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. …
This month is full of jubilee. If you’re working to make strides in life and business, try focusing purely on relationships for the month of June. Everyone I’ve been in touch with this month, just wants laughter, hugs and new memories. Employers, if you’re looking for productivity, you’ll find it in the fall, only with more charm and delight. If yo …
At the end of our weekly Chinese food treat, we go around the table and share our fortunes. It’s a tradition. I don’t claim to own this tradition as I’m pretty sure it is universal and almost a required part of the meal. I think I noticed it once in the fine print of a menu. “The best exercise for the heart is to reach down and help someone up …
I need a new breakfast routine. For several years, during the weekdays, I would make a breakfast sandwich on toast and eat in the car. Not the best way to eat breakfast, I admit, but it worked for me. As I had previously blogged, I recently leased a new car. I finally realized that my prior breakfast routine was not “car friendly’” i.e. too man …
I learned to wait until Fathers Day passes before I put down my red mulch in my yard. Though not complete, we started the task on the large area around our two trees Friday eve, and worked on one of the two smaller flower sections yesterday; we expect to complete the smallest section tomorrow. Yes, Shelly helped; no complaints here. Preparation a …
Last Sunday I came home to disover a huge box on the porch. There was no return address but it had bar codes like it was sent through UPS. On the site of the box was a phone number. We did not order anything that large so I decided to call the phone number. Here's the conversation: Box#: Hello? Me: Hi, who is this? Box#: Who is this ?! Me: I'm …
