Thankfulness

For those of you that have been following this blog, you know that I travel at least four to five times a year. However, my wrist-breaking adventure in Montana slowed me down but did not derail my plans. My wrist is healing nicely, and I am motivated to handle my carry-on luggage for my next adventure in December 2023.

On the horizon, I have a road trip planned for December that will take me to the states of Georgia, Tennessee, Kentucky, Alabama, and Florida. It is more than a road trip and future blogs will reflect new connections, beautiful cathedrals, and exciting discoveries right here in the beautiful USA.

My first 2024 adventure is planned for February. I will be traveling to Spain and visiting four major cities with several side trips to small towns in the region.

As we head toward the end of 2023, I think of all the wonderful things accomplished this year. I am thankful and looking forward to whatever God has planned for me in 2024.

In 2023, I traveled to beautiful Norway. It was interesting to find a Catholic Church in Bergen, Norway serving over 17,000 parishioners.

***The beauty of Norway is beyond words.***

In the spring of 2023, I traveled to Italy and Austria. On this trip I visited Venice, Padua, and Verona before moving on to Salzburg and Vienna.

Before heading to Glacier National Park in Montana, I attended my youngest granddaughter, Taylor’s high school graduation.

The graduate is the one in the center with all the Hawaiian leis! The presentation of leis by all family members is a beautiful Hawaiian tradition for all graduates!

I also re-connected with two friends. After spending time learning to solo travel, I am now learning to travel with friends.

Despite the wrist-breaking adventure during my Montana trip, this state is breathtaking. I can’t wait to go back. There is so much more to see. I did not have an opportunity to drive on the famous Going to the Sun Road in the Glacier National Park.

I am also looking forward to visiting my new friend, Cary, who lives near Glacier National Park.

In addition to travel, I continued in 2023 to speak at different events promoting my book on the Blessed Mother. I also developed a journal for all the Rosary mysteries noted in this book. I thought writing would be a one-time project. However, within a year the idea for Book #2 was presented. As you know, Book #2 focuses on the Stations of the Resurrection. This was another interesting find. Both books are now available on Amazon.

Writing is a gift that I discovered only a few years ago. I am now writing for Catholic365 which is a Catholic-focused article and information portal from Catholic writers and bloggers.

Writing has also opened a door to a variety of retreats. Because of my first book on the life of the Blessed Mother, I was asked to develop a retreat that focused on a Lenten Journey through the eyes of Mary. This was well received. As a result, we now have a team of women at our church dedicated to developing mini retreats for women. Two other mini retreats were presented in 2023. One retreat focused on the word TRUST. The other retreat focused on the EUCHARIST. We are excited about what 2024 will bring and look forward to serving the women of our parish and sharing our ideas with others.

As I move forward in doing all that God has for me, I meet new people who present new ideas and opportunities. As a result of one of these many encounters, I am now in formation for the Associate Program with the Sisters of Notre Dame.

This is retirement life, and I wouldn’t have it any other way!

Stay tuned for more blogs, articles, and social media posts.

Life is exciting. Take time to recall your 2023 achievements and be thankful for all that God is doing in your life. Let me know in the comments below about your achievements and your goals for 2024.

God is good – ALL THE TIME!