Books, Chess, and France… three of my favorite things.
Longer post coming of my visit to the delightful Shakespeare and Company bookstore in Paris, but it was a delightful visit bringing together three of my favorite things.
Caravan Sonnet | Shakespeare and Company | Paris
Canada’s West Coast offers a rare mix of ocean, forest, and mountain experiences in one journey. Towering cedar trees rise beside wild shorelines where waves crash with force. Orcas glide through cold waters, while bald eagles soar overhead. Coastal towns serve fresh seafood caught hours before it reaches the plate. Trails lead to glacier views and hidden beaches within a single day’s travel. Ferries connect islands full of character and natural beauty. Every turn presents a new reason to pause, look, and feel the deep connection between land and sea.
Majestic Rainforests and Coastal Wilderness
Towering evergreens line rugged shores where mist drifts through ancient valleys. Trails wind past waterfalls and quiet inlets. Forests here hold rare plants and diverse wildlife. Consider applying tips for exploring your own city to discover hidden corners of this vast landscape. Coastal air feels cool and fresh, even during summer. Eagles soar above while salmon run through crystal streams. Small boats navigate narrow channels toward remote beaches. Each step offers a new view, a deeper scent of cedar, and a stronger sense of nature’s rhythm.
Spectaculer Wildlife Encounters
Orcas slice through deep channels while sea lions rest on sun-warmed rocks. Grey whales travel along the coast each spring. Bears search tidal flats for food during low tide. Moreover, puffins gather on rocky islands, adding bursts of color to the seascape. Guided tours share safe ways to watch without disturbing natural habits. Seals often appear near kayaks, curious yet cautious. Bald eagles circle above, scanning for fish in clear waters. Every encounter brings a fresh appreciation for the wild energy flowing through this remarkable coastal environment.
Charming Coastal Towns and Culture
Small harbors along the coast brim with character and history. Wooden boardwalks lead to cafes serving fresh-caught seafood. Art galleries display carvings, woven textiles, and ocean-inspired paintings. Overall, British Columbia offers a unique mix of cultures shaped by Indigenous heritage and maritime traditions. The province often appears on lists of the best provinces for quality living due to its natural beauty and strong local economy. British Columbia also draws people with mild coastal winters and lush landscapes year-round. Many visitors explore historic districts, tasting local specialties while listening to live music on the pier. Further inland, craft markets showcase handmade goods alongside seasonal produce. Friendly shop owners share stories about the region’s past and favorite spots.
Each town blends natural scenery with cultural richness in ways that feel both authentic and welcoming. These coastal stops add depth and warmth to any journey along the western shoreline.
Ocean Adventures and Island Escapes
Surf rolls onto sandy shores where skilled riders carve graceful lines. Kayakers explore sea caves and hidden inlets at dawn. Canada’s West Coast also offers chains of islands with quiet trails and sheltered bays. Ferries glide between forested shores, linking coastal ports to peaceful retreats. Haida Gwaii reveals ancient totem poles and cultural treasures. Gulf Islands entice visitors with calm waters and artisanal foods. Moreover, smaller islands hold secluded beaches perfect for picnics. Each trip across the water brings new wildlife sightings, shifting light, and unforgettable scenes shaped by ocean and sky.
Where Mountains Meet the Sea
Snow-capped peaks rise above turquoise inlets, creating a dramatic meeting of land and water. Trails lead to alpine lakes and sweeping viewpoints. For added comfort on these adventures, consider packing affordable cozy luxury travel items that enhance every stop. Strathcona Provincial Park offers glacier views within easy reach of the coast. The Coast Mountains deliver both challenging hikes and gentle paths for casual explorers. Moreover, rivers rush down to sheltered bays, attracting anglers and photographers alike. Each ridge, valley, and shoreline brings a new perspective on this striking blend of mountain grandeur and ocean calm.
Flavors, Access, and Relaxation
Fresh flavors, smooth travel, and restful stays often shape a memorable coastal trip. Moreover, each adds its own layer of enjoyment, creating balance between activity and comfort. Coastal experiences feel richer when paired with local tastes, seamless logistics, and quiet spaces to recharge after a day outdoors.
* Ocean-to-Table Dining – Salmon grilled over open flames, oysters shucked on the shore, and spot prawns served within hours of harvest. Restaurants highlight daily catches and pair them with seasonal produce from nearby farms. Every bite carries the essence of salt air and fertile soil.
* Easy Connections – Direct flights reach Vancouver International Airport from major cities. Ferries link islands to the mainland, while regional flights shorten long distances. Travelers can move from urban centers to remote bays within a single day.
* Restful Retreats – Oceanfront resorts offer spa treatments with sea views. Hot springs steam under open skies near forested trails. Cabins and lodges provide calm spaces where waves set the evening rhythm.
* Local Pairings – Vineyards on coastal islands pour crisp wines alongside artisanal cheeses and fresh produce. Tasting rooms often host small events, adding a personal touch to each visit.
* Stress-Free Planning – Reliable ferry schedules and well-maintained highways allow smooth travel between destinations. Road trips feel easy, with scenic stops never far apart.
These combined pleasures turn a journey into something that nourishes both appetite and spirit, keeping every moment simple yet unforgettable.
Adventures in Every Season
Summer brings long days for hiking coastal trails and enjoying calm waters for paddling. Autumn colors the forests while salmon return to rivers. Winter storms create dramatic coastal scenes, perfect for watching from a warm lodge. Spring welcomes wildflowers and migrating whales along the shore. For those planning ferry or boat journeys, consider packing practical items to bring on every cruise for comfort and convenience. Moreover, each season shapes the coastline in unique ways, offering fresh perspectives. Year-round variety ensures that each visit feels distinct, whether the focus is exploration, relaxation, or simply enjoying the changing natural rhythms.
A Place That Stays With You
Canada’s West Coast leaves lasting memories through its powerful landscapes and simple pleasures. Watching a storm roll over the Pacific or hearing a whale’s breath at dawn creates moments that feel timeless. Small harbors, mountain paths, and forest trails each hold their own sense of peace. Travellers find space to slow down and notice details often missed in busy lives. The mix of nature, culture, and fresh air works on the senses in a way that few places can match. Many leave feeling changed, already thinking about when they might return.
Canada’s West Coast / Discover Canada’s West Coast with stunning nature, coastal towns, wildlife, fresh cuisine, and year-round adventure.
*contributed post*
Good morning friends! Happy Monday! I arrived back in the United States late last night! Every trip teaches me things and this one has been no exception.
This was a trip full of lots of new experiences- first international trip traveling solo and first international speech on the focus of my graduate studies and many other things.
As I left France last night I remain grateful for all of your thoughts, encouragement, and prayers. I am so looking forward to sharing more in the days and weeks to come!
Happy Tuesday friends! Today I am leaving for France to go to speak at the International Conference on Social Studies, Humanities, and Education and I am so excited!
Follow along on my instagram page and I can't wait to connect with y'all more over there! You can following along by clicking HERE! If you are new to the community please take a minute and say hello- I would love to connect with you!
It is delightful to be heading back to France and I am so excited about these next few days!
I hope y'all have a wonderful day! Happy Tuesday friends!
Happy Tuesday friends! I am so excited to share about a new reel that I have created all about the incredible crew of the Viking Delling!
Since returning from our trip, I am often asked if I enjoyed our Rhône River cruise, France and its beauty. Emphatically I answer yes, a thousand times yes, and what made the trip even more incredible was a crew that went out of their way to serve guests in a way that is incomparable to anything I had seen before in 12+ years of travel blogging. Most of the crew didn’t even know I was a blogger and the beautiful thing was they accomplished something in minutes that many brands, groups, and organizations strive to master. Respect at the foundation and a care that incomparable to anything. I know that this video couldn’t include everyone, but please know each person was seen. Your work touched our hearts deeply. To the entire crew of the #vikingdelling thank you from thousands of guests that never get a chance to say thank you. Your kindness, care, and work do not go unnoticed and you have changed the lives of people in ways you will never know. Thank you for inviting us into a sacred space… the Delling.
You can watch, comment, and like it HERE!
This has been such a special time recapping on social media all about our trip with Viking on our Rhone River Cruise! Starting in the next couple of weeks I will be writing and sharing more in depth blog posts about our adventure. If you missed any of the posts so far on social media you can see them listed below:
Viking Story Highlight (Includes several Q & A that people asked)
Viking Delling Specific Posts and Reels:
Post: On the Balcony on the Delling / May 3
Intro Reel: Mornings Sailing on the Rhone River / May 7
Intro Reel: Early Morning Daylight... Dreaming of Going Back / May 12
Reel: Embarkation Day on the Viking Delling / May 15
Reel: Rhone River Cruise on the Viking Delling / May 19
Reel: Viking Delling Ship Review / May 21
Reel:Viking Delling Food & Dining Review / May 31
Reel: 9 Must Have Experiences on the Viking Delling / June 4
Reel: Stateroom 337 Review / June 17
Reel: Sunsets on the Viking Delling / June 25
Reel: All Your Viking Rhone River Money Questions Answered / July 28
Reel: Money Saving Tips for a Rhone River Cruise on the Viking Delling / August 8
Rhone River Cruise Experiences Posts and Reels:
Post: Arles, France / May 5
Post: Viviers, France / May 9
Post: Vienne, France / May 17
Post: Afternoon Walk through Arles, France / May 20
Post: Tiniest Details in Perouges, France / May 23
Reel: Palais Des Papes (Avignon Tour) / May 23
Post: Viviers, France / May 24
Reel: Viking Tours (Overview) / May 26
Reel: Arles Walking Tour / June 2
Post: A Walk Through Arles / June 2
Post: Arles, France / June 5
Reel: A Walk Through Arles / June 7
Post: Vienne Sunset / June 8
Reel: 13 Things I "Hated" on My Rhone River Cruise / June 8
Post: Avignon / June 13
Reel: Avignon Walking Tour / June 15
Post: Avignon / June 16
Post: Avignon / June 20
Reel: Viviers Walking Tour / June 22
Reel: Tournon Steam Engine Tour / June 30
Reel: Vienne Walking Night Tour / July 5
Reel: Panoramic Tour of Lyon / July 14
Posts While on the Cruise:
Embarkation First Day / April 23
A Beautiful Day in Arles Reel / April 24
Mom and I in Arles / April 25
Viviers Post/ April 26
Viviers Post 2 / April 26
Tournon Steam Engine / April 27
Vienne Post/ April 28
A Lasting Legacy / April 29
Let me know if you have any questions! Happy Tuesday friends!
90% percentile ranking for july at the caravan sonnet shoppe / teachers pay teachers
August 11, 2025
Happy Monday friends! Today I wanted to take a moment and say thank you so much for all of your support of the Caravan Sonnet Shoppe! Since the very early days of 2021 when I was just beginning to list a few items sporadically until now, working to make this a full-time income stream, you have been incredibly supportive in shopping at the store, liking items, sharing them with friends and family, and other homeschool mamas and dads, tutors, and teachers.
I also want to take a moment to say thank you for every single purchase that has been made in the shop. I work incredibly hard with so much heart behind the scenes to make these products and I want to share the products that others are finding helpful in case you or a teacher or homeschool friend could find them useful also. So thank you again for your support of my shoppe!
I received notification that for the month of July Caravan Sonnet Shoppe was in the 90th percentile and I was so humbled and grateful!
So what does it mean for the shop to be in the 90th percentile? TPT explains that each store's rank is determined by your overall gross sales compared to any other store that made a sale in that specific month. The data is compiled from any gross sales (not specific earnings) across all of the ways you can make a sale on TPT. That ranking is then calculated as a percentile.
So to be notified that I was in the 90th percentile means that Caravan Sonnet Shoppe was selling more than 90% of TPT stores that made at least one sale in July.
Absolutely stunned.
I hope that if you are interested in shop statistics, how it looks to really grow a TPT shop, or just any entrepreneurial business that this information is incredibly helpful and encouraging for you! Over the last 12+ years of building Caravan Sonnet blog and brand, December Caravan Etsy Shop, and this TPT store the one thing I can definitely say is that things take time. Keep pushing ahead and keep planting the seeds... it is worth it!
Thank you again for all of your support, for following along in the shop, for your kind reviews, and for purchasing these products! I know I say that all of the time, but you are a blessing! I am so glad you are here! If you are looking to connect more in the Caravan Sonnet Shoppe community on a daily basis click HERE to go directly to the Instagram Page!
As always if there is something that I can do to help or answer questions please don't hesitate to reach out!
Happy Monday friends!
Happy Friday friends! I am so excited to share about a new reel that I have created all about tips for saving money questions on a Rhône River Cruise on the Viking Delling! I hope that these tips are helpful if you are wanting to go on this amazing cruise and have this amazing experience, but are looking for ways to save money. I completely understand. We are living in a very difficult financial time and where and what you spend your money on is extremely important!
Let me know if you have any questions! Happy Friday friends!
Happy Friday friends!! I hope that you have had a lovely and wonderful week! I am so grateful to spend time with each of you in this sweet space every single day. This week has been delightful and I am still just resting in so much gratitude for so many things!!
Thank you SO much for ALL of your continued excitement this week and sweet messages about the opportunity that I have to speak at the International Conference on Social Studies, Humanities, and Education in Paris this month! AHH I am so excited...it is hard to believe that I fly out on Tuesday evening! I am truly so honored and excited and appreciate all of your support!
One of those things continues to be our amazing cruise with Viking River Cruises. I have started to share here on the blog, but if you haven't already been following along on instagram for so many beautiful reels and pictures to bring a smile to your face (you can connect HERE).
Here are the favorites from this past week:
Personal Thoughts...
.jpg "back to school journals - etsy shop")
From the Caravan Sonnet Shoppe...
I hope that you have a wonderful Friday friends! Thank you for making this such an incredible space to come to and connect with every single day. I am so blessed!!
Happy Friday friends!
These past couple of months I have been challenged by the truth of how words can deeply impact us. Words have this incredible power- to either destroy or give life. The way that we speak to each other, the words that we choose to use, the type of words that we use to communicate with each person we encounter has such importance to each and every relationship we have. This can be with friends, co-workers, boss-employee relationships, family members, etc.
This past year I have been really considering this concept in deeper and more significant ways. I have been in a situation where I have been honestly shocked at the way that people have been speaking to each other, the words have been used, and the crushing tone. There have been times that I have had harsh words spoken to my tender heart, implications of things by words chosen and they have deeply crushed me. There have been times in these last couple of months specifically I have watched (truly in horror) at the way that we as a world have handled disagreements and used words to speak death to each other. Like many of you sweet friends, I have wept at the insensitivity of reckless words spoken to me and to others.
But then... these past months I have also stopped and examined my own words that I use in different situations. While my heart would never try to be intentionally mean or hurtful, I am humbled to realize the way that I speak can truly have an impact on another human being. Recently, I have been so challenged to examine the words that I use every time I speak. Scripture states, "Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and healing to the bones." (Proverbs 16:24) These are the types of words that I always want flowing from my mouth as they come out of my heart.
One of the ways that I have seen this beautifully modeled in my own life was through my precious grandmother I affectionately called "Ba". She gently influenced who I am in significant ways through the way that she talked.
Growing up I had always admired Ba, but as I grew older I was truly inspired by her. Her love for her family, her devotion to the Lord, her courageous heart that went back to school in her fifties, learned to ski in her sixties, took up dancing in her seventies, and her love for living life to the fullest are just some of the qualities I have always admired about her. Several years before she died she suffered a bad accident and lost sight in her left eye. For many people in their eighties this would have been something that you could not recover from, but not Ba. Instead, everyone witnessed her grace and eloquence that she has always portrayed in every situation. She loved fiercely and I considered her to be one of my best friends. She was truly a remarkable woman with a love for life.
I had the privilege of living with her for more than two years as an adult and I came to admire something even greater about this precious woman, and that is the way that she spoke to people and about people. She constantly spoke with life-affirming and redeeming words- to others and about every situation. She rejoiced deeply with those who were rejoicing and wept deeply with those going through difficult and hard seasons of life, spreading and speaking life-giving words into each and every situation. There were many times where I sat down and wept over different issues that seemed impossible to me, and she gently and lovingly spoke life into the dark crevices that I was tempted speak death into.
When I was discouraged or felt like giving up, Ba continuously spoke gentle encouragement into my heart. I look back at so many situations in life where people would consider me "successful" and I see the gentle and wise encouragement that my grandmother gave to help me obtain that success. I think back and realize that without encouragement there are so many things that I never would have done in my life. Encouraging words change everything.
The Message says Proverbs 16:24 like this: "Gracious speech is like clover honey- good taste to the soul, quick energy for the body." This reminds me so much of Ba. Her speech was not only good for the soul, but brought energy to every body she encounters.
I have realized that I want my words to hold the same life-affirming and redeeming power. I may not know every battle or trial that someone is going through that I encounter, or the depth of pain someone is going through, but my words have the power to offer encouragement and change a person's story. Ian Maclaren, a Scottish author and minister, is widely credited to have said, "Be Kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle." The way that we talk to each other can breathe a different story of love, life, and hope into the hard battles that other people are facing. When we speak with love and hope, we often can see the heart of a person better. We can embrace the people before us knowing that they are trying their best and rest in the positive truth that our words can impact everyone we encounter.
I am challenged to face hard questions too. Who needs my encouragement to chase their dreams? Who could be changed by my words? Who is hurting around me that could use a simple encouraging word? How could my community be changed by simply encouraging the dreams of those around me?
This challenges me so deeply. I wish that I could sit down with each of you reading this and hear your stories. If no one else tells you today, know that I believe in your dreams and am encouraging you to chase them. You can do it!!
So today sweet friends, let us see the people all around us who are hurting and are in pain. Our world is truly broken right now, but we can change that. Today, sweet friends, lets spread hope into those before us. Let us spread the power of life-affirming and redeeming words to each person that we encounter. Let us spread words of encouragement and words of life into our world, knowing that our encouragement can change the lives of everyone we encounter.
"Words kill, words give life, they're either poison or fruit- you choose."
-Proverbs 18:21, the Message-
-Proverbs 18:21, the Message-
May we be people who speak with a love so luminous and freely we can’t help but walk out of darkness into a world of light.
The top of Poke-O-Moonshine... before the fall on the way down. Thank you for all of the sweet messages, thoughts, and prayers. It was a pretty bad fall into rocks and I am still recovering... never taken a fall like that in hiking and grateful that it wasn't worse. Lots of questions if I am still going to France next week to speak and yes that is still the plan as I plan to be fully recovered (appreciate the prayers - specifically for my head)... although wearing heels to speak with my ankle is now looking like it might not happen and I hopefully will not scare away the crowd with all the bruises and scrapes. Haha.
Poke-O-Moonshine | Adirondack Mountains | Caravan Sonnet
It is SO good to be back and sharing so many amazing colorful, creative, and educational resources that are available in the shop! These engaging powerpoints, educational resources, and ready-to-use classroom resources are all available to help you have the best year yet... an uncommon year! SO if you are starting school this week or next (looking at you all of my southern friends!) or you are still a month away (my northeastern friends!) you will want to check out the sale that is going on in the shop today and Wednesday!
I am so excited for you to score some AMAZING deals on back to school resources at incredible prices! My entire store is 25% off with the code BTS25! Here are the TOP 5 beloved and best selling resources in the shop that will be excellent for this time of year:
Go directly to the shop HERE!
Thank you so much again for all of your support of the shop! I know I say that all of the time, but you are a blessing! I am so glad you are here! If you are looking to connect more in the community on a daily basis click HERE to go directly to the Instagram Page!
Happy Back to School and Happy Savings friends! I hope that you find the best resources for you and your students to make this the best year yet... an uncommon year that is amazing!
As always if there is something that I can do to help or answer questions please don't hesitate to reach out! Happy Shopping!
Happy Monday friends! I am so excited to share with y'all the updated savings account unit bundle that is available in the caravan sonnet shoppe at teachers pay teachers! This is a group of incredible no prep resources that could be used in a personal finance, business, or economics classes or even in a college and career prep class! This is a unit bundle that could be used at a variety of levels but would be perfect for classes at the high school or college level!
This unit bundle contains the following 10 resources:
A Guide to Savings Accounts Powerpoint with Guided Notes (5 STAR RATED)
All About Money Markets Powerpoint with Guided Notes (5 STAR RATED)
All About Certificate of Deposits Powerpoint with Guided Notes (4.5 STAR RATED)
Can I ask a HUGE favor?
If you are not already following the shoppe could you please do so? Even if you are not a teacher or don't plan to purchase things the number of followers does influence potential buyers and this would show incredible support!
THANK YOU!
This has been an incredible blessing and you are making this possible!! Thank you again friends!
Happy Monday!
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