Life is a patchwork of experiences
This month’s podcast is all about my small ship Windstar cruise to Alaska on the brand new Star Seeker ship.
Podcast link: Sailing Off the Beaten Path on a Windstar Cruise to Alaska
Continue reading “June 11, 2026 Podcast: Sailing Off the Beaten Path on a Windstar Cruise to Alaska”
I am sharing my expereinces in this detailed Windstar Star Seeker review after cruising on this beautiful ship to Alaska
My first experience on a Windstar ship truly spoiled me. I’ve wanted to do a Windstar cruise for a long time, and what better start than a cruise to Alaska on the brand new Star Seeker.
The Windstar Star Seeker is considered a mega yacht due to its small size. The company motto is “180 degrees from ordinary”, and that is exactly what I experienced.
Continue reading “A Detailed Windstar Star Seeker Review – Yachting “180 Degrees From Ordinary””
A Windstar cruise to Alaska took me to off the beaten path locations combined with soft adventure experiences in Misty Fjords National Monument and Endicott Arm
Southeast Alaska is an extremely popular cruise destination, and rightly so. The snow-capped mountains and glacier-carved fjords provide a stunning backdrop for small towns that can only be reached by ship.
After four big ship cruises to Alaska, I thought I had seen it all. But my recent Windstar cruise took me off Alaska’s beaten path and gave me experiences only possible on a small ship like the Star Seeker.
Continue reading “Sailing Off the Beaten Path on a Windstar Cruise to Alaska”
After many cruises to Alaska, these are my Alaska cruise planning tips.
There is no doubt that Alaska is a beautiful state. With glacier-studded mountain ranges, rugged coastlines, wildlife galore, and ancient native cultural traditions, it’s no surprise that it is a bucket list destination for many. Cruising southeast Alaska is an easy and (relatively) budget-friendly way to see one of the most scenic parts of this huge state.
Experience athletics and tradition at the World Eskimo-Indian Olympics, one of the most unique summer events in Fairbanks, Alaska.
This post was recognized by the North America Travel Journalists Association (NATJA) in the 2019 awards competition with a Bronze award in the Sports, Recreation and Adventure – Online Publication category.
Her eyes are closed as she takes in a few deep, calming breaths. Like every athlete since the ancient Greeks, she is focused on getting into the zone at this Olympic event. With her tool in hand, she is ready as soon as the whistle blows. Her white t-shirt and long sundress are somewhat unusual for an Olympic competition, but it doesn’t seem to get in her way.
In 27 seconds, Kelly Lincoln is done while the rest of the field still struggles valiantly with their task. Proudly, she holds her completed salmon fillets up high for the judges and the audience to see. She has just won the Fish Cutting event at the 2019 World Eskimo-Indian Olympics.
Continue reading “Athletics and Tradition Play Together at the World Eskimo-Indian Olympics”
Explore all the many Fairbanks activities on your next midnight sun adventure in Alaska.
You could say that Fairbanks, Alaska, is a location of extremes. Winters may be cold and dark, but it is exactly those conditions that lead to perfect northern lights viewing.
Summers are just the opposite – they are not cold or dark; in fact, I think they are nearly perfect. With average temperatures in the low 70s and low humidity, it is my ideal climate. Good thing that there are two months of constant daylight because it gave me plenty of time to experience the long list of Fairbanks activities under the midnight sun.
The sister Outdoor Quilt show is one of the most unique quilt shows you can attend. For one day only, the buildings in the Town of Sisters, Oregon act as a backdrop for 1400 quilts. This is a unique gallery showcasing amazing art and craftsmanship in a beautiful setting. I am sharing my tips on how to visit and get the most out of a Sisters Outdoor Quilt show experience.
The sun is shining. A soft breeze keeps the temperature comfortable. Not far in the distance, the snow-capped Three Sisters mountains glow in the early morning light. It is the second Saturday in July in Sisters, Oregon, and there is a festival-like atmosphere engulfing this small western town. A week of diverse quilting events and activities has been the prelude to this single day – the day of the Sisters Quilt Show.
I learned how to do paper piecing with Judy Niemeyer at a Quiltworx retreat in Kalispell, Montana
I enjoy taking quilting classes and learning new techniques. I had the opportunity to learn paper piecing in one of the Judy Niemeyer classes at the Quiltworx retreat center on Flathead Lake, Montana, near Kalispell. It was a relaxing week with lots of instruction, lots of learning, and lots of sewing.
Continue reading “Learning Paper Piecing with Judy Niemeyer at a Quiltworx Retreat”
Quilt Inspiration – The colors of the surf and sand
I used two charm packs in shades of blue and yellow by Stonehenge to design a quilt that reminds me of a warm day on a California beach. I set half-square triangle blocks in a fishhook pattern, randomly mixing the different shades of blue and gold together.
Continue reading ““California Dreamin” – Original Quilt Design”
Sharing my experiences taking an Empty Spools Seminars quilting class at the historic Asilomar Conference Center located on the scenic Pacific Ocean coast in California.
It’s important in any craft to continue honing your skills. Whether it’s blogging, photography, or quilting, I like to try classes that offer a different perspective, but they also need to be in interesting locations.
One of my favorite quilting class experiences is offered by Empty Spools Seminars at the Asilomar Conference Center located in beautiful Pacific Grove, California. In fact, I liked it so much that I’ve gone twice.
