Calgary Stampede and Banff National Park (Alberta, Canada)

Lake Louise

I first heard about the Calgary Stampede and Lake Louise nearly 30 years ago when I was a tour guide.  The company I worked for had guided trips through the Canadian Rockies, and the photos I saw looked absolutely stunning.  Fast forward to the post-COVID years, when a college friend was preparing to move to Montana, and I immediately suggested a future trip to Calgary and Banff National Park. When she reached out to me to start planning it a few years later, I looked at my calendar, and we made it happen.

Fairmont Banff Springs

Researching Banff taught me one thing quickly, book early.  Two other college friends joined us, making us a group of four.  We reserved our hotels ten months in advance, I signed up for the Stampede email list, and we purchased pre-sale tickets for two days of events, which included the rodeo and evening show.  Three of us flew into Calgary, and our fourth friend drove up from Montana, which meant we didn’t need to rent a car or rely on public transportation once we arrived in Banff.

By July, it was finally time to go.  Before arriving, we booked a Calgary city tour, a private driver for Banff and Yoho National Parks, and a Lake Minnewanka boat cruise.  Once we were in Banff, we also added the Banff Gondola.  Each excursion was a great addition and allowed us to fully appreciate each location.

The Calgary Airport

Exploring Calgary & The Evening Show

Calgary surprised me with its friendly people, beautiful neighborhoods, and festive Stampede atmosphere.  I bought my first pair of cowboy boots before the trip and bought a cowboy hat on the Stampede fairgrounds!  Our city tour provided a great introduction to Calgary and the surrounding region, helping us get our bearings before exploring on our own.

Calgary City Tour

The Calgary Stampede exceeded my expectations!  Even though I arrived knowing very little about rodeos, learning about the events as I watched them became part of the fun. 

Fun Times at the Calgary Stampede

The first day at the Stampede was all about exploring.  We visited the fairgrounds, shopped in the exhibit halls, ate carnival food, and walked the Midway filled with games and rides.  We ended the day with the evening show, which was a great way to experience the Stampede.

My favorite events were the chuckwagon races and the Indigenous Relay Races, where riders race bareback and switch horse mid-course.  It was entertaining to watch. 

I also loved the Grandstand Show, which felt like a variety show, with acrobats, daredevils, dancing, fireworks, and drones lighting up the sky.  It was an amazing wholesome experience, and I left with more excitement than when I arrived. 

The Evening Show at the Calgary Stampede

The Rodeo

The next day was all about the rodeo, and our clubhouse seats made the experience even better. We had air conditioning, comfortable seating, and a great buffet added value to an already great day!

Watching cowboys ride saddle bronc and bulls was incredible. We also saw other traditional rodeo events, including barrel racing and tie-down roping.  One of my friends lives in Texas and has attended numerous rodeos, so she explained everything  to us, which made the whole experience even better.

The Rodeo at the Calgary Stampede

Banff National Park

After our time in Calgary, we took Highway 1A toward Banff before connecting with the  TransCanada Highway in Canmore.  I enjoyed taking the longer route because it allowed us to experience more beautiful scenery along the way. 

Banff is a beautiful mountain town located in the Canadian Rockies.  We stayed at Brewster Mountain Lodge in the center of downtown.  The location was perfect, and the complimentary breakfast was a great way to start each day.  Our time in Banff was packed with activities, but I wanted to make the most of our visit and see as much as possible.

Brewster Mountain Lodge

By chance, our reserved dinner for the first evening at Three Bears Brewery & Restaurant was directly across the street from our hotel, and we were surrounded by cute touristy shops.  We had also booked a private tour for the following day, which ended up being a  great choice.  I have found that having someone familiar with the destination taking you around is much easier than navigating it by yourself.  We were all able to take in the views and enjoy.  Highlights of the day included Emerald Lake, Takakkaw Falls and Lake Louise.  The beauty of the glacier water into the lakes made them look spectacular. 

Emerald Lake

Takakkaw Falls

Lake Louise

Banff National Park & Back To Calgary

The following morning, we packed up and made our way to the Banff Gondola, where we enjoyed spectacular views from Sulphur Mountain. We then followed the boardwalk and climbed the many steps to the weather station, exploring the exhibits and admiring the rooftop views of Banff.  Our time in Banff ended with a Lake Minnewanka cruise and views of the big horn sheep that were walking around that area.  I had hoped to see more wildlife on this trip, but we did see a black bear in Banff National Park during our tour of the park and that was a big highlight for me, my third bear sighting in the wild, with this being my first sighting in Canada!

Banff Gondola

Lake Minnewanka

Our final evening was relaxing back in Calgary before I had to pack up and head back to the Calgary Airport to return home.  The trip was amazing.  I loved the Stampede.  I loved visiting a new city and a new national park.  I loved exploring the culture and embracing the cowgirl side of me that I didn’t even know existed.  It was amazing to catch up with my college friends, all of whom I was roommates with at some point in life.  And lastly, it was great to take a little break from my kids and enjoy nature for a few days.  There is still so much to see in this area and I hope I have the opportunity to return and continue exploring Alberta and more specifically Banff National Park.

My First Venice Canals Holiday Parade (California)

This year I discovered a new Christmas tradition at the Venice Canals in California. When I learned that the holiday boat parade—featuring about 25 participants—was taking place, I jumped at the chance to go. In past years I admired the decorated bridges, but somehow I had missed this parade, now in its 44th year.

After finding parking in the small community, we made our way to the canals. We used a route map to help us navigate to the starting area. People gathered on walkways, bridges, and in the yards of canal-front homes. The vibe was festive—Christmas music filled the air and everyone mingled happily.

The parade began shortly after our arrival, with a mix of canoes, paddle boards, and large rafts. Each entry carried a number for judging, while spectators lined the canal. My favorite raft featured musicians playing Christmas songs. Another canoe stood out with friends sharing Bob Marley’s music. They played in a relaxed, joyful spirit.

I had so much fun experiencing the parade. Now that I know about it, I look ahead to making it part of my holiday tradition. Enjoy the photos!

Happy Holidays!

Waymo stuck on the bridge

Sunset on the canal

A Happy Ending

I have been through hell and back.  Being laid off less than two months before the end of the year was one of the most stressful experiences of my life.  But before I go any further, I want to share the good news: I found a job!  The moment I read the email, six weeks of stress and pressure began to lift.  In the days that followed, I received my offer letter. I negotiated salary and key details. I was relieved to continue working without a break in service.

Today, I don’t want to dwell on all the craziness I went through.  I want to encourage anyone facing layoffs or job loss: do not give up. You need to focus.  You do need to reach out to your network.  You need to “apply, apply, apply”.  You should seek out free resources.  Write tailored cover letters for each position.  Keep your resume up to date and properly formatted.  Don’t forget to send thank-you emails and ensure they are personal.  The list of steps goes on and on and on, but the point is clear: persistence matters.

During this time, I spoke with a friend who was also navigating a similar situation.  I told her there should be more tools for people in our situation, but I couldn’t find any.  That conversation sparked an idea: During 2026, I’ll be launching a podcast. I will share my story and hopefully help others facing similar challenges.  Please share your thoughts on my brilliant idea in the comments. 

As many of you know, I am the type of person who always gives back.  Too often, people who have been laid off face this period without guidance.  I want to make the path a little easier for others. I will do this by sharing the steps I took and the resources I gathered.   

For now, I’m still searching for rainbows (see my last post). I also wanted to share a message from a card I received. It was from a friend after I secured my new job. It read: “Here’s to a fresh start!”

Photo credit: Trader Joe’s Gourmet Greeting Card

UCSB (University of California, Santa Barbara): I saw this rainbow in November & my luck began changing.

Believing in Rainbows

It started with a rainbow. A few weeks ago, I visited my daughter. I was navigating the uncertainty of a job search. This was after receiving a layoff notice from the company where I had spent sixteen years. As we walked across the college campus with a friend’s daughter, it began sprinkling.  Then, a full rainbow appeared—it stopped us in our tracks. We took time to enjoy it, to reflect, and to make wishes. Mine was deliberate. The teenagers made theirs too.

I’m at a major crossroads in my life. For so long, I’ve been the one with answers, the one who never gave up. Yet in this moment, I feel exposed and uncertain, holding onto hope that my wish will come true.  Each day, I take one step forward, trusting that, like the rainbow, the promise of something brighter is waiting just ahead for us.  Please take a moment to wish with me.

It’s Time To Make Some Limoncello

I recently stumbled upon the phrase, “When life gives you lemons, make limoncello.” I had no idea how fitting it would become just weeks later.

Before I share my current predicament, let me explain what limoncello is to those who haven’t had the chance to experience it. Limoncello is a sweet, lemon-flavored Italian liqueur originating from southern Italy, especially the Amalfi Coast and Sicily. I still dream of visiting Sicily one day, but I’ve been lucky enough to explore the Amalfi Coast twice. Both trips have been nothing short of spectacular.

I first tried limoncello while visiting Sorrento with a friend from college, while taking a day trip from Naples.  We dined at a charming seaside restaurant and finished our meal with limoncello. This sweet liqueur tasted its best in this lemon-bearing region of Italy.  I have been a fan ever since that day.

My mother-in-law once brought us a bottle of homemade limoncello when visiting from Italy.  That version was even more special; it was made with love. I remember my last serving of limoncello in Italy. I was with my children in Ravello. We sat at a cute little cafe, eating lunch, while enjoying our day touring the Amalfi Coast.  I may or may not have bought a few bottles home from that trip!  My current supply of limoncello comes from the local Italian market, keeping me stocked with my favorite liqueur. 

Thinking back on those moments brings me joy. But now, let’s talk about the lemons.

I have faced my share of sour moments in life, but this current one really stings. I was recently laid off from work, news that is hard to take, especially with a family to support. Truthfully, I have mentioned multiple times my desire to pack up and start fresh in Italy. I dream of doing this with my teenagers in my mother-in-law’s flat. (I’m not doing that… probably. A little sarcasm is always helpful.)

Instead, I’m facing this new reality head-on. I’m job hunting, networking, and spending long hours on the computer. It is exhausting. One day, my son saw me crying and said, “Mom, I don’t like to see you sad.” I let him know everything will be okay.  I was grieving and just needed a moment to release the stress!

Right now, the taste of lemons is stinging.  I find myself looking to God to guide us through this unsettling time. I believe there’s a reason for this challenge, and I trust we’ll come out okay. Meanwhile, I will keep searching, keep showing up, and eventually, I’ll find something new.

The limoncello is out there. For now, I’m sitting with the lemons a little longer. But once we make it through this, I see a trip to Sicily in the future.  And I will most definitely be drinking the local limoncello on that beautiful island.

Birthday Under the Fog: Morro Bay and the Central Coast (California)

Getting There: Time to Celebrate My Birthday

Morro Bay is approximately 210 miles from where I live. I chose to visit here for my birthday during the summer with my teenagers for a much-needed family vacation. I had visited this spot a handful of times. This was my second trip here with my family. The kids remembered very little about their last visit here during the COVID-19 pandemic years. It was perfect timing to return to the Central Coast of California.

Hearst Castle

Our trip began in San Simeon at “The Enchanted Hill/ La Cuesta Encantada,” more commonly known as Hearst Castle. We were lucky to visit on an afternoon when the temperatures were comfortable. It was not crowded. I chose the Upstairs Suites Tour instead of the Grand Rooms Tour to experience the castle with less people. I crossed my fingers that the kids wouldn’t mind the 322 stairs on this tour, and off we went. Our guide was great. I learned more amazing things about the ever-so-inspirational Julia Morgan. She is the architect of this amazing California landmark. All I can say is “wow,” this place amazes me every time I visit.

Elephant Seals and Coastal Views

We missed grabbing tri tip sandwiches at Sebastian’s General Store across Highway 1. Still, we managed to check out the gift shop. After that quick stop, we continued north to visit the elephant seals at the Elephant Seal Rookery. We listened to a docent talk about these marvelous marine mammals. We watched them resting on the sand.

Morro Bay Arrival

After exploring the rookery, we headed south toward Morro Bay, soaking in the beautiful coastal views. There is something so mesmerizing about the Pacific Ocean along this stretch of California.  I adored the naked landscape. The intense blue and green shades of the ocean captivated me. We do not have the same stunning colors in Southern California.  We ended the day with a walk to dinner in town. We tried a new Mexican Restaurant called Taqueria El Guero Distillery.  Everyone enjoyed the tacos and burritos we ordered.   

A Morning Walk

In the morning, while the kids were still asleep, I took a walk along the coastal access trail.  It was cool, foggy, and quiet. I only saw a few people out, and most were either fishing or cleaning the boats.  One purpose of my walk was to find a good spot for a seafood dinner. I found Tognazzini’s Dockside Grill to be a great choice for my birthday dinner that evening.  As I walked, I also enjoyed the scenery. On the walk home, I heard and located a few sea lions resting along a bridge.  It was such a fun surprise!

Kayaking in the Bay

Awhile later we went kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) at A Kayak Shack. It was located in the Morro Bay State Park Marina.   I have rented kayaks and SUPs from this business before and was excited to return.  We had a great time on the bay. We even saw a few sea lions in the water during our journey. 

A Visit to San Luis Obispo

I opted to visit San Luis Obispo in the afternoon since it was the liveliest city in the area.  For me, no trip to California is finished without stopping by a mission if one is nearby.  One thing I love about San Luis Obispo is Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa. It is downtown and hard to miss.  We stopped inside and said a quick prayer before mass began.  My son found new jeans at a thrift shop, and we all enjoyed looking in the shops around town.  For lunch, I ordered a tri tip sandwich and had a self-pour beer at the Old San Luis BBQ Co.  This is another favorite spot in San Luis Obispo.  It never disappoints. 

Final Stops and a Birthday Reflection

On the way home, we stopped at California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo). We grabbed ice cream from The Creamery on this college campus. They had a sign strategically located on Highway 1 that I did not pass up. It was yummy and hit the spot for dessert after lunch!

Dinner at Tognazzini’s Dockside Grill was good, but what I enjoyed most was spending time with my kids.  As they get older, I realize one day we might not celebrate my birthday together. Enjoying time with them, whether at home or on a getaway, is always special for me.  We drove back to the hotel in the fog, and just like that, our quick getaway was almost over. 

The next morning, we enjoyed breakfast at the hotel and left shortly after for warm Southern California.  Our time with the rock and coastal fog was brief, but much needed and deeply appreciated.  Cool weather, quiet moments, scenic views, and time with my family made for a perfect birthday getaway.  Until next time—bye, Morro Bay.

Don’t forget to breathe

Life rarely moves in a straight line. Over the past ten years, my career has undergone a series of zigzags—progressing, stalling, and shifting in unexpected ways. Now, I find myself at another transition. Until recently, I was fortunate to have a steady job. My manager told me to start looking elsewhere due to departmental uncertainty. I saw it less as a curse and more as a blessing. After all, who wants to get an unexpected layoff notice without warning? Not me!

Supporting my family means full-time work isn’t optional — it’s required.  So when the news came, I began the job search, looking for roles I’d genuinely enjoy. It’s been just over two months. I’ve applied to several positions within the same company, reached out to recruiters, and leaned into networking. Through it all, I’ve stayed positive, trusting that something good is on the horizon. One application has started to gain traction—I have my third interview next week.

Before my first interview, I felt stress creeping in.  To ground myself, I turned to controlled breathing—something I’d practiced the night before in a yoga class. Breathing with intention helped me settle my nerves and refocus.

That same evening, after my phone interview, my teenager — away at college — called, overwhelmed by her own stress. I reminded her to take a step back. Gaining perspective is often the hardest thing to do in the moment. After we hung up, I texted her: “Take a moment and just breathe.”

As for me, I’ll keep moving ahead—applying, networking, and staying hopeful. I believe the right opportunity will come before I’m officially on the chopping block.

Life is busy. It’s complicated. And I, too, get swept up in the chaos. Maybe it’s time to drive down the street, listen to the Pacific Ocean’s waves crashing against the shore, and simply breathe. It’s in the quiet that I catch my breath and keep going.

Mom Off Duty, A Day of Self-Care at Disneyland

This past week, I did something I haven’t done in years—I went to Disneyland. As a fan since childhood, it felt so good to return after such a long break. The last time I visited was before 2020, back when I was an annual passholder. Life has pulled me in many directions since then. Honestly, the biggest reason I hadn’t gone back was simple. I rarely prioritize the things I want to do.

As a single mom, my focus has always been on raising my two teenagers. I work hard to support our lifestyle. That leaves little room for anything else. 

I recently celebrated a birthday, and a friend invited me to spend the day at an amusement park. I took a vacation day and suggested visiting Disneyland. And wow, it was an amazing day!  It turned out to be one of the best I’ve had in 2025.

For the first time, I was at Disneyland without my kids, enjoying the magic with a friend.   I nearly cried on the tram ride in, overwhelmed with excitement. Disneyland has been a source of joy throughout my life, filled with memories of spending time here with my family since I was a young child. 

I made it for rope drop and hit Space Mountain, Autopia, and Buzz Lightyear’s Astro Blasters—all within the first hour. The rest of the day was a busy one with tons of rides, great food, and great conversation. At one point, I turned to my friend. I said, “This is the best self-care I’ve had in a long time.”

It was a day just for me—something that rarely happens. It reminded me that making time for joy isn’t selfish, it’s essential.  I won’t let that much time pass again before doing something that makes me feel this great again. 

Create Your Own Food Tour – Pike Place Market (Seattle)

This past April, I visited Seattle with a friend for a quick getaway.  We had one full day to spend however we liked, and I happily took charge of planning our day.  Planning daily travel itineraries is my happy place, so I dove into exploring options.

Seattle is familiar ground for me.  I used to work as a tour guide there, and with my daughter attending college in the city, I have found myself exploring it more often lately.  So, when my friend left the planning in my hands, I knew exactly where to begin: Pike Place Market.

Rather than booking a formal tour, I chose to build our own experience. I wanted the freedom to wander at our own pace and follow our cravings, not a schedule.  After researching some of the market’s best food stalls and restaurants, I created a list of ten spots for our self-guided food tour.   

We began our self-guided food tour with a stop at Sunny Honey Company, located in the heart of Pike Place Market.  The shop offers individually wrapped honey sticks in a rainbow of flavors, and I picked up four to sample.  It’s a personal tradition of mine – I stop here every time I visit and always try something new.  No matter the season, Sunny Honey Company always serves up a perfect sweet honey taste.  

A visit to Pike Place Market simply isn’t complete without a stop at the Daily Dozen Doughnut Company.  We picked up a half-dozen assorted mini-doughnuts and sampled a delicious mix of maple, cinnamon, powdered sugar, and sprinkles.  To pace ourselves, we split each one in half, with the bite-sized portions being just what we needed so we wouldn’t fill up on this sweet treat.  Surprisingly, my favorite was the maple-flavored mini-doughnut! I instantly regretted not getting more than just two.  Next time, I will be sure to buy more of them. 

My favorite stop of the day – hands down – was Petes Italian Grocery.  We tasted a variety of their meats and cheeses.  All were amazing, and I loved our time with the deli associate, who provided a background on everything we sampled. 

We left with a variety of two standout meats – mortadella from Italy and jamón ibérico from Spain – and one amazing cheese, fleur du maquis from France.  Each sample was like a mini escape to its place of origin.  

Wanting the perfect companion for our meats and cheese, we stopped by Three Girls Bakery and picked up a slice of golden focaccia bread. It was just what we needed.  Rows of cookies and irresistible baked goods called to me from their display case, but I held off – next time I will have something new to try.

Next, we satisfied our growing cravings with a stop at Mee Sum Pastry for some Chinese fare.  Our plan was simple: grab a BBQ pork hom bow and move along – but that plan was quickly sidelined as we stared into the display case.  After consulting with each other, we added a BBQ pork stick to our order.  Our eyes and building appetites had finally taken over.

Our final stop brought us to Beecher’s Handmade Cheese for their legendary mac & cheese.  The long line was out of the door, but moved quickly, and before long, we had an 8-ounce portion in hand, ready to join our collection of treats.   Inside the shop, a cozy dining area offered a spot to enjoy your food, but we chose to take ours to go – excited to find outdoor seating to enjoy the feast we’d gathered.    

By the time we’d gathered all our treats, we’d made stops at six unique locations — each offering its delicious charm.  We found a spot by the water to settle in and enjoy our food, appreciating both the view and lively conversation.  Curious onlookers stopped by to chat, drawn in by the colorful spread on our picnic table.  I was happy with the variety we’d chosen and grateful we planned our own personalized food tour.  With leftovers packed away, we had plenty to snack on later as we continued exploring Seattle.  I look forward to returning to Pike Place Market and continuing this delicious tradition, discovering new favorites, and returning to some of my favorite spots. 

A Love Letter to Steven Page’s Music

Time for the show!!!

Recently, I had the honor of listening to Steven Page’s Live From Home Concert 132. I was surprised to realize it had been three years since I last attended one of his Zoom shows. And yet, Steven’s voice? Still absolutely incredible.

Whether it’s his classic work with Barenaked Ladies or his solo material since parting ways with the band, Steven’s music never fails to make me feel good.  When he performed “Call and Answer” during this concert, my emotions were stirred, and I was at total peace. There are only a few artists who have truly influenced me, and he is one of them.

The Steven Page Trio, The Red Door, Seattle, Washington

I was transported back in time as he sang. I remembered seeing him just two months prior. I watched him sing that same song live in Seattle at “The Red Door”. My daughter attended college in Seattle, so I jumped at the chance to watch him sing there. It was exciting having her and one of my girlfriends attend the show with me.

Rachel the Piggy Bank, Pike Place Market

The concert was, as always, spectacular. The nearly three-hour flight to the Pacific Northwest was more than worth it. I had the chance to experience Steven’s music with my daughter again. It was just over two years after we last saw him together at a club in Hollywood. Over the years, I’ve seen him play in Los Angeles, San Diego, Sacramento, and now Seattle. Since the days I spent as a young adult volunteering in Buffalo, New York, I have loved Steven Page. That hasn’t changed over the years. I am already thinking about the next concert—hopefully next year!

You have to love Seattle for being so unique.. The Gum Wall… 1428 Post Alley Walk Wy