Traditionally Speaking

Traditionally Speaking

My last two posts have been pretty lengthy monologues, so I’m going to switch it up this week. It’s your turn to do the “talking.” What is your favorite winter holiday tradition? I’m not being PC here by not specifying Christmas; I want to leave the door open for all possibilities. Maybe you’re pretty casual…

The most wonderful time of the year

The most wonderful time of the year

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! And yet, for many of us, one of the most stressful. We worry about getting the perfect gift for someone special, how much to pay for that perfect gift, and once it’s purchased, whether someone will steal it off the porch (or out of the car) before…

I am a runner. I am a writer.

I am a runner. I am a writer.

I’m a runner. I’m a writer. These things might seem like they are on the opposite ends of the spectrum. One is sedentary, solitary, usually indoors in my comfy clothes, sipping coffee. The other is active, surrounded by others, preferably outdoors, in my sportswear, grabbing quick gulps of water, if I’m lucky. Yet the two…

Journey of discovery

Journey of discovery

“Everyone has been made for some particular work, and the desire for that work has been put in every heart.” ~Rumi Well, it’s been two months since I started this exploration into the next phase of my life, and here’s what I’ve discovered so far. It needs to include: 1. Interaction with people 2. Travel 3….

What would you do?

What would you do?

When you were a child, your mother, or a teacher, or some other significant adult probably told you, “You can be anything you want to be.” What was it you wanted to be? Movie star, doctor, fire fighter, president, Spiderman!?! Did you make it? If not, what stopped you? Maybe your dream has changed since…

The best things in life are…not on a to-do list

The best things in life are…not on a to-do list

I just had a rude awakening (one of many in my lifetime). I had been operating on the assumption that in 2-1/2 years, with 20 years of service under my belt, I would have the option to retire, collect my pension, and ride into the sunset (should I choose to). That is not the case….

People who need people

People who need people

In life, there are millions of human contacts and sometimes an unexpected meeting changes the trajectory through space and time just ever so slightly and nothing remains the same…In this world of mass confusion and hurried existence, human contact still continues to be the most profound impact in our short lives. ~Sim Gill I started…

Don’t worry; be happy

Don’t worry; be happy

Don’t worry; be happy. But what if the thing I’m worried about is that I’m not happy enough? We’re only on this earth for a short time. I want to make the most of it, and that means experiencing joy as often and as deep as I can. But that’s a pressure all of its…

I’m okay; you’re okay. Aren’t we?

I’m okay; you’re okay. Aren’t we?

Last week, I was sitting on a beautiful beach, enjoying the rugged black lava rocks and the mighty ocean waves, when my travel companion decided to get in the water. Before pulling her coverup over her head, she said, “I’m sorry for what you’re about to see. I’m still a good person.” Then we laughed…

Bit by the travel bug

Bit by the travel bug

This week I saw a seal up close (like almost tripped over close) in its natural habitat, not behind glass. I sat on a lava rock and watched a turtle riding the waves. I took a turn riding the waves myself and laughed as fish nibbled on my husband’s toes. On the way 
“home,” I…