I start by positing that most everyone operates as if they are the center of the universe. And most everyone is motivated by self interest. If you recognize and operate under these core principles you will best be able to negotiate the difficult twists and turns of life. Harmony occurs when you find parallel interests with someone. Synergy is …
I was in line at a liquor store on the North Fork of Long Island to purchase a bottle of local wine when the man in front of me bent over to take a small airline size bottle of liquor from the bin in front of the register.“One dollar” said the cashier, “plus tax”.The man put a dollar bill down and reached into his pocket searching to see whether he …
OK, I admit it. I was distracted by the Home Run Derby last night -- and forgot to post my blog! Thanks for the reminder Fred! And for those of you who know me, are you laughing now at the fact that I was watching the Home Run Derby? While I am not really a sports fan, there is something about the derby that is so much more entertainment. I th …
At my weekly WW meeting the topic on Saturday was, “What brings you joy?” With respect to weight loss, the question was relevant as to finding alternatives other than food to self sooth. Also, apparently, the release of endorphins is directly linked to weight loss. When the question was first asked one woman screamed out, “Disco music and I’m no …
One of the (many) things that I look forward to as much of our nation recovers from the impacts of COVID-19 centers around the return of live music, and soon I’ll get to start seeing some of my all-time faves live in concert! Several blogs ago I mentioned a night out to see some live music ahead of the return of Gotham Battle of the Bands®, this …
I went away last week on vacation. No planes, just a stay in an Airbnb about an hour's drive away. Nice place, quiet and on the edge of a perserve so looking out of the back deck there were deer, rabbits and birds doing what they do. It was hard for me to be present and disengaged from work. I tried a bunch of things. This was unusual because fi …
Are you your own worst enemy? Are you afraid to ask someone to do you a favor? Are you a prisoner of your inhibitions? Do you need a push or nudge? Then read on: It is my tried and true experience that, more times than not, when I muster up my pluck and make The Ask I am almost always pleasantly surprised. After all, what’s the worst thin …
We have a bird feeder in our backyard. Watching the birds, I’ve learned a few things.Birds like to eat. Put out bird food and they’ll come.Birds of different species generally do not hang out together. Rarely do I see birds of different species share the feeder. I wish I could change this, but it seems to be true that birds of the same feather floc …
Dinner conversation expanded beyond my fabulous cooking and onto social graces. My husband and I were discussing manners, where they were invented, and what “dressing for the occasion” really meant. Coco Chanel said it best “it’s always best to be a little under dressed.” Presentation is important. It demonstrates respect for yourself and for the …
People in old photos are never smiling. Just think of those generational black and white and fading photos. Well dressed, carefully groomed very formal looking folks – but not a smile in the bunch. I have very distinct memories of an old photo that my grandmother had on her dresser of her mother. Given that my grandmother was born in the very …
I love July 4th weekend. To me it is the official beginning of the summer; being a bit more relaxed at work, barbecues with friends, days at the pool and beach. But, most importantly, July 4th brings to mind summer vacations. Almost every travel article I read predicts that travel this summer will be at an all time high. We have plans to bring o …
Today we celebrate 245. A special day. When a nation got born. It meant a lot then. It means more I argue today. Today the promise of 1776 applies to more than ever before. Inclusion matters. Let this year realize that promise (or bring us all closer to it.) Click below to further your understanding: https://youtu.be/BaqC7QSXjDU o …
I'm reading about the tragic collapse of the building in Surfside, FL and wondering why. It appears that the condo owners kept bickering and fighting over the years delaying a decision, while the building kept exponentially degrading so the cost of repairs skyrocketed and nothing got fixed. We'll eventually learn what technically happened as othe …
Can you believe I really don’t listen to the words of a song? Talk about being one dimensional! What’s more, I don’t read books. I listen to them. As a consequence of this unusual quirky combination, I recently heard Dylan’s lyrics of The Times They Are-A Changin’ for maybe the very first time. Here’s how it happened. I’m listening to a very re …
We were sitting outside having dinner at a local restaurant and Flo noticed a woman at a table nearby whose handbag was on the pavement by her seat.“She could really use a Clipa.” One of those handy rings (available from Refined Finds) that hangs a handbag from the table and keeps it off the ground. Flo wondered whether she had an extra in the car. …
