Globetrotting adventurer and travel writer living life to the fullest following tragedy and loss.

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Category Archives: Peru

Adventure in Peru

Posted on May 24, 2014 by Jessica Carpenter — 3 Comments ↓

My mom and I traveled together for the first time since I was a kid to the beautiful South American country of Peru. I’d been talking about going for over a …

Posted in Destinations, Peru, South America | 3 Comments ↓

Welcome!

Hi! I'm Jessica Carpenter, US based writer and founder of My Feet Will Lead Me. I love my dog, crêpes, all things Disney or Christmas, and traveling! Let's get to know each other!

jessica_traveler

➳ Globetrotting adventurer • Pharmacist • Dog mom • Widow • Living life to the fullest📍PNW
Email: [email protected]

It’s been almost 10 years since the all-consumin

It’s been almost 10 years since the all-consuming anxiety of “Cancer” has taken up residence in my daily life. I’ve been cruising through life far too easily the past decade it seems, as the universe has now decided I’m due for a good old fashioned “pull the rug out from under ya” trick.

About a month ago, Chris finally made it into the doctor to have a scope sent down his throat to see if there was anything concerning about the sore throat he’s had for a few months. Turned out it WAS concerning. They told him he needed to come back the next day to see the doctor. So we stopped to see the doctor on our way to Mt Baker for my birthday getaway to be told he likely has throat cancer. Since that week of uncertainty and fear, life has moved quickly but in slow motion at the same time, if that makes sense. In the 4 weeks that followed, Chris has had to undergo a surgical biopsy, a CT scan, a PET scan, a surgical implantation of a port, multiple blood draws, EKGs, radiation fittings, a hearing test, and a Covid exposure which delayed things by a week. All has led up to what starts today, which is radiation and chemotherapy to kill this motherf*cker (the cancer, not Chris 😏).

So for the next few months, Chris has daily radiation plus a phase 3 clinical trial drug (or placebo - we don’t know which one) infused for over an hour which will hopefully lessen the radiation side effects, and then a few rounds of chemotherapy. We’re told the regimen will be brutal. So we both will be taking some time off to lessen the burden as much as possible.

As you can imagine, this experience has triggered some emotions and anxiety from losing my husband to cancer 10 years ago. Chris’s prognosis is quite good but it still scares me to death. Chris is the kindest, most giving person and I wish I could take this burden from him. We found each other at pretty low points in our lives and picked each other back up. I’ve spent the most incredible 8+ years with this man who’s made life a grand adventure.

Life isn’t fair. Don’t take anyone or anything for granted. Soak up your time together. Say you’re sorry and make up. Look into people’s eyes. Listen. Be kind.

If there ever was a door to a secret utopian parad

If there ever was a door to a secret utopian paradise, I’d envision it looking something like this.

Barcelona really knows how to perfect that “laun

Barcelona really knows how to perfect that “laundry flapping in the wind on the romantic balcony” look.

It’s my birthday. And instead of contrasting mys

It’s my birthday. And instead of contrasting myself to a year ago, I find myself contrasting my life to a decade ago. 10 years ago, I’d been married for 6 years, just starting my pharmacy career, looking to buy my first house, and was unsuccessfully trying to get pregnant. Little did I know, in a few short months, my husband would be gone and my life would essentially start over. I was 27 (which makes me 37 now, in case you were unsure). Today, I’m deeply happy and in love, I just built my dream home, my 16 year old dog is still gracing my life, and I no longer want to be a mother. I’m a little more experienced, but I don’t have any more answers about life. In fact, the older I get, the more I realize I don’t have the answers, nor do I need them. I’ve been fortunate to have this life that just keeps passing quicker, despite the occasional bumps that propel me onto another path. Part of aging is facing these bumps and making the best of them. You’re all the best. I love you. 📷 @chris_cottrell

Not all days are colorful. Sometimes you have to p

Not all days are colorful. Sometimes you have to put on your rose colored glasses. Ways to improve how you see the world that day:
1) start with a meditation, even just 5 minutes.
2) stretch and move, those endorphins are for real.
3) do something that gives you joy. For me it’s my morning oat milk mocha.
4) put on some music while you’re in the shower. Even dance a little.
5) listen to a book or podcast while you get ready.

The perfect addition to a sunny snowshoe adventure

The perfect addition to a sunny snowshoe adventure? Hard seltzer! Specifically @sparklingicespiked which is full of fresh fruity flavors without the sugar or extra calories. 21+ drink responsibly! #ad #SparklingIceSpiked #TapIntoFlavor #sponsored #shatteryourexpectations

Happy Monday! Quick intro for anyone new since it’s been a while. I’m Jessica, I was widowed 9 years ago when my husband passed away from melanoma, I’ve been balancing a life of adventure and travel with my part-time career as a pharmacist ever since. I just built a house in my hometown in Northeastern Washington state with my boyfriend and 16 year old dog. I run my blog www.myfeetwillleadme.com as a side hustle/passion project to provide readers with inspo and destination guides. Today I’m being featured on the @howgoodsthis_podcast, run by a couple of my talented friends who are musicians/actors. I thought I’d share for anyone who wants to hear more and also to suggest a fun and unique podcast with guests of all different backgrounds. I love you guys! Thanks for all the support and love you’ve given me through the years! 📷@chris_cottrell

Can you truly enjoy a beach to yourself? Can you h

Can you truly enjoy a beach to yourself? Can you honestly enjoy anything alone? I think the same places and things can be enjoyed differently by yourself or with someone else. Some of the most inspiring moments and deeply reflective, soul nourishing experiences in my life were completely alone. But a beautiful beach is great to share. What do you think?

Welcome 2021! May this be the year I can visit my

Welcome 2021! May this be the year I can visit my neighbor to the north (Canada), again! Also, does anyone have any interesting or unusual resolutions or goals for the year? I need some inspiration.
📷 @chris_cottrell

#morainelake #banffcanada #banffalberta #explorebanff #canoelife #choosemountains #takemetothemountains #explorecanada🇨🇦 #ohcanada🇨🇦 #canadatravel #mountainsarecalling #gonorth #roadtripcanada #starttheadventure #inspiredtravels #inspiredtravel #sheisthewild #folk_life_mood #folkscenery #allaboutadventures #beyondthelands_ #wanderwomeninc #freshairandfreedom

I see the fork in the road ahead of me and I know

I see the fork in the road ahead of me and I know I must get off my route. The need has been building in me for years, awaiting the right moment to jump off this train barreling in the wrong direction...but there is no right moment. Sometimes I lie awake at night feeling so overwhelmed by the need to find an escape plan, that I’m paralyzed by indecision. Staying the path has always been and still is the easy answer. But I’m a hamster on this wheel and if I want to at least have a crack at this other life I’ve craved for so long, I have to exit the wheel sometime. But how? Putting it into words here is simply my small attempt at manifestation and holding myself accountable.

#spaintourism #spainstagram #spaintrip #shewanders #traveldreamseekers #starttheadventure #escapeandexplore #wanderingsoul #sanjuandegaztelugatxe #dragonstone #gameofthroneslocation #reddresses #bilbaolovers #bilbaoturismo #amazingplacestovisit #journeyofgirls #travelgirldiary #travelnowlifelater #cntravel #liveintentionally #beautifuldestinations #gaztelugatxe #uniquetravel

The miracle of Christmas is that I even found time

The miracle of Christmas is that I even found time to create this image let alone post it on Christmas Day. 🤪 I hope you’re all able to find the joy today despite it being a rather unusual Christmas for most of us. So much love and gratitude for you all. 🎄Merry Christmas! 🎄 photo inspired by @jess.wandering

#christmasmiracle #christmas2020 #christmastreedecorating #christmastreelights #haveyourselfamerrylittlechristmas #whitechristmas #dreamingofawhitechristmas #snowisfalling #december2020 #snowychristmas #winterwonderland❄️ #pnwchristmas #pnwonderland #pnwwonderland #pnwisbeautiful #pnwdiscovered #pnwparadise #backyardgoals #christmastreegoals #livewashington #chewelah #magicalchristmas #ohchristmastree #onesiepajamas #santashelper

As much as the quest for the perfect beach and isl

As much as the quest for the perfect beach and island paradise thrills me, nothing quite soothes my soul and takes me home like the mountains. What’s your happy place?

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Home
My Story
Destinations
- North America
- South America
  - Colombia
  - Peru
- Central America
  - Belize
  - Costa Rica
- Caribbean
  - Bahamas
  - Cuba
  - Puerto Rico
  - St. John, USVI
  - St. Lucia
- Europe
  - Austria
  - Belgium
  - England
  - France
  - Greece
  - Italy
  - Poland
  - Scotland
- Africa
  - Morocco
  - Tanzania
- Middle East
  - Jordan
- Asia
  - Bhutan
  - Indonesia
  - Maldives
  - Nepal
  - Thailand
- Oceania
  - Australia
  - French Polynesia
Work With Me
Travel Resources
- Trip Planning Resources
- Hotel Reviews
Shop
- Photography Prints
Links