Discovering Life’s Adventures: A Journey of Curiosity and Resilience
This is more than just a collection of blog posts; it’s a space dedicated to celebrating curiosity, resilience, and a fresh perspective on aging. It’s designed for everyone, particularly those eager to embrace life to the fullest and believe their story is worth sharing. So, let’s dive into a personal introduction, revealing ten unexpected facts about the woman behind the words – a travel enthusiast, a photographer, and a storyteller who believes life after 50 is just the beginning of a vibrant adventure.
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Meet Veronica: More Than Just a “Hip Grandma”
Based in Holland, Michigan, Veronica is a photographer, travel writer, lifestyle blogger, and speaker. She is a mother of five and a grandmother of two, and a firm believer that life over 50 can be full of vibrancy, adventure, and unexpected detours.
Adding to her accomplishments, she’s also a published author. Her book, “100 Things to Do in Holland, Michigan Before You Die,” is a local guide brimming with charm and hidden gems.
This isn’t a typical fashion or beauty blog. Instead, expect honest storytelling, travel inspiration, photography tips, and reflections on navigating this exciting chapter of life. Veronica also cultivates online communities through her Facebook groups, “Quirky Roadside USA” and “Michigan Road Trips,” fostering connections among travelers who share stories, offer support, and find laughter along the way.
10 Things You Might Not Know
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A Teenage Expatriate: At 15, Veronica ventured alone to Tokyo as a high school exchange student. She attended Meiji Gakuin Higashimuriyama, an all-boys private school, and picked up enough Japanese to impress a sushi chef. This experience sparked a lifelong passion for exploring new cultures, which continues to fuel her travels.
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The Picky Eater Revelation: As a child, she was labeled a “picky eater.” Now, she recognizes it as a sensory processing issue, a concept less understood at the time. While she now enjoys a wide variety of foods, Brussels sprouts remain off the menu.
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Chasing Quirky Adventures: Veronica’s bucket list is ever-expanding, with a focus on uncovering quirky roadside attractions, charming small towns, and hidden stories. She believes the time of year can dramatically change the experience of any destination. Essential travel companions include her favorite Baggallini travel bag, a lightweight hoodie from 7 Degrees, and a reliable car phone mount.
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Scarlett No’Hara, the Bald Cat Diva: Scarlett, a Sphynx cat, is described as part parrot, part spider monkey, and 100% diva. She demands attention and behaves as though she owns the place (because she does). Potential Sphynx owners should research reputable breeders, as these cats require specialized care but offer immense love and personality.
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From Stage Fright to Stage Lights: In high school, Veronica found her voice through theater, playing characters like Helen Keller and Florence Unger. Theater allowed her to overcome insecurities and explore different perspectives. While she no longer performs, she remains a supporter of live theater.
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Overcoming the Wizard of Oz Phobia: While not a fan of sci-fi, fantasy, or horror, Veronica has confronted her fears. She even visited Oz-themed attractions in Kansas and has developed an appreciation for the scarecrow. This journey has involved significant internal work on fear, including a solo trip to Sevierville, Tennessee, that helped her discover inner courage.
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Living the Dream: Once aspiring to be a Disney Imagineer, Veronica now realizes she’s living her dream by exploring the world, connecting with like-minded individuals, and sharing stories through photos and blog posts. While not building theme parks, she’s fostering confidence, community, and inspiring others.
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Mom and Grandma, But First, Herself: While proud of her five children and two grandchildren, Veronica focuses on her personal journey. She emphasizes the importance of carving out an identity beyond “Mom” and “Grandma.” She credits her own mother for teaching her to be brave, embrace new experiences, and take up space, even when it feels daunting.
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Almost a Half-Marathoner: Before turning 40, Veronica trained for a half-marathon. However, five miles into the race, a lightning storm led to its cancellation. A police officer provided a ride to the finish line, technically completing the course. While not eager to repeat the experience, she now enjoys travel walking, accompanied by podcasts and compression socks.
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A Work in Progress: Veronica acknowledges that she is on a journey with her photography and blogging that is scary. She is anxious and fearful that she is not cut out for this adventure, but she has confidence that she is following God’s path for her life and that He has given her the tools and abilities to do what she sets her mind to. Therapy, faith, friendships, and this blog have all helped her embrace the messy, beautiful truth that none of us ever really “arrive.”
The Essence of This Blog
This space is for friends, women, and curious individuals who appreciate a good story. Here, you’ll find:
- Travel Tales: Quirky travel stories and destination guides.
- Photography Insights: Photography tips for both mobile and DSLR cameras.
- Life Reflections: Honest reflections on life over 50 – the humorous, chaotic, and meaningful aspects.
- Empowerment: Encouragement for living your best life, regardless of age.
This blog is a corner for sharing stories, encompassing travel adventures, reflections on life after 50, and lifestyle topics relevant to this unique and evolving stage of life.
Let’s Connect
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