiking will become my way of life. This I know about myself. It's the one thing of which I am 100% certain.
Fellow trekkers, you understand.
Material excess. Who needs it. Beyond basic housing, clothing, and food, you don't need "things." Happiness doesn't come from material goods. It comes from the bug crawling across your pants leg, clouds drifting across the sky, and the sound of happy bullfrogs.
I give thanks for all I have, as should you. Ten years from now, when my children have left the nest, I'll give constant and in-person thanks for what we all have -- open skies, dirt trails, waterfalls, and mountains.
Saturday, June 29, 2013
Making the Changes Last, Part Four: Pinning Your Undies to the Outside of Your Pack
After we returned from the Camino, I wrote a list of Ten Truths. One of those truths, number 8, is this: Sometimes you just have to get through the day with your underwear pinned to the outside of your pack.
This truth is vital, it's one of the most important truths of all. Sometimes, in spite of your preparation and attention and hard work, things don't go as planned (the washed undies don't dry overnight) and you have to keep moving with your vulnerabilities hanging out for the world to see. This happens. A lot. To everyone.
One can, of course, hide the undies. One can ball them up and stuff them somewhere where others can't detect them...but then they won't dry at all...and you'll regret your bashfulness when you put them on later. No, it's better to bite the bullet and dry them on the back of your pack. Sure, it's embarrassing, and yes, some people will make comments. But so what. Such is life.
At least you'll stay humble.
Humility is crucial. It's why I believe this truth is so important. Humility is what makes the day pleasant. Our own humility...and the humility of others.
We've all come across people who present themselves as experts on this, that, or the other. Such folks parade their opinions as facts on internet forums, Facebook pages, newspaper articles, and/or blog posts. Arming themselves with nothing more than a sliver of experience in any one subject, they deliberately portray themselves as gurus in an effort to boost their own self-esteem. They shout their opinion at you as though it is fact, and they verbally attack and insult anyone who dares challenge their so-called authority.
We've all also been the unfortunate victims of our own ridiculous egos. Ever had an argument with someone and, halfway through, realize most of the blame actually falls on your own shoulders? Ever refuse to acknowledge your mistakes out of pride or fear of looking weak? Ever claim to be the best at anything -- anything at all?
Such pride and egotism make life uncomfortable for everyone. Humility is key. We all seriously need to walk a few days with our underwear pinned to the outside of our packs. I think that might solve most of the world's problems.
While we can't force humility on others, we can recognize arrogance when we see it and refuse to listen to or acknowledge those who pretend (or actually and unfortunately believe) they are better than others. We can also habitually recognize our own shortcomings and mistakes. We can acknowledge that, in spite of our best efforts, we are not perfect, we do not have all the answers, and we will inevitably look profoundly goofy to others every now and then.
The following is a (non-inclusive) list of the idiotic things I did during the past few weeks. I expose all of this knowing full well each and every one of you commits equally stupid acts from time to time. We're all human. May as well laugh at our own foibles and keep our egos in check.
I accidentally started the electric mixer while still assembling the blades (always keep an appliance unplugged until you are ready to use it!).
I sent an email asking questions about my fireplace to the organizer of Peaks Foundation instead of my local contractor.
I fussed at my kids for losing a toy, then remembered that I was the one who took it out of the house (I apologized).
I wore a shirt backward without realizing it for half a day.
I cut a small tree limb while standing directly beneath it...you can guess what happened when it fell...
I don't mind admitting all these things because I personally witness other humans committing equally bone-headed acts each and every day.
Wouldn't the world be a better place if, instead of trying to pump ourselves up in the eyes of others, we habitually announced and laughed at our own imperfections? In owning up to our own ridiculousness, wouldn't we come to a better understanding, appreciation -- and, counterintuitively, respect -- of each other?
I think so. But that's just my opinion.
This truth is vital, it's one of the most important truths of all. Sometimes, in spite of your preparation and attention and hard work, things don't go as planned (the washed undies don't dry overnight) and you have to keep moving with your vulnerabilities hanging out for the world to see. This happens. A lot. To everyone.
One can, of course, hide the undies. One can ball them up and stuff them somewhere where others can't detect them...but then they won't dry at all...and you'll regret your bashfulness when you put them on later. No, it's better to bite the bullet and dry them on the back of your pack. Sure, it's embarrassing, and yes, some people will make comments. But so what. Such is life.
At least you'll stay humble.
Humility is crucial. It's why I believe this truth is so important. Humility is what makes the day pleasant. Our own humility...and the humility of others.
We've all come across people who present themselves as experts on this, that, or the other. Such folks parade their opinions as facts on internet forums, Facebook pages, newspaper articles, and/or blog posts. Arming themselves with nothing more than a sliver of experience in any one subject, they deliberately portray themselves as gurus in an effort to boost their own self-esteem. They shout their opinion at you as though it is fact, and they verbally attack and insult anyone who dares challenge their so-called authority.
We've all also been the unfortunate victims of our own ridiculous egos. Ever had an argument with someone and, halfway through, realize most of the blame actually falls on your own shoulders? Ever refuse to acknowledge your mistakes out of pride or fear of looking weak? Ever claim to be the best at anything -- anything at all?
Such pride and egotism make life uncomfortable for everyone. Humility is key. We all seriously need to walk a few days with our underwear pinned to the outside of our packs. I think that might solve most of the world's problems.
While we can't force humility on others, we can recognize arrogance when we see it and refuse to listen to or acknowledge those who pretend (or actually and unfortunately believe) they are better than others. We can also habitually recognize our own shortcomings and mistakes. We can acknowledge that, in spite of our best efforts, we are not perfect, we do not have all the answers, and we will inevitably look profoundly goofy to others every now and then.
The following is a (non-inclusive) list of the idiotic things I did during the past few weeks. I expose all of this knowing full well each and every one of you commits equally stupid acts from time to time. We're all human. May as well laugh at our own foibles and keep our egos in check.
I accidentally started the electric mixer while still assembling the blades (always keep an appliance unplugged until you are ready to use it!).
I sent an email asking questions about my fireplace to the organizer of Peaks Foundation instead of my local contractor.
I fussed at my kids for losing a toy, then remembered that I was the one who took it out of the house (I apologized).
I wore a shirt backward without realizing it for half a day.
I cut a small tree limb while standing directly beneath it...you can guess what happened when it fell...
I don't mind admitting all these things because I personally witness other humans committing equally bone-headed acts each and every day.
Wouldn't the world be a better place if, instead of trying to pump ourselves up in the eyes of others, we habitually announced and laughed at our own imperfections? In owning up to our own ridiculousness, wouldn't we come to a better understanding, appreciation -- and, counterintuitively, respect -- of each other?
I think so. But that's just my opinion.
Friday, June 14, 2013
Making the Changes Last, Part Three: Decency Abounds
The good folks at ParaVival are allowing me to give away one of their cool Paracord Survival Bracelets. To enter the drawing, do one of the following:
I am pleased to announce that Marcy Light of "(Don't Be) Too Timid and Squeamish" will guest host this blog next Thursday, June 20. Marcy is an inspiration to many and I am thrilled to have her contribute to our site! Stay tuned for details.
Since I recently referred to folks who test one's patience (see number 4 of Ten Camino Truths), it now seems fitting to discuss the positive aspects of humanity. There truly are some beautiful people in this world. That simple fact may be difficult to remember when driving down a residential street with a tailgater filling your rearview mirror. The beauty within your neighbor might, at times, seem hopelessly buried under his thick layer of cluelessness as you lie awake in the wee hours of the morning hearing the eardrum-shattering music blaring from his living room window. Humility might appear to have vanished from our species as you listen to ranting radio personalities and surf television stations filled with ridiculous reality stars. Given the great sense of entitlement and me-me-me shouting in this country, it can be nearly impossible to remember that most folks are indeed good and kind at heart.
Seriously -- I do believe most people are good and kind. When people are not good and kind, it usually means they're reacting to stress they're unable to gracefully carry.
It's easy to peg people who are habitually selfless and giving. Mother Teresa springs to mind, as does Angelina Jolie, my Unitarian Universalist minister, and a local business owner who regularly donates a substantial portion of his profits to our region's food pantry. It's important to recognize those who do all they can to serve as many people as possible. It's equally important, however, to recognize the average Jane who holds the door open for strangers, the Joe who returns the surplus change to the mistaken cashier, and the teenager who parks in such a way as to never block anyone in. The philanthropists of this world are very much needed, and I am in no way trivializing their efforts. What's also needed, in arguably equal proportions, is everyday, old-fashioned, decency. And yes, I do believe this decency abounds.
On the Camino, decency was easy to find. Pilgrims who walk 20-35 kilometers every day don't have the energy to be ornery. More importantly, however, pilgrims who walk 20-35 kilometers every day take in every bit of positivity they can in order to get through their arduous journey. Generally speaking, pilgrims notice and take great pleasure in the good and simple things of life. A clean bunk, a cold drink, an empty chair, a cheery "Buen Camino"...such happy details fuel the peregrina's fire.
Back at home, however, one has to open one's eyes a little wider to find human decency. It's not that everyday folks aren't good and kind -- they are, repeatedly, right in front of you. The problem is not, in fact, everyday people, but our own, everyday vision. We're too busy fretting over our own situations and meeting our own needs to notice the little acts of kindness that happen each and every day, right under our noses. That stranger who just held the door for you -- he didn't have to do that. The lady who smiled and said hello -- why do you merit even an ounce of her attention? The woman who returned the wallet to the man who unknowingly dropped it -- she could have used the extra money to feed her kids. The man who donated a carload of usable goods to the thrift store -- he could have sold those items on eBay and pocketed the cash. Etc.
It took 540 miles of walking across Spain to make me fully appreciate the beauty in my fellow human beings. Before the Camino, I saw mostly the unpleasantness of the petty few. I'd spent too many years communing with emotionally unhealthy persons; my view of the world had been greatly shaped by toxic connections, and it took me a while to extricate myself and move forward on my own. The Camino provided me with more support for my personal healing process -- The Way opened my eyes to the inherent goodness of (most) my fellow human beings. Yes, selfishness exists. Sure, there are plenty of folks one should steer clear of. We don't live in Utopia and we can all point to local examples of dirty rotten scoundrels.
However -- look around you. Are most of your neighbors stealing from one another? Are you mugged every single day? At the post office, does everyone push and shove to get to the front of the line?
No, of course not. And I'll bet half the people who do indeed commit such offensive acts do so out of dire need or temporary selfishness. Again, yes, there are bona fide criminals out there. But look at how many more wonderful, good-hearted, and loving people there are. The good far, far outnumber the bad.
In other words, decency abounds. Human beings are beautiful -- look for the positives. Start making a mental list of all the simple acts of kindness taking place around you each and every day.
Notice, and be grateful.
- Post a comment at the end of this post describing a selfless act you recently witnessed (please don't give anyone's real name...we need to respect the right to privacy). --OR--
- Post a comment at the end of this post describing why you want to win a free Paracord Survival Bracelet --OR--
- Email me at patriciaellisherr@post.harvard.edu and tell me you want to win a Paracord Survival Bracelet --OR--
- Post a comment at the end of this post naming and describing your favorite hiking trail (anywhere in the world).
****
****
DECENCY ABOUNDS
Since I recently referred to folks who test one's patience (see number 4 of Ten Camino Truths), it now seems fitting to discuss the positive aspects of humanity. There truly are some beautiful people in this world. That simple fact may be difficult to remember when driving down a residential street with a tailgater filling your rearview mirror. The beauty within your neighbor might, at times, seem hopelessly buried under his thick layer of cluelessness as you lie awake in the wee hours of the morning hearing the eardrum-shattering music blaring from his living room window. Humility might appear to have vanished from our species as you listen to ranting radio personalities and surf television stations filled with ridiculous reality stars. Given the great sense of entitlement and me-me-me shouting in this country, it can be nearly impossible to remember that most folks are indeed good and kind at heart.
Seriously -- I do believe most people are good and kind. When people are not good and kind, it usually means they're reacting to stress they're unable to gracefully carry.
It's easy to peg people who are habitually selfless and giving. Mother Teresa springs to mind, as does Angelina Jolie, my Unitarian Universalist minister, and a local business owner who regularly donates a substantial portion of his profits to our region's food pantry. It's important to recognize those who do all they can to serve as many people as possible. It's equally important, however, to recognize the average Jane who holds the door open for strangers, the Joe who returns the surplus change to the mistaken cashier, and the teenager who parks in such a way as to never block anyone in. The philanthropists of this world are very much needed, and I am in no way trivializing their efforts. What's also needed, in arguably equal proportions, is everyday, old-fashioned, decency. And yes, I do believe this decency abounds.
On the Camino, decency was easy to find. Pilgrims who walk 20-35 kilometers every day don't have the energy to be ornery. More importantly, however, pilgrims who walk 20-35 kilometers every day take in every bit of positivity they can in order to get through their arduous journey. Generally speaking, pilgrims notice and take great pleasure in the good and simple things of life. A clean bunk, a cold drink, an empty chair, a cheery "Buen Camino"...such happy details fuel the peregrina's fire.
Back at home, however, one has to open one's eyes a little wider to find human decency. It's not that everyday folks aren't good and kind -- they are, repeatedly, right in front of you. The problem is not, in fact, everyday people, but our own, everyday vision. We're too busy fretting over our own situations and meeting our own needs to notice the little acts of kindness that happen each and every day, right under our noses. That stranger who just held the door for you -- he didn't have to do that. The lady who smiled and said hello -- why do you merit even an ounce of her attention? The woman who returned the wallet to the man who unknowingly dropped it -- she could have used the extra money to feed her kids. The man who donated a carload of usable goods to the thrift store -- he could have sold those items on eBay and pocketed the cash. Etc.
It took 540 miles of walking across Spain to make me fully appreciate the beauty in my fellow human beings. Before the Camino, I saw mostly the unpleasantness of the petty few. I'd spent too many years communing with emotionally unhealthy persons; my view of the world had been greatly shaped by toxic connections, and it took me a while to extricate myself and move forward on my own. The Camino provided me with more support for my personal healing process -- The Way opened my eyes to the inherent goodness of (most) my fellow human beings. Yes, selfishness exists. Sure, there are plenty of folks one should steer clear of. We don't live in Utopia and we can all point to local examples of dirty rotten scoundrels.
However -- look around you. Are most of your neighbors stealing from one another? Are you mugged every single day? At the post office, does everyone push and shove to get to the front of the line?
No, of course not. And I'll bet half the people who do indeed commit such offensive acts do so out of dire need or temporary selfishness. Again, yes, there are bona fide criminals out there. But look at how many more wonderful, good-hearted, and loving people there are. The good far, far outnumber the bad.
In other words, decency abounds. Human beings are beautiful -- look for the positives. Start making a mental list of all the simple acts of kindness taking place around you each and every day.
Notice, and be grateful.
Friday, May 31, 2013
Making the Changes Last, Part One: Keeping the Buns at Bay
Tanya Koob of "Family Adventures in the Canadian Rockies" recently posted a fun review of my memoir, Up: A Mother and Daughter's Peakbagging Adventure. Thanks for the lovely write-up, Tanya -- glad you enjoyed Up!
*****
Making the Changes Last
The girls and I returned from Spain a month ago. On May 2, the day after we removed our shells from our packs, I posted my Ten Truths of el Camino de Santiago.
The Camino changed me, no doubt. Those truths resonate with me each and every day. However, it's not enough to allow feelings to bounce freely around one's psyche; one must put forth effort to transform those truths into actions. During our first week home, I realized it would take a lot of effort on my part to hold my truths close and make the recent positive changes permanent. My outlook on life, the way I live each and every day, and my level of physical fitness all require constant and thoughtful maintenance if I am to prevent lapsing into old and unhealthy patterns.
I'll therefore post weekly updates on my efforts to stay true to my inner peregrina. I hope these posts will resonate not only with past and current long-distance trekkers, but with everyone who strives to better themselves.
Today's subject -- Physical Fitness: Keeping the Buns at Bay
Today's post will regard physical fitness. Staying fit on the Camino wasn't a problem. Walking 10-20 miles each and every day does wonders for the body and mind; getting from Point A to Point B is all that's required -- no gym membership, daily weighing, or calorie-counting needed.
Actions Required for Maintenance
One of the challenges of a post-Camino lifestyle is to maintain an advanced level of fitness. Like most of us, I have a fulltime and challenging job (homeschooling) and therefore don't have the time to walk 10-20 miles each and every day. However, I've been able to squeeze in two 10-mile hikes and five 60-minutes exercise sessions a week. There have been times when that exercise seemed ridiculous (midnight sessions of Wii's "Just Dance," five-mile roadwalks in the pouring rain, etc.), but I feel good about having made fitness a priority. The girls do their own sixty-minute exercise sessions (they take karate twice a week, they go swimming once a week, we hike together once a week, etc.).
Healthy eating goes hand-in-hand with exercise. I am not talking organic-everything, no alcohol, whole grains only, etc. That would be terribly boring and no fun whatsoever. I am talking balanced, homemade meals. Few, if any, prepackaged, chemically-laden foods. Locally-grown fruits and vegetables. Bread made from the local bakery. And...wine! I still drink two glasses of wine each and every day (the cheaper the better). I also eat chocolate whenever I want. I emphatically DO NOT count calories.
So far, I'm the same weight and shape as I was when I first returned from the Camino. The kids look and feel great too. I think the daily exercise is key -- it's affected our appetites. We rarely want to eat anything our bodies aren't truly hungry for. There is no binging-on-chocolate-because-it's-there. Instead, we eat the chocolate only when we truly desire something sugary...and we usually only want a tiny bit of it.
Pros of Maintenance
- We feel strong and healthy.
- Our stamina has increased (we can hike longer and tougher trails, and we can hike them quickly).
- It's nice to be able to fit into smaller-sized clothes (for me...the girls are, of course, growing).
- My daily outlook is almost always positive (exercise is a mood booster).
Cons of Maintenance
- A commitment to daily exercise means grabbing those sixty minutes whenever I can. I therefore sometimes find myself doing Wii in the middle of the night or walking a busy highway while my kids are in their karate class. In other words, fitting in the exercise sometimes means working out in less-than-optimal conditions.
- My dog can no longer keep up with me. This means I now need to carry him the last few miles down the mountain, limit my choice of trails, or board him when I hike. I've done all three during the past four weeks.
The pros obviously outweigh the cons, so I'll continue fitting in the exercise however I'm able. I can dodge highway traffic and I can walk in the pouring rain...I would like to eliminate the midnight Wii sessions, though. Sleep is important...and I'm not getting enough of it...but that's a topic for another post.
***
Coming soon -- a Terrifying 25 trip report (we're hiking tomorrow), a review of ParaVival's paracord survival bracelet, and more news on our next long-distance fundraising hike.
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
Where in the World Is Phil From Australia?
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| Alex and Sage before the afternoon rush at Casa Pepa. |
Our wet and handwashed clothes hung on a rack just around the corner, next to the entrance of our private room. While the girls sat and conversed with Phil (or, rather, while Alex sat and conversed with Phil...Sage is shy and rarely speaks to anyone other than her friends and family), I shuffled back and forth between the drying clothes and our night's habitacion. Later, Alex told me that Phil was from Australia ("and has the best accent") and that he had asked her to draw him a flying turtle. Alex had begun to oblige, using the watercolor pencils she carries with her everywhere she goes (even now, even back in los Estados Unidos), but we ran out of free time before she could finish. We had a strict bedtime of 8:00pm on the Camino; the secret to the girls' strength and stamina was eleven hours of sleep each night and a ton of food every day.
Phil was there the next morning for breakfast, but he was entering the bar as we were leaving. We waved to him and went on our way.
The next -- and last -- time we saw Phil was on the bus coming back from Fisterra. He had a happy, dreamy, contented look about him, as did most of the peregrinos. We had all just finished long, difficult journeys and we were each sitting in our own personal cloud of euphoria. Phil sat directly behind me and Sage (Alex took her own seat a few rows ahead). I asked him if he was flying out of Santiago that day or the next.
"I have no idea where I'll be tomorrow," he answered. "I might take a train to Portugal, or I might take a cheap flight to Norway. Maybe I'll go to Germany."
The dreamy expression on Phil's face increased as he smiled broadly.
"I've don't have to be back in Australia until July. I think I'll just show up at the train station or airport tomorrow and get the cheapest ticket to Somewhere."
I expressed my admiration for his sense of adventure and my jealousy of his freedom. That's the kind of life I want to have once the girls have left home. I want to spend months of my life traveling, meeting others, exploring the world. I want to show up at the airport one day and buy the cheapest ticket to Somewhere.
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| An interesting section of Sweden's Kungsleden. Image copied from http://kungsleden.net/. |
Wanderlust. Freedom. Foreign lands and different cultures. Heaven.
My life right now couldn't be better, and I'm not complaining about my current state of affairs. I'm able to homeschool my children, and my kids' father is a good man who is extremely supportive of all the girls' endeavors. We have a strong, loving family and we're relatively healthy. We're not rich by any means, but we have enough money for the basics (we count pennies during the year so we can afford to travel).
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| Hiking trail in Iceland. Image copied from http://www.nat.is/gonguleidireng/gonguleidir_allt_landid.htm |
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| Alta Via 1. Image copied from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alta_Via_1 |
Hence the fundraising. Every year, we will pick a long-distance trail and hike it for charity. 100% of the money raised will go to the nonprofit organization (and not to us). Just like our 2012-2013 efforts for Global Fund for Women and GirlVentures, Alex and Sage will take large and pivotal roles in the fundraising activities (they worked HARD for our GIRLS ON THE WAY Camino project -- they climbed all night at our Brooklyn Boulders climb-a-thon, they stood outside in the dead of winter at our raffle table, they drew posters, etc. and, of course, they hiked 540 miles). Hugh and I feel Alex and Sage should grow up doing what they love, but they should simultaneously find ways of being useful to others.
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| Via Francigena. Image copied from http://www.viafrancigena.com/fra_fr_e.htm |
I recently asked the followers of my Facebook Page to suggest destinations for next year's long-distance adventure. The result was a long list of incredible-looking trails (thanks, folks!). Hugh, the girls, and I have narrowed down the options -- right now, the strong contenders are Iceland (a variety of trails through and around the country), Kungsleden (Sweden, within the Arctic Circle), the Alta Vias (Alps), and the Via Francigena (from the Italian Alps to Rome). I know about the 88 Temples hike in Japan...and that is on our radar for the future. However, for next year, I want to keep the distance between 300 and 500 kilometers so we have the time and money to continue highpointing the USA. In addition to the fundraising hike next year, we want to summit Mt. Whitney in California, Kings Peak in Utah, and perhaps Borah Peak in Idaho.
So...thank you all for your suggestions regarding not only trails, but nonprofit organizations. We'll take another week or so to make a decision, then we'll set our wheels -- or rather, our hiking boots -- in motion.
Phil, wherever you are, I hope you're having a blast. Buen Camino, peregrino.
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
Tuesday Trip Report: Black Mountain, Benton (52WAV) with Sage. November 3, 2012
Great news! Your Camping Expert included our 2011 Katahdin blog entry as one of its "Top Ten Hiking With Kids Posts." We appreciate the honor and hope you'll visit Your Camping Expert to read the rest of the top ten!
Our training plan for the 500-mile Camino hike is fairly straightforward. We'll do a "big" mountain hike (at least 10 miles) once a week, just like we always do (see our main blog for past hikes and trip reports). In addition, the girls will take turns going with me on "short" hikes (less than 10 miles) on Saturdays. The Saturday hikes will give me an opportunity to test new gear or routines with the girls.
Last Saturday, Sage and I hiked up Black Mountain in Benton, NH. For the first time, Sage wore a backpack loaded with everything she'd need for an overnight, minus a tent. Up until this point, I've carried most of the load for both girls during our adventures. Now, however, they're ready to shoulder their own stuff.
That being said, it's important they carry as little weight as possible on the Camino...lighter loads mean happier hikers and healthier backs and feet. Therefore, the girls and I will bring only the bare essentials. Though Sage's pack looks huge, it only weighs 6 pounds (not including water).
The hike went well, as you can see from the video below. Black Mountain via Chippewa Trail is about 5 miles roundtrip with 1600 feet of elevation gain.
Good times.
Regarding the backpack's weight: Sage felt comfortable during the hike, but I think I need to buy her a different backpack. The one she wore on Saturday is too big; the contents, when packed down, fill only half the space. We can probably find a children's backpack that's lighter and smaller, yet still holds all that Sage needs to carry.
I'll be back tomorrow with a special shout-out to an intrepid female author/adventurer. In the meantime, if you haven't done so already, visit your local polling place and vote!!
***
We are now "in training" for the Camino de Santiago (see our "Camino blog," GIRLS ON THE WAY).Our training plan for the 500-mile Camino hike is fairly straightforward. We'll do a "big" mountain hike (at least 10 miles) once a week, just like we always do (see our main blog for past hikes and trip reports). In addition, the girls will take turns going with me on "short" hikes (less than 10 miles) on Saturdays. The Saturday hikes will give me an opportunity to test new gear or routines with the girls.
Last Saturday, Sage and I hiked up Black Mountain in Benton, NH. For the first time, Sage wore a backpack loaded with everything she'd need for an overnight, minus a tent. Up until this point, I've carried most of the load for both girls during our adventures. Now, however, they're ready to shoulder their own stuff.
That being said, it's important they carry as little weight as possible on the Camino...lighter loads mean happier hikers and healthier backs and feet. Therefore, the girls and I will bring only the bare essentials. Though Sage's pack looks huge, it only weighs 6 pounds (not including water).
The hike went well, as you can see from the video below. Black Mountain via Chippewa Trail is about 5 miles roundtrip with 1600 feet of elevation gain.
Good times.
Regarding the backpack's weight: Sage felt comfortable during the hike, but I think I need to buy her a different backpack. The one she wore on Saturday is too big; the contents, when packed down, fill only half the space. We can probably find a children's backpack that's lighter and smaller, yet still holds all that Sage needs to carry.
I'll be back tomorrow with a special shout-out to an intrepid female author/adventurer. In the meantime, if you haven't done so already, visit your local polling place and vote!!
Thursday, October 25, 2012
Thursday Things: Organize a Walk for Charity (#9)
Please join us this Saturday at the Boston Book Festival! We'll be in the Boston Public Library Commonwealth Salon at 1pm.
I'm pleased and proud to introduce GIRLS ON THE WAY, our blog about hiking the 500-mile Camino Frances route of The Way of St. James (El Camino de Santiago). Over the next few months, GIRLS ON THE WAY will document our preparation for the hike of a lifetime.
We finally did it. We finally decided on one huge hike, something spectacularly grand and exciting, something that might make it possible for us to raise a decent amount of money for others.
Alex, Sage, and I have been talking about doing something for charity for over a year. First, Sage wanted to walk across the United States. I jumped at the idea, but it didn't pan out because neither Sage nor Alex wanted to be away from home for the many consecutive months it would have taken for us to walk from coast to coast. Next, we thought of hiking or biking 50 miles in each of the 50 states. Again, however, that would have meant too many months away from home. The girls need their routines; they don't mind being gone for two months or so, but after that they want to see their friends, hold their pets, go to their extracurricular classes, etc. Totally understandable.
Then, at our friend MadRiver's suggestion, we rented the film, The Way. All three of us loved it. When the film ended, we talked about the possibility of doing the Camino. A week later, the plan was set, and I reminded the girls about our responsibility to help others however we're able. Our recent trip to San Francisco reinforced our desire to start where we are, use what we have, and do what we can...I therefore sent emails to Global Fund for Women and GirlVentures, and now here we are today.
I've stated in other posts that I want to raise $10,000. That's a HUGE amount of money and I've no idea if we'll reach that goal. We'll do our best, though. My first public announcement regarding our Camino adventure (outside of social media) will be at this weekend's Boston Book Festival (I'm giving a talk on my book, Up: A Mother and Daughter's Peakbagging Adventure). Next week, I'll begin the fundraising campaign in earnest. We've four months before we leave for the Camino, and I'd like to raise as much money as possible before we go.
Please spread the word and let others know what we're doing. Share the new website with them -- www.girlsontheway.com. Help us raise money to help promote the good health, economic security, and human rights of women around the globe.
I'm pleased and proud to introduce GIRLS ON THE WAY, our blog about hiking the 500-mile Camino Frances route of The Way of St. James (El Camino de Santiago). Over the next few months, GIRLS ON THE WAY will document our preparation for the hike of a lifetime.
We finally did it. We finally decided on one huge hike, something spectacularly grand and exciting, something that might make it possible for us to raise a decent amount of money for others.
Alex, Sage, and I have been talking about doing something for charity for over a year. First, Sage wanted to walk across the United States. I jumped at the idea, but it didn't pan out because neither Sage nor Alex wanted to be away from home for the many consecutive months it would have taken for us to walk from coast to coast. Next, we thought of hiking or biking 50 miles in each of the 50 states. Again, however, that would have meant too many months away from home. The girls need their routines; they don't mind being gone for two months or so, but after that they want to see their friends, hold their pets, go to their extracurricular classes, etc. Totally understandable.
Then, at our friend MadRiver's suggestion, we rented the film, The Way. All three of us loved it. When the film ended, we talked about the possibility of doing the Camino. A week later, the plan was set, and I reminded the girls about our responsibility to help others however we're able. Our recent trip to San Francisco reinforced our desire to start where we are, use what we have, and do what we can...I therefore sent emails to Global Fund for Women and GirlVentures, and now here we are today.
I've stated in other posts that I want to raise $10,000. That's a HUGE amount of money and I've no idea if we'll reach that goal. We'll do our best, though. My first public announcement regarding our Camino adventure (outside of social media) will be at this weekend's Boston Book Festival (I'm giving a talk on my book, Up: A Mother and Daughter's Peakbagging Adventure). Next week, I'll begin the fundraising campaign in earnest. We've four months before we leave for the Camino, and I'd like to raise as much money as possible before we go.
Please spread the word and let others know what we're doing. Share the new website with them -- www.girlsontheway.com. Help us raise money to help promote the good health, economic security, and human rights of women around the globe.
Monday, October 15, 2012
Start Where You Are. Use What You Have. Do What You Can -- Arthur Ashe
Please join us on Saturday, October 27 at the Boston Book Festival. Click here for details.
The girls and I spent twenty minutes in the Tenderloin district of San Francisco last week. I didn't bring them into the area on purpose; the blocks changed quickly and by the time I realized where we were heading, we were already there. We did an about-face soon enough, but as we walked six short blocks up and down Jones Street, we saw at least a dozen people sleeping on the sidewalks, three men openly smoking something that was definitely not tobacco, and one inebriated woman shout-singing, "Henry the Eighth I Am." The girls took it all in and, as we walked, they asked me a lot of questions. Why were those people sleeping on the sidewalks? Couldn't the rich people of the world give them money? What were those fellows smoking? Why is it illegal? If it's illegal, then why were they smoking it and why weren't they afraid of being caught by the police? Why isn't alcohol illegal, if alcohol makes you sing loudly down the middle of the sidewalk?
I tried to answer their questions as best I could. There are programs out there for homeless people but not everybody can take advantage of them for certain reasons, I'm not exactly sure why some things are legal while other things aren't, and I don't know why the men didn't seem afraid of getting caught. The girls' questions continued -- their biggest concern was why, in this land of relative plenty, the government can't offer help to every person in the country.
I'm not a politician so I won't play one on this blog. Suffice to say my responses fell short of my daughters' expectations. They wanted concrete answers regarding how to help and house all the homeless people we saw and all I could give them was a bunch of I-don't-knows.
We left the area with a new resolve to do our part in this world.
For at least a year, the girls and I have been talking about hiking for a charitable organization. Specifically, we've wanted to do our part, however small, to help empower girls and women around the globe. Alex and Sage are quite aware that, in far too many countries, women are considered property and do not have access to education, adequate health care, or equal rights. My daughters are also aware that right here in the United States, in the year 2012, women do not receive equal pay in the workforce, maternity/paternity leave is practically nonexistent, and the vast majority of our elected officials are men.
After we walked through the Tenderloin, I asked the girls if they wanted to change the target of our future fundraising efforts. Their answer was no...and yes.
No, for now, they want to stay focused on female empowerment. Therefore, we will dedicate our March/April 2013 hike of the Camino de Santiago to the nonprofit organizations Global Fund for Women and GirlVentures. Global Fund for Women offers grants to female-led organizations and promotes equal rights for women around the globe. GirlVentures is the San Francisco-based nonprofit that leads adolescent girls through outdoor wilderness adventures. I will write much more about the Camino, Global Fund for Women, GirlVentures, and our fundraising efforts in the weeks and months to come. A new webpage devoted to this 500 mile journey will soon be constructed and linked to this site.
Yes, the girls definitely care about the homeless and would also like to raise money for them. Therefore, if the Camino goes well and if the girls remain enthusiastic about hiking for charity, then we may do another fundraising hike in 2014. That walk will likely focus on helping the homeless.
The girls are young and I don't see their love of hiking fading away any time soon. May as well raise money for others while we're walking.
Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.
The girls and I spent twenty minutes in the Tenderloin district of San Francisco last week. I didn't bring them into the area on purpose; the blocks changed quickly and by the time I realized where we were heading, we were already there. We did an about-face soon enough, but as we walked six short blocks up and down Jones Street, we saw at least a dozen people sleeping on the sidewalks, three men openly smoking something that was definitely not tobacco, and one inebriated woman shout-singing, "Henry the Eighth I Am." The girls took it all in and, as we walked, they asked me a lot of questions. Why were those people sleeping on the sidewalks? Couldn't the rich people of the world give them money? What were those fellows smoking? Why is it illegal? If it's illegal, then why were they smoking it and why weren't they afraid of being caught by the police? Why isn't alcohol illegal, if alcohol makes you sing loudly down the middle of the sidewalk?
I tried to answer their questions as best I could. There are programs out there for homeless people but not everybody can take advantage of them for certain reasons, I'm not exactly sure why some things are legal while other things aren't, and I don't know why the men didn't seem afraid of getting caught. The girls' questions continued -- their biggest concern was why, in this land of relative plenty, the government can't offer help to every person in the country.
I'm not a politician so I won't play one on this blog. Suffice to say my responses fell short of my daughters' expectations. They wanted concrete answers regarding how to help and house all the homeless people we saw and all I could give them was a bunch of I-don't-knows.
We left the area with a new resolve to do our part in this world.
For at least a year, the girls and I have been talking about hiking for a charitable organization. Specifically, we've wanted to do our part, however small, to help empower girls and women around the globe. Alex and Sage are quite aware that, in far too many countries, women are considered property and do not have access to education, adequate health care, or equal rights. My daughters are also aware that right here in the United States, in the year 2012, women do not receive equal pay in the workforce, maternity/paternity leave is practically nonexistent, and the vast majority of our elected officials are men.
After we walked through the Tenderloin, I asked the girls if they wanted to change the target of our future fundraising efforts. Their answer was no...and yes.
No, for now, they want to stay focused on female empowerment. Therefore, we will dedicate our March/April 2013 hike of the Camino de Santiago to the nonprofit organizations Global Fund for Women and GirlVentures. Global Fund for Women offers grants to female-led organizations and promotes equal rights for women around the globe. GirlVentures is the San Francisco-based nonprofit that leads adolescent girls through outdoor wilderness adventures. I will write much more about the Camino, Global Fund for Women, GirlVentures, and our fundraising efforts in the weeks and months to come. A new webpage devoted to this 500 mile journey will soon be constructed and linked to this site.
Yes, the girls definitely care about the homeless and would also like to raise money for them. Therefore, if the Camino goes well and if the girls remain enthusiastic about hiking for charity, then we may do another fundraising hike in 2014. That walk will likely focus on helping the homeless.
The girls are young and I don't see their love of hiking fading away any time soon. May as well raise money for others while we're walking.
Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.
Friday, August 24, 2012
The Friday Wrap -- Exciting News Galore
I've a bunch of exciting news to post this evening, but first I'd like to share this photo of the girls enjoying the sunset at Lakes of the Clouds Hut on the shoulder of New Hampshire's Mt. Monroe.
We had an excellent couple of days above treeline ascending multiple peaks in daylight and moonlight. I'll post a full trip report within a couple of days.
Some more exciting news -- in just over a month, I'll be the guest speaker at GirlVentures' EMPOWER! breakfast in San Francisco. This is quite an honor; last year's speaker was Jennifer Siebel Newsom, the creator of Miss Representation. GirlVentures is a wonderful and unique organization that develops adolescent girls' inner strengths through outdoor adventure and empowerment programs. Read all about their fine work here.
Even more exciting news -- the girls and I will head west next week for our third highpointing adventure. We'll spend six or seven days acclimating at 11,000 and 12,000 feet, then we'll see what we can do in terms of bagging some extremely high summits. We hope to get at least two highpoints on this trip, but we'll play it by ear and see what happens. At the very least, we'll spend a lot of time in absolutely gorgeous locations, so even if we "get nothing," we'll still win.
Even MORE exciting news -- and this is a biggie -- the girls and I will walk the Camino Frances route of the Camino de Santiago next year. We plan to start at St. Jean Pied de Port in France and go all the way to Santiago (about 780 km) in northwest Spain. This kind of journey is right up our alley and Hugh and I feel the girls are quite ready for this. Alex and Sage are now happily hiking 10-15 White Mountain miles up and down peaks every single week without any trouble and they habitually and easily beat adult book time even in foul weather, so they're probably as prepared for the Camino as any average adult hiker would be. In any event, we will not be in a rush to complete this pilgrimage and we will go at whatever pace the girls wish, and we will take days off as needed. Hugh will join us here and there as he is able. I would like to raise awareness and hopefully some money for a specific charitable organization as we hike, but such plans have not yet been fully formed. Right now, all I know is that we're going and that I feel extremely blessed and fortunate to have such an adventurous family.
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