As a kid with four sisters, we used to play the alphabet game when traveling in the car. If you can imagine seven people in one car, one who was always carsick (me) and the others bickering, (a kind word for scratching and kicking), we had to do something civil not to end up walking or getting a switching. Because of years of competition with my sisters, I am a master at … [Read more...]
I just want to be healthy
During lunch, with my sister Zella, I told her I had time for another story. This one is short and so sweet. "Oh, I just want to be healthy and astute and not miss out on any more fun. I miss my traveling. I don’t want to be dependent on anyone. I don’t want to go anywhere but where I’m living right now. It is my legacy from my parents. For real. I couldn’t have been more … [Read more...]
The power of one
At a stop light, I scanned my surroundings and noticed a group of trees. There was a tall skinny palm in a group of indigenous trees. It was remarkably different than the others; skinny thin and towering above everything. I couldn’t help but wonder how one lone, fragile tree grew to be so abnormally tall. My mind immediately connected the scene of opposites to real life. The … [Read more...]
Six days in court
I’m sitting in a courtroom waiting for the jury to emerge with a verdict. Today is my fifth day of walking into the Federal Court of Appeals, showing my ID, opening my iPad, taking off my boots, and putting everything in a plastic bin to run through security. The same routine happens at lunch. Morning and noon, the three men in black suits are always pleasant and … [Read more...]
Las Vegas Down
It has been nine days since our city of escape and excitement fell victim to senseless violence. I think I was in the normal range of reaction, and grieved for myself, the victims, and our country. Then I heard about couples I knew who was at the concert, and all at once it was personal. I find myself drawn to the written word in my quest to help those in trauma with … [Read more...]
Bless them on their way
The Priest started with a riddle: "What does everybody need to do, nobody wants to do, and most people don’t know how to do it?" I guessed, death. Wrong. The answer was FORGIVENESS. Forgiveness is a topic addressed in many counseling sessions, and the message in the homily was pertinent to many. First, yes, everybody does NEED to forgive. If we hold anger and angst in our … [Read more...]
How do you feed your spirit?
Bisbee, AZ, south east of Tucson, is a delightful former copper mining town diligently trying to reinvent itself into an artsy, intellectual destination. Homes, once called miner’s shacks, are built on the side of hills and offer delights for architects and renovators. The main street, Tombstone Canyon, with its century old charm offers the finest in dining, shopping, and … [Read more...]
Dreams require action
I had an awesome week. I saw all my kids and grandchildren. I also had fun riding my little pink scooter around town and visiting with friends at the farmer’s market and sidewalk sales. Small town America is the best. I also went to visit my son and daughter-in-law at their farm. What a treat. I had a chance to see what corn stalks look like after deer enjoy breakfast, … [Read more...]
STOP the hate
Well...here we are again; another shooting seemingly prompted by the lack of control over political emotions. I am sick and tired of our immaturity. Let's all grow up and stop our personal rage. Change begins with each of us: YOU and ME. I don't want a civil war. I don't want brothers fighting brothers; neighbors killing neighbors; families estranged. Starting today, I am … [Read more...]
My baby sister died
I apologize for the harsh title of this blog, but it is just the cold, hard truth. I’m thankful for this blog as I try to put my thoughts into any semblance of order. Her name was Patty Sue. She was six years younger than I. She was the baby of five girls. I don’t remember much about her when I was growing up. Everyone loved her, especially our dad, and although I don’t … [Read more...]
Food, food, and MORE food
Today I was in the audience of a Dr. Oz taping, a first. I applied online and showed up on W 66th at 8:45 as directed. All men and women in line sat in the Audience Holding Room. Around 9:30 they ushered into the filming studio according to a letter or symbol on the back of our tickets. They first called the “Stars,” then the “VIP’s,” then the “O’s,” and I was a “Z,” the last … [Read more...]
My last NYC blog: Two Months of Firsts.
In retrospect, the two months went incredibly fast. It will take some time to digest and discern all I did and what I learned from it all. But for now, I am feeling a bit weary as I went non-stop. Having so much fun is exhausting. I had an angel on my shoulder, as I didn’t fall, didn’t get sick, had no harmful (maybe a scary one) encounters, and the weather was cooperative … [Read more...]
My last two days
Day nine was diverse and a little melancholy, not in a negative way, but looking at sights with different eyes, knowing my time here was nearly over. I started with a visit to the Carnegie Hall Museum, a first; what an architectural marvel, and I was surprised to see what famous performers have graced Stern Auditorium / Perelman Stage. The Hop On Hop Off bus was next on my … [Read more...]
What a day eight…
Today started slow because I had to go to 55th and 5th to use my Groupon before my stay in NYC was over. (Groupons are discounts on food, tours, events, etc., and they help save on expenses and encourage going to new places) I then went to TKTS and bought a ticket for the Broadway play, Waitress. Then, after asking three people, I found the train to Queens. According to my … [Read more...]
Day seven of NYC Pass
Only three days left, and I realize I’m not going to get to see it all. It gives me a good reason to come back. If one lived here permanently, I sense s/he would create a small community of friends and activities, and not experience as much as I have. I asked people born and raised in NYC if they had seen the Macy’s Parade or the Ball Drop, and they said, “No, I wouldn’t even … [Read more...]