The Optimistic Musings of a Pessimist

Oops! I Did It Again (Spelled It Wrong)

I’m a decent speller. (The kids’ spelling, for the record, borders on horrid, and I mostly blame the school-issued Chromebooks and their ever-present autocorrect. But that’s a rant for another day…)

Here are a few…

Habits, Language, Random
Aug, 04, 2025
36 Comments

Happy Things Friday: 1 August

It’s official. We’re in the final month of “summer” for our family. Technically, summer stretches well past August, and technically, the kids don’t go back to school until early September. Technicalities aside…August always feels…

My Favourite Bible Verses (and the Stories Behind Them)

Of all the post topics suggested by readers, one stood out as especially close to my heart: mbmom11’s question — What are your favorite Bible verses, parables, or books, and why?

Someone asking me to…

Never Have I Ever…Part 10

Crossed a provincial, state, or international border on foot.

Been summoned for jury duty. (I know Kristen and Jenny have been jurors recently!)

Started a campfire without matches or a lighter.

Crashed a wedding. (I can’t…

Never Have I Ever, Personality Insights, Random
Jul, 28, 2025
40 Comments

Tangled Garden: A (Not-So-Hidden) Nova Scotia Gem

Last week was all about local adventures. With both kids off at sleepaway camp, we wanted to make the most of our time close to home — no overnight bags, no itinerary spreadsheets (though…

Nova Scotia, Travel
Jul, 27, 2025
38 Comments

Happy Things Friday: 25 July (The Anniversary + Adventure Edition)

Happy and satisfied. That’s how I would sum up this week.

I’ve been thinking about how these weekly summaries are my attempt to follow Mary Oliver’s advice:

Pay attention.Be astonished. Tell about it.

That’s what…

Happy Things Friday, Marriage, Nova Scotia, Travel
Jul, 25, 2025
53 Comments

Gratitude Guests: Catrina from Keep on Running!

Organizing this guest post has been such a joy. I only recently discovered Catrina’s blog, but I was hooked from the first visit. Though I haven’t jogged more than a few casual kilometers this…