My last desktop calendar

Earlier this month, my new desktop calendar was delivered. Yes, I still appreciate a paper calendar on my desk at work. There’s a wonderful ritual, to me, in tearing off the sullied top page and enjoying a fresh start each month. Disposing of the doodles, notes and reminders to reveal a clean slate, always leaves … Continue reading My last desktop calendar

On normal – from The Art Thieves

”What is normal?” ”Normal wasn’t so great for so many.” School massacres were normal. Genocide was normal. Corporations replacing families was normal. Drugging kids to make them obedient was normal. Dying because health care was unaffordable and too complicated and drugs that cost $13 sold for $1300 was normal. Not being able to take off … Continue reading On normal – from The Art Thieves

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