A year ago today I left for what was to be an epic climb up Mount Olympus in Greece. Instead it ended up being more of an epic failure. As always though, even though disappointed and not knowing how I’d explain not making it to the top, I decided to share some things I learned. Ten things, actually. Spolier alert: among the 10 is a great lesson at the end! 🙂 10 things I learned while in Greece: 10. While its cities, small towns & villages, its islands & beaches, its historical & archaeological sites are all beautiful—this I knew from previous visits—its mountains are also just as spectacularly beautiful.…

Cheers to celebrating my birthday in Tokyo! This is 55. The summer I turned 55… Confession. The majority of the original list you’re about to read was written & published 5 years ago. The summer I turned 50. I figured since I had another major birthday I should update it so here you go. Everything in italics has been added/edited today. 55 Things I’ve Learned in 55 Years: 1. Being born healthy and loved is a great gift. 2. Being raised to be tough and independent has served me well. 3. Great books can change the world; 4. Beautiful writing can change the world for the better. 5. Conversations with…

9 Years Ago. 9 years ago today I posted that I was feeling lucky. In Tuscany. And I was lucky, am lucky. I was with Peter, my parents, my godfather and his wife. We were taking a wine tour in Italy, in some of the most beautiful scenery anywhere, drinking amazing wine, laughing, eating great Italian bread and overall having a beautiful time. What I didn’t know then is that I was extra lucky because I was spending my dad’s last few days on earth with him, and while I know I was more than lucky to have had him for just about the first 45 years of my life,…

“Well, maybe it is true,” Clevinger conceded unwillingly in a subdued tone. Maybe a long life does have to be filled with many unpleasant conditions if it’s to seem long. But in that event, who wants one?” “I do,” Dunbar told him. “Why?” Clevinger asked. “What else is there?” ~Joseph Heller, Catch-22 2022. Another amazing year for which to be thankful. More specific? See below. (Note: this was to be published in November 2022.) As of today, I am thankful for the following: *Being bold, taking chances. Living life is a true catch-22. As it should be. *Strength. Of mind, of body, of spirit. It always pays off, and it’s…

Note: I started this draft in 2022 and while the news at the time is what made me write it, all my words still hold true. “I guess it comes down to a simple choice, really. Get busy living, or get busy dying.” ~Quote from the movie Shawshank Redemption Rant coming in 3, 2, 1… As I have said before I try really hard to limit my time on social media and limit my posts to food, travel and staying in touch with friends + family (oh, and tagging my best friend in memes) but truly, I’m as pissed as most people. But the fact is, I’ve been pissed for…