The Underdog
Where did the term “underdog” come from? In the 1800s, there were dog fights, and when a dog was pinned down by the winning dog on top, the terms “underdog” and “top dog” were coined. Now, the term “underdog” refers to a person or team that is likely to lose.
Empty Nesting
It was mid-April when I first spotted the Cooper's Hawk perched on the wrought-iron rack outside the patio door. She was scanning the waterway for food for several minutes, enough time for me to get a quick photo for identification.
From Circle Time to Compromise
Sharing is an early life skill that is essential for building cooperation, developing empathy, and engaging in healthy social interactions. Remember circle time?
Please and Thank You
Lately, I have been concerned about the lack of manners in our society. I’m not sure whether it’s generational or a broader lack of common courtesy. It’s not just the absence of a “please” and “thank you”; it’s more than that.
Confidence Is Not Built In
Confidence can be defined as the belief in our ability to succeed in a specific situation or accomplish certain tasks. It’s something you just know is there, and that’s enough. I never had it as a child. Lucky for me, I met someone who did!
The Times They Are A-Changin’
In the early sixties, Bob Dylan sang, ‘The Times They Are A-Changin’, and he wasn’t kidding. Sixty years later, the world is transformed in ways I could never have imagined.
AI, Friend or Foe?
Is AI a friend or foe? I’m guessing the answer teeters depending on whom you ask.
Geezers on Wheels
My husband recently retired. On the first day of his retirement, we celebrated with a fancy dinner out. But on the second day, he wanted something a little more active.
The Caitlin Clark Effect
Although I have always been a casual basketball fan, all that changed in the spring of 2023, the year Caitlin Clark, the phenom from Iowa led her team to the Women’s NCAA Finals.
Occam’s Razor
I love the challenge of examining the details, delving into the clues, and taking in the whole picture before coming up with that eureka moment. Which brings me to Occam’s razor.
Movies and Memories
Certain movies have left indelible memories, depending on where I saw the movie and who I saw it with. Movies can create lasting connections between people who have shared the experiences. Grab your popcorn and let me share some of my movie memories.
The Show Ups
People often ask, "What holds your family together when so many others drift apart?"
Walking Grace to Grace
Dawn arrives with blue on gray
The quiet moves in whispered exit
Sun rises in orange to pink
Surprise of yellow breaks out
Is Cursive Making a Comeback?
Is cursive obsolete? Has the need for keyboard practice and digital literacy supplanted the teaching of cursive writing? Not so fast. Cursive writing is making a comeback.
Where Ya’ From?
Oh, the richness and diversity of people. Culture, tradition, religion, and physical appearance are all stirred into the melting pot of our country, “from sea to shining sea.”
That Age-Old Feeling
Occasionally, I have witnessed younger people poking fun at a parent or older person because they did not know about something that was apparent to them. The comments were likely meant to be funny, not malicious, but I wondered if the recipient felt hurt or embarrassed.
250 Years Through Fifth-Grade Eyes
This past school semester, I volunteered in a fifth-grade classroom. I listened to the teacher tell the story of the Boston Tea Party. I heard words like Intolerable Acts, Sugar Act, and Taxation without Representation,
Star Spangled Memories
As our nation prepares for the 250th anniversary of its founding, I am reminded of the simple ways we celebrated this holiday in summer’s past. School was out, dads were home from work, and children filled my New York City street.
