Jeannie's Journal at NextTribe

The Place You Keep Returning To

I’m writing this sitting on a somewhat rickety front porch, looking out over a small shimmering lake. The air is cool and moving briskly through the tops of the tall pines. I am serene and grateful because I am in a place that soothes my soul.

I have a name for this spot: “The Blue House.” It’s an apt description of this five-bedroom Victorian in the Catskills in Upstate New York. But that name signifies something much greater than this structure or its color. It embodies a state of mind. I spent the summer of 2021 here, licking my wounds after my separation. I didn’t know if I would feel safe living in this big house by myself. But it turned out to be all that I needed during a difficult transition. It became a cocoon, one that helped nurture a transformation into a single woman determined to be OK alone, if necessary.

I’ve returned to the Blue House every summer since and just the sight and smell of the rooms make my heart ache, as I remember the state I was in when I arrived. But knowing how strong I felt when I left, I am reminded that I am resilient.

My devotion to this place brings to mind other spots I’ve returned to over and over in my life. When I was growing up we went to the Outer Banks of North Carolina every year; when my kids were little we’d join my parents, siblings and their families in Sunset Beach, NC. And when the boys were older, we’d return again and again to Troncones, Mexico (so beloved that I take groups of NextTribers there annually).

Yes, I like to travel to new places and I especially like to bring women like you along with me. But there is a need, I think, to have this sort of refuge as well. When you venture out to explore the world, you find out who you can be. When you return to a beloved place, you are reminded of who you are.

Second Time’s a Charm?

When NextTribe was launched in February 2017, we came up with a tagline—Age Boldly—that was partly a response to the way Hillary Clinton was treated as a presidential candidate. We wanted to counter the shocking ageism and sexism we saw on display during the campaign.

I so wanted a woman president then and I’m excited that eight years later, we have another chance. Of course we are seeing rampant sexism directed at Kamala Harris (“childless cat ladies?” Really?) but this time it’s harder for people to come after her for her age since she’s two decades younger than her opponent. Whatever your political persuasion, I hope—as a woman—you can appreciate this watershed moment.

For Our Beloved Scotland Guide

Johanne McInnis is one of the most delightful, funniest women I’ve met, and lucky for us, she knows Scotland like the back of her hand—plus a lot of cool people there. This makes her a perfect guide for our trip through the Scottish Highlands (which we’ll be offering again in June 2025—stay tuned).

When Jo, as we call her, returned from this year’s Scotland trip, she received some horrendous news: Her 33-year-old daughter, the mother of two young children, was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. There are enormous medical expenses involved, and Jo has started a GoFundMe effort to help her daughter and her family through this tough time.

All the NextTribers who traveled with her have made contributions. If you can put yourself in Jo’s place—a fierce mama bear doing the best for her child—maybe you’ll want to give a little something. Thanks!!

Big hugs to all and enjoy this last month of summer—

Jeannie Ralston, CEO and Co-Founder

Announcing Our Ultimate Austin Insider Guide

I spent more than 30 years in and around Austin. We have a vibrant community of 250 members there. We’ve put our heads together and come up with the most fun, most invigorating itinerary you could ever find—all compacted into 4 days.

Who’s joining us there for peak wildflower season—and peak camaraderie?