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Johnna Studebaker
It was early one morning in June of 1998 in a small village in northern Spain. Just how could this be, I asked, as I peered over the covers. My left leg, bruised and swollen, was propped up on a pillow. I reached desperately for the Gideon Bible in the drawer by the bed and flipped to the Book of James. After all, shouldn't I find answers from the Great Apostle himself--he who has inspired so many pilgrims through the ages on the Camino. Answers came, but only much later.
I have since been back to walk the Frances Route through Spain and the Le Puy Route in France, with my sister Marcia. We also walked the Vezelay Route as far as Nevers, but were then halted in our tracks and unable to return until the pandemic waned in 2022. By that September, I returned to the Vezelay Route and completed it seule.
Yes, alone. The Camino always calls!
The author began her career as a mental health counselor after receiving a BA from East Carolina University and a MSW in social work from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She flew for a major airline as a flight attendant for eight years. She retired from the practice of children's law January 1, 2022 and now lives in Toulon, France. She studied oil painting with Lyndall Bass and others. The Camino has called her to it's mysteries for many years--to walk its quiet rhythms once more...a cooling balm to the body, soul, and spirit in a frenetic world. The Arles Route awaits.
Her twin sister, Marcia Pyner, M.F.A. is a retired corporate flight attendant and accomplished fine artist living near Charlotte, North Carolina. Formally trained, she received a bachelor of fine art degree from East Carolina University and a master of fine art degree from The University of Illinois in Chicago. Visit her website at
Chateau Orquevaux Artists Residency
Johnna and Marcia were awarded a two-week artist residency in France in the spring of 2023 at the beautiful Chateau d'Orquevaux. They both were inspired by the beauty of the chateau, it's art and tapestries, and its gorgeous pastoral setting.. They made good friends, created visual art, danced and laughed and cried together. And did we mention the French cuisine, tres magnifique !
