Along The Camino/At Basecamp

“It was easy to picture the hills of central California as I walked across northern Spain. In many ways, the two landscapes favor each other. I wonder if that’s why I found myself totally immersed in this painful and beautiful story because I could picture it happening right there all around me. I’m guessing that added to the depth to which Steinbeck’s novel was able to plumb my soul.”

Thanks to Kellie Haddock IG @kelliehaddockmusic and @kelliehaddock 
for the use of “Eden’s Dream” with Ben Shive and Sarah Masen

“Soon, we came upon another pilgrim who had paused to tie his shoe. He asked if he could join us. We three walked on together down the road from O’Cebriero talking about everything. We talked of things about which we were passionate, but what is even more noteworthy is that we felt great passion as we talked. I can only describe it as if our hearts were burning within us.”

Thanks to Kellie Haddock IG @kelliehaddockmusic and @kelliehaddock 
for the use of “Eden’s Dream” with Ben Shive and Sarah Masen

“Close your eyes. Picture a string of lights strung across Northern Spain. That would be breathtakingly beautiful. I began to see the churches along the Camino de Santiago like that. Like a string of lights, lighting the way as we walk to wherever we will meet God. If you have the eyes to see it...walk with me following this string of lights from the Pyrenees to the west coast.”

Thanks to Kellie Haddock IG @kelliehaddockmusic and @kelliehaddock 
for the use of “Eden’s Dream” with Ben Shive and Sarah Masen

“To anyone observing me of course, this invisible wave of self-righteousness was imperceptible. To them, I was intently gazing at the crucifix. And I was but it was at the dust on top of his head again. I have this insane urge to go dust it. To go right now, get a ladder, climb up and use my bandana to clean his head off- the crown of thorns and all.”

Thanks to Kellie Haddock IG @kelliehaddockmusic and @kelliehaddock 
for the use of “Eden’s Dream” with Ben Shive and Sarah Masen

"Between Rabanal and Molinesca there is a cross on a hill. All guide books have the location listed very clearly and therefore most pilgrims know exactly the day they will come to the foot of that cross. There is anticipation around this day because of the significant Camino tradition that when you come to the foot of the cross you are invited to leave your burdens behind."

Thanks to Kellie Haddock IG @kelliehaddockmusic and @kelliehaddock 
for the use of “Eden’s Dream” with Ben Shive and Sarah Masen

"I had never thought about the harvesting of grapes and what the experience might feel like. This was wonderful! It was almost like these harvesters were calling the grapes forth into what they could become. It was like these people were singing a drinking song way before the wine was ready to drink, because they KNOW what is coming!"

Thanks to Kellie Haddock IG @kelliehaddockmusic and @kelliehaddock 
for the use of “Eden’s Dream” with Ben Shive and Sarah Masen

"The  Camino de Santiago is primarily walked by pilgrims on foot but in areas, some people ride bikes. I could not become LeBron sized and experience life with that impressive body, but I could try getting a bike for a few days and seeing what riding along the Camino is like.”

Thanks to Kellie Haddock IG @kelliehaddockmusic and @kelliehaddock 
for the use of “Eden’s Dream” with Ben Shive and Sarah Masen

"The shepherd kept trying to rub behind the lamb’s ears and the lamb kept trying to lick the man’s hands. We couldn’t seem to take our eyes off them. Time seemed to stand still. Finally, the shepherd stood, the lamb still in his arms and still trying to lick him. He turned to us, smiled, and thanked us for caring for his sheep. And just like that, he went whistling off into the night.”

Thanks to Kellie Haddock IG @kelliehaddockmusic and @kelliehaddock 
for the use of “Eden’s Dream” with Ben Shive and Sarah Masen

“As most of us were ending our day's journey in the nearby town, we settled into a great time of fellowship there. A group of guys from Austria, obviously old friends, pulled out their bunsen burner and a coffee percolator. It smelled so good and soon they offered me a cup. I accepted but only on the condition of a trade- I would trade them a strong riddle for a strong cup of coffee. They heartily agreed. With shade over our heads, cool water for our feet, and coffee for the soul, we all leaned in while I spun the tale….”

Thanks to Kellie Haddock IG @kelliehaddockmusic and @kelliehaddock 
for the use of “Eden’s Dream” with Ben Shive and Sarah Masen

“I walk back out into the evening air and lean against that shared wall. I picture how it creates a foundation for both the cathedral and the town square. They seem to sit in contrast sometimes- to be telling different stories- but maybe it’s all part of the same. They are not separate at all, they lean on, lean toward something more. This wall isn’t separating but connecting these two realities making them part of the same bigger story. This is why the church and the square should share a wall. They need each other.”

Thanks to Kellie Haddock IG @kelliehaddockmusic and @kelliehaddock 
for the use of “Eden’s Dream” with Ben Shive and Sarah Masen