Hitting the glass
drowning out my thoughts
yet forcing me to imagine more
to feel more
to hurt more.
People are like raindrops
some are perfect, content, stable
others are imperfect, running from pain
running from reality
running from this uncertainty.
I miss strolling along the Vieux-Port, people watching and sipping espresso without a care in the world at one of the many cafes, and – of course – enjoying some gelato in the breeze…
Lyon, France was a must-see weekend destination for Carolyn and me because my husband actually studied there before we met. He had nothing but good things to say about it and we knew we had to explore!
One can be adult get consumed by Old Lyon’s charm! Wandering the streets is a great way to spend an afternoon.
I believe it’s obligatory to visit cathedrals when visiting Europe, and this one certainly delivered on beauty and history.
This park is another great way to spend an afternoon. It provides you with ample people-watching and photography opportunities!
I saved the best for last! There’s no shortage of good food here in Lyon. With tons of bakeries, candy shops and markets, you won’t leave the city hungry.
With the COVID-19 chaos among us, all I can think of is traveling. Last Monday I was supposed to venture off to Banff National Park for some solo adventuring, yet here I am soaking up some sun on my couch…
While I may not be educating myself on wolf-dogs, tubing down mountains or glacier hiking, I am currently lost in past travels. I recently spoke with one of my best friends who I met while we studied in France, so I’ll continue my French-inspired posts for now.
Carolyn and I spent one weekend in Paris during over summer abroad; for both good and bad reasons, it was a weekend we’ll never forget. I can only explain our weekend mishaps by sharing a piece of my matron of honor speech from September 2019:
“During our time in France, there was only one moment when I feared that Carolyn wouldn’t want to be my friend anymore. We were lost in Paris for a while, wandering the outskirts in the middle of the night. Let’s just say that it brought out the worst in us. Our phones weren’t working and we had no clue how or when we would find our way back.
For once, there were no stories about our significant others, no rants about Veronique and her subpar cooking, and most importantly, no laughter. Thankfully, things went back to normal once we found our hotel, and I’m incredibly thankful for that.
In fact, we’ve had a reunion every year since that summer, and in 2015 we were also lost in Chicago late at night. We laughed while we struggled to find our way back to the hotel, and it brought me back to that hectic night in Paris.”
I hope you’re all staying safe, healthy and happy with your loved ones (and favorite TV series!) ❤️
The coastal path around Saint-Tropez was as beautiful as the sea…
I officially started this blog in 2015 by being forced into it as a class assignment. I thought, “no one is going to care what I have to say,” but thank you for reading and following my journey anyway.
I am IN LOVE with my dorky dog! Linley is a good boy with a little bit of sass every now and then…
During the holidays, Linley was not a fan of his new PJs or the fact that I donated some of his old toys to pups in need.
He also poses around the house and looks at me with disapproval when I eat too much chocolate!
Linley is also the side-eye expert, especially when I’m taking photos of him or when he’s my copilot.
Did I mention that my pupper is tired of all the photos?
But did I mention that it’s tiring to carry him around while I’m trying to cook dinner? Lin is a needy pup!
I love my dorky, sassy, high-maintenance pup! Linley is truly my best friend.
PS: yes, that is a toy with my husband’s face on it 😂
My friend Alice, who is visiting during the holidays, has always wanted to see the Niagara Falls. We went to the Canada side over the weekend and we were blessed with some good weather and great views!
As I currently lay in bed with puffy eyes, a clogged nose and a sore throat, I try to reflect on the good of 2019.
2019 was by far the most challenging year I have under my belt. It was the epitome of struggle and adversity (especially when it comes to family and work). But 2019 has also brought many unexpected blessings, which shouldn’t be overlooked.
One of those blessings (perhaps THE best thing that happened this year) was the honor of standing by my best friend’s side as she married the man of her dreams.
Looking back at these photos makes me feel nostalgic and homesick in a way, because Carolyn, Ryan, their friends, family and bridal party all made me feel welcomed immediately. I might attend nice weddings in the near future, but none of them will ever top this feeling…
I took my Little Sister to one of my favorite hometown restaurants: The FireHall. As you can probably infer from the name, this used to be Fenton’s fire station, which now has some of the best BBQ, homemade mac and cheese, and unique eats.
Another unique thing about this restaurant is that you can dine in heated “igloos” during the winter months. There is usually a long waiting list to dine outside, but we were able to snag it this time!
The food, the ambiance and the company were all 10/10!
Autumn is a wonderful time of year; the air is brisk, the colors are vibrant and the clothes are cozy as can be. This weekend truly felt like fall with my loved ones.
Witches Night Out
My parents live where I grew up (Fenton, Michigan) and recently moved into the oldest home downtown. On Friday night, we dressed up as witches and spent the night shopping, drinking and dining in costume!
Pumpkin Patch
My little sister and I went to a giant pumpkin patch in Saginaw. Aniya and I escaped from the corn maze in 40 minutes (our new record!) and had lots of hot cider on such a cold and windy day!
Brunch in Downtown Flint
Say what you want about Flint, but their downtown is booming and better than ever. The Flint Crepe Co. never disappoints, especially when you can order all of the gluten-free goodness your heart desires. The company didn’t hurt either, because my best friend Danielle always has me crying from laughter! There’s even some new murals downtown.
Apple Orchard
Nothing screams fall more than visiting an apple orchard, getting some donuts and strolling around with your mom and pup!
I hope you’re enjoying autumn as much as we are!
Katy, who is three years younger than me and lives miles away, has been a sister to me for a very long time.
I’m not close with a lot of my extended family members (for reasons I won’t mention here), so having a third-cousin who is more like a sibling means the world to me. Every single time we reunite, we pick up right where we left off.
Words can’t express how much I love this lady! Katy, if you’re reading this, I’m blessed to know you and call you a friend and sister. Happy birthday!
We’ve had many amazing memories over the years, and we’re guaranteed to have many more 🙂
Traveling with the Traceys 