”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
Tag: life
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
Since I became 58…
I’ve become more gentle with myself. Instead of 5 yoga classes a week, I’m content with 4. I step on my digital scale exclusively on Friday mornings. A two day weekend is my new norm - I’m not doing a regular side hustle. I want to dance more. Observing my sons brings me more joy … Continue reading Since I became 58…
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
Things to do to distract from election anxiety
My scheduled appointment for today was canceled and I decided to keep the PTO on my calendar and call it a mental health day. I needed it. Maybe you do, too? There’s been some controversy about schools, both public and private, coping with the upcoming election by closing on Tuesday or offering the opportunity for … Continue reading Things to do to distract from election anxiety
In a swoon over Schroon
Aloysius, one of my oldest friends, and his wife have a home up north which they bought in the last couple of years. He describes the lake it is on as being similar to Greenwood Lake, where we grew up, but with the benefit of not having been trashed by a combination of long ago … Continue reading In a swoon over Schroon
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Beyond the fact that it is inevitable, growing old isn’t easy in any fashion. While I certainly have moments of feeling frustrated by changes in my skin, brain and body, most days I feel pretty comfortable with the process. I think it helps that I try to remain aware that most of the women presented … Continue reading 5 8






