The Optimistic Musings of a Pessimist

Fourteen Years of Regular Solo Parenting: What I’ve Learned and How I’ve Survived

Several years ago, I wrote a post about my solo-parenting experiences. (It was on my “old blog,” so unfortunately, I can no longer link to that).

When I asked readers for new topic ideas, Katie…

Ask Me (Almost) Anything, Family, Hard Things, Life, Parenting
Apr, 24, 2025
52 Comments

Cool Bloggers Walking Club: Week #3

No snow – at least in my part of the world – this week. That feels like progress! (Week 1. Week 2.)

ELISABETH’S WALKS

Distance | Company | FIG*

*FIG = a Finding Joy in Gratitude moment

15 – 7.5 km | John | The…

Lost Books, Last Chapters, and Lifelong Favourites

As so often happens (see last Monday), inspiration comes from the comment section of the blog. Today’s post is brought to you by Maria, who mentioned that two of the books she was reading…

Random, Reading
Apr, 22, 2025
63 Comments

The Happiest Thing in My Life: 18 April

Every Easter, I take the opportunity to talk about my faith here on the blog. And each time, if I’m honest, I feel nervous to do so. I care what other people think, and…

Happy Things Friday, Easter, Faith, Holidays, Personality Insights
Apr, 18, 2025
44 Comments

Grocery Prices Are Wild – Here Are Some Ways We Keep Costs Down(ish)

When I asked readers what blog topics they’d like to hear about, “thrifting” came up repeatedly. It seems people are looking for new ways to save money – or maybe they just want to…

Budget, Food, Habits, Money, Planning, Thrifting
Apr, 17, 2025
46 Comments

Cool Bloggers Walking Club Week #2

Another week, another set of walks! And yes, it snowed. Again. (Catch up on Week 1 here.)

ELISABETH’S WALKS

*The pictures are in no particular order…

Distance | Company | FIG

8 – 1.01 km | Solo | It was a snow…

A Day in My Life: Wednesday, 9 April 2025

When I asked for suggestions about topics to visit (or revisit) on the blog, a common denominator was requests for more Day in the Life/behind-the-scenes posts.

I took those comments to heart and immediately documented…