It’s the greatest, most unassuming symphony, the human body at work. We make about two million new red blood cells every second, replace our stomach lining every two to nine days, can regrow a quarter of our liver to full size in weeks. A quadrillion (1015) DNA repairs heal the tens of thousands of lesions that blight our cells every day. In continual overhaul, we literally, viscerally embody death and rebirth, faithfully shedding in the deepest places what do not serve us. We even trade in our skeleton every 10 years with bones that had renewed at a rate of 10% a year. Maybe this is why we often take stock every birthday decade, prompted by more than rising digits. Even as the color of our hair and the strength of our skin surrender to time, we are given a new framework to build the next decade upon and to stand a little taller.

In triumph over a willful winter, the Georgian spring here beckons, the landscape outside and in my mind flush with green and promise. And so I release all that keeps me from the best version of myself. I will rewrite this page in ten years or less because to hope, to reach is to change. And change is the journey.

1,657 responses to “About the Wayfarer”

  1. I’m looking forward to reading about your journey!

    <33 Angie

  2. Cute picture of your son!

  3. Little A's Teacher-Mom Avatar
    Little A’s Teacher-Mom

    Sounds like we have some common ground. I like your observations about 40. I remember that many times in the Bible 40 indicates a testing time, or a probationary period. Appropriate here also, I think. God bless you in your journey.

    We also do no dairy and gluten for certain ones. 🙂

  4. The happy stumbling upon commonalities always so nice. Would love to stay in touch. =)

  5. Sounds like you are rising again. I stayed home with my son when he was little then began working part-time then full-time when he was older. I never regretted those years I stayed home. Sometimes I yearn to hold the little boy from years ago. Now I look at a young man, creative, confident and curious, and think that I must’ve done some things right. As they say, we give our kids roots, then we must also allow them their wings. If I lost my-self for a while it was more about the marriage and less about the child. As I look back I can see that everything, every chapter, taught me something and expanded my self in the world; both the joyous and the painful. I have no regrets. Writing has been my constant just in case I veered too far away the inner voice came reminding me to BREATHE my life into being. My wish for you is that you too begin to BREATHE a more expanded and authentic You into being. I look forward to seeing you write more! Blessings.

    1. I want to give moms who stayed home a BIG HUG. I know it’s not always cut and dried…there are (valid) reasons women work to varying extent. But the house does unravel when Mom’s not around much. Tennyson turns 6 in exactly 2 wks: WWWWaaaaHHHHH. I love the portrait of your son. We up the odds of their turning out that way when we stick around to anchor them in their formative years.

      You said, “I look forward to seeing you write more!”
      So do I! Oh, but for the small matter of TiMe….
      Thank you for the bold encouragement. I love this – our exchange. It is the stuff of blogging. Two voices in the dark under the light of their writing. Thanks for the support.

      1. We are here for you! Keep writing, keep living life fully. So much inspiration everywhere. Blessings.

    2. I love your saying. It comes from an experienced woman and above all comes from a truly Mum. I am a stay-at-home mum now and sometimes so stressful with unnamed job at home and growing a kid. I just want to put her in day care and go to work again. But reading what you say here i just feel i am so silly. I just have a great choice to look after my daughter and enjoy the motherhood. Thanks for your share.

      1. You will blink and find the little girl has gone off to college. Lightning fast. Your headstone over your grave will not read “Best Employee”. Even you won’t care how greatly you’d succeeded in the workforce when you look back. You’ll wish you’d spent more time with your daughter. Thanks for the support. Keep me posted on your mothering journey. And you can word-search “learning” and “mother” on my blog to pull up the posts that will apply to you and your little one. Double-tap the title once you find the posts.

  6. Hi Holistic, thank you for your comments on my Sensuous Tango photographic series. And, thank you for discovering my blog http://www.throughharoldslens.com. It gave me the opportunity to discover, explore and Follow your blog. Hope we both enjoy our journeys, Best, Harold

    1. Yep. I don’t have the eye you do, so it’s neat seeing the “angle” of others. =)

  7. An absolute pleasure reading you. Wonderful to connect and look forward to reading much more. Thanks for the visit and kind comment left in my blog.

    1. Thanks for taking the time. =) Isn’t it wonderful sharing the journey? Blessings!

  8. Keep it up, I love that 🙂

    1. Thank you. I am. On my next post right now. Blessings. =)

  9. I just read a few of your posts, and you have a lot of great wisdom to share! I’ll gladly keep reading =)

    1. How so sweet of you. Life is meant to be walked (and crawled and skipped) with others. I appreciate the support!! Blessings.

  10. Wow! im just starting to read a few of your posts and its like Treasure Island here!Jackpot for me! lots of gems & precious stones that I need to cash in right now: mothering, faith, marriage, friendship and oh yeah writing too! Thank God!
    Also excited for your nutrition for kids website- did you say?
    Blessings & cheers,

  11. You are just so so sweet. Thank you so much for the cheerleading. It’s been an amazing journey meeting and engaging bloggers. For lives to intersect like this is something. I hope you get to the post on human suffering. I felt I was gathering 20 years of theology (and pain) into the writing. God bless you richly. And I do my best to stay in touch with readers but I’m so very busy. Feel free to send me any posts in the future you would like to share, esp ones on mothering. =) Diana

  12. I left sugar behind 1 year, 4 months, and 5 days ago. But, who’s counting? Haha! I’m excited to see what you’ve got going for those of us who’ve kicked the habit! Life is so nice without sugar. I also quit caffeine!

    Anyway, I adore your writing style, and appreciate your journey. Here’s to continuing the journey together! May The Lord bless you, always.

    1. Well, you are one I must stay in touch with. We have lots to share. I was working diligently on the sugar-caffeine site last night. Will keep you posted…And thanks again for the sweet encouragement. Means a lot. I hope you had/have fun with the Difference Betw Men and Women post (it’s on the recent list). Love in Christ, Diana

      1. Loved your article in Homeschool Enrichment magazine, Climbing High. As a homeschooling mom of four, It helped to put things in perspective! On another note, I am very interested in learning about what you are doing for those with gluten/dairy intolerances and healthy eating in general. Where might I find that information?
        Deb

      2. Thank you SO much for the feedback and introducing yourself! I am about to jet out the door…will get back to you within 24 hrs, longer than my usual turn-around. Blessings, Deb. Diana

  13. Hi there! I have nominated your blog for the Shine On Award because I love your blog 🙂 There is no obligation whatsoever to accept but if you would like to accept and pass on this award please follow the link:
    http://jaydeashe.wordpress.com/2013/05/31/sunshine-on-a-rainy-day/

    1. Geeee…THANKS, Jayde-Ashe. And you have such a sweet voice. I’m quite fumbly with anything technical and have been wanting to ask my “web guy” exactly how I link with others. I will get on this as soon as I can. I do accept. Thanks again. Diana

      1. Hi Diana,
        I am very technologically retarded so I know exactly how you feel!
        To link to someone else’s blog, highlight their name on your post and click on the button up the top that looks like two chain links. A little box will pop up with a space for a URL. Open the other persons blog in a new tab or page, highlight their URL and copy it to the box. Done!
        If that makes no sense there is a help site here:
        http://en.support.wordpress.com/links/
        I hope it works for you!

      2. Final dumb question. So once you’ve linked to your nominees, do their site URLs or names appear as a link among your widgets? Or is “linking with someone” not necessarily that?

      3. Forget the confusion about the NAME of nominee. Oh, sorry again for all the mail!

  14. So happy you stopped by my blog! Now I have found yours! Wonderful reading! I am looking forward to more time spent reading your words. God bless you! 🙂

    1. Thank you, Doris. I was happy to see you thriving in blogosphere. I look fwd to reading more….Appreciate the beauty you reflect. Xx Diana

    2. Thanks for the likes and follow, Doris. Did you click to follow by email? I didn’t get email notification, though you showed up in my stats list. Am gathering data for Tech Support. I have been UNDER IT…juggling two blogs…am behind on reader response. But I will be revisiting when I can. I am grateful and honored for your big-hearted support. Xx Diana

  15. Hey, I have nominated you for Shine On Award.
    Do check up my blog for more info:
    http://limseemin.wordpress.com/2013/06/11/shine-on-award-from-tazeinmirzasaad/

  16. I stumbled across your site and I am enthralled. Is there a way to subscribe to your posts by email? Following gets lost on me if I’m not reminded. Lori

  17. Hi,
    Thanks for stopping by Cozy Cabin News and leaving a comment. I appreciate your visit. It is terribly difficult to get people to leave comments. I am happy to have found your blog and have added it to my list of favorites.

    1. You’re welcome. Thanks for the support. Just read the monk story!! Yikes!! I would’ve been quite angry. ^^ Here’s one on men and women:

      https://aholisticjourney.wordpress.com/2013/05/04/men-and-women-another-difference/

  18. I really love that people can share wonderful thoughts and experiences with the world. You have a lovely way with words.

    1. And I love it that we can pass on blessings and kindness with those words. Thank YOU for your time and encouragement!! =)

  19. Thank you for visiting my blog so that i could find my way here – to your beautiful space.
    I look forward to reading more.
    Namaste,
    Laurie

    1. Oh, thank YOU for your time here and such a blessing as you leave me. I’m a big yoga fan, btw. Diana

      1. 🙂
        Nice to meet you.

  20. Thank you for visiting and liking my blogs. I like what I see here and decided I need to follow you! 🙂

    1. What a wonderful comment! I appreciate you. I look fwd to visiting again.

  21. Your tagline persents such an interesting perspective on motherhood….finding your way out….. I can relate, but I have found that mothering is where I both lost and found myself, it is where I lost and found God/spirituality. It is through motherhood/mothering that I found my power as priest, prophet and queen; it took many years, much spiritual and emotional work; much spiritual and emotional releasing of long held lies I told myself about myself. It will be interesting following you and learning more about you and your journey. Thank you for stopping by my blog….blessings

    1. Thank you so much for the thoughtful feedback and follow. You run a rich, beautiful site that brims with love. “I found my power as priest, prophet and queen” WOW. I am so happy for you and the ways you have redeemed your difficult childhood. Continue to dream big. You’re never bigger than your dreams. Cheerleading your prosperity in family, work, and spirit. Love, Diana

      1. Thank you my sister in Christ

  22. So glad you made it this far, what a beautiful spirit! Yes, there was something about forty for me, too. Full bloom! Scary, though, now at fifty-five, the thought of full bloom behind me means. . . wilt, decay, die??? 😉
    No, life seems a series of deaths and rebirths–though not bursting with the energy and vibrancy of forty-somethings, fifties are rich, composed, joyful and scrapping. One digs in to tougher ground to splay the roots that will hopefully take the vine longer, the blooms more vibrant, perhaps to the centennial?

    1. Just LOVE it. EVERY word.

      1. Thank you, new friend!

  23. You have shades of my Mom in there too!

  24. Impressive writing. I’m glad to be here!

    1. Likewise! I’d wanted to stay longer at your place but am drowning in preparations, the eve of my historic first camping trip AUGH! Will be back, J!! Thank you dearly for the support. I feel honored. Diana

      1. Haha! Me, too! And have fun! 🙂

  25. you had me at “finding my way back out of motherhood — while mothering.” Yes!

    1. Ha ha – looks like
      now I made YOU smile.
      Cool beans.

      1. Oh yes, you did. So glad you found me, so that I found your lovely blog. I am on the same journey, just didn’t realize it till I heard you articulate it!

    2. I was JUST about to follow you!!!

  26. It’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m certain I’ll enjoy viewing your site.

    1. Thanks for the support. A pretty serious, interesting site you have there.

  27. I’m crushing on your about page.

    1. Uuuuhhh…excuse me?? Am I hearing you right? Just have never heard “crushing on”…
      I appreciate the support. I quite enjoy your writing.

  28. Am enjoying your blog and its encouragement. Blessings 🙂

    1. I appreciate your time. =)

    2. Thank you for the follow and I plan to revisit. =)

  29. Hi! I nominated you for The Versatile Blogger Award. Please get the badge at http://wp.me/p32YrK-p6 and get more info. Thanks for reading my posts. Have a great day!

    1. If you would change Holistic Wayfarer (username) to A Holistic Journey (blog name) on your list of nominees, I would appreciate it. Sorry for the hassle. And THANK you for the hearty support. I don’t take it for granted. Diana

      1. No problem. It’s been edited and updated. 🙂
        I am truly grateful for your comments. Feel free to offer more suggestions in the future.

      2. You are
        amazing.

  30. Love how you answered how many calendar years you tear out!

    What a great about, intro to you. I can really picture you. And I love your mention of God’s hand prints. Sometimes it’s difficult to not imagine we are landed on this planet and then left there to make of it all what we can.

    1. “I can really picture you.” This has to be among the highest of compliments, writer to writer.

      “and then left there…” Love how you put it. No, I don’t believe we were just left here…

      Diana

  31. Hey guess what? I’ve nominated you for the Liebster Award. Click on the link below and follow the instructions to claim your nomination! Look forward to reading your next post!http://defusingchaos.wordpress.com/2013/07/25/lieber-award/

    1. Thanks. I still haven’t posted the Versatile Blogger Award I got just before the Most Influential…not sure I’ll have time to put this one up. Would you tell me WHAT the Lbst is FOR? And if you’re not sure — ask your nominator? I appreciate your thinking of me.

      Diana

  32. Thank you for visiting my site. This creation of yours is vibrant.

    1. I simply love the gravatar…little one chomping down on watermelon double his size.

  33. “I see God’s handprints everywhere.” Amen!

    ~ Cara

    1. Thanks, Cara. I’d wanted to stay longer over at your lovely blog but had to crash last night to get up early and play keybrd at church. Thanks for the visit. Diana

  34. Diana,
    Wow, you’re writing really drew me in. Looking forward to get to know another wayfarer, gaining wisdom along the way. Best wishes, Holly

    1. Holly, that is among the highest compliments, writer to writer especially. And I get this gem tucked in a comment. Precious. Thanks for your time — and your photos were stunning. Thanks for transporting me to magic places beyond my own corner. Thanks so much for the support. Xxxx Diana

  35. Nice to meet you, Diana, your place is so pleasant! 🙂

    Best regards,
    Doina

    1. Same here. Thanks for popping in. I enjoyed your blog and photos. 😉

      1. I’ll be back, no doubt! 😉

      2. You indeed have kept your word. Thank you.

  36. I’m so very excited to have found your blog…very very excited. Thank you for finding mine. 🙂

    1. How SWEET. Thank you so much for the hearty support. I look fwd to my revisit. 😉

  37. Thanks for visiting and liking my blog and, in so doing, introducing me to yours. I can see there is much of great interest here…I know I shall be back to spend some time browsing through it!

    1. I appreciated your thoughtful work, Mary. I appreciate the sweet feedback. Diana

  38. Love your banner pic!

    1. =) I appreciate the hearty support. I look fwd to my revisit. Diana

  39. I do like the part about the stones. And the wedding picture is just beautiful. Unabashed romance – it would make anyone with dreams sigh with happiness.

    1. Thank you so much for the thoughtful feedback. You sound like you did read my latest post – where I looked at romance and dreams. Thanks for your time. It was a pleasure visiting.

  40. Your prose is beautiful. Sounds like an interestin journey you intend to share. 🙂

    1. Thank you for the sweet praise.

  41. Hi Diana, nice to meet you. Thanks for visiting our blog and for the like on the post about San Miguel. It’s a beautiful town. The next post will also be about San Miguel, and Guanajuato, which is also a gorgeous place, more reminiscent of Europe than Mexico.
    I like your writing. You clearly come from the heart, and honesty.
    Blessings
    Alison

    1. Thanks for the thoughtful comment, Alison. I was struck by the life you and Don took on. Fantastic job with the photos. Transports me beyond my little corner. Great meeting you in the wayfaring. 😉 Diana

  42. Thanks for reading my blog. i will follow yours and invite you to follow my blog if you are not already. beebeesworld

  43. thanks for the visit. wonderful blog you have here.

  44. Thank you so much for the like on my post, “What Matters Most”. I came here to tell you thanks and to explore your blog and what I have found has been very inspiring and written in a wonderfully clear and meaningful way! I look forward to reading more! 🙂

    1. What thoughtful feedback. I did enjoy your posts, too. Thanks for the support, and I do my best to stay with my readers. Xxxx, Diana

  45. THANKS for visiting my funny-caption photoblog and leaving a “like.”
    –John R.

  46. Diana,
    Thank you for sharing your journey with us. It’s great you’re back to writing again and I look forward to exploring your blog posts. You write with great power. Isn’t mothering what life is primarily about? We all need that nurturing, even as we age. Thanks for coming by by blog and liking my post.
    Betsy

    1. Betsy, I’m so touched by your blessing. What thoughtful feedback. I am grateful for your time. I work carefully on my posts. I spent eight hours – not counting think time – on Why We Read. That is how passionate I am for the word, my readers, and their time. Will be in touch. Xxxx, Diana

    2. And thank you so much for the follow.

  47. I wish all women had the opportunity to raise their kids, economically… glad you did! Keep up the growth and journey!

    1. I appreciate your time and support, Karen. Xxxx Diana

  48. Diana,

    At the age of ten, my favorite book (hands down) was “The Pilgrim’s Journey”. A bit heavy for a child, but appropriate for the age of my soul and what I was enduring at that time. God somehow helps us find Him when we need Him to carry us.
    Now, He is carrying my daughter and I through difficult times. How strong His arms are!

    Thank you for coming to my blog and for being here on the spiritual journey with us. I have written most of my years, but never in earnest until last year.

    Motherhood is an awakening 🙂 She opened my eyes, truly, to my endless possibilities that I am more than just a submissive woman… the most passionate, fierce and tender facets within me that I had nearly forgotten.

    1. “She opened my eyes, truly, to my endless possibilities” LOVE it. Motherhood is as much – if not more – a gift to us than what we pour out.
      Don’t forget yourself! “In earnest…” I LIKE that.

  49. Drawn in, redemptively, and thankful I came and visited your blog. Your good writing is part of the draw … And you content is rich. I want to follow your blog, and read more about your adventure and life experience. Thanks, by the way, for taking time to visit Wilder Man On Rolling Creek (blog) or the Other Side of The Trees. Peace, T

    1. I am grateful for the blessing you leave me here – and the clear feedback. I look fwd to my revisit to the other side of those trees. Blessings. Diana

  50. The picture of the couple on the bridge looks familiar. I think it’s the Colorado Blvd Bridge linking Eagle Rock and Pasadena California. Am I right?

    1. Well, the picture can’t look familiar because it is an original of me with my husband. 😉 The Colorado doesn’t ring a bell – we just followed the photographer to the site. It was around Glendale and well may have been Pasadena. =)

      1. from west to east it’s Glendale, Eagle Rock (city of Los Angeles) then Pasadena. The locals dubbed it suicide bridge for obvious reasons. That’s my bridge!

      2. Yup! That one of my old ‘haunts.’ I love driving that bridge!

      3. Well, the bridge was no cul-de-sac for us (referring to its nickname); it led somewhere new. =)

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