The Optimistic Musings of a Pessimist

You Asked, I Answered: Chores, Choices, and My Childhood

When I asked for blog topic ideas recently, many of you mentioned parenting — both my relationship with my own parents and how we raise Belle and Indy.

Here goes…

Q: “You seem to have a…

Ask Me (Almost) Anything, Home, Parenting, Personality Insights
May, 21, 2025
51 Comments

Never Have I Ever…Part 6

Watched an episode of Bluey.

Travelled outside of Canada over the Christmas holiday.

Been in a row boat (though I’ve spent countless hours in canoes).

Permed my hair.

Learned how to tie a bow tie.

Made or received a…

Never Have I Ever, Personality Insights, Random
May, 20, 2025
56 Comments

Best Runner-Up Nova Scotia Beaches (A-H)

There are too many “runner-up” beaches to squeeze into a single post, so I’ve decided to sort things alphabetically.

Some of these locations rank far higher in my mind than others but they’re all worth…

Happy Things Friday: 16 May

We’re at the point in the spring where All The Things start happening. My American friends talk about Maycember and I tend to roll my eyes…but I’m coming to realize Maycember is really more…

Top Five/Bottom Five: Smells (The Household Edition)

It’s been a long while since my last Top Five/Bottom Five post — so long, in fact, we were still talking about winter (praise be, ice is finally behind us). Tobia recently mentioned that…

Why Not Make the Little Things Beautiful?

In the comment section of a recent post, mbmom11 mentioned how much joy her $9 (purple, sparkly!) phone case brings her — and it got me thinking about the surprisingly big impact small aesthetic…

Creativity, Favourite Things, Gratitude, Joy, Personality Insights
May, 14, 2025
48 Comments

Best Beaches in Nova Scotia (Local Guide + Map)

Jana asked me to talk about beaches in Nova Scotia, and now that I’ve shed my winter duds for another season, it seems like the perfect time to discuss a warm-weather topic!

Nova Scotia is…

You Asked, I Answered: Chores, Choices, and My Childhood

Never Have I Ever…Part 6

Best Runner-Up Nova Scotia Beaches (A-H)

Happy Things Friday: 16 May

Top Five/Bottom Five: Smells (The Household Edition)

Why Not Make the Little Things Beautiful?

Best Beaches in Nova Scotia (Local Guide + Map)

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