Last week, based on a friend’s suggestion, I asked readers to come up with two words each to describe the years 2020 and 2021. Thank you to all who contributed their opinions. Here is a sampling of responses: 2020 Difficult, trying Bad, persistent Totally depressing Physiopsychosocialspiritual challenge Naïve population Long, confining Covid, pandemic Disaster, heart-wrenching Continue reading

I never lack for ideas but that doesn’t mean I don’t welcome hearing other people’s ideas for my columns. Here’s one from a friend I just had coffee with – after not seeing for over 20 years. Thanks JBuc. Think quickly: In two words, describe 2020 In two words, describe 2021 (Try to leave out Continue reading

First, I kinda disappear. Then, I am flooded with euphoria – a feeling of intense, anesthetizing pleasure washing over me. I’d describe it as a temporary high – a fleeting “all is okay” moment. Of course, afterwards, I feel awful, hopeless, despairing that I have wasted yet another day because I am out of control. Continue reading

There is NOTHING wrong with self-care! Why? Because if you don’t take care of yourself, you simply can’t take care of others – as in the saying, “You can’t pour from an empty cup.” How do we keep our proverbial cup full? First, we figure out what we need. If we zero in on what Continue reading

Oh No! Just two more shopping days until Valentine’s Day– the holiday with roots dating back to around 270 A.D. at least. Not to be negative, but I’d be willing to bet ever since that ancient time more fights between couples have been occurring on or shortly thereafter this hallowed day – due to dashed Continue reading

One hundred twenty-five years ago, the following appeared in the Jewish newspaper in my hometown:    A training school for women about to enter the nuptial state might be a capital idea, as many of the marital complications are the result of ignorance of the first principles of cooking. The woman who desires to keep Continue reading

I’ve been writing my weekly column for over 30 years. Sometimes, like many episodes of Seinfeld, I write about “nothing.” Sometimes, I write about “something.” Either way,  people seem drawn to adding to my body of knowledge.  People Tell Me Things Like… PODCASTS TO LISTEN TO: Women in the Middle: Living Life After 50 – Continue reading

I was fuming. My heart was racing and my temples pounding. Less than 20 feet away from my kitchen window, a crew of burly, barrel-chested men were climbing trees, lassoing branches and wielding chain saws to take down four very old and beautiful shade trees in my neighbor’s yard. I do what I always do Continue reading

Ever been at a tantalizing intersection? I was – just this week. Torn between keeping up with news of the yet another presidential impeachment, the upcoming preparations for the Inauguration and the latest updates on Covid vaccines versus tackling my New Year’s Resolution List. The List won out. My neurons were all fired up to Continue reading

It’s Wednesday afternoon. CNN is playing in the background as I sit at my computer penning my weekly newsletter to you. TOPIC: Weighing In on the New Year. Halfway through, my attention rivets to the TV screen a few feet away. Hordes of angry, hyper-active people are storming the Capital Building, scaling walls, screaming obscenities. Continue reading