NY State of Mind
A whirlwind summer of scenic sights
Upstate New York has the beauty that makes you pause, take a beat, and breathe it all in…
Summer ‘25 has given me the gift of reconnection… with nature, friends and family, and pieces of my past. In the beauty and bloom of the present, I find myself.
Lake Luzerne
My summer travels continued in the Adirondacks, where the landscapes were in full bloom and the air felt fresh and grounding.
I returned to Lake Luzerne, the little town where I grew up and spent many summers. Walking those familiar roads was like stepping back in time, stirring up memories of laughter, excitement, and simple moments… A visit to the rodeo was one of my memories, relived and rekindled. It’s been a while!
Saratoga Springs
Just a short drive away is Saratoga Springs, a lovlely town that will always hold a special place in my heart. Known for its elegance and tradition, the town comes alive with energy during the horse races. The Saratoga Race Course is a historic spot.
As a child, my love for horses made these visits magical—I remember being truly captivated by the animals, the pageantry, and the pride.
Lake George & Bolton Landing
Of course, no summer upstate would be complete without a stop at Lake George. Seeing the iconic Mini HaHa steamboat drifting across the water brought back countless memories of long, sunlit days by the shore.
A visit to Bolton Landing added its own charm, reminding me how much I love these small lakeside towns that feel timeless in their beauty.
Cornwall-on-Hudson
This trip wasn’t just about places, but about people too. Two of the most special visits were in Cornwall on Hudson with my beloved brother, Robert, and his wonderful wife, Sherrie, and my dear friend, Dawn Vacek. Her seven-acre property is alive with chickens, bees, and wide-open skies.
We shared conversation as the sun rose and set over the lake, and she gifted me honey from her hives—sweetness straight from the land she tends so lovingly.
Hudson, NY
Family time was another highlight of the month. In Hudson, I celebrated my cousin Niki’s 50th birthday—a milestone filled with delicious food, laughter, and gratitude for the closeness of family bonds.
Looking Ahead
Now, I’m spending the rest of the month in New York City, reflecting on all the people, places, and moments that shaped this summer. It’s been a whirlwind of family, friends, winding country roads, and treasured memories.
I feel deeply blessed for it all.
Soon, I’ll head to Turks & Caicos for a family reunion before returning to Florida on September 20th.
While this chapter comes to a close, I’m already looking forward to writing the stories of Fall…
♡ Lisa
On the podcast —TUESDAY, 9/9
Don’t miss our September podcast! Tuesday, September 9th, I’ll be chatting with Dr. William Kalatsky about The Writing of the Book.
Tune in on Facebook—we’re excited to be back after our two-month vacation! If you’re not already in The Writing of the Book, you can join our free Facebook group.
