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. Hi, I’m so happy you stumbled on my blog. I am thrilled to have encountered yours and look forward to reading more. Your writing is fantastic. Peace, Belinda

    1. What a woman. I so appreciate your time and uplifting comment. I see the thought-rich writing and photography at your place. I look fwd to my revisit! Xxxxx Blessings. Diana

  2. Diana, you sound wonderful. 40 is great and it’s when I truly started to feel at peace with myself. Now 45, I would like it to slow down. LMAO

    Thanks for checking out my blog. Hugs to you. Paula xx

    1. Oh, I appreciated your thoughtful blog, Paula. Wonderful hearing from you – thanks for painting me a picture of yourself – and for the generous words. Xxx Diana

      1. Hugs back! Xxx

  3. Thanks for stopping by my blog. It’s nice to meet you, a fellow traveler on this journey.

    1. Oh, I enjoyed my visit. Thanks for the follow, P. I look fwd to revisiting. Diana

  4. You have an interesting blog here, continue with your good ideas.

    Irene

    1. Thanks for your time and encouragement, Irene. =)

  5. Hi Diana. I really appreciate the honesty and openness. Write on! Gary.

    1. Oh, thanks so much for taking the time to read and offer such kind feedback, Gary. =) Your blog – and certainly the snake shot – quite interesting. Diana

  6. Thank you for the kind words on my blog, Diana dear! Likewise, your posts make a good read each time as well so keep ’em coming! 🙂

    – Charm

  7. Well, you’re well and truly out of the Lost & Found basket now, Diana. So, where to next? Or are the ways of the wayfarer to remain mysterious? Ha! 🙂

    1. This was a timely, meaningful comment of yours (one of many). I had started burrowing my way out when I started blogging but as many of my incredible readers saw and felt in their own story, the first part of this series on identity and struggle was, I found, a turning point. Only, I almost feel like I’m turning into a cul-de-sac bc homeschooling starts with a serious curriculum and support group in 4 days. This is why I’ve felt the door closing on me. I long to keep up the writing pace. Anyway, thanks so much for your time. And….is Lorem your actual name? I know it’s the protagonist in your book.

  8. Diana,

    I love your last your last two sentences above: “…the things we share by virtue of our humanity. Hence a holistic journey.” That is a great description of our Human Family, our humanity…together! 🙂

    1. =) Thanks so much for the visit and warm feedback.

  9. Your posts are always inspiring 🙂 Thank you for your presence here

    1. Thanks for the good word, P. Just do the next thing.

  10. Writing is breathing and no longer holding your breath – love it! 🙂

    1. Thank you so much for the sweet note, R.

  11. I occasionally feel like commenting on your poems, but can’t, can I? I have some dear Korean friends, and have long been fascinated by Korean culture. There’s something about you, and your expression of faith and womanhood that hints distinctly of Korea……I really enjoy that, for some reason.

    1. WOW.. Wow, B! First off, how come you don’t comment more often, those times you want to? Your observation is immensely interesting. I am very antiKorean, in many ways, and am so intrigued as to just how I give away that side of me (apart from talking about Korean grandmothers ha ha).

    2. Where are you? In the States? The food’s pretty good but don’t go Korean when car-shopping. Your K friends have the crazy work ethic?

  12. Diana, awesome and inspiring words which are always sent from your genuine heart, spirit and pen!!!! Thanks for blessing me with your spiritual hugs every time you visit my blog! I shall send many your way also! God bless you and your family my sister!

    1. You are awesome, WB. You shine beauty and love in your work.

  13. very interesting personality

    1. Thank you. Although “interesting” does not have to be positive. LOL.

      1. well life needs some kind of memories but you seem to be a avid traveler 😀

      2. Thx for the follow. I do my best to keep up with my readers – which is getting increasingly hard. When I come out from under, I will be back. Thanks for your patience.

      3. your welcome always now I have to keep my eye on your blog lot of good stuff but it is nice of you to reply me very courteous of you

  14. thank you so much for visiting my blog. 😀

    1. My pleasure. =) Thanks for reciprocating, C.

  15. So is it true — that you can take the girl out of NY, but you can never take NY out of the girl? I’m kinda thinking it would be that way for me…if I ever do get out of NY! xo

    1. I understand I’ve mellowed out a lot. And I just can’t imagine living there again – don’t know how I grew up there. But I’m still intense for a Californian. 😉 Xxx

  16. Great blog Diana! I need to come back to read more 🙂

    1. Thanks so much, Elina. I enjoyed yours, too. Scrambling to return to my fav blogs…trying to get the next post out, knee-deep in the homeschooling.

  17. Thank you so much for visiting my blog and for commenting. You are a talented writer. Excited about following you and comparing notes on parenting.

    1. How sweet, Sarah. I do appreciate your hearty support, and enjoyed your blog, too. =) How old are your littles? Love, Diana

      1. All three are school-aged now–my youngest started kindergarten this year. How old is yours?

      2. Ooh, sounds great! Thanks for all the time you put into this. I will check out all the links when I have time…trying to blog, bake, and get the kids settled down for the evening all at the same time now! I have several homeschooling friends and will recommend your links for them too!

      3. Thank you, Sarah. I really appreciate you. Be sure to clarify that they’ll want to go to the LEARNING section under My Topics – right margin. Hope the baking turns out well. Xxxx Diana

  18. Thank you for enjoying my blog. I will book mark your place as you have much to explore. Though my nestlings have flown.

    Art is everything, and nothing. Art is any creation and every breath. Art is belief and argument. As those oft seen bumper stickers proclaim; Fear No Art.
    ~Jules

    1. Thanks for your time and support, J. I would’ve loved your thoughts on art under the recent post so others can contemplate them, but am happy for them nonetheless.

  19. Yes, I like what one of your followers said – we are fellow wanderers in this journey. Mothering is so all-consuming in the beginning. My nest emptied a while ago, and my writing grew and grew as their wings fluttered and then sped up. Thanks for visiting my blog – wonderful to discover yours.

    1. I appreciate your time and input. I don’t wish to impose but how you were enabled to write more in the empty nest bring these to mind:

      http://aholisticjourney.wordpress.com/2013/08/19/st-r-u-gg-ling-artist/

      http://aholisticjourney.wordpress.com/2013/08/22/st-r-u-gg-ling-artist-ii/

  20. Exquisite poetry! I’m so grateful you came across my “Randa Lane…” blog and liked some of my haiku. That happy circumstance led me here, and now, in joy, I follow you in your journey. Peace, love, and joy.

    Respect and Admiration,

    Ron

    1. I’m honored you bless me so. Thanks so much for the kind support, Ron. I did enjoy your work. I look fwd to sharing your journey as well. Diana

  21. Parenthood is an amazing gift. It made me appreciate life. It gave me hope when I felt lost. As for 40, it’s a great age to reshape the many dreams we once made but now have the time to turn into something greater, brighter. Youth is how we feel inside and how we see the our world around us. Best wishes to you and your family.

    1. Thanks so much for this glimpse into your own journey. Beautiful thoughts and experiences.

  22. Really enjoyed. Thank you for visiting my blog as well. I shall follow yours. The writing, and subject matter — very interesting and engaging.

    1. My pleasure visiting. Thanks for the support! I am very interested in your latest post on men dancing, as it applies to my most recent post on the question of art. I invite dancers into the discussion there. Will be taking a better look at your piece.

  23. You have got a beautiful blog running here. Your vision and thoughts are indeed a revelation. Great work. Keep blogging. I will definitely hang around here a lot savouring your perfect cocktail for an amazing blog.

    1. I so appreciate your blessing. Am perusing your place – beautiful as well. Love your tagline. Heartfelt thanks for the pledge of support. I wouldn’t be here apart from such kindness.

  24. Diana,
    You made a quick stop at my place, so I’m returning the favor. I see why a visitor called you interesting. There is something in the air here…can’t pinpoint it…you are obviously very intelligent and artistically articulate (say THAT 10 times fast:>). You dig deep into everything that surrounds, or touches you, and then you offer your succinct summary. I like that!
    I hope you can relax into homeschooling and have fun with it. This time will go by so fast that I think at least 80% of the curriculum should be laughing and fun. My children (adults now) loved kitchen math best.
    I don’t mean to impose when I say, breathe…
    Hugs and all the best,
    Patti

    1. Patti, you blessed me with everything you said – and in such a lovely way. That was not my first visit at your place. My first a while back apparently fell through the cracks on your radar but I was still happy to stop in again when I saw your icon on another blog. I so appreciate how you read me with all your senses. Love your advice. I need it. The grapplings I expressed in the recent st ru gg ling artist poems are the fresh frustrations of a woman divided in her passions and wonderful obligations. I will try to do better at the laughing. Please — your “impositions” welcome. Hug back, and I look fwd to my revisit.

      Grateful for your ongoing support and time.
      Diana

      1. Diana,
        I apologize for missing you before. I am just learning to go to sites, even if there was no comment.
        I got such a good feeling on at your place! I too have trouble balancing my passions.
        Thank you for your great response, and I will “see” you soon.
        Patti

      2. Oh, no need for an apology. Besides, you more than “made up” for it. =) I love how you got such a good feeling over here, Patti. I don’t know that a blogger can hear a sweeter compliment.

        We journey together.

        Diana

  25. Hello and thanks so much for visiting my blog, I really appreciated the comment you left on my ‘About’ page. I love what you say here about finding ‘God’s handprints’ everywhere. You are a woman after my own heart. As women, we never stop ‘evolving’, learning to grow with the inevitable changes which take place all around us, in and through our children, as they grow and we learn. I have signed up to follow you and look forward to joining you on your holistic journey, as we pause and breathe through our writing. Have a lovely day 🙂

    1. Sherri. I was struck by how you broke down at the affirmation of a reader upon sending The OM your submission. I was happy for you. -) For the release, the joy in the freedom of voice. Your piece on his board was full of passion and position, where you staked your ground. You know I’m grateful for the follow. Let’s keep on together. Love, Diana

      1. I appreciated your reverence. Thank you so much for the follow. I hope my FAITH section blesses you. =) Will be in touch.

  26. A sincere thanks for liking my poem on Mind’s Seat. God bless always!

    1. Oops wrong comment! Thank you for the like on my on my blog! Although I am not a mother, I feel that God is preparing me to be a great one through raising my own brother. I shall stop by again and definitely read more. 🙂

  27. mothers

    from their wombs
    spring forth all futures;
    and those of kindly souls—
    their past shall be eternal

    Have a wonderful day.

    1. eternal past…..oh, thank you for the blessing and for the follow!

  28. Thanks for liking my blog post and, by so doing, introducing me to yours. It offers so much and I look forward to seeing more!

    1. Thanks for the kind word, Mary.

  29. I’m enjoying looking through your website. Unique thoughts. Thanks for sharing. Also, thanks for “liking” several of our postings. Let’s keep up with each others blogs.
    Best wishes, Gayle Moore-Morrans

    1. I appreciated your earlier visit, Gayle. Thanks for the support and communication. And I’d like that. Xxx Diana

  30. Well, I certainly have to admire someone who can use “centripetal” properly! 🙂

    1. Not centrifugal…. 😉

  31. Thanks for finding me. I’ve always viewed myself as a Zen-Taoist. The flashes come, but being prepared isn’t always a bad idea. Centripetal, huh, have to look that up.

    1. Thank you for the warm support, Tom. And no, being prepared isn’t a bad idea. (I read authors who make me consult the dictionary, btw.)

  32. Wow. Thanks Diana. This is one of the most personal, touching and well written about pages that I’ve ever read. Thank you for so clearly and poetically sharing yourself with us. Brad

    1. You leave me with nothing but deep thanks, Brad. I appreciate your deciding to walk with me hereon, too. We’ll talk more. Blessings. Diana

  33. I read this and see a woman of uncommon sense. Thanks for stopping by The Brass Rag. Come and see us again soon. Looking forward to reading more of you.

    1. You know, Cheri, I don’t know why I have been blessed as I have here in the writing — and reading. I am grateful for the touch of grace and kindness. Your site is lovely, and I really liked your blog title. Yes, I plan to revisit. Diana

  34. Hello Diana,
    I have been reading your blog and found it to be very interested. As such I have nominated you for the Liebster Award. Here is a link to receiving the award, if you do want to accept it. May God continue to bless you. http://pbsministries.wordpress.com/2013/09/19/my-first-award-liebster-award/

    1. Hello again! I so appreciate the kudos and reward for my labors. I declined the L award in the past and put up a word on the right margin of my blog passing on any more awards. I do appreciate your reading. Blessings.

      1. Thank you. Not a problem. Blessings always

  35. ‘Stones collected along the shores of my wayfaring.’ Beautiful.

    1. Thanks, L. I’ve been meaning to swap out the photo to the one of us on the stone-lined shore (it’s just I’ve liked the bridge shot. =) ).

      1. It is hard at times to find the right picture. That’s why mine is a collage 🙂 must change it again.

  36. We found your writing, soulful! You have a way about you that comes across as wise yet
    humble, and it was a real treat to read your post and get to know you better. You are not only an inspiration for mothers, but women as well and we look forward to coming by and reading more! God bless~

    1. Inion: the journey here has been almost indescribable — for feedback like yours. But each blessing unique and beautiful. All I have for you is thanks for the clear, lovely sentiment. I do my best to keep up with my readers. Peace and grace ~ Diana

  37. Thank you for checking out my blog. I am glad that you did because it led me to read yours and I think your writing is something to see and be seen.

    1. Feels like I attract the best readers. I am so blessed. Thank you so much. I appreciate your thoughtful comment and blog.

      1. Thank you and your welcome.
        🙂

  38. Hi Diana, your blog is great and your words an inspiration. I’m very pleased to meet you here on WordPress and look forward to reading more of your writing. Take care and best wishes, James 🙂 x

    1. Supernova James (LOL I like calling you that), thanks a bunch for the kudos and follow. Cool blog you have there. Let’s keep talking. x back. Diana

  39. Spectacular! Looking forward to following. Write on, I say, write on! Respect REDdog

    1. You’ve joined the ranks of my amazing readers. Thanks again.

  40. You are a wonderful writer Diana! I’m so glad that you like my post and however you found me- I’ve now found you. I look forward to reading more. All the Best,
    Beth

    1. THANK you for the word of grace and the time, Beth. Cheerleading your way…would be lovely to share each another’s journey. Blessings. Diana

  41. Hello. Holistic Wayfarer. Lovely to meet you. Thank you for liking my poem ‘Touching.’ Best Wishes, The Foureyed Poet.

    1. Thanks for saying hi. =) Your poems are quirky. ^^ And thanks for liking the Wayfarer’s About.

  42. Honestly I think wordcrafting is one of the hardest things to do.To express oneself eloquently and share with the reader your thoughts which you have done. I’ve been questioning myself in this area. Do I share these words or do they also belong to others. If I have a pondering thought do I keep to myself or do I share it. The shell is coming off
    slowly, the wounds that it covered I believe are healed. You asked me if I feel free, yes in some ways, but in others I don’t. When I look and see that others can and do share their thoughts with freedom this is what I desire. Thank you for visiting my blog. I will return to gander and ponder yours.

    1. What precious thoughts and sweet commendation. I appreciate the glimpse into your heart – and the follow. Stephen King has shared a quote he found most useful, that we write our drafts with the door shut (write for ourself) and rewrite with it open, at which point the writing is no longer all ours, but the reader’s. I look fwd to talking more. =) Wayfarer.

  43. ‘Writing as breathing.’…reminds me of one of the quotes attributed to English Romantic Poet, William Wordsworth…..”Fill your paper with the breathings of your heart.” Good advice on writing and yours fills the bill.

    1. I so appreciate the thoughtful comments, Judy. It is always helpful to hear which parts hit home. Blessings. Diana

  44. Thanks for stopping by stillvoicing. I look forward to reading more.

    1. Thank you for the follow. I sure appreciate the support and look fwd to the conversations — over both our work.

  45. Great intro! Thanks for stopping by my blog! Blessings! 😀

    1. MY pleasure, P.A. Thank yOu for such warm support.

  46. Beautifully written “About” page and I love your photo 🙂

    1. How sweet. Thanks for the follow, Laura.

  47. Thank you so much for dropping by my blog 🙂

    1. My pleasure. Kind of you to reciprocate. Thanks for the like. =)

  48. Thanks for dropping by “Honey.” An eclectic blog is always interesting.

    1. My pleasure – and thank you for taking the time to comment.

  49. Excellent writing… You have much talent with words!

    1. Thank you. I appreciate your support.

  50. Thanks for stopping by my blog and directing me to yours. It is very interesting. I enjoyed reading your about page and also OM’s interview. I will definitely spend more time reading your blog.

    1. I appreciate the clear feedback, FtF. I enjoyed my visit as well. We’ll read each other… =)

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