What I Wish I Knew Before I Retired
Inspired by the many Thanksgiving posts out there, I decided to make my own A - Z Gratitude List (of sorts). To do this, I went through my recent camera roll. Here's what I found: Books & Book Clubs Family Grandchildren Holiday Celebrations Mahjong Retirement Four years and four months ago, I took a leap… Continue reading Gratitude and My Camera Roll
Last Thursday, I woke up in a hurry. I wanted to get to my walking group and I had things to do. Important things. If you asked me now, I could not begin to tell you what those important things were. Still, I was in a rush but somehow kept finding urgent things that required… Continue reading Do You Truly Know Who is in the Car Ahead of You?
Earlier last month, I mentioned a five-week travel writing course that I had enrolled in through Vancouver Island University. A few commenters asked me to share key takeaways. Here's what resonated. 1. Sharpen Your Hook Think: Title, opening sentence and accompanying photos. A great hook captures your readers’ attention, draws them into your story and… Continue reading Write Drunk, Edit Sober: What I Learned in My Travel Writing Course
I admit it. I've been jealous of the relationship that some people have with their cookbooks. I sense you grinning here, but it's true. Jamie Oliver, Nigella Lawson, The Best of Bridge...they've all seemed to have chosen their prom dates, while I've sat on the sidelines longing. And that scene in Julia & Julia, where… Continue reading How Not to Die
Holland Creek Trail, in Ladysmith, BC, has been on my bucket list for quite some time. Today I finally hiked its 6.6 km loop. It did not disappoint. The trail is rated as 'moderate.' More accurately, it provides something for everyone. The north side of the creek offers relatively easy walking sections. The south… Continue reading Walktober — Holland Creek Trail
Last night, Richard and I attended Salish Sea Culinary Adventures. Through this program, culinary/hospitality students prepare and serve full-course, locally sourced meals. The Salish Sea encompasses Puget Sound, the San Juan Islands and the waters off of Vancouver, BC. Thus, these meals focus on local ingredients from both land and ocean. Yesterday was a… Continue reading Salish Sea Culinary Adventures
For my husband's birthday, I was thinking Elton John tickets. He suggested an excursion to watch a Mariners game. I was sure that I was in for the equivalent of watching paint dry. As the weekend progressed, I realized that baseball is the secondary sport for most ballgame viewers. The primary sport is eating and… Continue reading Eating Our Way To, Through and From a Seattle Mariners Game
I was delighted to be interviewed at Loving the Fifty Something for the 'Incredible Over 50' Series.' (In my case, that's well over 50!) This series focuses on embracing every chapter of our lives with a view toward positivity, relationships, fitness, and giving back. I would be delighted if you would drop by, have a read...and linger… Continue reading My Interview at ‘Loving the Fifty Something’
Have you ever thought about reaching out to someone...but then hesitated....and the moment was lost? If this incredible blogger had not reached out to say that her cruise ship would have a four-hour stop-over a short distance from my home... And if this engaging (and very observant) blogger had not asked if she could join… Continue reading The Importance of Reaching Out
Thank you all for your creative and thoughtful feedback to my post last week. As promised, I submitted each of your comments with my assignment. The instructor, and fellow writers, were very impressed by your thought-provoking words. Without further ado, here is what I submitted in answer to the question posed. The Travel Genie Grants… Continue reading Your Travel Wishes – Follow Up
Retirement Reflections 