Welcome! I’m Tracy Rittmueller…
- I read,
- I write,
- I live,
- I love,
- and I explore various views of our world and its place in the universe, as represented in words (literature) across time and place.
By circumstance and, in my case, also by choice, I live my quiet life mostly outside the boundaries of American mainstream cultural values.
The assumptions behind the words and articles I gather together
will favor my core values, which I am learning to live more authentically in my journey as a Benedictine Oblate:
- Listening,
- Humility,
- Silence,
- Hospitality,
- Helpfulness,
- Reverence,
- Faithfulness to the practice of a Benedictine way of life.
I believe the universe is comprised of both material/visible and supernatural/invisible realities.
I explore both the “seen and unseen” through fiction, memoir, essay, and poetry.
I believe the acceptance of all reality adds richness and meaning to our lives, supplying necessary wisdom for us to become as beautifully loving–as exquisitely wonderful–as each of us was made to be.
Again, welcome! Your presence here honors me. Let’s connect–I respond to comments.
Hi Tracy, I’ve nominated you for the Inspiring Blog Award. There’s no obligation to accept or re-post it, this is just my way of saying ‘I enjoy reading your posts’.
Here’s the award post link: http://perisspiceladle.com/2013/01/16/blog-of-the-year-2012-and-more-a-heartfelt-thank-you/
Have a great year!
Peri.
Thank you very much, Peri. I’m honored!
I have had chronic severe pain for 13 yrs with no hope for a cure. I also have been mostly bed ridden for yrs although not many people know that. I have a determination to hike at least 1 section maybe more of the Appalachian trail in 2014, God willing I will rise from my bed like a phoenix ,strengthen my withered legs and prepare all this year to go. I do not know what the future holds but I can no longer live this way. I would rather die in God’s creation than waste to nothing in bed. I want to leave a legacy of hope and determination for my kids, grand kids and other sufferers. Thank you for hearing me out. Katya
Thank you for sharing what’s on your mind and heart. I applaud your courage and determination, Katya. As you know, I personally have experienced and understand the hidden nature of your affliction.
Even now, I have difficult days, and when people see me, they tell me I look “great” (while I might be feeling like I’m about to keel over!)
Your goal is reasonable–I wish you all the best.
Ahh to follow one’s heart and dreams is indeed a blessing. I’m so glad you came over to say hi so that I could discover you here.
Diana
And thanks for the return visit! It’s kind of like going around and meeting the new neighbors, isn’t it?
🙂 !
Love that you do what you love! I made a major change earlier this year so that now I can do what I love too (as opposed to doing what I don’t love, which used to take most of my time and energy). Thanks for stopping by and following Life Through the Kitchen Window. I’m looking forward to following your blog too!
It’s awesome when people find the courage to make changes (change is always difficult, I think) to make life more fulfilling. I’m looking forward to getting to know you better, and to being inspired by your recipes.
I found your site from Sherri a post I follow. I am a health food nut on a budget and find your site very interesting !
I”m not sure I’m a health-food nut–but I do try to eat very healthy (whole foods, balanced nutrition, made-from-scratch whenever feasible, local…)
and I’m definitely on a budget. We eat very well for very cheap.
Thanks for stopping by! I’m looking forward to getting to know you.
You are very welcome 🙂 I will bookmark this site and be back to browse around tomorrow, I am on my out for the day, Have a great day !
Well you are close to being a health food nut anyway I am retired so my budget is in play as well. I am looking forward to knowing you as well. I need to follow your site and see where you and your foods take me.
You’re living the dream, Tracy! It’s rare that people love what they do. You’re an inspiration!
I think I’m going to enjoy following your blog. Be warned, while I will read your content, I hardly ever hit ‘like’ and that’s not because I’m some sort of critic but, rather, that I don’t want to be included in these groups: “lazy likers” and “people who don’t read your stuff but hit like on your blog so you’l visit theirs.” I will comment from time to time, though 🙂 Know what? I’m from NL, CA and love it very much but if I did have to pick somewhere else it would be New England so it certainly makes sense when you say that you love it!
Yes, I did know that you’re from NL–I ended up at your blog because Jenny in England sent me over, when I told her that although I don’t have a “bucket list” (too much pressure!), I do have an inexplicable desire to visit all the Maritime Provinces, especially NL. I don’t know anyone else who has ever said they long to visit NL. Most of the people around here don’t even know what or where it is.
P.S. I never pay any attention to likes on my blog, although I do hit the button on other blogs at times, but only when I’ve actually read the post and actually liked it.
Good morning Tracy, I have nominated you for the One Lovely Blog Award because I think that you and your blog are wonderful and lovely! No rules, just yours for the taking if you so wish. The link is: http://sherrimatthewsblog.com/2013/11/13/first-frost-melts-in-the-heat-of-dragons-loyalty-award/
Have a simply lovely day my friend 🙂
Thank you, my dear. I truly appreciate it!
My pleasure, congratulations 🙂
Hi Tracy,
I’ve just nominated your blog for The Lighthouse Award. Acceptance of the nomination is entirely voluntary – no pressure! You can find out more about the nomination at http://activedadathome.wordpress.com/2014/03/13/the-lighthouse-award-oh-yeah/
Thanks!
That is so kind! I really appreciate your nomination.
Congratulations! Furrylittlegnome has nominated you for “The Lighthouse Award”. To accept it, please follow the link… http://furrylittlegnome.wordpress.com/2014/03/16/the-lighthouse-award/
What a surprise–and I’m so honored. I’ll be working on my acceptance speech!
Hi Tracy – I just started blogging for Fresh Catch Seafood, Butcher Shops & Restaurants (based in Mansfield, MA). I would like to use the photo of you clamming in a Fresh Catch blog post – and also link to your post on clamming in the post. Would that be all right? Thanks. ross
Sure, Ross, I’d be honored. I’d appreciate it if you’ll let me know when the post is published.
Hi Tracy. I found you through your interview with K Pooler. I have a blog where I write fiction, memoir, and interview interesting people. I write about how I see the world as a visually impaired woman. I hope to get into travel writing/blogging one day and have a bucket list of things I hope to experience. I would love to interview you for a feature I call Travel Tuesdays or just for anything else. My blog can be found at: http://www.kkherheadache.wordpress.com and if you would consent, I would love to speak to you further about English literature and creative writing, fiction or non-fiction, or memoir and travel writing. Thanks.
Hi Tracey – hoping all is well with you. I am once again in blog ‘catch up’ mode and was going to leave comments on your last couple of posts, but see that comments are closed. Are you not accepting comments on your blog anymore? At any rate, I’m looking forward to seeing what’s next! Cheers, Marlene
We have a lot in common! So glad I found your blog.
I’m glad, too. Found you through Sherri’s blog–you commented “I live in New England now” and just as I was about to type something about New England and loving tea, I saw your comment. Yes, we do have a lot in common!
Hi Tracy! Nice to meet you via our blogs. Thank you for stopping by and choosing to follow Puddletown Reviews. I also invite you to visit my writing blog, http://sherreymeyer.com. I like what I see here, and I’ll be tagging along with you.
Going over there to follow you right now!
Comments are closed on your peachy post, but I wanted to compliment you on the amazing photos and timely tips. Like Shirley, I was happy to read about the peach skinning trick.
I’ve just had lunch. Peach cobbler would be the perfect finish!
Quite some time ago, when I set up my blog, I closed comments on posts after 3 weeks. I’m not sure why I did that! Thanks for reminding me of my old decision, and I’ve reconsidered it. Comments are now unclosed.