Saturday afternoon, after a pleasant lunch with a friend, I checked my phone and found an e-mail from the Peace Corps, with the subject line: "Peace Corps Application Decision." My fingers trembled as I tapped the screen anticipating good news. I've been waiting to hear back since I applied in July 2014. Imagine how I felt when I Continue Reading
“My New Life” Chapter One
I am turning a new chapter in my life prompted by my divorce after a 28-year marriage. Instead of feeling "sorry" for myself, I've opted to view this as an opportunity to explore new avenues and adventures. As I often say to others: "There are always options in life. View setbacks as opportunities to do something new and don't be afraid to take Continue Reading
Staying in the “Red Light” District of Amsterdam
The youth hostel I booked for my 20-year-old son, Jordan, and myself, is located in the heart of the red light district of Amsterdam. What an experience walking through the streets at midnight, and seeing beautiful young women in minuscule bikinis, standing behind glass windows offering their services. As a mother, I couldn't help Continue Reading
“Joyeaux Noel” from France and “God Jul” from Copenhagen
"Joyeaux Noel," or Merry Christmas to all my friends from Paris. We arrived in Paris yesterday from Copenhagen. My son, Jordan, was surprised that he didn't need to show his passport or stop for customs in Paris. We walked straight through and avoided those who guided us towards their taxi service. I wasn't sure if they were legitimate taxi Continue Reading
Christmas Time in London, Suffolk and Copenhagen
After a couple of nights in our first youth hostel, close to Paddington Station in London, Jordan and I took the train from Liverpool Street station to Stowmarket in Suffolk. The train was full of commuters heading back to the countryside after a days work in London. My friend, Sallyann, picked us up at the train station, and drove us to her Continue Reading