HOW CAN YOU HELP?
- Contribute items of peace for the Peace collage.
- Help schedule places to speak.
- Help schedule places for me to stay along the route. [Mississippi coast (Gulfport) through Alabama (Mobile, Montgomery) Georgia (Atlanta) South Carolina (Greenville) North Carolina (Raleigh, Durham) Virginia (Richmond) to Washington DC].
- Sponsor the walk?
- Write a letter to President Bush asking for peace.
Contact me at:
Kim Leverton
326-1/2 Nursery Avenue
Metairie, LA 70005
(504) 837-8068
[email protected]
WALKING ROUTEMISSISSIPPI
US 90 EAST
Pearlington, MS
24 miles to Pass Christian
11.1 miles to Long Beach
3.89 miles to Gulfport
21.7 miles to Biloxi
20.7 miles to Pascagoula
8.9 miles to Kreole
ALABAMA
US 90 NORTHEAST
19.6 miles to St. Elmo, AL
5.8 miles to Theodore
US 90 EAST
28. 3 miles to Lloyds
11.4 miles to Mobile
US 31 NORTH
10.6 miles to Spanish Fort
26.0 miles to Stapleton
10.6 miles to Bay Minette
16.0 miles to Perdido
8.8 miles to Atmore
14.9 miles to Flomaton
14.6 miles to Brewton
14.9 miles to Castleberry
11.4 miles to Evergreen
10.9 miles to Travis Bridge
8.7 miles to McKenzie
10.1 miles to Chapman
6.7 miles to Wald
8.42 miles to Greenville
13.7 miles to Logan
11.1 miles to Zion
12.6 miles to Hope Hull
9 miles to Montgomery
12.3 miles to Mount Meigs
11.6 miles to Shorter
3.4 miles to La Place
11.4 miles to Tuskegee
10. 4 miles to Alliance
10.3 miles to Auburn
4.2 miles to Pepperell
3.8 miles to Opelika
3.8 miles to Opelika
GEORGIA
19.3 miles to Valley, GA
6.9 miles to West Point
7.5 miles to Gabbettville
10.7 miles to La Grange
7.6 miles to Louise
6.3 miles to Hogansville
18.4 miles to Moreland
6.9 miles to Newnan
11.4 miles to Madras
7.9 miles to Palmetto
12.0 miles to Fairburn
3.2 miles to Stonewall
12.4 miles to Forest Park
11.3 miles to Atlanta
8.5 miles to Decatur
8.4 miles to Tucker
5.3 miles to Lilburn
10.6 miles to Lawrenceville
19 miles to Bethlehem
22.0 miles to Athens
17.6 miles to Danielsville
13.2 miles to Franklin Springs
2.0 miles to Royston
12.3 miles to Hartwell
SOUTH CAROLINA
10.2 miles to Holland Store, SC
13.3 miles to Anderson
25.9 miles to Gantt
4.7 miles to Greenville
33.2 miles to Spartanburg
6.4 miles to Converse
9. 0 miles to Hidden Acres Estate
13.8 miles to Blacksburg
NORTH CAROLINA
6.7 miles to Grover, NC
14.1 miles to Kings Mountain
11.5 miles to Gastonia
12.9 miles to Belmont
14.4 miles to Charlotte
26.4 miles to Concord
6.4 miles to Kannapolis
5.3 miles to Landis
13.7 miles to Salisbury
13.3 miles to Linwood
9.4 miles to Lexington
18.9 miles to High Point
10.9 miles to Sedgefield
12.7 miles to Greensboro
12.3 miles to Burlington
11.1 miles to Mebane
10.3 miles to Hillsborough
14.0 miles to Durham
28.6 miles to Raleigh
11.5 miles to Neuse
8.6 miles to Wake Forest
10.1 miles to Youngsville
14.7 miles to Kittrell
9.0 miles to Henderson
7.6 miles to Middleburg
5.5 miles to Ridgeway
2.2 miles to Norlina
6.9 miles to Macon
4.8 miles to Vaugh
25.0 miles to Weldon
VIRGINIA
15.8 miles to Skippers, VA
10.8 miles to Greensville
5.35 miles to Emporia
12.4 miles to Jarratt
12.87 miles to Stony Creek
7.5 miles to Carson
15.7 miles to Petersburg
1.5 miles to Colonial Heights
11.6 miles to Chester
18.3 miles to Richmond
5.2 miles to Lakeside
14.5 miles to Ashland
14.9 miles to Ruther Glen
8.1 miles to Ladysmith
10.9 miles to Smiths Mill
13.9 miles to Falmouth
13.9 miles to Garrisonville
9.3 miles to Triangle
8.4 miles to Dale City
9.9 miles to Lorton
3.5 miles to Newington
16.6 miles to
WASHINGTON, DC
Kim Leverton
APRIL TO JUNE 2002
A MESSAGE FROM KIM
June 27, 2002
Dearest Readers,
Update, I made it to Atlanta, Georgia, 500 plus miles but now I am home.
When I envisioned this walk I imagined it as a linear walk straight to Washington, DC. Yes, I knew it would take time, but I had no idea that the walk would become such a part of my life, become such a tapestry... ahhhh the bliss of naivete.
I had no idea that I would be doing circles, figure eighths, walking forward, walking backward, riding the Greyhound bus (several times) to help my mother through her illness, and then prematurely returning home, leaving my family at large to help my smaller family.
Well, the walk has a life of its own. Currently, I've returned to New Orleans, Louisiana because of a family crisis. The timing seems to work out because I had been trying to figure out how to raise more money to support my smaller family. I have been working this peace walk without pay for three months now. I need to take the next few weeks away from my walk to try once again to raise funds and/or grants to support my two teen-age daughters while I walk, while I do this peace work.
I am asking you to help me out with this regard. If you know of potential supporters PLEASE help me get in touch with them, or let them know about my peace efforts, and the mural of peace.
I cannot do this alone.
Once I've settled my smaller family commitments, raised enough money to support them for a few more months. I will return to Atlanta, Georgia and continue my walking to D.C. I'm hoping this fund-raising will take no more than a few weeks time.
If you would like to make arrangements for me to come and speak about my mural of peace and peace walk please contact me at my home:
(504) 837-8068
If you believe in this peace petition and the mural of peace and would like to make a donation or host a fund-raiser so the project can continue, please send it to my home:
Kim Leverton
326-1/2 Nursery Avenue
Metairie, Louisiana
70005
Thanks for your continued support.
Peace.
Kim
PS. I could use support in other areas too, such as contacting the media when I arrive in towns, networking places to stay and so on.
THE JOURNAL
DAY 66, Sat., JUNE 15
Walking! Walking! Walking!DAY 65, Fri., JUNE 14
Walking! Walking! Walking!DAY 64, Thurs., JUNE 13
Walking! Walking! Walking!DAY 63, Wed., JUNE 12
Walking! Walking! Walking!DAY 62, Tues., JUNE 11
Walking! Walking! Walking!DAY 61, Mon., JUNE 10
Walking! Walking! Walking!DAY 60, Sun.., JUNE 9
Walking! Walking! Walking!DAY 59, SAT., JUNE 8
Alright here's another go at catching up.
Fairburn, Georgia: I'm not used to saying I'm in Georgia yet. I keep thinking I'm in Alabama, and how could I've possibly made it this far? Should make it into Atlanta, Georgia today.
I met another great friend, Karla at the Christian bookstore in La Grange, Georgia. I was looking for an action figure Jesus in the bookstore. The owner was so sweet. He kept handing me things to take with me, small things, thankfully.
From the sweetness of her heart and her trust in God, Karla invited me, a stranger, into her home. Meeting her family, her husband Peter and children Jessica and Jonathan, was an incredible experience. Those two innocent children were trying to comprehend the complexity of dealing with the terrorists in a non-violent fashion. The kids invented cages to drop over the terrorists and sticky houses where they would be trapped. It was amazing that they were so open to the idea of a non-violent response and creative solutions. I've walked all this way and it was the voices of two children who caught onto the beginnings of my imaginings.
At least the media seems pleased to meet me. While in La Grange, I interviewed by Channel 33 TV and the local newspaper. Newnan’s newspaper also did a bit on my journey.
As I write this, I'm sitting in the home of Juan and Diana, the Unitarian Minister in Auburn. It's beautiful and peaceful here. As much as I would just like to just stay here and read and rest, I must get going if I hope to get to Atlanta today. Need to get as many signatures as possible.
I'm glad you all are with me on this journey.
Kim
PS: I need to say that my birthday will be coming up in a few days and for a fabulous birthday present I need 80 of you folks to send $5 to Chris Hill, the wonderful woman, who is caring for my daughters Stephanie and Kimberly. My rent is coming due soon, and it's going to be up to the hands of God now.
A JOURNEY FOR PEACE
I am Kim Leverton, artist, poet and peace activist. During the first weekend of April I will start a journey for peace walking from southern Louisiana to Washington, DC. Along the way I will meet with people to talk about peace, receive items for my Peace Collage and get signatures for a petition asking President Bush for an end to the violence of war. I will also accept your personal letters to the President requesting to respond to terrorism in a non-violent fashion.
As part of my project I will record people's ideas of peace. Documentation of these visions in word and art will form part of the project another aspect will be a wall size collage of representational items of peace. Another part of the art project will be a video recording of the journey. This documentary will consist of scenes from my walk and people speaking their vision peace. It will play during each showing of the collage. I will collect items such as portraits of family members or spiritual figures such as Gandhi, Peace Pilgrim or Jesus, drawings, poems, pressed flowers, prayers, photos of favorite scenes of nature, religious items, charms, mementos, songs, paintings, a newspaper article, photos anything that one feels represents peace. Since I am walking I request that you send them to my home to the address listed on the right.
THE JOURNEY BEGINS
The bombing of World Trade Center on September 11, 2001 brought the question of "How does an individual go about making peace?" to the forefront of my consciousness. A way to respond peacefully to the atrocities seemed impossible and unbelievable. It became evident to me that my focus had to be on a personal level. How would "I" respond to an attack on "my family"? Retaliation was not a viable solution. What could I do?
After examining the work of great peace activists like Gandhi, Martin Luther King and Peace Pilgrim it was clear to me that their success lay in their acceptance of peace as a personal responsibility. Each of them used their widely varied perspective, talents and energies in the work of making peace. The path was then obvious. For an individual to be effective in making peace they must bring a willingness to see and understand, the determination to persevere, and the vision to create venues for sharing and clarifying this undertaking and its work.
WHY A JOURNEY?
Peace Pilgrim went out into the world to spread the idea of peace without violence. I will go out into the world to talk to people about peace stopping in different town to hold open meetings where people can have their say and fashion an environment in which people will begin to believe that we can create peace, that we can change
In the creation of art I find peace. It seems only natural to create an epic collage representing peace in all its forms. So, in the spirit of Peace Pilgrim I will walk to people and talk about peace and my art. On my walk I will ask people for items to include in the collage. These items will represent the response of people to the question "What does peace mean to you?"I will also collect letters to be given to President Bush. These letters will ask for VIABLE non-violent solutions to war. We must use the democratic process to make the voices calling for heard above the clamor of those who call for an eye for an eye.
Through my study of yoga I learned Thich Nhat Hanh's practice of walking meditation …walking in a circle, mindful of every step. It is a good way of letting go of anger. Breathing in and breathing out the anger with each step. Walking will be a good way to think, a way to think of other ways to respond to war, ways that will work. I invite anyone who likes to join me for this mediation to contact me.
I think change is slow and laborious but it can happen. If you look at the history of our country you can see terrible inequalities, slavery, the vote for women. Change came about because the public demanded it. I hope that war ideology can be changed as well, that enough people step forward and demand change. But I fear that people will not speak out in this situation because they do not want to be unpatriotic or seen as supportive of terrorism. This is not so. You can disagree, that is the beauty of democracy, freedom of speech.
People need to remember that war deeply effects and affects society on numerous levels, not only in this generation, but also far into the future. The most obvious effects of war are the deaths of people and the destruction of property but there are also the long-term effects of post-traumatic stress, diseases brought about from fall-out, such as nuclear or biological warfare and the risk of famine and poverty. But the biggest and most important long-term affect is the continuation of the cycle of violence.
WHAT DO YOU SAY TO THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES?
Here's a sample of the petition I will be presenting President Bush. It will be available at each of my stops along the way.
PETITION FOR
PEACEFUL ACTIONTo: President George W. Bush
& The Representatives
of the United States GovernmentWe the undersigned request that the United States Government, which represents us the people in this democracy, respond in a proactively peaceful way to acts of war. We request that the government focus the same amount of effort, money, time and the number of lives that are focused on war, to be focused on viable peaceful solutions in all war like situations. Peace should take precedence in the United States Government.
Agreed upon by the following people:
Kim outside the library in Auburn, Alabama
Friday, May 17.
Please direct all questions about this webpage to the presiding web goddess, Cherie LeBlanc.
Last updated June 25, 2002
CLICK PICTURE TO RETURN TO TOP
DAY 58, Fri., JUNE 7
Walking! Walking! Walking!DAY 57, Thurs., JUNE 6
Walking! Walking! Walking!DAY 56, Wed., JUNE 5
Walking! Walking! Walking!DAY 55, Tues., JUNE 4
Walking! Walking! Walking!DAY 54, Mon., June 3
Hi Folks,
I've walked to Georgia and it shouldn't take that long to reach Atlanta. A peacewalker join me yesterday. Michelle (AKA: Power Woman) walked with me from Valley, Alabama into Georgia. It was wonderful to be back on the road with someone to accompany me. It helped me.
So many things have happened since I left to help my mother. First there was the crazy bus ride to Delaware which took much longer than it should taken. I ended up in Washington, DC for the evening, and a look at the capitol. It was weird to be standing in front of it and I began, hmmm, I could just walk over and give him the petition right now. What’s the symbolism of me being there before I "officially" walked there?
At least the bus ride gave me time to read the book, "Mutant Message Down Under" by Marlo Morgan". Dawn, a wonderful Eugene, Oregon woman, sent me a fantastic package to the post office in Shorter, Alabama. It contained among other things foof and the book. The book tells the story of a woman on a walkabout in Australia with a remote tribe of nomadic Aboriginals. I learned some new ways of thinking, and I'm going to try them out for the rest of my trip.
I zoomed my mom down to Pensacola where her home, Betty's House, awaited our arrival. The household goods came soon after, and we did massive amounts of unpacking.
While in Pensacola, I met Angel and Trysha Marie who gifted me with an, "I was touched by an Angel" shirt and angel blanket. They were so cool. Angel, and her magical self, found out about me while I was walking through Mobile, Alabama earlier on. They took me to the MCC church, who held their service on the beach. I found myself admist a sea of tanning bodies, white sand, green water, and the parasols of rainbow colors. I was mezmerized and thought, ooooo this is the place to be on Memorial weekend. I also gathered a few more signatures that weekend.
I settled in my mom. Who will be closer to my brother soon, and I feel relieved about that. I had a sweet time with my mother and it felt so wonderful to have some time alone with her.
I contacted David, a radio talk show host in Mobile, who wanted me to come speak about my project. My mom drove me to the Alabama border, where David picked me up and took me to Mobile, Alabama. I spoke on the show Friday morning. That was a new experience, and I tried to tell David that, actually, I'm a little shy, and he said, "Oh yeah, shy, you're walking the United States to talk about peace." He made a very POWERFUL comment to me that it was VERY telling that I was walking completely alone and can't get sponsored. A big difference from the civil rights peace walks, where hundreds would show up.
I ended back in Opelika on Friday and was sucked right into Laura, Kevin and David's vortex. We spent an extremely lovely afternoon on Saturday, eating, talking for hours about peace, and what's happening currently in the world, eating sandwishes with homemade bread, pizza, and watching movies. I wanted to stay the whole weekend, but with Michelle's help I managed to put myself back onto the road again. On Sunday afternoon I joined the Unitarian church for a picnic. I will continue on today making my way to LaGrange, Georgia.
Peace to you all.
Kim
DAY 53, Sun., JUNE 2
To read the article from the Auburn UU newsletter Click Here!DAY 52, Sat., JUNE 1
Walking! Walking! Walking!DAY 51, Fri., MAY 31
Walking! Walking! Walking!DAY 50, Thurs, MAY 30
Hi, this is Kim's Mom,
I just dropped Kim off in Mobile Alabama, no she is not walking backwards!! She is doing a radio interview in the morning and will be back in Auburn Alabama by evening. That's where she will begin her walk again.
As you know she came to Delaware to help me move, all of that went well. I know she is eager to get moving again on this adventure, challenge, journey.
Betty Leverton
DAY 49, Wed., MAY 29
Moving Mom!
DAY 48, Tues., MAY 28
Moving Mom!DAY 47, Mon., MAY 27
Moving Mom!DAY 46, Sun., MAY 26
Moving Mom!DAY 45, Sat., MAY 25
Moving Mom!DAY 44, Fri., MAY 24
Hey Cheri, Want to let the gang know I'm helping my mom move this week. Getting some questions about my wherebouts.
We're driving down tomorrow, will probably get there sometime Saturday. I'll probably won't be at a computer until Monday, at least I'm thinking. I'll be back on the Peace road soon after.
I've a connection somehow in Pensacola, some gal knew about the walk, might get lucky enough for a ride up there, keep your fingers crossed.
I need to tell you something else, but I'm forgetting??? It's late, been helping Mom, kinda stressful. I hope you'll have a restful Memorial, long weekend? I'm missing y'all.
Thanks! Peace & Love,
Kim
DAY 43, Thurs., MAY 23
Cherie, Kim spent the weekend with me and many of my friends and we all had a wonderful time. Kim is so nice and she is so full of energy for someone who's walked so far. I'm glad to have met her and will be wishing her well. We got to the Greyhound bus stop around midnight Sunday so she could head up to take care of her mother. The bus was scheduled to stop at 12:30. Kim made us head home to get rest, I wanted to stay but she insisted we go, so we parted ways around 12:15.
Laura & Kim
I was telling Kim what a wonderful website she has and she told me to let you know, since you are doing it. It's great! I keep sharing it with others, it tells the story well. Be looking for some photos we took during Kim's stay.
Best to you too.
--Laura Kloberg
DAY 42, Wed., MAY 22
Walking! Walking! Walking!DAY 41, Tues., MAY 21
Walking! Walking! Walking!DAY 40, Mon., MAY 20
Walking! Walking! Walking!
DAY 39, Sun., MAY 19
Hey Cherie, I'm in Auburn this Sunday evening. I've had a fabulous time, and have felt so welcomed by so many folks here in Auburn, Alabama.
I've sent you some photos of the drumming group that I visited this evening. They are a potluck drumming group. My arm is around Laura the woman who've I stayed with for the past two evenings.
I went to the Unitarian Service this morning, and received bunches of signatures for the petition, nearing 200 now!
I walked almost to the end of Opelika this weekend and I am very very close to the Georgia border.
Tonight begins the very different leg of my journey. I will have the interesting experience of hopping the Greyhound Bus this evening at 12:30 a.m. and making the 20 hour bus trip to my mother's house in Delaware to help her move. I will arrive there at 9:00 p.m. on Monday evening.
As many of you know, my mother was very ill and ended up in the hospital during my walk. She was in the process of moving to Pensacola, Florida to live near my brother and be closer to my family.
The funny, funny thing about this side of the peace walk is that I will have two bus changes, one in Atlanta, and funniest of all, one in Washington D.C. but it will be a quick layover in D.C. I won't be able to give President Bush the petition quite yet. I'm going to work on getting as many signatures as possible.
I trust all things will fall into place, and I will meet people on this part of the journey who will touch my life. I'm missing my family very much, and I would like to thank all the people in my life who are helping to make this walk possible, from the person who pulls over their car to hand me a cold drink, to the very very wonderful people who love and are helping my family. I'll let you all know of my week as it goes along.
Peace to you all.
KimDAY 38, Sat., MAY 18
Walking! Walking! Walking to OpelikaDAY 37, Fri., MAY 17
I'm in Auburn, Alabama.I've had a fantastic journey the past few days, lots of hard work, and lots of sweet people. I've hooked up with the Unitarian Church here and I've a place to stay this evening and tomorrow evening. That rocks! Last night I spent the night at the State Park, and met some great Rangers there, they were helpful.
I swam in the lake, and it had cool spots that felt good on my body, and cooled my feet. No one else was around, and I felt like it was my own personal nature spot at the moment. I felt refreshed. Let's just say it was fabulous that I could feel free to walk around my tent and not worry about being bothered. I'll send more info later.
Let me say again how much your words of encouragement keep me going when I feel so overwhelmed by the magnitude of this task.
Peace to you all.
Kim
DAY 36, Thurs., MAY 16: Hi everyone. Tthis is Cherie. I just got this email and I thought I would share it with you.
My name is Curtis A. Rayborn. I live in Tuskegee, Alabama. I just met Kim about 15 minutes ago traveling on U.S. Hwy 29 North headed toward Auburn, Alabama. I am a policeman by profession and I thought that as a friend of Kim's you would appreciate this information. She is doing well and in good spirits. Her determination and God's grace will ensure her safe journey to Washington, D.C. C.A.R.
Thanks Curtis. It's good to know where Kim is and that she is okay.
Love. CherieDAY 35, Wed., MAY 15: Walking! Walking! Walking!
DAY 35, Tues., MAY 14: It looks like I might have a way to contact Woody Harrelson. A friend was able to get me onto his web page forum, and the moderator said Woody might be interested, to keep in touch with them. I'm giving a short talk at the Unitarian Church this morning, wish me luck..
Peace & Love,, KimDAY 35, Mon., MAY 13: I visited Ms. Thomason's second grade class and talked about my peace walk. I had met Rhonda Thomason at the UU church. The children were very sweet and asked lots of questions about the walk. They all wanted to sign my petition. A little girl named Sarah gave me her special lucky pink ring which I am now wearing on my pinkie. After the talk, Joe took me to the shoe store and gifted me with a pair of shoes. My feet have swollen to twice their size from the heat so I needed a larger size. There are blisters all over my feet from the swelling. I could hardly walk yesterday. Hopefully the larger size will help in preventing the blisters from getting infected as my first blisters did. Started walking to Shorter today. Covered about 11 to 12 miles. The walk was a lot easier with my new shoes, and there were clouds in the sky so the sun was not at full strength. In the morning they will give me a ride to where I left off yesterday. It my be that I've made connections for places to stay at in Georgia.
DAY 34, Sun., MAY 12: Mother's Day, I gave a talk today at the Unitarian Universalist Church in Montgomery and picked up lots more signatures for my petition. Folks came up with some great ideas such as trying to meet President Jimmy Carter on my way through Georgia. I learned something very interesting today. The original Mothers Day was called "Mother's Peace Day". It is amazing how much of our history seems to get buried especially bits that are unpopular with the politicos.
After lunch with John and Windi, I walked through a large portion Montgomery. A photographer from the "Montgomery Advertiser" gave me a short tour of the capital, and the church where Martin Luther King preached. It was very moving. The picture he took appeared in the paper on Monday along with a brief story about my walk. Joe and Trisha opened their home to me where I enjoyed a lovely meal and good conversation.
Peace & Love, KimDAY 33, Sat., MAY 11: Had to do battle this morning to drag myself from the air-conditioning and back out onto the road. I was able to comfort myself with the knowledge that I had a place to stay in Montgomery. Walked from Hope Hull to Montgomery, then stayed with John, Windi and their son Mac. Windi won a place in my heart immediately by greeting me with a big bowl of ice cream. Later she fixed a wonderful rice and vegetable dinner for dinner and I knew I was in heaven. After enjoying several cups of herbal tea, John gave me a ride to Joe and Trisha's house so I could sleep in their extra bedroom. I felt truly blessed by the kindness which kept flowing and flowing for me.
DAY 32, Fri., MAY 10: When I finally left Greenville I was stopped by the police; then I missed getting hit by a car during a high-speed chase and being shot at by an angry homeowner. But one good thing did happen I met Alfred, his wife and their daughter who were on their way to choir practice. I spent an evening being serenaded by the fantastic choir of the New Hope Christian Church somewhere in the deep woods of Alabama. I slept in the grass in the back the church and in the morning the minister gave me a ride back to 31 North where I had met Alfred and his family the evening before.
Peace & Love, Kim
I was feeling rather grumpy when I woke up... no food, no coffee. I was miles from a town and I was in need of water. I was very thankful when someone finally stopped after I stood for more than an hour trying to catch a ride. A fantastic thing happened. The guy who stopped pulled his truck over, hopped out and came running over to me. He said "I never thought I'd see you again, remember me, I saw you in Bay St. Louis." This was too much of a coincidence, that's all I can say. Walking through Bay St. Louis, a man came running over to me. I was hot, tried, sticky and stinky. But he was so enthusiastic and happy that it was contagious and I started feeling better. I asked for him for directions, and he handed me some money and told me to get myself a cold drink. I never forgot that happy human who carried such a sense of joy with him and made me feel so welcome.
Well, here he was again, Samuel in the flesh. He gave me a ride to the nearest store. It was a gas station. I ordered the power breakfast of peace walking champions, a moon pie and an orange soda. I guzzled down the soda, wolfed down the pie and immediately became a much happier camper after that gourmet feast. Then we had to try quite a few gas stations before we could find bottled water for sale. It's so hot convenience stores can't keep it in stock.
Samuel dropped me off and I started walking to Hope Hull. When I arrived, Samuel, bless his kind heart, had found a place for me to stay and was waiting with a couple of ice cold beers and a fish sandwich. After food and drink a shower was the first thing on my agenda. I then sat down in a veerrry comfortable chair to soak up all the air conditioning I could. I felt my body begin to relax after it had been overheated for the past few days.
The next morning, after a fabulous night's sleep, Samuel brought over eggs, grits and toast for me. He touched my heart with his genuine kindness. It was incredible to meet him again.
Peace & Love, Kim
DAY 31, Thurs., MAY 9: Still in Greenville. I'll be leaving, but I'm semi-stalling because there really is no library until Montgomery. I'll be out of touch for the next few days. There's a lot of nothing inbetween here and Montgomery.
After doing a little e-mail at the Greenville library last night, I made my way to get some food from the Piggly Wiggly. As I was walking there, a guy named Tom, invited me to his church for their fried chicken dinner. I was grateful because I was really hungry, I hadn't eaten much during the day.
I spent the evening eating with these folks, and talking a little bit about my walk. I wished everybody well, and went on my way to find a place to set up my tent. They seemed concerned about me, and the pastor offered to call the police to put me up in a hotel. Apparently, that's the system, the churches donate to this fund, and the police dish it out. I thanked them, and replied, I had my tent, I could find a place to stay. After reading about Mother Teresa and her work with the truly poor I felt alright about spending a night in the woods again. I set up my tent in a woods not far from the library.
When I ate breakfast in a local cafe this morning they told me there's a lot of murders in this town, at least one a week. In fact some guy had just been found murdered in his home. I felt sad about it. They asked me if I was afraid, and I told them, "There's nothing I can do to stop it if I'm meant to be killed. You are not even safe in your own home."
I want you all to know I feel a complete sense of protection surrounding me right now. I feel I was meant to do this, and I mean to complete the task, blisters, stink, and all.
I was interviewed by the Greenville Advocate this morning. Now I'm at the library stalling again. I've got another huge stretch of road between me and Montgomery without much in between. I'm leaving it open for things to fall into place for me.
Alright, I've got to pass on a couple of great ideas I read from a book that Diane of the Evergreen Vortex lent me. It's worth the weight to carry this book. It's called, "When Things Fall Apart," by Pema Chodron. I want to pass on two passages that struck me:
"Things falling apart is a kind of testing and also a kind of healing. We think that the point is to pass the test or to overcome the problem, but the truth is that things don't really get solved. They come together and they fall apart. Then they come together again and fall apart again. It's just like that. The healing comes from letting there be room for all of this to happen: room for grief, for relief, for misery, for joy."
Since I'm so much in an inbetween state of my life right now, this other passage felt important:
"Life is a good teacher and a good friend. Things are always in transition, if we could only realize it. Nothing ever sums itself up in the way that we like to dream about. The off-center, in-between state is an ideal situation, a situation in which we don't get caught and we can open our hearts and minds beyond limit. It's a very tender, nonaggressive, open-ended state of affairs."
So, those are my long words for today. I've got one more huge idea to pass on to everyone. I've been thinking, and can't shake this idea out of my head, I'd love to have Woody "the stoner" Harrelson walk with me for a day or two. I hear he's a big peace activist. It would be so cool to have him come and be with me for a bit of the walk. I think it would help get the word out that there are those of us who think non-violent actions can rank up there for solutions for our world right now.
Anyone know how to get a hold of Woody? Please pass it onto him some how, some way that I'm wanting him to meet up with me.
Thanks for your love & support, y'all. Can't do it without you. Much peace. I'll be in touch in a few days.
Love, Kim
DAY 30, Wed., MAY 8: I have to thank all of you who have been signing my guest book list, when I am feeling teary eyed reading the list lifts my spirits. It's truly amazing. I'm so glad you're out there sharing the journey. Kiss kiss love love for your words.
I spent the night with my new friends Jean & Diane. They were very kind and caring and I needed the rest. I think I was feeling a bit sun sick. The sun has been with me full force since I left New Orleans. No cloud coverage, 90 to near 100 degrees every step of the way... it's been intense. Last night I slept so hard I didn't move or hear a thing.
Diane and Jean shared with me two books of quotes one by Mother Teresa and the other from Tich Nhat Hahn. It was delicious to be able to read these wise words.
Here's two quotes from Mother Teresa:
"War is the killing of human beings, who could even think that could be 'just?'"
"Peace begins with a smile."
These are Tich Nhat Hahn's words:
"Conscious breathing is the most basic Buddhist practice for touching peace. I would like to offer you this short exercise:
Breathing in, I calm my body.
Breathing out, I smile.
Dwelling in the present moment,
I know this is a wonderful moment."
"Touching each part of our body in mindfulness, we make peace with our body, and we can do the same with our feelings."
While I sat on Diane's porch I really felt present in my body after reading Tich's book. Being mindful of the present moment I watched with fascination as a million ants made a giant line to a potato chip and were chomping away. It was part of the same potato chip I had given to Isis the cat the evening before. I enjoyed that moment.
After talking it over with Diane and Jean I've decided to put a sign on my backpack so people know what I'm doing. Diane lettered the sign drew a dove on it. The sign reads: "WALK FOR PEACE".
On their urging that I needed the rest, I took the offer of a ride for the 10 miles to Georgiana. Making the decision as to whether I had to physically walk each step of the way was difficult. But I do have a deadline for completing this journey, I did take the day off and pushing myself beyond my physical capabilities would serve no purpose. I made peace with myself as we drove the miles that would have taken me a day or two to walk. It gives a completely different perspective of the world to walk miles that would normally take ten minutes to drive. There wasn't very much along the road and it would have been an extremely difficult walk. I was at peace with myself.
Today I'm in Greenville. I walked from Georgiana to the turn off for Greenville. I got a ride into Greenville, which is four miles off of my route. I'll spend the night here, and tomorrow make my way towards Montgomery. I'm hoping to make it to Sandy Ridge which means another long stretch without much between.
One of the things that makes this trip so wonderful are the people I meet. Between Georgiana and Greenville, a guy named Henry stopped to talk to me about what I was doing. He told me he was a World War II vet, with two pieces of shrapnel in his head, one from a Japanese sniper, the other from friendly fire. He disagreed with what's happening now. He supports my work and feels that the government hasn't done enough for the peace movement in the past or present. He signed my petition.
I think he stopped because of my sign. Thanks Diane & Jean, you were right!
Thanks to all you lovelies who have uplifted my spirit with your kindness and caring words.
May your suffering end, and you find peace.
Love, KimDAY 29, Tues., MAY 7: 10 AM: Still in Evergreen, Alabama, getting ready to leave soon to make my way towards McKenzie. This is not going to be fun. There's nothing at all in between here and Greenville but a service station in McKenzie. I think I'm stalling a little. It's bloody hot out there. The sun is intense already and it's only 9:30 in the morning.
It dawned on me last night, I woke up, with the idea that I need to e-mail churches the web page link before I get to them. I have a list churches on my route. Maybe if they see what I'm actually doing and I give them fair warning they'll be more open to receiving me.
There's no library until Greenville, so hopefully tomorrow, or Thursday morning, I'll be able to be in touch again.
Hugs & kisses, Kim
Update! Update! Update!: 2 PM: I am still in Evergreen but I am sitting in the home of two wonderful women, Diane and Jean. They asked if I was the peace walker when they saw my backpack in the library. They whisked me away to their comfortable home and fed me wonderful food. I look forward to a long cool shower and a good nights sleep in a comfortable bed. It appears my lamentations where heard.DAY 29, Mon., MAY 6: I'm in Evergreen, Alabama. It's been a difficult walk and hard weekend.
Today, Monday, I walked from Castleberry to Evergreen, Alabama, about 12 miles. I'm in the library right now. I'm hot, and stinky, and stinky. I'm really wondering what the hell I'm doing. I woke up angry and worried about how I'm going to take care of my family. I was really hoping that I would have found some sponser by now, or at least be invited to give talks at churches on a donation basis.
Something is not right here. Just think of all the athletes who make more then they need just because they can (pick one) a) throw, b) hit, c) roll, d) kick a ball. It's a screwed up world we live in, and I just keep plugging away, trying to make a difference. I'm going to walk away the anger I guess. I'm looking forward to Montgomery where I have been offered a place to stay. I plan to spend at least two hours in a tub of hot water. Ah, bliss!!!
My mom is supposed to be moving to Pensacola Flordia soon, I might have to interrupt my walk, help her move and then start again where I left off. I'm checking with my family regularly. I'm sure I'll know soon.
Tomorrow, Tuesday, I plan on making my way to Mackenzie, there's a lot of miles between here and there, I'm really going to have to depend on the Universe to take care of me this part of the journey. Letting Go.
Peace & Love, KimDAY 28, Sun., MAY 5: I walked to Castleberry, Alabama. These stretched of the journey are hardgoing. There's only woods in between so I've got to carry a lot of water. I camped in the woods outside of Castleberry near a gas station to sleep but spent most of the night worrying about my mom and my family. I guess she's leaving the hospital today.
DAY 27, Sat., MAY 4: On Saturday, I walked to Brewton, Alabama. When I checked my e-mail, I found out my mom was in the hospital. I stressed out about that. I called everyone. My brother told me everything was alright to keep walking. Apparently, she's got some blood problems. She was getting blood clots and her lung collapsed.
It was a very hard day for me. I had been walking and crying before even I found out about my mom. I'm getting ignored. People don't seem to want to hear one word about the walk and the art project. I've not had a shower for a week, and churches were blowing me off.
After hearing about my mom, I walked five miles to the Mount Zion Baptist Church. No one was there. I decided to sit down and figure out what to do, when a couple, Marie and Pat, drove up and asked if I needed help. I asked if I could take a shower. They invited me over, and I was able to shower, what a relief, they fixed me a lovely meal, and I slept in their spare bedroom. I felt so much better.DAY 26, Fri., MAY 3: I'm on my way to Brewton. Yesterday I walked from Canoe to Flomaton and I was interviewed for the local newspaper, the Tri-City Ledger.
With all the walking and the heat and the lack of a place to shower I am rather rank. I was looking for a laundromat to wash my smelly cloths when a gentleman named "Highway" offered to help me because he had "been there himself". Highway has ridden trains for last 20 years. He took me to the local laundromat and it was closed so he drove me across town to another that luckily was open. He was a very nice man.
Later as I was walking a woman from Bay Minette who had seen me on TV stopped to tell me that I needed to go to the Happy Valley Church Revival. So I got into the car with her and away we went. The members of this little church prayed over me and wished me well but no one offered me a meal or a place to stay. Which has been my experience all along the way.
I got into Flomaton late and decided to camp in a pretty area I had seen earlier. As usual I was so tired that I just spread out my bag on the ground and went to sleep. Soon after I was awakened by a swarm of mosquitoes. I tried getting away from them my wrapping a cloth around my face but they were very persistent. Since my tent pole was broken all I could do was to crawl into the flattened tent and zip it up as best I could. When I woke in the morning I was covered in ants!
But I want to tell you that even with all of these trials and tribulations I woke up with the most intense feeling of well being and the a very clear message to give to all of you. "Please make a friend of someone you would not normally befriend, maybe someone of a different religion, color, or nationality or someone who needs your help." Peace.
DAY 25, Thurs., MAY 2: Lately I've been feeling a little panicky because I gave up my job to take on this journey. Life at home still goes on. I found out that my old reliable car has broken down, needs repairs and so on and so on. I don't want to have to go back because of concerns such as these. I've been debating whether or not to talk about this situation on the web page. Well I've decided that people need to know that I'm doing this as a Buddhist walking meditation with begging bowl in hand, no job, no sponsors. I want people to know that I'm carrying my bowl, that if they feel moved to provide a meal, a space for me to sleep for a night or a shower this would be a great help, as would providing a meal for my family.
Thanks you for your words of encouragement through the guestbook. I'm on my way.DAY 24, Wed., MAY 1: I walk. I have walked. I will walk. Today I walked from Perdido to Atmore and I'm off to Canoe soon. Flomaton has the next Public Library so, that'll be my next connection with y'all. It was a really extremely hot walk yesterday. So, I gave myself a little treat last night, cheese curls, crunch and munch popcorn.
Duct tape is such a handy item. Not only is it good for my blistered but last night when my tent pole broke I was able to mend it. I was mad about it breaking and thought, I?ve got to go home, but I waited for the moment to pass.
I had lunch today at The Happy Palace Chinese restaurant in Atmore. The waitress came over and told me that a woman who just left had paid for my lunch. Apparently she had seen me on TV. How awesome is that! The waitress was so enthralled with my stinky old me that she brought me some Chinese medicine for my aching feet.DAY 23, Tues., APRIL 30: I miss my friends and family so much. It's hard not being able to talk to people I know as I walk. I miss that a lot. I've been told there is an Indian Reservation in Atmore, I hope to meet some folks that way.
Here's the latest: I'm in Bay Minette, Alabama, I'm working my way towards Atmore, but I probably will be arriving late tomorrow. It's 19 miles from here, and there's, I hear, and not a lot in between.
I ended up sleeping between two trees near a lawyers office last night. It was close to the library. I wanted to be able to do e-mail this morning. I was so tired, I slept like Peace Pilgrim, just threw my rain poncho on the ground, and crashed on top of it in my clothes.
The red streaks that were radiating from the infected blister are gone and it appears to be healing even with all the walking.
Yesterday, I was interviewed for the local paper, the Baldwin Times. It published weekly on Thursdays. Byron, the reporter, is sending me a copy. I bet I looked pretty whipped for the photo, I'd been walking all day, and it was extremely hot
I met a woman here who became rather upset because she had never heard of Peace Pilgrim. Later she treated me to a very good dinner at the Sweets Diner. Hope you're all well.
DAY 22, Mon., APRIL 29: My feet are better today. I am walking from Stapleton to Bay Minette, Alabama. Stapleton as far as I know consists of a post office and a guitar shop. Although the guitar shop is not open on Mondays I had the good fortune of finding Jim and James in and they greeted me with songs and good cheer. It's always wonderful to have an enthusiast welcome. They want to write a song for me.
DAY 21, Sun., APRIL 28: I didn't walk today. I have a blister that's give me a lot of trouble and I decided a day of rest would do it and me a world of good. And since there are no coincidences in life it seems I came all the way to Fairhope, Alabama to meet Lama Geshe-las, a Tibetian holy man. I attended his talk on peace. It was a wonderful day.
DAY 20, Sat., APRIL 27: Channel 5 in Mobile interviewed me again.
DAY 19, Fri., APRIL 26: I'm in Mobile, Alabama. Walked across the entire city today. I'm about to cross the bay to Spanish Fort. I had an intense morning. People were shutting the door in my face, Church people, no less. But had some good luck this afternoon. I stopped by a Massage School, and they offered a place to stay, a shower, and a massage to complete my evening. I think I've died and gone to heaven. It was such a complete turn around from this morning. I've been sleeping in the woods this entire week, and I'm long overdue for a shower.
DAY 18, Thurs., APRIL 25: There are a lot of places along the road where there is no shoulder to the road and I have to walk in the grass, mud and on other questionable surfaces.
DAY 17, Wed., APRIL 24: Walking! Walking! Walking!
DAY 16, Tues., APRIL 23: Walking! Walking! Walking!
DAY 15, Mon., APRIL 22: I am hoping to be in Mobile my Thursday. I am surburned from head to toe but in good spirits. A local television reporter interviewed me yesterday. It was all great but they said I was planning to get to Washington, DC in February? I really don't plan to take that long. Peace.
DAY 14, Sun., APRIL 21: Walking! Walking! Walking!
DAY 13, Sat., APRIL 20: Well, I knew it would be an adventure. One of the things that really didn't occur to me before I started this trek was how how malodorous a long distance walker becomes. I reek!
DAY 12, Fri., APRIL 19: Walking! Walking! Walking!
DAY 11, Thurs., APRIL 18: Walking! Walking! Walking!
DAY 10, Wed., APRIL 17: Walking! Walking! Walking!
DAY 9, Tues., APRIL 16: Walking! Walking! Walking!
DAY 8, Mon., APRIL 15: Walking! Walking! Walking!
DAY 7, Sun., APRIL 14: Walking! Walking! Walking!
DAY 6, Sat., APRIL 13: Walking! Walking! Walking!
DAY 5, Fri., APRIL 12: Walking! Walking! Walking!
DAY 4, Thurs., APRIL 11: Walking! Walking! Walking!
DAY 3, Wed., APRIL 10: Walking! Walking! Walking!
DAY 2, Tues., APRIL 9: Walking! Walking! Walking!
DAY 1, Mon., APRIL 8: Reminding myself that without the first step the journey never begins I took my first step. I put one foot down and then the other and by the end of the day I have covered many miles and raised some very painful blistered. It felt wonderful and scary to finally put my plans into motion. Peace.
