My teen daughters think the greatest gift of all is a 10 season set of the sitcom “Friends”.  There was a time when they thought the best gift was an American girl doll.   I too have spent quite a few Christmases wishing for a coveted piece of jewelry or a new tech toy. (more…)

There’s a simple transition that we make every single day.  It’s one we hardly notice at all, that is, until it no longer happens easily. . . falling asleep.  Ah yes, that happy journey over the edge of consciousness, drifting gracefully into dream land.  And yet, when I’m in the grips of insomnia, this nightly sojourn proves to be more difficult than trekking the Himalayas. (more…)

I’m standing right beside him as he lifts a small glass, raises his hand high and pronounces, “God bless us, everyone!”  The audience, predictably, lets out a collective, sympathetic sigh.  This holiday season, I have the pleasure of playing Tiny Tim’s mother for nine performances in ten days.  I watch him offer the famous toast; I choke back tears as I experience his death; and I watch from the wings as Scrooge makes his famous transformation. (more…)

“I’ll have chocolate milk,” Channing said sheepishly.  He gave a nervous cough, as if embarrassed for ordering a ‘baby’ drink.  My 15 year old son, now taller and smarter than I am (well, ok, so he’s been smarter for awhile) was embarrassed to order his special treat beverage at this ‘seasonal meal with mom’ (SMM). (more…)