News
Bring the Awe in 2025!
The air was so fresh and cool on a recent southern Arizona morning that the rattlesnakes were still dozing under warm rocks and the birdwatchers I was joining were wearing fleece mittens and colorful scarves.
It had rained earlier in the week so the trees were moist and supple and the finches and warblers were chirping and active. Our volunteer guide, Mike, who carried a scope on a tripod for us, predicted a good morning of birding.
And he turned out to be right. We pointed out Gila woodpeckers sitting atop Saguaro cacti to one another, gazed at a Loggerhead Shrike (that captures its prey, impales it and then snacks on it over a few days!) and marveled at the iridescent wings of a Violet-green swallow.
But the moment that captivated all of us--experienced birders and novices (like me) alike--was the sight of a Pyrrhuloxia, a relative of the Cardinal family, perched atop the highest branches of a tree, his rosy crest and proud head backlit by golden sunlight.
And we were awed.
If you've perused the book lists for my Siren adventures, you may've noticed that Dacher Keltner's 2024 book, "Awe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder and How It Can Transform Your Life" is appearing more frequently.
Two reasons for that: Since my interview with Keltner, I've read more deeply into the science of how awe and wonder inspires changes in the brain and body and it's truly fascinating.
But even more important, I believe that awe is the most powerful antidote we have to counteract the cynicism, despair and distrust that characterizes so much of our culture.
And awe experienced together, in a community of birdwatchers or neighbors, new friends or open-hearted explorers is priceless.
Mountains & Waterfalls, Souks, & the Mighty Sahara: Morocco, Spring 2026!
Sirens, this is an adventure like few others and I am so very excited about it!
Together, we begin in a hidden library in the sheltered alleys of Marrakech and then journey on to explore the fascinating heart of the Land of the Sunset.
There are hikes out to waterfalls and explorations among ancient fossils.
There is bread-making with Berber families and a cooking class.
We'll be bird-watching in a lush oasis, taking a sunrise guided walk in the Sahara Desert and sharing wide-ranging discussions about books in the most unexpected places!
The itinerary will be up soon. I'm limiting the group to 12 (I'm the 13th :) because one of the eco-lodges we're staying in is quite petite and charming. All Sirens, partners & beloveds are welcome!
I expect the places to go quickly, so if you are intrigued with this trip, please drop me a line at: SirenSojourns@gmail.com.
Read to Roam Book for January: Havoc by Christopher Bollen
Set in the faded grandeur of an Egyptian hotel on the Nile, this thriller asks: Is it nosy meddling or a mission of mercy when Maggie Burkhardt intervenes in strangers' lives? Is the 81 year old fixing what’s broken? Or assauging her loneliness by trespassing where she is not wanted or needed?
In our Big Books, Bold Ideas interview, Christopher Bollen told me he'd spent time in Cairo before the pandemic and loved the sprawl and complexity of the city. But he thought one novel, "The Lost Americans," set there would be enough and then he'd move on to Paris.
A trip from Luxor to Aswan and some relaxing days in an elegant old hotel changed his mind.
Bollen's novel is delightfully atmospheric, breaks some taboos, and introduces the reader to a pair of the most unexpected rivals.
"Havoc" has made my list of favorite thrillers for 2024.
Better Hurry to Bayfield!
I'm so happy to share that my first Reading Retreat to Bayfield's Wild Rice Resort has intrigued many of you. Thank you for the enthusiastic response.
The people at Wild Rice couldn't be more warm and welcoming to our group. They love the idea of hosting book-lovers!
So, the full itinerary and details about reserving your place are here. It's going to be a FAB weekend and since so many of you are interested, I'll be reaching out for a small down payment soon to hold your place.
https://www.sirensojourns.com/bayfield
Bookstore Radar: Pushing Back Against Book Bans
When author Lauren Groff (The Matrix, Fates & Furies) isn't writing three books simultaneously--yes, you read that right!--she's hand selling her favorite novels to eager readers at her new Gainesville, Florida bookstore, The Lynx.
Groff told the New York Times, "This store would probably still be a pipe dream if the book bans hadn't happened."
Want to show Florida's book banners what you think of their censorship? Consider ordering a banned book from The Lynx.
https://thelynxbooks.com/
The Awe of a Rainforest Safari in Tasmania 2027!
Many of my Siren trips are created around special encounters in nature.
In Bhutan, it's the singular experience of seeing the Black-necked cranes return from the high peaks of Tibet to their winter grounds in the Phobjikha Valley as an extraordinary festival of singing and dancing unfolds to welcome the birds back.
In the Life of Pi Safari to India in November of 2025 (waiting list) it's exploring remote tiger preserves and seeing the last population of one-horned rhinos.
In Morocco, it will be experiencing sweeping sand dunes and a flourishing green oasis in a remarkable landscape.
And in my just-announced Rainforest Safari expedition to Tasmania in mid-February, 2027, its roaming this abundant island together on forest trails and coastal paths, catching sight of rare creatures and thriving flowers and plants.
Yes, we are two years out on this itinerary but this is a BIG trip! If you're interested, please email Kerri at: SirenSojourns@gmail.com.
The World Wildlife Fund reported recently that Earth's wildlife population has declined by a "catastrophic" 73% in the last fifty years. The report called for a focus on conservation of 30% of the planet's waters, lands, and coastal areas.
It's undeniable that getting from here to there or anywhere contributes to climate change. Which makes it all the more essential that once we're there, we support serious efforts to preserve and protect endangered habitat.
https://www.sirensojourns.com/upcoming-retreats