Whispers Will Wander

  There are times when life feels like it’s unraveling at the seams—personally, collectively, politically. Right now, with a new government taking power, I can feel it in my bones: the weight of uncertainty, the tension in conversations, the quiet (or not-so-quiet) fear about what happens next. When the world feels unstable, I don’t spring into action with a five-point plan. I don’t immediately start organizing or strategizing. Instead, I shut down. My brain stalls, my body feels heavy, and even the simplest tasks seem impossible. The future looms like a storm I can’t see past, and all I want to do is curl up and wait for it to pass. If you’re feeling this, too—this mix of fear, exhaustion, and helplessness—you’re not alone. Here’s how I’m trying to move through it. 1. Accept the Freeze, but Don’t Stay There Shutting down isn’t a sign of weakness. It’s a normal response when you’re overwhelmed, when the future feels uncertain, when the stakes feel impossibly high. Your brain is try...

  In the past I have mentioned my desire be able to climb a mountain with my kids, explore the world and stay healthy and fit and strong.  Today of staying strong was eating homemade yogurt for breakfast and going to the gym. Below is my dynamic full body workout today.  I will warn you that this kicked my butt. So go into it prepared:) 1️⃣ Warm-Up (5-7 min) Jump Rope or High Knees – 1 min World’s Greatest Stretch – 30 sec per side Scapular Push-Ups – 10 reps Bodyweight Good Mornings – 10 reps 2️⃣ Strength & Power Block (20 min) (3 rounds, 45sec work / 15 sec rest) Kettlebell Clean & Press (each side) Bulgarian Split Squats (hold dumbbells or KB) TRX Rows or Ring Rows (if available, or do Bent-Over Rows) Hollow Body Hold or Hanging Knee Raises 3️⃣ Athletic & Core Block (15 min) (3 rounds, 40 sec work / 20 sec rest) KB Swings or Med Ball Slams Box Jumps or Step-Ups with Knee Drive Bear Crawl Shoulder Taps Russian Twists with KB or Slam Ball 4️⃣ Cool Down (5 ...

  For years, I’ve had ideas—those fleeting, inspiring moments where you think, What if I actually did this? But life happens. I’d let them sit, gathering dust while I told myself it wasn’t the right time, or maybe that I wasn’t capable. Sound familiar? Lately, though, something’s shifted. I’ve realized that I don’t need to tackle everything all at once. I don’t have to dive in with big, overwhelming commitments or wait until I feel “ready.” Instead, I’m embracing small bites, small steps, and small commitments—and guess what? They’re adding up. One blog post here, one afternoon learning a new skill there. A few hours brainstorming an idea, or a single YouTube video filmed with no pressure to be perfect. I’m chipping away at the mountain of ideas I’ve let sit for so long, and with every tiny step forward, I feel more capable. The biggest surprise? I think I can actually do this. The things I never truly believed I could accomplish feel more within reach than ever. It’s like somethin...

Traveling to Switzerland and France feels like stepping into a postcard. Snow-capped mountains, charming villages, world-famous art, and buttery croissants—what’s not to love? But turning the dream of sipping coffee in Paris and hiking the Swiss Alps into reality takes more than just wishful thinking. Here’s a look at the highs, the lows, and the decisions you’ll need to make as you plan your adventure. --- The Highs: Dreaming Big 1. The Spark of Inspiration It starts with a picture—maybe the glittering Eiffel Tower at night or a quaint Swiss chalet nestled in the Alps. Suddenly, you’re imagining yourself wandering the streets of Montmartre, sampling fondue in a rustic Alpine village, or taking a train ride through lush European landscapes. The excitement builds as you start piecing together the possibilities. 2. Immersive Research Diving into the details is its own kind of joy. Where to stay in Paris—near the Seine or in a quieter arrondissement? Should you spend a night in Zermatt or...

I've been trying to figure out how to travel in a more affordable way and flying for free using credit cards is a popular way to save. It generally involves accumulating points or miles through specific rewards programs. Here’s how you can maximize credit card benefits for free flights: 1. Sign-Up Bonuses Many credit cards offer large sign-up bonuses in the form of miles or points when you meet a spending requirement within the first few months. For example, a card might offer 50,000 points after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months. These points can often be redeemed for a flight or used for upgrades. Popular Travel Rewards Cards : Chase Sapphire Preferred or Reserve The Platinum Card® from American Express Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card Citi Premier® Card 2. Everyday Spending for Miles Some credit cards offer bonus miles for everyday purchases, like dining, groceries, or travel. Using the card for these purchases can help you accumulate points quickly. For example, some...

Starting a blog when you’re an eclectic person with a whirlwind of interests is like standing in the middle of an all-you-can-eat buffet. Everything looks so good, and you want to taste it all. But when it comes to blogging, conventional wisdom insists you have to narrow your plate to one thing—to pick a niche, target a specific audience, and stick with it. Why does it have to be that way, though? Why can’t a blog simply be a reflection of a multifaceted, curious person sharing their heart with the world? This is the mental tug-of-war I find myself in as I try to figure out what my blog is really about. The Challenge of Narrowing Down I love a lot of things. I love learning, creating, dreaming, and exploring. My mind is constantly spinning with new ideas and things I want to try. Some days, I’m obsessed with homeschooling my kids. Other days, I want to dive into fitness, decluttering my home, or planning a car-camping adventure. Today? It’s singing—a passion I’ve always loved but rarel...

  Life is a collection of fleeting moments, each one carrying its own unique beauty. But in our busy, distracted world, it’s easy to let these moments pass by unnoticed. We find ourselves focused on what’s next, worrying about what’s gone wrong, or consumed by endless to-do lists. And in doing so, we risk missing the magic unfolding right in front of us. It’s a simple truth: life’s most beautiful moments don’t demand our attention—they wait for it. Seeing the Magic in the Ordinary Magic doesn’t always arrive with fireworks or grand gestures. It often hides in the seemingly mundane: The way your morning coffee feels warm in your hands on a chilly day. The sound of your child’s laughter echoing through the house. The golden glow of the sunset painting the sky just before nightfall. When we slow down enough to notice, we realize these are not small moments—they’re life itself. Gratitude as a Lens for Living Gratitude has a way of bringing the extraordinary into focus. It shifts our pe...

Coming down off the high of traveling somewhere you love is a real thing. If you've ever experienced it, you know the feeling. The suitcase is still half-packed, waiting to be dealt with, but your mind is already racing with questions: Why don’t I live there? Why can’t every day feel like that? Why did I ever come back? It’s like stepping out of a vivid dream into the muted tones of reality, and it can be disorienting. For me, it’s not just about missing the destination itself. Sure, I miss the sights, the smells, the sheer aliveness of being in a place that sparks joy and wonder. But deeper than that, travel stirs something primal in me. It shakes up my routine, my thoughts, my sense of purpose. It makes me question all of my ways and my whys. And honestly? It leaves me wanting more. But there’s something I’ve learned through the years of coming back to earth after these highs: there’s beauty in the balance. It’s easy to get caught up in the striving—the endless list of places to ...

I wrote this blog weeks ago while we were visiting Colorado and as I grow this blog I may jump back and forth in time to share moments and thoughts that have spurred me forward. This is one...  Colorado holds my heart in a way unlike anywhere else. Every time we come back, I’m reminded of my initial feelings of coming home. I remember arriving and realizing I felt more like myself here than anywhere else. That feeling has changed over time, but every visit brings those emotions rushing back. Today, we wake up, and I feel the warmth of the sun on my face—a comforting start to the day. We decide to drive to Red Rocks, a place that never fails to amaze me. Since we all had pneumonia not long ago, hiking isn’t an option. Instead, we take the road up to the upper parking lot. We step out to stretch our legs, use the restroom, and take in the breathtaking views. Even though we’re not venturing far, being here feels like a homecoming. Colorado continues to remind me of the sense of peace ...

As someone who’s had their fair share of ups and downs with food routines, I know how hard it can be to stay consistent. But here I am, two weeks into making healthier choices and sticking to my plan, and I couldn’t be prouder. This isn’t about perfection or some overnight transformation. It’s about showing up for myself, one choice at a time, and proving that I can prioritize my health and well-being—even while juggling all the other pieces of my life. A New Approach What’s different this time? I’ve focused on balance instead of extremes. My goal has been to eat more protein and make mindful choices that fuel my body while still allowing room for the things I enjoy. Instead of cutting out sweets entirely (because, let’s be honest, I love them), I’ve found ways to enjoy treats in moderation. It’s been about listening to what my body needs and finding solutions that feel sustainable. Keeping It Simple Life is full, with homeschooling two kids, bartending, and managing a busy household. ...

As a busy mom, life has always been about balancing family, work, and the never-ending to-do list. But somewhere along the way, I found myself feeling less like the energetic, adventurous woman I once was and more like someone just trying to keep up. Turning 40 this year was a wake-up call—not because I’m afraid of aging, but because I want to embrace the years ahead with strength, health, and vitality. The Dream: Exploring and Family Adventures Our family dreams of traveling together, exploring the great outdoors out of our vehicle, and making memories in breathtaking places. I picture us hiking scenic trails, kayaking in crystal-clear waters, and watching sunsets on the beach. But there’s a hitch: to fully embrace these adventures, I need to be physically ready. I want to keep up with my kids as they sprint up trails or dive into new activities. I want to feel confident and capable as I navigate the demands of life on the road. Most importantly, I want to model a lifestyle of health ...