November 2023 – Page 2 – The Optimistic Musings of a Pessimist

Paris in Black and White

First, best wishes for a very happy American Thanksgiving to blog readers south of the border <3

I thought I’d take a break from “formal” trip recaps to highlight our beloved black-and-white photograph collection from…

(Almost) Wordless Wednesday: Three “Little Joys”

Sometimes the littlest things can be the happiest of things if we just take time to notice.

Looking down at the carpet of leaves, looking up at the canopy of leaves, and hearing them crunch…

Joy, NaBloPoMo
Nov, 22, 2023
48 Comments

I Don’t Have to Write A Newsletter (Or, Good Things I Will Not Be Doing This Christmas)

I don’t have to write an annual newsletter. Never mind the fact that I’ve written an annual newsletter to go out with our Christmas cards for well over a decade. Tradition does not mean…

Christmas, Holidays, Mental Health, Minimalism, NaBloPoMo, Time Management
Nov, 21, 2023
50 Comments

Guest Post: Welcome to San!!

I’ve never met Sandra (San) in person, yet I’ve always felt like we are kindred spirits. She loves organization and structure, adventuring outside, and is married to a John!

Perhaps the similarities end there because…

Blogging, Friendship, Guest Post, NaBloPoMo
Nov, 20, 2023
46 Comments

Let’s Discuss Pet Peeves, Shall We?

I think everyone has at least a few pet peeves. Alas and alack, I must be extra sensitive because there are a great many things that frustrate or irritate me.

San and I are guest-swapping…

Demerits, NaBloPoMo, Personality Insights, Pet Peeves
Nov, 19, 2023
41 Comments

Paris Day Two: Sacré-Cœur, the Latin Quarter, and the Best Breakfast Sandwich of My Life

Saturday was a lovely day. In fact, every day of this trip was hot and sunny. We woke up early and made the most of the gorgeous weather.

We headed to Sacre Coeur Basilica…

NaBloPoMo, Paris, Travel
Nov, 18, 2023
27 Comments

Happy Things Friday: 17 November

And just like that, we’re more than halfway through November. Christmas parties start this month. THIS MONTH.

I’m ready for it – mostly the holiday food and Hallmark movies and all the twinkly lights.

This week…