Writer, Speaker, Editor, Blogger
Spring is here in all its glory. This season, when nature dons a new green frock festooned with multicolored floral accents, is a time of warmth, renewal, and the refreshing prospect of new beginnings and hope. Perhaps winter with its drab, barren landscape, chill, and for some, illness, has taken a toll on you, and […]
When you hear the word “wisdom,” who or what comes to mind? Perhaps you think of ivy-covered halls of higher learning or the sage advice of an elder. By definition, wisdom means insight, good sense, common sense, levelheadedness, an accumulation of knowledge, the ability to discern. For some, gaining knowledge is the only component of […]
Several weeks ago, my cell phone fell out of my pocket and hit the side of a filing cabinet. When I picked it up, I saw a tiny chip at the edge of the screen. Everything seemed ok with the phone so I continued to use it, although I became aware of the need to […]
A college admissions scandal, in which celebrities, and others (over 40 people), paid to have fraudulent information included in their children’s applications, is a telling reminder of how under-valued integrity is in our society. The news of this scandal is disturbing for a number of reasons, not the least of which is the fact that […]
Recently, my husband and I had the misfortune to sit near a family with four children at a local restaurant. The problem was not with the children, but with the parents, who were, at best, critical, and at worst, verbally abusive. One child, the oldest girl, was the main target of criticism, but the other […]
Several months ago, I saw a stage adaptation of Charles Dickens’ Great Expectations. Presented by a small cast with very little set design and minimal props, the play accurately conveyed the story of Pip, an orphan who was given a chance to move beyond humble beginnings. Although the story line is complex, one thing that […]
Last year, my daughter experienced a sudden, critical health crisis. Despite rapid treatment, a significant vision deficit resulted. Over the next weeks and months, she navigated limitations and learned ways around them. In the process, other senses sharpened and she cultivated reliance on multiple stimuli for compensation and perception. Following are some insights regarding vision: […]
Have you ever experienced that odd sensation of moving when you are actually totally still? This sensation occurs when you have just pulled into a parking space while the person beside you is backing out. For a few seconds, you lose perspective, and although you have stopped, the movement of the person beside you makes […]
A number of legends exist about the origin of Valentine’s Day. One story is tied to the Roman fertility festival, Lupercalia. Another traces the origin to a priest named Valentine, who defied the Roman emperor’s ban on marriage for young soldiers and performed weddings in secret ceremonies. Another legend suggests Valentine was imprisoned for helping […]
What do you think of when you hear the word “hospitality?” Do think inviting friends to your home for dinner, or do you see visions of large hotel complexes and the hospitality industry? When I hear the word “hospitality,” I think of my mama. Whether an elaborate Christmas gathering with decorations, candles, and “party food” […]