The Optimistic Musings of a Pessimist

My Kids Don’t Read (Except They Totally Do?)

A quick post today with two simple questions:

Do audiobooks count as reading?

What about re-reading the same book over and over?

Is it a straightforward yes? A hard no? Or somewhere in between?

I find myself…

Network or Know-How?

If you had to bet your future success — financial, relational, or otherwise — on just one thing, would you choose Who you know or What you know?

Sure, real life blends both. Relationships open…

Life
Jun, 23, 2025
22 Comments

Happy Things Friday: 20 June

This week’s post is extra long (even by my verbose standards). A lot is happening! For the first time ever, I’m starting with a little TL;DR for those who would prefer the headlines: Belle…

How, When, and Why I’ve Been Reading So Many Books in 2025

This year I’ve been doing a monthly blog series with reviews and ratings of all the books I’ve read.

(January. February. March. April. May.)

People seem curious about how I find the time to read so…

Ask Me (Almost) Anything, Habits, Reading
Jun, 19, 2025
55 Comments

Gratitude in Practice: Kathleen — the Minimal(ish) Mom

It’s a beautiful day in bloggy land, a beautiful day for a guest post…

(Yes, I did just sing that out loud to the tune of the Mister Rogers’ Neighbourhood theme song in my head.)

It…

Gratitude, Guest Post, Minimalism, Thrifting, Travel
Jun, 18, 2025
28 Comments

Never Have I Ever…Part 8

Used a metal detector.

Consumed Mountain Dew (I have tried Dr. Pepper, though!)

Had a part of my body impacted by frostbite.

Owned a dog or a cat.

Caught a wave on a surfboard. (I’ve tried surfing, but…

Never Have I Ever, Personality Insights, Random
Jun, 17, 2025
47 Comments

The (Next) Best Lighthouses in Nova Scotia: H-Z

Another day, more lighthouses. (See here and here.)

I’m running out of anecdotes energy. If I don’t have anything to say about a particular stop, I’ll just post pictures!

Hampton Lighthouse

They haven’t met a piece of…

My Kids Don’t Read (Except They Totally Do?)

Network or Know-How?

Happy Things Friday: 20 June

How, When, and Why I’ve Been Reading So Many Books in 2025

Gratitude in Practice: Kathleen — the Minimal(ish) Mom

Never Have I Ever…Part 8

The (Next) Best Lighthouses in Nova Scotia: H-Z

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A Special Guest Post by Belle: Top Five/Bottom Five Movies

Happy Things Friday: 24 April

Epic Europe Road Trip Day Two (Zurich): Lindt Chocolate Factory + Walking Tour