1. Have you ever been on a pilgrimage? (however you choose to define the term) Share a bit about it. If not, what's your reaction to the idea of pilgrimag
That means a deliberate thing, or place for a certain purpose. I go on all sorts of this type of pilgrimage, but they are regular things and not trips so much...so to me the most important is the deliberate pilgrimage of living my life. What feeds that journey becomes a pilgrimage too....if I let it.

2. Share a place you've always wanted to visit on pilgrimage.
I never thought of a place, since I cannot afford to travel, but next week, I will be at a Vacation Conference where I will have the chance to learn, grow, and become more of who I am meant to be in God's world. We will also be having fun! It's a family affair as well. I will get to meet some folks I never met personally, but have 'worked' with via email from Church Headquarters. I have been wanting to go somewhere to rest, yet grow in my spiritual journey. I need to be fed, I need this time of Sabbath too.
>> So, this really IS a Pilgrimage...WoW!

3. What would you make sure to pack in your suitcase or backpack to make the pilgrimage more meaningful? Or does "stuff" just distract from the experience?
I would take pens, paper, camera, and mostly an open heart, mind, and spirit. I hope to walk the trails on Campus. Being ready for anything the spirit opens up. There will be singing, the spirituality of writing, breaking bread with others at meals, and much more.

4. If you could make a pilgrimage with someone (living, dead or fictional) as your guide, who would it be? (I'm about thisclose to saying "Besides Jesus." Yes, we all know he was indispensable to those chaps heading to Emmaus, but it's too easy an answer)
I figure the spirit is already walking with me, but a person...Hmmmm! Jean Vanier! However, I would want him as guide, but also as a partner in my growing. To understand where I am and need to be heading. To not always be walking ahead, but beside me too, maybe if I need a wee nudge.. to do so. But also, to allow me to make my own mistakes, and not say...'I told you so.' Perhaps I'm expecting God to show up in this person, of Jean Vanier. (I have no doubt He would be with us both. I mean God walks with us all the time, right?!!?)

5. Eventually the pilgrim must return home, but can you suggest any strategies for keeping that deep "mountaintop" perspective in the midst of everyday life? (don't mind me, I'll be over here taking notes)
>Snapshots! They can be taken in real photos; but also in notes; sketches; intentional snapshots in your spirit; intentional memory snapshots.

>Keeping attitudes and things both re-learned, and new learnings alive in looking for ways to use them in your daily living.

~~~~> One thing not to do... is force them on others. If they are lived out, no words are necessary! It will be seen. How does one speak of spiritual 'Mountain Top' experiences? If you glow, it will show...and those whose spirits are hungry for learning...will ask!