The Personal Journey
Four Weeks In: Laughing, Reading, and Writing
I'm starting the fourth and final week of my summer hiatus. I'm in the mood to laugh, and to read and write. It doesn't get more basic than that. This past weekend, I went to our local library and checked out several books. I noticed that I was drawn to stories and humor, including Marlo…
Read MoreWhen It Rains, It Pours
Life gives us messages in many forms, sometimes in literal ways that we can't ignore. Last week, we had a sudden thunderstorm that left 2 feet of standing water in a shopping area where I was parked. My sons and I had gone to a bookstore and then walked over to the Whole Foods to…
Read MoreLetting Go to Grow
I am in the midst of catching up to reality. My oldest starts college next month, I'm teaching both of my kids to drive, and my husband has been talking about where to live when we retire. Aside from taking more interest in the miracles of cosmetic changes (e.g., hair dyes, teeth whiteners) and starting…
Read MoreTears of Joy in a Flower Shop
Sometimes, a touchstone from the past can give us both joy and comfort in the present. This past week, I was in Chicago for business. Afterward, I rode the train from Chicago to Evanston, the town where my alma mater, Northwestern University, is located and where I had additional meetings with clients. Walking from the…
Read MoreWinter Solstice
Tomorrow is the shortest day of the year, the winter solstice. For the last few days, I've noticed the light and mood around 4pm, when daylight is fading away, marking the onset of evening. It leaves me with a mixture of both melancholy and gratitude. Photo by ahisgett. My mind returns to eight years ago,…
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