Have you ever had an experience that left you both breathless and grateful all at once? That was me in Dubrovnik, Croatia, suspended 165 feet (50 meters) in the air at Dinner in the Sky, a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that combined fine dining, panoramic beauty, and a dash of courage.

Over a year ago, two of my girlfriends reached out with an invitation that sounded straight out of a travel magazine, “Would you like to spend a week on a yacht in the Adriatic Sea, sailing to Croatia and its islands?” My first thought? Croatia? Honestly, it wasn’t even on my bucket list. The cost seemed steep, and I couldn’t quite picture myself there. My automatic response was a hesitant no.

Some days are meant to test your patience, your sense of humor, and your ability to go with the flow, literally. Back in July, my friend Trina invited me and my daughter Hannah to see Teddy Swims in concert along the beautiful lakefront of Lake Michigan. We had Teddy on repeat for weeks, belting out his soulful songs in anticipation of what we thought would be an unforgettable musical night. Little did we know, it would turn into an unforgettable adventure.

Recently, my day began with sunshine and promise. I had a new local airport shuttle service, and everything seemed to be falling into place. We zipped to O’Hare airport lickety-split, with check-in complete, luggage weighed, boarding pass in hand and CLEAR sign-up complete, I had time to sit at the gate with two friends I was traveling with. We chatted with excited anticipation, ready for our adventure to begin. But oh… how quickly things can change.

There’s something magical about girlfriends, palm trees, and a lanai under the Florida sun. Add a splash of spontaneity, a couple of cocktails, and a night filled with laughter, and you’ve got yourself a story worth telling. Well, let’s just say we added a little sparkle to our usual rhythm.

Sometimes in life, we have to navigate blindly through situations, relying on our instincts and senses to guide us. This past weekend, I had both the pleasure and absolute joy of experiencing a glow in the dark night golf outing, which beautifully mirrored these moments of uncertainty. The experience was filled with laughter, excitement, and valuable lessons that reminded me of the importance of trusting oneself even in the darkest of times.

Though everyone on the boat was having a great time, it felt as if time had stopped, and it was just Emery and me, making unforgettable quiet, yet impactful, memories together. These moments are the ones I will treasure for a lifetime.

Have you ever found yourself in the midst of an unexpected adventure? Recently, during an on and off stormy day, my daughter, a friend and I were attending a tented outdoor music concert. But when the tornado sirens blared, our plans took an unexpected turn. Instead of seeking shelter in a mundane location, we were led into an underground speakeasy, a hidden gem my daughter and I wanted to explore but the timing never worked out.

Fear not, sometimes the smallest shifts can create significant changes and opportunities. Especially if you are willing to take a chance, reshape your thoughts, and keep yourself open to possibility.

I was able to spend 10 days in Italy with 10 amazing women. It was a continuation of a writing course we experienced together earlier in the year. When our writing journey began we started off as strangers, but through our initial awkwardness, empathy, laughter, tears, joy, vulnerability, and profound moments together, we created a lifelong bond and sisterhood.

This past weekend I was able to spend time with my bestie and her husband at their cabin in Door County, Wisconsin. When we planned activities for the weekend, hands down, we wanted to make sure to add Newport State Park which is on the tip of the Door Peninsula to our must do list.

This past weekend, I was able to spend some the day with one of my childhood friends. We went to grade school and high school together. We were inseparable during our grade school years. Our sixth grade teacher gave us the nickname of the three stooges (me, Ronda and our friend, Mary). If I remember correctly Ronda was Moe, I was Larry and Mary was Curly. I’m pretty confident we liked to chitty-chat and giggle during class.

I had a choice, I could remain standing on the bank of the river and watch those make it the other side, or I could take a leap of faith and trust in my ability to navigate the process, albeit rocky and a bit scary. The tour guide was standing in the water below me extending his hand; encouraging me to take a chance.

The next day came and went and my friend Beth was staying the night at my house for our early morning flight. We celebrated with a cocktail as we finished packing. Then the dreaded phone call came. Hannah mentioned we didn’t have everything in order yet.

Not to count my chickens before they hatch but I’m hopeful my family, friends and I’ll be heading to warmer temperatures and sunny skies soon. Our original trip to Hawaii was planned for March of 2020 but you know what happened next …..Covid!

Growing up, along with my bothers, sister and a few neighboring children built snow forts, had epic snowball fights, rode snowmobiles and were pulled behind them lined up on a toboggan and metal saucer. Those were the days. Playing carefree, full of imagination and curiosity.

The definition in the dictionary of encouragement is the action of giving someone support, confidence or hope. Right now seems like the perfect time for giving or receiving encouragement.

This past week I learned about the comet named “NEOWISE” which was just discovered this year. Astronomers stumbled upon it while looking through the NEOWISE space telescope, is one of the brightest comets seen since 1997, and is visible to the naked eye in the northern hemisphere. Since comet sightings are rare I wanted to catch a glimpse before it was gone. It wouldn’t be seen again for another 6,800 years…..HA!