Marie Antoinette.  She was 14 – an age by which most would be considered a child – when she was handed over in marriage to the future King of France.  She was born Maria Antonia Josepha Joanna, the 15th (of 16) child of the Empress of Austria, Maria Theresa, in 1755.  Surrounded by opulence the young Maria preferred music, art and the theater to the mundane academic studies and as a result she could barely read or write, which would prove to hinder her later life.

It’s funny how some moments in time stay with you – inspire you.  It’s what I felt while sitting in a dark theater watching the documentary, “Walking the Camino – Six Ways to Santiago.”  I left the theater vowing to myself (and to Abi) that we need to make the journey, to walk the Camino.

This article is shared in collaboration with One Road at a Time ~

Sitting in your cubicle, you’re watching the clock tick off the work day minute-by-minute, willing time to pass quickly while counting down the hours and minutes until the magic hour – 6:00 p.m. – and the start of your annual holiday.

A few days ago I was inspired by Kim at So Many Places to stop, take 5 minutes and write a letter of gratitude to my life.  At the time I was reading her blog post I was particularly tired, it’s a busy life – that of an innkeeper, and it struck a chord with me right at that moment that I should be grateful I have a life that gives me the opportunity to feel good about the work I do… and that I have this life.  So I took Kim’s advice and wrote my letter right then and there.

This post is shared in collaboration with One Road at a Time ~

You may have heard of Mauritius, but the Indian Ocean’s best kept secret is the island of Réunion a mere 200km away. With bespoke (custom made) tours and flights to Mauritius with Trailfinders, you can discover the delights of Réunion yourself with a four day trip packed full of unique and amazing experiences that will leave you wondering why you never came here before.

It’s so great to learn how regional traditions come to be – and this story is no exception.  I had never heard of pepperoni rolls before, but I love pepperoni pizza, so I was thinkin it must be a good thing. This recipe was sent to me by Kathleen, an innkeeper in West Virginia.  She owns and operates The Gillum House.  I love the story behind the pepperoni rolls, it shows the practicality and necessity of the times.

We pay the obligatory fee at the entrance to Burney Falls State Park, park and step out of the car and it hits us – we’re in the mountains.  What is it about mountain air and the smell of pine trees?  I swear the air has healing power and for me, it always brings about a big sigh of happy.

Sometimes, you just have to break with the norm; throw caution to the wind and do things you ordinarily wouldn’t do in an average day.  You know, things such as –

Depending on which legend you’re inclined to believe $8 mountain got its name from the discovery of a gold nugget worth $8.  Or, you could go with the tale of the man who wore out an $8 pair of boots walking around the base of the mountain – as a bet.   Personally, I like the legend of the $8 boots.

Guess what?  Southern Oregon’s got beer!  Yep, it’s true!   Visit southern Oregon and hike to Upper Table Rock, ride your bicycle down the twist and turns of Mt. Ashland Road, play a round of golf or paddle your way through the white waters of the Rogue River and then cap it off with a cold beer.  Sound good?!