Exploring one of life's most valuable gifts
On this Father’s Day, we pause to honor the steadfast presence that so many fathers, and father figures, bring to our lives. They’re the early morning alarm clocks, the after-hours homework helpers, and in the case of my dad, the person who always made sure my car was full of gas. Dads teach us resilience... Continue Reading →
October 7, 2023, was a devastating day, kicking off a protracted war in the Middle East, with 251 people taken captive by Hamas. People around the world have been praying for the safe return of the hostages and a resolution to the violent conflict. The January 2025 cease-fire agreement between Israel and Hamas has led... Continue Reading →
Friendships can develop in the most unexpected places and circumstances, proving that human connections can transcend differences. I was reminded of that on Thanksgiving when I read an article about the ‘Thanksgiving Grandma’ and the young man she met in 2016 when she mistakenly texted him, thinking she was messaging her grandson about Thanksgiving. Despite... Continue Reading →
November is a month that can elicit mixed emotions. It begins with the end of daylight savings time, and night falling before most Americans leave work. Veterans Day falls a week or so later, a time of solemnity and remembrance when we honor those who have served our country. And then Thanksgiving comes, later in... 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 →
Summer can feel like a gift, but also a bit like a tease. Once it's finally and reliably warm enough by July 4 to plan a beach outing in the Chicago area, we have to face the fact that summer is nearly half over. Still, summer is easily our favorite time of year here at... Continue Reading →
Father’s Day is this weekend, an annual celebration of the dads and father figures who shape our lives. There are many ways to recognize the everyday heroes who quietly helped raise us, and then guide us through adulthood. For me and Sara, we’ve shared in our writing the impact our own dads have on our... Continue Reading →
May is always a big month for celebrating milestones, such as college graduations and the unofficial start of summer. Now, it also will be the anniversary month for me and my new husband, Mark! Last weekend, Mark and I got married in a small ceremony witnessed by our families and a few dear friends. Keeping... Continue Reading →
Today is the day of the year designated for celebrating moms and mother figures. I've written before about how the day can elicit the range of emotions, and Julia and I both have recognized the value our own cherished moms have brought into our lives. My mother is a walking miracle. --Leonardo DiCaprio However you... Continue Reading →
My mom turned 80 this past week, and she knew exactly how she wanted to celebrate. She organized a luncheon with a few of her local friends at an adorable tea house not far from where she now lives with my dad on beautiful Cape Cod. Although she has not lived on the Cape for... Continue Reading →
