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 Nova Scotia: A Magical Garden Near Wolfville

Updated July 2026

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…

Travel, Nova Scotia
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…