Finding a new vacation spot!

While some of us get very comfortable going to the same familiar place year after year-- there is definitely something eye opening and refreshing in going to an entirely new place -- and I'm not just talking about a new resort in a familiar city or island destination. A great example is this past week when I visited Mexico. Have been there dozens of times-- but always retreat to the coastal towns and beach resorts. This time, I found incredible art -- @hotelmatilda.com  and then found an amazing maze of artifacts and spectacular views of San Miguel's rich heritage and architecture at Rosewood San Miguel. Both were unique/boutique properties with very distinctive personalities. I was able to meet the chef at Matilda who took us on a tour of local organic gardens and even around the city in search of the best (and safest) street food. Making purchases from local vendors with affordable hand crafted items and touring numerous art galleries was just as relaxing as a day on the beach-- except on this trip I learned something aside from what I would be reading in a book or magazine. First hand experiences with new things and people-- that is going to be my vacation goal going forward!

Coming home

With so much travel on my schedule-- sometimes landing safely in the small city of Nashville is a reason to celebrate. I am never home sick, but it is in my own house that I can find solace and comfort in what is familiar. However, once I arrive, there is an impending schedule of social and media events. I can only hope that what I have seen, who I have met and what I have learned during my travels allow me to be a more interesting participant. Likely the most consistent realization and benefit is accepting just how small my place is in this big world. On my trip to San Miguel this past week, I met people from many countries -- speaking a number of languages and all with different career paths. Some were wildly wealthy and well traveled while others were more simplistic and focused on their own works and daily tasks. It never ceases to amaze me how many people really do exist on this planet, and going away to a new place always puts things into perspective. No matter how 'big' things may seem in our environments -- they really are small in the scheme of things. Living small really is living large? That's my thought for the day!

Disconnecting for thought

With a gorgeous weekend in Nashville that has passed too quickly, I actually took a much-needed break from traveling and packing to try to catch up on some reading-- no big novels-- but at least my favorite magazines. On some, I am two months behind. Some had articles tagged/marked and others not even opened. What I found most interesting was the first two that I picked up had pieces on the benefits of trying to stay unplugged for a bit -- basically not looking at or responding to email and trying to find other ways to connect. One of the most interesting was in the May issue of Town and Country magazine, where the article goes on to talk about how this can be beneficial at work -- not just during downtime. The message that all of us might be more productive and good at our jobs/relationships/home management and even caring for our bodies and spirits. Definitely not possible for me for long- -but for 24 hours this weekend, it was definitely a treat!

Waiting for Wishes

For the last nine years, I have been serving as co-chair to a major celebrity event in Nashville. Kevin Carter's Waiting for Wishes. Our original ambassador child Connor, passed away several years ago, but he is still there in spirit. I cannot say enough about this organization and how much they do for children with terminal illnesses. The Make a Wish Foundation is possibly the most worthwhile cause I can think of, which is why I support it.

What I do not understand is the endless list of requests from people that I know trying to 'get into' the event for free or at a reduced cost. Getting these emails is upsetting -- as the dollars we raise are so important.  It isn't about meeting celebrities or trying to score a free ticket, people!! The dollars we raise go directly to granting the one wish that these kids have.  If you want to come, there are possibly 10 seats left out of 300. Reserve on (pdixon@thepalm.com) or make a donation. It will be totally worth it, I promise!

Eating my way through Las Vegas-- on a diet!

Incredible weekend in Las Vegas!  While there were droves of people there for shows or buffets-- I went to mingle and support my famous friends up for ACM Awards-- (for those that don't know, that's as good as it gets in country music). But, along the way, I was able to sample some fantastic food (while still staying at least partially true to my diet). Highlights included sashimi at Blue Ribbon at the Cosmopolitan,  the bone in steak with completely pure sauteed spinach at Mesa Grill (Bobby Flay's place at Caesar's Palace) and an incredible toss up of veggies at Nob Tavern at MGM.  The only time I truly cheated from the ' 4 hour body' diet was at lunch at Spago. Tim's pizza was just too tempting to resist. Wolfgang's staff never fails to please and seduce -- totally worth feeling guilty over~!