“Lost time is never found again” – Benjamin Franklin

If you could have anything, what would you want? Since making the decision to retire I’ve had some intense moments of panic. How do I walk away from a career that brought me much professional satisfaction and a strong sense of belonging to a community? Will the absence of students and colleagues from my everyday … Continue reading “Lost time is never found again” – Benjamin Franklin

May Day musings

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

A la mode – fashion observations from France

At this point, you know that I am very thoughtful about my wardrobe, oui? When I go to Europe I plan my outfits carefully, both for appearances and packing. If all I have is a carry on piece of luggage, I need to make good choices - especially if I’ll be traveling for 3+ weeks, … Continue reading A la mode – fashion observations from France

Sending a message

If you are not deeply concerned about the direction this country is heading in at breakneck speed, skip this post and make yourself aware of what is happening. I’ll give you some key words to search, ok? Mahmoud Khalil Federal Education Department Social Security Ukraine Greenland Canada Illegal protests on campuses Transgender citizens Tax cuts … Continue reading Sending a message

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

Things to do before the end of the year

So, friends, we’re down to the last 12 weeks of 2021. It’s been a year, hasn’t it? I’m not much for resolutions at the beginning of the year, but I do feel compelled to reflect on a year as it draws to an end. There have been some wonderful memories made this year, but I’m … Continue reading Things to do before the end of the year

20 Things I’m leaving behind…

Any sense of guilt for being self indulgent. Blanket statement. Justifying wine with bubbles. Feeling the need to try to explain anything to anyone committed to ignorance. Shame for being made happy by pretty clothes. Insecurity about my body. Trying to understand people who prefer being miserable to being happy. Believing that if I only … Continue reading 20 Things I’m leaving behind…