Category: Goals

Joyful Aging Adventures

As 2025 comes to a close, I’ve been enjoying looking back at photos and blog posts from the year. Wow! Even though I was uncharacteristically without a “big plan,” I had a lot of “joyful aging adventures.” It’s fun to see what evolves without a lot of “Big Planning Up Front.” (A frequent lesson in the world of an Agile coach.)

One thing that’s become apparent with aging is that life throws us curveballs, so even the best laid plans get interrupted. Flexibility and finding joy, even when life is difficult, have convinced me that every day can be an adventure. That’s what I think of as the “Carpe Diem Mindset.”

With that in mind, I’m sure I must have had at least 363 adventures this year (with 2 more days to go!), but in honor of 2025—and this being my 25th and final post of the year—here are 25 that I’ll share.

25 Joyful Aging Adventures from 2025

Family, Legacy & Love

  1. Finding “treasures” while clearing out my childhood home
    Discovering love letters between my mom and dad—and to learn so much about my Mom and who she was before she was a mother.
  2. Saying goodbye to Philip and being with my mom through her grief
    A true blessing to be able to comfort her during such a difficult time.
  3. Celebrating my mom’s 90th birthday with my siblings
    And getting to spend lots of 1:1 time with her in sunny California!
  4. Playing the Piano for Mom and Memory Care Residents
  5. Singing “Climb Every Mountain” with Mom and Dee

Health, Aging & Resilience

  1. Turning 65 and officially entering Medicare
    And taking advantage of PT without stressing about the out-of-pocket costs!
  2. Living through a broken foot—and learning to slow down
    A quieter “fall” spent noticing my neighborhood, the weather, and enjoying the “break” from 10,000+ steps a day!
  3. Experiencing airport wheelchair service (and loving it)
    From bus-arrival, bag drop-off, through security to the gate. Easiest airport experience ever.
  4. Learning my current Alzheimer’s risk is low (pTau blood test)
    What a relief!—and motivation to keep investing in healthy aging.
  5. Running and Walking monthly races with Bonnie
    Winning the Unicorn Race while walking! (There are so few competitors in the 65+ age range.)

Friendship & Community

  1. Celebrating a wedding with my good friend, Jackster
    And being treated like one of the family!
  2. Getting better at Poker!
    Regular Friday “Seniors” gathering at the Superior Community Center along with hosting an annual game while “Bali Chris” was in town.
  3. The Light Club with Cathy—and reconnecting with Sonja and her art
    Creativity, friendship, and connection.
  4. Advocating for Alzheimer’s awareness through community events
    Including the Purple Gala and hosting a Longest Day gathering.
  5. Volunteering as a discussion leader with DOROT’s “Aging Alone Together”
    And learning a lot, myself, about connection, independence, and belonging.

Travel & Adventure

  1. Volunteering at VaughanTown in Spain
    Best “volunteer” gig ever. Like summer camp for language-lovers!
  2. Valencia with my friend David
    And playing with AI!
  3. Meeting Ged and Theresa—and running the Turia 5K
    New connections from around the world!
  4. Cruising along the Mexican Riviera
    Sun and SEA-zing the day!
  5. The Lancaster Poppy Festival, Oso Trail, and many other adventures with Scotty
    Got to spend lots of time with him while he was stationed at Edwards AFB in CA.

Learning, Growth & Expression

  1. Reaching Level 130 in Duolingo Spanish
    In preparation for Mexico in January, 2026!
  2. Taking classes with the Renaissance Society
    And restarted my Carpe Diem Connections Podcast and talked with Ken Cross about the experience!
  3. Participating in peaceful rallies celebrating free speech and democracy
    Being part of an historic movement with my granddaughter Reneya—finding joy in gratitude for our freedoms.

Grandchildren & Joy

  1. Solving an escape room with Diego for his 16th birthday
    So fun!
  2. Attending a Descendants acting workshop and Sephora Makeover with Reneya for her 14th birthday
    Growing up too fast.

Looking back, these joyful aging adventures remind me that I have so much to be grateful for.

I was a lot less “prepared” with my usual list of goals. I was not nearly as disciplined with accomplishing major milestones… (other than Duolingo, that is.) Yet, still, every-day-life presented me with so much joy.

Here’s to staying open, finding joy, and seizing each day—one quotidian adventure at a time. (Quotidian: one of my favorite underused words, meaning “everyday.” I know I overuse it—because, after all, it is a quotidian word.)

Carpe Diem.

My pTau-217 Results Are In!

Getting a pTau-217 blood test for Alzheimer’s Risk

In my last blog post I shared that I decided — as part of my “What to Do in Retirement” theme — to get a blood test that measures pTau-217, one of the earliest and most accurate biomarkers for Alzheimer’s disease. They now know that Alzheimer’s pathology can begin 15–20 years before symptoms, so early detection is becoming as important as cholesterol testing.

Last week, I got the results.

➡ My pTau-217 level is 0.13 pg/mL.
➡ Which means… absolutely nothing alarming. In fact, it’s great news!

Research labs all over the world (BioFINDER, Mayo Clinic, Alzheimer’s Research & Therapy, JAMA Neurology studies) use cutoffs ranging from 0.27 to 0.59 pg/mL to indicate early Alzheimer’s activity.

My number? 0.13.
“Low Risk” – This was a huge relief, but since these tests are new, I still wasn’t sure what exactly it meant. Did it mean I was in the clear for life?

So, thanks to Google and ChatGPT, I did more research and found out:

  • I’m not in the 20-year preclinical Alzheimer’s window.
  • I don’t have measurable amyloid or tau buildup.
  • My risk for developing symptoms in the next 10–15 years is considerably lower than average, even with family history.

How often should we test for pTau-217?


Experts say pTau-217 levels rise extremely slowly, so every 2–3 years is a reasonable interval — unless I join a clinical study.

Now that the results are in, it’s easy for me to say I’m glad I got tested. I’d been obsessively worried and now I can breathe easier. However, those who are high-risk are eligible to participate in trials. The best time to be able to influence the outcome is before symptoms begin to show during the “20-year preclinical Alzheimer’s window.”

If you’re curious about your own risk, I did my free screening through CareAccess, and they even gave me a $45 gift card.
Here’s my referral link:
http://friends.careaccess.com/783Mjz

Whether or not you get tested or are low-risk or high-risk, I think we could all benefit from having a brain-healthy lifestyle. This year, my blogging theme was “retirement.” Next year, it’s going to be about Healthy Aging, with an emphasis on Brain Health!

I’m excited to share all that I’m learning about Alzheimer’s and the brain.

Improving Your Joyspan in Retirement

I haven’t been on my computer nearly as much as I’d like lately. My eyes have been bothering me—a lot. More than an hour on the computer leaves me with headaches and blurry vision.

That said, I still make time to scan my morning newsletters, and last week one led me to a book that instantly spoke to me: Joyspan by Dr. Kerry Burnight. It was featured in an article titled Anti-Aging Is Overrated. Joy Is the Real Fountain of Youth.

The article also linked to this podcast episode, which I immediately listened to. And wow—Joyspan! Kerry described the exact ideas I’ve been living and reflecting on since I retired.

The 4 Keys to Improving Joyspan

Since retiring (and devouring every happiness self-help book I can get my hands on), I’ve often said that the four things I try to do every day are:

  • Learn
  • Socialize
  • Give
  • Exercise

Kerry shares four keys to joy that look awfully familiar:

  • Grow
  • Connect
  • Give
  • Adapt

Pretty similar, right? The first three line up almost exactly. The difference is that Kerry lists Adapt instead of Exercise. But honestly, I think exercise is one of the best ways to adapt! Movement helps us adjust to aging bodies and shifting circumstances.

And if there’s one thing I’ve gotten good at—both in retirement and in my work as an Agile coach—it’s adapting. Adapting means embracing change, letting go of rigidity, and finding new ways to do the things we love.

Finding Joy in the Midst of Challenge

Listening to Kerry on different podcasts this week, I especially connected with her stories of resilience. She emphasizes how mindset shapes our aging journey—accepting limitations without giving up joy.

One story really struck me: Kerry described how a friend with Alzheimer’s was still able to offer her meaningful advice. It’s such a reminder that no matter our age or abilities, we all have something valuable to give.

That resonates deeply with my own experience. I’ve written often about my mom and her journey with dementia. People sometimes tell me how thoughtful I am to call her every night. But honestly, I benefit just as much—maybe even more—from those visits. Through our calls, we share laughter, comfort, and love. And together, we’re living all four Joyspan keys: growing, connecting, giving, and adapting.

Combining Agile Practices with Joyspan

For years, I’ve thought about writing another book on applying Agile principles to retirement. But with my eye issues, projects that involve heavy reading and writing have taken a back seat.

Reading Joyspan has given me the nudge I needed to get going again. Yes, my eyes are a challenge—but there are tools and workarounds: audiobooks, Kindle accessibility settings, dictation software, and yes, even ChatGPT for copyediting. I can make adjustments to keep doing what I love, while also staying hopeful that my doctors will help me find long-term solutions.

And when I compare my situation to what so many others are facing, I realize how fortunate I am. Kerry herself has dealt with major eye issues. My dear friend Craig, who passed from ALS in 2010, and my mother, who is navigating Alzheimer’s, have both taught me by example that joy is possible even in the face of profound challenges.

When I was younger, I remember thinking that ALS and Alzheimer’s were the worst diseases imaginable and prayed no one I loved would ever have to endure them. Life had other plans. And yet, walking alongside Craig and my mom has been an unexpected gift—teaching me about grace, resilience, and the unshakable possibility of joy.

Lifelong Learning in Retirement

Last year, I wrote a post called Learning in Retirement — because “learning” was my “theme” for 2023. At the time, I was just starting to explore what it means to stay mentally active and curious as we age. I was dabbling in Spanish, taking online classes, and testing out all kinds of apps and ideas to keep my brain sharp.

That curiosity hasn’t gone away. I’ve become obsessed with neuroplasticity and how beneficial learning is for brain health! I’m so excited to find classes and people who inspire me with the way they’re embracing this chapter of life.

One of those people is Ken Cross, who joined me on the latest episode of the Carpe Diem Connections podcast to talk about transitions, healthy aging, and lifelong learning. Ken is a longtime educator and active participant in one of the many lifelong learning institutes (LLIs) across the U.S. — and he was kind enough to share a bunch of resources and insights for anyone who’s wondering how to keep learning and growing after retirement.

🎧 You can listen to our full conversation here:
👉 Season 6, Episode 1 – Transitions and Healthy Aging with Ken Cross

So What Is a Lifelong Learning Institute?

I’ll admit — I hadn’t heard of LLIs until recently. But they’ve been around for decades! In fact, the first program started at The New School in New York back in the 1960s. Today, there are nearly 400 lifelong learning programs around the country — many of them affiliated with universities and colleges.

These aren’t for-credit classes and there are no grades (thankfully!). Instead, they’re designed for people like us — folks who are in or near retirement but still want to engage their brains, meet others, and explore new ideas.

Ken pointed me to this great article about the history of lifelong learning at The New School, if you’re interested in the backstory.

Spotlight on OLLI (Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes)

About 120 of these programs are part of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) network — founded with support from the Bernard Osher Foundation. Each OLLI is different, but they share a mission: to offer learning opportunities to people aged 50+ who want to stay mentally and socially active.

The programs range from arts and literature to science, technology, and current events — with no pressure or prerequisites.

🟣 Learn more about OLLI here: https://www.osherfoundation.org/olli.html

Want to see what’s available near you? The OLLI National Resource Center at Northwestern University puts out a comprehensive Lifelong Learning Institute Directory — and the August 2024 version is hot off the presses.

Lifelong Learning in Colorado

I had to peek at what’s available here in Colorado, of course! According to the directory, we have eight programs, located in:

  • Colorado Springs (2)
  • Denver (1)
  • Fort Collins (2)
  • Grand Junction (1)
  • Grand Valley (1)
  • Longmont (1)

I’m especially interested in checking out the options in Denver and Longmont — and maybe roping a friend into going with me. (If you’re local and curious, hit me up!)

Why It Matters

When I talked to Ken, what stood out most was how personal lifelong learning can be. It’s not just about taking classes — it’s about staying open to life. Staying curious. Making new connections. Exploring old passions or completely new topics just because… well, why not?

I’ve always loved learning — but I used to associate it with school, degrees, or work. Now I’m seeing it differently. Learning in retirement isn’t about career growth or checking boxes. It’s about enjoying the process, keeping your mind flexible, and continuing to grow into the person you’re still becoming.

As Ken said, “My life is an open book at this stage.” That openness — to share, to reflect, to learn — is what makes this chapter so powerful.

Let’s Keep Learning

If you’ve been curious about lifelong learning (or just want to know what kinds of programs are out there), definitely give this week’s podcast a listen. Ken brings so much heart and wisdom to the conversation — and the resources he shared are too good to keep to myself.

🎧 Listen to the episode here
📘 Download the 2024 LLI Directory (PDF)

If you’ve taken part in a lifelong learning program, I’d love to hear your experience. And if you’re just starting to think about it, let’s explore together. Retirement is far from the end of the learning journey — in fact, for me, it’s the most fun part yet.

Robotic Pet Provides Joy for All

Episode of Simpsons with robotic seals – My grandchildren shared this episode with me when I told them the story of their Great Grandmother’s new robotic cat.

Robotics and AI have really taken off in the past couple of years. I’m recognizing how much these advances in technology can help people with dementia. One of the sweetest surprises has been how much joy a robotic cat has brought my mom—and not just to her, but to many residents at her senior living community.

Mom, with her new robotic cat, Joy, sitting with her friend, Maggie

A robotic pet was first recommended to me by the Alzheimer’s Association. I was very worried about how Mom would cope with the loss of her (second) partner. Being a nurse, wonderful mother, and animal lover, Mom’s purpose has always been about taking care of others. The woman I spoke to said a robotic pet may help bring her some comfort.

Not a Great First Impression

I was skeptical, but I thought it couldn’t hurt to buy her a robo-cat. When I saw the company that put out these robotic pets was called “Joy for All,” I thought it might be some supernatural sign. Mom’s partner’s last name was “Joy.”

Originally, Mom had the reaction I’d expected. “I’m not so far gone that I don’t know the difference between a real cat and a toy!” she said. And then she added, “but it was a very nice gesture,” not wanting to hurt my feelings.

I told her I wasn’t trying to fool her. It’s just that it was a pretty cool “toy.” If she didn’t want it, though, I could send him back.

Robotic Cat is a Hit with Community

We brought the robotic cat down to dinner with us and everyone at the table loved it! It got so much attention that Mom started to rethink her position. She saw there was value in this “toy” after all!

Robotic cat, Joy, is a big hit with the residents

By the end of the next day, Mom not only decided to keep “Joy,” but I sent robotic cats to two of her friends who had become enamored with the cute futuristic pet.

So Many Benefits, So Much Joy

The robotic cat could purr, meow (or be put in silent mode), roll-over for a tummy scratch, and “pseudo-lick” its paws. Mom and her friends marveled at how easy it was to get the same kind of comfort and attachment you’d feel from a live cat, without any of the problems. “We should buy stock in the company that puts this out!” declared Mom.

Joy rolling over for a tummy-scratch

We talked about all the benefits of a robotic pet:

  • No need to feed them
  • No need to clean their poop
  • No worries about shedding
  • No worries they’ll run out when you’re not looking
  • No expensive visits to the vet
  • and the best thing, I reminded Mom, “you never have to worry about them getting sick or dying!”

Mom quickly replied: “We just better make sure I have plenty of batteries!”

Two Months Later

Over two months have passed since I gave Mom the robotic cat. She often talks about how much she enjoys him, often adding something like, “I don’t care who thinks its silly.”

I tell her, “No one thinks its silly, Mom. I’m glad you like him!”

This experience has made me reflect on what it means to feel connected—even to something inanimate. If it brings comfort, calm, or a sense of companionship, that’s real. That’s valuable.

I may just have to get one of those robotic cats for myself.

The Party’s Over… But the Mission Continues

Our Longest Day Party may be over, and I’m thrilled to share that I’ve already exceeded my fundraising goal — thank you to everyone who donated or supported the cause! 💜

Even though the event has passed, the Alzheimer’s Association continues its vital work every day — and donations are always welcome.

If this story touched your heart, feel free to contribute here:
🔗 http://act.alz.org/goto/KeepMemoriesAlive

Every dollar helps keep memories alive and supports families like mine through their Alzheimer’s journey.

My Longest Day Alzheimer’s Fundraiser Party: Keeping Memories Alive

On June 20th, the summer solstice—also known as The Longest Day—I hosted a very special party to support the Alzheimer’s Association. (As a bonus, I think it must have been the Hottest Day, too!) The day was filled with purple decorations, heartfelt conversations, music, memory-making, and so much gratitude.

This cause is personal for me. My mother is living with Alzheimer’s, and seeing her memory fade has helped me become more determined than ever to take photos and record my gratitude. I wanted to do more than raise money—I wanted to keep memories alive!

Thanks to the generous support of so many, I not only hosted a successful party, but I exceeded the fundraising goal of $1,600 and raised almost $2000!

📝 Poems of Gratitude

As my thank-you for contributors, I created a memory book of personalized poems.

📖 Read the “Keep Memories Alive” Poem Book

This ebook is my way of celebrating the power of memory, gratitude, and community. Writing each poem was an act of love—made easier with the help of good ol’ ChatGPT, but, of course, driven by my own personal reflections on the unique gifts of these generous souls.

🎉 Party Highlights

The party included:

  • 💜 A photo booth and memory craft corner designed by my grandkids, Diego & Reneya
  • 🧘‍♀️ A calming yoga session led by my daughter, Megan
  • 🍇 Purple-themed snacks and delicious blueberry muffins
  • 🎧 A VR experience hosted in the basement by my son Scotty!
  • 🎶 Music, laughter, and singing

Here are a few favorite photos from the day:

🌿 Final Reflections

Alzheimer’s takes away memories, but it can’t take away love. Thank you to everyone who helped me create new memories on this day. Your kindness, presence, and generosity mean more than I can express.

Keeping Memories Alive – Alzheimer’s Fundraiser at the Poppy Festival

Collecting Memories at the Lancaster Poppy Festival

My Alzheimer’s fundraiser to raise awareness, funds, and memories has begun!

Wearing my purple Alzheimer’s gear and superhero cape, I headed with Scotty to the Lancaster Poppy Festival—ready to collect memories.

Scotty helped me redesign my business cards to include a QR code linking to my Alzheimer’s fundraising page.

http://act.alz.org/goto/KeepMemoriesAlive

Armed with purple-foiled dark chocolate kisses (brain food!), a camera, and my new cards, we entered the park. I told Scotty my easy goal: to talk to just one person about my mission.

Approaching strangers isn’t easy, especially for fundraising. I didn’t really expect to get any donations—but even without contributions, I hoped at least one person would be open to sharing a memory on video.

I ended up having success right out of the gate (literally). The security guards commented on my costume, and when I explained my mission, one guard shared that she had recently lost her mother, Star, to Alzheimer’s. “Every time I look at the sky,” she said, “I think of her.”

Before we left the park, I’d recorded two more videos—one from a group of kids sharing a wild memory about a stingray sting, and another, a touching story of brotherly love in the face of grief.

Having exceeded my goal, Scotty and I enjoyed the rest of the festival, making memories of our own.

That night, I uploaded the videos and created a YouTube playlist—a digital time capsule of sorts. My daughter-in-law, Stella, has even agreed to maintain it as part of my digital legacy.

Call to Action: Help Me Keep Memories Alive

Do you have a memory you’d like to share—about someone you’ve lost, a moment you treasure, or even a funny childhood story that still makes you smile?

Help me build a living library of moments that matter. You can record a short video (about 1 minute or less) sharing your memory and I’ll include it in my “Keeping Memories Alive” YouTube playlist.

This project supports Alzheimer’s awareness and honors the beauty and fragility of memory. Even if you can’t donate, sharing a memory helps us all stay connected to what matters most.

👉 Watch the full playlist:
🎥 Keeping Memories Alive YouTube Playlist

👉 Want to add your memory? Here’s how:

  • Email memory and/or a video link to:
    📧 yvette.francino@gmail.com
    Include your name and a title or description for your memory if you’d like.

Together, we can preserve stories, honor loved ones, and spread hope—one memory at a time.

Keep Memories Alive: Alzheimer’s Awareness Campaign Begins

Super Carpe Diem Woman is back!

Once upon a time (OK, I still do this regularly), I donned a cape and became Super Carpe Diem Woman — champion of joy, optimism, resilience and goofy fundraising antics. My original mission? Fight ALS in honor of my friend Craig Dunham.

Now? I’m back. 💥 This time, I’m donning a purple-cape to raise money for the Alzheimer’s Association, in honor of my incredible mom.

Life lately has been both wonderful and difficult. I usually write about the wonderful — and yes, there’s still plenty of that — but feeling helpless while my Mom is struggling with so much has not been easy. 

Inspired by a wise friend, I started reframing the hard stuff with a daily Joy Journal. Because when things feel out of control, gratitude, joy, and finding things to laugh about can all help.

And now I’m continuing the joy journey — fundraising, running, traveling, and gaming my way toward something meaningful.

What’s next for Super Carpe Diem Woman

✅ April 27th, I’ll be taking a slow solo road trip from California to Colorado. (I hate to drive but turning it into a brain-building fundraiser is my attempt at making this trip more meaningful and fun.)
✅ I’m training to run the Boulder Bolder on May 26. If you see someone jogging slowly in costume and high-fiving strangers — it’s me. (Actually, I’ll fit right in!)
✅ On May 31, I’ll be attending the Alzheimer’s Purple Gala in Denver. Sparkly purple dress? Right up my alley!
✅ And on June 20, I’m hosting a Longest Day Party — because joy and laughter are pretty great memory-makers, too.

This is me, attempting to turn helplessness into action. Working on my own brain health and spreading the word about how you can improve yours.  Trying to turn tough stuff into a tiny bit of joy.

Help bring an end to Alzheimer’s

Support the cause with a donation, a share, a memory, a cheer, or just a kind comment! You can follow along here on the blog and on all the usual social suspects. I’ll be posting updates, photos, stories, and undoubtedly some silly selfies. Here’s to finding joy and making new memories every day. 💜
http://act.alz.org/goto/KeepMemoriesAlive

The Magic of Valencia

“In the end, we only regret the chances we didn’t take, the friends we didn’t meet, and the adventures we didn’t share.” — Unknown

Valencia is a place I never even had on my bucket-list.

Over six years ago, I retired because of chronic back issues. A doctor told me the condition was degenerative and the pain would likely get worse. I spent the next 60 weeks, implementing my 60-until-60 project, executing 60 goals before my 60th birthday.

Most of my goals focused on the people in my life. There was only one trip that I took in which I traveled alone and that was to Costa Rica for a Spanish Immersion program.  It was on that trip that I met David Davies.

How amazing that meeting David led to an experience 6 years later that I never imagined would be possible – this magical 3 weeks in Spain.

It was David who told me about the VaughanTown opportunity and then invited me to Valencia afterwards.   David’s hospitality and guidance throughout my stay were priceless!

Every day was an experience deserving of its own post. Instead,  I put together a video set to the music of Josh Groban’s, “You Raise Me Up” with photos from the trip.  (By the way, I’d asked David for a song to add to the Playlist I’d created as part of my 60 until 60 project and this is the one he chose. It turned out to be a perfect background for this slideshow!)

🎥 Watch: “Valencia with David Davies”

A Few Favorite Moments in Still Life

One of the things that made this vacation so special is that I didn’t have the usual “travel stress.” Other times I’ve visited Europe, I’ve been a pure tourist, trying to take in every historical site and museum amidst crowds. I’d load my itinerary up with all the recommended attractions and spend way too much time trying to figure out all the logistics.

This time, with David as a guide, I got to step into his world, relaxing, playing, meeting the locals, enjoying the cafes, and getting a personalized tour of all the beautiful city spots.

Though most of these photos are repeats from the slideshow, I wanted to repeat them here and also note memories of times when I wasn’t able to snap a picture.

Photos and Memories From Valencia

  • David’s sweet hospitality – from a welcome surprise to delicious meals (he’s quite the chef!) He’s a true model for making a guest feel welcome.
  • The beach! – just a short walk from David’s flat.
  • David playfully interacting with “the locals”
  • Meeting and speaking in Spanish with people on the busses and subways
  • Port Saplaya – Sitting with David and enjoying the view
  • The intercambio event at Helen’s Cafe
  • Meeting and chatting with David’s neighborhood friends
  • Running a 5K in Turia Park – My “independent” excursion!
  • My coffee and view – a sweet habit for conversation, people-watching, and savoring the experience
  • Watching Netflix shows in Spanish with David in the evenings
  • Seeing an unexpected parade right on David’s street for Semana Santa Marinera (Maritime Holy Week)
  • “Teaching” David about ChatGPT (which he named “Fred”) and sampling the AI paintings it can make and the poems it can write.

AI (Fred) – Generated Memories

To Sir David, A Most Wondrous Knave of Wit and Wander

Hark! What light through yonder doorway gleams?
’Tis David fair, well-traveled, bold, and wise!
A scholar keen, well-versed in worldly themes,
Whose nimble tongue dost all confusion prize.

In Spain he strides with grace both fleet and spry,
And guides lost souls through winding streets with glee.
Yet oft he speaks, and lo! with twinkling eye,
Doth weave such tales as bend the truth’s decree!

For certes, none could boast a friend so rare—
Who call’d me thrice whilst plague did haunt the land,
And spun such jests that sorrow fled mid-air,
Like thieves who flee from justice’ stern demand.

So raise thy cup to David, wise and free!
A rogue of mirth—yet aye, the best of thee!

Gracias, David. Because of you, I experienced a trip of a lifetime.

Language Lovers, Discover VaughanTown

Volunteers and Learners at VaughanTown in Barco de Ávila, Spain

I once told you about the perfect volunteer opportunity with the Manatee Literacy Council. Well, now I have yet another incredible experience to share: VaughanTown.

VaughanTown offers a six-day English immersion program where native English-speaking volunteers help Spaniards refine their language skills. In return, volunteers stay at a beautiful, remote retreat in Spain, enjoying all meals and activities—completely free!

Why VaughanTown Stole My Heart

This experience exceeded all expectations. It felt like an adult summer camp—only much better! Everyone there, staff, volunteer or learner, was deeply committed to language and cultural exchange.

While I didn’t get to practice Spanish myself (the program’s goal is for Spaniards to speak only English), I left more inspired than ever to immerse myself in Spanish. In fact, I’m seriously considering spending three months a year in Spain. For now, I’m starting with 10 days in Valencia—but if I truly want fluency, I’ll need to create my own immersion experience!

Here are just a few of my favorite aspects of the program:

Beautiful scenery to enjoy while walking and talking with the learners
  • Breathtaking setting – A serene retreat, perfect for learning and connection.
  • Delicious food – Three full meals a day, each one an experience of its own.
  • Engaging activities – A mix of structured sessions and playful moments.
  • A well-organized agenda – Every day was full with interesting challenges.
  • Meaningful connections – With both learners and fellow volunteers, forging bonds that felt deep and genuine.

The Power of Connection

I loved hearing about Pilar’s experience walking the Camino de Santiago

At this stage in life, it’s easy to feel invisible. As I wrote in The Yes Quest Challenge, I no longer have a traditional workplace or a team looking to me for guidance, and my children are fiercely independent. Meanwhile, the world—and my own family—often feel like they are in a state of constant flux, full of challenges I have no control over.

But in VaughanTown, my sole purpose was to help others. And that was healing in ways I hadn’t expected.

Each day, I had one-on-one conversations with nearly every learner. Regardless of their English proficiency, I felt an immediate fondness for them as they shared their passions, interests, and stories. I understood their struggle—because I, too, am on the journey of learning a second language.

Their diversity amazed me: different ages, backgrounds, and personalities, yet all sharing the same drive and determination. Some were mischievous and playful, others quiet and humble—but each had a unique soul that shone through.

I also realized how much of our personality transcends words—through our eyes, tone, body language. Even when words fail, a glance or a gesture can convey powerful empathy and understanding.

Play, Creativity, and Laughter

Fernando and Lucia, our fearless and talented leaders

Many activities involved short skits and group assignments, led by Lucia, our vivacious emcee. With her background in acting, she encouraged playfulness and creativity—often kicking off sessions with singing and dancing.

One of my favorite assignments was group presentations on difficult to describe concepts such as Music, Free Will, or Identity.

Our group was assigned Color. We began hunched over, lamenting, “Imagine a world without color—so dull and lifeless!” Then we leapt up, arms wide, donning colorful wigs: “Now imagine a world FULL of color!”

Each of us described what our favorite color represented. Naturally, I was purple. I was tempted to mention how purple reflects my Centrist political stance, but I stuck with the safer explanation—February birthdays, amethyst, violets. My teammates followed suit with their own creative interpretations, highlighting the beauty of diversity.

We ended with Susan singing I Can Sing a Rainbow, while the rest of us locked arms and danced behind her.

Other presentations were equally moving—some brought me to tears with laughter, others with sheer admiration for the brilliance and creativity of my fellow participants.

Lessons in Listening

After the final “graduation ceremony,” I shared a reflection with the group that went something like this:

At a time in my life when I often feel unheard, having a volunteer opportunity where the primary task was to listen was not a chore—it was a gift.

As someone who has tried speed dating, I can tell you—VaughanTown is a much better way to fall in love. Not in the romantic sense, but in the way that deep, meaningful conversations create bonds. Through our shared love of languages and our willingness to listen, I feel like I’ve fallen in love with each of you—as a mother, a sister, a friend.

This experience also made me realize that listening is an underutilized skill—especially in times of conflict. When we share the same language, we often focus more on expressing our own opinions than truly hearing one another. But in VaughanTown, where language barriers forced us to be more patient, more engaged, and more empathetic, I saw firsthand the magic of true listening.

Final Thoughts

VaughanTown was more than a volunteer program—it was a masterclass in human connection. It reminded me that no matter where we come from, we all have stories to tell and a deep longing to be heard.

For anyone who loves language, culture, or meaningful conversations, this is an experience I can’t recommend enough.

As for me? I may just be packing my bags for a longer stay in Spain…