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!

Do you enjoy reading and browsing fun, unique stores? Are you looking for a summer getaway that’s something a little different? Maybe even a QUEST? 😲

I strongly believe that “great art” is in the eye of the beholder and not in the artwork itself. I can look at the same piece of art as 20 other people and it would “speak” to us in 20 different ways. With that thought in mind, I viewed lots of great art at the Des Moines Arts Festival today. I talked to a number of talented and friendly artists

I have enjoyed going to arts festivals for many years. I enjoy the art tents sitting side by side, with many types of artworks in the same small space. I enjoy the art festival atmosphere. It just feels like a big party!

As many of you are aware, part of the United States experienced a total eclipse on April 8. The total eclipse cut a path diagonally through the US starting in Texas and finishing in the state of Maine. Because it will be 20 years before the next total eclipse in the US, I wanted to be sure to experience this eclipse in the zone of totality.