Connecting an Audience in Community

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 →

Putting Gratitude into Action

Last weekend Sara wrote about how practicing gratitude positively impacts our well-being. The recent Thanksgiving holiday served as an opportunity to notice the good, and it helps ground us in appreciation. But gratitude doesn’t have to stop at reflection; it can also be a good motivation for action. Reflecting on the many things we are... Continue Reading →

Poems of Gratitude

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 →

Honoring Veterans

The company where I work, Abbott, sponsored a Veterans Day event on Tuesday that focused on the 25th anniversary of the release of the documentary film They Drew Fire. The film told the story of artists sent to the front in World War II to create art that would help sell U.S. war bonds. In... Continue Reading →

Discovery with Friends

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 →

Helping Our Planet Together 🌍

When it comes to saving our planet, there's no need to wait until spring when Earth Day or World Water Day are recognized. Making sustainable choices should be a year-round commitment, and even small efforts can lead to meaningful impact. At the same time, we all know how hard it can be to create new... Continue Reading →

Halloween Fun 👻🎃

This fall has been so beautiful (and warm!) in my area that I can hardly believe how fast this month is passing by. Halloween is almost here, and I'm reminded daily of all the reasons why I love this holiday, and this season, so dearly. It's as much fun to scare as to be scared.... Continue Reading →

Getting Away Together

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 →

Breast Cancer Awareness

Breast cancer risk was a major topic of discussion at my annual appointment with my gynecologist earlier this year, and she recommended that I see a specialist. That sounded like overkill to me, because I keep up with my routine mammograms and breast exams, which have been healthy in the past. But a few months... Continue Reading →

Reconnecting

Earlier this week as I walked out of my local Starbucks with my mobile order, I made eye contact with a driver pulling out of her parking space. We immediately smiled and waved, recognizing each other as colleagues from the two years I spent working for Northwestern University more than seven years ago. That moment... Continue Reading →

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