In all the years I’ve written about weight issues, I’ve never addressed the “compliment.” I thought I had, but I checked the archives and, nope, not a word. I know I’ve had that conversation with all of you before, but it was a conversation only in my head, apparently. It’s been a while since I’ve … Continue reading The Fine Line Between Compliment and Judgement
“Hope”ful New Year!
I woke to a poem in my inbox this morning, January 1, a day of hope and possibility. At least that’s how it’s marketed. I’m optimistically cautious by nature, and I don’t believe in much, especially fate, destiny or divine intervention. Each of us has the potential to act in accord with our innate goodness. … Continue reading “Hope”ful New Year!
Looking Back… (kind of the Get-Outta-My-Yard-You-Damn-Kids version)
While December 31, 2019 is not technically the end of the decade, it is the end of the 20teens, and despite my fussiness about calendar time (which is arbitrary anyway), I was still drawn to a question someone posted on Twitter a few weeks ago: “As we near the end of the decade, what is … Continue reading Looking Back… (kind of the Get-Outta-My-Yard-You-Damn-Kids version)
Firsts (the Holiday edition)
Last weekend, two of my four grandkids came to stay for a few nights – the oldest, Claire, who is 12, and the youngest, Audrey, who is 6. I live in a small house with only one spare bed in my office, a twin, and an air mattress for company. With floor space at a … Continue reading Firsts (the Holiday edition)
Remembering 9-11
I wrote this column a week after the 9-11 attacks in 2001, when I worked for The Clarion News. Reading it again today, on the 18th anniversary, I vividly recall the fear, confusion, sadness, and anger almost everyone in this country felt that day. Some things you can never not feel or see no matter … Continue reading Remembering 9-11
Judgy McJudger Chooses the Carrot over the Whip
“We cannot judge ourselves into improvement. It doesn’t work.” Tara Brach Yesterday, I did something I don’t usually do, mostly because I forget it’s the better, kinder thing. I made a pact with myself that if I vacuumed the house, made the bed, and cleaned the toilet, that I would reward myself by starting a … Continue reading Judgy McJudger Chooses the Carrot over the Whip
Pain Is NOT an Identity
Physical pain is something most of us don’t like to talk about in public, or even among friends and family. I mean, seriously, who wants to be that person? Most people wouldn’t believe you anyway if you told them you hurt pretty much all the time, and it’s not easy to brace against the look … Continue reading Pain Is NOT an Identity
Laid Bare By a Questionnaire
Talking to a stranger about ourselves can (sometimes) be fun at a party or on a first date; cathartic when the stranger is receptive or being paid to listen; marginally OK/not OK standing in line at the grocery store; and downright disconcerting when the inquiry is particularly personal and your life kinda sorta depends on … Continue reading Laid Bare By a Questionnaire
There Is Always an Otherwise
It’s early afternoon, and I write this propped up in my bed, listening to it rain…again…with my little dog Zuzu curled up at my side. Next to her is my tablet, in case I want to read or watch a show; my latest journal, which has some angry entries of late; my phone; and the … Continue reading There Is Always an Otherwise
“Vietnam Coffee Cans” and Other Childhood Memories
I was born in Minneapolis in 1963, when the tallest building in Minnesota was still the Foshay Tower; Harmon Killebrew and the Twins, and Fran Tarkenton and the Vikings played ball at Metropolitan Stadium; the Guthrie Theater opened; and Hubert Humphrey was a senator. Several famous people share my birth year: Johnny Depp, Tori Amos, … Continue reading “Vietnam Coffee Cans” and Other Childhood Memories
