Oh, hello!

(Yawns, stretches, opens eyes)

Oh, hello! How are you doing? I have had the most wonderful nap and feel very rested and restored. Gee, we haven't spoken for a while, have we? Well, let me fill you in on what's new with this Pilgrim.

First, no, I actually haven't been napping. After a bit of post-Camino doldrums, I have launched myself right back into “reality.” As Morgan's mom, I have supervised his driving solo (and am not as worried as I expected to be when he drives away without me) and his entry at the tender age of 16 into the local community college, his first ever classroom experience. He's doing great, by the way, and I'm really proud of him. I had hoped to be supervising his entry into the job market as well, but all in good time.

Second, I have been a bit more aggressive about promoting my own business. Many of you might not know this, but I am founder and president (and sole employee) of Julie Greene Personal Safety Solutions. I teach women's self-defense seminars and have written a book, DEFY the Bad Guy, Powerful, Practical Self-Defense Strategies for Every Woman (shameless plug – visit my website at http://www.defythebadguy.com and sign up to receive the newsletter that I haven't been writing, go to Facebook and LIKE DEFY the Bad Guy, and if you want a really comprehensive manual on how to live a safer life, order my book on Amazon.com – a great gift for any woman you care about. Also, email me at julie@defythebadguy.com if you would like me to come to your town and do a self-defense seminar for your group). In the last few months, I have taught my 16-hour self-defense bootcamp at the local fitness center, spoken for a group of sorority ladies at the College of William and Mary, and at this very moment, I am on my way to Phoenix with a suitcase full of books to sell as a vendor at the ICHF Combat Hapkido 20 Year Anniversary conference.

Third, I have been functioning as General Contractor for a major remodel of our master bath, master bedroom, and Morgan's bedroom. When I started this, I didn't really think that it would take up that much time, I mean, it's not like I'm laying the tile myself. But between making decisions about tile, granite, paint, floors, glass, fixtures, and who will do the best job has been quite time-consuming. That doesn't even take into account the fetching of materials, the rescheduling when things don't go as planned, and the general stress of having people banging around in my house (even though they are extremely nice and highly professional).

Also, since this is a travel blog and I have not been traveling, being basically grounded by Morgan's needing to be in school every week (a new thing for all of us), I really haven't had anything to report on the travel front since July.

However, it seems that the Camino posts of this blog have really resonated with people from all over the world. I have received emails regarding some of my posts and have answered them privately, but people still have lots of questions about my experience on the Camino. So, I'm thinking that maybe, between this trip and my next trip in December, I'll create some posts that address these questions. I also want to let you know how I am incorporating my Camino lessons and have been sharing my experience with anybody who asks (and even some who don't!) I think of my Camino every day – most days I wear my scallop shell bracelet and earrings to remind me of the valuable lessons I have learned and to employ those lessons in every decision and interaction.

So, hello again! If there is anything you are particularly interested in, make a comment on the blog or email me at julynn2@gmail.com. I'd love to carry on this conversation! Talk to you soon.

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