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, Your blog is wonderfully inspiring and brutally honest. Keep up the good work you’re doing here. I hope to hear from you again soon. Cheers!

    1. My pleasure. Thanks so much for the lovely response to my writing. Diana

  2. Interesting blog. Interesting thoughts. I hope that I inspired you to think as much as you have inspired me.

    1. I enjoyed my visit! Thank you.

  3. Ma’am, thank you for taking the time to notice my blog, I hope there are thing in it that interest you or that bring a smile to your face. I really like your profile and I do believe I will enjoy a lot of your writing efforts, you sound like a very interesting person, I look forward to hearing from you.

    ted

    1. Hi Ted, I appreciate both the follow and the address of respect – but kindly call me Wayfarer or Diana. I don’t need to feel older than my years. =) I look forward to sharing in your journey as well, and to enjoying your rich, thoughtful posts. Thanks for the pledge to continue on with me. Blessings. Diana

  4. Hi Diana, Thank you for visiting my blog tonight, that’s quite the introduction, may your journey take you to places of wonder 🙂

    1. Thanks for the visit back, Andy. It has been wondrous and magical here.

      1. 🙂

  5. I think that when I comment here, you will see my email address in your dashboard 🙂
    Have a great weekend!

    1. If I end up hoping to post any of your lovely photos (say, with a poem) I will write. No promises. Just wanted your info on standby. =) Thanks.

  6. 40 is the start of a new beginning… a time of remembering and reconnecting to the gift that you are.

    1. Thanks for that bit of wisdom and affirmation, Christopher. And for your valuable time. Blessings. Diana

  7. You’re a Diana too!! Yeayy! : )
    And yes, I love how sweetly simple and sincere your blog is..

    1. Thanks for the glad follow, Diana. =)

  8. I’m a relative newcomer to the blog-o-sphere, but I’m enjoying the community I’m discovering here. I look forward to following your future posts. Blessings, Steve

    1. Thanks for your time on my post and the pledge of support, Steve. Welcome to blogosphere. It is one amazing place. Diana

  9. I will start following your blog. Looking forward to being inspired by you.

    Best regards,
    Elizabeth

    1. Welcome to this community, Elizabeth. We have some incredible, thoughtful readers here. I enjoyed your blog. I’d love to walk together. =) Thank you. Diana

  10. Nice to meet you! Your writings indeed are very interesting. Would love to explore more!
    Regards.

    1. Thanks, Dilip. You are most welcome here. Diana

  11. A Blessed day to you. I have nominated you for the Shauny Award. If you will accept, here is the link for directions. God Bless. http://pbsministries.wordpress.com/2013/12/17/the-shauny-award/

    1. Hi there. I did mention, the last time you nominated me so sweetly, that I have the No More Awards, Thank You posted on my sidebar. I appreciate the honor!

      1. Oh my, I have forgotten that… smile… Definitely no more awards. Stay blessed and all the best to you.
        Peace

      2. Wonderful of you to affirm my work as you have.

  12. It’s nice to read your About page, Diana. I especially love your first line: I am a Woman out of the Lost & Found. Intriguing. You certainly piqued my interest and your writing style is very nice. 🙂

    1. I appreciate your time and the kind feedback, CBird. =)

    2. And thank you for the follow, CB. =)

      1. You’re welcome; you can call me Cathy! 🙂

      2. LOL Great to know, Cathy.

  13. Eloquent wording … you are inspiring and thought provoking. I like your syle. Thanks.

    1. I appreciate the praise, Jerrie. Thank you for your time.

  14. Amazing blog! Thanks for allowing me to discover this edifying place. Following you.
    Regards
    Rupesh

    1. Amazing reader to leave such a comment. Thanks so much for the hearty support, Rupesh. Would love you to join the Great Conversation here. Blessings. Diana

  15. Enjoyed your blog. Excellent coverage of the slavery issue. All the best.

    1. Thanks for your time. Blessings. =)

  16. It’s amazing how God created us to go through the different phases of life. When I was young I didn’t believe it when older women said I’d feel a certain way at 40 but then here I am feeling just as they felt. What an inspiring About page!

    1. I appreciate your input, Adrienne – not to mention the kudos. My amazing readers have made the journey this year one that eludes words, as overwhelmed as they have left me. I’m honored for the follow. Xxxx Diana

    2. And thank you for chkng out my food blog. Xxxx Diana

  17. Hello sweet Diana. Just wanted to let you know that I really appreciate you and how you always respond to my comments and all. I’ve nominated you for the Dragon Loyalty Award. You can check out the rules here: http://stacilys.wordpress.com/2013/12/29/dragon-loyalty-award-2/. Blessings to you.=)

    1. I’ve been thinking of you this wknd, Staci. =) I have had a “No More Awards, Thank You” on my sidebar a good many months now. I sure appreciate the show of support, though. Happy new year.

      Xxxxxx Diana

  18. I have nominated you for the Sunshine Award. Acceptance is not requisite, but do know how much you have blessed me. Should you choose to receive this nomination, further info can be found on my post: http://booknvolume.com/2013/12/29/be-the-blessing/

    1. Hi Morgan,

      I wondered how you’re doing. A pleasure hearing from you. I have had a “No More Awards, Thank You” on my sidebar a good many months now. I sure appreciate the show of support, though. Happy new year.

      Xxxxxx Diana

      1. sorry, I missed that, but just know how much I appreciate your talent and the inspiration you are in my life 🙂

      2. Well, Morgan, I had no idea, as you’ve been a quiet reader (though you did say something along those lines many moons ago) =) But quiet reading allowed! I am grateful not only for your time on my blog but the sweet word you leave me on the final leg of this year. Am working on a special year-end post to put out in about 12 hours, and so it is timely for me to look back with a special thank you for having journeyed with me. I know it’s been a great year blogging for you, too. I have enjoyed your poetry. Keep up the great work.

        As to talent, I remain unsure about that. I’ve plumb worked hard on the Holistic Journey. =)

        Xxxx,
        Diana

  19. 40ish is a wonderful age.
    Delight in it all, but interesting you are looking to rediscover the you you once were … But you will not just be that girl … But something, someone far richer!
    Blessings!
    God is Good!

    1. =) Thank you so much for the blessing. My readers have helped make the journey this year an amazing one.
      Happy new year.

      1. And Happy New Year to you too! 🙂

  20. Hi Diana, thanks for stopping by my blog! Linda.

    1. My pleasure, Linda.

  21. Hi Diana,

    Thanks a lot for visiting my blog.

    Wish you a very happy new year.

    1. Thanks for the kind word, SN. Wish you the same. Blessings.

  22. Thank you for visiting our blog – I hope our stories amuse you and that you visit often!

    1. Thank you for the follow. I try to keep up with my readers. =) Appreciate your time.

  23. I am mystified of how you happened to find my blog. It is a so-so blog that has no talent for writing. But I thank you for leaving a comment.

    Regards,
    yvonne

    1. Hi Yvonne. I find your comment interesting LOL – esp in light of the post I am working on. If that is your assessment about your blog, I’m curious to know why you’re out here. Do you want to “be better”? Thanks for the follow. Talk to me. =)

      Diana

      1. Diana, of course I’d like to a better writer but at my age I don’t think there is hope for getting “better.” My blog is meant to inform and perahps entertain a bit. I’ve written a few short stories about my daughter’s pets and I’ve always wanted to go back and rewrite those. Category: “The Vet’s Pets.”

        Initially, I began writing a blog on my daughter’s web site when she insisted I write something- anything about pets. I was recently widowed when I began so my wording and feel for the story was not up to snuff. My daughter felt that writing and posting my pet photos would help me with the grieving process. It has taken a long time to come to grips with all that happened in 2010.

        However, now I have less time to devote to the blog since I have more animal chores and I’m not a spring chicken. It is just a wish for me. I have a decent following with the same folks for quite some time now.

        I’ve become blogging pals with one lady in Wales, another in south Texas, and one lady on Spain. I treasure these friendships and never dreamed I’d one day correspond with other bloggers.

        I’ve considered giving up blogging many times. I compare myself to how other bloggers write. However, even though I write that I’m so-so at the same time I feel I’m a cut above some blogs that I’ve come across. Needless to say, I don’t follow those.

        One needs something to keep the mind active and blogging, I believe, has kept me alert.

        If you have suggestions, I am eager to learn and if not then nothing is lost. 🙂

        Anyway, I’ve digressed here or as I often write or say, I’ve jumped the tracks.

        Regards,
        yvonne

      2. Yvonne, I am so pleased to get to know you better. Thanks so much for sharing what you did. I’m so glad blogging helped you navigate such a difficult part of your journey (your daughter sounds wonderful) and the animals you care for are so fortunate for your loving care. As to suggestions for your blogging, as far as I know I’m a “younger” blogger than you but it turns out you just might find something of use in my next post.

        Since you would have to dig to get at these, I take the liberty of sharing. I hope you take some comfort from the poem to hear me describe the loneliness of grief. The second post is on faith and suffering. I am so glad we connected. Be blessed.

        http://holisticwayfarer.com/2013/07/04/bereft-poetry-reborn/

        http://holisticwayfarer.com/2013/05/15/faith-and-suffering/

      3. Thanks Diana.I will look forward to your next post and I’m hoping this old dog can learn how to be a better writer. I don’t call myself a writer. I just post information but it would be nice to learn better word usage, sentence construction, use of adjectives, etc. 🙂

        ~yvonne

      4. Only because you are so receptive to me and invite suggestions do I share this. (Don’t be scared. I don’t talk to my readers this way. It was my twin.) ~

        Uuhhh…try to enjoy:

        http://holisticwayfarer.com/2013/07/31/the-writing-process-ii-from-the-grammar-mafia-part-3/

  24. The honesty in your writing rings like the tones of an ancient brass bell that is swinging in a blue open sky. I thank EYEDANCERS for opening this Internet door.

    1. I am honored for the gracious, eloquent song of praise. I think I like the “ancient” brass best. =) I’ll let Mike know you give him credit for the introduction. Thank you for the follow. And you are more than welcome to enrich the Great Conversation here with your gift of words.

      Diana

  25. I’m so glad to have found you–I love your blog and look forward to reading more!!

    1. Welcome aboard and thanks for bringing the exuberance with you! Please make yourself at home -) and feel free to join in on the Great Conversation here.

      Hope to share in your journey as well.
      Xxxxxx

      Diana

  26. Thanks for following my blog. I like what I have seen of yours. Take care and God bless+++

    1. I appreciate the reciprocal support. =)

  27. So well written! And thank you for the follow- I appreciate it very much!

    1. Thx for the visit.

  28. What I have read of your blog so far really appealed to me. I look forward to reading more as you write. Happy blogging. 🙂

    1. Thank you for the lovely feedback on this blog and the follow, Colleen. I enjoyed your post. Please help yourself to the dialogue here. =)

      Best,
      Diana

  29. Diana, You’re a splendid writer. I’m glad I came, and look forward to many more visits.

    1. High praise from one educated and well-spoken. I appreciate your time here. Am not seeing a follow but my count is short. I trust you’ll appear on the list if that is your plan. =) Either way, thanks so much for the pledge of return.

      Blessings.
      Diana

    2. Yes, I see you now. Thank you. =)

      1. You’re welcome. 🙂

  30. Words are powerful. Nice to meet you Diana 🙂

    1. Among the highest praise. Thanks. Same here.

    1. Thank you. I have up on my sidebar “No More Awards, Thank You.” I appreciate the commendation. =)

  31. Hi Diana
    I totally understand. You are the third blogger I have met in the past few weeks that does not accept awards. It confused me the first time but now I understand. The other two bloggers had very good cases why they didn except awards and I am really considering doing the same!!!!!

    1. Among my reasons is that I’d rather not take up readers’ time to talk about myself in that way. I shared my goals in blogging in the recent How to Succeed as a Blogger, Part 1. =) YOUR time is valuable to me. I’d rather give you so much more than a post that waves chain awards or answers questions about my favorite food. That’s just me. Awards are wonderful to get and have acknowledged. Thanks so much for thinking of me.

  32. Thank you for that…..lesson learned and recieved!!! 🙂

  33. Thanks so much for visiting my blog! I appreciate it very much. 😀

    1. My pleasure, Jackie. Since you came over, I hope the visit was worthwhile.

  34. Wow, so amazing to read my own thoughts! I’m also approaching the big 40 this year and it has led to quite a bit of introspection too. I have 4 children and do sometimes feel lost in them, I’ve become someone’s mom rather than Karen and feel the urgent need to regain my identity. I started studying photography 3 years ago and have been throwing every spare minute into it but, now that I’ve reached the level I’m happy with I feel a sense of restlessness again and, like you said, writing has always been my breathing, I have been holding my breath far too long!

    1. Hi Karen. Wonderful when we see ourself in the mirror out here, isn’t it? I’m so glad to know your story, how the pictures come together behind the camera. You know what? Go ahead and yes, make it a BIG 40! Xxx Diana

      PS Thanks for the follow. I look fwd to hearing you add to our discussions. =)

      1. Thanks Diana 🙂
        I’m planning a big party! Really not fussed about turning 40, it’s the best time of life I think, you’re over the worst stress of small children and getting onto the property ladder and I think we really start to feel comfortable with ourselves. Here’s to us and the naughty 40s!
        🙂

      2. LOL Naughty?! Ahh…I’ll have to come up with something naughty this year.

      3. Definitely! My new decade resolution is to have more fun and take life less seriously! lol

      4. LUV it, K. If you post a record of it and I miss it, let me know what it is you do…..shall we set a goal? In the next month or two? =)

      5. sounds great! My goal at the moment is to catch up on my backlog of photography editing and spend more time updating my blog and working on my writing. I’d also like to spend more time at the gym and work on my physical fitness because last year I was so busy I just didn’t have time to exercise and I think its important to take the time to look after yourself. What do you suggest?

      6. Well, K…I realized you might be interested in the Lessons from My 30s and the post on how I started trying to keep fit right about where you are in life. The first was the post that launched the blog and the Why I Sweat one of my earliest posts.

        http://holisticwayfarer.com/2013/02/16/lessons-from-my-30s/

        http://holisticwayfarer.com/2013/04/17/why-i-sweat-video/

        Have you tried Zumba? Too fun. Salsa dancing? Hint of naughty. 😉 Ideal if hubby would join you. Hec no did my husband want any part in the zumba class LOL. Yeah, it was pretty much all women.

        Diana

      7. HI D…
        Thanks for that, sounds like you’ve had quite the journey! I discovered a saying a few years ago, Confucious I think, Expect much from yourself and little from others and you’ll be spared much vexation! Easier said than done, however!
        I really admire you for homeschooling, I considered doing it for my 2nd son, who has dyslexia but in the end realised that they schooling system is much better equipped to deal with it. I also have no patience! I enjoy that time when they are at school and I can just breathe! 4 children make a lot of noise and demands! lol
        I tried Zumba last year, I did ballroom dancing in my salad days and figured I’d have the co-ordination to do it but alas not so! Gave up after a couple of months and switched to aqua zumba, which was more fun but not much of a work out so switched to aqua blitz, which is like aerobics in the pool and much better work out but still low impact on the old joints. Im going to do that again and also try our Pilates.
        I love dancing but hubby has 2 left feet! Im hoping when he loses weight again and gets fit from running and cycling again that I can talk him into giving it a go
        Thanks for the chat 🙂 Here’s to us!!
        Kx

      8. Happy to know even more of your own journey. I LOVE the quote that expands on my perspective of expectations. Describes my blogging, to expect much of myself. And remember….be happy in your own skin. Everyone else is taken LOL. I don’t blame you for seeking some space with a full house like yours. And homeschooling is not for everyone. I’m so glad you found aq blitz to work for you. I’d love to know how Pilates works out. Yoga and Tai Chi are amazing. I have been promising myself to do more of the yoga with the dvd I got last month.

        *Toast* Xxx Diana

      9. Glad you liked the quote, I tell it to everyone that gets frustrated when others let them down. I wanted to try the Yoga but they don’t have a class during the day so going to try out the pilates. Time to come out of the fitness protection program lol
        chat soon x

      10. HI D…
        Thanks for that, sounds like you’ve had quite the journey! I discovered a saying a few years ago, Confucious I think, Expect much from yourself and little from others and you’ll be spared much vexation! Easier said than done, however!
        I really admire you for homeschooling, I considered doing it for my 2nd son, who has dyslexia but in the end realised that they schooling system is much better equipped to deal with it. I also have no patience! I enjoy that time when they are at school and I can just breathe! 4 children make a lot of noise and demands! lol
        I tried Zumba last year, I did ballroom dancing in my salad days and figured I’d have the co-ordination to do it but alas not so! Gave up after a couple of months and switched to aqua zumba, which was more fun but not much of a work out so switched to aqua blitz, which is like aerobics in the pool and much better work out but still low impact on the old joints. Im going to do that again and also try our Pilates.
        I love dancing but hubby has 2 left feet! Im hoping when he loses weight again and gets fit from running and cycling again that I can talk him into giving it a go
        Thanks for the chat 🙂 Here’s to us!!
        Kx

  35. We share a common thread of finding the sacred in the everyday.

    1. Since you came over, I hope the latest on succeeding as a blogger was/is useful in some way. =)

    2. Thanks for the follow, AV. =) Your two cents in our busy discussions are always welcome.

  36. Diana, thank you for coming by and liking my post “Summing up 2013”. I have checked out your blog and you are, indeed, a beautiful wordsmith. I am not a mother, but can relate to trying to recover the person I was long ago, before time and experiences changed me. I look forward to following you going forward! Lynne

    1. Hi Lynne. I sure appreciate the thoughtful greeting and the glimpse into your own dreams. Thanks for joining this journey. I’d love you to enrich our conversations with the wisdom of your story. Xxx Diana

  37. Beautifully written!

  38. You have an amazing blog! I sincerely hope that you enjoy what you will find in my posts! 🙂 ^..^ B

    1. =) You’re welcome. Since you came over and took to the blog, I hope the recent miniseries on how to succeed as a blogger spoke to you in some way.

  39. It’s an astounding world that brings such a disparate band of us together here in cyberspace to mark our shared journey. So glad you stopped by my speck of ethereal turf to visit; now I can look forward to spending time here to learn from you! Bless your travels, inward and outward.
    Kathryn

    1. Just love your way with words, Kathryn, and your opening comment. Thrilled you’ve joined us, this disparate band (with its share of writers and poets). You would so enrich our discussions. Full house, but love how cyberrooms expand. Xxx Diana

  40. Thanks for the like! 🙂

    1. Thanks for the follow! =) =)

      1. You’re welcome! 🙂

  41. I do hope you enjoy what I have to say on my blog and what I think about endlessly…:) It is a place to vent for me and a place to meet new people! Nice to meet you!

    1. Sure, Deb. I recently spoke about why it is we (ideally ought to) write what we do, and what can happen in community in the How to Succeed as a Blogger posts. Hope it speaks to your blogging.

      Diana

    2. Sure, Deb. I recently spoke about why it is we (ideally ought to) write what we do, and what can happen in community in the How to Succeed as a Blogger posts. Hope it speaks to your blogging.

      Diana

  42. Please follow my blog, lorenddavis.wordpress.com. It would mean the world to me.

  43. I’ve found that most aspects of life seem to sort themselves into four parts—an introductory phase, a learning phase, a first application phase, and a wrap-up phase. They can of course be subdivided … sculpt with words — I love it!

    1. Well, sOmebody caught my eye! One of the coolest reflections added to the communal art here. Thanks so much for the insight and praise.

  44. You had me at the words, “No coincidence” and “I see God’s handprints everywhere…” Great blog. Gail

    1. =) Thanks for letting me know what spoke to you. I appreciate the follow. Hope to talk more. =) Xxx Diana

  45. You have a lovely blog! And thanks for checking out mine 🙂 All the best, Irene xo

    1. So do you, Irene. Thanks for the follow. Feel free to pipe in to our rich discussions. =) Xxx Diana

  46. Oh, such deep and honest words. Thank you for sharing them, for me to read them. Thanks. And thanks for the like of my Lovepoem. /sten

    1. My absolute pleasure, S. Thank you for the blessing and follow. Feel free to add your lovely thoughts to our rich discussions. Blessings on your journey.

  47. Hi Diana! I’m reading through your space and thoroughly enjoying myself. Here’s to a great year!

    1. Hi Gail, it was a pleasure to visit. Thanks for the word of cheer and support, and the follow. I welcome you to join in on our rich discussions. Xx Diana

  48. Sounds like an interesting journey 🙂

    1. Most certainly has been.

Leave a Reply to rolerrolCancel reply