Four days into the New Year, I have finally figured out my resolution for 2016. Nope, not weight loss – been there, failed that; stop drinking or smoking – don’t do either; stop procrastinating? It’s taken me 60+ years to master that so I’m not about to change. My resolution for 2016? Increase my attention span. Yep, seriously. You see, mine has dramatically diminished over the past few years and I want it back, and I’m not blaming it on aging stuff this time. It’s not my memory (though Continue Reading
The Faces of Christmas
My approach to Christmas this year was no different from years past – decorating the tree (and wimpering over each special ornament), spending an afternoon baking (followed by a day of over indulging), a little shopping (grabbing door buster specials just for me), and writing out cards (signing up for an e-card service) which all led to my wallowing in a brief pitty party. My holiday is not the one pictured on any Hallmark card, even if I add the glitter. Then I met Jane (not her real name). Continue Reading
A Middle Age Merry Christmas
“I’ve decided I’m not buying my grandchildren Christmas presents anymore,” my sister-in-law told me. “I’m just going to start passing down my things.” “Oh my Lord, you’ve become Grandma,” I declared, remembering my own grandma’s tradition, and my disappointment when I got an engraved serving spoon when I was 16. This began the long weekend, as four of us, all sexagenarians, gathered for the first time in three years. It was like a bad stand up act for 60+ year olds who hadn’t seen each Continue Reading
Thanksgiving 2015
As I was finalizing my plans for Thanksgiving a week ago, thoughts of all I had to be grateful for flooded my mind – wonderful parents, siblings and extended family, friends, great health, a warm home, good food, a feeling of purpose… Pretty much the norm for most people I know. And then I volunteered at the Global Fest on Michigan State University’s campus on Sunday, and from the opening Chinese Lion Dance, it was clear what I am especially grateful for this year. Are you familiar with Continue Reading