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

When is the last time you have seen the masses so up in arms over the killing of an animal? Over any issue? It’s been just a few days since the news broke that Cecil, a beloved lion in Zimbabwe, and part of a research project, was lured out of a protected area only to meet his slow, agonizing death at the hands of Dr. Palmer, who was participating in a hunt organized by local guides. Everyone knows the story, and has an opinion, but I’ve been curious as to why this story has fired up so many Continue Reading

I love taking the train and I could probably be a spokesperson for Amtrak. I’ve learned that three things are important before you even step on the platform: patience, flexibility, and of course, a sense of adventure. Travel with me on a trip to Chicago. The Lebanese woman behind me talks in Arabic to her friend, four rows in front and across the aisle. I know she's Lebanese because she told me - very friendly, and I return her smile. She finally walks up to get a snack that has smells I can't Continue Reading