Simply stated, I was raised to be independent. From the alarm clock I received for my 6th birthday, a gift which communicated that I was to get myself up and to school without my mother’s help, to the lack of parental involvement when I crashed and burned academically in high school, I knew I was … Continue reading Questioning Independence
Tag: family
In a sentimental mood
After perceiving myself as nonproductive for “wasting” my first day of #SummerVacation2021, I resolved to accomplish more something today. So, I sat down and finished reading the latest issue of InStyle. Done. I followed that hard labor by addressing the remaining Sunday papers, as the Roomba skirted it’s way around the house picking up tumbleweeds … Continue reading In a sentimental mood
A tale of three kitchens
Kitchen 1:Twenty years ago my kitchen was first renovated. It was a big job and involved sacrificing a bedroom and pantry to create a bright, open room that flowed from kitchen to dining room to deck. In addition to increased natural light, the remodel expanded my counter work area and storage space inspiring many dinner … Continue reading A tale of three kitchens
Irish royalty
There once was a time when I wished to be an Irish princess, Rose of Tralee to be specific. It was before I had located my father’s family in Ireland and I was reaching for any connection I could make to that magically green country from where the father I never met came. To become … Continue reading Irish royalty
Can(‘t) get (no) satisfaction
I’ve spent far too much time since my divorce nearly a decade ago pondering what it is that I’m seeking in life from a partner. What the “right” relationship will or should look like. How to have realistic expectations without compromising my deepest wishes. Knowing when and how to move on. So many questions and … Continue reading Can(‘t) get (no) satisfaction
A negative start to the new year
With the Covid noose growing ever tighter, it was time for my youngest and I to get tested recently for the first time. We’d had a close exposure and were concerned that we might by asymptomatic Corona carriers. After much encouragement and advice from patient and smart friends, off we went to SUNY for our … Continue reading A negative start to the new year
Food stamps for my 15 year old
Despite having read this article only 10 days or so prior, when my son received an envelope in the mail from the government at the end of September, I never imagined it would contain a plastic EBT card worth $420. The money was to compensate him for having missed out on his school lunches between … Continue reading Food stamps for my 15 year old






