PC #44 – Book update

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Today I finished the first draft of the book.

It’s come in at 83,000 words.

Now comes the hard work – revisions and editing. The final word count will probably be around 72,000.

Already I have a literary agent interested in reading it with a view to possible conventional publishing, but in the first instance I’ll keep to my plan and eBook it.

It’s quite funny in parts – and looks more deeply at the experience of walking the Camino.

Its tagline is: How a microfibre towel got me through the Camino. 

It’s probably another 6 weeks or so before it’s ready for publishing.

Book

185 thoughts on “PC #44 – Book update”

    • Many thanks Eileen.

      A lot of work now to do, now that I’ve got to the end.

      But I love the editing process. It’s then pure craft.

      Bill

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      • I love editing also! I am so very excited for you, Bill! And you KNOW you have your PR machine already built in with all of us! I will wait patiently for the final version, but it won’t be easy! 😉 ~Julie

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      • Steve, count me in on the New York release party. Do you think Bill would have the decency to schedule it for when I’m there anyway?

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        • If it were ever to happen, it would be on a couple of benches in Central Park, and “drinks” would consist of cans of Coke Zero!

          Bill

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          • Your point, Bill? Are you saying I’m not good enough to.join you in the park?

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          • Wait here’s an idea for a change of venue. McSorley’s Old Ale House, located in the East Village. Bill, they have a great pot belly stove that we can sit around and listen to you weave some tales for us!

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          • Me too! I was born in the city, brought up on Long Island then moved back to the city after High School. Don’t truthfully know what I am doing here in southern Arizona.

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          • I sure did, did’nt I? But when I think of NY I get homesick, just can’t help it. Guess I need to visit more often – that is until the housing market picks up. lol

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          • Sister,

            I will provide free medical advice for anyone with a crook knee.

            And I will set up a stand to sell 600mg tablets of Ibuprofen. I’ll donate the proceeds to the Santo Domingo albergue.

            You can bing the loaves and fishes please..

            Bill

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          • Actually Steve and I noticed something about bite birds the other day-you know, the itty bitty ones

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          • Oh –

            is THAT why you were talking about “bite” birds.

            I thought that was a particular species of bird common to north america!

            ha!

            Bill

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          • Steve, you don’t suppose he’s going to make us congratulate him all night, do you?

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          • Hi Sister, yes, to the dancing girls. Please count me in!! Just help me out here, is gloat the white things we saw in herds walking along the Camino!!! Couldn’t resist!!

            Sending love your way. Xoxo

            Jill

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          • Hi Jill! Is it good to be home again?
            And I don’t know if we can trust Bill to show up. Last thing I saw, he was making a pub date with Arlene and leaving the three of us behind in the park!

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          • Hello again, oh yes, it’s great for me to be home. I had done a blog the same day you were covering for Bill ( rumor has it that he was really watching his team play and wasn’t actually finishing his book at all!) I titled it “what is a pilgrimage? “. I think you might enjoy reading it. I was having some problems with mine but it is still at boomerinbloom.wordpress.com if you’d like to check it out.
            Tell you what if he does ditch us I will throw in an extra pair of my stiletto boots and we will go stomp around the park ourselves!! Are you in?? :-))

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          • I am SO in! I’ll check out your blog-thank you. Id love to read it. I have a sneaking suspicion that some of these “tests” and things were actually the Aussie way to spell “matches”.And then he has Steve cover him……it just doesn’t seem entirely kosher to me…..

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          • I couldn’t agree more Sister, I’m just shocked that Steve is covering for him already, I thought there would be a longer honeymoon period!! xox

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          • Like Dorothy didn’t, “I Surrender” I’m off to a Dance Benefit, so I will be silent now. Have a great rest of your nights/days and I will try to jump in with more regularity. I do read all the responses. You are all great………..Bye!!!! oxo

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          • Bill, Got a new blog up on mine today reflecting the people I encountered after my return to the Camino. Was fun reminiscing and going back through my guide book to see where I was and when I was there when I met these people. Steve

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          • Hi Steve –

            Go into User Control Panel which is on the left hand side just under the Board Index – see screen shot.

            Then go to Profile and Edit Avatar, and then upload from there

            Let me know if you have probs.

            bill

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          • Hey Bill,
            I sent you a PM and an email through the forum, but I’m not sure if you got them. I am not receiving notification of comments made on the threads and boards I am commenting on and following. Is there anybody else experiencing the same? And can you offer up any help with fixing it?
            Arlene

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          • Hmmm – let me check on that.

            I didn’t get the PM – and I’m not receiving email notification of posts either.

            Still finding my way through all this!

            So let me go into the Admin Panel and see if I can sort it out.

            thanks for letting me know.

            Bill

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          • Thanks, I know you’ll get it sorted out.
            I’m enjoying the forum. Yes, I know I didn’t think you should start one up, but I’m loving it. I’m converted, I’m a contributor and subscriber. Thanks for setting it up!
            Arlene

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          • Dear Arlene –

            a forum is only as good and useful as the people who contribute, and I hope that over time it will attract those people.

            It’s great that you’re jumping in early, thank you!

            I’m not very technically minded with this blog/forum stuff – I can handle some things, but the more technical issues I have to refer to other people.

            I’ll try and get these things sorted asap – but if it requires something more technical, then I’ll have to wait for my tech geniuses and it’s a weekend here.

            Bill

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          • See post to Arlene. No luck in trying to get the picture posted even when I identified it out of my photos and did not try to pick it up from your url or mine. Your url is pgstheway isn’t it?

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          • Hi Steve –

            see my previous post to you –

            it’s best to upload a shot from your computer, but it needs to be resized – no more than 125 pixels high by 125 pixels wide.

            bb

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          • Arlene, How did you get your gravatar picture to post on the forum? Bill sent some instructions but not working for me. You not being the administrator, how did you do it?

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          • Hi Steve –

            Hopefully Arlene will be able to help, but in the meantime, why did it not work for you?

            Were you able to go into the User Control Panel?

            You need to have a photo that is no more than 125 pixels high by 125 pixels wide. If you have a shot of yourself that you want to use, then you’ll need to resize it.

            If you can’t do that, send me the shot of yourself in jpeg form, and I’ll do the resizing and send it back to you.

            Bill

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          • I got to the right place on updating avatar but it did not recognize either my or your url as that is one way to get the picture into the forum. Am I right that pgstheway is your URL? I am technically challenged. I don’t recall resizing the picture when I submitted it to gravatar for my blog and it automatically transferred over to your blog with no action on my part.

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          • Hi Steve –

            that’s because you were dealing with WordPress to WordPress.

            This is new software – specifically for forums – it’s phpBB – and the same forum software that Ivar uses on his big forum.

            So I’d suggest trying to resize your pic, and if you can’t email me the shot and I’ll do it and send it back –

            (I might photoshop it a bit and put black hair coming out of your nostrils.)

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          • Hi Steve –

            could be that the image you used on the WordPress blog is too large for the phpBB site.

            I’ll take a look at your jpg and see how it goes.

            (Liver spots on your cheeks ok?)

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          • No, but I can’t get rid of them, and also the pre cancerous AKs on my head. Ravishes of a long time sun worshiper. My dermatologist loves me. I am still trying from this end.

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          • Can’t help it-reading these past posts makes me so happy I don’t have an avatar or a photo!!!

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          • Steve –

            I’ll work on your Avatar overnight.

            By the time you wake up, you’ll look like Tom Cruise.

            It’s called Beauty Sleep.

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          • Have you noticed how all this forum nattering has jacked you up to 145 post? Ummm..bit of a misrepresentation under the “book” title, but then we do tend to go off on a tangent or two.
            Speaking of which, I think you should photoshop a cool hat for Steve- maybe a Merlin point, or a deerstalker…not a beanie with a propeller…what about a Papal mitre?

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          • Gosh, I can hardly wait. This is exciting. Bill, make me in the right image to star in your next film. You won’t even have to go to casting. You will have created your own star. How cool is that?

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          • Steve, sorry it took me so long to answer you. Here’s how I did it.

            Search the internet for an image resizer – I use VSO Image Resizer, it is a free download

            Resize any picture on your computer down to 125 pixels by 125 pixels with the software you download – If it is larger than that size it won’t upload to the forum
            Save the resized picture to your computer
            Then upload it to the forum – Select User Control Panel
            Select the option to Edit Avatar
            Select the Uploading from your computer option
            Click on Browse
            Select the resized picture from your computer
            Once it’s path appears in the browse box,
            Click on Submit
            and that should do it

            If you have more questions just ask. It took me a bit of time to revert back to procedure writing (something I always did in my last career)

            I’m glad to help, just hope I have.

            Arlene

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          • Arlene, Thanks but I found an easier solution. I had Bill resize it and voila. He’s a sucker for a sad story and he really believed that it was beyond my capabilities. Of course, it was.

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          • Bill, I also sent an email through the forum this afternoon asking about the picture. I assume you did not get that one either. BTW, I am trying to get the picture from my blog or your blog, but it is saying my url is invalid. What is yours? I will use it.

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          • Thanks Bill,
            In my previous career I was Director of Payroll Systems – a technie geek – but that only paid the bills and as soon as I had enough time in to retire, I was outta there. It took a while for me to get back in the groove and write up a quick procedure for resizing and uploading. Wish I could figure out the Forum notification problem, but not at all familar with the platform, sorry.
            Thanks again for the kudos.
            Arlene

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          • I guess I am proof that people change their careers an average of 4 times (I’m not sure of the number) during their productive lives. Something similar to changing your course of study and major in college.
            Arlene

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          • Hi Sister –

            I’ll try and sort this out now –

            what a crazy morning here! All this activity!

            And I tried to reply to one of your earlier posts but good ole WordPress wouldn’t accept the comment.

            It was your post congratulating me on finishing the first draft of the book, and wondering if I’ll accept Canadian money.

            The response I was trying to send you was this:

            Thanks Sister for the congrats.

            My bank though has a block on accepting funds from Canadian nuns.

            Sorry!

            So, that’s what I was trying to send you!

            Bill

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          • I’m still grieving for my cricket team’s horrible performance last night in the Ashes!

            A little understanding wouldn’t go unappreciated guys….

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          • I think I best leave it alone then. Maybe I’m too close to LA so my jokes have too much of that Hollywood slant to them. I promise though that its all good and really meant in respect of your union……….xoox

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          • Bill, I have been working on my own blog but isn’t it great how Jill can step right in and fill in for the keen wit that I have been displaying all day. And we did not even rehearse.

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  4. Great News Bill!!! Boy that must feel good.
    and I just bought my very first Kindle today…so I look forward to buying your book.

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    • Thanks Abbey!

      I love physical books, and I haunt bookstores every chance I get – but I now read everything either on a kindle or my iPad.

      You’ll love it, and it’s especially good for travelling.

      Bill

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  5. Congratulations Bill, how do you REALLY feel…lol I’m having a challenge just going through my notes and recordings…. and this darnnnnnnnnnnnnnn ‘n’ that is stuck on my keyboard. Ingrid

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    • Ergh, I hate it when a letter sticks on the keyboard.

      How do I feel? I feel like I’ve now thrown all the mud onto the wheel and now I have to shape it into something recognisable!

      I have no expectations for it, just like I had no expectations walking the Camino. And just like I knew I had to do the walk, I knew I had to write this book.

      Bill

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  6. So, 70-80,000 words, how much would that take up in, say an ordinary Penguin paperback? and congrats with having got this far in the process. I know nothing about writing for publication, but it seems to me that, with all the blogging you also do, being in pain ‘n all, this has come together really quickly. Is that right? Either way, enjoy the next part of the process 🙂

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    • Hi Britta,

      75,000 words is the size of an average size paperback.

      I’m going to include some of my photos in this too – two pictures per chapter, with one at the start and one at the end.

      Yes, it’s been an intense time actually – I set myself a goal of writing a minimum of 2,500 words per day. Anyone who knows about writing will tell you that’s a crazy lot. Usually you’re flat out writing a good 1,000 words per day.

      I also haven’t given myself a day off since returning, other than driving days and doctor days. I needed to get down fast what was in my head, and in my heart. i wanted to capture all that stuff before it faded.

      So I’ve done 83,000 words in 6 weeks. (I started end of first week of June.) That’s nearly 14,000 words per week.

      None of this matters of course. No one buys a book because it was written fast. The only thing that matters is – is it any good?

      I think it will be.

      Bill

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      • Forgive my impertinence Teacher, but I believe the only thing that matters is that you did it because you were called to do so. The “goodness” is inherent in that. In fulfilling this task, you are fulfilling a promise you made unawares when you undertook the journey in the first place. Just my observation……~Julie B

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      • Hi Julie –

        no impertinence to forgive, and I believe YOU are my teacher, not the other way around…

        🙂

        But to answer your post –

        “Good.” “Goodness.” What does that mean? Yes I used the word. I think it will be “good.” What did I mean by that?

        – I meant that technically it will be competent. It will be a work of craft.
        – I meant that its content – the writing and storytelling devices – will be engaging to some, and surprising, and will give a fresh perspective on a story that’s already been told so many times.
        – I meant that it will have a good heart. And that I hope readers will find that it’s been written from the heart.
        – I meant that it won’t be ego-based, or critical of others, or pejorative or cynical or sarcastic or judgemental in any way.
        – I meant that it will good in that it will be funny, in parts. and I believe that humour is both restorative and a subtle lubricant for heartfelt communication.

        Now – as you so eloquently put it in your post, my only need has been to write the book and get it out there. I was called to do it the same way I was called to walk the Camino. As I said to Steve earlier, writing the book is my walking to Finisterre. I see it as the completion of something I had to do. Nothing more.

        I don’t seek to proselytise. I don’t seek to further a particular point of view or stand on a box on park corner and sermonise. I don’t seek success with it. I just seek to complete it, and make it available to as wide an audience as possible. Whatever happens after that, happens.

        I never set out to walk the Camino to become a “blogger.” That just happened. As you know, the blog was only ever intended for 25 friends and family. Two days ago we hit 60,000 page views. That’s in four months. And each day it’s getting bigger. And I notice the forum now is taking off too.

        http://www.pgsthewayforum.com/forum

        This is crazy. I’m just holding on tight and going along with the ride.

        It wasn’t until six weeks ago, when I had that very disturbing dream of shooting out the big stained glass window in the Santiago Cathedral, then waking up at 3:33am, did I know without doubt that I had to write the book. Up until that dream, I’d been wavering.

        So for me, I’m taking it one day at a time. I’m letting my PGS guide me.

        Bill

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      • Bill, such admiration for your writing speed. Looking forward to the finished product. Can you take over my uni assignments in October whilst I am on my Camino? Am sure you could punch out 5000 words and submit for me while I read your book on my iPad Mini. What do you think?
        Blessings
        Anne

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  7. Bill,

    I have to agree that you think it will be good! (in your last reply) Your writing grabbed from the start and I am still waiting for your email notifications!! I know the book will be a success and I will also be one of the first to buy!!

    Congrats…but please hurry!!

    Debbie

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    • Debbie,

      So very kind of you, thank you!

      I’m enjoying writing the book. I’m enjoying playing with language.

      There are so many books out there on the Camino though – so hard to get noticed. But strangely I don’t care. I’ve had a strong need to write it, and once it’s done, my job is done.

      Again Debbie, you’re so very sweet to me, thank you.

      Bill

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  8. Congrats Bill. I can’t wait to begin reading it. Hey you never know it just may come on Camino with me.

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  9. Congratulations Bill. I know that must be a relief to have the rough draft all down on paper. I am sure you will add and delete as you edit and I can’t wait to travel your Camino through the book as I have traveled your Camino through this blog. I think it will be like putting on an old familiar flannel shirt and sitting by the fire on a cold and drafty day. Hmmmmm, does that make sense? I am sure it will be a raging success, and I can’t believe you were able to get it done so quick. You really are a miracle man. Proud to have made your acquaintance. Steve

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    • Hi Steve,

      Well again, thank you! And likewise me to you!

      I don’t seek success with the book. I am going to price it affordably, do that cost won’t be an issue in deciding whether to buy it – and then it’s “in the lap of the Gods,” so they say.

      😝

      Just had to do it. This is my going to Finisterre!

      Bill

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  10. Congratulations, Bill! I can’t wait to get my hands — and heart — around it. Good luck with the editing!

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        • Hi Bill,
          Yes, us rockers have to stick together! Thanks for asking about the weather, we actually have a huge fire here in Palm Springs, California and speaking of rockers the fire is on its way to Idlewylde, where they have a huge jazz festival each year. Its a small mountain community who is not out of the woods yet. Please send rain our way in your thoughts and prayers, for the people and the animals………xoxoo

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      • Hi Steve, It was on the track to Zubiri. A wet miserable day, just on the point of giving up when I saw this, had a laugh, said its a sign and continued on. Made a T shirt of it when I came home.
        Pat

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        • Pat – catching up on posts.

          Thanks for your “well done!”

          And I remember that sign. I took a photo of it. It’s in my blog that day.

          That climb down into Zubiri I remember being one of the most difficult stretches. I did it just after a downpour, and it was slippery as all get out. Very hard…

          Bill

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  14. Congratulations, Bill!!! Did you have any trouble remembering things?(not in the senior sense, the editorial).I’m looking forward to reading it, so please let me know the moment its available. You do accept Canadian money,right? 🙂

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  15. Oh Bill!!! Only two pictures per chapter? I hope then that there will be about 500 chapters as you pictures are as good as your writing!!! We leave for the Camino on August 13th and won’t return until October 17th so I’ll being getting our copy will walking.
    Lynda and Dale

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  16. Gee I need to proof read and edit (tee hee) before I post. Should have read “your pictures” and “while walking”.

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  17. Don’t do facebook – never have. Never done a blog. We are moving next week (lots of packing to do), still working and training (did a hike on Mt Rainier yesterday (85 degrees walking uphill thru snow – beautiful but hot. BUT we are planning to do a blog. Have lost about 10 pounds and hope to lose another ten before the trip but my feet are still uncomfortable. Think maybe pre diabetic feet. Hopefully the weight loss and better diet will help.

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    • Lynda, If your feet are uncomfortable then you are right in the groove. Get used to it. Embrace it. The Camino wants you to wear uncomfortable feet as a badge of courage and persistence. I thought mine would adapt. They never did, but uncomfortable feet is a small price to pay for the experience. Buen Camino Steve

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    • Hi Lynda –

      best to see a doctor and get a check up even if you suspect you might be getting diabetes.

      It’s most probably not, but best to check.

      good that the Camino prep gets you healthier hey? When you finish the walk, you’ll notice that you “glow.”

      That’s health, and happiness, and enrichment.

      Bill

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    • Lynda –

      also to add – when you begin to walk long distances, your feet do begin to swell, and it’s permanent.

      To give you an example – my feet grew a full size and a half bigger during my training. That’s why it’s always best to buy boots that are one size bigger than your usual fitting. Because your feet GROW.

      Don’t know why – they just do.

      Bill

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  18. The shoes I have now are 1/2 size bigger in anticipation of the swelling. I want some with lots of spring/cushion under my foot.

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    • Have you got insoles?

      If not, google them and see what they do.

      I couldn’t do any distance walking without them. But make sure you get a good pair that are properly fitted.

      Bill

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  20. Whoa. I have been out of action for a few days helping to look after my sick baby. [ granddaughter in Brisbane] So much activity – I have missed it. Once into this blog, you can’t afford to be away for a day.
    Blessings to all
    Anne

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      • Whose determination is that? Don’t we all need a bit of “whacky”? A moment of lightheartedness and a whole lot of very deep, thought provoking spirituality is what I perceive this blog to be. Those who wish to remain connected, do so. Those who judge, move on. Isn’t that what life is about? The forming of relationships – some last, some don’t, some are flexible, some fleeting.
        Bill, I am looking forward to the book and still can’t believe you have written it since your return. I am planning on walking to Finisterre so see how it goes – maybe 83 000 steps! [ I’ll estimate, not count!]
        Blessings
        Anne

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        • Dear Anne –

          I was being mirthful when I said “whacky.”

          😀

          One person’s “whacky” is another person’s belief And you’re right about judging and moving on. Well put.

          Ah, the book – It occupies a far chunk of my time each day, at the moment. I’m now into revisions, which is painstaking. But I love this part of writing.

          Finisterre is so beautiful. You’ll love it. A true completion.

          Bill

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  21. Anne,

    Yesterday my iPad was going nuts …notification rings every few seconds!! This is ok except when you need to fix dinner for guest and you just want to sit down and get involved in the craziness!!

    Debbie

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  22. Dear Bill, Steve, Sister, Jill, Arlene, et al – I just LOVE your nuttiness! but have chosen to try to have a life away from this blog, so I don’t get notification when something is posted, and just as well looking at the fast and furious (funny and spurious too!) string of comment from and between you all, but please do keep it up, and at times when I have an odd hour or 2 to spare, I delve into it all 🙂 I’m going to be away for a couple of weeks in August and another 3 in September with very little internet access and can’t imagine how I’ll go without my daily top-up!! Haven’t had time yet to dip into the PGS Forum site and will have to wait until I have a block of time to give to it, but, seriously, I’m so happy to have been introduced to this crazy and fulfilling blog world!! and like the rest of you can’t wait to hear that Bill’s book is available. Over the years I’ve read quite a few books written about the Camino, from the whacky to the very serious, and I’ve no doubt this is going to top them all – so go Bill, there’s a large audience waiting for your every word!!

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    • Dear Britta –

      you are very wise to disconnect sometimes!!

      And yes, we are a bit crazy here sometimes.

      Thanks also re the book. I think it’s going to be quite different to the regular Camino book, in that it does have a lot of wry humour, but we’ll see

      But do join us on the Forum when you get the chance. Would love to see you there, too!

      Bill

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    • Well I wish you many happy adventures while you’re away from the blog- but know that you will be missed

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  23. Okay, it’s Sept. 20 and I’m trying to catch up. Can’t believe I stopped just in time to miss this looooong string of wit and did without it a whole two months. I’m mostly working from current backward, but decided I’d try a little back start forward, and maybe meet in the middle. Thanks for the entertainment. 109 posts to go plus what comes next and next. I can hardly wait.

    Also interesting to read pre-edit comments at the same time I read publication, sizzle, blurb comments. So much, so fast Bill. I barely blink and you’re done.

    .

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