While I have never been much of a jewelry person, I have always been interested in gems, minerals, and rocks in general. My dad was an avid rock enthusiast and so it was hard NOT to become interested in rocks myself. One of the gems (minerals) that has always fascinated me was turquoise. You can almost always spot turquoise throughout history due to its beautiful, distinct blue-green color. Egyptian pharaohs wore it (like King Tut’s Ceremonial Mask). Native Americans wore it and designed with it, as did many other cultures across the globe.

Looking for a creative outlet for your kids or grandchildren? Or are you visiting the Joslyn Art Museum in Omaha with young children or “big kids” that love to play and experiment?

The Joslyn also has a newly-redone kids area called Art Works: A Place for Curiousity. It is located on the lowest level in the original Joslyn building and features many interactive areas for kids and big kids to create, experiment, and even read books in cozy little wall nooks. How fun!!! 👏

When I travel I like to do a wide variety of things, everything from visiting botanical gardens to historical sights to different types of museums to nature attractions to cathedrals and historic churches. One of my more recent road trips took me to St. Louis and the majestic Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis. It was amazing!

In October 2024, I went to Albuquerque, New Mexico and crossed an item off my bucket list by attending the International Balloon Fiesta. I spent a few extra days in the Albuquerque area and took a side trip to Santa Fe, which was about an hour away from the AirBnb I was staying in. Santa Fe was exceptional and the tour I booked through Airbnb Experiences was the “icing on the cake,” so to speak. Tour Santa Fe with me in this blog post!

Recently, I was fortunate to be able to cross an item off my bucket list. I have wanted to attend the world’s largest hot air balloon festival (the International Balloon Fiesta, held in Albuquerque, New Mexico each October) for quite a while. I was in New Mexico for nine days and attended the Fiesta four times while I was there. Allow me to show you around! Includes video, plus I’ll give you some insider tips along the way!

Most folks know that state fairs are usually big events. But did you know there is a fair in Northwest Iowa that rivals many state fairs? It’s called The Clay County Fair and is held each year in Spencer, Iowa. I had a fun time attending this past Saturday, September 7, with two friends I’ve known since age 3. We had a blast! The fair continues until September 15, so there’s still time to go yourself!

On August 10, I took a fun and inspiring tour in Seattle called Henry Mural Tours. This post is Part 2. Please read the original post first. The tour was a total blast! Check this out!

Many of you know I enjoy art of all kinds. My favorite type of art, though, usually involves lots of color, a hopeful message, and a bit of unique whimsy. When I was recently in Seattle, I was fortunate to discover a tour for an artist that checks all those boxes. It totally made my day! See why!!!

In August 2024 I achieved a personal milestone (a.k.a. Bucket list) that I added to my to-do list in 2013 - more than 11 years ago. I spent one absolutely GLORIOUS full day at The Butchart Gardens near Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. To me, this place is like heaven on earth. See why!

I just returned from yet another fun day at the Iowa State Fair! You might think a fair in 2024 is an old fashioned place that only a few folks attend. Not so in Iowa and several other places in the U.S! In fact, in 2023 more than 1.1 million folks attended the Iowa State Fair and this year at least one daily attendance record was broken, so the Fair just keeps getting more and more popular.

I just got home at 1 am from a wonderful trip to Seattle and Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. I say this almost every trip, but this trip was one of the best trips I’ve ever had! I got to do so much fun stuff I can’t believe it. My son presented at a national conference in Seattle, so I decided to go with him (since guess who was mostly footing the bill?). 😏 I totally turned it into a “Bucket List” trip for myself though!

Someday when I decide to slow down a bit, I want to learn how to quilt. I have said that for at least 20 years, so maybe someday I will actually do it. I just adore the artistic aspect of quilts. They are blank fabric canvases and you can create a thousand different masterpieces with them, depending on the pattern, the fabric and even the quilt stitch. The possibilities are endless. You can even tell a story with them, as folks did on the Underground Railroad.

If you’re like me, you love to discover unexpected little gems when you travel, especially ones that are underrated or somewhat unknown. When you find a place like that, it feels sort of like you have opened a surprise birthday gift and are delighted. That was the way I felt when I visited the ESSE Purse Museum and Store!

Did you know that the Oklahoma City Museum of Art Has a wonderful collection of Dale Chihuly glasswork? I did not know this until I started planning my eclipse road trip. When I saw that the art museum was having a special exhibit on Dale Chihuly this year I knew where I wanted to start my trip.

I am writing this post from one of my favorite independent, cozy bookstores. I am thinking about all I did during my recent, two-week road trip. It was truly amazing and I’ll start sharing it with you today by giving you an overview.

When I was in college I went to DC to visit a friend who was working as an intern. She was working during the day so I had five days to visit many of the museums. I remember visiting the National Gallery of Art and being both amazed and overwhelmed. But, that was the museum that prompted my curiosity about art and artists.

I have been taking inexpensive classes this year from Kelli Sweet, who runs a creative organization called Hibernate and Create. Next weekend is their big Spring retreat and I can’t wait! I am signed up for several classes and I’m so excited to be going! Great news! You can still sign up yourself!