Traveling
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Mackinac Island, Building Community, and Taking a Break
Do you ever dream of days gone by, when life was simpler than it is today — no cars, no phones, no television — time to just be with people, and enjoy the simple things of life? Yeah, me too. The only problem is that when you actually think about all the time that was spent on cleaning clothes, maintaining a house, and cooking meals — you realize that those who have gone before us might have actually had less time to just be than we have. Sure, we can choose to get distracted by our phones, our televisions, and the things that don’t really matter — but we can also…
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That Time We Went to Positano… Part 3 — Livin’ La Dolce Vita
In lieu of 7 Quick Takes this week, I offer you the conclusion to That Time We Went to Positano… If you haven’t read part 1 or 2, start here. So there we were, walking towards Fornillo Beach… And, though, there was a pedestrian walkway leading down to the beach, we took a wrong turn and found ourselves walking through a tunnel cut into the rock, past another grotto to Mary, and into the front lobby of the Hotel Pupetto. Not sure how we managed to end up in a hotel, but it was quite fortuitous — it offered a great little beachside restaurant with drinks and food and a lovely view. I highly recommend grabbing a…
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That Time We Went to Positano… Part 2 — Livin’ La Dolce Vita
If you haven’t read Part 1 of our trip, you might want to start here. Have you heard of the Last 4 Things? Well, the Church says that the “Last 4 Things” — Death, Judgement, Heaven and Hell are worth thinking about. I know what you might be thinking — “Depressing!” I know, I know. Though spending time contemplating these things might seem doomed to becoming a big, fat downer — I have found that daring to do so might actually change the way you live your life. You might actually find yourself living life with more intention, more purpose, and — surprisingly, more joy — so don’t be afraid to do…
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Tips and Tricks For Family Travel on a Budget
A few days ago I posted about That Time We Went to Positano. It was an amazing experience and I am so grateful that we took that leap of faith and went on that crazy adventure. But adventures like that take time, money, and planning. In the effort to help you create your own family adventures, I offer you my 7 Quick Tips and Tricks for Family Travel on a Budget. I really hope it helps you to get out there and explore this world of ours — even if it’s just a few hours away from your own home. Enjoy. ~1~ Why Family Travel It’s so important to know up front…
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That Time We Went to Positano… (Part 1)
It’s a sludgy, gray day in the Midwest — can you tell winters aren’t my favorite? I thought rather than dwelling on the fact that I’m working hard to love all the seasons — and currently failing 🙁 — that it would be a good time to finally share about that time we went to Positano. Maybe you’re in the midst of equally horrid weather — or just plain sick of all the political posts in your news feed — if so, I hope this will be a cheerful break from reality! I know I always love looking at pictures of far off places and dreaming of being there. How about you? Actually, it’s the first…
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Washington, D.C. (With Kids)
Well, it’s been an intense week. Time to lighten things up a bit, shall we? I thought I’d offer you my tips on visiting D.C. with kids. Obviously, it’s a worthwhile place to visit — for so many reasons — but it is also a very child-friendly city, and we really enjoyed it. So don’t be afraid to bring everybody along for a crazy family road trip. Here’s a few tips and and tricks to make for a more memorable trip. ~1~ The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception I have said it before, but we have found making at least one spot on your journey a pilgrimage site tends…
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Looking Back: 17 Years of Marriage
This weekend, John and I are celebrating 17 years of marriage! So, I thought I’d dedicate this post to the man I married 17 years ago. On our wedding day, John’s sisters told me that I would never be bored. They were so right. This guy keeps adventure alive in our house! I’m so glad I took that great big leap of faith and agreed to marry him on a sunny day in Glendalough so many years ago! Our Engagement: Ireland was a big part of our beginning. Our first time together in Ireland was when John visited me and my family for Thanksgiving– we were visiting my sister, who was working there…
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Pilgrim Toes, Thirst, and the Canonization of Mother Teresa
The weekend of Mother Teresa’s canonization began quite peacefully. The Romans were slowly returning home from their month-long summer break — boy do they know how to live — and the crowds in Rome were smaller than we had expected. There was a part of me that wondered how the Italians were going to pull off a huge ordeal like a canonization when they were so sluggishly returning to their routines. It seems people were avoiding St. Peter’s because they feared the crowds — that was a big win for us! Thank you Jesus for smaller lines at St. Peter’s and easier access to good food and gelato — I don’t think this tired…
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7 Quick Takes: One Night in Rome
Rome was hot, very hot. And I was often wearing a baby, so multiply that by 10. 🙁 So, needless to say, we were sweating all.day.long. But something really wonderful would happen each evening –there was a coolish breeze and the scorching sun went away –so an evening walk was a great way for us to end our time in Rome. Honestly, Rome by day is impressive — but by night — it’s kind of amazing! This is true for cities all over the world, but especially the cities of Italy. At night, families come out and spend their evenings in their favorite little piazzas. The old and the young, romantic couples…
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St. Peters Basilica: 7 Quick Takes
Rome — where do I begin? On some level, Rome is like every other big city out there — traffic, noise, the constant activity of people doing all the things that people do in big cities. But Rome is also strangely unlike any other big city in the world– it is literally bursting at the seams with all things Catholic — slowly the big city fades and you begin to notice that everywhere you look there is some aspect of our faith represented in living color. It is a city of pilgrims, of saints, of sinners. In a real way, it is a city that belongs to all of us — for what else does the word “catholic”…
