Whirling Wanderer

"Stop. Raining!" I powerfully yelled.  I was tossed around like a flimsy toy by winds too strong to feel me in its presence while being pounced on by hail like an excited animal. This was the day I discovered - I am the Storm. I had heard of people becoming angry with themselves when they began a thru hike, especially if it was their first hike  of this nature - this was it for me.  We must have walked about 8 hours that day, for 7.5 hours, it rained and I experienced my first hail storm without any place to shelter. The feeling in my finger tips disappeared, my glasses became a  saucer for raindrops, and my defeated poncho was shredded by wind gusts. With each fresh step, the more angrier I became at the weather. The music playing in my headphones echoed a Goddess Kali mantra - how fitting. I could feel her wrath within myself but the angrier I became, it simply continued raining. I became so frustrated at one point that I pulled out my cocooned hands from under my ra

What if you lived a life of everything you’d imagine yourself being or doing as a child? No matter how much it seemed to be out of the lines or no matter how many times you changed your mind. You know what’ll happen? One day, you’ll stop. You’ll realize that by following all the ideas you had as a child actually led you places others have only dreamed of being. You’ll have flashbacks as a curious child – wondering and wandering. You’ll remember what it is to truly feel the evening wind gently stroke your chin as it moves into night. You’ll remember how to be simple, honest, and see beauty in everything. You’ll remember that you are magic the magic you seek.  Image: Jimmy Lawlor - Dragonflies Night

              Early one morning, under a sheet of stars, a group of five people set out towards their new journey. They’d been walking for twelve days but every day was unlike the other. Each glimmering sunrise proposed a different challenge with the same dewy scented clothing and unfortunately, the same foot pain as the day before. Each person came from a unique land filled with spectacular shades of people, fascinating nature and, and even more interesting experiences. The youngest female had never seen hail or snow before; she brought tales of bubbling mud volcanoes, colorful birds, and tropical waterfalls.  Two men told stories of Viking festivals and beer; while the other, spoke about honoring his ancestors who’d walk this trail before. The older woman, taught about living in the wild near to forest bears, and weather so freezing cold only the strongest liquor and thickest animal fur could keep you warm.              Everyday they’d carry their homes on their back while walki