Exploring one of life's most valuable gifts
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 →
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 →
The longer days and warmer weather of the summer season offer many opportunities to create new memories with friends. Sara and I have written before about this treasured time of year when we can spend more time outdoors with friends, bringing us closer to nature and each other. Whether it’s a leisurely walk through the... 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 →
Women's sports are having a moment. Along with over 14 million people, I witnessed Iowa’s victory over UConn in the recent Women's NCAA Final Four tournament. It was the most-watched women’s basketball game of all time and the largest audience ever for an ESPN basketball broadcast. As the daughter of a proud Iowa alum, it... Continue Reading →
This month marks three years since Julia and I started this blog to explore topics related to friendship. So far, we've produced about 160 posts, a few of which have been republished by other outlets and one of which went viral. We have made a few podcast episodes and conducted one original survey. Our viewers... Continue Reading →
February has long been associated with hearts. Valentine’s Day dates back centuries, with some origin stories going back as far as the 5th century. So, when former President Lyndon Johnson, a sufferer of heart disease, wanted to raise awareness about heart health, it’s fitting that he selected February to be heart month. In the fifty... Continue Reading →
Enjoying a delicious meal with a friend is not merely one of life's great pleasures; it can also be an important outlet for reducing stress, fostering social connection and making heathier food choices. According to a recent survey by the American Heart Association, 67% of respondents reported that eating with others reminded them how important... Continue Reading →
A year well lived. Those words graced the front of the 2023 holiday card that my mom sent to dozens of friends and family members late last year. My mom, Wilma, always loved sending and receiving holiday cards and embraced the trend of cards filled with family photos and an update on the family milestones.... Continue Reading →
January has become one of my favorite months. The frenetic pace and stress of the holidays has ended and the days are finally starting to lengthen, if just a bit. It’s also time for fresh starts. I’ve found that when I view January with a sense of possibility, it allows me to prioritize what I... Continue Reading →
