Giving thanks for simple pleasures

It seems that Thanksgiving has changed in so many ways since I was a child and taught about Pilgrims and “Indians.” Knowing what I know now about the atrocities perpetrated by whites against Native Americans has certainly diminished the joy of the holiday for many, including myself. How does one celebrate the colonialization of the … Continue reading Giving thanks for simple pleasures →

The death of passion

Over the years many friends have given me plants. I probably have 9 or 10 houseplants at this very moment which I received as gifts. For the most part, these plants do well, although I’ve learned that like the peplum in fashion, jade plants and I are never going to be friends. That’s ok. There … Continue reading The death of passion →

(Re)Creating (dis)Comfort

Saturday was a damp, grey day, certainly not the kind of day which inspires a 100 mile road trip. But, the plans had been made and downstate friends and I were meeting at my brother’s new house to celebrate his recent birthday. “House” is a bit of a misnomer in this case because where my … Continue reading (Re)Creating (dis)Comfort →

A Greek myth

Since I first visited Greece in July 2019 I’ve been attempting to return. I’ve purchased plane tickets and reserved airbnbs three times now and I’m optimistically hoping the third time's the charm. Fingers crossed. It’s hard to say what made that trip with my middle son so special, but I imagine warm blue water, cold … Continue reading A Greek myth →

10 great things I did this past weekend in upstate New York.

Friday night I went to the beautiful Argus Hotel for an event. It was a cocktail party fundraiser for Historic Albany and the space was absolutely gorgeous. I didn’t take full advantage of the venue and explore the guest rooms, but I did take a few moments to imagine how civilized it would be to sit … Continue reading 10 great things I did this past weekend in upstate New York. →

Pedals over pedestrians

On Election Day, the community where I worked rejected a proposal to modify a stretch of Delaware Avenue in their town. I’ll be the first to admit that I don’t know all of the details (I don’t live in the district where I teach) but, from what I’ve read and heard, the plan would have … Continue reading Pedals over pedestrians →