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Meg Roland
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Former English professor at Marylhurst University for 16 years, then Concordia University. I taught writing, medieval literature, humanities, maps and literature, and history of the book. After five years as a Dean of arts and humanities at Linn-Benton Community College, I am now a writer and an instructor at Willamette University – Pacific Northwest College of Art.
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Recent Posts
- The DIY Italy Prize! July 28, 2026
- Signs along the way: Via Francigena July 24, 2026
- To Lift the Spirit: Churches and Flowers of Latera July 14, 2026
- In an Italian newspaper (Lazio Courier, June 25, 2026): “USA Writer Captivated by Small Village” July 2, 2026
- Latera and Art: Transforming a 12th century village into a contemporary open-air art museum June 26, 2026
Author Archives: M. Roland
Via Francigena, Day 3: Sutri to Campagnano di Roma Officially 28-31 km, but we walked about 18km (11 mi)
May 11, 2026 (Monday). Hubris. We woke from a night’s rest after our long, rainy walk yesterday stiff and achey. We both exercise daily, but we did little or nothing to prepare for this walk. And this morning–we feel it. … Continue reading
Via Francigena, Day 2: Vetralla to Sutri, 24 km + an additional and unplanned 6 additional km (18 miles)
May 10, 2026 (Sunday) Intention Before we began our Via Francigena pilgrimage, we reflected on our intentions and aspirations. Rome, as the Catholic center of the world, does not hold a religious force for either of us. I grew up … Continue reading
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Tagged King Arthur, Le Mort e Darthur, Malory, Roman War, roman-britain, Sutri, Thich Nhat Hanh, Vetralla, Via Francigena
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Via Francigena – Day 1: Viterbo to Vetralla, 23 km (14.5 miles)
May 9, 2026 (Saturday). We leave Viterbo under sunny skies and with high spirits! We start on the Viccolo dei Pelligrini, the traditional route out of Viterbo to Rome, and are outside the city walls in just a short time. … Continue reading
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Tagged Le Morte Darthur, passionate geography, Thomas Malory, Via Francigena
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Pre-walk: a day to get our bearings in Viterbo
The presence and imagery of pilgrims, “pelligrini” in Italian, along the towns of the Via Francigena is centuries old, as the reproductions of medieval pilgrims, above, represent. Viterbo has a sizable medieval quarter, an astonishing and beguiling portal to another … Continue reading
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Tagged Le Morte Darthur, passionate geography, Roman War, Thomas Malory, Via Francigena
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Walking the Via Francigena! An interlude
Friends–I’m interrupting this narrative journey to walk a part of the Via Francigena, from the amazing medieval city of Viterbo (the largest intact medieval quarter in Italy) to Rome! When done, I’ll post a daily capture of the journey.
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Tagged Le Morte Darthur, passionate geography, Roman War, Thomas Malory, Via Francigena
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Towards Sandewyche . . .
[Reader, if you are just joining this journey, click on the “About” tab for context. The chronological posts begin in January 2026.] Ryght so [Arthur] sought, and his knyghtes, towarde Sandewyche where he founde before hym many galyard [sturdy] knyghtes—for there … Continue reading
Go by Watlynge Strete
[Reader, if you are just joining this journey, click on the “About” tab for context. The chronological posts begin in January 2026.] Canterbury is in the general direction of Sandwich, and I couldn’t resist the minor detour. As a professor … Continue reading
Passe unto Sandwyche
[Reader, if you are just joining this journey, click on the “About” tab for context. The chronological posts begin in January 2026.] Meanwhile . . . while Arthur was in York taking counsel, the Roman ambassadors were hustling out of … Continue reading
Yorke II: “Constantine our kinsman”
[Reader, if you are just joining this journey, click on the “About” tab above for context. The chronological posts begin in January 2026.] ~ ~ ~ Constantine our kinsman conquered [Rome], and dame Helena’s son of England was Emperour of … Continue reading
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Tagged Constantine, King Arthur, Le Morte Darthur, Roman War episode, roman-britain, Thomas Malory, travel memoir, Via Francigena, york
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A parlement at Yorke, within the wallys [walls]
Once the parliament in York is gathered, Arthur speaks to his noble followers: “I purpose me to passe many perelles [perilous] ways and to ocupye the empyre [empire] that myne elders afore have claymed. There I pray you, counseyle me that … Continue reading