This is post 13 of our “Greek Isles Cruise and Rome Adventure” series. After returning to port in Civitavecchia, we made our way into the city and began exploring Rome on foot. This first day in Rome focuses less on schedules and tours and more on easing into the city, walking its historic streets, visiting […]
This is post 12 of our “Greek Isles Cruise and Rome Adventure” series. After our tour of Pompeii, we stopped at a cameo factory and then headed back to the port area in Naples. We were a bit tired and hungry. Wanting something simple, pizza seemed like the perfect choice since we were in Naples! So,
Naples Pizza: A Simple Lunch After Exploring Pompeii Read More »
There is nothing like a photo or two to rekindle thoughts about your childhood. Looking through old photos of our Christmas trees from past Christmases, I realize some of my clearest childhood memories of this time of year are of decorating our tree. The part that truly stands out is the tinsel. Everything else felt
When Tinsel Was King Read More »
This is post 11 of our “Greek Isles Cruise and Rome Adventure” series. After sailing into Naples, we boarded our coach and headed out on our Pompeii Day Trip. Pompeii, a city frozen in time with its streets, homes, and everyday details, offering a glimpse into life nearly 2000 years ago. Walking among the ruins, it
Pompeii Day Trip: Exploring Ancient Ruins In One Day Read More »
This is post 10 of our “Greek Isles Cruise and Rome Adventure”, we dive into a Mykonos day trip itinerary, discovering the island’s beaches, a monastery, and the iconic streets of Chora. This article is part of the Greek Isles Cruise and Rome Adventure series. You can view the full series here. Off to Mykonos
Mykonos Day Trip Itinerary: Beaches, Ano Mera & Chora Read More »
Watching Florida Alligators Florida alligator photography has become a natural extension of time spent around the still lakes of Florida. The more often I watch them, the more I notice how unhurried they are, how completely at ease they seem in the water. That calm, confident presence, especially when only their eyes and snout break
Florida Alligator Photography: A Quiet Presence On The Lake Read More »
If you live in Nokomis/Venice long enough, someone’s going to tell you to try Briandi’s Restaurant. It’s that little Italian place on Tamiami Trail — easy to miss from the road, but once you’ve been, you understand why people keep going back. Family-run, friendly, and focused on the food. A Local Favorite with Big-Hearted Flavor
Briandi’s Restaurant: The Pizza in Nokomis Hits Every Note Read More »
Introduction: AI and Creativity in the Modern Writing Landscape As someone relatively new to creative writing, I’ve been taking writing classes and following the advice that echoes everywhere: read more, write more. I’ve been reading a lot: books, essays, and instruction manuals on writing craft. However, I’ve also been reading something else: debates, particularly about
Spotted Lanternflies and AI: Reflections on AI and Creativity Read More »
The Dogue Trail, in Mason Neck State Park, might be on the shorter side as far as hikes go (about an .85-mile loop), but it’s just about the right length to allow you to gather your thoughts, recharge, and benefit from all that being out in nature offers. There are somewhat busier (and longer) trails
The Dogue Trail: A Short Foray in the Forest Read More »
This is post number 9 in our “Greek Isles Cruise and Rome Adventure” series. In this chapter, we continue our journey through Turkey and share the second half of our Kusadasi shore excursion,a cultural detour full of handcrafted rugs, friendly locals, and one very unexpected meal. The first half included a tour of the Virgin
Kusadasi Shore Excursion Read More »