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

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

I lost a friend yesterday to breast cancer, and I’m ticked. Frankly, I’m more than ticked, but for the purposes of this blog, I’ll leave it at that. And let me tell you why I'm angry. In 2015, at age 64, this woman died of the same ugly illness that took my mother from me in 1980 when she was just 59. Thirty five years, and I wonder what progress we’ve made. And the fact that she died on the last day of Breast Cancer Awareness month only makes me madder, and makes me wonder if the plethora of Continue Reading

Happy Anniversary to me! That’s right – one year ago, I launched my blog and I thank everyone who has read it, commented on it, subscribed to it, and shared it. It has been a good year, and I’m glad you’ve joined me as I’ve stitched together more patches of my life through travel, discovery, and reminiscing. I decided to celebrate this occasion as a couple might celebrate their one year anniversary, so in checking the web to see what exactly the gift theme is, I’ve discovered that even card Continue Reading