Bucharest, not Budapest

So my BFF (and travel partner) and I have been running around Romania this month. Last week was Bucharest – where Michael Jackson apparently made the faux pas of enthusiastically shouting “Hello, Budapest!” to thousands of gathered fans. Sadly, it appears to be a common mistake. Admittedly, before coming here, I did want to visit…

Holiday Hate, Holiday Love (and Madrid)

I used to hate Christmas and the holiday season in general. Every time November rolled around and that damn turkey came out, I turned into the Grinch, Grumpy Cat, and Maleficent all rolled into one. Obviously, without the cool outfits. I know the exact reason too. I’m nothing if not aware of my own traumas…

The Day We Almost Got Left Floating in the Adriatic Sea

So, we’re on an 8-day Croatian island tour. How we even arrived here is an adventure in itself and a tale for another time. But today, just a few hours ago, the boat stops in a scenic grotto with crystal waters where it’s shallow and a deep jewel toned blue where it’s not. Sounds beautiful,…

Renewal – A Writing Retreat in Jamaica

Jamaica is where Bliss was born. I don’t mean just the character from my bestselling debut novel of the same name, but also the book itself. Although I wrote Bliss in the United States, the inspiration for its character and places, its emotion and its conflicts, all came from Jamaica. The book isn’t about an…

Who Knew: The Laid Back and Necessary — Renewal: A Retreat for Writers

Once I decided to let the vibe of Jamaica have its way , I found myself experiencing the authenticity of the country. Every sound, every taste reminded me that I was away from home, away from my every day. I loosened up and the simplicity of sky and water, bush and sand, created a connection…