Hiatus

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I’m putting this blog into hiatus until April 1st, 2014.

I’m doing this because I’m really busy, and the blog consumes me. It eats into my creative time each day – time that is better spent doing what I do, which is make movies.

Writing a daily post doesn’t take much time – responding to comments takes more time – but what takes a big whack of my time is thinking about you all. I take that with me all through the day, and often into my dreams.

I need my dream time back.

Has the Sister Clare episode influenced my decision? No, it just delayed it. I was becoming increasingly concerned that I didn’t have enough cognitive bandwidth to do both the blog and my other creative endeavours.

Have these trolls, such as “Satan” and “Dorothy” forced me to bring down the shutters? If you think that, then you don’t know me.

Anyway, they were just bed bugs.

Some of you have suggested I just do the blog less regularly. I can’t do that. When I do something, I do it completely, and with total commitment. Even a part time blog would still be consuming. It’s better I just put it into hiatus and come back when the tour starts.

If you want to interact, I’d suggest you flip across to the PGS The Way forum –
http://pgsthewayforum.com/forum/

 I’ll have a presence there as a moderator, and I’ll contribute from time to time.

For those of you on the tour, I’ll be posting regular updates on that website –
http://pgspilgrimtours.com/

I’ll also be doing a weekly Sunday post on my Road Food blog –
http://billsroadfood.com/

If you want to contact me directly, you can do so at –
billpgsblog@gmail.com

The reason I started this blog was to draw attention to my concept of PGS – and the importance of trusting and following your intuition. I did my pilgrimage using my PGS. I hope that some of you, through this blog, have started to give some thought to living more intuitively.

I’ve begun writing my PGS film, and quite frankly I can’t do that and the blog at the same time. For me it’s not possible.

So thank you for hanging in there with me this year on this roller coaster of a blog. What with burning dwarfs and nuns with guns, it’s been a hell of a ride.

You’ve inspired me, informed me, you’ve made me laugh, made me humble, made me grateful, kept me honest – and I’ve grown very fond of some of you. Already this blog has spawned some very real friendships, which will continue, I hope.

I will miss you, and I’ll miss this blog – but I hope you understand why I’m doing this.

So until April…

Bill Bennett

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132 thoughts on “Hiatus”

  4. Dear Bill –
    Thank you for a TERRIFIC eight months on the blog … it’s been a home for us all of inspiration, education and entertainment … what a ride it’s been for you … we’ve all been blessed to have been taken along on that ride with you.
    The months until April will fly by and I too will look forward to seeing you on the Forum and billsroadfood for your weekly post.
    Your photo today : I have long had the habit of saying, when I see a BEAUTIFUL photo, “Wow – that photo’s a painting!” … it’s the highest compliment I ever give to a photo. Well, Bill, your photo today … “Wow – that photo’s a painting!”.
    With love to you and to Jennifer –
    Jenny xx

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    • Jenny –

      you continue to amaze me with your love, enthusiasm and kindness.

      That photo I took was at the start of that big climb up onto the Meseta – that gigantic climb that went up the side of the mountain. I liked that the light was falling in the same kind of patterning as the fan-shape of the shell.

      thank you for that lovely compliment!

      big huge mate Bill

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    • Wayne, maaaaate – don’t know how you and Lib do it too!!

      Hope we get to see you both up this way soon. We need a night altogether drinking chilled Portuguese White Port me thinks!!

      😀

      take care and love to you both,
      Bill

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  6. Dear Bill,

    Thank you for everything that you have so graciously and generous gifted us with. You are a remarkable, extraordinarily talented, human being and I look forward to the day we meet.

    Sending you and Jennifer lots of love and thank you both for all that you both have given.

    Xoxo

    Jill

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    • Jill, thank you mate. I hope we get to meet soon too. April is only 4 months, so I’ll be back again soon enough. You and Steve have been a complete inspiration to me, and to many others here too. The blog haas been worth it for no other reason than I got the opportunity to know you both – but this is not final – it’s just a hiatus! Take care and keep dancing!

      Bill

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  7. Bill, you have been funny, brave, inspiring, and vulnerable! Thanks for that and enjoy your Hiatus. I never could understand if how you managed it all. It seemed a little superhuman. Have a wonderful holiday season as well.
    Kathryn

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  8. Bill, thankyou for being such an inspiration and source of wit, humor and education. You have opened doors for many and brought a new dimension to the way life can be viewed. Never underestimate the impact of your words. I appreciate and respect your decision and look forward to the PGS film.
    Thankyou also to the PGS family who have travelled together with you and the other siblings. We have all had our share of laughter and tears. We’ll meet again in April, either on the blog or in Portugal.

    Hugs and blessings to you and Jennifer.
    In gratitude.
    Anne

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    • Dear Anne –

      thank you too for your contribution to the blog.

      You have been a very important part of the discussion here.

      I hope to meet you in the not too distant future – in the meantime, let’s keep in touch in some other way.

      And thank you for your kind, generous and heartfelt words and feelings here –

      bill

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      • Hi Bill, Already tried to send 2 comments and it’s not posting so maybe that is because you have unhooked the connection in the signing off. I will give it one more try. I just early wanted to tell you that it has been quite great, your photos have been a gift and your writing has been funny, inspiring, brave and vulnerable. Have a great holiday season ! until April! XO
        Kathryn

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        • Kathryn – for some reason your comments got caught in the spam filter. Sorry about that!

          (I’m leaving the comments open for 7 days, and then closing them off.)

          But just to say that I’ve valued your contribution to the blog this year – thank you! – and also thank you for those very kind words.

          I look forward to reconnecting next April, if not sooner, I hope. Do come visit the forum, because I’m hoping that some of you will wander across.

          In the meantime have a great Christmas – and keep walking!

          big hug
          Bill

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  9. Well, Mate, we will miss you and all the pearls of wisdom that you have dropped upon us. What a guy. I have visited you every day since April 22nd. That’s pretty cool.

    Seriously, I get what you are saying and wondered how you made it this far. It takes time out of all of our days just to follow and comment, not to mention what it must be to create. No telling what we can collectively accomplish with all this collective free time you have granted. We will keep in contact through the back door, and I look forward to April. Wouldn’t miss it.

    And for the rest of you “blokes”, any time you feel that you need a folksy, caustic comment, my email is steve@stevelangham.com. Drop in from time to time.

    Maybe you will just be lonesome for a jab or two at Bill. We can still make ’em, even if he does not know. Not as much fun, but still possible. If we ever have another burning dwarf, we will just have to let him know.

    Best to you all, Steve

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    • Steve – we’ll keep in touch either on the forum, or the Road Food blog, or email – but just to say that following your blog, and Jill’s was a highlight of the year for me. It showed me what an incredible communication tool blogging can be. I’m delighted to say that after all this time, our friendship has been maintained and even flourished – and by “our” I mean Jill’s too – and that I’ll be seeing you in person in April.

      You’ll recognise me – I’ll be the pilgrim wearing black panty hose!

      😀

      Take care mate, thank you for all your support during this time, and speak soon –
      Bill

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  10. Hi Bill – Even though I am only ” lurker” not having done a Camino walk and not sure if I ever will, (though I would love to if circumstances were different) I have looked forward to reading your daily blogs and the replies from people like Steve, Arlene , Jenny etc . I will switch over to the forum and food blogs, but I will miss your daily blogs. Thank you for taking the time to respond each. . time I sent a reply. Your blogs have opened up a new way of thinking for me and I bless the day Jenny suggested I get involved. Your blogs have meant different things to different people but for me it has meant I haven’t felt the need to go back the Psychologist because the wisdom and friendly advice you and different people have put on the blog have been wonderful.
    Good luck with your movies, your training for next April, and I hope you get your dreams back.

    Early Merry Christmas to you, Jennifer and everyone who contributes to this blog. Stay safe and well. Bye for now, I’m looking forward to your blogs in April.

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    • Thank you Fran – it’s been lovely to have your presence here.

      I’m pleased you got something out of the posts and comments here – there’s been a lot of wisdom go through these portals, and a lot of foolishness too!

      Not sure which is the better for a person…

      🙂

      I look forward to reconnecting with you next year, if not sooner. In the meantime thank you for posting your very kind and generous thoughts.

      Bill

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  11. Totally understand, Bill, but I will miss your inspiration. Good luck with your film. I will be among the others lurking and contributing to the forum. May the inspirational gods be with you! Hugs to you and Jen! Love, Julie

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    • Thank you Julie –

      for being such a wonderful contributor to the blog.

      I hope I see you on the forum, and perhaps on the Road Food blog – I’ll be posting my weekly post tomorrow.

      And April is only 4 months away. Yikes. I have to lift my training. I don’t want Steve whupping my butt.

      🙂

      take care, and love Bill

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  12. Bill, I just want to echo everyone else’s sentiment in how much your commitment to this wonderful blog of yours is so appreciated. Your inspiring words will be missed, as will your wonderful sense of humour. Wishing you wonderful powerful dreams, and as the saying goes ”if you’re gonna dream, dream BIG!”
    Looking forward to your next installments on April 1rst, 2014.

    Sonia

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    • Dear Sonia –

      very many thanks for this. And thank you too for your contributions here!

      I’ll come back much refreshed, which will probably be dangerous!

      I hope I see you over on the forum, and elsewhere.

      Again my thanks, Bill

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      • No pressure Bill, but your first blog back falls on April Fools Day!
        I’m sure it will be a Hooly of a Dooly! LOL!
        Take care,
        Sonia

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        • Well done Sonia!
          Hey … I thought of another ‘favourite’ for the Camino Mix … for those couples walking together who are getting a little cranky with each other … “Go Your Own WAY”! ‘Gotta love Fleetwood Mac!
          Cheers – Jenny

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    • Clare –

      thank you. I’ll enjoy the time away from the blog, only insofar as I can focus on getting my next film underway.

      Then come April I’ll be refreshed and eager to get into it again.

      Portugal as well will offer some wonderful photographic opportunities.

      Thank you for your well wishes

      Bill

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  14. Bill,
    I will miss my daily visits to your blog. Have a good productive hiatus and hopefully I will see you in April. Thank you very much for everything and Happy Holidays to you and your wife.
    Marta

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  15. Well, it’s about bloody time is all I can say. Much as you will be missed I think getting your “dream time” back is far more important. Looks like a bunch agree with that and very eloquently.

    Brendan

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    • I wasn’t aware that I was writing this blog for you, Brendan – or for anyone else, for that matter.

      I write it for me.

      You don’t have to be here. It’s your choice, not mine.

      I’m sorry that I prolonged your agony…

      Bill

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      • Oh dear, Bill… I appear to have stepped in it. How, I am not exactly sure. I probably had not enough coffee before posting and somehow got the wording wrong.

        What I was trying to communicate (emphasis on “trying”) was enthusiastic support for your decision and a deep comprehension of it.

        Sorry for the misunderstanding!

        Brendan

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        • Brendan, I interpreted your comment exactly the way you sound like you meant it. I too was a bit taken aback by Bill’s response, and in fact went back and reread your comment. Maybe he was just having a bad day. 😦 He’s entitled, huh? 🙂

          Steve

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        • Hi Brandon – my apologies. I read you wrong. In fact I read your email at 3:33am this morning, when I woke up unexpectedly. I shouldn’t trust my powers of comprehension at that time of the night/morning!

          I see now that you were well meaning – and my apologies for the misunderstanding. You have been incredibly supportive of me, and of this blog, over a long period. And I thank you for it. You only meant the best for me by your comment, but perhaps after all this trolling and everything, I saw it another way. My fault.

          Again, I’m sorry.
          Bill

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      • Thanks, Steve!

        I am glad that I was not somehow patently being an a$$ and that my comment read (within my limits of communication) as being very supportive. My basic feeling about the blog is one of deep gratitude for the insights expressed, often by Bill, but also for his catalyzing really good stuff from the regulars here.

        Oh, yeah – – everybody has a bad day and Bill’s likely not an exception to that rule. Or maybe he just had not enough coffee himself yet….

        Warm regards,

        Brendan

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        • I’m still reading posts backwards, just 181 to go. I made some silly twitter about Dorothy but I can’t find it now. Then I read the Satan stuff. Just an off the wall idea, but suddenly all this stuff is landing. You mentioned coincidences in another post. Is it remotely possible the SC fiasco, Satan and Dorothy are from the same source or closely connected sources? Just a thought. The timing is rather strange in such close proximity. Black cloud go away and don’t come back another day.

          On Sat, Nov 30, 2013 at 1:52 PM, PGS – The Way wrote:

          > simply B commented: “Thanks, Steve! I am glad that I was not somehow > patently being an a$$ and that my comment read (within my limits of > communication) as being very supportive. My basic feeling about the blog is > one of deep gratitude for the insights expressed, often by B” >

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          • Hi Barbara – it could be that they’re from the same source, yes. But it seems that just like when you lift up a rock and the dark creatures scurry away from the sunlight, those lot have scarpered too with the glare of transparency upon them.

            Dorothy never came back with a screenshot of the malware report from her Security software.

            These folk aren’t very smart. It’s very easy to determine if they’re telling the truth or not…

            Bill

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        • You know that if I thought you had maligned Bill, I would have gotten right after you. I have his six, as they say.

          Steve

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      • Thanks, Steve! It seems to me that you have my “six” as well…. And it is greatly appreciated.

        Brendan

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      • Bill –

        I noted to Steve that you might be low on caffeine!

        No apologies necessary. I did not craft the comment carefully enough considering the recent attacks and that I should have done.

        You folks Down Under have a lovely expression that I would like to invoke here… “No worries, mate!”

        And with that, I’m outta here as it has been a long day in the cold and dark climes and an early bedtime calls.

        Cheers,

        Brendan

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  16. Ohhhh dear! I’m already missing the blog and we haven’t stopped commenting yet. I just realized I still have about 30 posts to catch up on from the period when I was on the Camino and need to finish Bill’s book. Been trying to get up to speed but work has been interfering. Hoping to find out about the dwarf in one of those posts! I’m sure we’ll all meet up on the forum but Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, Australia Day, Canberra Day, Labour Day, Valentines Day and St Patrick’s Day in advance.
    Lynda

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    • Lynda – slip across to the forum. It will take a little while to get used to the new environment, but you can interact over there just as easily as you can here.

      Hope to see you there!

      Bill

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      • Have followed you since the first posting of your reflections on your first 10 days on the Camino and have been signed in on the forum early on. Not quite the same as the bantering back and forth that goes on here. You and Steve should take your show in the road! Tee Hee or is Hooly Dooly appropriate? Hope your movie writing and financing go well over the next few months.
        Wishing you well from Seattle.
        Lynda and Dale

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      • Bill
        If you and Jennifer do make it to Seattle, Dale and I would be honored to meet you and Jennifer. Would love to do dinner and maybe show you a few sights if time would allow.

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          • Steve
            When Washington State first got the lottery many years ago, I did not play. One night Dale (we were not married yet but dating) said buy a lottery ticket, so I did. We were having drinks while the drawing of the numbers was shown on tv. I got four of the six numbers and bought the next three rounds of drinks and appetizers. Spent $35 (again this was many years ago). Figured I won atleast $1000. If you got $1,000,000 for six numbers – $1000 would seem reasonable for 4 numbers. Imagine my surprise when I was handed $19 the next day. Less than half what I spent celebrating! Think I will buy a ticket for next weeks drawing!

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          • Lynda, I have never bought a lottery ticket. Figure I gamble enough in my day to day life to indulge in conventional gambling. But, I have no problem if my friends buy lottery tickets. Particularly my close friends that will remember me when they win. 🙂

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      • That sort of says it all about this blog, eh? “… the panty hose is working a treat.”, in a comment from one guy to another! … just walking the Camino, me and my panty hose!! No wonder at times you’ve had some weirdos posting weird posts if they just read little snippets and comments like that!! It’s been a wonderful ride and I, like all the others, can’t wait to see what you come up with for our April Fool’s post!! Here’s to the Camino, PGS and ‘the family” 🙂

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  20. How are you two going to stop this bantering for FOUR MONTHS? Actually, I imagine you’ll still email each other. BUT, if you are going to do that, why not just have open posts so we can all enjoy your foolishness! You could possibly shut us all out of comments and just post the stuff you and Steve do.

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    • Steve’s the one bought up the subject of penis rings and vibrators..

      he’s the one that’s warped Lynda –

      As for finding a penis ring with a scallop shell, as he’s proposed – well, you’ll notice that I didn’t respond to that one.

      I do have SOME decency…

      We can still do this on the forum. It’s actually a better place to do it –

      🙂

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      • Driving to Sydney in about half an hour – will be off the blog now.

        Jennifer and I are having a Christmas lunch (at a Spanish joint) with Britta, Jenny and Janet tomorrow.

        That’ll be fun!

        Bill

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      • If I recall from a few days back I asked Bill if he found his size and he said he was waiting for one with a Camino symbol on it. I was stunned, but he is the one who said that. And, again, here today, he choose to include such stuff in the food blog. In the food blog???? Penis rings and vibrators in a food blog? Give me a break. And urinals? Exactly how does that fit into a food blog. He obviously just used his venue to go right back to the same old stuff. Well, if we do not comment, he won’t do it again, hopefully. I have not checked the forum. Not sure I want to know. He can’t be blaming all this on me. Disgusting….

        Where is Dorothy when we need her?

        Steve

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      • Hooly Dooly Lads !!! … and here was little ol’ me thinking twice about saying that I luurrrve a warped sense of humour !!!
        No calamares for me tomorrow if they’re sliced into ‘rings’ !!! Ouch!

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          • I’ll do my best Steve but somehow I don’t really hold out much hope !!! It was after our last get-together that the controversial “dwarf” post hit the blog, and, well, you know the rest !!!
            Hooly Dooly!

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    • Hi Lynda,

      Firstly a belated thank you for the offer re Seattle. Very kind of you and Dale!

      Lunch was a hoot!

      We all kept on saying HOOLY DOOLY.

      We phoned up Steve and each of the women – Jenny, Britta, Janet and Jennifer – spoke to him. Me too. I think he was a little bemused.

      The Spanish food was delicious, Britta ordered a fabulous Catalonia wine, and we all just had a. Really good time! Three and a half hour lunch, as these things should be!

      😀

      Bill

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        • Hi Steve – the lunch was a hoot and the highlight was being able to talk to you! What a fantastic surprise it was when Bill said “Let’s get Steve on the phone”! Hooly Dooly, were we excited !!!
          When you and Jill visit Sydney and we all do our “Camino” around the sights, we’ll make Tapavino our lunch stop … it’s a really cool place with a great vibe and terrific food.
          Cheers – Jenny

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      • Lunch sounds like a right royal experience and a real Hooly Dooly treat. Where is the Spanish restaurant Bill? May have to visit in January.
        Will this lunch feature on the food blog?
        Anne

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        • Hi Anne –

          Lunch was in a restaurant called Tapavino in Bulletin Place, in the city – just off Pitt St down towards the quays.
          http://www.tapavino.com.au

          Cool little place, and the food was excellent. Janet made the booking – good choice!

          I should actually feature it in the food blog but will have to go back and eat there for that purpose. Take photos, talk to the staff, check out the vending machines for penis rings etc….

          🙂

          Bill

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          • Hey Bill – ‘Sorry to have to give you the bad news … I didn’t see any vending machines in the loo!
            Cheers – Jenny

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          • There’s always time to get in touch with them and make the request, Bill! You can convince them it’s a bottler of an idea by telling them how well it works in Worms!!! Maybe it would bring in some “interesting” clientele …!

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  23. When I read the posts, I’m not thinking of each of you with an accent. But I will be from now on. Steve must have thought Hooly Dooly, five all with an Australian accent on that phone call.
    Lynda

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  24. Was wondering why there have been no additions to the blog the last couple of days… (I have been traveling.) I have been following and enjoying all of this madness since last April when I discovered this blog accidentally while driving across the US. It has become almost a daily ritual to “check in”. I will miss it very much – all the personalities and humor as well as useful information regarding The Way. Bill, I finally finished your book and have enjoyed it very much!
    Wishing the best to you and Jen in the movie writing and financing endeavors.
    (Should your visit to Seattle take you to a wider sphere -i.e., Eastern Washington, email me and I will love to show you around!) Lynda and Dale, where are you?

    Fran H

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    • Fran
      Since returning from the Camino we have been staying at my daughter’s home in Maple Valley (1/2 hour south of Seattle). We should be moving nearby within the month. If you’d like to read about our adventures on the Camino from this August-October you can see it at lyndalozner.wordpress.com Still putting pics on as we had a defective Chromebook while we were there. Where are you? Wherever you are you have got to be the closest to me of this Camino family.
      Lynda

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      • Oh yes, I will check out your images of the Camino for sure! I am about 25 miles north of Spokane, but I think Susan (who organized the Kit the Nun) is closer to you – in the Tri Cities. PM me?

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      • That depends, Lynda!

        I am in a little town just north of Yakima. Two hours away depending on the Pass and traffic.

        Brendan

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      • Brendan
        I can’t believe there are so any of us on Bill’s blog from the Washington State area. Fran thinks another is from the tri cities. Instead of going to dinner if Bill & Jennifer ever come this way we could have a party! Hooly Dooly! Sorry I can’t stop saying that!. Brendan, what town are you in? I’ve been to many over there.

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    • Hi Fran – I’m so pleased that you enjoyed the book. Please feel free to write a review! (Kindle and GOODREADS.COM would be really helpful, thank you)

      I love that part of the world where you live – Twin Peaks territory, no?

      Bill

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      • OMG Bill!
        I have to leave in one minute but just this. I am amazed that you know that. Also Northern Exposure. Faithfully watched both. Twin Peaks movie though got a bit too weird though! I’m about 20 minutes from Snoqualmie Falls and North Bend. Have had a *damn good cup of coffee and pie” many a time.

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      • Well… not exactly. I am about 25 miles north of Spokane — maybe 200 miles east of Snoqualmie. Past the wheat fields and near the Idaho border – and mountains again. We Washington State people should connect. I believe Susan S. is in the Tri Cities.

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