Canada

I really don’t know why I do this to myself, but if you’ve been following along on this wee blog, you’ll see I have a tendency to do things that will scare the bejesus out of me.  Whether I’m climbing cliffs with no strings attached or splashing about in class 5 rapids in Uganda, it would seem I’m an adrenaline … Read More

Dear American Friends, I’ve been thinking… you may be looking for a wee escape. The sort of escape that lasts a few years. Like four years. A mass exodus happens from time to time, as people need to flee horrible and frightening things. Hurricanes, locusts, disturbing men with inconceivable hair… To that end, in our traditionally Canadian way, I would like to politely … Read More

First of all, don’t do this. I am a lunatic and tend to push myself farther than any good sense allows. I am stubborn and I don’t know any better.  Do not do Cape Breton Island quickly. Allow yourself time to discover all the nooks and crannies of this beautiful isle, the easternmost section of Nova Scotia. Hike many trails, … Read More

I didn’t mean to gloat as I drove down the highway, but some things can’t be helped. A sea of cars crept along, inch by inch making their way to their destination, faces pressed against the windows in agony.  These poor souls were northbound. I may have been a bit giddy as I flew by them in the opposite direction, … Read More

So, we’re all friends here, right? I mean, I tell you about deeply personal things like falling in love, or being infested by monsters. You’ve even seen a photo of my panties. And you keep showing up, tolerating my endless rambles. (Thank you!) I think we might be there – that point where I can trust you with one of … Read More

Newfoundland had long whispered my name. I can’t decide whether it was the foggy, jagged coastlines, bohemian-coloured homes, witty humour, or I-have-no-idea-what-he-just-said colloquialisms, but I got myself sucked right in. And yep, I even kissed a giant dead fish. I’m not exactly sure why, but I blame the Screech. Oh, the Screech. It was a girly escape. Three friends had … Read More

When I turned 37, I challenged myself with a list of 37 tasks to complete during the year. You can catch up over here. This was an easy little adventure as I’m always game for a road trip: throw a dart at a map of Ontario and go there. Originally this item declared I had to go to both sides … Read More

Wow, it’s been a bonkers week, hasn’t it? Between a mayor who’s gone crackers and the plain old fact that it somehow turned into November, I managed to polish off a giant year-long to do list and pet a shark. And, according to my big fat liar of a driver’s license, I aged an entire year. Time for a bit … Read More

Thousands of people, arm in arm, singing, swaying, and exuding an aura of peace. Every other person is wearing tie-dye, braids and Birkenstocks are high fashion. Musicians mingle with the audience in the beer tent, colourful people dance as though possessed by fairies. Old friends embrace; new ones greet each other with a warm smile. Nope, I haven’t morphed back … Read More

Ever have one of those days/weeks/months where you just need to run away from home? I did, and it was wonderful.