Exploring one of life's most valuable gifts
I was first introduced to Ed Sheeran’s music more than a decade ago and immediately became a fan. The lyrics for many of his songs tell stories; some sad, others uplifting. Supermarket Flowers, written about his late grandmother’s illness and passing, was released a year after my dad died in 2016 and I appreciated how... Continue Reading →
Every time I log into my Netflix account, a bunch of recommendations pop up for shows and movies that the company's algorithm tells me I would like. I usually don't pay much attention, because I am almost always already equipped with a running list of recommendations from my friends and family. Call me old school,... Continue Reading →
Summer reading season is here, and my shelves are piled high with books that I'm hoping to enjoy this season. If you are looking to expand your summer reading list, we've complied a list of novels related to our theme of friendship. We have specifically chosen titles that are not fresh-off-the-presses, so that you'll have... Continue Reading →
Summer in the Midwest is something we look forward to most of the year, but the season can feel fleeting. After a busy month of May, I hope to find some time this holiday weekend to pause and set some intentions for the season ahead. Despite long days, summer can pass by quickly. Without some... Continue Reading →
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 →
If you were a teenager in the 1980s, chances are you were crushing on at least one of the members of the "Brat Pack," that intriguing group of actors that kept showing up in the hottest movies of that time: The Breakfast Club, Pretty in Pink, Sixteen Candles and St. Elmo's Fire. Those movies are... 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 →
As Sara wrote last week, winter has a way of narrowing our worlds, with cold days and dark nights making cozying up on the sofa with a blanket preferable to venturing out. I also find this season invites reflection. While I’ve settled into a post-holiday routine, I’m still thinking about the year ahead and how... 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 →
Language of Friendship 