Cadiz, Spain hangs out into the Atlantic Ocean like a mitten on a string. Its narrow and winding cobblestone streets force all the cars to its edges leaving the old town as it has been for centuries – a pedestrian…
Searching for Silver
In March of 2020, life in Antigua, Guatemala (my new hometown) changed dramatically, as it did across the world. We went into a lockdown the likes of which no one had ever seen. Doors around the city were shut and…
A 17 Year Blink
She sat across from me, her eyes tearing up. “I am at the end of an era. My youngest child just graduated from high school and my life will never be the same,” she said. This wasn’t an expression of…
Thawing the Frozen Heart
After your heart is broken, what happens? The natural reaction is to shut down, contract, and protect the remaining shards. In fact, for many people, after experiencing the searing pain of loss, their hearts begin to freeze over. Eternal winter.…
Will Your Future Self Thank You?
A miracle has occurred in my life. After many years of eschewing rigorous exercise, I am now involved in a sport. I’m celebrating three months of regular participation in the high intensity, constantly varied, functional sport known as Crossfit. Believe…
Life after Death
Saying goodbye last year to my sweet furry friend, Hickory, was heartbreaking. My constant companion of 15 years, he was with me as I raised and launched my children. He followed me as I lived with one husband and then…
The Time is Now
What’s your relationship to time? Is “time on your side” or are you “running out of time?” Do you have “too much time on your hands” and find yourself “killing time?” Or do you live like there’s “no time like…
Endings and Beginnings
There is some sadness in ‘ending’ my monthly newsletter, even as there is excitement about ‘beginning’ a briefer, more regular correspondence. With change there is an end. And endings, by their nature, are poignant. Perhaps you are experiencing your own…
Beautiful Beginnings
“When one door closes, another door opens.” I have always found this expression to be so comforting. Even when it takes awhile to determine what door has opened and where, it always seems to be true. I extend my thanks…
Beautiful Endings
I recently heard of a friend’s mother’s dying process. “It’s just awful,” my friend said, “they’ve got hospice in the house and she’s just got a few days left.” Meanwhile, I learned that this elderly woman is surrounded by her…