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
What I Learned at my First Writing Competition
Yesterday, I competed in a day long writing event in honor of #NaNoWriMo, or National Novel Writing Month, where the goal is to write 50,000 words. Sponsored by the Capital City Writers Association, it was a 12 hour day, and I was with 95 other people, camped out in Spartan Stadium’s press box on the beautiful campus of Michigan State University. Do I have a novel in me? Who knows; it’s more of a personal challenge, a stretch goal for sure. I certainly have the story, but translating it to Continue Reading