Author: Probe 'n Ponder

Through the eyes of writing ~ blog 144

A Probe & Ponder Newsletter…December Issue

Exploring books, learning, travel, life experiences & adventure with author, Roberta E Sawatzky

Welcome to Issue #2 of my newsletter!

If you’re someone who’s curious, courageous, and eager to grow through fresh ideas, practical writing tips, thoughtful prompts, and real-life reflections, you’re in the right place. Here, I share my ponderings and discoveries with a community of readers and writers who’ve connected with me through my books—and who love exploring how writing shapes the way we learn, create, and experience life. Let’s dive in together.

My books: For ordering and book information visit my website.

What If…? Finding new adventures through life’s obstacles. Between Here and Where? Embracing life’s transitions.

“A writer, I think, is someone who pays attention to the world.”
—Susan Sont

Books & Podcasts

Podcast:
I love travel and I love books. Needless to say, podcasts that combine those two topics catch my attention. My recommend for this month is from Books and Travel with Jo Frances Penn. You may recognize the name J.F. Penn, a prolific author of both non-fiction, and the ARKANE series. Born from her love of research, Penn hosts authors who books have been inspired by their travels. Episode #110 is titled Ahchemical History and Beautiful Architecture: Prague with Lisa M. Lilly. If you have never visited the amazing Prague, this interview will certainly whet your appitite to pay it a visit. Lilly shares how her visit to Prague inspired her latest book The Skeptical Man.

You just never know where your next book inspiration will come from–and I’m not suggesting you have to travel across the globe for that inspiration. Might I encourage keeping your eyes open in your own neighbourhood, city, or country? Like Lisa M. LIlly, you might just see a book scene unfold before your very eyes.

Book:
There are many tried and true practices as they relate to writing. However, how often do we reach for the latest and greatest book on the shelf, just to find that ‘magic bullet’, the one to make writing seamless. If only that were true!

I am finishing up reading a classic book on writing. Originally published in 1976, but updated several times, the latest revised update in 2006, William K. Zinsser’s book On Writing Well is full of treasures for new and accomplished writers. As I look back through the chapters, my pages are splattered with yellow highlighting. Let me share some of the nuggets that caught my attention from just the first chapter.

“Ultimatelly the product that any writer has to sell is not the sugject being written about, but who he or she is“. “But the secret of good writing is to strip every sentence to its cleanest components.” When speaking of style, Zinsser shares, “Readers want the person who is talking to them to sound genuine. Therefore a fundamental rule is: be yourself.” That one really spoke to me. One more quote. “I write entirely by ear and read everything aloud before letting it go out into the world.” This became clear to me when I was recording my audiobook What if…? Finding new adventures through life’s obstacles. I had read through the book more times than I wished, had a professional editor go through it multiple times, and shared it with three beta readers. I was told by folks much wiser than I in the field of editing that the first read through will catch 80% of errors, leaving a mere 20%. Not too bad, but not what I would be happy with. After two more read throughs, 0.8% of the original errors would still go unchecked. I was good with that. However, as I read my book aloud for the recording, I was shocked by how many mistakes I still found, simply by listening–by using my ear. Mr. Zinsser, you know your stuff! So, this is a high recommend book from a wise man.

Capturing holiday memories in a memoir can be both meaningful and fun. The following tips and story prompts are designed to help you bring your family traditions, special moments, and unique celebrations to life. Let these ideas spark your creativity as you begin writing your holiday stories.

Writing Tips (for the holiday season)

  1. Start with sensory details
  2. Focus on meaningful moments
  3. Interview family members
  4. Use photos and keepsakes
  5. Write one memory at a time
  6. Embrace both joy and challenge
  7. Use prompts and story starters

Try these prompts to get you started:

  1. Describe a holiday tradition that has been passed down through generations in your family. How did it start, and how has it changed over time? 
  2. Share the story of a holiday celebration that didn’t go as planned. What went wrong, and how did your family respond?
  3. Imagine a holiday from the perspective of a gift waiting to be opened. What does it hope for, and what does it witness? 
  4. Describe a holiday season in the future or in a different setting (another country, another planet, etc.). How do traditions adapt?
  5. Write about a holiday celebration that brought together people from different backgrounds or cultures. What did you learn? 

Created with the assistance of Microsoft Copilot.

Writing Prompts (pictures from my travels):

  1. “I remember a time when we drank exquisite cocktails and talked about…”
  2. “This Christmas gnome made me smile because…”
  3. “As I sat in the chill of winter, gazing over the lake, my thoughts wandered to…”

What am I up to?

Last week I attended yet another Winter Market and shared a book table with a friend. I don’t know about you, but this is not my favourite way to market and sell my books. To be honest, sales were basically non-existent, and my feet and back hurt from standing so long. Perhaps it’s the memoir genre, or my poor sales skills. HOWEVER, I spoke to some wonderful people and heard their life stories. They were filled with heartwarming experiences, reflections of sadness and tragedy, courage, and hope. For me, as I reflect on the day, it was a success. It reminded me that I write because I’m passionate about sharing life with others in a way that will encourage, uplift, teach, and bring joy. I write because I’m a teacher at heart and have learned so much through books. I write because it provides a creative outlet that causes my mind to slow down and reflect.

In November’s newsletter I shared my thoughts on what my next book might look like. I did think more about writing a fiction, tried to come up with some creative ideas for story lines…nothing! I absolutely love reading murder mystery and suspense books, but writing one is outside my wheelhouse. And my love of storytelling about real life is what brings me joy, and from what I’m told, my readers find joy in reading my books. So that’s my lane, that’s where my voice is truly me. I’m now three chapters into a new work…stay tuned for updates.

“You don’t write because you understand life; you write because you want to.” — Anaïs Nin

Happy Holidays from our home to yours.

Through the eyes of writing ~ blog 143

Probe & Ponder…

Exploring books, learning, travel, life experiences & adventure with author, Roberta E Sawatzky

Almost all good writing begins with terrible first efforts. You need to start somewhere.

Anne Lamott

Are you ready to explore new adventures through life’s obstacles and transitions? Welcome to this first edition, sharing my ponderings with a community of curious, courageous readers who’ve connected with my books:
“What If…? Finding new adventures through life’s obstacles.” and “Between Here and Where? Embracing life’s transitions.”

Each month, you’ll receive:

  • ✍️ Insights on writing and creativity (from others wiser than I)
  • 📚 Book recommendations that inspire and challenge (from my readings)
  • 🌱 Quotes and insights on overcoming obstacles and embracing change
  • 🎧 Thought-provoking podcasts worth your time (from my listening)
  • 💬 Life stories or travel pictures to inspire your writing journey

Books & Podcasts

Podcast:
The Writer’s Routine Podcast is a great source of inspiration. In a recent episode, Faith Hogan shares her journey to becoming a bestselling author. She describes writing as a “punster,” letting stories evolve naturally. Her novels often take place on fictional Irish islands to shape atmosphere and theme. She explains her commitment to uplifting fiction and the core elements needed to engage readers.

Book:
There are so many great books on writing… all offering great value. The first book I read when I only dreamed about writing a book was Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott. Lamott offers practical advice and honest reflections on the writing life, encouraging writers to focus on small, manageable steps, rather than feeling overwhelmed by the whole project. She blends humour, personal stories, and hard-earned wisdom to address common writer struggles like perfectionism, self-doubt, and writer’s block.

October in Hawaii

Writing Tips

Memoir writing is all about telling your story. Here’s a tip to help get you started:

Pick a Memory
Choose one moment that sticks with you—it doesn’t have to be dramatic.
Example: your first day at a new job, a family dinner, a childhood walk to school.

Set the Stage (5 minutes)
Write down where you were, what time of day it was, and who was there.
Use sensory details: What could you see, hear, smell, touch, taste?

Zoom In (10 minutes)
Describe one action or exchange in real time.
Instead of “My grandmother was kind,” write a scene:
“She slid the last piece of pie across the table to me, her eyes twinkling as though she had a secret.”

Reflect (5 minutes)
Add a short reflection on why that moment mattered.
This bridges memory (what happened) with meaning (why it’s part of your story).

Writing Prompts (from my travels)

Looking at this photo makes me think of a time when…
Imagine this bowl could tell its story. What has it seen? How old is it? What life might the creators hands have lived?
What might these two have been talking about…or avoiding talking about?

What am I up to?

I’m mulling around an idea for a new book. I love telling stories from life experiences, but I would also like to try my hand at fiction. So, I may attempt to create a memoir-esque, factional novel, autofiction… not sure what the correct term is. Or maybe I’ll just stay in my lane and write stories from life that hopefully inspire, motivate, challenge, and produce a giggle. The pages are still blank… perhaps I’ll have more clarity to report in the next newsletter.

“You’re never too old to set another goal or dream a new dream.”

C.S. Lewis

The Joys of Spring: New Life, New Perspectives…blog 142

I love spring!
It brings renewed hope, freshness, new perspectives, and the reminder that after the darkness of winter, the promise of new life always returns. I cherish every part of it—rain or shine.

Spring is also the perfect time of year to celebrate those women in our lives who have had such an impact. Whether or not you are a mother, or provide support and love for others…I celebrate you!

A Symphony of Scents and Sights

I don’t know where you live, but here in British Columbia, my bike rides are filled with the sight and scent of flowering trees and shrubs in full bloom.

The white, pink, lavender, and purple lilacs make even the finest perfumes seem dull by comparison, blending harmoniously with the sweet, honey-like fragrance of the Oregon grape’s yellow blossoms. Riding through it all feels like gliding through a fragrant flower shop.

Sunshine, Scotch, and the Simple Joys

Spring feels like emerging from the cozy comforts of indoors to breathe in life’s freshness.

Time to clean off the patio chairs, lay out the bright cushions on the Adirondack chairs, pour a shot (or two!) of scotch, sit back, and smile at the sun. Pure bliss.

Nature’s Reminder: It’s Time to Begin Again

Spring speaks of new birth.
We see it all around us: buds opening, grass once buried now sprouting fresh green blades, chubby robins tending to delicate blue eggs, and trees becoming concert stages for returning songbirds.

But I believe spring also invites us—as humans—to embrace new beginnings, fresh perspectives, and personal growth. Each new beginning is as unique as the person experiencing it.

A personal win: an audio recording and a second book

On a personal note, I’m excited to have produced an audiobook from my first book What if…? Finding adventures through life’s obstacles.

AND I’m thrilled about the upcoming birth of my second book, Between Here and Where: Embracing Life’s Transitions.The cover design is complete, and the final edits—thanks to the amazing Darcy Nybo—are done. Next up: sharing it with a few beta readers, then on to publishing!

Looking ahead: travel, connection, and ocean breezes

I’m also looking forward to traveling and exploring over the next few months. The thought of spending time with family and friends—creating new memories and building on shared experiences—fills me with joy. Add in some time by the ocean, and my anticipation reaches epic levels!

Embracing change and finding hope

Of course, life continues to throw us curveballs. Change and transition are part of the journey—sometimes beautiful, sometimes challenging.

But even in the tougher moments, those changes don’t define us. They invite us to dig deep, hold onto joy, and let the warmth of past memories and hope for the future guide us forward.

They remind us to live with a sense of expectancy for the good that life still offers.

A few questions for you

So, I wonder—
What are you hopeful for as you witness the wonders of new life around you?

How are you growing and learning in this season of your life?

What thoughts linger in your heart on those joy-filled days—or on days when joy feels just out of reach?

Welcome to a new year with Probe and Ponder…Blog 141

January 2025…how has the year started for you? Slow and steady? Like a whirlwind? Full of expectancy? Waiting for the proverbial shoe to drop? Are you excited about new beginnings? None of these outlooks are right or wrong…they just are. And that’s ok.

Mine started rather quietly – we slipped into 2025 without much fanfare. Like many people at certain stages of life, we were already in dreamland by the time the clock struck midnight!

That was until January 3rd. 

I love to smile, but recently I have been conscious of people’s reactions when they see a gap where until that day, a tooth lived. It happened like this:

I was meeting with a close friend, enjoying a great cup of coffee and a soft veggie wrap. We were laughing together, catching up on each other’s lives, and about to begin talking about a second walk together on the Camino de Santiago, when I felt the strangest thing…there was a hole where a front tooth used to be! My tongue explored it, my finger found the hole, and a selfie confirmed what I feared…I had lost a tooth. It split up the middle and was gone! I truly did lose it—it wasn’t in my mouth, nor was it stuck in the wrap…it was gone. Well, not completely lost, I had swallowed it!

As you can read in my memoir, life is not exactly stress-free when one’s husband has some major medical issues. So when this happened, I looked at my friend, recognizing my shock reflected in her face, and we both laughed! What else could we do? I immediately reached out to our dental office and shared my story of woe, and the receptionist laughed as well! Realizing her reaction may not have been overly empathetic, she quickly apologized. 

Within an hour I was sitting in the dental chair having x-rays taken, then setting up an appointment with my dentist for the following week (of course it happened on a day when the dentist wasn’t working!). Thus began the long process of having a tooth implanted by a dental surgeon…but first the remainder of my broken tooth needs to be removed. (There are many things I would rather do than visit the dentist…for any reason!)

So here was the dilemma I now faced. I was booked to be interviewed on a podcast (video, not audio), and present an Author Meet at our local library. I am also in the process of recording an audiobook. Do you know how difficult it is to pronounce ‘th’ and ‘f’ sounds when you are missing a front tooth? The recording mic is so sensitive the production guy could hear a plane passing overhead, a sound I couldn’t even hear! 

What to do? We were able to adjust the mic far enough from my mouth so as not to have the offending sounds pop the mic…one problem solved. But what about the podcast? If you have spent any time on virtual calls, you know how distracting it is to see your face on a screen just inches away. It can be disconcerting to say the least. Add to that the insult of seeing a very visible gap anytime you smile, multiplying the distraction. So the podcast appearance was cancelled. 

But what about the Author Meet? I seriously considered cancelling it as well, until I was hit with one of those epiphany experiences. That quiet inner voice reminded me that I had committed to be open and transparent both in my writing and in life in general. Having a tooth fall out is just part of life (at least my life). 

So here I am, missing tooth and all, ready to take on 2025. I look forward to openly and transparently sharing my probings and ponderings with you. Please stay tuned as I continue sharing my learnings from life and travel with you. Who knows what’s next? 

By the way, if you ever want to reach out for coaching, speaking events, or simply to say ‘hi’, here are my contacts:

roberta@samisremote.com | resawatzky.com | robertasawatzky.com | https://calendly.com/roberta20/complimentary-chat

As 2024 comes to an end…Blog 140

I’m sitting in my home office, gazing out at a very gray day. We had snow last evening, but mild temperatures and light rain have turned the fresh blanket of snow into a dull, mushy mess.

Winter isn’t my favorite season—my soul seems to hibernate, awaiting the awakening signaled by the first buds of spring appearing on the trees outside my window. These buds signal new life.

In summer, we slow down to soak up the sun’s warmth, shedding cumbersome jackets, socks, and ‘whole shoes’ (as our daughter used to call them) to make way for sandals, sundresses, t-shirts, and the ever-present sunnies. At times, the sun’s heat becomes oppressive, prompting us to seek the perfect shade under which to sip a cool beverage, dreaming of storing this glorious heat to be slowly released during the cold, frigid winter months.

Then autumn arrives. How I love this season! The summer heat fades, leaving warm days and nights that call for the cozy embrace of light sweaters to fend off the evening chill. The greens of summer transform into vibrant reds, ambers, and crimson leaves, drawing me in like the crackling flames of the fires my mum used to set in the evenings back in Ireland.

However, without the winter months that prompt us to hunker down and reflect on the gifts of new life, warmth, and harvest, we might miss the lessons nature offers.

I believe the four seasons—winter, spring, summer, and autumn—are a rich metaphor for life, especially when we consider the changes each one brings. Over the past year, I’ve been working on a book about change and transition. Initially, its focus was on transitioning from full-time employment to part-time, contract work. This transition would bridge the years between the workforce and possibly leaving paid employment altogether. As I wrote, I realized that life is, and will continue to be, filled with various transitions, each with its own intensity. This process has made me reflect on the many changes and transitions I’ve experienced and consider how successfully or unsuccessfully I’ve navigated each. Transitions stem from change; some are self-initiated, while others result from decisions made by others that impact us. Some transitions bring wonderful opportunities filled with adventure and excitment, while others may lead to loss, grief, and anxiety.

During this winter solstice season, as I reflect on the past year, I remember moments of joy and laughter, delight and pleasure, beauty and wonder, awe and curiosity, peace and stillness. I also remember moments of deep sadness and tears, anger and fear, loss and grief. This is life; these are the seasons of life that shape us into unique and wonderful human beings living amidst its messiness.

One of my favorite Broadway experiences was Rent. From the opening number, I was captivated by the stories of a group of young bohemians endeavoring to live fully. It chronicles a year in their lives. The opening song, “Seasons of Life,” asks, “How do you measure the value of a year in a person’s life?” A big question! But is it really? Looking back over 2024, how would you describe its value in terms of your accomplishments, contributions, and what you’ve received? What gauge or criterion might you use to evaluate its worth? I believe this question, posed by songwriter Jonathan Larson, provides a simple yet profound foundation for closing off a year and setting intentions for 2025, marking it as a year of great value.

What do you think? How might you measure the value of 2024?

PEI…Canada’s smallest province…Blog 139

It happens this time every year…I wonder where the summer went? 

Where I live, summer was everything it should be: mostly blue skies, hot temperatures (ok, those days with temperatures in the high 30’s was a bit much), very little smoke from fires, travel, and a much slower pace of life.

I did a great deal of reading; some books for learning, some for inspiration, and others simply for entertainment. I took time to work on my next book (about life transitions, but no inspiration for a title as yet…ideas?), contracted a marketing specialist for my business, who lifted a massive weight off my shoulders making my summer so much more pleasurable.

In my last blog I shared the joy of discovering and learning about yoga and mediation. What I failed to learn is that when they say ‘listen to your body and let it guide you’, they mean it! The trouble is, sometimes your body doesn’t speak until the day after you pushed to do those 100 leg lifts after a nasty spill on a concrete sidewalk the previous day. Yup, all headway I made with my regular exercise program came to a full stop until my muscles and ligaments do some much needed healing.

This isn’t the first time I’ve done a number on my body…you can read about it in a previous blog.

Pexels.com

Enough about the woes of my irresponsibility, let’s talk about travel. I have done a great deal of travel in the U.S. and Europe, but not as much in my own country of Canada. It is a vast area stretching over 4,700 miles (7,560 kilometers) from West to East, and crosses six time zones. We are surrounded by the Pacific Ocean in the west, the Atlantic Ocean in the east, and the Arctic Ocean to the north.

Each of the ten provinces and three territories offer their own beauty; according to National Geographic Kids, Canada is home to two million lakes (14% of the world’s lakes), 8,500 named rivers, 125 mountain ranges including the Rockies, the Appalachian Mountains, St. Elias Mountains, the Laurentian Mountains and the Purcell Mountains. Three of our provinces, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta constitute the great wheat-producing region of Canada and are a major source for petroleum, potash, and natural gas…and they offer the most amazing sunsets and sunrises.

I lived my teenage years in Ontario, Canada. School trips and camp experiences included brought us to a lush forested areas called Algonquin Park. This incredible park covers an area of 7,630 km² (or about 2,946 square miles). To give some perspective, Algonquin Park is larger than Canada’s smallest province, Prince Edward Island, or, around the same size as Delaware and Rhode Island, U.S….COMBINED!

It would take a life time to fully take in all Canada has to offer. To date, my experiences in my own country have mostly been in British Columbia, Alberta, and Ontario. However, this summer I fell in love with Prince Edward Island. A friend is driving across Canada (taking several months to make the return trip), so I decided to meet up with her for a week in PEI.

St. Peters Beach

What a beautiful place! We were welcomed with such warm hospitality, drove by fields of such varied crops, especially potatoes (and ate our share of french fries), and iron-rich rust coloured soil. We visited the Anne of Green Gable site, a favourite of my Mums, and marvelled at the amazing and inspirational talent of author Lucy Maude Mongomery. And the lighthouse…all sixty one of them!

For me the best of PEI was the beaches — more than 1000 km of coastline and 90 beaches! The long stretches of soft silky red or white sand, ocean so inviting it was impossible to resist at least walking along the waters edge, if not taking a dip in the clearn, refreshing ocean. Most welcome when the temperatures were high and the humidity even higher. Most beaches sported incredible sand dunes, however,  over the past two decades, on-going coastal erosion is threatening the dunes, causing great concern to locals and Nature Conservancy alike.

Great oyster bar in Victoria on the Sea

If you are a lover of oysters, PEI would be a haven for you. Sadly, I am one of many deprived individuals who can’t partake of these gems of the sea, so I enjoyed them vicariously through my friend. I can’t remember all the varieties she sampled, but here are a few: Northern Belle, Lucky Limes, Rustico, Sweet Blue, and Colville Bay…her pleasure and delight was a joy to behold.

An amazing volunteer at the Summerside information centre told us about a series of concerts called ‘Under the Spire’, held in the Historic St. Mary’s Church, built in 1902 by Island architect William Critchlow Harris. Fortunately for us, we were able to get tickets for the next night. The Acadian sounds of Vishtèn Connexions were amazing, thrilling us with musical combinations of fiddles, keyboard, flutes, bodhrán, guitar, mouth harp, and of course, vocal harmonies that carried the words of their original works across the enraptured audience.

So much more could be said about this nature inspired, understated Island, but I’ll leave it up to you to discover when you go visit for yourself – I’m confident you’ll be as enraptured as I was.

Photographs by Me.

Travel-inspired meditation…Blog 138

Welcome to the start of my meditation journey! As someone new to this practice, I’ve often felt hesitant about diving into the unknown world of meditation—perhaps out of fear of what I might discover. However, my curiosity and the need to slow down my constantly racing mind have finally led me to embrace this new experience.

So how does mediation relate to my travel learnings? A great deal! In fact, I discovered that mediation actually created an opportunity for me to think back and dwell on some very special times in my life, from recent travels all the way back to my childhood. Let me elaborate.

In the meditation session, the ‘guide’ used imagery to walk us through a 30-minute practice:

Body like a mountain, Heart like the ocean, Mind like the sky.

Mountain, ocean, and sky…nature in all its beauty. However, what do these three images mean? I had to go back and do some research on this (remember, I’ve only been to one class so far). This is what I learned.

Body Like a Mountain: Symbolizes strength and stability, encouraging a grounded posture in meditation. Now, to go along with this was the imagery of a strong back and soft front. This speaks to balancing resilience and vulnerability, promoting courage and an open heart ready for connection and compassion. (Quite lovely!) Heart Like an Ocean: Represents depth and emotional openness, fostering boundless compassion and acceptance. Mind Like the Sky: Signifies spaciousness and clarity, allowing thoughts to come and go freely.

What was especially wonderful, was not having any issue calling up mental pictures of each of these – all from my life. 

Mourne Mountains looking over the Irish Sea. (Thanks Pexels free photos)

During the meditation on body like a mountain, I vividly recalled climbing the Mountains of Mourne in Ireland as a young girl. I remember walking through the beautiful heather as it gently danced with the breeze coming off the Irish Sea. The vivid purple colours amidst tufts of green provided a soft cover between the rock surfaces. Of course, it would have been impossible to not allow the visual of a great deal of Irish Hare droppings to enter my mental scrapbook of memories. As a family, we would do day hikes on Slieve Donnard and Slieve Binnian (Slieve is Irish Gaelic for mountain). My grandparents lived in a small fishing village called Annalong…a view of the Mourne Mountains out their front door, and the Irish Sea out the rear. This was the playground of my father’s growing-up years.

Cabo Finisterre, Spain

The practice continued, and I was ready to stay in the memories of heart like an ocean for the rest of the day! If you know me even a little or have read previous blogs, you will know that the ocean is my happy place. Not surprising since I was raised in a seaside town called Bangor in Northern Ireland. There is something about being by the ocean that puts life in perspective. Sitting on a sandy beach or perched on rocks along the water’s edge can transport me to places of pure calm and peace. But the presence of the mighty sea can also unveil deep emotions that have been squashed, finally forcing their way to the surface, longing to be acknowledged and processed. A visit back to Annalong a few years ago provided a memory refresh of long-ago days sitting on the Black Rocks, just five minutes from my grandparent’s home. For me, however, there was more climbing than sitting – a successful day of rock climbing called for several bandaids (plasters as we called them), on scratched and bruised knees and shins.

Our travels have blessed us with many more open heart memories of moments sitting and walking along the ocean. Carvoeiro, Portugal;  Cape Finisterre, Spain; Greystones, Ireland; Tofino in British Columbia; the South of France, and the beautiful Greek Island of Naxus to name a few. All call out to my heart refusing to be ignored, requiring a response to whatever bubbles to the surface.

Last but not least, a mind like the sky. Who doesn’t need clarity in their life? But how many of us actually make the time, and space for clarity to work its way through the noise of our endless thoughts. The focus this required for me was the most challenging. As already noted, I have one of those minds that is always thinking, planning, worrying, and just plain busy! The idea of seeing a thought, acknowledging its existence, then allowing it to pass by without stopping for a visit is easier said than done. Again the visualization really helped (not conquered – helped). Think of days lying in a field of daisies looking up at a clear blue sky, relaxing on a warm, soft sandy beach, or dressed in warm winter gear taking a break from making snow angels with your grandkids to notice the shape of the clouds amid a cobalt blue sky. Being transported back to such memories helped greatly in my endeavour to let the thoughts that started flooding my mind, pass by. But it took willpower to not reach up and grab them…I have some work to do on this one for sure.         

What I learned is that meditation can provide a guided tour through inner landscapes and unforgettable moments. Whether you’re a seasoned meditator or a beginner, curious like me, I invite you to give it a try. I’m looking forward to further exploring the strength of mountains, the depth of oceans, and the vastness of skies, all while discovering the hidden beauty in my everyday life.

Odeceixe, Portugal

Journeys Through the World: How Travel Has Shaped My Life…Blog 137

When I think about the top elements that have defined my life, travel has to be in the mix. You’d think writing about such a key part of my life would be easy, right? Not quite! How do you distil experiences from visiting 25+ countries over 65 years into one short blog? It’s an impossible task, but let me highlight some of those memories.

Early Adventures: From Annalong to Disney World‍

Imagine weekends in Annalong, that quaint fishing village in Ireland where my dad grew up. Fancy dress parades in lush English gardens of a grand old boarding house in the South of Ireland. Snacking on fish and chips at pebble beaches in Portsmouth and Bournemouth, England, while battling off hungry seagulls. As a young girl, I was thrilled when we “spotted” the Loch Ness Monster through the foggy waters in the Scottish Highlands.

After immigrating to Canada, despite tight finances, our family still managed to squeeze in vacations. My favourite memories are from beach front cabins where storms lit up the sky. We would huddle under blankets with umbrellas to guard against the leaky roof, giggling at the adventure of it all. And let’s not forget the epic trips to Disney World. Four days of mind-numbing drives were instantly forgotten as soon as we entered the magical realm of Disney, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Lessons from the Road: Life is Best Shared with Others

Travel taught me that life’s best moments are shared. For example, several years ago, I had a free afternoon during a business trip to Halifax, Nova Scotia, and I decided to visit Peggy’s Cove. I sat there, mesmerised by the vast Atlantic Ocean. But something was missing—I needed to share it. Thank goodness for cell phones! For an hour, I used texting and FaceTime to share the experience with my family, magnifying the moment a hundredfold. Every country I’ve visited—25 in total—I’ve shared those moments with loved ones. And that’s taught me one thing…

Strength in Relationships: Bonding Over Shared Experiences

Travel strengthens relationships like nothing else. Picture this: climbing 462 steps to the dome of the Duomo in Florence, getting scolded for touching the beautiful frescoes, and then laughing about it for years with friends. That one moment, amid the grandeur and awe-inspiring architecture, turned into a hilarious, bonding story.

Travel isn’t always about joyful moments; sometimes, it’s deeply emotional. On a trip to Ireland, Google Maps accidentally led us down Shankill Road in Belfast, a place marred by the bloody history of The Troubles. The murals commemorating atrocities triggered tears and a panic attack. But it gave my shocked son and grandkids a firsthand account of what life was like for me growing up. Conversations that followed were deep and transformative.

Talking Travel: Bridging Cultural Divides

One of the best ways to connect with people is through travel stories. For seventeen years I taught culturally diverse classes in Post Secondary Institutes. Domestic students who have travelled abroad tend to be more inclusive. When we discuss where we’re all from and share travel experiences, barriers come down.

Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe

I fondly remember a conversation with a German student about my Berlin trip in June 2018. My son and I travelled for research on remote workers, experiencing everything from Berlin Cathedral’s grandeur to the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe. That common ground opened many doors for deeper connections with other students as well.

Embracing New Perspectives: The Finnish “Why Not?” Attitude

Travel opens your mind to new ways of thinking. My first visit to Finland for a Global Colloquium was a revelation. The Finnish “why not?” attitude permeated their approach to life. Why not have a picnic in The Esplanadi Park with a glass of wine? Why not jump into a frigid sea in February? These attitudes transformed my perspective, encouraging me to embrace life more fully.

The Indelible Marks of Travel

From childhood through adulthood, my travel adventures have left an indelible mark on my psyche, values, and life choices. My husband of 45+ years eagerly adopted my tradition of yearly holidays, and our children grew up expecting family adventures. No matter the budget, we always found a way to explore new places, laying a foundation for an even healthier worldview.

We’ve even introduced friends to the joys of travel. For our 25th wedding anniversary, we planned a Mediterranean cruise and ended up immersing eight people in this adventure. That couple we first introduced to cruising? They’ve repeated the experience more times than I can count!

Looking Forward: The Future of Travel

Me, my mum, and my gramma enjoying a vacation beach day.

But what if access to travel changes? The COVID-19 pandemic brought this possibility into sharp focus. In recent times, travel certainly has become more expensive, and due to World events certain locations are no longer desirable or even safe destinations. However, this new reality makes travel a more treasured experience than ever before.

So, why not take advantage of every travel opportunity that comes your way? With a more intentional and purposeful mindset, I plan to share life adventures with family and friends any chance I can!

This blog is an exerpt from my book “What if…? Finding new adventures through life’s obstacles”

Travel with all your senses…Blog 136

I really enjoy spring and summer. There’s something wonderful about the bursting forth of new life, the many shades of green, and the blooming flowers that turn so intently, yet gently to smile at the sun. Who can blame them after a long winter’s hibernation?

Green truly is my favourite colour. Growing up in Ireland, the Emerald Isle, may have left a greater imprint on my psyche than I imagined. Even now as I watch travel shows or movies that feature my homeland, there is something deep inside that calls out to me, an internal connection that can only come from deeply seeded memories of years gone by. Memories of times spent roaming among the purple heather on the Mountains of Mourne, walking along the shores of the Irish Sea and climbing the boulder sized rocks close to my grandparent’s home in the small fishing village of Annalong. Long days filled with picnics, swimming, sandcastle building and simply lazing at Tyrella Beach in County Down. And not to be forgotten, swimming lessons in the frigid waters of Pickie Pool in Bangor; the water was so cold it forced the breath out of my young lungs, propelling me to the safety and warmth of the edge of the pool where Mum crouched with a cup of hot cocoa. I just needed to reach her!

Green, as I sit writing this blog from my deck in Kelowna, BC, my eyes again get to feast on the many shades of green: cedar hedges, maple trees, manicured lawns, tree covered hills, grasses in patio containers, and of course herbs, ready and waiting to add an element of freshness to my morning smoothies (or to be eaten by my youngest grandkids before making it into the house).

I’m currently reading “The Heartbeat of Trees” by Peter Wohllenben. To be honest, it’s not the kind of book I traditionally read, but when you have grandkids who are committed to learning about and preserving our planet, they have a tendency to open your eyes and truly take in the beauty and creation around us. And to realise how much we need nature to live healthy lives.

Early in the book, the author speaks to how being in the forest, among those stately and life giving trees, can benefit our very health. He says:

“It’s a good idea to give your nose, palate, and gut a break every now and again by going out into the forest and spending a good long time there. Everything that flows over your senses when you are in the forest is exactly the kind of compound your body is made for. If you take along a snack of natural, minimally processed food without additives, then your time spent forest bathing will be even more beneficial.”

As you know, my blog, Probe and Ponder is all about travel and learning. Now, I don’t travel for the sole purpose of education, although that certainly is an amazing byproduct of travel. But I do want to be intentional about being aware of what’s around me, of utilizing my senses. What am I seeing, what am I hearing, smelling, tasting, and feeling through touch?

Those who know me well will confirm that I can only fully see something when my sense of touch is involved (yes, even having to touch those sacred fresnos and statutes throughout Europe!). Needless to say, I was thrilled to read Wohllenben’s reflection on research regarding how touching helps us think. I get it!

So, as you head out on your travels this summer, let me share a suggestion from “The Heartbeat of Trees”.

“The next time you are walking outside, try touching a variety of objects. The feather lying by the side of the path is just waiting to be picked up. Even the slippery rock covered with algae offers unusual experiences of contact and motion.”   

In other words, experience the forest, the seaside, the mountains the way you did as a child. Or, perhaps, rather than getting frustrated with the slow, exploratory ways the little ones in your life go for a walk, take a moment to look at the tiny bug walking along the sidewalk, explore the many beautiful shells strewn across the beach, stop and smell the wildflowers on the mountain side, help them gather the ‘nature’ they encounter along the way and bask in the moment shared with those who have not yet lost their sense of wonder. 

Pics by me

Travel, food for the senses…Blog 135

When you travel, what are you looking for, or expecting? Excitement? Adventure? Challenge? Direction for life? Rest? People connections? What about refreshment or rejuvenation? What about an opportunity to take time to breathe in — deeply breath in? What about finding space to simply hear your own thoughts without the incessant noise we face on a daily basis?

Where are your go-to places to have these desires and needs met? Think about that for a moment. Think about your last getaway. What were you hoping for? Did you find it? 

Take another moment to put yourself back in that location and see if you can relive the memories. Can you hear the sounds, smell the smells, recapture your surroundings, perhaps taste the delicacies you treated yourself to? Breathe it all in and give yourself permission to savour the memory.

Our most recent trip was to Vancouver Island in British Columbia. Specifically, Victoria. Our drive from Kelowna to the ferry in Tsawwassen took us through some of the most spectacular majesty of the Canadian Cascades. The view was simply breathtaking as we drove over the highest point of 1,728 m on the Pennask Summit, then proceeded to take in the beautiful Bedded Range that surrounds the Coquihalla Highway all the way to the Chema Range as we moved through Chilliwack towards the call of the Pacific Ocean. 

Mackenzie Beach, Tofino, BC

Then there was the ferry ride. What could be more perfect than a 90 minute ferry trip from the mainland to Vancouver Island? Gentle wind on your face warmed by the heat of the sun, the unique ocean smells and sounds, expectantly watching for sea life as the captain expertly manoeuvred the Queen of New Westminster around some of the Islands in the Salish Sea enroute to the Swartz Bay landing. And then another mountain range to feast your eyes upon — the Olympics Mountains in the Olympic Peninsula of the Pacific Northwest of the US.

This was not my first trip to the Island, in fact, I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve taken that same journey, and yet I remain awe struck by the beauty of creation that provides such a banquet for the senses.

And that’s only the trip to get to Victoria! I think spring time is when the city shows itself best. The flowers! Oh my…so many blossoms that once more treat your senses to yet another delight. Trees in full leaf in so many shades of green for which I’m not sure we even have names! In his book “The Heartbeat of Trees” author Peter Wohlleben reminds us that …”the color green calms our minds and promotes healing processes in us.”

Pictures taken at the Abkhazi Garden, Victoria, BC

Then there’s the ocean — my happy place. Sitting by the ocean is its own delight. Childhood memories of growing up in Bangor, Northern Ireland come flooding back, times sitting by the ocean and just breathing in its healing power in places like Carvoeiro, Portugal, or Brighton, England, or Ibiza in Spain. I recall being reminded of the ocean’s power as we watched the North Shore Pipeline on Ehukai Beach on Oahu’s North Shore, as well as the peaceful eb and flow of the waters on the beach shore of Naxos, Greece.     

Pictures from our travels

These days, what I most look for when I travel are places where my soul can be refreshed. For me that will always involve nature, top of list being oceans and forests. I remember a good friend telling us about shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing. Full disclosure, I thought it was a tad ‘out there’ for me. I have since changed my tune on that one. The origins of shinrin-yoku dated back to 1980 as a physiological and psychological exercise. According to National Geographic (add link), the practice was birthed in Japan as an eco-antidote to tech-boom burnout and an effort to inspire residents to reconnect with and protect the country’s forests. It’s a practice that became more widely embraced, and, as they say…the rest is history! 

As I sit and reflect on this most recent travel experience, it’s easy to close my eyes and relive the memories. I can hear the sounds, smell the smells, recapture my surroundings, and taste the delicacies I treated myself to. I can breathe it all in and give myself permission to savour the memory. 

University of Lisbon, Botanical Garden

Vacations, holidays, travels are times I will never take for granted. However, these memories can be made right where I am — I just need to open my eyes and ears to see and hear. I need to make time daily to get into nature. I need to take in the green of the trees outside my window, watch the growth of the herbs and flowers we just planted on our deck, ride along the Greenway and listen to the water flow, take in the tree-lined trail, the occasional eagle, herron, and a multitude of birds singing their songs of worship to the amazing creation we are privileged to care for.

What are you breathing in today? What are your senses longing for? Can you close your eyes for a moment and take in the nature around you…even if it’s just a house plant that can trigger those past memories where you took in all that you needed for the moment. Breathe, listen, and remember.

“With the sense of hearing, we listen to creation.” John O’Donahue

Victoria, BC