Author: Iris Ruth Pastor

What’s a good antidote to “The Blues”? I found myself frequently obsessing over that question in recent weeks.  I utilized Artificial Intelligence to see what it prescribed to get back to a sunnier frame of mind:      Physical activity     Connection with others (party anyone?)     Relaxation     Surrounding yourself with music   Then I asked AI what Continue reading

Today is our anniversary. My husband, Steven, and I have been married to each other for 49 years. The operative phrase is “to each other”. We both had been married before.We both had gone through a divorce.And we both had learned that if it’s not right, get out.  When Steven and I first re-met at our 10th high school Continue reading

In one of my April columns, I wrote about my very, very best friend, Andrea. She perished in a car/train collision 50 years ago at age 28 on April 15, 1975. She left a husband and two little boys, ages five and three. And she was also survived by three brothers, a mom and dad Continue reading

My favorite person to go to a professional baseball game with is my husband.Having played college baseball, he teaches me all the finer points of the game – which make watching it a much richer experience. And he provides me with “color commentary” which includes things like past historical feats of some of the players Continue reading

Most of you probably know by now The Story: I started an up-cyled jean jacket business when my best buddy sent me a jean jacket for my 75th birthday. It wasn’t just ANY jean jacket – my jean jacket was emblazoned on the back with a massive sequined hamsa. That was three years ago and, since then, Continue reading

July 14, 20259:28 PM Dear Harry, Frank, Max, Sam and Louie,  My 78th birthday is fast approaching, hence this letter. When I look back at the many things I have experienced in life, I am filled with such gratitude for the opportunities for adventure and engagement and challenge that have come my way: BUT, of all Continue reading

BEFORE you start reading this column, answer these two questions: IF, before beginning to read this week’s column, you have poured yourself a glass of wine or brewed yourself a cup of coffee,if you have sought out a favorite spot in your house to sit,if you have lit a scented candle,if you have leisurely gazed around at Continue reading

One thing we all hear nowadays is that if we want to find balance and calm in our lives – we need to look inward. That, we are preached at, is the kind of happiness that matters.  I get that mindset. It’s probably why I go to yoga three times a week – to reduce Continue reading

I’m driving home at 5 in the afternoon from a series of irritating errands – dropping off a favorite blouse at the dry cleaners that I have once again stained – picking up a lush and heavily verdant basil plant at the nursery to replace the one I over watered and killed.  At the same Continue reading

Two of my eight grandchildren graduated from high school recently. They were both raised in loving homes with food security, ample creature comforts and myriad opportunities to excel at school and to explore their interests outside of school.  I watched them proudly accept their diplomas, surrounded by loyal friends, loving families and dedicated teachers. They Continue reading