The amount of stuff mattered. On this ten-day hiking adventure we’d carry a forty liter backpack with “needed” whatever. Not known for ever packing light, choosing what to bring would be arduous. Practicality over indulgence must “reign the day”: that special hair conditioner…forget about it; the cute evening dress…not necessary. Our things … Read more
You’ve already imagined the cancerous spot. The long-anticipated trip to France won’t happen and the money invested will be gone. Even with chemo on the horizon, will you live? Then, in contemplating these dire circumstances, you cognitively decide to create a super tough coping mechanism, fight until cured. You will “win” no matter … Read more
Sharing Halloween candy was never easy, especially giving away cherry flavored Tootsie Pops. As learned in Kindergarten and along the way, however, “the more we share, the more we have”, the sweeter life becomes. Sharing our resources and gifts multiplies happiness. Yet, sharing of ourselves at a deeper level can be a rarity. It’s not often … Read more
Coffee in hand and a quiet table at a favorite cafe greet me on a Monday after a week away. It feels like mid-afternoon. The day is in full swing, perhaps time for an afternoon “pick me up”. Truth be told, it’s actually 7:30 am and the day has only begun. Despite jet lag, the … Read more
Everyday we say “good-bye”. Sometimes it’s a quick wave, “See you later” kind of act. Other times, with family we leave with a hug and kiss. Mostly, however, in our daily lives, departures go unnoticed. We slip out when the meeting is done…we’re finished. Or, at the Cafe, where we indulged in a delicious coffee … Read more
Waiting hours on a runway for “de-icing”, standing in three different lines to check odd-sized luggage or sitting squeezed in a middle seat… these are the times we say to ourselves, “It is what it is”. Logistics might go awry. Like Steve Martin in the movie, “Trains, Planes and Automobiles” we end up in … Read more
Beauty is subjective. When seeking opinions on “The Most Beautiful Places in the World”, a fascinating series of photographs by Ester Honig surfaced in the search[1]. Honig starts with a basic self-portrait and then adjusts, aka “Photo-shops”, the image based on cultural norms. What’s perceived as pretty in the United States, for example ,not surprisingly looks … Read more
As much as we believe conversation connects us, sometimes our knowledge gets us in trouble! Let me explain! At a community table recently, a couple taught us about how they raised chickens, turkeys and rabbits on their property. We’ve since shared what we learned with others because the “home farming” conversation was interesting and a … Read more
It’s shocking how early in the morning our minds start racing down the day’s track and yet the sun is barely in the sky. Frenetic energy also affects family members, those who move a little “slower”. Which are you, the snail or the Road Runner? Beep Beep. Running around like a crazy person at any … Read more
When recently travelling to Spain, my husband and I with marginal Spanish abilities and a little effort enjoyed interactions wherever we explored. Sometimes our efforts translated into a bowl of green olives “on the house”! Although starting a conversation required some extra energy, the rewards were worth it, even if just for the smile and … Read more