About me

I'm taking the yellow brick road out of metaphorical Kansas, heading for somewhere behind the moon and beyond the rain. Anywhere over the rainbow and telling stories about it. Come with me.

Unlike Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz, after searching for home I’ve finally learned that the best part isn’t finding it. It’s looking for it. Don’t get me wrong. I like where (and with whom) I live, but I yearn for the journey and love to tell stories about what I learn along the way.

I travel this road because I can’t not. I don't see a plane in the sky without wondering where it’s going and wishing I was on it. My husband, the Professor, says I’m never satisfied. Is that bad? Regardless, he enables my wanderlust.

We’ve got kids, grand kids, and children-by-choice scattered around the world. I’ve a nice horse (who doesn’t get ridden much anymore) and two friendly dogs in the mix. I love to laugh (hate to cry) and love to write. I’m about travel, family, friends, faith, cooking and discovering new foods, and wine tasting.

Why you should subscribe

There are great reasons to subscribe.

• I don’t just tell you about places to go and things to see, about the top ten things you should see, or provide do this, don’t do that instruction. I give you more. I give you feels. All the feels.

• I’m curious. I ask lots of questions and hopefully, entice you to think deeply about what I tell you. I prompt you to see the world differently. To act.

• You go new places, experience new things.

  • Like Qatar, where I learned (in the middle of the night) how important it is to take extra security precautions in my hotel room.

  • Like Uganda, where I met with farmers trying to better themselves and their communities, visited Parliament to listen to debates on controversial issues, felt intimidated by soldiers and police, and had tea in the home of a major-league human rights activist.

  • Like a Benedictine Monastery in Idaho, where I fell in love with the nuns and Father there, went up a Mountain, and learned to make one decadent, chocolate Wacky Cake (aka Better Than Sex Cake). From scratch.

  • Like Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport and Doha’s Hammad International Airport, where airlines stow away handicapped folks waiting for connecting flights. And,

  • Like Weston Super Mare on the coast of England, where I stayed in a castle for a week, writing and experiencing how some live (not me). Where I developed a new respect for the Royals who eat amazing English food and stay slender.

And that’s just where we went in 2023. When last year began, I wasn’t planning to do any of these. This year I have no idea where we’ll end up, but that’s what makes each journey fun. I’ll only promise you that the road will be amazing and I will tell you stories that take you along for the ride.

And last but not least, I have a podcast - Teri’s Bedtime Stories where I’ll read you what I’ve written if you like. Remember how it felt to listen to bedtime stories when you were little? I literally tell you stories that leave you wanting to hear more.

Come on. Subscribe. And let me tell you stories. Who doesn’t love a good quest?

Teri’s Ruby Slippers is a reader-supported small business. I don’t require it, but sure appreciate any help to keep on traveling and writing so you can read.