Yesterday was my middle son’s birthday. Delivering him was one of the greatest physical accomplishments of my life. Today is my mother’s 87th birthday. Being able to navigate to the place where the relationship she and I share resides, is one of my greatest emotional achievements. Once again this year, we have a pair of … Continue reading May Day musings
Category: birthdays
Teen mom no more
After nearly 15 years of being the mother of a teenager, that chapter of my life quietly drew to a close earlier this month. Well, it was quiet for me. Since my son celebrated with friends in Oneonta, I can’t attest to the level of volume he actually experienced, but I imagine it was a … Continue reading Teen mom no more
20 Things to do (instead of acknowledging the ceremony in D.C.) on 1/20
Listen to Martin Luther King’s “I Have a Dream” speech. Honor Michelle Obama’s refusal to attend the inauguration* by reading her memoir Becoming. Screen a David Lynch marathon. Spend some quality time with your tweezers in a mirror with good lighting. Write a check to an organization you believe in - Planned Parenthood, the Damien … Continue reading 20 Things to do (instead of acknowledging the ceremony in D.C.) on 1/20
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
Fiddling while home burns
My heart remains full from last week’s Laker gathering in Saratoga in honor of my brother’s milestone birthday. Being able to spend a couple of nights with friends we have shared since middle school is a gift none of us take for granted. We’re very, very lucky. The timing of my brother’s birthday coincided … Continue reading Fiddling while home burns
A legendary weekend
When it comes to my birthday, I take things pretty seriously - at least as far as self indulgence and celebration go. My attitude is that it is MY day and I’m going to spend it as close to precisely the way I want to. This condition has been consistent for me as far back … Continue reading A legendary weekend
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Beyond the fact that it is inevitable, growing old isn’t easy in any fashion. While I certainly have moments of feeling frustrated by changes in my skin, brain and body, most days I feel pretty comfortable with the process. I think it helps that I try to remain aware that most of the women presented … Continue reading 5 8






