Exploring one of life's most valuable gifts
A former schoolmate of mine this week sent a few of us who grew up together a relic from our past. He had unearthed an intact copy of our junior high newspaper in his dad's basement. After scanning the black-and-white, primitive-looking pages, he contacted us through a Facebook group message with the PDF attached. He... Continue Reading →
This week I unexpectedly attended two funerals. The first was for the 88-year-old father of a close college friend. Her father was a very successful businessman, who had found time to call his daughter daily. She will certainly miss him dearly. The second funeral was for the 23-year-old daughter of a local friend. When illness... Continue Reading →
Even when you're relocating for the best of reasons—such as accepting a new job or moving into a dream house—it can feel extremely isolating. Leaving established friends and neighbors behind and building new routines in an unfamiliar place can feel insurmountable in the beginning. But, with a little patience, persistence and strategic planning, you are... Continue Reading →
Every so often I get together with a group of 10 or so local friends for a night out. By the time we pick a date and a restaurant that everyone can agree on, numerous texts have flown back and forth. With the many logistics to sort through, we sometimes feel more annoyed than excited... Continue Reading →
Today marks the passing of 23 years since the vile and senseless terrorist attacks that resulted in the murder of nearly 3,000 innocent souls and exponentially more lives that were altered forever that day. We will never forget the victims and their loved ones who continue to cope with their losses. Of joys departed, not... Continue Reading →
Labor Day is a holiday honoring the sacrifices of American workers. Its timing as the first Monday in September also signifies the unofficial end of the summer season. Here in New England, the air is already starting to feel crisp in the evenings. Before we know it, the scent of pumpkin spice lattes will be... Continue Reading →
My best cooking ideas have often come from friends and family. Comparing notes on food habits, sharing traditions and exchanging recipes is not only a great way to improve your culinary skills, but it also can be very bonding. Food is our common ground, a universal experience. James Beard Julia and I have collected a... Continue Reading →
Have you ever been inspired by a friend to try something new? I'm not talking about the kind of peer pressure your younger self may have experienced back in high school that led to bad decision-making. I'm talking about being inspired by someone you care about to broaden your horizons in a positive way. Last... Continue Reading →
Ben Affleck and Matt Damon were among the famous friends on our radar when Julia and I first started brainstorming ideas for the Language of Friendship back in 2021. We found their story interesting because these two high school buddies have remained friends personally and collaborators professionally over the decades, despite their fame. We also... Continue Reading →
I recently finished reading Kristin Hannah's fascinating new book "The Women" after it was recommended by a neighbor who had served our country as a helicopter pilot in Vietnam when he was 21 years old. This neighbor is one of the kindest individuals I've ever met, and I was very interested in the book because... Continue Reading →
Language of Friendship 