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
A Slice of Americana
Kids ran barefoot through the grass. Families picnicked with chicken and salad. Six year olds plied money from grandpas for ice cream – it was fun to watch how easy that worked. Blankets, folding lawn chairs and picnic tables – this was my first concert in the park for the year and what a wonderful summer evening it was.Most drove, many biked and some walked. Pugs, boxers, golden retrievers and springer spaniels, but the bichon frise turned the most heads, however, mutts seemed Continue Reading
What I Wanted Then vs. What I Want Now
As pack rats go, I’m pretty good. I’ve moved enough to unload unused or unwanted items and generally, I try to move stuff on while it still has a useful life for someone else. Well, unless there is an emotional attachment, or a memento from a trip, or fabric I like, or photos … really, I’m not that bad. Okay, I didn’t think I was until I discovered a box not long ago filled with old school papers, including every report card and transcript from first grade through college. I know, I didn’t apply Continue Reading
When Marriage Inequality Impacts Your Family
It’s funny how your emotions can just take over sometimes, isn’t it? Catch you off guard, shake you up a bit? When I heard the news about the Supreme Court’s decision on marriage equality, I started to cry. No, not an uncontrollable tearful explosion, but the light gentleness of tears trickling down my face, just enough for me to reach for a Kleenex.In December, 2005, I attended the commitment ceremony between my niece, Melissa, and her partner, Jessie. To be fair, I was a bit uncomfortable as I Continue Reading