The Optimistic Musings of a Pessimist

Best Runner-Up Nova Scotia Beaches (I-Z)

I’m back!

Here’s my final — admittedly incomplete — rundown of Nova Scotian beaches that are worth checking out.

LAWRENCETOWN BEACH

Just outside Halifax, this beach is most famous for its surfing! While you can catch…

Happy Things Friday: 30 May

While it’s not unusual for me to slap a disclaimer on a Happy Things Friday post, this one is definitely an extra-large cup of coffee affair. If you love long, meandering reflections, sit down…

Birthday, Happy Things Friday, Thrifting
May, 30, 2025
52 Comments

Top Five/Bottom Five: Small Talk Topics

Some people are pure magic with small talk. (Joy, this is your cue to take a bow.) These people could talk to a doorframe and somehow get a response. I, on the other hand,…

Personality Insights, Random, Top Five/Bottom Five
May, 29, 2025
58 Comments

From Cheesecake (Obvious) to Cicadas (Less Obvious): 38 Things I’m Grateful For Today

Today’s my 38th birthday — and for someone who is objectively terrible at keeping things brief, I had absolutely no idea what to write about.

But if this blog has taken on a singular theme…

An Extra Special Gratitude Guest: Let’s Talk About Joy (Literally)!!!!!

I am beyond delighted (and grateful) to have my best friend, Joy, guest posting on the blog today. She first appeared here a few years ago, but then my blog had the audacity to…

A 3-Day Trip (with Kids) to Cape Breton: Lighthouses, Louisbourg, and the Cabot Trail

I’ve been fielding more and more questions about Nova Scotia lately (keep them coming – I genuinely love my role of de facto, pro bono travel advisor for Tourism Nova Scotia). And, it seems…

Happy Things Friday: 23 May

What a week!

My father-in-law arrived Sunday; as always, he’s the easiest guest imaginable. We’ve also had a revolving door of kids’ friends, and most meals have included a few extra mouths.

Indy had a…

Best Runner-Up Nova Scotia Beaches (I-Z)

Happy Things Friday: 30 May

Top Five/Bottom Five: Small Talk Topics

From Cheesecake (Obvious) to Cicadas (Less Obvious): 38 Things I’m Grateful For Today

An Extra Special Gratitude Guest: Let’s Talk About Joy (Literally)!!!!!

A 3-Day Trip (with Kids) to Cape Breton: Lighthouses, Louisbourg, and the Cabot Trail

Happy Things Friday: 23 May

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