A Poem About a Connection Gone Cold
There are many ways to stretch your travel dollars and still be able to enjoy some amazing experiences. Here are some tips to help you travel within a reasonable budget.
Memories of a September Visit Inspired this Poem
A poem about the heartbreak of not being able to break down walls to move a connection forward, and to refocus attention on healing.
A Poem of a Mindful Experience by the Light of an Amazing Moon
I adore snowmen and have seen so many this season. The holiday decor cuteness can lift the spirit in a small way.
Rising food costs impact grocery bills significantly, but some simple strategies will benefit your bottom line.
Kincardine, Ontario, is a beach town on the shores of Lake Huron. The weather, sounds of the pipers, and gorgeous sunset by the lighthouse have made it one of my favorite local getaways.
The unpredictability of the weather patterns in March (in Southern Ontario) can have quite an effect on our mood. We patiently wait for Spring. As it draws to a close, the month of March inspired this poem.
Providing excellent customer service is not always easy, but it should be a top priority for employees, managers, and business owners. Customer service reminders are often helpful. Here are several simple tips to improve your customer service skills, leading to a better work experience.
A beautiful serene walk on a cold but bright winter day inspired this poem. The day was warmed up by sun, beautiful scenery, movement, and still moments to take in nature.
A recent visit to this quiet island on the Northern coast of Cuba inspired the senses, and brought me back to unspoiled nature and magical moments and views. A selection of the scenes that moved me are highlighted in this poem.
It is getting more challenging to eat well on a budget. Here are some useful tips for stretching your grocery dollars and still enjoying good quality meals !
From taking a walking tour with a local to grabbing a fresh granita while strolling through the Lido, here are seven fun ways to spend a day or two in Venice.
Mid Spring is a beautiful time that delights the senses with it's sights and sounds, as nature blooms and mild temperatures beckon us to stroll and rediscover our familiar paths. Here is a short poem that helps capture the random spring scenes on a recent walk near the marsh.
I made a current revision today of this poem that I wrote a couple of years ago. When seasons evolve, I think it's hopeful to honor the power of unique memories in the moments we held in our hearts while still moving on.
This poem is about an everyday object and bringing it to life. The simple enjoyment of a daily ritual like drinking coffee in a mindful and more curious way.
Early in the New Year, we enjoyed a beautiful snowfall in Southern Ontario. The evergreen trees looked especially fine and inspired this poem, and a leisurely walk on a crisp but not too cold perfect January day.
Whether it's been a great year or a crummy one, many of us experience more stress than usual around the holidays, so I wanted to share some easy ways we can lift our moods. Stress relief isn't "one size fits all," but sometimes, small things can boost our spirit and help us feel better.
This poem was inspired by an often travelled drive that I experienced with a fresh view on a recent late afternoon. A village detour added to the moment of reflection and appreciation for history and nature.
Took advantage of the mild weather for a long walk and some contemplation about a classic song about an event long ago that occurred November 10th. The mood was melancholy and comforting at the same time.
The local Autumn colors are in their glory in mid October, even nearby on a suburban trail. I took a detour from my typical walk in the same neighborhood and the leaves were a bit brighter, and the pathway inspired a new energy.
As the very last days of official summer come to close this weekend, I have enjoyed walks along this path where the wildflowers are blooming with beauty. It has been a simple source of comfort and warmth
I wrote this on my balcony yesterday as I was moved and enchanted by the dark clouds contrasting with the light. The hint in the change of seasons can spark our senses and imagination.
I took this photo in Seville, Spain. This is the lovely courtyard at Palacio de Las Dunas. There is a charm and enchantment to the location and I imagined a romantic meeting, a time long ago on an August night, inspiring this poem.
The imagination took over a little as the beautiful sunset view and cloud pattern created a slight resemblance to an ocean wave. So i wrote a little poem about it.
I have wonderful food and drink memories from a variety of Italian cities during a Wonders of Italy tour last year. Here is a small sampling of simple pleasures for the palate. Whether enjoyed in Italy or at home, buon appetito e salute!
As summer has officially kicked off, I wanted to share some ways to enjoy the season. We can appreciate nature and get out for easy, low-cost experiences. These simple pleasures can help us build memories and appreciate the simple but beautiful summer vibes wherever you may live.
Inspired by a simple stroll, this poem reflects appreciating nature, finding the beauty in a simple everyday spring view, and throwing in a moment of imagination and whimsy.
On a recent walk the sight of the robin I passed by in a small field along my trail felt comforting and offered a glimpse of simple beauty that surrounds us on these beautiful days in May. I didn't have my phone, but this photo can be imagined with the robin resting among the flowers.
During a three city, one week trip to the amazing Andalusia region of Southern Spain in January, I was charmed by the aura and charm of Cordoba, a compact history rich city easy to explore as a day trip or overnight stay. It brings back wonderful memories that I am glad I can share.
Dancing in any form is good for the soul, and titles with dance themes get us in the mood to hum along, dance along, or just enjoy the melody. This eclectic mix features energetic and (a couple of) mellow tracks from today and heading way back to the 70s
This poem is a combination of some real experiences I've had, along with just a brief insight of a story of two fictional characters that connect. It melds both depth and diversion, and gives worth to these forgotten moments that deserve a special place in our memories
As we continue to go through social distancing, I took a walk a few days back that inspired some gratitude and hope.Even a short walk can be a good mood booster and bring some clarity and appreciation for the little things
As we begin Spring, normally a chance for renewal and excitement of having gotten past another Canadian winter season; this year with the current global fight against Covid 19, it is just so different, hard to imagine, and at times difficult - but there is light to be had.
With the world facing such a difficult time with the Covid-19 pandemic, I wrote a poem that combines the need for comfort, self care and staying strong, with the thoughtfulness, care and support we need to show others now more than ever.
This poem is just a glimpse of some feelings and thoughts about heartbreak, and rising above it . Also the idea that we never really know the ultimate truth, but we still need to process the feelings and work through it.
I spent a mere 24 hours in the excellent Southern California beach town of Encinitas (Spanish for ‘little oaks’) this winter. Here's how I spent that perfect day!
A tranquil winter walk on the beautiful Oceanside Pier in California with the sight of the ocean, the seagulls, the surfers and blue skies inspired this poem
Seville has a wonderful selection of attractions. It deserves several days of exploring the food, sights, and views, but if you only have a day, here's how to spend it. This was an enjoyable day and evening of both relaxation and action in sensational Seville.
So many songs can move us, they touch us deeply, with their sound, the vocal style, the lyrics. Here is a short list of songs from present day to back in the 80s that touch the heart and soul. The list includes both songs about heartbreak and songs about hope and love.
Lost my Mom two years ago this weekend.. it has brought some renewed pain and feelings. Though much time has passed, the moments became real again, and expressing them in a short poem helps honor the love and the bond that is eternal.
On my winter visit to Seville this January, I was delighted to see these beautiful orange trees colorful and tall in the chilly but pleasant days. They added to the allure of this beautiful city.
Written during some wintry weather last month, this poem highlights the woes that come from the season, but also the resolve we have in dealing and getting on with it. Appreciation of all seasons, and knowing some days are brighter than others helps our winter will.
Whether you are ready to take a first solo trip or just want some more tips on how to make it a more enjoyable experience, these tips will come in handy for enhancing your vacation.
Last day of 2019 and the decade. There is no best way to celebrate a year with this dramatic number 2020. For some grand, and some quiet. It does seem a good time to reflect, with a renewed hope for change, for the many that seek it. And overall, a peaceful wish to all.
For those who will be wanting to party in 2020, there are some fun songs over the years with 'party' in their title. Here is a list of 10 (from the 2010s to retro) to get the party started and keep it going .. or you can just to give a few or all of the selections a listen for some fun
This character's name came to me last year, so I decided to finally write a little poem about this Elf from Guelph for the holiday season
An affectionate poem about adoration, warmth and comfort
Last week the last Full Moon of the year and the decade took place. I caught a couple of wonderful views that night. Earlier the bright moon was shrouded in a hazy cloud, and later (pictured) a beautiful view of captivating clouds surrounding its light.
December is a nice time to visit Vegas, the rates are affordable, the weather generally cool but pleasant, and the holiday spirit is in the air. This week last year I was in Vegas, and I fondly remember the short and pleasant trip. Here is a quick roundup of how I spent some moments in the city
This is my take on a contemporary goblin, that roams my neighborhood with mystery and delight
A wonderful day of good memories captured in a simple poem
These short and sweet words came to me on a bus tour of Italy this past spring. The peaceful and beautiful views were meant to be experienced, so few words were needed, the few I noted still take me back.
So many great holiday songs to choose from ! Here are some of my favorites - some classic, some fun - all of them I enjoy. This playlist is in order of release date and has selections from each decade from the 1950s to the 2010s
Stretching your budget in order to have some extra money for more fun and leisure in your life isn’t always an easy goal, but here are several ways to stretch dollars that can help the process!
Feel like going back and listening to some songs that rock? Here's a list of my top 10 favorite songs (in chronological order) with Rock in the title Hope they get you rocking to the music!
Enjoyed a quick October getaway to nearby Toronto to spend some time experiencing a few highlights of the city with a visiting friend. Please enjoy my roundup of some food, drink and attraction highlights you can consider for your trip to Toronto!
One of my favorite music decades was the 1980s, a great to grow up and have an endless stream of awesome music and cool videos to look forward to. One of my favorites of the time was bad boy Billy Idol. Here are some of my favorite songs by the iconic rocker.
The mid 90s was a neat time to be listening to some great bands from Britain. It is still a very nostalgic time for me when hanging out with my friends and listening to music was one of the most simple but best things in life. Check out 7 of my 90s Britpop favorite artists and albums
It can be a struggle to come up with a significant vacation fund but there are some ways to stretch your dollars and make a vacation goal a little easier to achieve. Bon voyage!
Duran Duran was a big influence on my preteen and teen years. Watching their videos and hearing their music brought me lots of joy in the '80s (and ongoing). Here are eight of my favorite Duran Duran songs from that decade.
Lisbon is a lovely escape, and to avoid the crowds and have a very affordable vacation with mild weather and plenty of life in the streets, January is a great time to see this charming and beautiful city. This is a recap of my introduction to the city where I enjoyed a wonderful first day.
Don’t have the lavish budget for expensive shows, shopping and high end meals for your trip to Vegas? Here are some dollar stretching and affordable activity tips that will help you have a great time for less in lovely Las Vegas.