‘”Not all those who wander are lost.” ~Tolkien I do not define travel as a list-building exercise where I keep track of states or countries or continents to boast about here or elsewhere. Nor do I believe travel only consists of crossing man-made geographic boundaries. I wander near and far, both mentally and physically, to … More Notched, Part 7: I Wander, but Why?
Wanderlust… Its meaning aside, I’ve always loved that word. While exhaling those three rhythmic syllables, it’s difficult to not stare through the nearest window to watch the trees sway restlessly in the wind (as I just did), or to dig up past travel photos, and, thus, past emotions. But really, wanderlust, with all its gut-poking … More Notched, Part 6: Endless Wanderlust
I don’t pretend that I’m an adventurous spirit. You won’t find me skydiving on the weekends, or canyoneering, or any other death-tempting feats. I didn’t consider going near the Angel’s Landing Trail in Zion NP, where I’d be saved from the sheer dropoff by clenching onto a chain, and, moreover, I haven’t traveled terribly far … More Notched, Part 5: Knocking Down Those Fearsome Walls
Patience: it’s on my mind this week. “The best things come to those who wait.” “You don’t know patience until you have kids.” I’ve heard these themes from time to time, and throughout my life. It seems odd to discuss it in the travel realm, though, when parents have already given themselves the top award … More Notched, Part 4: Patience is a Traveler’s Virtue
I dedicated my first two “Notched” write-ups to food, and how travel has influenced my willingness to both try new foods and then prepare them when I return home. But as a person who seeks balance, it’s important that I utilize those calories, lest I become gluttonously chair-bound and unable to travel again. So I’ll devote … More Notched, Part 3: Walking Off Those Food Calories
Hey, what can I say? I love food. So I’m going to transition last week’s discussion about how my food foundation had been massively shaken by travel into how I’ve taken this big world of food and crammed it into my very own mouth…errr, kitchen. I cook *so much* more now, and I cook better. Flashback to 2011: I’m … More Notched, Part 2: Cramming a Big Food World Into My Small Kitchen
I’ll admit it: I was one of those picky kids. I subsisted on the food groups of protein, starch and sugar from childhood through my early adult years, with my teen years mainly fueled by pepsi and hot pockets. It probably appeared to be a hopeless situation to my parents, whose seasonal garden full of fresh … More Notched, Part 1: Hello, Big World of Food!
Travel Notch 