Across the Miles
When your immediate family lives far away, it can be an issue. Do you stay put or move closer to them?
Hidden in the Shadows
What is it about “The Holidays”? They are like a bright light casting shadows on all who have been lost. The rituals and traditions trick us out for a few weeks, then go away and leave us, still lingering in the shadows.
Dressed for the Occasion
Looking back at photos from a few generations ago, it is readily apparent that things were different then. For one, these yesteryear pictures reflect stylish and elegantly dressed individuals. The contrast to the present could not be starker.
An Unwelcome Guest
Unexpected, uninvited, unwelcomed. That’s Charlie. In 2015, he intruded into our family’s life and left three years later. Good riddance to bad rubbish.
Love, Marriage and the Baby Carriage
I was wondering if fewer young adults were getting married and having babies, so I intentionally started to investigate for proof against what I consider a sadness. My first disproof came on a visit to the farmers' market.
My History as a Reader
As a retired Language Arts teacher, I can’t help but take a nostalgic pause when leaves begin to fall and brand, new boxes of colorful crayons fill the supermarket shelves.
Do you know where you come from?
Do you know where you come from? Are your ancestors from Spain, Thailand, or Ireland? Have you ever been curious about your DNA? Have any of your talents or traits been inherited from a distant relative?
Blurred Lines of Parenting
As the African proverb says, “It takes a village to raise a child.”
How Aspens Got Their Gold - A Modern Day Fable
It was a jittery time in the Universe, and all the Gods and Goddesses were nervous. Their rulers were arguing, and that was never a good thing. Reigning together over the Universe were the God of Winter and his twin sister, the Goddess of Summer.
Pennies from Heaven
Have you ever felt the gentle touch or soothing comfort of a loved one that has left this world? If so, you are not alone. This week, Diane’s blog explores the various ways the departed reach out to us.
The What vs The Who
In a recent YouTube video, the commentator asked a very catchy question. “Are we building a resume or crafting a life?” He went on to explain the difference:
A job resume would be a list of work virtues given to a potential employer.
This is ‘The What’.
Crafting a life could be a list of moral virtues read at a Eulogy.
This is ‘The Who’.
Truth in the Media
Is it just me, or do you feel overwhelmed with the amount of news being disseminated and the number of sources it comes from?
I Knew You Once
I recently learned of the passing of two men with whom I had the honor and privilege of knowing for a short time. Both died suddenly and unexpectedly in their fifties.
STA-PUF PRO SPORT
Gene glared at me, wounded. He was hurt – mostly that I was laughing at him, because who likes to be laughed at? And there I was, tears streaming, shaking with laughter, doubled over with silent guffaws and unable to stop, or even catch my breath without a braying rasp. To be fair, he was also actually injured.
My Pet Peeve
I’m guessing all of us have at least one pet peeve, one that makes us roll our eyes, bite our tongues, or count to ten.
Consequential Conversations Part 2: Silence
Yesterday, in my blog on civility, I mentioned that a silent response to disagreements that arise may be construed as apathy, agreement, or a way to avoid conflict. A silent response that is misinterpreted in this way doesn’t help bring understanding or a resolution to the differences between people.
Consequential Conversations Part 1: Civility
Do you avoid conflict? Do you find it hard to disagree with someone during a meaningful conversation?
Growing Up in Queens
I was born in the 1950’ s and came of age during the social upheaval of the sixties.
