Post #13.7, Thursday, October 15, 2020

Historical setting: 563 C.E. Ascending into the Pyrenees          Cloud shadows on the mountains seem to make the ever-still earth forms of rock rise and fall like the waves on a sea. We thought finding our way through this range would be the simple part going up to the mountain top then down into Gaul,Continue reading “Post #13.7, Thursday, October 15, 2020”

Post #13.6, Wednesday, October 14, 2020

Historical setting: 563 C.E. Ascending into the Pyrenees          The fog clears. No words. Awe is a word too small. Dear God, was it your intention that human eyes would be given privilege to see so wide? Have we taken a step too far and now we see all of earth from a holy place?Continue reading “Post #13.6, Wednesday, October 14, 2020”

Post #13.5, Tuesday, October 13, 2020

Historical setting:563 C.E. Foothills of the Pyrenees          This new morning we are ready for the climb but an early rain dampens every leaf and twig and greases rocks for slipping. Horses, left to their own ideas would zig and zag upwards through this woods and so we learn from them how to ascend onContinue reading “Post #13.5, Tuesday, October 13, 2020”

Post #13.4, Thursday, October 8, 2020

Historical setting: 563 C.E. Foothills of the Pyrenees When is it ever that preparing for a long journey into winter is as joyful as this moment seems?          Dear God, thank you!          Here we are able to fit ourselves for a journey with substantial provisions. Nic has even purchased a donkey to take onContinue reading “Post #13.4, Thursday, October 8, 2020”

Post #13.3, Wednesday, October 7, 2020

Historical setting: 563 C.E. Villa turned Monastery          It was Nic meeting with the abbot while I was waiting. Could it be that this is another amazing synchronicity? It seems likely Nic has already chosen to stay here and he is speaking with the abbot about that now.          Now my turn. “Father, I justContinue reading “Post #13.3, Wednesday, October 7, 2020”

Post #13.2, Tuesday, October 6, 2020

Historical setting: 563 CE, the old villa, as a monastery          The table is set with plenty. Monasteries often consider hospitality to strangers as their mission. This one, particularly, is one on a path with many a wandering stranger seeking hospitality. The gardens and livestock are here to serve mostly guests as these monks would,Continue reading “Post #13.2, Tuesday, October 6, 2020”

Post #13.1, Thursday, October 1, 2020

Historical setting: 563 CE, at the family cemetery of the old villa          “Brother Lazarus, her name was not Susannah; her name was Minerva.”          The familiar sound of Nic’s voice plundered my moment of reverence as I knelt at the grave to place the flowers I had gathered. What does he know of myContinue reading “Post #13.1, Thursday, October 1, 2020”

Post #12.14, Wednesday, September 30, ’20

Historical setting: 563 C.E. remembering the villa          I learned from the bishop what had become of the villa under the Goths. Besides the actual gold and jewels and riches of the Suebi family, the Goths took, as their war booty, the cult members who were still living. They sanctified the asceticism and declared aContinue reading “Post #12.14, Wednesday, September 30, ’20”

Post #12.13, Tuesday, September 29, 2020

Historical setting: 563 C.E., the Inn at Bragda          Back at the inn now, and it’s the disappointment I’d feared.  The Rose is not in the stall. Nic’s things are already gone from the loft. The innkeeper says he paid ahead for me and my horse for this night and he will pay more ifContinue reading “Post #12.13, Tuesday, September 29, 2020”

Post #12.12, Thursday, September 24, 2020

Historical setting: 563 C.E., Bragda After I met with the bishop, after my mind was clear of wishes, and my memories were of grief, now I find Nic is not where I expected to find him: just outside, practicing his horsemanship. He is nowhere to be seen. He left an apple for my horse.  WhatContinue reading “Post #12.12, Thursday, September 24, 2020”