During my career as a people leader in an operational environment, stretch goals referred to ambitious and challenging objectives that exceeded what was typically expected from an employee on a project or a given year. Personally, I liked having stretch goals and thrived when given a challenge to surpass myself. The purpose of stretch goals…
As the Voyager of the Seas cuts through the final stretch of water to Port Canaveral, signaling the end of my voyage, the weight of the journey settles in. Knowing that this chapter is drawing to close brings bittersweet feelings of fulfillment and nostalgia. What began as a brave solo expedition, fueled by curiosity and…
Some days begin just like any other—ordinary and somewhat predictable, marked by routine and familiar surroundings. But every once in a while, the unexpected happens, breaking through the monotony like a burst of sunlight through storm clouds. On such days, a single event can shift the ordinary into the extraordinary, filling the air with a…
For those of you who enjoy my travel notes, then this account of one of my excursions in Portugal will hit the spot. You likely have heard of the French and Italian Rivieras? There may be some among my readers who have visited these popular destinations, but did you know there is also a Portuguese…
Many of my readers have been asking about the wines of Portugal and while I am not a officianado, I am happy to devote part of my blog to a distinctive variety of wine that I discovered in Portugal – the Vinho Verde. To provide some context, Portugal is a country where different and unique…
I have been having so much fun! Arrived in Lisbon this week, and I must say its been a thrill discovering this beautiful city. I like to start my first day in a new country or city with a tour of the highlights and key local landmarks.. Lisbon tour operators offer some fun Tuk Tuk…
I have been travelling for years and know what to expect most of the time, but things are different on this transatlantic voyage. In the spirit of exploring the high seas, I am being open to new experiences and have sought out other passengers who share my interests – like those who like playing cards,…
Of all the places where one could live, were I given the opportunity, I would make my home on a remote, windy and rocky cliff, overlooking the sea. I am drawn to rugged terrains, where one builds a shelter from rock and timber, and where the logs crackle and embers glow in the fireplace, providing…
Life is a journey filled with countless opportunities to grow, learn and enjoy! Embracing new experiences – like travel – usually pushes us out of our comfort zone and challenges us to tap into our hidden potential. How can you discover what you are truly made of without expanding your horizons? How many times have…
Over the last year, I’ve become aware that I no longer set any grand expectations when I am about to embark on a new experience. The trips I plan, and the activities I undertake are largely based on an impulse, sometimes fed by curiosity, or a mood or just a strong inclination to create a…
Every home I visited at Christmas in my childhood had a nativity scene under the tree, and as children we naturally gravitated towards the miniature scene carefully examining the delicate figurines and rearranging them while the adults enjoyed their visit. When I married, we inherited my husband’s childhood nativity scene from his family and it…
Did you know I am an ailurophile? I will say that my husband is as well, and others in my family. This is the term used to describe a cat lover, derived from the Greek word “ailouros” which means cat and the suffix “phile“, meaning lover. While I don’t discriminate against dogs, I must confess…
The best part of my day, is watching a sunrise. The cover pic is a photo I took earlier this year from my east facing hotel room as the sun rose over Miami. You would be surprised how quickly it happens, from the moment the pinkish red glow appears on the horizon to the time…
If you have ever been spent time in Canada’s Capital as a visitor or a resident, then you likely know of the Rideau Canal. The narrow channel weaves through Ottawa landmarks and neighbourhoods along an 8km stretch, connecting the metropolitan’s two universities while delivering the most picturesque scenery a city can provide. Many of us…
Change is a good thing. It makes you more resilient, and increases your ability to deal with unplanned events and adapt to the changing world around us. My husband and I have certainly become more resilient to change since 2013, when we sold our house and belongings of 20 years, and uprooted ourselves to Halifax,…
