Sunshine Ahead
It rained 10 out of the 15 days I was in Europe. Talk about a wet blanket. I came prepared. The weather forecast had told me in advance what to expect. Still, the reality was disappointing. Sometimes no matter how well we plan, no matter how prepared we think we are, life disappoints. It rains on our well-planned and expensive parades. Unfortunately, none of us can control the weather. Neither can we control torrential downpours of life issues. However, we can prepare. I already told you that I was physically prepared for the possibility of rain. I’d packed a raincoat, an umbrella, and appropriate footwear. But, the truth is I…
Dreaming Vs. Planning
Have you ever met a person who is a dreamer? They can envision a certain idea, concept, event, future that is absolutely INCREDIBLE! Most dreamers are able to convey their dream to others in ways that spark excitement and passion in the hearer. I love dreamers! They are essential to any team or organization. However, dreamers are not necessarily doers. In fact, planning and execution are generally not strong characteristics for most dreamers (in my experience). Of course, this frustrates us planners. I mean REALLY frustrates us (I mean me). I consider myself a visionary. My imagination is vivid and I can envision a project, event, sermon, trip, and idea…
My First Solo Travel Adventure
Unexpected changes. Sickness. Cancellations. Two years ago, all of this led to the daunting realization that I would be alone in Niagara Falls to celebrate my birthday. As my birthday approaches once again, I pause to reflect on this life-changing event. I didn’t want to go by myself. Up until this time, traveling had always been a group adventure. I’d traveled with tour groups and I’d traveled with girlfriends. However, I’d NEVER traveled (apart from holidays to see family and work) by myself. One word changed all of this: NON-REFUNDABLE. Once I discovered that I couldn’t get my money back without a significant penalty, I determined in my heart to…
My Next Adventure
I’m sunning on the beach in beautiful Punta Cana! Just checking in with you to say I hope you are enjoying life as much as I am. Take a moment and soak up the sun wherever you are today. I look forward to sharing my travel adventures in the Dominican Republic with you soon! SHALOM!
Global Learning
There is so much to see, do and learn in this vast world. Don’t confine yourself to your little corner. Get out there and explore! I promise you won’t regret it. In fact, you might meet discover that travel changes how you see yourself. I’m off to the Dominican Republic. See you soon friends!
Monday Musings: Your Choice
I often refer to my trip to Italy as the catalyst for my wanderlust. However, as I was going through pictures, I discovered that it was actually my 35th birthday cruise that ignited a fire within me for travel. In Nassau, I was surrounded by brown faces in a brown nation that was foreign to me. It was then that I decided to dive deep into exploring cultures different from my own. I decided to become a student of life. In a way, every week is a fresh opportunity to grow, change, adapt, and discover. It is your choice whether you seize the opportunity or remain the same. Welcome to…
Things to do in Las Vegas (that don’t involve gambling and partying)
I’ve always wanted to go to Vegas, just to see what all the hype was about. It certainly lived up to its reputation. Everything is EXCESSIVE in Vegas! I left with a headache and a need to retreat from all of the stimuli (fellow introverts can relate). But, I had a blast! Below are a few highlights from my trip. Attractions/Must-Sees I know this will be weird to some, but my dad was a HUGE mafia movie fanatic. I’ve watched every mob movie that exists at least three times each. So, when I saw the Mob Museum I knew I had to go. I found a great price on Groupon…
No Regrets
Explore. Dream. Discover. Live life to the fullest. All great ACTION words. However, we don’t think of “regret” as an action word, do we? Regret is a feeling or emotion. Regret is the result of an action not taken, a road not traveled, a conversation not had. It is a reminder of when fear got the best of us and we backed off instead of pushing forward. Regret is always connected to a past event. Aww . . . this is where the hope comes in. I don’t regret something that has not happened yet. Today, I have a fresh start. A brand new opportunity to Explore; to Dream; to…
Uncommon Things to do in Atlanta, GA
The second stop on my year of travel adventures was Atlanta, GA. I have fond memories of Atlanta. At one point, I even considered moving there. It seemed like a number of my friends and family were relocating and the appeal of living in a thriving urban city was calling me. However, God had other plans and I ended up moving to New England. Having been to most of the “tourist” spots before, this trip was more about finding quiet, quaint places that inspired me to write. So, if you are looking for the usual top things to do you won’t find them here. Uncommon Places Blume Organics Boutique &…
Monday Musings: Travel
Stay tuned for top things to do posts for Atlanta, GA and Las Vegas, NV! Travel fun ahead!