Whew! Finally, the L. A. fires are weakening, though dangerous conditions are still expected next week. So far: 25 dead and more than 12,000 structures have been destroyed – encompassing 60 square miles. And in the Tampa Bay Area? We are still dealing with the brutal aftermath of two back-to-back hurricanes – Helene and Milton in Continue reading

January 8, 2021I have a confession. This is NOT the year I will be getting my affairs in order – as in updating my will and my preferences concerning my funeral service.   Why? I simply can’t wrap my arms round the fact of my own mortality. Yes. Yes. Even Covid awareness has not YET jumpstarted this Continue reading

I am so annoying. If I had a friend like me, I think I would ghost her. Here’s why: I constantly interrupt peopleAND when someone tells me a story, I one-up-them.  Do you know what THE WORST THING is? I don’t even realize I am doing it!!!!! Thank goodness for my little sister – whom I can count on to point Continue reading

It’s that time – time to write my yearly newsletter ushering in the New Year.  This year, I wanted to find something that would snap synapses, engender good spirits and be truly inspirational. I was looking for a phrase in which to ground my column – a phrase that would realistically mirror my naturally optimistic mind Continue reading

Dear Sophie, Benjy, Charlie, Bobbie, Lucy, Levi, Remi and Zoe, It is now December, 2024. By the way you measure time, I’m sure you are thinking I am ancient – since I am 77 years old. You may be wondering why I am still putting myself out there – pushing limits and boundaries? That is Continue reading

I do a lot of reading about the fine art of grandparenting. Even so, I always seem to run short of the ideal matriarch.  I love when experts urge us to give voice to sharing our past struggles and challenges with our grandkids so they will know that difficulties are surmountable. I find this hard. When we Continue reading

I realize that some of my readers have views in contrast to mine. In all due respect, I submit the following: I am not proud to say this, but ever since the election I have stopped watching the news. I am concentrating on cleaning closets, rigidly following my to-do list and nesting with great intensity. While Continue reading

Thanksgiving was my Mom’s holiday. Not only did she host it for years, but anyone she knew who didn’t have a place to go, knew they had a welcome seat at her and my Dad’s Thanksgiving table. So it’s not surprising I am waxing nostalgic this week and to counteract my churning feelings, I hunted Continue reading

I was thinking yesterday about what advice for living would I give my eight grandchildren if they asked me when I see them over Thanksgiving.They probably won’t ask, but just in case this is what I would tell them:Consciously “handcraft” your own life. What does that even mean? A hand-crafted life is a life that is Continue reading

I am the first to admit I am no scholar of American History. In 11th grade, when our curriculum dictated we learn about the American Revolution and the Civil War, I was way too busy learning how to pluck my eyebrows, apply mascara and, most of all, attract boys.  It’s only in later years, having acquired knowledge of Continue reading