Tag: creating community

Recently, I started feeling my age in ways I couldn’t ignore. I was spending too much time at my desk—blogging, scrolling, watching YouTube—and it left me restless. I decided to re-enter the job market at 59, knowing I’ll only work for two years until Steven and I retire. The process…

I’ve applied to jobs that may never have been real—ghost jobs flood the system. I am learning how to spot them and make better use of my time. Now I apply directly on company sites, follow up after applications, and lean on real connections. Don’t waste too much time on job boards like Indeed.com

After applying to speak at a travel conference, I was rejected. That “no” hit harder than expected. It brought up years of quiet sacrifice, missed chances, and self-doubt. I wanted to be seen, especially by women like me. Instead, I faced the truth—I’ve spent years settling when I wanted more.

I receive guest post requests almost daily, but most feel like cold, careless spam. I’ve lost count of how many emails I’ve received that start with flattery and end with a request to use my blog to sell someone else’s product. They don’t care who I am. They haven’t read…

I’m not chasing algorithms anymore. I’m choosing writing over performance, storytelling over scrolling. In the constant pull between content creator vs writer, I’ve made my choice. This post is about letting go of trends, owning your voice, and returning to what matters—honest stories told on your own terms.

Why I Keep Going Back to WITS Creator Summit Is WITS worth attending? Absolutely. I asked myself that same question before signing up for my first Women in Travel Summit in Portland, Maine. I didn’t know a soul. But by the end of the weekend, I felt like I had…

I didn’t start Duffelbagspouse to make money. I just wanted to tell real stories about travel, family, and constant moves. Over time, I found ways to earn from what I love. This post breaks down what works, what doesn’t, and how storytelling can become part of something sustainable and real.