To my surprise, I realize that the wedding that brought me to England might seem as glamorous to some as my trip to the Pyramids. What made it so English? Well first all of the English accents! I was one of the half dozen guests from abroad, and coming from the west coast of Canada … Continue reading A Very English Wedding
A lot can happen in a week. Last Monday, the offer on the house came in. And today I sit in the Vancouver airport, waiting for my flight to London. I marvel at what was accomplished in that time. A house was sorted, packed, and moved into storage. Items were sold, donated and recycled. It … Continue reading The People who Sustain Me- Part 2
Today the house was sold. There is an accepted offer, at any rate, which will most likely complete. When I look at the calendar I see that the house has only been listed for three weeks. It seems much longer-- I think sorting through the physical remanents of a 30 year relationship, all the while … Continue reading Saying Goodbye
Two weeks before I set out on the next 6 week instalment of my brave travels, I try to decide what to keep. Out of the accumulation of a lifetime, out of the contents of a 3000 square foot house, what will come with me into the future? What is precious enough to put in … Continue reading What Stays and What Goes?
I thought I was patient, until I became a teacher. Then I began to really learn what patience was. And when I believed I had truly learned it, I had a child... And now, in this age of smartphones, Netflix and Google, I feel I have forgotten how to be patient, how to wait. My … Continue reading Learning to Wait
A few years ago, I spoke to a hundred or so young women about courage. I started by talking about shared experiences-- a rough plane ride, the zip line at the outdoor education camp we all went to, skiing on a slope that was too steep and icy. And each time I asked them to … Continue reading It’s Not Brave if You’re Not Scared
We love to bring home reminders of our travels. My mother collected spoons and postcards, and later fridge magnets. I have friends who bring home art, or jewellery. When we look at these items, they bring back memories. Last night, I brought home an experience to share. Eight friends came over for dinner, and I … Continue reading Souvenirs
A friend request on Facebook came in from a stranger, so I messaged him, thinking he had meant it for the "other" Kathryn H. (Yes, my last name is so rare, particularly in combination with an English/Scottish first name, that there are only two of us in the world.) That prompted me to search Facebook, … Continue reading Who is Kathryn H?
When I married almost 30 years ago, I stopped going anywhere by myself. After we had kids, all of our trips were educational. Drive across Canada, visit Europe, take them to Montreal to perfect their French. But then, when I was in the midst of a difficult time with both of our (teenaged) children, a … Continue reading Brave by Accident
It has gradually dawned on me that perhaps not everyone likes to travel the way I do. "I love to travel!," they say, and then I discover that means a yearly trip to a warm place (ideally an all-inclusive where they have been before) and maybe a local driving/camping holiday. Not there is anything wrong … Continue reading Wow, you really like to travel…
Brave Travels 