It’s a safe bet that 2020 looked markedly different than any of us imagined when we cried out “Happy New Year!” and began crafting our vision boards. As a predominantly travel writer, it forced me to pivot in a way that made me a little bit uncomfortable at first — news.
Would I be any good at it? Would I find the same joy in writing? Would it stress me out too much? These are all questions that kept me up at night (among other things!), but as months passed and I settled into my role, I found that I truly love news writing.
There is something very thrilling and exciting about getting up each day and not knowing what the day will bring. I know that sounds like chaos for some people, but it’s where I thrive.
In any case, my favorites from this year are a mash-up of news, favorite interviews, and more, and I’ve listed them below in no particular order! Thank you to each and every one of you that have followed along on my writing career. When someone writes and tells me that they read my work, it means more than you could possibly know!
Top 10 Published Pieces This Year
How this mom of 4 is starting a motherhood revolution one poem at a time – TODAY Show
I got to interview Kate (mother freaking) Baer. She’s in my top 10 of girl crushes, so this felt like a home-run in and of itself. It’s super cool that she’s from my hometown + even cooler that she still makes time for writers like me.
What’s the difference between a ‘frozen dessert’ and ice cream? – AllRecipes
Not only is this in my wheelhouse of sweet treats, but I GOT TO TALK TO JENI BRITTON BAUER OF JENI’S ICE CREAM! She’s just as cool as she seems, I promise. 
5 ways to teach kids through cooking – TODAY Show
To absolutely round out my ‘girl crush’ hat trick when it comes to interviews – the one and only Gaby Dalkin for TODAY Show! This creative perspective was just a month into the coronavirus pandemic when we were all still trying to figure out what the heck was going on.
The Serengeti Girls Run empowers women through racing – Runner’s World
I first learned about this run through a friend of mine who participated in 2019. I was in COMPLETE AWE of her and I’ve loosely followed the organization ever since. When I discovered she had made a pact to do the race in 2020, I was so intrigued. I wanted to share not only the amazing efforts happening in Tanzania, but how race organizers were handling COVID. 
Gutted Hawaii tourism preps for new arrivals – CNN
CNN had been on my dream list as a writer, so I was thrilled when they asked me to spearhead this piece on the return of tourism to Hawaii after coronavirus had shuttered the Islands for months. 
Mom agrees to carry her daughter’s baby in ultimate act of love – TODAY Parents
Admittedly, I had no idea about this story before my editor sent it my way, but as soon as I interviewed Julie and Breanna, I was fully captivated by their story. I fell immediately in love with their family! This story was syndicated quite a bit (always cool!) and I was able to do a follow-up story once “surrograndma” delivered 🙂
One of the writer hats I wear is from my perspective as a military spouse, so I write for a handful of military-centric outlets. This one made my heart hurt and I was so in awe hearing Cairo and Will’s story.
Aside from the fact that veterans are some of the hardest workers I know, this story was incredible to write. Talking to Fred and hearing about how people from around the country banded together for this field hospital in NYC is insane.
10 of the most amazing breweries and distilleries with women at the helm – USA TODAY 10Best
What’s not to love about a woman in charge? It was fascinating talking to these powerhouses about their brands and I was so happy to be able to include so many inspiring women.
10 African safari camps for every traveler – USATODAY 10Best
Couldn’t round out my top 10 without a visit to my favorite continent on the planet, right? Africa, as many of you know, has my heart. In a year when so much has looked different, thinking back on our various trips has made my heart so happy.
Of course this is only a small sampling of the work that I do, which I try to keep updated in my Portfolio as best I can. If you’ve been a long-time reader, please know how much your support means to me!
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