Travel Stories, Cruise Reviews, and Cultural Adventures

TOUCHING PLAY WITH FINE ACTING, A COMIC EDGE AND A TOE-TAPPING TRIO TO SET THE MOOD Manny Fernandes and Carla Harting square off and eventually admit their attraction in a winning play at San Diego Rep. From left, Richard Tibbets, Jim Mooney and Alicia Previn set the tone for "Outside Mullingar," a lyrical tale of family, loyalty, pride and love. The pastoral pull of Ireland's countryside comes inside with "Outside Mullingar," San Diego Rep's first-rate production. STORY By

Escape to Catalina Island in summer 2026 and discover why this Southern California gem is the perfect getaway. From scenic coastal views and the Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Garden to the Catalina Island Museum, the Airport in the Sky, and delicious waterfront dining, Catalina offers adventure, relaxation, and unforgettable island charm.

Bill Jones was a wonderful painter, whose one-man shows drew crowds in Phoenix and Los Angeles galleries. Here is a favorite self-portrait. Here's looking at you, kid: Artist, writer, traveler, funny guy BILL JONES --- a TRIBUTE By CHRISTENE MEYERS A DECADE HAS elapsed since Billy’s passing. This week, we celebrate his rich, but brief life: Bill and Cookie traveled the world, here in Portugal in 1997. BILL WAS BORN in Indiana and liked to say he moved his pare

TOP LIFETIME SHOWS LINGER IN ARTS REVIEWER'S HEART, AS SHE SHAMELESSLY GOES GAGA "I call her "firefly" 'cause oh, my. She radiates moon glow. Wants none of that noon glow. She starts to glitter when the sun goes down 'Bout 8 p.m., it's mayhem........."

Queen Elizabeth's pool is spacious and inviting, but understated in its artful touches. A stunning marquetry panel invites inspection as one enters Cunard' Queen Elizabeth. OLD WORLD ELEGANCE LIVES ON IN CUNARD'S THIRD 'ELIZABETH' STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER Glittering chandeliers, beautiful wood,marble and tapestries adorn Queen Elizabeth's ballroom. TO BUY 'LILIAN'S LAST DANCE' THE NOVEL CLICK HERE W HEN THE QE2 retired, I was one sad girl. I'd cr

The bridge climbing group wends its way carefully above the waters of Sydney, Australia's, world famous harbor. RECOVERING COWARD TICKS A BIG ONE OFF HER LARGE BUCKET LIST WITH TWO BRIDGE CLIMBS At the top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Keller and Cookie celebrate with a wave and a victory cheer. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER I MUST HAVE been dream walking the morning I went on line to book two tickets to climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge. I sent a text to t

WHAT A glorious entry into Sydney Harbour at dawn this morning...... we are so excited, we are reprising our bridge climb! Just had a picnic in the wind at the Sydney Opera House....made new friends who live in Melbourne, where we'll be in a couple days.

Every memorable novel begins with memorable people. Writer Christene Meyers shares how years of travel, theater, music, friendships and life's unexpected moments inspired the colorful cast of Lilian's Last Dance. It's a behind-the-scenes look at where fictional characters really come from -- and why readers often see a little of themselves in every one.

Travel writer Christine Myers, founder of WhereIsCookie.com, invites readers on a passionate journey far beyond the pages of a travel blog. Lillian's Last Dance is a sweeping love triangle that spans the vineyards of France, the mysteries of Peru, and the wide-open American West. Now available as both a paperback and an e-book on Amazon, this unforgettable novel blends romance, adventure, and the life-changing choices that shape our destinies.

European travels took us to Paris to Gertrude Stein's home Click here ==> Lilian's Last Dance The legendary Gertrude Stein and Alice B. Toklas made many Atlantic crossings, and are cameos in "Lilian's Last Dance." STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS Crossing the Atlantic on the Queen Elizabeth II was part of the fun research for "Lilian's Last Dance." Here William Jones and Christene Meyers enjoy! CREATION of "Lilian's Last Dance" took many years and trips

'LILIAN'S LAST DANCE' OUT ON AMAZON! The cover of "Lilian's Last Dance" is a collaboration: Cookie collected photos by Keller and Bill's cowboy watercolor. Celeste Barnett did the design. Racy historical novel now available to readers "...a marvelous romp through the history of film and performance, with a pure love for the stage, in whatever form it presents itself.....You'll love Lilian!" Acclaimed writer Ruth Rudner on “Lilian’s Last Dance.” STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS P

Rome is a destination that belongs on every traveler's bucket list. From the awe-inspiring Colosseum and the ancient ruins of the Roman Forum to unforgettable Italian cuisine and hidden neighborhood treasures, the Eternal City offers an experience unlike anywhere else in the world. Whether it's your first visit or your fifth, Rome invites you to slow down, savor every bite, and discover history around every corner. At WhereIsCookie.com, we'll help you uncover both the iconic

Barcelona's La Sagrada Familia is the city's most spectacular architectural feat, Gaudi's masterpiece still under construction. All eyes...

The Murray's classic style includes nods to Montana and the west, with a contemporary flair. Elegance, comfort and western...

AUTUMN COMES TO THE NORTHERN ROCKIES OFFERING SPLENDID PHOTOS, SUNNY HIKING, FROST ON THE PUMPKIN BUT WARMTH IN OUR HEARTS At top, the Tetons are in full fall glory and in the Beartooths to the north, photographer Rick Cosgriffe takes aim on autumn. AUTUMN LEAVES BEGIN TO FALL, DAYS GROW SHORTER, SHUTTERBUGS TAKE AIM ON THE GLORIOUS CHANGING SEASON STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER The road to High Chaparral, north of Nye, awaits fall's golden touch. IF, AS t

IT'S THRILLING to be privileged to watch Montana's natural wonders and gorgeous creatures this close to our home and "civilized" life.

Master builder Bruce Keller, whose specialty is high-end La Jolla, Calif., projects, is spending part of his summer in the Beartooths, helping Cookie with their summer home. REMODELING POINTER: YOU WILL EVENTUALLY HAVE BEAUTY,BUT AT A PRICE! PATIENCE IS A PREREQUISITE Expert framer Tom Giamanco traveled from San Diego to help. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER WAAAAAAAAH. RICKY. I've been making my own personal "I Love Lucy" home movie. I'm thinking of the fam

Lisbon, Portugal delightful city awaiting your discovery and our stay in the renowned Altis Belem Hotel in the Belem district, near famed Belem Tower.

Perched high above the Pacific Ocean, Hearst Castle is a dazzling blend of opulence, history, and coastal beauty. From its grand rooms filled with European art to sweeping ocean views along the rugged California coastline, this iconic estate offers a glimpse into a world of luxury unlike any other.