Each year, the United States observes Memorial Day on the last Monday of May—a solemn national holiday dedicated to honoring the men and women of the armed forces who gave their lives in service to the country. What began in the aftermath of the Civil War as “Decoration Day” has evolved into a powerful symbol…
Discovering the Spirit of the Wild West at Calico Ghost Town
On a sun-drenched day in March, with skies as wide as the desert horizon, we stepped back in time to explore the rugged remnants of California’s silver mining boom at Calico Ghost Town. Tucked into the dusty hills of San Bernardino County, Calico offers families and history buffs an immersive journey into the Old West—a…
The Seven Magic Mountains: A Burst of Color in the Desert
Just a short drive from the Las Vegas Strip, nestled in the vast Nevada desert, stands an unexpected and vibrant art installation that seems to rise like a dream from the sand—the Seven Magic Mountains. Our family visit to this iconic site after our stay in Las Vegas weeks ago, turned out to be both…
Motherhood in the 21st Century: A Celebration Beyond Biology
Mother’s Day is more than a celebration of biological ties. In today’s world, it is a powerful recognition of love, leadership, and legacy — the core of what it means to mother. The Modern Meaning of Motherhood To be a mother in the 21st century is to be a multitasker, advocate, emotional anchor, and teacher…
Cardinal Robert F. Prevost Elected Pope Leo XIV
On a historic day in Vatican City, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was elected as the new leader of the Roman Catholic Church, taking the name Pope Leo XIV. His election comes at a critical time for the global Catholic community and the world at large, signaling both a continuation and a potential evolution of the…
Cinco de Mayo: History and Relevance in a Divided World
Cinco de Mayo is often mistaken as Mexico’s Independence Day, but its true origins are rooted in a singular moment of resilience that continues to echo across borders and generations. Observed on May 5, the day commemorates the 1862 Battle of Puebla, when an outnumbered Mexican army defeated the powerful French forces of Napoleon III….
A Family-Friendly Las Vegas Escape
Las Vegas may be famed for its dazzling nightlife and high-stakes entertainment, but our recent return proved that the city also has a softer, more family-friendly side—especially when experienced from the comfort of Hilton Grand Vacations at The Boulevard. A Different Vegas Vibe: February vs August Our last trip to Las Vegas together in August…
Reclaiming Labor Power in a World of Trade Shocks and AI
International Labor Day (ILD), observed on May 1st, commemorates the historic struggles and achievements of workers worldwide. Originating from the 1886 Haymarket affair in Chicago, where labor activists rallied for an eight-hour workday, this day has become a global symbol of workers’ rights and solidarity. Today, as we navigate a rapidly changing socio-economic landscape, the…
Ultimate Family Escapes: HGV Carlsbad & Las Vegas
Our recent family adventures took us to two remarkable destinations: the serene coastal retreat of MarBrisa, a Hilton Grand Vacations Club in Carlsbad, California, and the vibrant energy of The Boulevard, a Hilton Grand Vacations Club in Las Vegas, Nevada. Both resorts offered unique experiences, blending rich histories with modern amenities that catered to our…
The Legacy of Pope Francis I
When Jorge Mario Bergoglio stepped onto the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica on March 13, 2013, and introduced himself to the world as Pope Francis I, he not only made history as the first Jesuit, the first from the Americas, and the first non-European pope in over 1,200 years — he also signaled a profound…