Begin somewhere. You cannot build on what you intend to do. You cannot plough a field by turning it over in your mind. Gordon B Hinckley "Writen is hord," complained my niece. (She was onLy in kindrgordin, after all.) She knew she cat write and did not Like to write. She did not Like Handwriteing. Handwriting was not Fun. Hand wrting wasn't good. But look…
Against the blurred backdrop of December's lists, errands, duties, and party time stands a single picture in sharp relief. It is the face of my young niece, Tessa Grace Cutie Face (I Love Her To Outer Space), sitting across from me at the table in my kitchen. The china is out, the house is quiet, and we are having tea and toast. The idea was…
I woke up with plans, as I imagine you did, unless you happen to be on vacation, in which case, congratulations! Take your watch off and be happy! My first objective today was brewing coffee and consuming same, though you'll be relieved to know I aspire to more than that. I'm also washing clothes, paying bills, and sitting here, writing. Whatever the specifics, you and…
Two years ago I took off my beaded jacket, kicked off my sparkly heels and reentered the dance floor with vigor. Our son had married his best friend earlier that brilliant autumn day, and our joy knew no bounds. Surrounded by friends and family, old and new, Jack and I were having the time of our lives. All the preparation was over, the lists crossed…
I'm not sure when, exactly, but my car's service light came on. Yellow, unblinking, it budged in front of everything else jockeying for my brain's space, and cleared its throat. I wonder how long it had been waiting for me to notice. "Maintenance required," it warned me in a low voice. Or, more accurately: MAINTREQ'D "Shhhhh," I replied, "I'm very busy. And I don't want…
On a recent visit to Iron Hill, I found myself lost in thought, engaged in a favorite pastime: people watching. From my vantage point, I watched my favorite first-born serve his customers (I have a favorite second-born, see); I also watched the ones he served. One couple got nachos, another the tuna tataki, and still another the French onion soup and salad. I liked smelling…
When I go to Bally's nowadays, I half expect my better half to trot up alongside me as I circle the walking track. I can see his expectant smile as he finds me, and hear his chatting as he reports in about work, his stringers and headers, his horses and rises, his splinters and calluses. Conversations about nothing out of the ordinary. Questions about what's…
Well, as it has been said, all good things must come to an end. This afternoon I head to Philly after five days of being totally spoiled at my friend’s house here in Florida. Of course, I will be glad to get home – there’s no place like home — but I will miss the lavish hospitality. I have grown accustomed to the way the…
A girl I'd guess to be 4 or 5 just passed my house. She's in the company of someone I'd bet is her grandpa. As it's a picture-perfect day, sunny and clear, with low humidity, it's no surprise to note their pleasure at being out in it together. They're taking their time, pausing and conversing as they travel the stretch of sidewalk along the length of my home. Again and again…
I met a little girl who taught me a lesson for life. Her mom said I could tell you about her.At four years of age, Tina was afflicted with cancer. The bad news was that the kind she had was both rare and aggressive. The good news was that it was located in her right hand instead of her head, where such cancer usually grows, so it…