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. Congratulations on being our Blogger of the week! Great posts!

    http://fireflydance.net/2014/03/10/blog-of-the-week-diana-of-a-holistic-journey/

  2. Hi there-
    What an in-depth (and be depth I mean deep) About. I feel as if I know your worries, your heart, your courage… Your strength of character has written an honest assessment of your past, present and future. Thank you for this inspiring insight into your world. I will return to read ever onward.
    AnnMarie
    new blogger and admirer of your approach to life

    1. Hi AnnMarie. What a greeting you bless me with. It was my pleasure to visit and I hope to do so again. Just UNDER IT at the moment. I’m grateful for the generous feedback. Welcome to my special community. Wonderful people, deep thinkers here. Hope to hear your voice again.

      Xxx
      Diana

  3. I am following your blog. Please consider following mine. Blessings to you.

  4. Just discovered your blog, and yes, you really are a wordsmith. You craft your words and stories so well, it’s hard to stop reading. I definitely agree with you that we shouldn’t hold our breath when it comes to life. Taking each day as it comes, doing small things with great love and embracing the positives within each one is the way to go, in my opinion. We have so much to learn from the smallest things around us, be it from a random stranger or a strict teacher or perhaps a flock of happy birds.

    Thanks for writing and sharing. I hope to write as well as you someday 🙂

    1. M, your writing is just lovely. And I love the flock of birds. =) Thank you so much for your time here and welcome to this special community. Why, you’ve made yourself right at home from what I can see. It’s a place where intelligent, conscientious readers enrich one another’s journey with the….voice they add. =) Hope to talk again.

      Thx for the follow. Feels like we’ve been talking a long time.

      Diana

  5. Many Thanks for the visit, it is much appreciated.

    Best Wishes

    Tony

    1. Sure, Tony. Thanks for stopping in.

  6. Hi Diana, I was reading some of you posts and I feel so honored that you would stop by if only for a moment. I enjoy your writing. Thank you.

    1. Thanks for the gracious response, Stephanae, and for coming on board. It is a special, responsive community here. I think you’ll like it. =) Feel free to shout out anytime. It was my pleasure stopping by.

      Blessings,
      Diana

      1. My pleasure. And I will be shouting out.

  7. Ni hao Holistic Wayfarer!
    Firstly may I say thank you for liking my blog and adding a comment. I have spent some time reading through your very interesting posts. You have kindly invited me to join your Race Around the World, and I am considering it – not that it is not a wonderful idea (and I am flattered to have been asked) but there are only so many hours in a day and I don’t want to spend all of them on the internet!!! May I think about it…I’ll get back to you. Meantime I will be enjoying your writing.
    Hope you have had a great weekend – warmest best wishes- Zai jian! Herschelian.

    1. No obligation and I won’t ask again. =) Seeking to manage your time as you’re doing is commendable. I enjoyed my visit. Thanks for getting back to me.

      HW

  8. I love this, and your blog generally. You have a beautiful writing style. 🙂

  9. I hope you stop by again soon.

    1. I hope I get to as well. =)

  10. Hi there. I really love following your blog and reading all your posts. So, I’ve taken this opportunity to nominate you for “The Lighthouse Award”. You can find the guidelines for accepting this award at http://cinesolace.wordpress.com/2014/03/16/i-won-the-lighthouse-award/

    If you do accept blogging awards, please do accept this award as a token of the immense joy, satisfaction, and appreciation I get from following your blogs and reading your different posts. Your blogs are truly eloquent, informative, and succeed in making a connection with your readers. The other useful blogs your posts have directed me towards is another added incentive.

    I know that it takes a long time to complete the guidelines for accepting an award. So, if you don’t believe in accepting blogging awards, I totally understand. Any which way, it is and always shall be a pleasure following your blog.

    1. Hi Russel, very kind and thoughtful of you. Yours is among the most heartfelt elaborations on a nomination I’ve gotten. Right from this post, my About, you would see on the sidebar a No More Awards, Thank You I put up.

      Know my appreciation. I pour everything into my writing, want to make it worthwhile for you. But you leave me feeling a rich woman.

      And congratulations on the award. You’ve built an interesting, informative site. Well-deserved recognition.

      HW

      1. Oopsy…….so sorry. Never paid attention to the “No More Awards” sign on your sidebar. My bad.

        Thanks for your acknowledgement. I’m guess getting this award means that at least some folks out there like my blog…….lol 😀

        Also, I meant what I wrote in my comment earlier. “It is and always shall be a pleasure following your blog”.

      2. Shooot. Thanks, Russ. *Kicks carpet*

        LOL

  11. Well, here’s at least one single guy who’s digging Your writing. 😉 Thank You for sharing Your soul. Peace and Love.

    1. LOL Thanks. Welcome aboard. Appreciate the follow.

      HW

  12. Hello Holistic Wayfarer,

    Thank you for liking my post 🙂 I was so fascinated the first time I came across the research. Very cool stuff. I have more on the way very soon http://www.ilivewithzeal.com

    I am enjoying reading your posts, there is a certain level of authenticity you display which you can only get from having been there.

    Regards

    Hugh

    1. Thanks for the follow. Would be pleased to keep up the dialogue.

      =)

      HW

  13. You are a wordsmith! Unimpeachably. I love your blog. Fortunate that someone discovered that there’s more to life than just increasing it’s speed. Best Wishes!

    1. I appreciate the golden praise and the follow. Welcome to this awesome community, J. Hope to talk again.

      H Wayfarer
      =)

  14. Your blog is so beautiful and meaningful. I will enjoy reading it.

    1. Hi Catherine, oh it was my pleasure. I’m not seeing a follow but I sure appreciate the golden praise and pledge of return. =) I’d love to stay in touch.

      Blessings,
      H Wayfarer

  15. Hello Diana, I write to improve my use of words, you are truly a wordsmith, a wonderful gift you share. I will follow you, perhaps in time your gift will wear off on me.

    1. So sweet – and humble. We are all a work in progress. Thank you and welcome to this special community.

      =)

      Diana

  16. “I remembered that writing is how I really breathe. So I’m no longer holding my breath.”

    Beautifully put! I had the same epiphany 9 months ago and I’ve been writing like a mad woman ever since.

    I also really like your tagline “Finding my way back out of motherhood — while mothering”. That must resonate with so many mothers (and some fathers, too). We can get so lost in trying to be the perfect parent that we forget to be ourselves. I’m excited to see what else is on your blog.

    🙂

    1. =) Thanks for the feedback. Many women have expressed how they resonate with the tagline, my About, and this blog. =) Thank you for the follow and warm support. Welcome to this special community.

      Hope to talk again,
      Diana

  17. Hello Diana, I appreciate the thoughtfulness I see on your blog. Best wishes, Phil Stanfield

    1. Thanks for the good word, Phil. Same to you.

      Diana

  18. Your words are inspiring and thought-provoking, and I’ll be visiting often!

    1. Hi Dave,

      I appreciate your taking a moment for the warm greeting as well as the follow. I really enjoyed your blog. If I (IF) end up writing the poem I have in mind, may I use a leaf shot of yours? I would link back in the caption. =)

      HW

      1. Of course on the photo! I’m not sure if resolution is lost by the WP posting process. If you’d like the photo emailed, just let me know!

      2. Great. (No promises.)

        Thx. =)

  19. My, what a smorgasbord! Today the thoughts and contributions about home group and belonging strike a special chord. Just finished re-re-re-reading Martha Beck’s “Leaving the Saints,” about spiritual balance between crystalline windswept individual intuition and the delicious warm bath of belonging to a cohesive group of shared traditions and caring. For me, the test is this: In this group, can I say what I think and feel about my own true and necessary path? Or, will people cut in and tell me (for my own good) how to think and feel instead?
    Anyway, very happy wayfaring to you!

    1. “the delicious warm bath of belonging to a cohesive group of shared traditions and caring.”

      Beautiful. Thanks, MA. I cherish the piece of yourself you have left here.

      HW

  20. If I was brave enough to blog about motherhood I think mine wouldn’t be so different. Maybe change the places, but the feelings are the same. Beautifully put.

    1. Hi Julia, why would you need to be brave to write about motherhood? =) Thx for the follow.

      Diana

      1. When someone can open up so easily and share their feelings and experiences I think that’s brave!

      2. Huh. Thank you for holding up a mirror for me, Julia. Since you started with how you wish you were that brave, the question remains why you would have trouble opening up on your blog (and off…?) =) No need to open up. LoL.

        But as I said in Do You Love Your Blog, there’s a couch and kleenex here. (No obligation to chk out the post. You may have passed it over anyway.)

        http://holisticwayfarer.com/2014/03/06/do-you-love-your-blog/

        Dear woman…

        Xxx
        Diana

  21. Thanks for a brave blog!

    1. Have no idea why you call my blog brave. But thanks for the good word and follow. Appreciate your joining this special community.

      Blessings,
      HW

  22. Being an Irishman I am delighted to have someone with the gift of the gab interested enough to read my blog. I look forward to you contributing your thoughts on the subject and hope you pass on my connection to your followers. It seem to me that we are all investing our energy in futuristic information technologies that are developing so fast that machines are getting smarter, while all of are getting stupider.

    1. Love your insightful philippic on the devolution of the human mind. I’m not seeing a follow from you; I’m a bit confused on your request for audience with my readers. You are welcome to participate in the Race Around the World that’s underway – if you have relevant experiences to share.

      HW

      1. Sorry for not coming back to you sooner. What is the race around the world. I have already completed one by sea.

  23. I really appreciate and identify with what you shared here.

    Blessings,
    Theresa

    1. My pleasure. Thank you for the sweet word. =)

  24. Thanks for the “peek-a-boo”!!! Stay awesome!

  25. I love you philosophy, Diana! Thank you for inspiration!

    1. Thank you for the sweet word, Alex.
      Lovely blog you have.

      Diana

      1. Thank you, Diana.

      2. Thanks for the follow, Alex. It’s a special community. Welcome.

        =)

        Diana

  26. Love your story line.

    1. Thx for the visit. =)

      HW

  27. So I skipped all of the newer comments and went right to the older comments, considering I am older, in the hopes of finding the comment box more quickly, which was a good decision. Good decisions have no basis in age, by the way — there’s a lot of old fashioned luck involved. Plus, good decisions are rendered as such after the fact.

    You are among a growing number of visitors who “like” my riddle — in spite of my footnote. Not too many guesses, and all, so far, are wrong.

    Being one score and four your senior, I couldn’t help chuckle at your plight at age 40. In my book, while your flight path might be curving, it is still on the upward part of the arc.

    You might be one of the lucky ones who seem to have two-stage or even three-stage chronologies, and keep spiraling upward.

    The thing about the word holistic is when it is spoken, you can’t be sure if it’s spelled holistic or wholistic — which the latter ought to be just as valid a word as the former.

    Mothers seem to have the corner on the world. Fathers, not so much. I am father to five. Grandfather to three. While I didn’t stretch during pregnancy and strain during labor, I still feel attached to my progeny. It takes a little more effort, I’ll admit.

    And fathers, too, may go through a redefining after the last fledgling has flown the nest — but we still keep a mindful eye on those little buggers. And, at my age, it’s both confirmation and sometimes the source of a great laugh when one of those DNA repeats says, “Gosh, Dad, you were right!” It’s not often, and normally so sporadic an event that there is no electronic proof the words were ever said.

    So, thanks for “liking” my riddle — but how about giving it a guess? After all, you are on the downward slope — right? (I’m kidding, of course). What do you have to lose?

    1. Thanks for the time you took on that! Upward spiral. I like that, though it doesn’t feel like it many days. Holistic derives from wholistic, linguistically. =)

      Maybe I’ll shoot more deeply at the riddle when I surface. Awfully busy here with the Race underway. Thanks again for the interesting greeting.

      HW

      1. The race?

      2. It’s all over the front page ha ha ha. And info on the upper right of the home pg.

      3. Yeah, well — I’m a guy. We never notice anything. : )

      4. Duh. I’m the dumb race. I’m WASP. Part of what I am writing has to do with how I grew up in a small southern town — and the movement away from segregation. Born in 1949, I became aware of those disparities only when I was in college, and watched the convergence of three dynamic forces in the US: Vietnam, civil rights, and women’s rights. Plus throw in a couple of other cultural spices, like the drug culture, anti-war sentiment, the love generation and the Jesus movement, and it was a helluva pot boiling at the time.

      5. WOW. Wow: the convergence of three dynamic forces in the US: “Vietnam, civil rights, and women’s rights. Plus throw in a couple of other cultural spices, like the drug culture, anti-war sentiment, the love generation and the Jesus movement, and it was a helluva pot boiling at the time.”

        Looks like you write with a holistic eye on your life and on history.

      6. If so, why is my life in pieces?

      7. Ha ha ha.
        Whose isn’t?

      8. Exactly.

  28. What a beautiful way to introduce yourself and give a peek into your journeys. Your writing shows deep contemplation and authentic creativity. I greatly admire that and am glad for the opportunity to enjoy your talented writing.

    1. Thank you so much for taking a moment. I love the authentic creativity. =) Your love for the written word is obvious. Keep aspiring.

      HW

  29. I so feel like you……beautifully written.

    1. Glad you saw yourself here. That
      is my simple aim.

      Blessings,
      HW

  30. Such beautiful writing. Thank you for liking my post, also because it led me here 🙂

    1. Thank you for the visit and sweet compliment. Keep up the lovely blogging. =)

      HW

  31. ¿ 2 ¢ ? well … in 3 ameegoez, the barkeep sez “the german sez : wait here” and the ‘meegoez go “hmmmmmm”

    1. Wish I understood.

      1. i was jes’ tryin’ (and i’ll admit, it should fail, @) to be mysterious, but mostly beee phunnee. lotsa funny stuph in 3 ameegoez. my family can go thru long conversations with applicable (or not) quotes from mooveez.

        no, seriously, your “about” bears additional meditation by the likes of me. i’m bumping into more people such as yourself (adept word-mongers) … and i hope it helps to make me “up my game.” (thanx)

      2. Thank you for the compliment.

  32. I love your blog, in not only what you say, but how you say it. It is truly inspirational. I will check back often!

    1. Thanks for the good word. =) And pledge to return.

      Cheerleading your way.

      HW

  33. Thanks for the like. I love your writing style; it’s very open and honest.

    1. Thanks for the good word. =)

  34. really glad to be following your blog – 🙂

    1. So very sweet. Thanks. Glad to have you on board.

  35. What caught you into reading my blog posting? Was it the Cross pen–or fetish? I thank you for taking time to look at my memoir-ish posting. I hope you will return to my site, and even return to the past and read some about my growing up days. Did you like the pic of me in 7th grade in Chicago? I was such a dandy…

    1. I did take to your fetish for words, of course. And you have neat stories. =)

  36. Hi from an old timer. At 83 I believe “it isn’t over ’til it’s over” and life is a journey. No one is ahead of you. You are exactly where you’re supposed to be It’s not a contest. We learn day by day. So dear and beautiful holistic wordsmith, enjoy every moment. Thanks for the like.

    1. Of course it’s no contest. =) I quite appreciate the lovely reflection, Charmaine, esp where you affirm that I am right where I’m meant to be. So much of our living would be different if we embraced this truth. Thank you for your time.

      HW

  37. I was moved by reading your about page, your writing somewhat reflects how I feel as well. Thank you for taking the time to write, to inspire, to create and best of all, to be the best darn mom that you can be, which is what I strive for as well, though much like yourself, a lot of what made me ME before I had my child has fallen by the wayside and I am feeling that it may be time to start my own holistic journey as well.

    1. *Big smile* I appreciate the heartfelt response. Am so glad my story resonates – while I’m sad it does! – and am so pleased you’ve joined this amazing community of thinkers. Hope to talk again!

      HW

  38. I read somewhere that woman in their forties have a sort of second coming and take on many new challenges with success. As for myself I began my writing care in my late forties( I am 52) and it has been a good ride so far! I am wishing you lots of luck and the hope that you do continue to find your niche. Best wishes!
    Bon

    1. Thanks, Bon. I’ve heard likewise, that it’s a second life – the one that sees us flourish, anchored in a surer sense of self. So pleased to hear it’s borne true for you. I appreciate your time.

      Diana

  39. Holistic Wayfarer, what an interesting life so far! I look forward to following your stories and progress in life, and thank you for your follow!

    1. I appreciate the follow and hearty support. And thanks for taking a moment for the good word. =)

      HW

  40. Thanks for visiting my blog, so I could find you and subscribe! It is lovely here. I especially like the thoughts on blogging, and the no nonsense yet romantic lilt to your voice.

    1. *Chuckle* I admit I take to the lilt as much as I do to the no-nonsense voice. Thank you for the sweet word. I appreciate the follow. You’ve joined quite a community of deep thinkers. Welcome!

      HW

  41. So well written, you are, truly, a Wordsmith. I know where you are as I have been there too, looking for that person I was before the tsunami that is motherhood swept me away. May fair weather and a fragrant wind follow you on this journey.

    1. What a blessing. Thanks so much for taking a moment. Godspeed on your journey as well!

      HW

  42. Hi Diana

    I know you don’t accept awards, but I would like to nominate you to participate in a Writing Process Blog Meme.

    If you accept my nomination, you will need to write an article prompted by the following four questions and post it on your blog on Monday, May 5, 2014. You’ll also nominate three writers of your choice to post their articles on their blogs on May 12, 2014. The four questions:

    What am I working on at the moment?
    How does my work differ from others of its genre?
    Why do I write what I do?
    How does my writing process work?

    I’d be honored if you would accept this nomination. Please let me know ASAP so that I can feature your blog in my post on April 28, 2014.

    I will use some info from your About Me Profile information to let my viewers know more about you, if you don’t mind. Or, if you would like me to say something different you could let me know?

    Thanks Diana! I hope you decide to try this. I would love to showcase your hard work because you are a phenomenal writer.

    Staci

    1. My answer was pretty much a sad, muffled “no”, Stace, buried in piles of Race submissions and time. I hate to say no to you. Having said that, I as much hate to get your hopes up with what sound like buying questions but would you spell out for this tired brain just whom it is I will be showcasing (I understand that’s my choice) and where I myself will be featured? I’m thinking I would be pointing to my nominees, of course – and you, for the nomination. And the idea is they each reference me and then highlight 4 others, right?

      I will be surprised if I end up going for this. Let me know, and give me a day or so to confirm my decision. Thanks, of course, for the honor and praise, my friend.

      D.

  43. What a beautiful, thoughtful place you have created here. I look forward to exploring at more depth. Blessings for your journey.

    1. Thanks for the lovely feedback on your visit and the follow. Grateful for such kindness. I hope to talk again – over both our blogs. =)

      Xxx
      HW

  44. Hello Diana, thanks for your ‘like’ of my post and best wishes (I’ve got that spellchecker working overtime! – actually, the more responsive they are, the more annoying they are…). Phil Stanfield

    1. I was happy to revisit, Phil.

  45. Your blog floated past my ship as I made my journey in the maelstrom of life. I looked in on your words, it was a good choice. Keep up the writing!

    1. Thanks, Dash. =) Godspeed.

      1. Thank you… Um.. To twist the phrase…howabout “Wordspeed”? ;D

      2. Touché.

        =)

  46. I am really impressed by your site and hope to learn more on blogging and collaborations.

    1. Thanks for the warm greeting and follow. =) Your amazing smile caught my eye, led me into your site. I’m a year old out here (technically started posting last March) and feel like I’ve only started collaborating a few months now. I’ve been blessed with an incredible readership – and by this, I mean the intelligence and thoughtfulness. Welcome!

      HW

      1. Aww thank you HW. I only added my photo a short time ago. Before that it was a beach photo. I wanted to get comfortable in my style of writing. You have a good voice, hence your followers. Not bad for 1 year.

      2. You did well to post that shot. Just beautiful. And thx for the good word. Would love to hear you on the discussions. If you haven’t seen, I did a miniseries on successful blogging in Jan. Part 1, I believe, is under Most Popular on the sidebar. If you tap open any title, you open up the margin. Veterans and new bloggers had a lot to say. I mention it bc it seemed you’d be interested. Talk again!

        Xxx
        HW

  47. Being male, I can’t say I know much about being a mother. 🙂 Fatherhood – a little, with four grown children. But no woman with children is “just a mother,” as one lady said to me once. Yours is the most important job in the world, raising little ones, especially in this world. But I better stop, or I’ll get to preaching. Hope to see you again. God’s best to you.

    1. I’ll certainly take the affirmation on my calling of motherhood. Having had four under your wings, you sure do know what you are talking about in this regard. Thank you so much for your time and for taking a moment to bless me.

      =)

      HW

  48. wow – You have a beautiful page with mixed energy page. I congratulate you!!

    1. Thank you. I hope the “mixed energy” feels mostly good. =) Appreciate the support. Keep up the enthusiastic blogging.

      HW

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