Love: The Island is Calling, and I Must Go

   Good morning dearest readers, and how quickly time passes by when we are busy living our lives. It feels like it was just last week that I came back from my wonderful trip in Ireland, and wrote out the latest post. But as I checked the timeline, I had written it in early June, and now, we are on the last day of July. I'd like to apologize to my regular readers who check the blog almost daily in hopes there'll be new articles, when there aren't often. I'm so happy that the blog has reached a substantial amount of people (substantial in my books at least), but since starting this blog, I've committed to other writing opportunities. Some of you are aware of them (having read previous articles) but for those who are not, I am currently writing for two blogs (this one and another travel themed blog), creating content for an online magazine (which is being released shortly), participating in an online mentorship with a Canadian author, composing a poetry collection I'm trying to publish, as well as simultaneously write 4 different stories while 7 others are in need of editing. Let's just say that my plate is full at the moment.

   That being said, I don't want to neglect anything, but even super heroes need downtime every once in a while. I need to recharge my body, mind and soul, and what better way to do that than to go to the place that allows just that. Yes, it's that time of year again where I finally get to go back to Manitoulin Island. Though so many wonderful things happened last year, one thing my summer didn't allow was my annual vacation to the Island. Strangely enough, that is where I realized that some time off in my favorite place was necessary since it was harder to recuperate without that week. Now, being given the chance to go back at least for one last time, I've found myself dreaming of the peaceful week ahead. A simple life of lakeside luxury, relaxing reading and family fun.

   Even though these past couple of months have been the easiest to deal with, the knowledge that I'd be able to go back has been the light at the end of the tunnel. It's almost impossible to describe the feeling, the anticipation of going back. With dreams almost every night, a few pictures hovering in the background, and sweet memories playing on repeat in my head, the island calling to me has never been louder, and I'm listening with open ears and a happy heart.

   Everyone should have a place that makes them feel like one trip to it can fix anything and everything. Whether this place is the same are mine, or you've got some place else, it's a necessity to have one available. And don't forget, this can be a physical place, or even a person, or a spot in your very own home. Some are a little more easily accessed than hours, but a necessity nonetheless. So find your own island, and listen to it carefully. It lets you know when you need it; so don't keep it waiting my dear readers!

K.P.H.

Love: Green Hills, Guinness and Good Times

   Hello my dearest readers! How the times have changed and the seasons evolved. I left nearly a month ago for my two week trip to the beautiful country of Ireland, when everything here was still sad and bare, only to return to scenery as green as the Green Isle itself! It was quite motivating to come back to a city that seemed alive; it rather helped to tame my desire to leave the moment I got back. Now, after a couple of weeks already back in Canada, I thought it might be time to recount some of the great adventures I lived while exploring EIRE (which means Ireland in actual irish)!

   We started and ended in Dublin. My friend Gen and my roommate Nicole and I all met up, got our rental car, and headed to the outskirts of the city after visiting Trinity college, and the book of Kells. That was the day that I saw the kind of library I would like in my own home (knowing that the probability of that ever happening is very minimal, but I am a dreamer after all). We stayed in a wonderful Bed and Breakfast, went to a renowned pub for dinner and woke up the next morning fresh and ready to take on the world. We were making our way around the country by car in a clockwise fashion. Headed north, we did hikes here and there, stopped in some popular location (like Glendalough) and (as per my natural demeanor) I headed off the trail and explored a little on my own. We found wonderful places as to be expected; hidden glens, flowing rivers, green shrubbery as far as they eye could see. We stayed in remote locations outside most larger cities which really allowed us not only to get a feel for the local experience, but we managed to make this a relatively inexpensive trip because of it!

   We continued our trip by visiting more common tourist spots that were popular for good reason. Areas like the Rock of Cashel, Blarney Castle and grounds were waiting for us to explore them in our very hands on fashion. I did kiss the Blarney stone and have acquired the gift of Gab (even if some say that I was already gifted with this), and played around in the wonderful gardens. We also did off the beaten path activities, such as night kayaking! That's right, you read that correctly. We met some of the nicest and most Irish people during what was probably the best 2 hours (or at least in the top moments) of my entire trip. Other moments include Ballycarbery castle (where I got to climb, and play in the old castle ruins), the Cahergal Stone forts (where I also got to climb and play in the old fort ruins - pattern?), the Giants Causeway, St. Nicholas's Cathedral, Carlingford, and anytime there was a dog around, whether it was at the apartment we were staying at, or simply wandering in the road.

   Driving (though stressful at times, and especially in the beginning) also turned out to be one of my favorite things about the trip. It granted us so much more freedom as well as the ability to find little hidden gems that the Irish people also enjoy. I really love the immersive experience, and feel that it adds so much more to the overall vibe of the trip itself. Plus it really added to my overall confidence, reassuring me that in the near future, I could do something like this on my own (which has always been a dream). And so with winding roads, a small car, and a whole lot of adrenaline and courage, we made it all around and got to see some amazing sights.

   Though I know I'm not describing every waking moment of the entire trip (the places we stopped at on the side of the road, the food we ate, the places we slept in), the overall trip was absolutely splendid and entirely unforgettable. I know that someday, I'd like to go back and do the things we ran out of time to do, but regardless if that day comes or not, I'm happy with what we ended up accomplishing during those eventful two weeks. So if you're looking for a place that will entrance and surprise every day with its history, progress and fairytales, then Ireland is the place for you dearest readers, just like it was for me.

K.P.H.


P.S.   Should you want more detailed accounts of the trip, or just curious about the actual itinerary of the trip, feel free to check out my other blog that I co-write with my friend Gen: northernwanderwomen.blogspot.ca 

Laughter: The Things We Do for the People We Love

   Good Monday dear readers! I hope you all had the chance to rest up a little over the weekend because it seems as though this week will be either much too long, or much to short. We never seem to be able to get just the right length, but at least we know that eventually, Friday will come.

   I had quite the eventful weekend as I road tripped to Timmins, Ontario to meet up with friends on Saturday night to celebrate all of our achievements. There were a number of us from our Iceland trip (that I hadn't seen since then), as well as some new faces I'm sure to see again in the near future. From one end of the province to the next, I had decided to do the drive a little over a week and a half ago because I knew that I missed that group of friends. It was a great night, and the drive back Sunday was a little more painful than anticipated. I did however get the chance to spend a little more time with my brother and father (since I probably won't be able to see them for quite some time because of my travels and because of work), but it's when we discovered that Gen's flight back to Kingston got cancelled that things got even more interesting. We decided to drive to Ottawa together, and that she'd grab a train from Ottawa to Kingston early this morning (and by early, I mean before the sunrise). So that's what we did, but the drive back to Ottawa yesterday was spent in a constant rain pour. The drive from Timmins to Sudbury was cloudy, but dry at least. We were also passengers during this drive, instead of the actual drivers.

   I don't know what it is, whether it's fate or just some sort of unfortunate joke at my expense, but 8 times out of 10, when I drive back to Ottawa from somewhere, it's always either raining, snowing or hailing the WHOLE DRIVE BACK. Yesterday was no exception. I don't know if it's a sign or not, but I'd really like for once that the end of my adventures wouldn't be prone to precipitation. There's nothing I can do about that, but I just can't help laugh when it seems like my drives back turn into those corny endings of rom-coms (all sad, rainy and with depressing instrumental music playing in the background).

   Either way, I have no regrets and I take full responsibility for the situations I get myself into. The reason I'm so okay with all of this (despite how exhausted I am) is even if I'm physically (and possibly mentally) tired, is that I get emotionally recharged. I don't mind going to great lengths to spend time with people who mean the most to me, or to help them out whenever needed. Those who are close to me can attest to that, but it's also because I know that they'd do the same for me. So I hope you either have people like this in your lives dearest readers, or that you find them soon, because everything and anything is worth doing when it's for the people you love!

K.P.H.

Love: The Northern Wander Women

   Hello my dear readers and happy Friday to all! With a new weekend starting in just a few more hours, I'm bubbling with anticipation. I'll be heading up north for the weekend to meet and catch up with some old friends I heaven't seen in a long time! But that isn't the only SUPER EXCITING THING that's got me in such a good mood. My friend Gen and I have officially launched our travel blog!!!

   As we spent the last few weeks brainstorming, fiddling and organizing the launch, the Northern Wander Women blog is up! We are also on quite a lot of social media sites so it's easy to like and follow us wherever, whenever! If you want to see how you too can travel instead of tour this wonderful world of ours (whether its across the sea, or your own backyard) stay tuned and follow us as we roam from home!

Twitter: NWanderWomen
https://twitter.com/NWanderWomen

Facebook: Northern Wander Women
https://www.facebook.com/northernwanderwomen/?ref=aymt_homepage_panel

Instagram: northernwanderwomen
https://www.instagram.com/northernwanderwomen/?hl=en

Snapchat: NWanderWomen

Pinterest: Wander Women
https://www.pinterest.com/northernwanderw/

and of course:

Blog: Northern Wander Women
https://northernwanderwomen.blogspot.ca/

Show your love and support dear readers, and tag along on the greatest adventures yet!

K.P.H.

Laughter: Either it's Fate or I'm Just Clumsy

   Good morning dearest readers and I hope you all had a wonderful Easter weekend. I, myself, had the chance to go back home to Sudbury for the weekend to spend some quality time with family and friends. Not only was it relaxing, but it turned out to be quite productive as well. But, like all of my laughter posts, all happy stories have an unfortunately hilarious twist; and this one is no exception.

   Other than hanging out with Gen at home (booking places to stay in Ireland and reviewing some things for the blog), meeting up with my best friend Jordan for coffee, playing games with my brother and going for hikes, I also accompanied my parents to our lot near the lake on Friday. We wanted to go to clear up some of the branches and brush that we accumulated on the lot. We had two fire pits set up and began to clear out the load in an environmentally friendly fashion. At some point, I felt something hot on my foot, to realize a small crackling ember had lodged itself inside my boot while I was loading my fire pit. Frantically, I put it out and paused for a quick lunch break. Things were progressing smoothly but I had resolved to be more careful, and not to stand so close to the fire pit.

   Doing so, something else happened. As I tried to stand slightly further away while throwing in the branches, I found myself leaning in closer. After repeating this a few times, and strange smell arose in the air. As I tried to grasp what it was, I brushed my hair out of my face only to realize that the smell was coming from my scorched hair. NOT A FUN DISCOVERY!!! As I nervously combed through it with my fingers, I knew that the damage was done and no amount of wishful thinking was going to fix it. So I put it up in a bun (to stop it from getting worse) and continued to clear out the brush on the lot.

   The practical thing about this whole situation, was that I already had a hair appointment planned for the Monday, so something could be done the tame and control the sizzled mess that now adorned my head. However, what I found funny throughout this whole experience was that I had been wrestling with the idea of cutting my hair shorter for quite some time. I had decided to cut it once my first work contract was done, and before heading on my next big trip; but that plan changed when I got a new contract and new trips were being planned. I wanted to grow it out even more and cut it later with a friend, so that we could donate it for a cause. I guess fate intended that I stick with my original plan, no matter the other changes taking place in my life. Either that, or I'm just too tragically clumsy for my own good.

   Despite all of the madness at the time, the change is good for me. It's a new look to suit all the new opportunities and adventures that I will be embarking on. Sometimes dearest readers, your plan A will be better than your plan B, no matter how much you wish to stop the switch. Let life work its magic and be open to happy accidents. You never know what they'll bring you!

K.P.H.