• Journey

    2024 Expectations Vs Realities

    2024 Expectations Vs Realities At the end of 2023, I was all gung ho; this was going to be the year that I completed X, Y and Z. Okay I start most years like that and then, of course, things happen. So why do we end up disappointing ourselves by not meeting our own expectations of ourselves? Are we expecting unrealistic things?  I’ve followed productivity coaches for years, always trying different planners and apps to get myself organized and get it done.  I end up not following through. Why? because I never finish making my plan… Trying to not let…

  • Travel

    A Glimpse of a Small Village in Maine

    A Tiny Glimpse of a Village in Maine   I just found this post in my drafts. I started writing it during the pandemic as a follow-up to The Very Best of Maine 2019 Series   I have no idea where I sourced this or who quoted it, However, it speaks to the way a majority of Mainers view Maine. [Maine 5-star rating~ Maine: "The way life should be". We get to experience all four seasons. We can climb mountains, swim in the oceans, or do so many other activities in Maine. Why do you think they call our state…

  • Journey - Mental Health

    Layers and Stairs: Like Peeling an Onion

    Today’s writing will be very different but it has a hidden message, I just need to figure out what it is. Maybe it will resonate with you. Layers and Stairs Trapped, a maze. Like peeling an onion, layers, and layers of stairs Occasionally, you reach a flat level and find your way through unfamiliar territory into the outside at one point you were so very very close to where you wanted to be to find your way home there were the sounds of the lake, so many trails through the woods, roads, signs with the familiar town name… so close…

  • Travel

    Beach Getaway

      Beach Getaway Summer Road Trip Essentials Your Guide to Comfort Adventure | SheSpeaks "Have you ever taken a vacation by yourself? For work or just because? If you have not, then I highly recommend it, even if it's just 2 nights." ~lena@whatmommydoes.com (Adventures in SEO)   What is your favorite beach getaway memory?   Packing for a beach trip involves thinking about essentials for sun protection, comfort, and enjoyment by the water. Here’s a comprehensive list to ensure you’re prepared for a fantastic beach getaway: Pack Essentials: Don’t forget to pack sunscreen, sunglasses, hats, beach towels, swimwear, and beach…

  • Parenting - Travel

    17 Tips For Summer Break

    Summer Break Sanity Saver Lists 17 Tips For  Planning Your Summer Break Here are 17 fun activities to do with your kids during the summer: Visit a Local Park: Spend a day outdoors enjoying playgrounds, nature trails, and picnic areas. Have a Beach Day: Pack sunscreen, towels, and snacks for a day of sun, sand, and swimming at the beach. Go Camping: Whether in your backyard or at a nearby campground, camping is a fun way to bond with your kids and enjoy the outdoors. Visit a Zoo or Aquarium: Explore the wonders of wildlife by visiting a local zoo…

  • Travel

    Road Trip: Maine Vacation Land

     I will be joining the post-A to Z Road Trip. Though the road trip is to links from our April A to Z challenge. I’m reminded that my first guest post was about travel. I am re-sharing it here.        The Very Best of Maine Thinking about traveling with your child? Read here to see why it can benefit your child.    

  • Five Minute Friday - Journey - Linkups

    FMF SOME

    Some More Simplicity Serenity and Harmony   I am linking up at Five Minute Friday During five minute Friday we are given a word prompt and write for 5 minutes. Learn more about the link-up and how it works here. This week’s FMF writing prompt is: SOME So seeing these beautiful colored eggs in the graphic this morning gave me a moment of brightness that I needed! Seems like we were just thinking about Easter and now we are heading into Mothers Day. I just want to slow time down just a little bit. Or maybe I’m really looking for…

  • Journey - Linkups

    Reflections on the 2024 April A to Z Blogging Challenge

     My Reflections on the 2024 April A to Z Blogging Challenge The first of the reflection questions was ‘Did you win?”  Personally I have a hard time calling myself a winner. But if winning is based on completing all 26 letters of the alphabet in the month of April than YES!!!! I DID IT!!! WOOOHOO!! I am excited because this is the first ‘challenge’ I can say I completed and on time! So many times I sign up for things and end up falling behind and then giving up. This though gave me the boost I needed to get back…

  • Journey

    Introvert Striving to Thrive Remotely

    Introvert Striving to Thrive Remotely  New Month, New Day   New Attitude Did you set new years resolutions or intentions at the first of the year? Are you still amped up and rearing to go or have you given up and moved on to something else? I’ve let too many things get in the way of making my dreams a reality. Recently I’ve been prioritizing making time to write and homesteading skills. I dream of making my own income from home. Whether that be through homesteading or writing. I just seem to keep getting in my own way. I think a…

  • Journey

    Dreams, Goals, Plans Coming Soon

    How is your last week of April going? It has been busy around here. I’ve been participating in the A to Z Blog Challenge this month. My focus has been trying to relate my posts to the importance of mental health. I have a freebie called Stress Less. My goal is to get an email challenge or a mini-course set up on ways to use self-care and limit stress. We may think self-care is selfish, but it really is important. When on an airplane, they tell you the importance of putting on your own oxygen mask first if you want…