Author: Bessie D.
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The Ultimate Guide to Western PA Fish Fry Culture
“It’s Fish Fry Season!” …and it all begins in February. In Western Pennsylvania, Fish Fry Fridays aren’t just about eating fried fish– It is a community gathering! Dive into this local tradition, and discover why Fish Fries are almost unheard of West Virginia.
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The Ultimate Deep South Roadtrip Itinerary
Out of Appalachia, into the Deep South. Explore southern history and culture. New Orleans, Swamplands, Gulf Beaches, Tennessee Mountains. Budget friendly, kid-friendly, and dog friendly!
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25 Magical Christmas Destinations Near North Central West Virginia (Festive Road Trips)
Discover the 25 most magical Christmas destinations and holiday roadtrip ideas within a few hours of North Central West Virginia — from twinkling light displays and festive train rides to charming winter towns and seasonal celebrations.
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63 Unique Festivals in Southwest Pennsylvania (Food, Music & Weird Small-Town Events Near Pittsburgh)
From UFO to Potato! Discover 63 unique festivals in Southwest Pennsylvania, from music and arts to food and seasonal celebrations — your ultimate guide to SWPA events.
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171 Things to Do in Southwest Pennsylvania (Hidden Gems, Waterfalls & Unique Attractions Near Pittsburgh)
Explore 171 unique things to do in Southwestern Pennsylvania — family activities, outdoor adventures, hidden gems, and budget-friendly day trips near Pittsburgh.
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Woojer Vest 4 Review: Can a Deaf person feel everything?
Woojer Vest Review for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Can the Deaf benefit from the Woojer Vest? 100% transparent un-paid review of Woojer Vest 4 with Poetry “Feel your music, movies, and games” Woojer Poetry Twas the day after Halloween, and the first Saturday of November. All the shoppers to be seen, it’s Christmastime! Remember?!…
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Guide to Anticonsumption: Buy Less, Create More
Tired of buying more and feeling less fulfilled? Discover how anticonsumption helps you buy less, create more, and live with true intention.
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Treasure the Culture: Why Experiences Matter More Than Things
Explore what culture really means — from human identity and traditions to connection, diversity, and the beauty of life. Discover how culture shapes who we are and why treasuring it broadens our perspective.
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Can Deaf People Read? The breakthrough between ASL and Phonics
Explore how deaf people learn to read by combining American Sign Language, fingerspelling, and phonics — a bridge that supports the gap to literacy.
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Deaf History Month: From French Roots to American Culture
Celebrate Deaf History Month, the French roots of American Sign Language, and how Deaf culture and education evolved — from early pioneers like, Laurent Clerc to today’s modern understanding
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127 Things to Do in the Potomac Highlands & Allegheny Mountains (Hidden Gems in West Virginia & Western Maryland)
Discover 127 things to do in the Potomac Valley and Allegheny Highlands — from scenic hikes and waterfalls to festivals, historic sites, food stops, and hidden local gems!
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17 Road Trip Tips from a Professional Driver (Save Time, Money & Stress)
17 essential road trip travel tips from a professional roadtripper! — From planning and packing, to safety, budget hacks, and how to enjoy every mile on your journey.
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The Ultimate New England Roadtrip Itinerary
Plan the ultimate New England road trip! This 7-day itinerary covers Boston, Maine’s coast, Acadia National Park, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Upstate New York.
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Appalachian Adventures & Roadtrips: First Landing State Park, Virginia Beach, VA
Go to First Landing State Park in Virginia Beach! Its a true hidden gem. Dog-friendly, Family-Friendly beach with coastal views, and the perfect budget roadtrip from Appalachia.
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First Time Festival Guide: High Hopes Festival, Bedford, PA
Planning to go to High Hopes Festival in Bedford, Pennsylvania? This beginner-friendly guide covers what to expect, what to bring, and tips for enjoying your first festival weekend on ‘The Mountain’.
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The Ultimate West Virginia Road Trip Itinerary: 800 Miles of Wild and Wonderful Stops
Plan the ultimate West Virginia road trip with this 7-day itinerary through Harpers Ferry, the Potomac Highlands, New River Gorge, Charleston, Morgantown and more.
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West Virginia Cryptid Road Trip: Mothman, Haunted Places & Paranormal Stops
West Virginia Haunted Roadtrip Haunted Places, Ghost Towns, and CRYPTIDS! Cryptids of West Virginia: from Mothman to Ogua and beyond A Wonderful Roadtrip for Wild Encounters! 500 Miles of Spook. Pre-planned. At a Glance Start the Spook Roadtrips are fun! Seeing different places, exploring new territory. West Virginia is almost Heaven. Beauty for miles! Wild…
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Unique Biking Experiences in West Virginia: Rail Bikes, Hydrobikes & Epic Trails
Unique Biking Adventures in West Virginia Ride different. Explore WV with UNIQUE bicycles. Weird, wacky, odd, peculiar, and random! The Mountain State Sure, West Virginia has been titled as the Mountain State. Rightfully so! We’re the only state entirely covered in Appalachia. From head to toe! In the past, I’ve enjoyed drives. The scenery is…
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55 Unique West Virginia Festivals: Cryptids, Food, Music & Appalachian Traditions
From the Mothman Festival to local food and music fests, explore West Virginia’s most unique and quirky events in this ultimate festival guide.
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Festival Camping Packing List: The Essential Guide for Music Festivals
Planning to camp at a music festival? This festival camping guide and packing list covers essential gear, comfort items, and survival tips for your first festival weekend.
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Camping Food Guide: Easy Meals and Simple Food Ideas for Camping Trips
Looking for easy camping meals and simple camping food ideas? This guide covers meal planning, camp cooking tips, and practical food ideas for your next camping trip.
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Volunteering in Morgantown, WV: Restoring Deckers Creek with Local Mountaineers
Be a good steward!Mountaineers Volunteer with Friends of Deckers Creek — Community Action in WV
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Oboz Boots Review (4-Year Update): The Best Festival Boots for Comfort & Durability
Are Oboz boots worth it? After 4 years of festivals, mud, and long days, here’s my honest review on comfort, durability, and if they’re the best boots for festival camping.
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Reggae Music Guide: Feel the Beat + 44 Songs You Need to Hear (Deaf Perspective)
Can Deaf people feel music? This reggae guide explores the power of rhythm, culture, and vibration—plus 44 reggae songs you need to hear (and feel!)
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153 Fun & Unique Things to Do in Morgantown, WV (Hidden Gems, Outdoors & Local Favorites)
Journey to Morgantown for Adventure! Family Outings. Museums, Record Stores, Thrift Stores, Hiking Trails, Ice Cream, and other randomness. Parks and Playgrounds. WV Hot Dogs. Fishing Spots. Cryptids and Petroglyphs, too! A Family Friendly list of things to do in West Virginia’s top College Town. A Super Ultra Local List No bars, vape shops, or…
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151 Morgantown Road Trip Ideas (Hidden Gems, Outdoor Adventures & Local Favorites)
Roadtrip destinations from Morgantown, WV. 151 Roadtrip ideas. Places to go. Solo, couple, and for the Entire Family! Hikes, Caves, Unique Towns, Railroads, Museums, Theme Parks. Old Prisons. Make a stop for the Cryptids! A Roadtrip Wheel spanning from 15 minutes to 5 hours. A Way to Spend the Day Being a professional roadtripper, um..…
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Decluttering Kitchen Guide: How to Organize Dishes & Utensils (Step-by-Step)
Simplify your kitchen with this step-by-step decluttering checklist. Learn how to let go of excess dishes, utensils, and appliances using a simple, back-to-basics mindset.
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27 Tell-Tale Signs You’re a Pro Delivery Driver or Courier
Are you a seasoned delivery driver or courier? Here are 27 tell-tale signs that you’ve reached expert level, from mastering routes and multi-stop efficiency to handling weather, customers, and tricky deliveries like a pro.
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First Time Festival Guide: Gardner Winter Music Festival
The Gardner Winter Music Festival is held annually in Morgantown, WV. The Indoor Winter version of Patty Fest The hallways of South Middle School are filled with old mountain music. Take note! The last Saturday in February is for Traditional Appalachian Sounds! What is Appalachian Music? The Appalachian Winter music festival you DON’T want to…
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WV Legends: Exploring the Cryptid Mural in a Morgantown Tattoo Parlor
Do you know about what’s lurking in Sabraton? Discover the West Virginia cryptid mural inside a Morgantown tattoo parlor! Explore Appalachian folklore, local art, and the legendary creatures that inspire WV culture.
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Guide to Decluttering: Simplify Your Life & Mindset for Fulfilment
The checklist for Clutter. Everything you have, Everything you need. Check yourself. Mindset is everything. Livelihood is not for life. Fulfill your life with living. What is the Old Mindset? It IS a Journey! “If you want it, you gotta work for it…” Why Decluttering Your Life Matters Connection Between Decluttering and Fulfilment I think…
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Set Apart for a Purpose This Christmas: Finding Meaning Beyond the Holidays
A Timeline Journey Through Christmas: From Chaos to Purpose More Than Gifts, Decorations, and Expectations What It Means to Be Set Apart for a Purpose The True Meaning of Christmas Beyond Traditions It’s the most wonderful time of the year! I betcha read that in your best Andy Williams voice. It’s time to Celebrate the…
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How to Declutter Clothes: Simple Step-by-Step Guide to a Minimalist Wardrobe
Learn how to declutter your clothes with a simple, step-by-step checklist. Build a functional wardrobe, stop overconsumption, and keep only what truly serves your everyday life.
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Bind in Good Charity This Thanksgiving: Living With Gratitude, Love, and Purpose
Discover the true meaning of Thanksgiving and what it means to bind in good charity. Learn how to live with gratitude, love, and purpose during the holiday season.
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Guide to Decluttering: The Clockwise Technique That Finally Works
Tired of clutter taking over? Try the Clockwise Technique—a simple, effective way to organize your home and mindset for habits to keep clutter gone for good!
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Guide to Decluttering: The Timeline of Clutter and How to Break the Cycle
Explore the timeline of clutter—how it starts, how it grows, and how to break the cycle with practical decluttering strategies to reclaim your space, peace, and focus.
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What Is Timeline Thinking? A Deaf Perspective on Clarity, Focus, and Life Organization
Timeline thinking isn’t just a mindset—it’s the way Deaf people naturally organize past, present, and future. Learn how to apply it for clarity and focus.
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Love the Connection
Seek the Truth. Find the way. Light of Life. Life is built on connection Without connection we’re broken in life. Finding Light in our dark, broken World. How are you doing? Circumstances. Situations. Scenarios. Plans. Instances. Day-to-day life. In that moment. Where you are, right now. How do you feel? What’s next? How do you…
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First Time Festival Guide: Pittsburgh Pet Expo
The Pittsburgh Pet Expo is an annual event in PGH. All kinds of Doggy Activities at the Expo! Dock Diving. Luring. Daschund Races. Weight pulling. Photos with Santa. Over 300 vendors; lots of freebies. How much do Pittsburgh Pet Expo Tickets cost? Is the Pittsburgh Pet Expo worth going to? Everything you need to know…
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WV Adventures and Roadtrips: Coalfields Waterfalls Loop
Come along and Explore the West Virginia Coalfields Waterfalls Loop! A scenic Appalachian road trip featuring hidden waterfalls, twisty mountain roads, and unforgettable outdoor adventures.
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Sandstone Falls WV: Easy Waterfall Hike with Kids & Dogs (New River Gorge)
Explore Sandstone Falls in West Virginia—an easy, family-friendly waterfall hike with a scenic boardwalk, perfect for kids and dogs in the New River Gorge.
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Grandview WV: Easy Scenic Hikes with Kids & Dogs (New River Gorge Overlooks)
Explore Grandview in West Virginia—an easy, family-friendly hike with stunning overlooks, dog-friendly trails, and some of the best views in the New River Gorge.
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Bluestone State Park WV: Hiking with Kids & Dogs (Trails, Lake & Family Guide)
Explore Bluestone State Park in West Virginia—family-friendly hiking trails, scenic lake views, and dog-friendly outdoor adventures near Hinton.
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Pipestem State Park WV: Hiking with Kids & Dogs (Trails, Tram & Family Guide)
Explore Pipestem State Park in West Virginia—family-friendly hiking trails, scenic overlooks, a unique aerial tram, and dog-friendly outdoor adventures.
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Thanks For Giving
What is Halloween? Making sense today of lost history from long ago. What is Samhain? What is Bonfire night? Who is Guy Fawkes? Who is King James? Why the King James Bible of 1611 Remains the Most Popular Translation in History How did America originate out of England? The Gunpowder Plot. November is Native History…
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Camp Creek State Park WV: Waterfalls, Easy Hikes with Kids & Dogs (Hidden Gem Guide)
Looking for a quiet, easy-access waterfall hike in West Virginia? Camp Creek State Park offers peaceful trails, handicap accessible waterfalls, and a perfect spot for kids and dogs to explore—just minutes off the interstate.
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Itmann Company Store WV: Exploring the “Castle in the Coalfields” (Abandoned & Historic)
Hidden deep in the West Virginia coalfields sits a castle-like building most people have never heard of. The Itmann Company Store is a forgotten piece of Appalachian history—and one of the most unique roadtrip stops you can explore today.
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Twin Falls Resort WV: Easy Waterfall Hike for Kids & Dogs (Wyoming County Hidden Gem)
Discover Twin Falls in Wyoming County, West Virginia—an easy, family-friendly waterfall hike perfect for kids and dogs. Explore scenic trails, visit Pioneer Farm, and enjoy nearby lodge stays for a full outdoor adventure.
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Hawks Nest WV: Family‑Friendly Hiking with Kids & Dogs (Scenic Views + Adventures)
Explore Hawks Nest State Park in West Virginia with kids and dogs. Discover scenic trails, breathtaking overlooks, and why this Appalachian park is perfect for family hikes!
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WV Adventures & Roadtrips: Poplar Island Pumpkins (and CRYPTID TRAIL!), Fairmont, WV
Explore Poplar Island Pumpkins in Fairmont, WV—home to hayrides, a corn maze, and a one-of-a-kind cryptid trail. The perfect fall festival for families and adventure seekers.