60 Seconds for Story Prompt Friday: Remembering What My Grandfather Said Brings Hope

Hello to you Lorraine, listening in Corona del Mar, California!Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds (and a bit more for a story) for Story Prompt Friday and your host, Diane Wyzga.    It was early morning when I lifted the shade and looked out the airplane window at the brown, mid-September harvested fields of Spain below me, stretching as far as the eye could see. I felt sick, gut-clenching, breath-holding, throat-constricting sick. What a stupid idea! What was I thinking! How ridiculous, foolish even, to even imagine that I could walk across Spain - alone - as a pilgrim - with nothing more than a backpack and a guide book. Who was I kidding?As the plane began its descent into Madrid, I had already made up my mind that I could not, should not, and would not walk the Camino de Santiago. I was no pilgrim. I would pick up my backpack and catch the next flight. I was going back home.What happened next? Tucked between the pages of the guide book I was holding was an envelope and in the envelope a short message from my story galpal, Lorraine. Her first words were “WELL DONE!”Her words continued: As you read this thousands of feet above the earth (and how could she have known that?) you may be wondering why I gave you a “WELL DONE!” card to start your Camino de Santiago journey. Regardless of what does or doesn’t happen from here on out, you will be forever changed simply because you showed up. And that, my friend, is “WELL DONE!”What could I do? What would you do?The plane descended, taxied to the Madrid Airport gate, and I disembarked with the rest of the passengers. I found my way to baggage claim, through customs, and out of the terminal looking for the bus that would take me across Madrid to the station for the train to Pamplona where I over-nighted before taking another bus to St. Jean Pied de Port, France to finally begin my Camino de Santiago. I walked out of France, over the Pyrenees Mountains, into Spain, and then 500 miles on foot to Santiago.Since then I say my life is BC & AC: Before Camino and After Camino. Not a day goes by that I don’t recall my pilgrimage, relying on the kindness of strangers, and the unforgettable words that gave me the courage to set out: WELL DONE!Story Prompt: Who gave you a hand up when you needed it most and expected it least? What happened next? Write that story and tell it out loud!Thank you for listening!    You're always welcome: "Come for the stories - Stay for the magic!" Speaking of magic, I hope you’ll subscribe, share a 5-star rating and nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, bring your friends and rellies, and join us! You will have wonderful company as we continue to walk our lives together. Be sure to stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website and stay current with me as "Wyzga on Words" on Substack. Stories From Women Who Walk Production TeamPodcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story ArtsMusic: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron MusicALL content and image © 2019 to Present Quarter Moon Story Arts. All rights reserved. 

Hello to you listening in Chandler, Arizona!Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Wednesdays on Whidbey and your host, Diane Wyzga.Maybe it’s true and maybe it isn’t but the old ones say that once there was a village of people so stingy and tight-fisted that they hid whatever they had so that their friends and neighbors wouldn’t know who had what and want it for themselves. They even hid their food from one another even though there was plenty to go around.One day a traveler pulling a small wagon wanders into the village. He’s been on the road for many days and has no food left to eat. He goes from door to door asking for a bit of bread, of cheese, maybe an apple; but at each door he’s turned away: We have nothing here! Stop begging! Leave us alone!The traveler returns to his wagon, takes out a large kettle, sets it down in the village square and builds a fire under the kettle. He adds water from the well and a large stone taken from a pocket in his coat.Of course the villagers are curious, peering out of their windows, what’s this fellow up to anyway? A child sent out to ask what the traveler is doing is told, "I’m making stone soup.” and this he repeats to the villagers who are edging closer to the traveler and his kettleHe’s smacking his lips in anticipation. "It’s almost ready, he says, but to make a really good stone soup it could use some cabbage." A villager returns with a cabbage for the kettle. The butcher, not to be outdone by his neighbor adds some choice cuts of meat. Other villagers rush home and return with food from their own gardens--potatoes, onions, carrots, celery, and spices.Soon the soup in the big kettle was bubbling and fragrant. The traveler scooped the stone out of the kettle, tucked it back in his coat pocket, and served the soup to one and all.In time the traveler went on his way pulling his wagon with his kettle and the stone back in his pocket; but he left behind a story and the recipe for stone soup that’s made and shared to this very day.Thank you for listening!You're always welcome: "Come for the stories - Stay for the magic!" Speaking of magic, I hope you’ll subscribe, share a 5-star rating and nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, bring your friends and rellies, and join us! You will have wonderful company as we continue to walk our lives together. Be sure to stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website and stay current with me as "Wyzga on Words" on Substack. Stories From Women Who Walk Production TeamPodcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story ArtsMusic: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron MusicALL content and image © 2019 to Present Quarter Moon Story Arts. All rights reserved. 

Hello to you listening in Gondomar, Galicia, Spain!Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Motivate Your Monday and your host, Diane Wyzga.I am often asked how to begin the next story chapter of life when there’s no clear path ahead. In truth, we really don’t see the path so much as we make the path while walking it.But that might be little comfort in the beginning when you’re standing at the crossroads.In my experience choosing a direction and setting out with curiosity and determination - taking that first step - perhaps the one we don’t want to take - is the key that opens the way ahead.Following are several visionary questions for you. Choose the one that speaks to where you are right now and invite it to walk along with you like friends on a trail:  1. What story are you meant to tell that only you living your life with your wisdom and your experiences could tell?2. Imagine you’re looking back at yourself as an elder woman - content, satisfied, knowing you got it right. What would you say made it all worthwhile?3. What delighted you, intrigued you, fed your curiosity when you were younger than you are now?  4. Who were you before you learned you were supposed to worry that money doesn’t grow on trees?Sometimes the most powerful questions are the ones that help us discover who we really are beneath all the "shoulds" and practical concerns. Reconnecting with your truest self after years of layered expectations and external pressures comes from trusting what you know rather than adding more information or strategies.CTA: If you’re curious about how to stop trying to figure it all out and start honoring what you already know, email me at [email protected] to arrange a free Discovery Call with me, your story doula. And thank you for listening!You're always welcome: "Come for the stories - Stay for the magic!" Speaking of magic, I hope you’ll subscribe, share a 5-star rating and nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, bring your friends and rellies, and join us! You will have wonderful company as we continue to walk our lives together. Be sure to stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website and stay current with me as "Wyzga on Words" on Substack. Stories From Women Who Walk Production TeamPodcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story ArtsMusic: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron MusicALL content and image © 2019 to Present Quarter Moon Story Arts. All rights reserved. 

Hello to you listening in Tokyo, Japan!Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Story Prompt Friday and your host, Diane Wyzga.My parents were 1st generation Americans. Their parents came from Poland seeking better opportunities. Like so many others, my maternal grandfather had grown up on a farm and sailed to America when he was in his teens.Over the years he forged metal in factories, fabricated refrigerator coils, drove a city bus, and taught himself how to oil paint. I treasure a few pieces of his art work reflecting his love of land.    My grandfather used to say about tomorrow: “I’m like a fellow pushing a wheelbarrow. Why? Everything is still in front of me!”  Even in the most difficult times I repeat his line to find some hope to carry on as he did.Story Prompt: What favorite line do you recall from someone you love? When you repeat it to yourself how does it make you feel? Write that story and tell it out loud!You're always welcome: "Come for the stories - Stay for the magic!" Speaking of magic, I hope you’ll subscribe, share a 5-star rating and nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, bring your friends and rellies, and join us! You will have wonderful company as we continue to walk our lives together. Be sure to stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website, check out the Story Services I offer, arrange a free, no-obligation Discovery Call, and stay current with me as "Wyzga on Words" on Substack.Stories From Women Who Walk Production TeamPodcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story ArtsMusic: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron MusicALL content and image © 2019 to Present Quarter Moon Story Arts. All rights reserved.

Hello to you listening in Wenatchee, Washington!Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Wednesdays on Whidbey and your host, Diane Wyzga.From Great Britain during World War II came this observation about the wide-ranging effect of radio on the population: “Radio exposes nearly everybody in the country to a rapid, bewildering succession of emotional experiences. Our minds and our moral natures just cannot respond to the bombardment of contradictions and confusion.”Sounds a lot like us 85 years later! Media platforms have exploded with hourly tsunamis of news! There is no shortage of overwhelming, emotional experiences. We were not made for this. No wonder we feel exhausted, crazy, unsettled, and lost from the unrelenting pummeling of it all.So what do we do now? Know this: All is impermanent. The tide will turn. When you come to the end of your rope tie a knot and hold on. Find good company in animal companions, in faith, family and friends. Give yourself the benefit of the doubt. Take a well-deserved break and a lesson from nature: When the leader of a V-formation of birds gets tired it drops back and another bird takes its turn in the lead. Be willing to drop back and let others support you until you are ready to soar again. Thank you for listening! You're always welcome: "Come for the stories - Stay for the magic!" Speaking of magic, I hope you’ll subscribe, share a 5-star rating and nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, bring your friends and rellies, and join us! You will have wonderful company as we continue to walk our lives together. Be sure to stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website, check out the Story Services I offer, arrange a free, no-obligation Discovery Call, and stay current with me as "Wyzga on Words" on Substack.Stories From Women Who Walk Production TeamPodcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story ArtsMusic: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron MusicALL content and image © 2019 to Present Quarter Moon Story Arts. All rights reserved.

Hello to you listening in Thornton, Colorado!Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds (and a bit more) for Motivate Your Monday and your host, Diane Wyzga.Evildoing, like coercive power, depends on the cooperation, obedience, support, assent or at least passive tolerance of many people.  If you passively tolerate evildoing - or turn your face away - you are as much involved in it as the ones who perpetrate it. When you tolerate evildoing without protesting, you are cooperating, you are an accomplice.One who chose not to cooperate was Daniel Ellsberg, American military analyst and whistleblower, who saw clearly what had been going on with the 40 years of war in Vietnam. He chose to copy and then release over 7,000 pages of what became known as The Pentagon Papers. He exposed the long-running scandalous history of the United States' political and military involvement in Vietnam from 1945 to 1968 and secretly expanding its involvement with the bombing of  Cambodia and Laos.In 1971 then President Nixon filed suit to stop the NY Times and the Los Angeles Times from publishing the papers. He failed. The papers were published. Ellsberg himself was criminally indicted but charges were later dismissed.    “As Judge Byrne in Los Angles was issuing his dismissal of the indictment against Daniel Ellsberg, Nixon expressed his outrage and sense of betrayal: “ ..., on this national security thing, we have the rocky situation where the sonofabitch thief is made a national hero and is going to get off on a mistrial. And the New York Times gets a Pulitzer Prize for stealing documents ....They’re trying to get at us with thieves. What in the name of God have we come to?” [SECRETS - A Memoir of Vietnam and the Pentagon Papers by Daniel Ellsberg, pub. 2002, pp. 456 to 457]    What we had come back to was a democratic republic - not an elected monarchy - a government under law, with Congress, the courts, and the press functioning to curtail executive abuses, as our Constitution envisioned. Moreover, for the first time in this or any country the legislature was casting its whole vote against an ongoing presidential war. It was reclaiming, through its control of the purse, the war power it had fecklessly delegated nine years earlier. Congress was stopping the bombing, and the war was going to end.” [SECRETS - A Memoir of Vietnam and the Pentagon Papers by Daniel Ellsberg, pub. 2002, pp. 456 to 457]        40 years of war ends - and Watergate is not far behind - scuttling Nixon’s presidency.Individuals who choose to call evildoing what it is, who choose to withdraw their cooperation, ignite organized non-cooperation. That is where we are. We the People - an Army of Ordinary People - have ignited organized non-cooperation. We the People are fighting back and we’re bringing our friends to topple the evildoing in the White House.    Thank you for listening and fighting alongside us for democracy! Click HERE to access a pdf copy of Secrets - A Memoir of Vietnam and the Pentagon PapersClick HERE to access VOICES: UCSB Arts & Lectures presents Daniel Ellsberg & SECRETS - Vietnam & the Pentagon Papers (October 25, 2002) You're always welcome: "Come for the stories - Stay for the magic!" Speaking of magic, I hope you’ll subscribe, share a 5-star rating and nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, bring your friends and rellies, and join us! You will have wonderful company as we continue to walk our lives together. Be sure to stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website, check out the Story Services I offer, arrange a free, no-obligation Discovery Call, and stay current with me as "Wyzga on Words" on Substack.Stories From Women Who Walk Production TeamPodcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story ArtsMusic: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron MusicALL content and image © 2019 to Present Quarter Moon Story Arts. All rights reserved.

Hello to you listening in Fredricton, New Brunswick Province, Canada! Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Story Prompt Friday and your host, Diane Wyzga.  There is a gift in hindsight! Believe it or not hindsight can show us when a breakdown became a breakthrough, a spiritual crisis became a spiritual awakening, a trial of tears became the trail of gratitude.It has to be hindsight because when swamped by difficult situations we feel scared, uncertain, anxious or worse. Then time passes. Finally, we are ready, willing and able to take a look at what we perceived was our complete and utter failure at creating our life, speaking our voice, succeeding at business, and so on. What we perceived as failure has the potential of possibility, possibility we would not have been able to appreciate when we were feeling swamped.  What if we could imagine that Life is a grand experiment. The beauty of an experiment is that when it doesn’t work out the way you intended that’s the moment you learned. Learning is the price of success.  Story Prompt: Think about a time when it looked like you had lost everything; but in time you chose a do-over with what you had learned. What happened then? Write that story!You’re always invited: “Come for the stories - stay for the magic!” Speaking of magic, would you subscribe and spread the word with a generous 5-star review and comment - it helps us all - and join us next time!Meanwhile, stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website to:✓ Check out Services I Offer✓ For a no-obligation conversation about your communication challenges, get in touch with me today✓ Stay current with Diane as “Wyzga on Words” on SubstackStories From Women Who Walk Production TeamPodcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story ArtsMusic: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron MusicAll content and image © 2019 to Present Quarter Moon Story Arts. All rights reserved. Practical Tip: The magic of stories is also in the sharing. If you wish share your story with someone or something.   All that matters is you have a story. 

Hello to you listening in Nairobi, Kenya!Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Wednesdays on Whidbey and your host, Diane Wyzga.The old ones in China tell a story about an equally old painter who invited friends to his home to see his latest work.His friends gathered around to admire the artist’s painting which he had hung on a wall. The painting was a scene of a little park and a tiny footbridge crossing a stream that meandered through a forest that opened onto a meadow where stood a small cottage with an equally small door painted blue. Those gathered together turned around to tell the painter how much they admired his work but he was nowhere to be found. One of his friends said, "Look! There he is! In the painting!" He walked up the path that led to the door of the cottage, stopped, turned, smiled, and disappeared inside.Question: Imagine becoming so engrossed in your project that you end up disappearing into it in the same way. What do you imagine happens next? Become that!You’re always invited: “Come for the stories - stay for the magic!” Speaking of magic, would you subscribe and spread the word with a generous 5-star review and comment - it helps us all - and join us next time!Meanwhile, stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website to:✓ Check out Services I Offer✓ For a no-obligation conversation about your communication challenges, get in touch with me today✓ Stay current with Diane as “Wyzga on Words” on Substack Stories From Women Who Walk Production TeamPodcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story ArtsMusic: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron MusicAll content and image © 2019 to Present Quarter Moon Story Arts. All rights reserved. 

Hello to you listening here, there, and everywhere your feet touch the ground!  Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds (and a bit more) for Motivate Your Monday and your host, Diane Wyzga.We know the power of We the People coming together to defend our democracy against the lawlessness of this administration. We’ve felt our power at Hands Off rallies! We’ve seen it multiply at No Kings rallies! Now, are you ready to join the next major national mass mobilization?  July 17th is time for getting in “Good Trouble - Necessary Trouble” to defend our democracy, and carry forward the legacy of civil rights hero and Congressman John Lewis. Good Trouble Lives On is a national day of peaceful, non-violent action to challenge injustice, take a stand against the attacks on our civil and human rights by the Trump administration, and remind them that in America, the power lies with We the People. Are you with us?The Trump administration has launched full-scale attacks on our civil and human rights. Good Trouble Lives On is more than a rally; it’s a moral reckoning. We the People are establishing new fronts in the struggle to redeem the soul of America! Are you with us?Click HERE to find over 1,300 Good Trouble Lives On events scheduled in all 50 states on Thursday 17th July 2025 and join one near you!    Click HERE to sign up for GOOD TROUBLE LIVES ON on  WHIDBEY ISLAND!    Co-sponsored by: Indivisible Whidbey and Whidbey Island League of Women VotersWHEN: Thursday, July 17 from 11AM to 1 PM PDTWHERE: Intersection of State Route 20 & North Main Street, Coupeville, WA 98239WHAT: Sign waving, singing, and rallying, followed by a symbolic walk across the highway bridge to honor the life of civil rights leader and human rights champion, John Lewis.WHY: Sharing our values and commitment to fight for our nation and our democracy.Click HERE to access, John Lewis: Good Trouble, the documentary film and learn the back story of good trouble, necessary trouble  TrailerThanks for listening and see you out there Thursday 17th July You’re always invited: “Come for the stories - stay for the magic!” Speaking of magic, would you subscribe and spread the word with a generous 5-star review and comment - it helps us all - and join us next time!Meanwhile, stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website to:✓ Check out Services I Offer✓ For a no-obligation conversation about your communication challenges, get in touch with me today✓ Stay current with Diane as “Wyzga on Words” on SubstackStories From Women Who Walk Production TeamPodcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story ArtsMusic: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron MusicAll content and image © 2019 to Present Quarter Moon Story Arts. All rights reserved. 

Hello to you listening for a call to belong to who you are however imperfect!Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds (and a bit more) for Story Prompt Friday and your host, Diane Wyzga.I am done waiting for perfect clarity to claim my place in this world.We've been told that doing equals worth, that we must have it all figured out to deserve our place at the table. But here's what I know: it's not about arriving perfect—it's about showing up authentic.I showed up to walk 500 miles of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route, learning breath by breath, heartbeat by heartbeat, step by step. I figured it out mile by messy imperfect mile.Here’s what else I know: you can’t claim your kingdom hiding in the castle. I’m stepping out of my castle, crown askew, declaring myself ready to go as an elder woman summoning other elder women into our tribe of Whidbey Island Witches. We wield magic through stories. We refuse to let our voices be diminished. No more waiting for permission.We say what we mean and mean what we say. We create a ruckus and make “good trouble” not because we have all the answers, but because we have what the world needs: our questions, rage, tenderness, truth, and collective wisdom.We're figuring out how to create a world of harmony, integrity, kindness, and justice—a world designed for all of us, not just the chosen few. It will be messy, imperfect, courageous, brave, and bold! Join us!Story Prompt: What about you? What would happen if you stepped out of your castle, crown askew, ready to figure it out as you go? Write that story and tell it out loud.You're always welcome: "Come for the stories - Stay for the magic!" Speaking of magic, I hope you’ll subscribe, share a 5-star rating and nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, bring your friends and rellies, and join us! You will have wonderful company as we continue to walk our lives together. Be sure to stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website, check out the Services, arrange a no-obligation Discovery Call, and stay current with me as "Wyzga on Words" on Substack.Stories From Women Who Walk Production TeamPodcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story ArtsMusic: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron MusicALL content and image © 2019 to Present Quarter Moon Story Arts. All rights reserved.