Fabled New Zealand

While New Zealand isn't widely known for its influence in the literary world, it is easy to see how it inspires filmmakers of epics like "Lord of the Rings." It is a country that abounds with an unparalleled abundance of pristine, immense, natural beauty. We hiked to the top of Te Mata peak, a craggy, …

Mozart’s Vienna

Music permeates the air in Vienna, wafting from ancient churches and flowing from performers on the street. The Opera House stands as the grand dame in the middle of the city, demanding respect and attention. From the opulently papered walls of the Viennese coffeehouses to the stuffy ballrooms of Hofburg palace, there is a history …

Mysterious Prague

Earlier this year, my husband and I trekked halfway across the globe to Prague and Vienna. We like to travel during the off-season to avoid the crowds but often that means enduring winter chills and businesses closed for the season. While always beautiful, Eastern Europe in mid-March can be dark and frigidly cold. Determined to …

Let’s keep listening

My love for historic homes began with a white, stately mansion in the hills of Oakland, California. I remember walking up the long and winding driveway to the Dunsmuir Hellman Historic Estate with my family, catching that first glimpse of the majestic house through the trees. It always took my breath away. Whether there for …

O. Henry’s Austin

One of my favorite things about traveling to new cities is running into unexpected historic literary sites. A recent trip to Austin, Texas introduced me to the fascinating life of the witty and satirical writer, O. Henry. The home in which he lived for a few years in the 1890s has been converted into the …

Margaret Mitchell’s Southern Hospitality

I had no idea Margaret Mitchell was such a fascinating character. A glimpse into her sanctuary in downtown Atlanta made me realize what a progressive, relatable and frankly, bad-ass woman she was. A tour of the Margaret Mitchell House provides an intimate glance into Mitchell's life and inspiration. It's hard to believe that she wrote …

Travel for Travel’s Sake

Golf club in hand, I stood on a weathered course far in the Scottish Highlands and took a good look around. Sometimes in life, the journey can leave you spellbound. Light streamed through the ominous clouds, over a scene of wild heather and sage. Haystacks dotted the fields. Above us, an ancient monument to a …

As Ever – Betty Guy

I will never forget Betty Guy, a truly remarkable woman with a life story worthy of an epic novel. It was the brilliant John Steinbeck who introduced us - indirectly of course. And it was a red raincoat that ultimately brought our paths together. Betty's legacy will live on through the many inspiring and beautiful …

Portland’s Legacy: The Pittock Mansion

The light changes by the moment, filtered through quickly moving clouds that bring a fickle combination of rain and breaking sun. The grand stairway darkens as droplets patter at the windows. Through the hall just opposite, bright rays perfectly illuminate the gilded music room. The majestic old home bathes in the changing light, as it …

Beverly Cleary’s Portland

When I was a kid, I anxiously awaited summer - not just for the break from school - but for the chance to read whatever I wanted to my heart's content. It was the decade before smart phones, DVRs and the distraction of technology. I feel so lucky that I was able to enjoy a …