Recent days have been filled with some of the worst moments of the year. Multiple acts of gun violence and extreme examples of deranged mental health and family tragedy have occupied the headlines, and my mind, along with the almost unbelievable responses to these situations by the emotional toddler who resides in what is left … Continue reading My (highly subjective) best of 2025 picks
Category: Italy
I’m sorry…
…that the country where I live is so selfish that far too many people care for no one beyond themselves. …that far too few people in the country where I live are aware of the Sumud Flotilla and it’s attempt to deliver critical aid to Palestine. …that the government of Israel is run by a … Continue reading I’m sorry…
An Amazon wedding
In no way do I begrudge Mr & Mrs Amazon their tremendous wealth. They obviously need the money they possess more than I ever could. Granted it was 30+ years ago, but my wedding came in at about $12,000. And it was absolutely lovely. I certainly can’t imagine ever feeling the need to spend $25-50 … Continue reading An Amazon wedding
Au revoir, America
Which do you think sounds less prétentieux? The South of France” or “the French Riviera? In a few weeks, N and I are going to France together for the first time (other than an afternoon spent in Alsace last year). We’ll be dividing our time into 3 nights in Marseille and 4 nights in Nice. … Continue reading Au revoir, America
Finding kindness
Just a moment ago, I deleted a comment I had made on a childhood friend’s post with photos showing she at a recent DJT rally. My comment was a single key stroke - the emoji of vomiting. Later, during my shower, I reconsidered my needlessly confrontational comment. What was the point? Was I going to … Continue reading Finding kindness
Coming in for a (bumpy) landing
Arriving back at home from an extended vacation comes with a lot of mixed emotions. While there is excitement to be reunited with one’s beloved people and pets, as well as the comfort of one’s own home, there are other more complicated feelings. Knowing that after months of planning and anticipation, the big trip is … Continue reading Coming in for a (bumpy) landing
Recent realizations and impressions
We can all agree that travel is life changing, can’t we? Observing, and even participating in, life in locations away from home can be the impetus to expand one’s understanding of humankind and settings beyond our own. When I’m traveling alone, I often find myself taking mental notes of things I find interesting or enlightening. … Continue reading Recent realizations and impressions






