Our culture has become one of isolation and fear. We build fences to block out the noise of the world, to protect our children, and to keep strangers out. We avoid eye-contact with people. We prefer to close our windows and doors. We keep ourselves hidden.
I wonder what would happen if more of us would open the windows and stick our necks out. What would happen if we sat on the front porch for all the world to see?
Read MoreMy husband and I have taken ballroom dancing lessons. We’re not very good. (We’re pretty bad, really.)
That’s likely because we’ve never gotten past the beginner stage. The instructor gives us the steps but when we try to put them to music, we always miss some and throw in extras. We’re expending so much energy in the process that we’re anything but graceful and exhausted when we’re finished.
Read MoreSo you say your youngest (or only) child is about to leave for college? Your nest will be empty? How are you feeling about it?
Two years ago, my husband and I were about to embark on this adventure. I recall looking forward to all the free time I would finally have. I was also terrified of all the free time I would finally have.
Read MoreCould it be that my earring is robotic? I thought, as it magically released itself from my ear and latched on to me with the touch of a finger. Cool!
Read MoreDad filled every nook and cranny. If there was an empty space, he would stuff it with a shoe or flip-flop. Some years we had to help him by sitting on the trunk lid while he pushed everything in and out of the way, and then with a final “click”, it shut!
Read MoreIn this media-filled, work-centered, goal-oriented culture in which we live, taking time to observe, listen, and open up our hearts takes effort. And practice.
Read More…these two empty nesters are striving to be “mighty nesters.” We’re still catching on, but I think we’re learning the secrets to creating a mighty nest…Recently, we biked Chicago’s Lakefront Trail…
Read MoreThe weather was perfect. A balmy 79 degrees with a light southwest wind.
The timing was perfect. Friday afternoon with no evening plans and the whole weekend ahead of me.
I could think of no reason not to go for a bike ride.
Read MoreWhen I was a little girl I watched Mom cook. Now I’m paying attention to how she manages this latest challenge in her life, the task of dealing with dementia…
Read More“When do you want to retire?” the financial planner asks us, as she plugs our numbers into her retirement calculator…
…”Um. Well. I was thinking I’d like to retire at 62. But now, I’m not sure.” I shrug my shoulders, as a wave of uncertainty courses through me.
Read MoreMy Dad loves jigsaw puzzles. Would you believe he’s been working on a puzzle with over 31,000 pieces? If you can spare a few minutes, I’ll tell you the story of Dad’s puzzle.
Read More“I hope you’ve had a nice Easter,” the waiter said to a customer, sitting with his family at a nearby table.
“Oh, it’s not really different than any other day for us,” the man replied.
My fork stopped in mid-air, as I took a moment to process this unexpected response.
Read More“Wa- tootie!!” my two-year-old yelled. I cringed as I imagined the sideways glances and raised eyebrows of my friends.
Our “Mom’s group” met for coffee and Bible study every other Friday. When the kids came up from the basement playroom to join us for snacks, I listened closely and took mental notes.
Another two-year-old politely asked: “May I have a cookie, please?”
Read MoreWe were beginning to feel like someone was trying to tell us we were NOT supposed to enjoy a spring break day in Chicago. We were trapped in a fortress of cement and steel, two stories underground, with the glorious sights and sounds of Michigan Avenue on the surface above us, and out of reach.
There was only one thing left to do.
Read MoreI’ve heard it said that routines are good, especially healthy ones like getting to bed on time, meditating, eating breakfast, and exercising. But there’s also something to be said for shaking up the routine, adding a little spice to your life, and trying new things.
Read MoreI put on several layers, a wool headband and a hat, a huge scarf around my neck and face, and two pairs of socks under my snow boots. It was 6:45 a.m. and I just had to go outside. After all, it's not everyday one gets to experience what 20 below feels like…
Read MoreWe pass through the hills and valleys surrounding the Chohocton River as we head home from Corning, New York. Tom is driving, while I look out the window. Our son Seth and his wife Maddie sit quietly in the back seat. It’s hard to bring ourselves to talk after saying our final goodbyes to Morgan, knowing we will never see him again.
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