Italy Series: The Journey to See the Art
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A 20-day journey through Italy for art, architecture, and history—traveling by train through Milan, Venice, Florence, Assisi, and Rome.
Hey there! I’m Ellen, your friendly multitasking aficionado, juggling a plethora of roles – wife, mom, stepmom, grandmother, sister, daughter, cat lover, professional, writer, reader, blog author, cook, gardener, organizer, homeowner, and consumer.
It’s been a wild ride during my 29-year marriage, raising four incredible kids, a mix of stepchildren and ones with my husband. Even though they’ve all taken flight, we make it a point to keep the conversations and visits flowing.
My story started in California’s Silicon Valley, back when it was more orchards than tech hubs. Armed with degrees in Sociology and a master’s in international management, I kicked off my adventures teaching English in Costa Rica. From there, I wore the hat as a substitute teacher and town office administrator before diving headfirst into the nuclear industry.
Over my 27-year nuclear odyssey, I danced through roles in Human Resources to Human Performance and Management. My journey took me to over a dozen plants worldwide, including a fascinating assessment in a Chinese nuclear power plant.
Beyond the professional hustle, you’ll find me knee-deep in interests like gardening, home decorating, cooking, and wandering the globe. Now rooted in the beauty of Cape Cod, I’ve transitioned from the early morning to evening shifts in nuclear work. My current mission? To establish a blog that informs and inspires as well as sprucing up my gardens, perfecting the home sweet home, and reflecting on career and life lessons.
Thrilled to take you along for the ride and share the lessons I’ve picked up along the way!
**Meta Description (155 characters):**
A 20-day journey through Italy for art, architecture, and history—traveling by train through Milan, Venice, Florence, Assisi, and Rome.
Portugal is a cultural melting pot best explored with an open mind. From the UNESCO-listed Jerónimos Monastery and its globally influenced architecture to Lisbon’s vibrant food markets, DIY travel in Portugal offers rich history, diverse culture, and inspiring, slow-paced exploration.
Humility is a powerful and often undervalued trait, especially when it comes to leadership. Conversely, the lack of humility can become a major concern. Leadership requires more than just strength or charisma—it requires self-awareness, compassion, and the ability to admit mistakes. Those who lack these qualities can cause more harm than good, especially when they let pride cloud their judgment. The importance of humility cannot be overstated, particularly in leaders. Humility allows for growth, learning, and empathy—qualities that make a leader truly great.