The Ultimate Betrayal

I am feeling betrayed. Betrayed by Mother Nature. You see, I’m sitting outside, enjoying my lunch and feeling the heat of the sun fanned by a gentle breeze. Suddenly, I realize that breeze is cool, and it is from the North. And most importantly, it is not so gentle. In fact, it is creating aContinue reading “The Ultimate Betrayal”

The Art of Napping

Mmmm. That beautiful sensation of floating, that sense of timelessness, that feeling of surrender. I’m talking about how it feels just before drifting off for a nap. It’s wonderful, right? Whether it be from pure exhaustion, relief on a scorching summer day, or intentional meditation, a nap can restore us. I remember my mom usedContinue reading “The Art of Napping”

Purpose Without Pressure

Roll out those lazy, hazy, crazy days of summerThose days of soda and pretzels and beer Thanks for those familiar and motivational words, Nat King Cole. When that album was released in 1963, I wonder if he realized what an anthem it would become! On a side note, if you haven’t tried the Kirkland PeanutContinue reading “Purpose Without Pressure”

How random is your kind of kindness?

You learn something new every day. And today I learned that Feb. 17 was Random Acts of Kindness Day. I missed that one. There are a lot of special days to remember, right? If you also missed it, don’t fret. You can make up for it on Nov. 13, which is World Kindness Day. DidContinue reading “How random is your kind of kindness?”

Getting Inked

I finally did it. Yes, I got my second tattoo. It’s a year late, but that’s okay. You see, my first one I got in honor of my 50th birthday. The second was to celebrate turning 65. But for several reasons, it took a year. It was worth the wait. Thanks to Brey at burntmoth.inkContinue reading “Getting Inked”

Mahjong: not for the faint of heart

Who has all the jokers? Where are the bams? I don’t even have a pair! Is this a flower? OMG! These, and many I don’t dare mention, are all common phrases heard around the table. I’m talking about the game of mahjong. No, not the solitaire version you can find online. I’m talking about theContinue reading “Mahjong: not for the faint of heart”

Another Birthday

They say it’s your birthdayIt’s my birthday too, yeahThey say it’s your birthdayWe’re gonna have a good timeI’m glad it’s your birthdayHappy birthday to you (Birthday Song, from The Beatles’ 1968 double album The Beatles, aka The White Album) I’ve always loved this song, and I’ll be singing it all day today. Yes, you guessedContinue reading “Another Birthday”

How does your garden grow?

Mary Mary quite contrary,how does your garden grow?With silver bells and cockleshellsand pretty maids all in a row. Every year when I attempt to plant a garden, this old nursery rhyme plays on repeat in the dark recesses of my mind. And of course, we all know that these historic nursery rhymes are ripe withContinue reading “How does your garden grow?”

The Power of Music

My daughter Adriana recently received her master’s degree (we are so damn proud of her!). Her thesis was about resistance music in Latin America during the Cold War era (1960s-1980s).  As we listened to her defense presentation, I was reminded yet again how important and powerful music is in our lives. Music has been withContinue reading “The Power of Music”

What’s Your Ikigai?

What gets you out of bed every day? In my case, it is two overzealous dogs, and I know what will happen if I don’t get up and at ‘em. Doesn’t mean I always want to. In fact, if they wake me before 8 am, I go back to bed. Especially in the winter. It’sContinue reading “What’s Your Ikigai?”