Walking Together

The line at the labyrinth entrance was long but the 2 tables holding finger labyrinths were open. I decided to sit and walk the finger labyrinth instead of standing in line.

Sitting, focusing and breathing deeply, I prepared my body, breath and mind for my finger walk. Pointer finger poised at the entrance I looked up and saw Diane Terry-Kehner poised to enter the canvas labyrinth. I decide to walk with her. To pace myself on the finger labyrinth in accordance to her walk on the canvas labyrinth. We walked together, we paused together, we sat in the center together but Diane had no cognitive awareness of this. I held her in my thoughts, my breath and in my heart.

When Diane stepped off the labyrinth I approached her to envelope her in a huge hug. Later I shared my experience with her. It was a powerful experience of unconditional love, letting go of my own pace and inward thoughts and walking in unison with someone on the path.

Crocheted Rope Labyrinth

Single crocheted rope labyrinth installed today at The Delaware Health and Social Service campus in New Castle, DE. The temporary labyrinth will be part of a mandatory employee training.

Close up of the 2 ropes, single crocheted into one.

Supplies

Installation time

Denese helping with the installation

Completed temporary labyrinth

This was an inexpensive temporary labyrinth that can be used again. I used 18 packages of nylon rope purchased at a discount store for $2.00 per 100 foot package. The rope was colorful and can withstand rain and foul weather.After hand crocheting 2 different colored ropes together as one I secured the rope to the ground using landscaping sod staples that can be easily removed and used again!

Meditation, Singing Bowls and the Labyrinth at The DCCA

Today I had the pleasure of bringing my small canvas labyrinth to the Contemporary Arts Museum in Wilmington, DE

ImPerfect City Exhibition

Changing the vibrations in The Delaware Center For Contemporary Art ImPerfect City exhibition.

many singing bowls

Heart of the Chartres

21 people gathered in the gallery to meditate, walk and listen...a wonderful lunch break!

Swarthmore Labyrinth

Yesterday I met 2 friends in Swarthmore, PA to show them the labyrinth at The Swarthmore Presbyterian Church on Harvard Avenue. First we spent an hour or two at Pendle Hill (a Quaker Retreat & Study Center) but the rain kept us from walking the classical 7 circuit labyrinth. But we did have the opportunity to walk the grounds (with an umbrella) to see the gardens, art studio, library, barn, bookstore and main house.

Eventually we decided we were hunger so we headed to the "Ville" or downtown Swarthmore to grab lunch. Fortunately the skies decide to take a short break (but alas the humidity did not!) so we went to the Presbyterian Church to see their Memorial Labyrinth and Gardens. The weather cooperated so we walked the Medieval or Chartres pattern.

entrance to the labyrinth garden...
names of those memorialized are  posted on the far wall.

a closer look at the labyrinth

Walking this labyrinth brings back many memories. One such memory occurred 7 or 8 years ago as I was walking solo in the labyrinth. To the right of the gardens is a children's playground (not pictured) and a young girl (maybe 3 or 4) was playing on the equipment with her father. I could hear part of the conversation and lots of laughter. Then I heard the young girl ask her father "Daddy, why is that old lady walking around in circles?" I have no idea how he responded because I immediately began laughing out loud - I guess I became the crazy old lady walking around in circles!

a view of the labyrinth and gardens from the memorial wall.

The labyrinth is located in a hedged lined garden. The house in the background is the ABC Strath-Haven Boy's House. Tiombe, does the house bring back memories?!!

oh! if only this tree could talk a language I understood!

After our walk and before we headed to Occasionally Yours for lunch...we rested!

Mary Anne & Jupie

A Local Labyrinth Adventure

Today I had the pleasure of spending a few hours with my friend and talented harpist, Jupie and her hubby. After watching the last 15 minutes of the Tour de France (ouch..crashes and off the course in the last minute!) we headed out to her backyard where she has created a very powerful and creative labyrinth.

Her labyrinth has been lovingly created in a grove of trees using mulch. The path meanders around trees - in and out, out and in until you settle in the center.

From this angle it is difficult to see the path but once you begin walking the path reveals itself!

We then went to a neighboring park and they introduced me to a really cute labyrinth created by shrubbery and bricks. The small park in Thornbury Township Pennsylvania is an ode to the circle. The circular labyrinth, a circle of picnic tables, a cement circle with a hopscotch court painted on it and a wishing wheel. There was no signage concerning the labyrinth but it is a tranquil and quiet setting for centering.

Thornbury Township Labyrinth

And of course, it can't be all labyrinth's and centering. 2 over-sized Adirondack chairs provide a platform for fun, laughter, climbing and togetherness.

Some people never grow up!!

Finally, this Cherry tree is located by Jupie's labyrinth has a hollowed out spot. The space was created by woodpeckers (must be a great tasting tree!) and I think it would be a great space to yarn-bomb...more on that later.

my next yarn bomb??

I love discovering things in my own backyard.  So, what adventures await you in your backyard?

Here and There - Connecting Across The Pond

On Thursday, June 21, 2012 from 10:00am until 11:30am, I will be at The Delaware Art Museum in Wilmington, Delaware as I co-create a labyrinth walk with Linda Gordon.

The labyrinth will be walked simultaneously in Wilmington, DE and Devon, England as part of The Home and The World Creative Summit, a summit for creative artist and thinkers.

We will connect live via Skype with Environmental artist Linda Gordon (for more information on Linda's work visit Linda Gordon's website).

Here are a few samples of her inspirational work...

Photo property of Linda Gordon.

Photo property of Linda Gordon.

For more information on the Summit visit Aune Head Arts.

Walk is outdoors and at the mercy of the elements...in the event of heavy rain we will connect via Skype but we may not walk! Join me if you can...

Coming To The Table Gathering Richmond Hill, Virginia

In March I had the opportunity to join a group of descendants of slaves, slave owners and slave traders at The Coming to the Table (www.comingtothetable.org) conference. Coming to the Table (CTTT) is an organization that "provides leadership, resources and a supportive environment for all who wish to acknowledge and heal wounds from racism that is rooted in the United States’ history of slavery." The weekend was filled with tears, stories, connections, awareness and friendship (newly formed and reconnections).

Cupola 

The conference was held in the sacred space of Richmond Hill Virginia. Richmond Hill (RH) is "an ecumenical retreat center based on prayer, healing, hospitality and reconciliation."  The retreat center is distinctively Christian, but welcomes people of other faiths who chose to worship there. Richmond Hill houses a full-time residential community that supports the operation of the retreat center. One special feature I enjoyed was the rhythm of prayer at RH - prayer or silence is expected 3 times a day for 15 minutes (7am, 12 noon and 6 pm). I welcomed the ringing of the bells as an opportunity in reflect and spiral inwards towards prayer and contemplation.

The Labyrinth

Of course, I was thrilled to find out they have a beautiful labyrinth. I walked the path several times during the weekend including early morning as the sun was rising and late at night with the City of Richmond lights illuminating the path.

Basketball Anyone?

And remember...it's not all work/prayer and no play! I loved the basketball hoop especially since Play and Leisure have been my field of study!

Cupola and view of Richmond

The Cupola sits alone on top of the retreat center and overlooks the City of Richmond. With windows on all 4 sides, a table to hold my morning coffee and cushioned chairs to support me, the cupola offered a special space to sit, meditate and write. I wrote the following poetry sketch in the comfort of the cupola.

Growing Into Oneself

Growing up

Growing older

Growing into oneself

How does one grow into oneself?

Why is it so painful?

Is the pain caused by the expansion of oneself?

Does this leave room for more?

More understanding...

More love...

More pain...

More compassion...

Arm's open

Christ on the cross

Acceptance and love

Speak less - listen and love more.

fuzzy photo from the garden!

Stay tuned for more on this amazing journey with CTTT...and think about joining me in Richmond Hill in August for an overnight retreat!

Postcards continue to be written...

Although I have not written about the postcard project the past few days that doesn't mean I have not sent any!  I have sent the following postcards to the following fabulous people...

September 16, 2011. My brother Ed Rollins and I share a love for the Tour de France. A local company, Lead Graffiti, created a poster a day during the 'tour' (23 posters in 23 days) and I purchased several postcards created from a makeready sheet. For more information on Lead Graffiti visit www.leadgraffiti.com. My big brother has always been there for me and continues to amaze me as he travels in his own 'tour de executor' of my parents estate. Definitely not a fun job but he has been rolling along despite a few crashes on the hairpin turns. He is my "King of the Mountain"!!

Tour de France card for my brother Ed

September 17, 2011. Joanne Reinbold is a friend, labyrinth inspired artist and brilliant writer. My life has been blessed by her presence. Together we dreamed of 'a room of our own' to create and share. But Joanne did more than dream....she manifested it at her church. Now we are creating finger labyrinths, collage cards, talisman pendants, books and friends. Thank you Joanne...

Joanne Reinbold & I dream of having a room/studio of our own!

September 18, 2011. I consider Diane Terry-Kehner my labyrinth sister. Kindness, friendship and love flow from her like the fountain of youth! Her postcard is also a "Tour de France" card because she is not only fluent in french (and a french teacher) but a trip to Chartres opened her heart even wider. Although Diane lives less than an hour away we only see each other at TLS (The Labyrinth Society) board meeting. I think that needs to change...and I will change it. Watch out Diane...I'm heading to New Jersey!

Diane Terry-Kehner - the energy of the labyrinth!

September 19, 2011. "All the world's a stage, and all the men and women merely players. They have their exits and their entrances..." This quote from William Shakespeare captures part of Janice Toomey gifts. As a teacher at NCCL (Newark Center for Creative Learning), she was able to instill a love of theatre especially Shakespeare and Gilbert & Sullivan. Janice is a role model as she always goes above and beyond, teaching team work, cooperation, understanding and dedication through her actions...I am blessed to have her in my circle of friends.

"All The World's A Stage" and Janice Toomey is a star!

Awakening Your Dreams

AWAKENING YOUR DREAMS

Tomorrow, Wednesday, is another open labyrinth walk at First and Central Presbyterian Church (11^th & Market, Wilmington). The theme this year is 'Awakenings' and tomorrow you can walk the labyrinth with the thought of awakening your dreams.

I have many dreams but I tend not to focus on them too much, maybe that is why they have not all come true (one dream I have is to have my own space to host workshops, red tents, movements classes and of course I want at least one labyrinth...preferably two, one indoor and one outdoor). What are your dreams?

Maybe you can join me for a walk, a cup of tea, friendly conversation or try one of the lovely finger labyrinths. The labyrinth is open on Wednesdays from 11 to 7pm and I will be there tomorrow from 12 to 2pm...for more information why don't you friend us on Facebook (The Labyrinth at First & Central).

In the meantime enjoy one my favorite songs...

Awake My Soul... Mumford and Sons 

http://www.youtube.com/embed/x2RKb3VNAOo



New Year's Eve 2010

Today is New Year's Eve and for the first time in a long time I am excited. Usually NYE is depressing for me...I think about the year that just slipped away and all that I did NOT accomplish. But today the horizon looks hopeful and I am excited to ring in 2011. I know I have dear friends who inspire and challenge me to be all that I can be...one of those friends is Jose' Avila (http://www.simplegiftspottery.com/). Today he sent me a photo of a labyrinth his sons created in their yard. I love nature art, creating 'stumbled upon' art and experiential education and this encompasses all three...THANKS JOSE'!!

Labyrinth created by Christopher and Andrew!

I wish everyone a joyous, safe, healthy and creative filled new year...Happy 2011 and blessings to all!

A Dedicated Walk on a New Labyrinth

Hosting a labyrinth walk has become more about listening then speaking. Yes, I do talk about the labyrinth, it's history, the story of the creation of the labyrinth at The Delaware Art Museum and the special people involved...but more important is listening to the walkers. I love to hear their stories, what drew them to the labyrinth, what happened to them as they walked, metaphors, and awareness of the creation new labyrinths (especially when they are local).

Such an awareness recently occurred . A woman and her 3 children were visiting the museum and ventured down to the labyrinth. In conversation she mentioned that her church (located in Kennett Square, PA) had just built an labyrinth but she had not walked it. Kennett Square (aka the “Mushroom Capital of the World”) is located about 5 miles away from my home so a trip across state lines was inevitable.

On a crisp, chilly, damp morning I head to Kennett to find the Church of the Advent Episcopal Church and it's new addition. Finding the church was a breeze and I quickly found the labyrinth tucked between the church and it's offices. The entrance to the stone 7circuit medieval inspired/modified labyrinth was flanked by 2 large planters offering a burst of red (a welcome change in color to the dull rainy days we were experiencing) in whimsical bee painted pots. As I stood at the entrance, gathering my thoughts and becoming aware of each breath I glanced beyond the labyrinth and notice the cemetery.

Last month we buried my father (Cy Rollins) at the family graveyard in Maryland. I have always been fond of cemeteries, loving to read the names, dates and epitaphs, and seeing the artistry of the head and foot stones. History that I could touch and stories of lives to be told in the smallest of detail. I decided to dedicate my walk to my father.

(marker for my mother's family on the Eastern Shore of Maryland)

                         

Each turn seemed to bring me back to a story of my life alongside him. I will miss his stories (well, most of them, that is!) and his silent support. Laughter and tears were shed on the labyrinth that day and I am blessed from the lesson learned and the stories remembered. Find a labyrinth, trail or path and walk in remembrance of someone you love.

(Kennett Square, PA)

To find a labyrinth near you go to http://www.labyrinthsociety.org/ and click on the labyrinth locator (upper right hand corner).

Welcome!

Welcome to The Backyard Pilgrim blog.

I have had the opportunity to travel the world, meet exciting people and go to fantastic places but now I set upon a journey of local adventures and magical settings. You see...I keep thinking about more travels, more adventures and seeing amazing spiritual, historical and magical places throughout the world but I realize that all I have to do is explore my backyard. Well...not my physical backyard because I live in a townhouse and my 15 X 15 postage stamp backyard would offer a short blog, well maybe not, I'm sure magical experiences can occur many times over in my bath tub but my definition of 'my backyard' will be those experiences, places and things within a days journey.

Occasionally I may travel further than a days drive especially when I go to The Labyrinth Society Gatherings and board meetings (www.labyrinthsociety.org) or if I get lucky to venture outside my East Coast circle and so these meanderings may also be posted.

('stumbled upon art' I created at Kirkridge Retreat Center & ASWM Conference)

My goal is to open myself up to the mystical and magical in everyday life and not save it for a planned or booked adventure so I urge you to join me, share your experiences with me and by all means feel free to suggest special places, people, trees, labyrinths, trails, rock formations, events or ideas for me to explore.

Blessings,

Carol M.