à la carte spirit by ilona fried
Perfectionism
Knitting Ain’t for Sissies…or Bullies
I just finished a keyhole scarf I started knitting a few months ago. I’m exhausted, not exhilarated. After several frustrating beginnings, described here, I hit a groove. Or so I thought. More than halfway through the project, I surveyed my work and discovered many glaring mistakes. Not only that, the design I modified to accommodate … Continue reading
The Price of Finishing
“Where are you heading?” asked the man seated next to me in the scenic car as Amtrak‘s California Zephyr rumbled across Illinois. I was multitasking — peering out the window while reviewing photos on my laptop — and glanced over. With his worn sweater, baggy pants and bug-shaped eyeglasses that harkened from the 1980s, he … Continue reading
A Tourist Demands. A Pilgrim Appreciates.
This bit of wisdom (which I translated from the more melodic Spanish), was on a bulletin board in the convent in Arre, where I rested early on in my trip. I’ve thought about it a lot since, as many of my fellow walkers are behaving as tourists. In each town, there are usually a few options … Continue reading
Inspired or Insane?
Since “(in)sanity” is on the à la carte menu, it’s time to dish out a serving. Last month I attended the Wake Up Festival, a nourishing buffet of poets, gurus, meditation instructors, scientists, musicians, writers and yogis who shared their experiences on the process of enlightenment and practices to stave off “endarkenment”. David Whyte read … Continue reading
Forking Over My Utensils
Last week I spent four nights at a private home while attending the Wake Up Festival. I saw photos and read the description (“simple, sustainable”) before booking the room. Still, I was surprised by the modesty of the place. “They really have nothing,” commented a voice in my head as I surveyed the living room, … Continue reading
à la carte spirit by ilona fried 
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