Episode Notes

Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk: true-life, practical, funny, heart-breaking, insightful human experience stories from women who are walking their lives while their lives walk them and the lasting difference these journeys have made. You’ll recognize yourself in stories of adversity, challenge, fear, discovery, adventure, expression, and more. Why? Because, the sorcery of stories is this: they help each of us to be seen and heard, to understand and be understood. I’m your host, Diane Wyzga.

Driving to the recycling center over the weekend I saw a pickup truck parked by the side of the road with a red spray painted sheet draped over the whole of it. The spray painted words read: “COVID kills 200,000 + ….. Socialists.” Now I don’t know if those men, women and children labeled themselves as socialists or just human beings caught in the crossfire.

What I do know is that at times our 1st Amendment Right of Free Speech can feel irksome at best. What can you do besides breathe deeply because here in The Great State of Washington we cannot drive around with a hood-mounted Uzi to express our particular dissatisfaction with this or that.

I’m reminded of something my teacher Thich Nhat Hanh said when asked, “When will the Vietnam War end?” He said, “All is impermanent. The war will end.” “But when?” “I cannot say when it will end; but I can say that it will end. Meanwhile, we live mindfully in the present moment.”

Thay’s response brings me in mind of a story, the story of the great King Solomon and the ring. Once upon a time the great King Solomon ruled over the ancient United Kingdom of Israel. . . .

Here we are, at the end of the road but not the journey. Thank you for listening to this Diane-On-Mic episode of Stories From Women Who Walk. I hope you are encouraged by the story Gam Zeh Ya’avor and will share it with others who may need a hand up. Meanwhile, please stop by every Monday through Friday for 60 Seconds, Time Out Tuesday, Story Prompt Friday, and on Thursday for longer guest interviews and Diane-On-Mic episodes. You’ll find us on Simplecast or your favorite podcast platform. Come for the stories – stay for the magic! And speaking of magic, would you leave us a nice rating and review on Apple Podcasts. When you return bring your friends and rellies. You will have wonderful company as we walk our lives together.

Production Team: Quarter Moon Story Arts
Music: Entering Erdenheim from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron Music
All content and image © 2019 – Present Quarter Moon Story Arts
Featured Image: Thich Nhat Hanh Caligraphy

Contributors

Steve Schuch & Night Heron Music
Diane Wyzga, Podcaster, Story Artist & Wordsmithery Coach