They still haunt me. I catch glimpses of large Christmas firs in other people’s living rooms, aglow with lights and shiny ornaments. I picture wreaths and bows and poinsettias and give a sigh. That’s what my living room used to look like. But time moved on and our family has gone through three distinct […]
I used to mentor an adorable teenage girl. Once a week, I’d take her out somewhere, her choice. Inevitably, her eyes would light up. “Let’s go to the mall!” she’d say, all atwitter. I’d smile, but inside die a little. I hated the mall. Then I’d feel guilty. As a female, aren’t I supposed to […]
My 80-something year old mother has come to live with us — whether for a long time or short — its up to her. I love having her here. I haven’t lived with my mom in 40 years. At first we were out of practice, but now it feels like we picked right up […]
Don’t hate me ladies, but I have the best deal in town. My son Paul loves to cook. And he’s good at it. I, on the other hand, don’t love cooking. In the old days I cursed the sight of the stove each night. Now I sometimes go a week without touching it, thanks to […]
I admit it. I eavesdrop sometimes. I try not to, but can’t help it. And my favorite place for eavesdropping is our local java joint. I’m there for lunch an embarrassing amount of time. (Okay, almost every day). I bring my laptop and work. But here’s the interesting thing. Fascinating insights can be gleaned […]
She’s crazy. She’s ruthless. She doesn’t care what anyone thinks. She lives by her own rules. No, I’m not talking about Madonna, but I am talking about a different kind of girl. Picture a female brought up without any gender conditioning. Picture my Yorkie, Libby. Here are 6 ways I admire her “Women who […]
It’s a strange dilemma. Porto, Portugal is beyond beautiful, a dream trip my husband Randy and I always wanted to take. The streets are ancient, winding, and medieval. The people are warm and smiling. The food consists of creamy cheeses, salty Serrano ham, fresh-caught seafood, and fruity port wine. The scenery is lush and green. […]
It seemed like the perfect place for Mom and me to spend two nights in historic Salem, Massachusetts—a large yellow colonial house built in 1834, graceful and majestic. We had booked into the town’s inn, but there was an overflow, so we ended up staying in one of their annexes, this yellow house a few […]
It’s a neighborhood skirmish unlike any I’ve seen, so steeped in tension and anger, the rest of us are reeling. Randy and I have tried to broker peace several times, only to have it break down. If we don’t intervene soon, I’m scared things could get ugly. Yes, a family of goldfinches has moved […]
My son Patrick and his band mates toured the Midwest recently. I followed their progress on Facebook as they drove from Connecticut to Indiana, Michigan, Illinois, Iowa, and Pennsylvania. In the photos, they’re young, beautiful, and smiling. I cheer along and always click the “heart button” underneath. Patrick’s doing what he loves. So why can’t […]
