Nature always wins — I recently traveled to Portugal. This was my first international trip since the pandemic. One of my bucket list items was kayaking into the Benagil Cave in the Algarve. When I become fixated on something, watch out. Nothing is going to curb my appetite. Not even a dangerous, untamed ocean. …

“Those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it.” — Winston Churchill — Modern-day Miracle I recently visited Fatima, Portugal. The city draws eight million people, annually, due to the prophecies of the Virgin Mary. Pilgrims walk from Lisbon to Fatima to be blessed by the mother of Christ. On May 13, 1917, three peasant children were tending to their sheep when they were visited…

Women move on. We have our limits. — Do men think women will always take them back? A former lover once asked, “Is there anyone from your past you wish you could go back to? Maybe the timing was not right, or you were not ready?” My simple response to him was “No.” We parted ways a few times and got back together. But when I was…

A Greek recipe — Moussaka is one of my favorite Greek dishes. The combination of potatoes, meat, and eggplant, smothered in bechamel sauce, is a party in your mouth. Thanks to my sister for passing along this family recipe. Ingredients > Six (6) white potatoes > Two (2) eggplants > One (1) pound of ground beef > Oregano >…

To be a b-tch, you have to be smart and/or beautiful. — “Bad Bitch Definition: A self-respected, strong female who has everything together. That consists of body, mind, finances, and swagger. Also, a female who does and gets hers by any means necessary.” Years ago, I had an interesting text message exchange with a friend: Me: You know what is funny? Ms…

Spending time with others who are not fully present — Being alone does not make one lonely. We all need time for self-reflection. To go deep within and find inner peace. Enjoying our own company is imperative for personal growth and reinforces our sense of freedom. Loneliness arises in the company of others. …

A hidden gem — Why South Dakota? Have you ever thought about traveling to South Dakota? The state first crossed my radar when a friend painted a picture of magical intrigue with his Facebook pictures of the Badlands. The formation behind him appeared to stretch on forever in a never-ending sea of wonder. …

Art in Boston — I recently experienced the Immersive Monet & the Impressionists Exhibit (Monet, Renoir, Degas, & Friends) in Boston. As I entered the exhibit, a kaleidoscope of vibrant colors danced before my eyes. I took in the artists’ images as they appeared on the screens surrounding me. Over the last year, I…

With a little pill called Yaz — According to WebMD, a few of the main causes of depression include abuse, age, certain medications, conflict, death or a loss, gender, genes, major events, other personal problems, serious illnesses, and substance misuse. I was always the person who could identify the one small positive in an extremely negative situation…