There’s an understandable mix—a collection of feelings: a burst of joy, a sigh of relief,a pang of regret, a whisper of trepidation. We go away, but then come to:A return journey or a fresh start—perhaps both. We may venture to a familiar place,but that doesn’t mean we’re traveling in reverse. The sands of time continue…
Dubai | 2023
We entered Dubai somewhat unconventionally by driving across the Al Hajar mountain range that separates Oman from the United Arab Emirates. The drive was long—16 of us in a 17-passenger van plus some of our luggage that didn’t fit in the trailer that we were pulling for six hours—and included an inconveniently-long delay in passport…
Book Review: The Artist’s Way
I am a bit shocked that I hadn’t yet written a review on The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron, for how profound of an impact it has had on my life this year. Perhaps that is why—it felt too personal or too close or like I was still in the thick of it, even though…
Oman | 2023
Before traveling to Oman, I knew little more than the country’s general location on the Arabian Peninsula, and the few travel blogs I found mostly focused on outdoor activities (visiting the famous wadis) and on proper attire. Definitely worth noting: Oman is a Muslim nation and women are expected to cover themselves from neck to…
Growing Pains
When moms don’t answer phones Somehow It adds insult to injury I’m an adult I don’t need to be parented I just Need my parent. She’s busy, Working, gardening, reading, sleeping. She’s an adult. Adults just have to do things. I just have to make decisions. On my own. But I don’t want to. I…
Book Review: We Came, We Saw, We Left
It is quite possible I was first drawn to “We Came, We Saw, We Life—A Family Gap Year” by Charles Wheelan, because of its striking yellow cover and very simple design. It gave “Little Miss Sunshine” vibes with a bright blue van driving off the edge of the book. Then I saw the tag: “Nine…
Away
If I never left I could not understand contentment. For being away is the only way to come home. Then when I stay and wait, the journey feels a gift. Without one, I can’t truly love the other, Travel: ‘tis a most ingenious paradox Cue the music. Book the trip. Go away. 8.12.22 | SDG
Book Review: A Country Doctor
I’m writing this book review on a coach bus en route from Prague to Heidelberg, Germany. It’s scheduled to be a six-hour trip so I have plenty of activities to keep myself entertained—although admittedly my favourite thing to do is probably just staring out the window in silence. However, I just finished reading A Country…
Ireland | 2023
For the second year in a row, my family was able to schedule an international vacation over the Christmas holiday. Fortunately, by December 2022, many of the travel restrictions and adjustments that we dealt with the previous year in traveling to Paris were lifted. Although traveling is always a gift to be treasured, it sure…
L.M.Beatty 