CULTURE, EVENTS & EXPERIENCES Happy Birthday Traditions from Around the World Posted on March 28, 2025December 20, 2025 I turned another year older doing what I love—traveling slow, eating well, and soaking up small joys with Steven. This birthday, we shared wine at a local vineyard, watched a movie downtown, and ended the day with Thai tea. It reminded me how birthday traditions can reflect who we are. Read more
CULTURE, EVENTS & EXPERIENCES How to Hike to Wat Pha Lat in Chiang Mai and What You’ll See Along the Way Posted on March 27, 2025December 21, 2025 One warm February morning in Chiang Mai, I set out alone to hike the Monk’s Trail. With each step, the noise faded. In its place—silence, birdsong, and the peaceful hush of Wat Pha Lat. That quiet temple in the forest reminded me what it feels like to arrive, not chase. Read more
CULTURE, EVENTS & EXPERIENCES The Truth About Korean Temple Stays: Stillness Hurts When You Sit Crosslegged Posted on March 25, 2025December 21, 2025 A Korean temple stay tests more than patience—it challenges the body. Sleeping on a traditional hanok floor, waking at 3 a.m. and meditating for hours pushed me past discomfort. With no phone, no distractions, and no escape from stillness, I faced every ache, every numb limb, and kept going. Read more
CULTURE, EVENTS & EXPERIENCES What Would Privatized National Parks Look Like in America? Posted on March 23, 2025December 21, 2025 America’s national parks are under threat from budget cuts, privatization, and weakened environmental protections. Fewer staff means slower emergency response and neglected facilities. Privatization could limit public access and destroy natural habitats. These spaces offer peace, inspiration, and connection to nature. Learn how to protect them before they’re lost forever. Read more
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES Is the Selena Museum Worth Visiting? Here’s What You’ll Experience Posted on March 20, 2025December 20, 2025 Watching Selena reminded me of our visit to the Selena Museum in Corpus Christi. In today’s divided climate, honoring her legacy feels even more important. Her music, passion, and cultural pride still resonate. That side trip gave me a moving look into a culture I deeply respect but don’t share. Read more
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES Rock Island’s Sunset Park: A Riverside Spot Locals Love Posted on March 18, 2025December 20, 2025 Sunset Park in Rock Island is more than a park—it’s a place to pause. The river flows steadily, sunsets paint the sky, and time slows down. Whether you come for the view, the company, or a quiet moment alone, this is where you’ll find peace. You might even see me there. Read more
WELLNESS ON THE ROAD Banned Books and the Battle Over Free Speech in Waterloo Posted on March 16, 2025May 19, 2026 Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones joined Black authors in Waterloo, Iowa, for a powerful Read-In after local schools canceled African American Read-Ins. Together, they read banned books that celebrate Black life and history. Their message was clear: these stories matter, and we will not allow them to be erased or forgotten. Read more
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES How to Plan a Private Island Stay on Koh Munnork Posted on March 14, 2025November 15, 2025 Koh Munnork Private Island is a secluded paradise, home to the island’s only resort. Accessible only by boat, it offers air-conditioned bungalows, pristine beaches, and activities like snorkeling, kayaking, and trekking. With peacocks roaming freely and no crowds in sight, it’s the perfect off-the-grid retreat for true relaxation. Read more