My Excellent Adventure Finding Brood X Cicadas in North Georgia

Posted on Jun 20, 2021

I set out Memorial Day Weekend on a road trip to find Brood X cicadas in North Georgia. Along the way, I visited friends and stayed in dog-friendly HipCamp sites.

Travel to Thailand: Hello Kitty-Themed Resort is a Big Pink Surprise

Posted on Apr 3, 2015

The most surprising thing I saw or did in Thailand? One of those things I did was visit the Kitty Resort, themed after Hello Kitty, in the Phu Ruea district of Loei.

That Time Former President Jimmy Carter Set Me Straight About Noah

Posted on Feb 16, 2015

Anxious for the Bible study lesson to begin, I sat in a pew fidgeting at Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains, Ga., sitting between a friend and a stranger. “Please remember, we’re here to worship God and not Jimmy Carter,” the pastor said.

Travel to the Dominican Republic: Whale Watching in Samaná Bay

Posted on Oct 12, 2014

There were about a dozen of us in an open-air boat, sitting in pairs, bobbing in silence on Samaná Bay with our eyes fixated on the horizon. I was craning my neck and holding my breath in anticipation to check off another experience from my bucket list, whale watching.

Travel to Virginia: Southern Charm and Hipster Vibe in Roanoke

Posted on Oct 1, 2014

Oh, Roanoke. What have you done to me? Months after my spring visit, your traditional Southern charm and hipster vibe are still in my heart.

Discovering More Secrets in My Hometown of Buffalo

Posted on Sep 23, 2014

Buffalo is one saucy vixen. When I fled so many years ago I had no idea how many secrets the Queen City held. It’s only decades later, now that I’m a seasoned adult, are her secrets revealed to me one layer at a time. During my December trip I discovered the Botanical Gardens and this past summer I was pleasantly surprised by discovering more treasures.

Travel to Virginia: Staunton is Cute as a Button

Posted on Jul 10, 2014

Travel to Ireland: Feeling Small at the Cliffs of Moher

Posted on May 9, 2014

Spend any amount of time in Ireland and you’ll discover the Irish are brilliant storytellers. Folklore and true tales have been passed through generations and if you have an open ear, hear these tales from your taxi driver, new pub mates, random folks on the street, and of course, your tour guide. I explored Southwest Ireland with Paddywagon Tours and discovered how they serve up a heaping bowl of fun storytelling to complement the Emerald Isle’s stunning scenery.

Travel to France: Walking in the Paths of Romans and Artists in Arles

Posted on Feb 2, 2014

Walking through the dark cryptoporticus of Arles, France, I couldn’t help think how cool this was, both literally and figuratively.

Paddling the Florida Keys with Burnham Guides

Posted on Jan 9, 2014

White caps dotted the Atlantic Ocean side of Marathon Key and I didn’t think my kayaking trip in the Florida Keys was going to happen but Burnham Guides and had a Plan B.

Visiting Ireland’s Fahan Beehive Huts with Paddywagon Tours

Posted on Dec 1, 2013

The Paddywagon Tours bus parked just off the Slea Head Road (R 559) in the Dingle Peninsula. Gazing down the hillside through the fog I saw a pair of white sheep grazing in the green grass.

Meeting Tomorrow’s Masters While Visiting Marseille-Provence 2013 European Capital of Culture

Posted on Nov 11, 2013

This being my first visit to Marseille-Provence, I experienced a vibrant, modern city appreciating its history and artists of yesterday yet nurturing and fostering creativity of tomorrow’s masters.

Sunday Brunch at Marseille’s Place Lorette

Posted on Sep 29, 2013

Today reminds me of the scrumptious Sunday brunch at Marseille’s Place Lorette I enjoyed earlier this month. The Moroccan feast was light yet fulfilling, flavorful and unexpected.

Travel to France: Family Continues Tradition at the Marius Fabre Soap Factory

Posted on Sep 23, 2013

Ms. Julie Bousquet Fabre stood before me explaining how her great-grandfather started La Savonnerie Marius Fabre (Marius Fabre Soap Factory) in 1900. Today, her parents, sister and she carry on the tradition of manufacturing Marseille soap.

Marseille-Provence 2013 European Capital of Culture: Double Disc Hallowed Out by the Roofs

Posted on Sep 19, 2013

Cultural treasures were everywhere I looked during my trip to Marseille-Provence, France. Ranging from classical to contemporary, these pieces further solidifying why its the 2013 European Capital of Culture. One of those gems is an installation in Salon-de-Provence called “Double Disc Hallowed Out by the Roofs” by Swiss-born artist Felice Varini. If you want to see it, book your travel now because it will be on display until Dec. 1, 2013.