SLOW TRAVEL & LIVING ABROAD Leaving America: The Truth About Staying in the U.S. for Family Posted on May 1, 2025December 26, 2025 I used to say we stayed in the U.S. for family. It sounded noble. Responsible. Like something a good daughter, mother, or sister would say. But after moving back from South Korea and spending a year and a half trying to make that reason feel true, I’ve started to question… Read more
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES How to Spend 36 Hours in Pella, Iowa on a Midwest Road Trip Posted on April 17, 2025May 3, 2026 Pella, Iowa, celebrates its Dutch roots with windmills, pastries, and tulips. The Tulip Time Festival, held each May, transforms the town with parades, performances, and more than 300,000 vibrant blooms. Just under three hours from Rock Island, it’s an easy, culture-rich getaway full of color, history, and small-town charm. Read more
SLOW TRAVEL & LIVING ABROAD Leaving America: When You’re Living a Life You Don’t Want Posted on April 1, 2025December 26, 2025 After years of staying for family, I’ve realized leaving America—at least part-time—offers the space to feel present, free, and fulfilled. Living abroad isn’t about escape. It’s about choosing a slower rhythm, deeper connection, and a version of life that feels more honest than what I’ve settled for here. 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 The Ultimate Guide to Visiting House on the Rock Posted on March 13, 2025December 20, 2025 Step into a surreal world at Wisconsin’s House on the Rock. With a floating Infinity Room, the world’s largest indoor carousel, and endless quirky collections, this one-of-a-kind attraction defies explanation. It’s an unforgettable, slightly bizarre experience you won’t find anywhere else—and well worth the 2.5-hour drive from Rock Island. Read more