Exploring one of life's most valuable gifts
This April marks 25 years since the month was designated Jazz Appreciation Month by the Smithsonian National Museum for American History as a time to celebrate and recognize the unique history and culture of the jazz movement. The goal is to serve as a tribute to this uniquely American art form and to encourage people... Continue Reading →
Earlier this month, I lost my beautiful friend Tracy to melanoma. Tracy and I met in the late 1990s through a mutual friend, and over the years, we shared the ups and downs of professional life, family dynamics, and travel adventures. Tracy was a person whose life radiated outward, continually widening her circle and bringing... Continue Reading →
With St. Patrick's Day coming up this week, you don't have to be Irish to get out and enjoy good times with friends. Many towns have parades and celebrations in honor of their citizens with Irish heritage this weekend. Pubs and restaurants often offer specials. World events may feel a bit grim lately, so taking... Continue Reading →
My sister and I returned from a fabulous journey to Spain's Andalucia region last week. The primary reason for our visit was to view an exhibit at the contemporary art museum in Malaga devoted to the life and work of our father's Uncle Frank, who spent the latter half of his life and career in... Continue Reading →
A few years ago, I was visiting my daughter in Cleveland, Ohio, when we noticed a National Historical Landmark sign planted in the sizeable yard in front of a large brick house in this otherwise urban area. We had been exploring the University Heights neighborhood, right near Case Western Reserve University, where she was a... Continue Reading →
January is a tough month in most of the U.S. Not only is it cold and dark when I start and end my commute each day, but the return to work or school after a holiday break is just hard. Over the years, I’ve relied on a few coping techniques, such as working out more... Continue Reading →
As one of the best-known classical musicians in the world, Yo-Yo Ma has been delighting audiences with his masterful cello performances since he began playing publicly as a child prodigy at five years old. At 70, he is still performing but he has elevated his mission to create shared connection for his audiences beyond a... Continue Reading →
With Thanksgiving coming up this week, I am thinking about gratitude and how important it is to our mental and physical well-being. Julia's post about World Gratitude Day in September referenced an article published by Harvard Medical School discussing how practicing gratitude not only improves our mood but it also can extend our lives. Some... Continue Reading →
When Julia and I visited Milwaukee a few weeks ago for our weekend away together, the final stop on our itinerary before we went our separate ways to travel home was The Milwaukee Art Museum. Julia had been there before, but I had only heard about it from friends and my husband, who swore it... Continue Reading →
Despite the 900+ miles that separate us, Sara and I usually try to connect at least once a week. Sometimes talking, more often texting, we find ways to stay closely connected. But nothing replaces the quality time enjoyed with a friend in person. We both realized we were long overdue for a few days of... Continue Reading →
Language of Friendship 