The flashlight slowly scanned the top of the water, although I could barely see any actual water. There was a marshy scent in the warm summer air as I carefully scanned the thick lily pads sporting the occasional white and yellow flowers. The white flowers were beautiful water lilies and the …
Real Life Stories & Reflections
Stories from the road and the heart. In Real Life, I share reflections on travel, personal growth, and the everyday experiences that remind us what truly feels like home. These moments aren’t always picture-perfect—but they’re real, and they shape who we become.
5 Pieces of Travel Wisdom That Changed How I See the World
Travel Wisdom, Lessons, and Reflections from a New Year’s Eve in Santiago de Cuba, 1989 Some trips entertain you.Some trips relax you.And some trips — usually the ones that don’t go as planned — leave you with the kind of travel wisdom you carry for the rest of your life. My week in Cuba in …
The Decline of Manners: Why “Thank You” Still Matters
As I walked toward the bathroom, she’d yell, “Don’t forget to wash your hands!” It often felt like my grandmother’s purpose in life was making sure her grandchildren didn’t leave any evidence behind after using the bathroom. My brothers—six and nine years younger—learned how to beat the system. …
Creating Cadence Podcast: Journey from Imbalance…
...to Authenticity Someone once said, "Life is a symphony!" and for the longest time, I struggled to find the right rhythm. As a responsible mom juggling two young children, a business, and a home, my life was often played out of tune. The constant demands left little room for my own needs. It …
From Here to Laredo
What I came to realize is that fear, that’s the worst of it. That’s the real enemy. So, get up, get out in the real world and you kick that bastard as hard you can right in the teeth. Walter, Breaking Bad I left Mustang Island and drove straight to Lake Casa Blanca International State …
Mapping Borders
I stuck my map up on the door, carefully matching velcro strips I'd placed along the edge of a sheet of vinyl. I stood back and looked at my work. The edge was crooked, which irritated me a little, I thought I cut it straight. Isn't that just like life? We plan in straight lines, but the actuality …
