Slogans from long ago keep popping into my head these days, acting as random reminders, providing support for this crazy time. “Peace I ask of Thee Oh River, Peace, Peace Peace”, a one-liner from a camp song (and an anthem for the Girl Scouts) reminds us about quieting the mind amidst the chaos, seeing beauty, and … Read more
No hugging, cheek kissing or hand shaking allowed. Yes, our social skills are a little rusty. Yes, there’s an underlying feeling of uncertainty (less when people wear face masks). Yet even in a socially- distanced way, physically being in the same space with another offers relief. Nothing can replace physical presence. Now we … Read more
When purchasing our first house my mother-in-law advised prioritizing location over other considerations. Smart advice. Similarly, where we “land” emotionally is also about location. “Are we above or below the line?” asks Martin Seligman, author of Flourish (aka, father of Positivity). Understanding “mental location” translates to improved clarity for managing ourselves, especially in uncomfortable situations. … Read more
Who wouldn’t miss every morning strapping on a pack, lacing up the boots and heading out the door into fresh mountain air? Our recent sojourn lasted nine days on the Trail Mont Blanc, TMB, with the daily pursuit of trekking from point A to Point B, Chamonix, to Italy, Switzerland and circling back … Read more
There’s a condition that my family calls “Go-itis”. It means running from task to task, event to event, packing the schedule with little space for consciously experiencing the day. Sound familiar? Even if we enjoy the energy associated with productivity, we miss so much in between because our minds are focused on the outcome versus … Read more
Where To in 2019? This is a common question at the start of a New Year. It’s often easier to ask the question than answer, underlying our unease with fabricated resolutions. Luckily The World Is always Within Reach: we can refresh, rewrite, begin anew anytime. The World is Within Reach when we live as travelers.We have … Read more
A few weeks ago I found myself alone at 5:30 pm on a Friday at the beautiful sleek The Jacquard Hotel & Rooftop, recently opened in the Cherry Creek North shopping district in Denver. After a tour of the property I sat near the bar in Narrative, the hotel’s new restaurant. My laptop was deliberately … Read more
Handing out food and warm clothes and then enjoying dinner at a cozy restaurant, two different neighborhoods within a span of four hours, a breadth of experience endearing us to Denver and the people who live here. Both activities engendered care and comfort, kindness and friendliness, neighbors helping neighbors, Mr. Roger’s ethos in action: … Read more
Our heart subtly, quietly aches. Travel isn’t always fun. Sometimes we go away to be with a sick family member or attend a funeral. Other times, even when we’re heading out for a fun adventure, leaving loved ones behind can be surprisingly difficult. The drive to the airport feels poignant, the luggage a little heavier. … Read more
As feet hit the ground awareness starts to filter in. A sip of water, teeth brush and splash of water on your face. Birds are calling to one another. Light is gaining strength illuminating what’s in the room and,more importantly, the hope of a new day. The smell of coffee wafts from the machine activating … Read more