The joys of parenting 

Often, it seems, at least in dysfunctional families, that folks approach parenting with the goal of being the antithesis of their own parents. The less similar to the preceding generation we are, the better things are for all involved. Trust me. My parenting goals were few, beyond raising good humans. Of course, I hoped my … Continue reading The joys of parenting 

Your mother never was one

Recently, I've been on a Lumineers kick and the  title of this post comes from their song, Donna. It wasn’t the first lyric in the song that caught my ear, but it was the one that prompted me to write it down. Let’s just say it resonated. I’ve written, and even publicly spoken, about finding … Continue reading Your mother never was one

Je me souviens 

Last week’s trip to Montreal with my sons was, I think, the 7th or 8th time I’ve been there. It’s been quite some time, though, since I’ve gone to Montreal without an agenda in place. The most recent occasions have been to make use of the airport, see a concert, and chaperone a middle school … Continue reading Je me souviens 

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

Buying happiness

I’ve got news for you...despite what you may have heard, money can, in fact, buy happiness. At least for me it can when it comes in the form of travel reservations. In the last couple of months I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about what makes me happy and what I’ve concluded is this … Continue reading Buying happiness

I’d like 10 things that bring me joy for $100, LeVar

Wait! What do you mean LeVar Burton didn’t get the Jeopardy hosting gig?! Now I’m going to need 11 things that bring me joy because that truly sucks.  Fortunately, I’m really adept at finding my own happiness and pleasure. While LeVar didn’t get the job he so clearly deserved, I’ve got this. 1. A birthday … Continue reading I’d like 10 things that bring me joy for $100, LeVar