Begin With The End In Mind

So much is written about New Year’s Resolutions. Some love them, others think they’re for the birds. Not a believer in goal-setting culture (it suggests either accomplishment or failure), I concur with the latter. Stephen Covey had it right when he suggested we ‘Begin With The End In Mind’ as one of his 7 Habits….

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Oh, Sandy

We all have memories of life-changing moments in history. Remember when Neil Armstrong stepped on the moon? When the planes hit the Twin Towers? In December, 1980 a bunch of us came to New York City. It was two days after the shooting death of John Lennon. I remember it well. Now, after Sandy’s onslaught,…

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Living the Life of Riley?

Sometimes our past is done before our future seems quite ready. ~ Julia Cameron Four months have passed since my return to Canada and a decidedly wonderful way of living, without routine or constraints, continues to be my daily blessing. Some say I’m living the dream. I call it the second dream (the first was…

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What’s in a Name?

3:10 pm Friday afternoon, Mooloolaba, Qld, 1998 Teachers scurry down to the staff room, down a few XXXX beer, then dash off to surf, swim, or continue imbibing at the local surf club. As with all things ‘travel’ you figure out how people have fun in their part of the world. This pre-weekend Aussie ritual…

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Problems Getting Back in the Saddle?

Ever had those icky post-vacation blues? Back from a long holiday, wandering and wondering where you fit in? Somewhat like an ill-fitting sweater, one that’s outgrown itself? Me too. Even landing in Vancouver last month failed to rally the usual excitement. A place laden with memories of another life time, where we ‘did this’ or…

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Rock Me Gently

Rock me gently, Rock me slowly Not having been much of a Neil Diamond fan I was surprised to find myself humming these lyrics as I awoke a few weeks back. Most likely my body’s way of telling me to go gently on myself as I transition back into life in Vancouver after nine months…

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10 + 1 GREAT Reasons to Become a HOUSE SITTER

Looking to travel? On a budget? No home to exchange? Consider work as a house sitter… looking after someone else’s home in exchange for free accommodation. I like to call it gentle travel. Here’s my list (in no particular order) It’s a Win-Win. You save money and homeowners enjoy their time away knowing their home,…

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In the Absence of Eggs

It’s been three weeks now and the chooks aren’t putting out. Well not as far as I can tell. If they’re laying, they’re not letting on. “Look out for eggs in strange places,” the homeowners cry joyfully, Quantas bound. Thing is, I have been looking: under boulders, piles of grass, roosting spots, but no eggs….

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