Don't judge me; all this luggage is for two of us for two months travel (with room to spare for bringing home culinary necessities from Crete 😉 Last year as we emerged from pandemic paranoia, we decided it was time to scratch our ever-spreading itch to travel. But with the state of chaos and devastation …
Author: Melanie A Crane
Quote: "The best journeys ask questions that in the beginning you never thought to ask." (Anon)
Here's my journey: Enjoying my short life on this earth one moment at a time by being intentional with God, family, traveling, cooking, gardening, Colorado living and all the perks that come with it, playing guitar, listening more and talking less. I've discovered that both cooking and travel can be messy at times but the risks can have some amazing results. The same goes for life lived with passion.
It’s better to receive than to give
TRAVELS OF THE SOUL ‘Tis the season for giving. Let’s face it – there’s something very satisfying in being able to give to those who are less fortunate than us. And it’s good to give to the underprivileged, the poor, the needy. But do we ever see ourselves as the ones who are empty-handed, hungry, …
The Good News 2020
GREETINGS FROM COLORADO Of all the journeys I’ve been on in my life, this year was an adventure of epic proportions. We found out what the new normal looks like when the pandemic hit and brought the entire globe to its knees. Then an unprecedented and long overdue awareness of Black Lives Matter swept through …
Get into the e-bike game – No shame
Years ago, my husband and I were cruising on our rental bikes along the Neckar River in Germany enjoying a relatively easy ride from town to town over the course of a week. Most of the other riders on our scenic route were on traditional bikes as well, but once in a while an E-bike …
Apologies from a homebound wanderer
Where did this year go?? Between slogging through my own grief of the loss of my son in November and the new territory of a Covid-defined world, I honestly haven't had the creative motivation to sit down and write again. Every day I look at this sweet collage art hanging on my wall that my …
Walking through the valley with 20/20 vision
Turning the corner into a new decade, looking ahead with expectation, walking into the unknown. All these things make this traveler’s heart beat a little faster in anticipation. Ever the optimist, I hope the days and months ahead bring healing, peace and a sense of well-being. But what if….? We don't know what's around the …
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Holy Grief
Grief is exhausting. Bone-tiring, heart-numbing, mind-fogging sorrow mixed with moments of happy memories shared with those who walk this journey with you. A proverbial roller-coaster of emotion that never stops. Everything in me screams, “I want off!” or at least, “I want to go back.” Such an inexpressible feeling - vacillating between deep sorrow down to …
Regifting – a timeless generosity
December 22, 1982 - A beautiful healthy baby boy was born - my first child, Brandon - nicknamed "Bo." As I held him for the first time, I whispered a silent prayer that he would have a full life - a life of the joy of knowing God and loving others. Thankfully, I had no …
An Unwelcome Journey
Spoiler alert: This isn't your typical seasonal posting. There are many of you out there whose hearts are far from "merry and light." You are dealing with losses so great and so exhausting that the flavors of your day (everyday) are sorrow and grief beyond words. And now, I can honestly say, "I know how …
Wandering 50 National Parks: A grieving mother’s journey
The National Park system in America is known around the world for its stunning beauty and diverse landscapes. In fact, the granddaddy of the National Parks, the Grand Canyon celebrates its 100 year birthday this year. But go into any National Park and you will find a reason to wander and linger and savor every …
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Melanie A Crane 