nonnaswanderings

Elfin2

December 2, 2014

Already the elf was part of the two year-old’s goodnights. This morning he surfaced on the ledge near the balcony. Tricky, he is.

Today the Elf was spotted on the center cherry red votive in the loft, not far from the boy’s room. The delight is huge, and the questions of a two year-old begin. His dad appears sleepy. From “The Elf on the Shelf,” a book complete with elf by Carol Aebersold and Chanda Bell, comes a tradition … More Elfin Travels

Heaven in H.B.

November 8, 2014

Yesterday, the sun shone brilliantly and the salty sea smells bee-lined into our nostrils. The sand and water appeared endless. Surfers, frisbee-chasing dogs, families, couples and lone individuals dotted the horizon, seemingly rejoicing such abundance. We, too, felt the harmony here on the Bolsa Chica bike trail to Huntington Beach. A quick stop for oranges and almonds from a … More Heaven in H.B.

Aquamarine Me

October 9, 2014

Biba dushi translates as “living the good island life” in Papiamento, the blended language of the ABC islands: Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao. Here in the crystal clear turquoise and aquamarine Caribbean waters surrounding Aruba, we are grateful for the day. Although the 70′ catamaran carries 72 more passengers than our Nevisian snorkel trip, the visibility … More Aquamarine Me

Thank you, Nevis

October 6, 2014

For your kind, gracious people verdant bounty easy smiles warm, welcoming waters ever-cloud-rimmed Mt. Nevis rum punch with shaved nutmeg island rhythm inimitable night song.

Tranquility Now

October 1, 2014

Here we are again, on the superbly crafted catamaran “Caona,” skimming the couple miles of blue Caribbean from Nevis to St. Kitts. Submerged with snorkels and fins, warm water penetrates our souls and rum punch fortifies. We encounter forgotten lavender sea fans, Ivory tube, brain and pillar coral, colonies of life encroaching boulders on this … More Tranquility Now

Changing Faces

September 13, 2014

In fall semester junior year, I changed my major at University of Maryland College Park from French- with a minor in Spanish—to nursing. A roommate’s Anatomy & Physiology class taught by Sigmund Grollman, author of the required textbook, intrigued me. The leap from studying a language that infiltrated my dreams to the complexities of medicine, … More Changing Faces

There’s Something about the Shore

July 30, 2014

There’s something about the shore-the Eastern shore, specifically. Some call it God’s country. We’ve trekked west coast to east coast annually the last thirty-five years, but rarely crossed the Chesapeake. An invitation to a niece’s Navy retirement on the USS Wisconsin in Norfolk generated a visit to my brother on the Bay. We found the towns of Portsmouth … More There’s Something about the Shore

A Positive High School Memory

June 24, 2014

Kindness is all-powerful. One day two decades later, an individual elects to write about a high school experience. In the story, a reaction to recent and ongoing sorrowful tragedies, compromised interpersonal relationships and bullying, you read that one child had a positive effect on another at a vulnerable age. Something compelled Michael Miller to recall that positive human interaction. The author’s youthful perception of … More A Positive High School Memory

Father’s Day 2014: Recalling Travels with Dad

June 7, 2014

A father’s influence is felt forever. Here, five travel bloggers share memories. * One man sought out extended life experiences abroad for his family. * A father-daughter road trip is relished for a lifetime. * Natural wonders provided the backdrop for family exploration together. * A dad’s curious mind and gravitational pull to the sea inspired yearning for the unknown. … More Father’s Day 2014: Recalling Travels with Dad