On Different Realities
Where we used to live, we had a neighbor whom we considered a friend. He had a key to our house, we watched each other’s cats during travel, his family … Continue reading On Different Realities
Category: Reflections
On the “New Normal”
Lately, our theme seems to be “almost normal.” My kids have started going back to in-person orchestra rehearsals, which is “normal” by pre-pandemic standards while being infused with pandemic modifications: … Continue reading On the “New Normal”
A Rose by Any Other Name
People have opinions about my name. I’ve known this from the time I was a little kid. Grown-ups would say, “What a beautiful name!” and I would say, “Thank you,” … Continue reading A Rose by Any Other Name
Strangely Specific
Whenever we walk through the cemetery, I make my way to this particular headstone. The inscription intrigues me. I can understand the willow tree, but I wonder what prompted Jacob’s parents—assuming they chose the … Continue reading Strangely Specific
The Armful
I’m not as big a poetry person as I think I ought to be, but sometimes I come across a poem that just speaks to me. Who knew Robert Frost felt … Continue reading The Armful
Not From Around Here
“What wad are you in?” asked the constable at our polling place. “Excuse me?” asked my spouse, leaning in closer. “Tell me your street name, and I’ll tell you your … Continue reading Not From Around Here
Selfie-loathing
“Just like a mom! You take all of these pictures, and you’re never in any of them!” said my friend Linda on a hike one chilly morning. So I bowed … Continue reading Selfie-loathing
The Romance of Thirty-Eight
My third-grade teacher, Miss Kowalik, let me stay inside at recess and sort mimeographs and read instead of facing the chaos of the playground. She introduced me to creative writing and taught me how to … Continue reading The Romance of Thirty-Eight
Feline Farewell
The vet’s estimate was that Maurice had two to four months. Two weeks later I sat with my cat on my lap, sobbing and hugging my crying daughter with my free arm, and … Continue reading Feline Farewell
A Multitude of Thanks
A few days ago, my post about my brother Josh was featured on Freshly Pressed. Many of you know this because, best I can tell, many of you are here as … Continue reading A Multitude of Thanks
The Bright Side of Winter
This is the time of year when I have trouble remembering all of the very good reasons that I don’t live in California anymore. To distract myself from California dreaming, … Continue reading The Bright Side of Winter
Vulnerability and Shame
My friend Linda shared with me two TED talks by Brené Brown, one about vulnerability and one about shame. I listened to both while my daughter read in her room and my … Continue reading Vulnerability and Shame
Imperfect Happiness 