latest on the blog
The following is a letter that I sent to my students this morning and wanted to share with this community as I have been asked numerous times for my thoughts on the events of this past week...
If you would like to watch a reel about this you can click HERE!
Dear students,
I wish that I had some "great" words that could address and heal the events of these last days. I have been honestly speechless at things that have taken place across our country and our world and I weep for this season in time that you are experiencing. As a New Yorker approaching the anniversary of September 11th, this week always hits a bit harder, but the shocking shootings of Charlie Kirk and Evergreen School (and numerous other difficult items in the last week) has left this week with a heaviness that I know we all will not soon move on from.
And it appears that things just continue... even yesterday, there was a class of mine that was in a lockdown bringing things even closer to home. And while there are many thoughts, emotions, words, and feelings that people have expressed on social media, the news, in conversations at the grocery store, at the gas station, at Starbucks, and everywhere you go... I have felt at a loss of words.
How does one address the events of the past week in a concise and "neatly tied bow"? How do we approach circumstances like this that can make us question not only how these things can happen but why they are happening.
I don't want to add to the "noise" of all that you are hearing, reading and processing, but I do as your Professor want to say a few simple things to you that I shared with the class yesterday that experienced the lockdown.
First, I want to say how sorry I am. I don't see or hear a lot of people saying that, so first I want to say that to you. I am SO sorry that my generation couldn't get this right for you and that you live in the world that you do right now. I am sorry that you have inherited a world where violence, shootings, death, and fear is now the normal part of the stories that you see. I am so sorry that you have to think about going to school or an event on a college campus. These places should be safe and sacred and so I am so very sorry.
Second, it seems trivial to say to people "I am praying for you" in these types of circumstances... when things appear so dark and difficult and with little hope that the violence and possible fear you maybe experiencing will change in our world. I would agree that it sounds trivial but because I do believe in prayer, I want to share three specific things I am praying for you:
1. I pray that you have a safe space to process the events of this week - especially as you look to graduate and attend college in the coming year. Hearing that things happen on a high school campus (Colorado yesterday and numerous things prior to that) is frightening enough- but hearing that same violence possibly continues into the next stage of life into college or grad school can be difficult to process. So my first prayer is that you have a safe place to process all of the events of this week.
2. I pray that any fear is removed. Fear of the future. Fear of the "what ifs". Fear of speaking out for what you believe in or think. Fear of ideas. Fear of disagreements. Fear that college won't be as fun as you imagined. Fear that whatever year you find yourself in school/college will be marked by tragedy after tragedy. Fear of .... (insert whatever you are fearful of right now). I pray that fear is removed. During some of my dark and difficult days a verse that has brought me great comfort for fear is from Isaiah 35:4: "Tell those who are terrified, be brave, and don't be afraid. Your God will come... He will come and rescue you." So I pray that the fear is replaced with a steadiness that God is with you in these fearful moments and can handle all of the big questions and fears you have.
3. I pray that you will move boldly into the present and future that God has for you. In the event and death of Charlie Kirk, the Colorado School Shooting, the anniversary of 9/11, and so many other things it can be tempting to withdraw. Withdraw into hiding. Withdraw into numbing out through Netflix or other things. Withdraw from everything- but I am praying the opposite for you. I am praying that you move boldly into the present days of this year and then the future God has for you with courage. Each of you have a special plan and special gifts that the Lord has given you. I am confident that He has many good things in store for you and has unique stories He is writing for each of you (Psalm 138:8). I know I mention this when I introduce myself in the classes but I KNOW and am confident that you can and have the opportunity to change the world. I am cheering you on as our so many others. Our generation may not have been able to set the foundation that we dreamed (yet), but you have the opportunity to become one of the greatest generations and contradictions in History- the generation that wasn't known for the violence but for something completely different.
Each of you are in my prayers today and in the days ahead. I confidently and joyfully look forward to seeing you become all that God has in mind for you to be (Romans 5:2). If there is anything that I can ever do- please do not hesitate to reach out...
Warmly,
Professor VanDeMark
Professor VanDeMark
Picture from Rifle Paper Company World Traveler Map (found HERE)It has been 24 years since America witnessed one of the worst terrorist attacks in our history since Pearl Harbor. As a High School teacher I used to show my students part of a documentary about September 11th (as many of them were exceptionally young or to young to remember that day) as a way to help them understand the tragedy and the bravery of so many on this day. It was a way to not only "pause and remember" but to reflect on the incredible amount of freedom that we experience in America and to remember and pray for those who have given so much for our country in the past and to thank and pray for those who are serving our country today.
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| Pic found HERE I would also share my personal story of being on the first international flight allowed back into the country (I had been studying abroad during that time), dealing with the horror of lost loved ones and friends (and of friends who lost so many people that day), and of finding so much hope through the kindness of strangers and of a country rallying together. Eleven years ago I walked back into Newark Airport for the first time in 13 years and was overcome and struck by the differences between the two times. Instead of Air Marshall's guarding our flight and the tension that came with our long international flight and the regulations of being the first flight back into the US, my flight from California was peaceful as many people slept for the duration. Instead of the stewards and stewardesses crying, they were smiling. Instead of the passengers singing "God Bless America", we landed silently. Instead of rows and rows of planes not moving at Newark, planes were steadily taking off the ground. Instead of being greeted by soldiers from the National Guard lined up at our gate to greet and escort us to immigration lines, I walked off the plane alone. Instead of Newark being a chaotic scene of red cross workers, rows and rows of cots, family members and loved ones in tears, and the haunted look of despair, Newark was busy with people excited to get to their destinations. I paused to look out at the exact place that I stood at 13 years ago and was overcome with emotion. |
Emotion at the changes.
Emotion for those that lost so much that day.
Emotion for the way that our country rallied together and responded to the crisis.
Emotion for those who continue to grieve their lost loved ones.
Emotion for living in a country that fights for freedom despite incredible odds and terror.
As we stop to remember the loss of loved ones I thank God for living in a country that is free. A country that though we may not agree with everything and feels completely divided right now and even in the past 24 hours has watched an unbelievable and horrific event occur, has in the past rebuilt after tragedy and holding onto the tenuous hope that this can happen again.
My heart goes out to all who lost a loved one this tragic day 24 years ago. May you feel the comfort and the love of so many around the nation and around the world as we pause to reflect on the bravery of so many not only today, but each day.
May the legacy that we build from that time help us today.
I pray that we always remember September 11th and honor those who were lost, encourage the hearts of those who are grieving lost loved ones, and remember the bravery of so many.
This picture above is of Father Mychal Judge who was killed on September 11th. The day before he gave his last message and I wanted to share part of it with you today:
"Thank you Lord for life. Thank you for love. Thank you for goodness. Thank you for work. Thank you for family. Thank you for friends. Thank you for every gift because we know that every gift comes from you, and without you, we have and are nothing. So, as we celebrate this day in thanksgiving to you, keep our hearts and minds open. Let us enjoy each other's company, and most of all, let us be conscious of Your presence in our lives and in a special way in the lives of all those who have gone before us. And Father we make our prayer, as always, in Jesus' name who lives with You forever and ever.
That's the way it is. Good days. And bad days. Up days. Down days. Sad days. Happy days. But never a boring day on this job. You do what God has called you to do. You show up. You put one foot in front of another. You get on the rig and you go out and you do the job - which is a mystery. And a surprise. You have no idea when you get on that rig. No matter how big the call. No matter how small. You have no idea what God is calling you to. But he needs you. He needs me. He needs all of us. "
That's the way it is. Good days. And bad days. Up days. Down days. Sad days. Happy days. But never a boring day on this job. You do what God has called you to do. You show up. You put one foot in front of another. You get on the rig and you go out and you do the job - which is a mystery. And a surprise. You have no idea when you get on that rig. No matter how big the call. No matter how small. You have no idea what God is calling you to. But he needs you. He needs me. He needs all of us. "
- Father Mychal Judge (September 10th, 2001)-
9 must have experiences aboard the viking delling / my viking story / rhone river cruise
September 9, 2025
Happy Tuesday friends! I hope you are having a wonderful week so far! Today I wanted to share 9 Must Have Experiences aboard the Viking Delling that you have to do on your Rhône River Cruise with Viking Cruise Line! There are obviously so many more things I could add to this, but these are my top 9 recommendations!
I also created a reel about this so if you would like to see the reel simply click HERE!
Here are my top 9 recommendations:
1. Eat in the Aquavit Terrace Once.
The beauty surrounding you is incredible and it truly is a memorable experience that you don’t want to miss!
2. Attend Evening Port Talks with Nuno, the Program Director.
While you have the option to view these in your room, the experience of joining with fellow passengers and connecting more is a truly special time. Nuno did an amazing job of providing information we would need about the port we would be at the following day, helpful tips for our excursions and also gave a cultural component related to where we were at and shared an art piece each night. His engaging personality drew everyone in and I highly recommend attending these!
3. Learn about the locks.
On this cruise you will go through 13 different locks and to be honest, I didn’t know that much about them before this cruise. After learning about it I honestly have to say that I was impressed and it was fascinating to understand this part of River Cruising.
4. Get to Know Your Fellow Guests.
The people with us on our cruise were fascinating, inspiring, and so interesting!
5. Attend the Taste of Provenance Dinner.
This was a special night and truly the crew did an amazing job of putting on such a special evening dinner menu. I heard several people say they weren’t going to attend and I felt sad that they missed out on such an amazing event. Do not miss this!
Want to hear all about my food and dining review on the Delling including a special part about the Taste of Provenance Dinner? Watch this reel by clicking HERE!
6. Participate in the Evening Music/Events.
Each night there were different things happening in the lounge and each was unique. One very fun night was the Music trivia night and Nuno did a great job of getting everyone involved- and there was just a lot of laughter and opportunity to get to know other guests!
7. Get to Know the Delling Crew.
If you have been around Caravan Sonnet for the past 13 years then you are well aware that I have done multiple cruises. The Delling crew is unparalleled to anything I have seen. The leadership of Captain Francois and Hotel Manager Daniel is a combination that is unique and provides a truly exceptional experience for not only the crew but the guests. Simply put the crew is amazing and getting to know the incredible people will make your trip all that more special.
If you want to hear more about the incredible crew of the Delling and how this makes this trip so unique, watch this reel by clicking HERE!
8. Visit the Wheelhouse.
On the 5th day of the cruise Captain Francois and First Officer Francisco open up the wheelhouse for a couple of hours where guests can go and visit, ask questions, and learn more about the Delling and the Rhône River. This was truly an amazing experience and I can’t recommend this enough!
If you want to hear more about the incredible leadership on the Delling and how this makes this trip so wonderful, watch this reel by clicking HERE!
9. Visit the Sun Deck for an Evening Sunset.
This was one of my favorite things that I did…. If it wasn’t dinner time where I felt rude leaving my mom and the guests at the table I probably would have sat up there for hours. Now I am not suggesting leaving… haha well I guess I am but it is worth it friends. Trust me. You will love it.
If you want to hear see more of my love of the sunsets aboard the Delling, watch this reel by clicking HERE!
I know that with money so tight right now everyone is looking for ways to save money- especially if you want to go on a trip like this. Here are two reels with a little description below that I created that share lots of money saving tips:
All the money saving tips for taking a priceless Rhône River Cruise on the Viking Delling
This reel answered a lot of questions I have received about costs/ money related to our Viking Rhône River Cruise that we took in the Spring! There were a lot of questions that I didn’t get to answer so if you have questions please feel free to leave a comment or send a message and I will try to answer them! The Rhône River cruise on the Viking Delling was incredible and I could not recommend it enough. It truly was an amazing experience that leaves a legacy on your life and was absolutely priceless.
Do you have any "must have experiences" from a Viking River Cruise? Please share them in the comments below! I would love to hear them!
Happy Tuesday friends! I hope that you have a wonderful day! As always, please let me know if you have any questions!
Y'all - I have to tell you about one of my favorite finds from my trip to France in August- this Go Travel Worldwide USB A & USB C Charger+. This dual USB Charger is now one of my favorite travel items and it is amazing.
This is in no way a sponsored post- just something that I came across by accident and it was an incredible find. Basically the background story is that when I arrived in Montreal for my flight to Paris I was given the option of checking my bag for free and I was so thankful and surprised that I forgot to take out my charger. It wasn't until I reached the gate that I realized that I had accidently left my charger in my suitcase and wanted to have a charger with me for the flight and the wait. This turned out to be one of the best mistakes that I have ever made traveling. I am not even exaggerating. Haha!
I headed into this little store across from the waiting area and was looking at all of the different options for chargers. As I was reading the large wall of what looked like hundreds of chargers, a man came up and picked up two of these Go Travel Worldwide chargers. He saw I was looking at different ones and proceeded to tell me that these were the best for traveling and it was all he now used. At that same time the woman working in the store agreed with him and I thought it was worth a try. I am so glad that I did! Here are five of my favorite things about this amazing charger!
First, I would definitely agree with this picture above that it charges faster than any other worldwide charger that I have ever used. This became such a blessing as I used this in so many different places to charge my phone (even in a small town in France) as I was taking so many hundreds of pictures and my phone battery was quickly dying throughout the trip. Within 10 minutes my phone was usually back to a full charge it was AMAZING.
Second, with the dual USBs there are many options for charging and that is incredible also!
Third, this little charger has so many different options for charger heads that are interchangeable and that is so helpful for future trips I have planned!
Fourth, I loved how compact that this charger is. It easily fit in my little purse that I was carrying, wasn't bulky like previous chargers I have had, and was incredibly lightweight. It was wonderful!
Fifth, It comes with this wonderful little carry pouch - so if you are traveling to multiple different countries that need different chargers you can carry them all together without losing the pieces.
It is incredible y'all and it is seriously my new favorite travel charger that I can't recommend it enough!
You can find it on Amazon HERE or in my Amazon storefront (along with other lists and travel items I love) HERE!
Please let me know if you have any questions! Happy Monday friends! I hope you have a wonderful start to your week!
Happy Monday friends! I am so excited to share with y'all an updated and expanded resource of one of the best selling products in the caravan sonnet shoppe at teachers pay teachers! This is a resource for personal finance teachers at the high school or college level.
This Powerpoint with guided notes contains 12 engaging Powerpoint Slides with colorful, animated, engaging, and educational sections on the guide to online banks with guided/scaffolded notes! This resource specifically explains the Basic Understanding of online banks, the pros and cons of online banking, security, and more. This is truly a ALL in one online banking resource that is ZERO prep work for you!
This resource contains practical and helpful information to help students understand the basic principals of online banks versus traditional banks which is a national requirement for most financial literacy/personal finance classes and also required by most state standards. It will also help you in your discussion of this topic!
*Powerpoint can be easily converted into Google Slides for your convenience
**Powerpoint can be edited to fit the needs of your classroom!
Powerpoint contains the following information:
* Online Banking
* Pros and Cons of Online Banking
* Forbes 2025 Top 10 Online Banks
* MUCH MORE
The cost of the powerpoint is only $2.50 and can be used every year for your classroom needs!
Thank you so much for all of your support of the shoppe! If you would like to check out the shoppe you can find it HERE! If you haven't done so already, would you please take a quick moment and click the "green star" for the shoppe and follow along? I so appreciate your support!
Happy Monday friends!
As many companies have embraced flexible work, the
digital nomad lifestyle has gained additional appeal. It lets you see the world
while you earn, boosting you financially and spiritually. So how can you make
the most of it?
You'll need to combine the right mindset,
tools, and habits. Here's how to master remote work in style while still
enjoying your adventures.
Dress for Comfort—and Video Calls
When you're hopping between time zones and
workspaces, dress codes can be hard to get right. Comfort is key—but so is
looking professional when it's time for business.
Opt for fabrics that breathe well and don't
wrinkle easily. Think stretchy cotton blends or moisture-wicking materials to
keep you cool and fresh, no matter where you are. If you're heading into a
video call, choose simple, presentable attire like solid-colored tops or a
blazer over a T-shirt.
Pack Economically
You can't carry your entire closet on the
road. Smart packing is about choosing versatile, lightweight items that serve
more than one purpose. With the right strategy, you can pack light without
sacrificing style or function.
Here are three beginner's tips:
● Stick with neutral-colored clothing that pairs well with
everything
● Roll clothes to maximize space
● Pack a small laundry detergent to wash your clothes
Find Your Ideal Workspace
Being productive often isn't easy on the move,
so choosing ideal settings is crucial. Not all coffee shops or co-working
spaces are equal, for example. Some might offer fast Wi-Fi but uncomfortable
chairs, while others might have great vibes but poor connectivity.
If you prefer a more structured environment,
consider booking a co-working space with more amenities. You can also set up in
places like hotel lounges, local libraries, or even parks if the weather
permits.
Invest in Tech
It's worth investing in gadgets you can rely
on. A portable Wi-Fi hotspot is a game-changer when you can't depend on local
networks. Noise-cancelling headphones are essential for tuning out background
noise, especially in busy workspaces.
A virtual private network (VPN) is another
valuable tool that keeps your data secure. A VPN protects you on public
networks by creating a secure tunnel between your device and a private server. VPNs
aren’t legal in some countries due to privacy policies, so check
before you travel.
Embrace the Local Culture
Beyond your work setup and digital security,
one easily overlooked aspect of working remotely is cultural immersion. Instead
of passing through, you've got the opportunity to learn from different
environments and communities. Embrace it by exploring new areas, sampling the
cuisine, and meeting people outside your usual circles.
New experiences in and out of work hours can
bring fresh perspectives to boost your wellbeing. In fact, more US travelers
are journeying to increase resilience, purpose, and longevity.
Thrive as a Nomad
The once-dreamy nomad lifestyle is becoming
more accessible. By combining these strategies for work and travel, you can
make the most of professional opportunities while exploring the world.
*contributed post*
Happy Thursday friends! Today I am excited to share a bit about my stay at the Ibis Budget Paris Porte d'Orleans in Paris, France that I recently stayed at for my speaking engagement in August. I do want to say that this post is in no way sponsored or collaborated at all, but I am hoping that it is helpful for those that might be looking for a great priced hotel that is affordable in Paris.
When searching for a hotel for speaking engagement, I desired to be near the conference location (the Novotel Hotel)and of course I wanted something that was a great price and safe as I was traveling alone. Due to the timing of this conference (August is a very busy time to travel to Paris I learned very quickly) the choices of hotels were limited for what I was looking for and the prices were extremely high. So imagine my excitement when I realized that the Ibis Budget Paris Porte d'Orleans was a very fair price, rated as safe by lots and lots of reviews and right next door to the Novotel Hotel!
When you enter the property you will need your room keycard to enter- which adds a layer of security and then you will need that keycard for any other areas to get to the rooms (ie the elevators, etc.). You also enter right into the lobby and the front desk which also adds a layer of security which as a woman traveling alone was nice.
Originally I was to stay three nights at the hotel, but due to some changes with the conference, I only ended up stay for two nights (Wednesday and Thursday) and for the brief time I was there it definitely fit my needs.
I booked a room that was the cheapest- one queen bed and while it was small (see pictures above), the price was so fair that I had absolutely no complaints. It was quiet at night and yes, there was air conditioning which with the high temperatures that spiked while I was in Paris, was a blessing!
I want to add also that while I typically write about cozy luxury, this situation was a bit different in that I wasn't planning on spending much time in the room at all- between the conference and wanting to explore as much as possible, my needs were different and this was the perfect location and set up and one of the nicer budget friendly hotels I have stayed at! Honestly, I would completely recommend this hotel for the price and location if you are looking to stay in Paris.
And I also had an incredible and unexpected view from my hotel room (room 618)... when I got into my room I just stood there for a minute- in shock that there was such a perfect view. As evening fell and before I fell asleep I sat for a long time just looking out at the view...
Overall the staff were incredibly nice and welcoming. The first two ladies I encountered when I arrived at the hotel were incredible. I ended up arriving very early in the morning- at 7:30am and my original plan had been to leave my bags and go out and explore Paris, but I was exhausted when I arrived at the hotel from the overnight flight (and still recovering from my fall hiking) that I knew I just needed to rest for a little bit. The staff I was met with was so incredibly kind. They didn't know anything about what was going on, but immediately went to work to get the room ready and also offered me water and snacks. I saw them go out of the way for people and I was in the room at 9:30am in the morning and was so grateful to be able to lie down and sleep for a couple of hours. During my time I found all of the staff to be extremely kind to people and helpful!
After sleeping for a couple of hours I went out to explore a bit and one of the great things about this hotel is also that it is conveniently located to the Metro and Bus lines. It was such an easy way to go to different places in Paris (which I did), travel around and was only about a 5 minute walk to the Metro (haha maybe 10 minutes with luggage * smiles *).
Overall my stay was great, and I do want to make a couple of notes that I hope will be helpful if you are planning to stay here.
First, there are several reviews (not the hotel but the reviews) that state that the metro is "next door" to the hotel. That is definitely not true- it is about a 5-7 minute walk (again without luggage) - uphill -so just be aware of that. If you have difficulty walking or need assistance you may want to consider different transportation to the hotel to drop you off right at the hotel.
Second, there is no restaurant in the hotel (they do offer the option of breakfast), but there are several restaurants within a 2-3 block radius (including at the Novotel Hotel next door).
Third, the hotel was extremely quiet. For being a very budget friendly hotel I was honestly so surprised and it was very restful. I have stayed in a ton of budget hotels and this one was the quietest I had ever stayed in! It was amazing!
Fourth, this was the only hotel (in the world that I have traveled) that when I pre-paid for the hotel they did not require a security deposit of any kind nor did they hold my credit card for incidentals. I was a bit shocked by this- so it was interesting to note!
Fifth, from the airport it did take longer than a lot of the reviews discussed. I would say that it was a combination of getting incorrect directions by someone at the airport and the time of day (it was morning work hours) which delayed a few things. It should have taken about 35 minutes by train to the airport, but it ended up taking about an hour and 15 minutes. Again, to me these types of things don't bother me- they are all part of traveling, but I did hear some people in the lobby expressing frustration over a similar experience so I am mentioning it. My number one recommendation is to always be flexible when traveling (especially out of your own country) and to follow the directions from the hotel (or your phone honestly) and be prepared for a bit of delay depending on the time of day you are traveling. I found everyone I encountered to be so incredibly kind and helpful (and very patient) with the train directions and was so grateful!
So there are just five notes for your stay! Overall the stay for this hotel was great for what I was looking for and needing and would stay there again!
I hope that y'all have found this review of the Ibis Budget Paris Porte d'Orleans helpful! I honestly can't recommend it enough if you are looking for a great budget friendly hotel while you visit Paris! Please let me know if you have any questions regarding this hotel! I would be happy to answer them!
*This is not a sponsored post*
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