Recently my husband and I felt like characters in a fairytale: an imposing castle on Hradcany Hill overlooking the Vltava river, an Old Town with charming bridges boasting Neo-gothic figures, and even an astronomical clock chiming every hour. Although hidden from the world while under Communist control (1948-1989), Prague has made up for the time … Read more
Our heart subtly, quietly aches. Travel isn’t always fun. Sometimes we go away to be with a sick family member or attend a funeral. Other times, even when we’re heading out for a fun adventure, leaving loved ones behind can be surprisingly difficult. The drive to the airport feels poignant, the luggage a little heavier. … Read more
Already in this New Year, we’re hyper-focused on a project, caught up in a massive “to do” list or just without energy for social situations. Yet opportunities for meaningful conversation are resplendent despite lifestyles. Nothing to talk about? Not true! In our spinning world, there’s so much to learn about one another. Lackluster feelings trap … Read more
When crossing a street we hold tightly to the small hands of our children. We steadfastly want to protect them and bolster their sense of security. Holding tightly is analogous to “standing firm” in conversations. Our children are precious. So are you! Think about a time when you had to communicate something difficult or … Read more
Although adding cinnamon sugar to morning toast works deliciously, I’m not talking about bread! Rather, the occasion to raise your glass to those with you at the table. According to author, Paul Dickson, “a toast is a basic form of human expression that can be used to convey virtually any human emotion from love to … Read more
Joyous and difficult, two opposing adjectives concurrently describe Thanksgiving emotions. The recent negative, political discourse leads us further astray from feeling acquainted with what’s “good”. Despite our bi-polarized feelings, it’s still possible to “bring thanks into the light”[fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”yes” overflow=”visible”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” … Read more
Last July my husband and I attended our first TEDxMileHigh conference, “Make + Believe”. The experience was awe-inspiring. The dynamic speakers gave us much to digest and mull over that truly our brains ached. During the breaks Jay and I headed outside for fresh air, Italian sodas (thank you Backyard Soda Company) and, most importantly, … Read more
Sometimes people don’t want to engage in conversation. For whatever reason, at that moment in time, “small talk” or the opportunity for deeper dialogue doesn’t hold sway. Even when guests are rude, I know it’s not personal. Still, why the rush? Where are they going? Are there some secret codes that I’m missing? Whether celebrating … Read more