Author Archives: Lathornton

Unknown's avatar

About Lathornton

Author, Writer and Blogger: amoxiegirl.com

The Bounty Hunter of Bad Customer Service

Posted on by
2

Around these parts, and to family and friends, I am known as “The Bounty Hunter of Bad Customer Service”. Just as a dog will not let go of his bone – come to think of it, I also have trouble releasing a half-eaten prime rib bone – I will chase you down with all that I’ve got. 

It all started back when JC* was moving into a senior residence in Chicago. Many Excel spread sheets and visits later, we had chosen what we thought to be the best of the best, but things began to down spiral quickly. 

Unanticipated stress replaced excitement when I had to step in and take over for the moving coordinator, who seemed to lack any training in long distance moves. The lovely gesture of a sign on the apartment front door would have been much appreciated if it hadn’t read “Welcome Home, Gloria.” Worst of all, JC did not receive an invitation to the new resident birthday surf and turf luncheon. That snub was the final straw. 

I did some research and found out that this senior residence was in negotiations to link their services with the hospital that I was working for. I called and made an appointment with both the director and customer service coordinator to discuss my mom’s disappointment. Dressed for success, I carried a brief case with the hospital name on it; a handy prop. 

I was angry, but decided that the best approach would be to tug at their heart strings. I presented my case: I had faith in them, put my mom in their hands and their incompetence resulted in her feeling abandoned. 

I was prepared when they asked how they could repair the damage done. How about three limo rides at no charge – the residence had a limo available for hire – and dinner for four – mom and family – during lobster month at elegant – and pricey – Palm Restaurant? I produced a letter that I would email to them; all they had to do was copy and paste it onto their stationery. 

At that point, I unleashed my secret weapon, which has never let me down. I stopped talking, tilted my head slightly to one side and just looked at them. No number of words can replace the discomfort of stone-cold silence. 

The letter was delivered to JC later that day. She did enjoy her new home for a while, until she called a family meeting, announced that the residents were too old, and moved to a nearby condo. 

Since then, with a combination of tenacity, a genteel manner, meticulous research, and the silent treatment, I have been able to:

  • Enlist the help of the Department of Consumer Services in Chicago to track down a dead- beat contractor and obtain $12,000 in restitution.
  •  Collaborate with the University of Houston Law Center and receive complimentary assistance to persuade a corporation that paying in full for a storage locker was in their best interest due to an incorrect apartment floor plan. 
  • Travel free with my family on the AVE, the high-speed train, from Barcelona to Madrid, Spain when our credit card concierge forgot to email the tickets to our hotel.
  • Convince the airlines why the receipts for the contents of my lost luggage were no longer available and shop for replacement belongings with the $500 they offered. 
  • Enjoy a complimentary breakfast, lunch, dinner, or hotel stay when the initial experience was not up to par. 

Sometimes it’s important to take a stand. With a little effort, the frustration and disappointment you experienced can be resolved to your benefit. I can still see the smile on JC’s face when they tied on her lobster bib and when she called me from her limo and told me to look out my window, then stood up and waved out the top of the limo as it cruised past my building down Lake Shore Drive. 

Author’s Note:

*JC”: My lovely mom and best girlfriend. She received the name “JC” – her initials – back when I hired her to be my interim secretary, and did not feel comfortable saying “Any messages, Mommy?” 

If you enjoyed this post, I invite you to like it and share it. Don’t forget to go to the Home Page to follow me and receive monthly posts via email.

Decision Making: Lessons From Veggies, So You Don’t Get Steamed

Posted on by
1

Pity the poor cauliflower. Known as one of the world’s healthiest vegetables, he was content to swim in an occasional warm cheese sauce or crisp under some butter and breadcrumbs. Life was good until some overzealous chefs convinced this seasoned, yet impulsive veggie to recreate himself as a starch. So much for snap decisions…

Now labelled as a faux, the once proud cauliflower graces dinner tables masquerading as rice or mashed potatoes, leaving foodies thrilled to discover a new craze. At the same time, he remains confused as to his station, both in life and on the buffet line.

I don’t usually look to vegetables for life lessons, but in this case, I’ve made an exception. Having to choose between two or more courses of action can be quick and trivial or agonizingly life changing. Decisions constantly confront us, and each person’s approach differs. Whether we do endless research, toss a coin, or just put it off, we realize that sooner or later, we need to deal with it.

According to the website skillsyouneed.com, the best method to help you come to a conclusion is to apply a combination of both intuition (that gut feeling) and reasoning (using facts and past experiences). Here are some simple steps to help improve the decision-making process:-

  • Brainstorm: What are all the possible options available? 
  • Time factor: How long do you have to make a decision? Will the delay affect the outcome?
  • Information Gathering: Research will help your confidence level. 
  • Risk factors: Consider the worst possible outcome. Is it better to be safe? 
  • Pros and cons: Put a line down the middle of a page and get to work. 
  • Make the decision: Don’t let yourself have any “what ifs” and move forward.

Here are some methods I did not notice on the above list: 

  • Fortunetelling: I still get chills when I think of the fortuneteller I met in a New York City restaurant many years ago. She was in the middle of guiding me in making some important decisions and then disappeared, never to be heard from again. 
  • The Ann Landers syndicated newspaper column: For 56 years, the column doled out advice and helped America make decisions from meatloaf ingredients to family disputes. 
  • The pieces of paper that we folded up as children, wrote a series of end results down on each fold, then manipulated them in our hands to see which one it would open to. 
  • The Eight Ball: My grade school friends and I would take turns asking the magic ball a question. After turning it around a few times, the answer would magically appear and the yes, no, or maybe response always seemed to be the answer we had hoped for. 

And now, back to cauliflower. Not wanting to be considered a flash in the pan, he spiced up his life and had a heated fling with a carrot, resulting in the birth of orange cauliflower. Currently fresh out of rehab, cauliflower is now busy counseling zucchini as she makes her way down that same lonely road to stardom, having made the decision to take the lead as the vegetable of choice with the Veggetti, the spiral vegetable cutter, that will turn her into carb-less pasta.

Author’s Note:
If you enjoyed this post, I invite you to like it and share it. 
Don’t forget to go to the Home Page to follow me and receive posts via email.

Mad About Madison,Wisconsin!

Posted on by
7

Once you learn a thing or two about Madison, you can relax and enjoy your time there:

  • Anywhere else in the world, a badger is a mammal that’s a member of the weasel family, but in Madison, the Wisconsin Badgers are the beloved University of Wisconsin–Madison football team. 
  • Yes, that’s a golden badger on the head of the statue of the woman that graces the top of the elegant Wisconsin Capitol Building. 
  • Should you accept a taste of a cheese curd, a favorite chewy snack, be prepared for the squeak it imparts when bitten into; a good sign that it’s fresh. 
  • Not to be confused with the cheese-shaped foam hat of the same name, a Cheesehead is also the name given to fans of the Green Bay Packers football team. 
  • Yes, that’s a giant hot dog car driving down the street! Oscar Meyer is headquartered in Madison and sometimes there are sightings of its famous Weinermobile.
  • How many cities can boast that they sit between two lakes? Lakes Monona and Mendota are like two beautiful sisters, fishing for compliments, as they try to outsparkle each other.

STAY             
As our Lyft stops in front of our destination, I immediately forget that the surrounding neighborhood is a bit old and made up of student housing- after all, over 50,000 students do call Madison their home! 

The Dylin is a modern, stylish “aparthotel” with 55 apartments – check out their other city locations at Locale. There is a general manager on site, but no front desk. Even though we’ve received the codes to the front door and to our apartment, we still feel welcomed as we enter the chic lobby and outdoor area.

A little bit apartment and a little bit boutique hotel, it is the best of both. The Tuft and Needle mattress and the Bokser bedding immediately elevate our apartment to swanky status. The washer – with available soap pods – and dryer are a nice touch. We swoon over the Fellow tea kettle and Haden toaster and coffeepot, which look like pieces of art.

PLAY
The Dylin is within walking distance to almost everything and we take advantage of the many free things to do: 

With its majestic facade and impressive rotunda, the Wisconsin State Capitol is worth a stop for a complimentary tour and the view from its observation deck. 

The University of Wisconsin–Madison is also a popular tourist attraction. Set on 930 acres of gardens and a nature preserve, the Historic Terrace at Memorial Union sits on Lake Mendota. You can relax in colorful, student-designed chairs while enjoying the view. Before you visit the Chazen Museum of Art – free and on the grounds, grab lunch from one of the many restaurants and ice cream from Babcock Hall Dairy – made on campus.

Stroll the State Street Pedestrian Mall and stop into the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art – free every day. 

Unfortunately, rain curtailed our free visits to the Henry Villas Zoo, the Dane County Farmers Market, the largest producer-only farmers market in the country, made famous on the 2024 season of Top Chef filmed in Wisconsin, and a chamber orchestra concert at Capitol Square.

HIGH LEVEL HAPPY HOUR
Yes, we are at it again, christening every city with our presence at one of their rooftop bars. Our choice, in Madison, is the AC Hotel. A warm breeze, a chilled glass of Chardonnay, and a feeling that you could reach out and touch the Capitol building; it doesn’t get any better than that. 

DINE LIKE A MADISONIAN
Enjoy a Lake View
You say “Monona” and I say “Mendota,” but either lake offers an enhanced dining experience:

It’s been a while since we’ve had French cuisine, so our mouths are watering as we head to Sardine. Our front table allows us a ringside view of Lake Monona as we settle in for a culinary feast of warm duck confit & frisée, steak frites, and seared salmon, accompanied by lentils, spinach and portobello mushrooms. 

Since 1948, the lovely Edgewater Hotel has managed to retain its elegance, having been named “Best of Madison” by Madison Magazine. We can also see why The Boat House Bar & Grill was also voted “Best restaurant with a lake view,” as we lunch on fish and chips on its dock, surrounded by blue skies and the sparkling Lake Mendota. The classy Statehouse restaurant awaits us for dinner. It’s restful evening lake view is the perfect setting for us to enjoy roast chicken with truffle mashed potatoes and salmon with a bourbon honey glaze. 

The Nostalgic Supper Club Experience
Born in the 1950s, supper clubs embraced Wisconsin and never let go. Known for their hand-muddled Brandy Old Fashioneds and a menu serving up traditional American fare – which includes their famous Friday fish fry – you can see why locals can’t get enough of their friendly social atmosphere. 

We don’t mind the 15-minute Lyft ride to Toby’s Supper Club; their 55-year-old reputation makes the trip worthwhile. Supper clubs are not known for their architectural artistry, so the old building and metal door come as no surprise. 

We take a deep breath, open the door, and are transported back in time. The bar is jam packed, and everyone is talking and laughing, including the bartenders, who don’t seem phased at all by the crowd. Oh, if those worn wooden floors could talk! The old dining room is a sea of red plastic tablecloths covering tables full of food and happy diners. We are welcomed and told how to proceed: 

  • Order a drink
  • Peruse the menu
  • Call over a server and order
  • When your dinner is ready, you will be seated. 

It doesn’t take long for us to strike up a conversation with our new standing-room-only friends, but our hunger reminds us that it’s time to order. We stop a server, who is cheery and surprisingly able to hear us over the roar of the crowd.  When she finally leads us to our table, we are struck to find the table already full, with a complimentary relish tray, rolls, butter and even cinnamon rolls – are they in case we’re still there for breakfast?! 

We order the wild caught walleye and can’t resist the pan-fried chicken, since according to the menu “If the Colonel’s chicken was this good, he would have been a General!” Included is soup or salad and a guarantee that we will not be hungry tomorrow. 

It’s been a pleasure getting to know you, Madison. We leave, reminded, once again, that every city has something to celebrate. 

Author’s Note:
If you enjoyed this post, I invite you to like it and share it. 
Don’t forget to go to the Home Page to follow me and receive posts via email.

Do I Need More Pippi in My Longstocking?

Posted on by
3

Our only similarity is that we were both born with red hair. From the first time I met her, she was my idol. She is fiercely independent, unconventional, playful and unpredictable. Her pigtails fly in the wind, her grin widens and her freckled face flushes, as she races from one adventure to the next with her best friends: her horse, her monkey and the two children that live next door to her at her home, Villa Villekula. 

Pippi Longstocking- full name Pippilotta Delicatessa Windowshade Mackrelmint Longstocking- is the figment of the imagination of Swedish author Astrid Lindgren. Recuperating from an illness, Astrid’s daughter asked her mom for a story and named the main character Pippi. Initially rejected by publishers, the books have since been translated into 76 languages and made into television shows and movies. 

As a little girl reading the books, my eyes would widen, and my heart would race; how exciting to be so free! Little did I know that my personality had already evolved, as observed by JC*. She quickly realized that, rather than inheriting her easygoing nature, my tendencies for perfection and order were thanks to my dad. 

She knew she had her hands full but guided me along with such patience. By the time she received the call that I was in the nurse’s office by second period on my first day of junior high, she was resigned to the fact that I was a bit different from other children. Apparently, I did not see the humor in being handed one of the first computerized class schedules, having only a few minutes to arrive before the bell rang and being mistakenly assigned to the boy’s bathroom, rather than a classroom. 

In my efforts to be a bit more spontaneous, I have made some major strides: 

  • I visited a model home and did not rearrange anything. 
  • I polished my fingernails a completely different color than my toenails.
  • On a whim, I changed my grocery shopping day from Friday to Thursday.
  • I double snoozed my alarm.
  • I impulsively ate four Triscuits with lunch, rather than my usual three and did not worry about biting cracker number four precisely on its horizontal markings.   
  • I went on a trip without any pre-planning, waking up each day and deciding on my next adventure. Wait a minute; that was a friend of mine that did that, not me!

Oh, to be a bit eccentric! What fun it would be to make paper airplanes out of my to do lists with my avant-garde pals. Regrettably, I am only able to participate as a spectator, realizing that the only flow I can go with is if it has first been documented on an Excel spreadsheet. 

At first, I thought that living vicariously through others was unfortunate. Then I realized that family and friends are as fascinated with my quirks as I am with theirs. They loosen me up, I keep them on track and together, we walk through life one unique step at a time.

*JC:  My lovely mom and my best girlfriend. She received the name “JC” years ago – her initials – back when I hired her to be my interim secretary, and I did not feel comfortable saying “Any messages, Mommy?

Author’s Note:
If you enjoyed this post, I invite you to like it and share it. 
Don’t forget to go to the Home Page to follow me and receive posts via email.

Austin, Texas: From Staycation to Vacation!

Posted on by
8

We miss you, Austin! Our two years living there gave us that dose of city living that we craved.  Don’t get me wrong; we enjoy where we live now, but we’ve decided every now and then, we need to take a staycation and visit you…unless, of course, we are having such fun that it turns into a vacation!

STAY

We believe that a hotel isn’t just where you sleep; it sets the tone for your entire trip. Based on location, its trendy vibe, and the fact that Cava (a sparkling Spanish wine, similar to champagne) has been served in the lobby from 3 p.m. – 10 p.m. during each of our visits, we’ve chosen the Canopy by Hilton Austin Downtown as our favorite hotel. 

Upscale, yet not excessively expensive (a recent article cited Austin as the third most expensive city in Texas, based on its lodging costs), the indoor-outdoor feel of the Canopy makes it feel more like a retreat.

FYI: We check a hotel’s website for their rates and compare them with Hotels.com. We’ll book at the less expensive price, but we prefer to use Hotels.com when possible, as they offer a loyalty rewards program called “OneKeyCash.” Shared by Hotels.com, Expedia, and Vrbo, it can be used as a form of cashback for future bookings. 

PLAY

Sure, there are the tried-and-true tourist spots, but these are just some of the ways we like to while away our time in Austin:

  • Walk all or some of the 10-mile path around Lady Bird Lake or paddle a rented kayak on the lake. 
  • Head to SOCO – South of Congress to shop and people-watch; sign up online, and Kendra Scott will help you celebrate your birthday month with 50% off one item. Or, take a photo at the famous “I Love You So Much” mural at Joe’s Coffee: 1300 South Congress.  
  • Visit the lovely Umlauf Sculpture Gardens and Museum  Check out their event schedule for information on Family Days and After Dark, which features live jazz and cocktails. 
  • Tucked away in the Hyde Park neighborhood, the Elisabet Ney Museum is currently closed for renovation until Summer 2026, but is worth keeping on your radar for a visit. Her home and museum, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, chronicle her interesting life and amazing work as a sculptor. 
  • Mozart’s Coffee Roasters has a spectacular view of Lake Austin, and features live music and art exhibits. 

HIGH LEVEL HAPPY HOUR

Do cocktails taste better when they are served at a rooftop bar? We think they do! I’m not talking about the Sixth Street, loud music, standing room only bars. I’m referring to an elegant venue with the added treat of a view. Here are our favorites:

  • Located on the fifth floor of the swanky Proper Hotel, La Piscina could very well transport you to a Mediterranean hideaway with its chic ambiance.
  • Who would have guessed that P6 was originally the parking garage for its hotel The Line! The space has been transformed into lovely sitting areas with views of Lady Bird Lake and the Austin skyline.

FYI: Both bars are also restaurants, so reservations for cocktails are a must. 

DINE

  • Lin Asian Bar & Dim Sum Restaurant has been a long-time favorite. Be sure to start with the soup dumplings (complete with a quick lesson as to how to enjoy them) and end with the hot sake for “dessert;” anything you choose in between will be great. 
  • As the next-door neighbor to the South Congress Hotel, Café No Se shares its trendy and downtown chic vibe. After recently enjoying an amazing kale salad and a salmon burger for lunch there, we’ll be back. 
    One of the first places we dined as new Austinites, Taverna, will always have a soft spot in our hearts. Brunch favorites are Avocado Toast and Eggs Benedict. For dinner, we love the sautéed mussels and dream of the Cacio e Pepe. It’s prepared tableside in a large cheese rind. Though it’s no longer on the menu, they will happily accommodate you.  
  • Did you know Walton’s Fancy and Staple is owned by actress Sandra Bullock? It’s conveniently located across the street from the Canopy Hotel and great for breakfast and lunch. My favorite is the spinach and arugula salad with candied walnuts, cheddar cheese, and apples.
  • We were delighted that the popular Chicago restaurant group, Lettuce Entertain You, added an Austin restaurant to their success stories. The restaurant aba in SOCO is a Mediterranean wonderland that artfully combines its indoor and outdoor spaces into the WOW factor. Choose any hummus or any kebab; actually, choose anything on the menu!

FYI: A reservation is a must for both lunch and dinner at most restaurants – Walton’s is the only place where you can walk in. Reserving using the Open Table app allows us to make changes and keep tabs on our booking, plus each reservation earns us points. On our last wedding anniversary, we were able to utilize $75 towards our dinner!

Author’s Note:
If you enjoyed this post, I invite you to like it and share it. 
Don’t forget to go to the Home Page to follow me and receive posts via email.

Image by Achim Thiemermann from Pixabay

Laugh and the Family Laughs with You

Posted on by
3

June 2005: Celebrating the last day of the second year of high school, shower style, 

Injecting a sense of humor into everyday tasks threw my family off just enough so that before they realized it, my goals were accomplished, and happiness prevailed. 

When Big A* was too young to get a job, but old enough to become a consumer, I would say “Go check the refrigerator!.” There, he would find jobs posted, along with details and the fee paid:

  • “Go Where No Man Has Gone Before”: Vacuum under the sofa cushions
  • “Wanted: Mountain Climbing Experience”: Use a step ladder to dust the bookshelves
  • “Spa Day for Legos”: Fill up the tub with bubbles, wash Legos, dry on towels
  • “Shoe Biz”: polish his dad’s shoes

To lift spirits in the morning, I created the shower note. On special occasions, the event was spelled out in shaving cream and immortalized on the shower wall – until the water was turned on. 

Once, when houseguests were almost upon us, I had to think quickly as to how to get the ceiling repaired. Mr. Wiz* kept procrastinating. Rather than nag – also can be effective, just takes longer – I wrote this poem and left it on his dresser:    

If you want to get that feeling
That will really leave you reeling
And you know with whom you’re dealing
Come on and fix that ceiling!

Ten minutes later, I heard Mr. Wiz chuckle and then notice him brush the dust off his tool chest and get to work.

After that, I was a one-woman comedy show, introducing new material with abandon: serving hot dog-shaped hamburgers in hot dog rolls, and leaving notes on bananas. You never knew what to expect next. I was a mix of Lucille Ball and Martha Stewart, and our little family was a happy, well-oiled machine. 

It’s a busy world out there and your to-do list is not going anywhere, so loosen up, uncover your sense of humor and take your show on the road. 

*Who’s who?
Big A is my son, always tall for his age and now 6’6.”
Mr. Wiz is my husband, who seems to be well-versed on every subject.  

Author’s Note:
If you enjoyed this post, I invite you to like it and share it. Don’t forget to go to the Home Page to follow me and receive posts via email.

Made in Manhattan

Posted on by
2

Every Monday morning, she would greet us, walking fast and out of breath, her soft, Gucci leather carry-on swinging from her shoulder, her long, perfect hair swaying back and forth, and her designer outfits perfectly accessorized. As she gracefully glided past us and flashed her “million-dollar” smile, we would all take a deep breath in unison and inhale her expensive perfume.

We were fresh out of high school, still carrying the baby fat that once made us cute, and now awkwardly settling in as college freshmen in New York City, hanging on to the promise that one day we would be career women.

It was rumored that she would fly in on her older boyfriend’s jet each Monday. She was an ex-Ford model (are you ever really an ex-Ford model?) who was hired to mold us into confident, well-dressed women of the world. I wondered if she realized what a challenge she had in front of her.

We were given an appointment time, and one by one, we would meet with her for a private consultation. We all nervously sat in the waiting room when the door burst open and Callie, a beautiful blonde student from Texas, dramatically announced to us that it was suggested she trade in her white mink coat, knee socks, and plaid skirts for a whole new business wardrobe. In her Southern drawl, she said she had to call her Daddy immediately to tell him that an allowance increase was necessary.

It was my turn. My stomach churned as I shut the door, smiled faintly, and sat across from her. She greeted me and started right in, suggesting makeup products that were soon to be introduced (what other insider information were former Ford models privy to?) and what styles and colors to wear. She showed me how to pull my long hair back into a bun and suggested I buy a braid that matched my hair color and wrap it around the bun for a more polished look. She stifled a laugh when she tactfully suggested some exercises for me to do, and I naively replied, “Do them now?” Yes, I was her style-starved puppet and would have dropped down and “given her 50” in a heartbeat.

One by one, we were all transfixed by her and happily settled into our new existences, leaving telltale signs all around us. To the dismay of the posh deli owner down the street, we bid farewell to his famous roast beef sandwiches for lunch and instead feasted on her favorite brand of yogurt. We all ate with demitasse spoons and cocktail forks (hers were sterling silver), her secret for eating more slowly. We stayed up late to re-polish our nails, so we were perfectly color coordinated the next day. We took extra time to dress and apply our makeup. We learned how to walk and carry ourselves properly. We were invited to attend social functions to practice the art of small talk and learn how to be a good listener. We were taught the social graces and the importance of manners.

It turned out that finishing school instruction was just as important as our formal education. When do you get the opportunity to stand there and be constructively critiqued from head to toe? Just as in the military, it was a form of breaking us down and rebuilding us from the bottom up, to make us the best we could be.

I still think about her. I wonder if she knew just how important she was to the lives of the young women she helped form. She taught us that if you look the part, you are the part. She transformed us from insecure, “plain Janes” to confident, chic women. She was an important role model in my life, and all these years later, after I carefully dress and check my nail polish, I raise my cocktail fork to her and say a silent “thank you” from the bottom of my style-conscious heart.

Author’s Note:
If you enjoyed this post, I invite you to like it and share it. Don’t forget to go to the Home Page to follow me and receive posts via email.

 

Unearthing the Paths to Positive Thinking   

Posted on by
Reply

Why do some people always seem to have things go their way? Is it good luck, or have they mastered the art of positive thinking?

It is a basic fact of psychology that you become what your mind pictures. Think of how athletes are able to train themselves to master this concept.

VISUALIZE, MATERIALIZE
The concept behind positive thinking is that a person’s thoughts – conscious and unconscious – dictate the reality of their lives, whether they are aware of it or not. In other words, if we picture concepts in our conscious mind, it will impress them within our subconscious mind and put those thoughts into action.

SOME THINGS TO REMEMBER

  • ”These thoughts can be related to body pain, emotional issues, or goals you wish to attain.
  • Since affirmative thoughts are more powerful than negative thoughts, our focus should always be on what we want, rather than what we don’t want.
  • Our affirmation – our goal stated in a short phrase – should be in the first person, in the present tense, and in the positive.

Though the fundamental principles are the same, my favorite sources each present them in their own style. By understanding the basics, and with the help of some mental exercises, we can learn how to develop this skill:

THE POWER OF POSITIVE THINKING
After discovering his book, The Power of Positive Thinking, I was fortunate to attend Marble Collegiate Church in New York City and hear Reverend Norman Vincent Peale preach. His words could sting or warm you, and magically seemed to give each audience member around me a personal message, as noted by their reactions after his sermons.

In his book, his warm, folksy way of explaining his concepts includes actual examples and is very unintimidating. The fact that they are not current does not seem to matter. His focus is on one’s outlook on life.

I like his analogy of emptying your mind by imagining you are emptying a wastebasket, to relieve the clutter of tired thoughts. Every page reminds you that enthusiasm is the self-releasing power that helps our personality focus on the matters at hand.

THE SECRET
The Secret by Rhonda Byrne is more analytical, but I like her use of these straightforward mantras:

  • “Ask, believe, receive.”
  • “Thoughts become their physical equivalents.”
  • “If you see it in your mind, you will hold it in your hand.”

Byrne bases her theories on the Law of Attraction, which states that the universe is governed by a matching of frequencies of a person’s experiences with their thoughts.

A suggested exercise seemed easy: think of an old friend or a certain place and see if it somehow comes back into your life. The fact that it worked has given me a deeper sense of belief!

EMOTIONAL FREEDOM TECHNIQUES – EFT
I first heard of Emotional Freedom Techniques – or EFT – from a friend in the military. It’s founder, Gary Craig, had initially utilized his technique on soldiers suffering from PTSD – post-traumatic stress disorder – with much success.

EFT is the psychological form of acupuncture. According to Chinese medicine, acupuncture works on the meridian system, the pathways that supply energy throughout the body.

Instead of needles, you stimulate those major pathways by massaging and tapping them while repeating your affirmation. It is the powerful combination of the physical and mental focus on the pain/problem/issue that brings results.

This simple tapping process only takes a few minutes a day. Repeat your mantra out loud, three times, as you tap:

  • The sides of the palms of each of your hands
  • Your forehead
  • The sides of your eyes
  • Under your eyes
  • Under your nose
  • Under your chin
  • Your collar bones
  • Each side of your body, under your arms
  • The top of your head

LET IT FLOW
It is amazing how once you “tune in” to this process of consistent, positive thought, it will direct you to find a way toward your goals. You must let it flow, even if it leads you into new directions.

Many goosebumps later, I can attest to reflecting on a path that has unwound itself slowly before me with some twists and turns, but always so much like the original plan I had created for myself.

Though this all might seem mystical, think of it as a pact between you and yourself to dedicate a few minutes a day to teach yourself to maneuver through life, capitalizing more on your senses.

The very personal nature of the exercise, the discipline, and the fine-tuning will transform you from the person you are today to the person you would like to be.

Author’s Note:
If you enjoyed this post, I invite you to like it and share it. Don’t forget to follow me to receive posts via email.

Nov. 3 – 8: A Coruña, Ferrol, and Santiago 

Posted on by
Reply

Nov. 3 – 4:  A Coruña

Rather than continue as pilgrims, we’ve decided to become tourists for the last part of the trip. That doesn’t preclude us from walking across town to the Santiago train station to catch our train to A Coruña. 

I’m not the best one to ask about scenic train rides. No sooner do I find my seat than, with heavy eyelids, I am lulled to sleep by the train’s soothing rocking. My usual “That was a quick trip” comment always makes Mr. Wiz laugh, but this time in less than one hour, we’ve arrived. 

As we walk to our hotel, I am reminded of how much I love Sundays in Spain. Families are out in masse, on their paseo – a leisurely stroll through city streets. The well-dressed, multi-generational groups stop along the way for a meal or a drink and some tapas. As they wait for the streetlight to change, an elderly man and his son clasp hands, as long as they can, before the son must let go and cross with his family. Three women of different generations walk, arm in arm, talking and laughing together. The lively chatter and the children’s giggles somehow brighten the already sun-drenched day.

The Hotel Galeria Coruña is in the center of the historic district, surrounded by shops and restaurants. Even though its medieval stone streets are busy, no traffic is allowed, and it gives the area a relaxed feel. The boutique hotel is modern and trendy, with its white décor, back-lit shelves, and bathroom fog mirrors in each room. 

On the Avenida de Marina, the long seafront promenade is lined with bars and restaurants, all with outdoor seating that offer magnificent views of the Atlantic Ocean. The series of large, glazed white apartment buildings, with their enclosed glass balconies, line the Avenida and add elegance to the “Glass City,” the name A Coruña is known by. 

We head out on the promenade to the Tower of Hercules, the oldest working lighthouse in the world, built in the late first century and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We take our time in the lovely sculpture garden and enjoy a walk on the beach. 

Interspersed with a glass of wine and some people-watching on the promenade, we explored the 12th-century Santiago Church and visited the Picasso Route, viewing the places where Pablo Picasso spent time while living here. We strolled the Plaza de Maria Pita, which pays homage to the A Coruña Mayor and heroine who helped defend Spain against the English Armada in 1589 – first picture above.

Discovering something interesting around every nook and cranny gives us quite an appetite and we both stop short at the sight of a group, sitting outside and eating grilled beef served on a wooden platter. Usually, we are vegetarians – or should I say flexitarians, since we do occasionally eat meat. Today is one of those days we can’t help but venture in. 

It’s 3 p.m. and this will be our main meal of the day. Otherwise, we will need to wait until 8:30 p.m. The Padron peppers and the “Pulpo“(octopus) appetizers are delicious, but when it comes to deciphering the meat side of the menu, we are stymied by words that are not translatable. If we weren’t so hungry, this would be quite funny. We resort to the good old reliable strategy of pointing to what someone else is eating. We enjoy every morsel and toast to following our intuition, especially when it’s combined with the scent of grilled meat, and getting to know in A Coruña.

Nov. 5 – 6: Ferrol

It’s a short bus ride to Ferrol and we arrive in under an hour. As we walk into town and head to our hotel, we know now why Ferrol, is known in the Galician region as their “Black Sheep.” It is not an attractive city, but the more we get to know it, the more we find there is also some charm left over from its heyday. 

Originally a fishing village, their secure harbor, protected from the sea by rocky hills, was responsible for developing the city into a naval base, a shipbuilding center, and the Royal Navy Arsenal. At one time, the city prospered as Spain’s maritime capital, but as the Navy fleet was transferred elsewhere, the lower military presence led to a downturn in the population and the economy. This accounts for the remnants of its “Golden Age’ in the shopping district, where one out of 10 of the elegant high-end stores remain, secluded around those shops that are now for lease. 

Our hotel, the Parador de Ferrol stands out as a majestic example of a genteel time gone by. The stately Galician mansion, built in 1928, features a grand staircase, nautical antiques, and lovely guest rooms with views of the port. 

What is a Parador?
Paradors are luxury hotels owned and run by the Spanish government. Usually converted historic buildings, monasteries, and castles, they must meet strict criteria and maintain a high standard of quality. 

On this trip to Spain, I had noticed even more than past years, the decrepit state of the buildings in the small towns and wondered why the townspeople did not get together and work to do something to elevate their hometown. It wasn’t until I arrived in Ferrol that I received the answer I had been looking for. 

In chatting with the hotel front desk personnel, they mentioned that the large signs displayed throughout Ferrol’s historic district announce a complete renovation is underway, restoring the area to its original splendor. Unfortunately, due to mismanagement and delays with restoration paperwork approvals, the entire district remains in ruins. Since they are protected buildings, nothing can be touched without the proper state approvals.

With a heavy heart for the frustrated residents, we continue to seek out and find wonderful spots around town. The “Jardines de Herrera” is a lovely garden owned by the military. The Magdalena district, with its upscale homes, is the sight of two cathedrals and one special restaurant. 

As we stroll by the water, we snag the last outdoor table at Taberna del Puerto for a late lunch. Sliced Heirloom tomatoes with extra-virgin olive oil, grilled Padron peppers, pork served with a savory/sweet sauce accompanied with French fries was one of those meals that you later dream about! So much so that when the server offered dessert, we ordered more Heirloom tomatoes!

Nov. 7 – 8: Santiago

We are warmly welcomed back to the Hotel Rua Villar, and we thank them again for holding some of our belongings, so we could travel lighter. The lovely room they have reserved for us has a wood beamed ceiling, a bathtub, and a glass enclosed sitting area that overlooks the plaza. I can see myself enjoying some writing time there, but not for too long, since Santiago awaits us. 

We set out for a stroll and hear impromptu applause as we near the Cathedral Plaza. A young Korean pilgrim is on his knees proposing to his girlfriend, who has just accepted. What a lovely way to start our day!

We’ve never taken the time to stop at the Pilgrim House Welcome Center and decide to do so today. Opened in 2014, it provides support and resources to pilgrims having just completed the Camino. The space consists of a living room, kitchenette, quiet reflection room and a patio. 

They offer the following services (some with a small, suggested donation):
– free Wi-Fi
– computer access
– laundry service
– backpack storage
– boarding pass printing
– group or private Camino debriefing session

We didn’t plan on spending so much time there, but we strike up a conversation with the kind, soft-spoken manager and enjoy hearing about her life. After walking the Camino 17 years ago, she and her husband moved to Spain. Both had backgrounds in the nonprofit sector and were hired to develop the center, which took years of paperwork. 

Now with four children, they are planning to move back to the U.S. We were surprised to hear that Santiago has some of the worst weather in Spain, with rain most of the winter. We chatted about their current lifestyle, how the family will experience culture shock when they move to Maryland, and wished them all the best. 

After enjoying some Caldo Gallego, pork, and potatoes at a local’s restaurant, we decide our last evening calls for a nightcap at our favorite bar. Our walk is longer than we expected, as we travel the maze of Old Town streets, but they are filled with people eating, drinking, laughing, and talking as if it were a special celebration. This is Santiago every night!

We decline the free tapas we are offered by the bartender, so he brings us some corn nuts. The roasted snack has accompanied us throughout our walk, and we laugh to think they may, very well, also be the secret to a successful relationship. They are so incredibly crunchy that they drown out sound for the few seconds you are chewing. There are many situations when this comes in very handy! 

Where to next?

Oct. 30 – Nov. 3: Ribadiso to Santiago

Posted on by
Reply

Oct. 30: Ribadiso – 18 miles

The wooded areas help mask the noisy highway we periodically cross. We are walking the usual mileage today, but for some reason, it seems much longer, and I am exhausted. 

The only thing that keeps me going is running into the sweet New Zealand family, joining them for a Coke, and finishing the last few miles together. The mom has such a lovely, serene way about her. She is originally from Ireland and said that even though the people are friendly in the small town her husband grew up in, it’s so remote and she feels so distant from her family. Her frown turns into a smile as she shares that they plan to meet her sister in Rome after the Camino.

We arrive in Ribadiso and walk over the medieval bridge to the sound of pilgrims laughing and splashing in the river. We ask them if the water’s cold, and they all answer in unison with a resounding “Yes!”  

With its lovely pool, Pensión Ribadiso would be even nicer on a warmer day. The room is welcoming with its wood-beamed ceiling, and it’s wonderful to have a washer and dryer on the premises. 

Luckily for us, there is a restaurant right across the street, so we don’t have to walk back up the hill. We meet a pilgrim from South America who confides in us that he’s not used to the early 8 p.m. dinners here in Spain. At home, he dines at 10 p.m.!

Oct 31: O Pedrouzo- 16 miles

It’s better to get the steep climb out of the way early! From then on, we’re in and out of eucalyptus forests, and we take in the scent of eucalyptus with every breath. We’re getting to the end of our walk, and I’m hoping I have successfully cleaned out all the cobwebs in the corners of my brain. Chatting with strangers, you may or may not ever see again, has a magical quality. Walking and talking side by side, rather than facing each other, may explain why the words seem easier. Spending time walking alone is a wonderful gift to give yourself.

The town has a worn look to it. The sidewalks are full of shops and restaurants, trying hard to look their best. The streets are one loud cacophony of cars, trucks, and pilgrims. Pensión Residential Platas is not impressive, but it’s clean, and the young woman at the front desk has a warm smile.

We remembered our first time here in 2016. After walking in a torrential downpour, we were not looking forward to heading out again to dinner. When we returned downstairs, we noticed pilgrims eating in the breakfast room. They told us we could place an order at the local pizza place that would deliver. This time, we decide to seek out that same restaurant and celebrate that, for one evening, we are in a No (French) Fry Zone and order the same meal. 

Nov. 1 – 3: Santiago – 15 miles

Walking through the forest is a lovely way to start the day. Its denseness makes us feel at peace,

As John Brierley eloquently states in his Camino guidebook “It’s a long slog up to Mount Goza.” An elevated area overlooking the city, it doesn’t have much to offer except for a few pilgrim sculptures and a view of the sprawling complex offering 400 beds in dormitory-style blockhouses.

We head downhill and down the stairs and are welcomed by asphalt. The city noise, the wide streets, and the traffic startle us. Some passersby on the street smile and give us a thumbs-up, as if to say, “Almost there, keep going!” 

We are happy to find a restaurant serving Caldo Gallego. The restaurant is empty, but a few minutes later, large groups are seated around us, ready to enjoy a long, late afternoon lunch. The sounds of conversation and laughter make for good company. 

In the distance, we can see the spires of the Cathedral, but we are not fooled into thinking we are close by. Block after block, we trudge on, gazing into non-descript store windows and focusing all our concentration on crossing the busy streets. 

Finally, we come to “Porta do Camiño, the famous gate and entrance to the wonderful, old city. Almost immediately, the streets narrow and turn to cobblestone. Every shop and restaurant window intrigues us and we are brimming with anticipation.

As we enter the dark tunnel, the familiar sound of the bagpiper welcomes us. Once again, we wonder -are musicians stationed there 24/7 to greet every pilgrim? Just a few more steps and we are in the Cathedral Plaza. While the majestic Cathedral sparkles overhead in the sunlight, pilgrims, mingled with tourists and townspeople, are crying, hugging, laughing, or too overwhelmed to do anything more than lay on the ground with their eyes closed.  

This is our fourth time experiencing Santiago, but it never gets old. We hug and shed some tears; tears of joy for a successful arrival and tears of sadness for the trip coming to an end. We look up to see our friend, the solitary pilgrim from Colorado, running towards us. 

With a tear-stained face, he tells us that, since he arrived in Santiago, he had seen everyone he had encountered along the way,, except us and now, here we were! He speaks happily and rapidly, nothing like the man we first met, and I am so happy for him and his newfound metamorphosis.

The Cathedral, a World UNESCO Heritage Site, was completed in 1211. Housing the remains of Saint James, it inspired pilgrimages, which ended at this iconic location. The highlight of the pilgrim mass is the Botafumiero. Six attendants dramatically swing it up and over the heads of the parishioners. 

We take the time to view our favorite areas

  • Stepping down into the crypt of Saint James and taking a minute to kneel and say a prayer.
  • Visiting the Praza de Quintana, near the Cathedral, at night to view the shadow of a pilgrim projected on the wall, a trick of the lights reflecting off the square. 

Unfortunately, you can now only view these areas from afar:

  • The weathered spot in the solid marble – a finger hole – created by the millions of grateful pilgrims that touched the spot after a safe arrival.  
  • Touching our foreheads to the sculpture of Maestro Mateo, one of the Cathedral’s master builders, to receive some of his artistic genius. 

The Hotel Rua Villar is an elegant townhouse, just steps from the Cathedral. Our room looks out to the main street, but there is nothing except a large terrace across from us, making it very private. I look forward to taking time each day to sit and write in their lovely library. 

We head to the pilgrim office to obtain our Compostela, the Camino certificate of completion, and enjoy walking all over Santiago. As we stroll Old Town, Alameda Park, and the Mercado de Abastos food market, I wonder if we will see our pilgrim friends again. 

Before we leave Santiago, we run into the Norwegian couple and the New Zealand family, tearfully hugging and reminiscing. I watch for the Australian couple, thinking I will see them any minute, but I never do. I wish I could’ve told them how wonderful it was to have met them. After stewing about it, I realize that time well spent was in that moment, and rather than worry about what was not, I should be grateful for what was.

As we prepare to depart Santiago, we have a big decision to make. Do we continue our Camino by walking to A Coruña, and Ferrol or travel by train and become tourists?