Blogging

Happy Third Birthday To Optimistic Musings

Three years ago today, I clicked publish for the very first time at my new home: The Optimistic Musings of a Pessimist. (Here’s the first post!)

I’d had a fairly well-established blog that was accidentally…

Blogging
Sep, 24, 2026
43 Comments

Brain Dump + Blog Break

I’m writing this just before midnight on a Sunday because I can’t get to sleep.

I had a whole week of blog posts scheduled (hooray!), but I’ve moved them all back to drafts and will…

In the Spirit of Full Disclosure…

Off and on, readers comment or e-mail me asking for links to things I mention on the blog. In case you haven’t noticed, I’m not exactly a walking billboard for clothing and makeup.

(Belle was…

Blogging
Jul, 14, 2026
33 Comments

Re-Entry Feelings + A Little Bloggy Break

It’s mid-morning on Saturday and I’m not sure how to put a finger on my current emotional state. Sitting at our dining room table this morning—sipping my delicious French vanilla creamer-sweetened coffee, which feels…

So, Where In the World Are We?

Without a doubt the sweetest thing that happened to me this year on my birthday was reading this delightful post written by Engie in honour of my special day. (And a HUGE thank you…

Friendship, Blogging, Euro Adventure, Travel
Jun, 03, 2026
40 Comments

A Little Bloggy Break

We left Helsinki yesterday, which launches us into a whirlwind of exploring various countries via a wide range of transportation methods: an overnight cruise ship, a long-distance high-speed train, car, public transport (bus, subway,…

A Special Guest Post by Belle: The Music I Love

She’s back, folks!

Not only do I figure she’s ticking the box for ELA assignments, this has to score points for Music Appreciation class, too.

Belle loves music. It’s in her bones (just like it’s…

Guest Post, Favourite Things, MayBloPoMo
May, 19, 2026
23 Comments