Anna Maria Island: World Class Beaches with Old Florida Charm

The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever.—Jacques Yves Cousteau What can I say? I’m a Pisces and was caught in the ocean’s net long ago. When my spring break trip to Sicily was cancelled by Covid and borders began closing, I planned an escape to another island–this one in the US.  My sister and brother-in-law love…

2020 Vision from Lessons Learned

Reflect, then project. For those of us who thought we’d be farther along in 2020 in some area(s) –education, career, relationships, health, finances, savings, freedom, peace–think again. Rather than be discouraged, let’s look back with gratitude at how far we’ve come! Make a list of what you did accomplish in the last decade. Identify steps you took in the direction of where you want…

How to Spend a Chill Weekend in NYC: Soho, Greenwich Village, Chelsea

On three layovers and six proper stays in NYC, I’ve marched in the Macy’s Thanksgiving parade, herded students from Central Park to the Statue of Liberty, had tea at The Plaza, took an elevator to the top of the Twin Towers, volunteered after 9/11, celebrated my sis’s birthday in Times Square, found writing mojo at the Creativity Workshop,  introduced Manhattan to my daughter when…

The Cayman Islands, Argentina, and Nashville Meet at the Victory Cup Polo Tour

Once upon a time, I lived on a  thoroughbred farm in Lexington, Kentucky, where I saw foals born and horse sales break records at Keeneland. Not so long ago, before moving back to Nashville, I had a farewell brunch with friends at The Selman in Marrakesh, Morocco where Arabian horses danced for us and were featured in the movie, Queen of the Desert. Last weekend I enjoyed…

Five Reasons for a Southern Girl Getaway in Asheville, North Carolina

Asheville, North Carolina makes a great girl getaway destination–not only because of the beautiful Biltmore mansion (which housed the Glamour On Board: Fashion from Titanic The Movie exhibit I LOVED) but also because of five other fabulous finds. Reason 1: The Downtown Restaurants Reason 2: The Shopping Reason 3: Biltmore Gardens and Grounds Wonder beckons as you enter The Biltmore Estate through what seems…

Glamour on Board: Titanic Fashion at Biltmore Estate

The Vanderbilts cancelled their booking on the Titanic a week before she sailed, but their Biltmore Estate puts the ship’s massive splendor into perspective as backdrop for Edwardian style, a travel adventure, and a love story transcending death.

Woods in Winter

Today was the first time in almost three years I’ve crunched through snow. I didn’t laugh like I did  sledding in the Atlas Mountains,  but sliding along with Ella in our quiet Walden Woods was happiness. Peace. A snow day–time no longer spoken for– is a gift that feeds the soul. Frozen flakes falling like manna from heaven. An invitation to simply, beautifully just be.

7 Days in Nashville: Homegirl’s Guide

See the second slideshow here on the week I planned for my friend, Kate, to introduce her to southern hospitality and the Nashville spirit.  Below is my guide for tourists, hosts, and locals on staycation.  No doubt I’ll have more suggestions as I explore new places, and I’d love for you to share in the comments your favorite discoveries and hangouts, too.  Enjoy! Click…

Salute to a Southern Summer: On Nashville, a Surprise Guest, and Coming Home

I read within a poet’s book a word that starred the page: “Stone walls do not a prison make, Nor iron bars a cage!” Yes, that is true; and something more you’ll find, where’er you roam, That marble floors and gilded walls can never make a home. But every house where Love abides, and Friendship is a guest, Is surely home, and home-sweet-home:  For…

Staycation in Nashville…Fond Farewell

One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things.–Henry Miller I’ve always enjoyed staycations in Nashville, my home for almost thirty years.  After two years of living in Morocco, I am in town for the summer, and, as friends said I would be, stunned by how much this It City has grown.   In a week I move to The…

My Nashville

Roots and wings. Nashville has and is (for me) both. This progressive place with a legendary past is the 7th fastest growing city in the US. Friends told me of new restaurants and music venues, of more traffic in the year I was away, but I was still surprised by all the change. Growing up in Kentucky, I romanticized Nashville and its icons.  As…

East Nashville’s Bounty and Backyards

And in another backyard in one of my favorite neighborhoods, East Nashville, I enjoyed summer with a supper my friend Beth cooked from her garden.  The Mississippi girl filled her table on that hot July night with cool salads, grilled corn and shrimp that tasted like a Southern Living spread.  A really good soul, her accent and easy way soothes mine. Many-a-memory was made…