The Optimistic Musings of a Pessimist

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…