Open Dialogue Streets

Ella Clarens is a great friend of mine who we used to work at Nordstrom in 2021.  Oddly enough, we met at different departments, she was working at a different department and I was working as a Holiday Village - creating custom-made Santa bags, selling ornaments, replenishing items, and don't get me started on how many gift wrappings we would need to do by December 24th. It was insane!  I met her because when my department wasn't busy, I usually talk with her about life, work, and her passions.  Picture from: Freddy from Ego Eros Studios Lately, I found out that she is also a musician who released a couple of songs, "ELLANATION", "BIRTHDAY PARTY", and in December 2021, "ICONIC".  Nowadays, she writes her own newsletter which talks about her music, life and her past as a reporter for the Calgary Herald. Also, she spotlights on different people from around Toronto, showcasing talent and interviewing people.  Sign up for her newsletter here:  https://...

It's a Big Apple Circus funny.  It seems like everyone has a story about New York City. Especially during Christmas time, when its famous for stories like family gatherings (and getting stuck on LaGuardia or Newark, or trapped in a snowstorm finding out your way to their house), finding their true love in unknown places, first-time living in a huge city, and other rarities. But there is a story I love to share here about a time when I got trapped in an airport overnight that is a tale as old as time. I was in New York City (on my first solo travelling experience) and I wanted to do it during a special time of the year, during the Holiday Season. There I go and book the hotels (on Expedia) and the airplanes on Porter. (dare I say this but Porter Airlines is the best airline for Canada, who can't say no to free beer or wine???) Then, I go and book tours on the Viator website (which is affiliated with TripAdvisor) for Dyker Heights. Even further, I booked tickets to see the Rocket...

  Christmas Tree in Windsor's Jackson Park Christmas Blues - My Story of how I lost someone I loved that changed my Christmases forever. I was wondering about Christmas get-togethers and thought long and hard about family, friends and loved ones. But I can still recall sometimes, some people might have lost their loved ones before the new year begins. And a lot of times, people do get emotional because they have no one to spend it with.  Maybe its because their loved one held a certain kind of place in their heart to traditions that had to be broken because either they do it with their loved ones, or usually they don't have a heart or soul to want to continue.  And for those who are lost one and are thinking back to those memories, I definitely can relate.  My late grandfather usually sees us for Christmas every year when we drive down to see him. I remember he was always smiling and joyful and to see his eyes pop up every time I see him, it makes me happy, and want ...

Hello guys! Today I'll be talking a lot about my travel to Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic. While on my cruise on the majestic MSC Cruise, we stopped at this amazing place called Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic.  While we were there, we were treated to this guy, who is an avid tour guide from Puerto Plata and we strolled around in his car. Going places I had never been before.  To start with, we went off the ship to the port. The port had a lot of different options including (the ever-lasting, Diamonds International) which oddly enough, is in every port you see, lol, Souvenir shops that sell postcards, straw hats, and even a parrot that spoke your words.  We got to the sightseeing buses, and this gentleman took us around the city. We went to Long Beach (not LA but in Puerto Plata) and walked in the sand. It was very soft, and I felt as if I was floating on a cloud.  I remember the most exciting thing I've done was take the cable car to the top of the mountain...