Hope vs. expectations, this pertains especially to the time and relationship I share with my mother who most certainly is exhibiting signs of dementia at age 86. She’s an old woman and I hope that my presence in her life brings her some happiness. In return, I expect nothing. Time as currency. It’s the most … Continue reading 24 Realizations
Category: aging
My last desktop calendar
Earlier this month, my new desktop calendar was delivered. Yes, I still appreciate a paper calendar on my desk at work. There’s a wonderful ritual, to me, in tearing off the sullied top page and enjoying a fresh start each month. Disposing of the doodles, notes and reminders to reveal a clean slate, always leaves … Continue reading My last desktop calendar
Tis the season
I’ve got a confession to share - the holidays are hard. The level of stress, even in a world in which the resources are available to host dinner for 10 with home baked treats and gifts, just feels kind of overwhelming and like a poor return on investment. I hate (a word I’ve tried to … Continue reading Tis the season
Kingsolver is my Queen
I am in the midst of a royal obsession - reading and/or listening to Barbara Kingsolver’s entire catalog of work. Currently, I’m listening to Animal, Vegetable, Miracle, a book I read many years ago with some resentment. I mean, how wonderfully privileged must one be to be able to leave one state and travel to another … Continue reading Kingsolver is my Queen
Frozen in time
I awoke thinking about the two children who had died after falling in Washington Park’s lake. It’s impossible to know what the boy had been thinking when he ventured onto ice which was nowhere near strong enough to hold his weight. Did he know he was taking a risk? Was he perhaps laughing with nerves … Continue reading Frozen in time
Notes from a retired party planner
Somehow, ok, maybe it’s because I’m good at it, I’ve become quite the “milestone birthday party planner (MBPP). Through the years I’ve planned three 50th birthday parties (my mother’s dessert & cordials festivities, my ex’s Tuscany/London celebration and my own DeFazio’s & wine shindig) and, in recent years, two 60th birthday fetes, one of which … Continue reading Notes from a retired party planner
Since I became 58…
I’ve become more gentle with myself. Instead of 5 yoga classes a week, I’m content with 4. I step on my digital scale exclusively on Friday mornings. A two day weekend is my new norm - I’m not doing a regular side hustle. I want to dance more. Observing my sons brings me more joy … Continue reading Since I became 58…






