by Andrea Friederici Ross I believe in wonder. Daily life is filled with the mundane: laundry, oil changes, dentist appointments, filtering spam. Routine. Over time, it erodes my spirit, eating away at the core of well-being. So whenever I have an opportunity, I grasp at the concept of wonder. It can be a mother bird feeding her young, beak-to-beak; a particularly … [Read more...]
Alaskan Earth Mamas: Meet an entrepreneur who nourishes body and soul
by Erin Kirkland Interior Alaska winters are famous for temperatures that fall into the double-digits-below-zero category. Between November and March (and sometimes longer), people are indistinguishable for the layers of clothing worn to cover exposed skin and everything, from truck tires to fingertips, has a propensity to freeze solid. This dry, cold section of the 49th … [Read more...]
Being Thankful in Istanbul: History and heritage on the Bosphorus
By Jennifer Fontaine Known for its rich history, centuries-old architecture and robust cultural heritage, Turkey may not be the first place that comes to mind when planning a family vacation. But this ancient land is bursting with family-friendly activities and a chance for kids and grandparents alike to capture a glimpse of old world customs while creating new family … [Read more...]
New River Gorge | Bridges, Camping, & Climbing in West Virginia
by Erica Lineberry - When will we get to go over the bridge?" my 5-year-old son chirped from the backseat, as shadows grew long across the highway. The bridge he was speaking of was none other than New River Gorge Bridge, also known as the second-longest steel arch bridge in the Western Hemisphere. It was just another Friday evening in September, which, for our family, meant … [Read more...]
Q & A with Charles R. Scott, author of “Daunted Courage”
by Charles R. Scott with Erin Kirkland By 2013, National Geographic-featured adventurer and speaker Charles R. Scott and his two kids had already spent the three previous summers cycling more than 7,000 miles together in Japan, Iceland and Western Europe. So it was no big stretch that summer to embark on a fourth adventure in their own country: riding 1,700 miles of the … [Read more...]
“Rocks in the Water” and Other Life Lessons
by Jackie Semmens My son hikes with one goal in mind - to throw rocks in the water and watch them splash. When we hike, we walk slowly. Every rock we pass must be examined for suitability, and if it passes inspection (which it always does), it is then carried along until another more appropriate rock is found only a few feet later. The type of water does not matter. In my … [Read more...]
