Listening to all the speeches at both the Republican and Democratic conventions and then watching as
Hillary Clinton accepted the Democratic nomination for President of the United States, it suddenly hit me: How, when it comes to family, I won the lottery.
My maternal grandmother was one of nine children, four boys and five girls. They were all open-minded, tolerant accepting and opinionated at a time when that was not so common. They came by it honestly enough, my great Continue reading
Last week I wrote about the sorry state of the world. Ironically, at around the same time I was feeling overwhelmed by it all, a ‘gratitude’ challenge was making 
the rounds on Facebook. It was really interesting, and inspiring, to see what people were sharing.
I’ve been thinking about it ever since — and about the coincidence of the timing — and realize it’s for an important reason; and it carries an important message: No matter how bad or challenging life may seem we must acknowledge the good, what is working, what’s right, what’s positive.
Which doesn’t mean to say we should stop questioning, or paying attention or ignore what’s wrong or never feel sad or turn our backs on those who need our compassion and help. But we do have to learn to be grateful, to thank our lucky stars.
In my case, there’s a lot to be thankful for. Starting with the fact I woke up today. I know that sounds cliche, Continue reading
You all know I went out Thursday night. For dinner, and to hear some live music. It was fabulous. But the only downside is, it kept me up all night. Sounds 
strange, I know, but it’s true.
When you’re there, in person, watching and listening it’s really energizing. You’re in the moment. You have no idea what time it is, nor do you care. You’re pumped. The adrenaline is just coursing through your body. You could stay there all night. You could dance all night. And I suppose the fact you’re drinking also has a little something to do with it.
All I know is, as I sat there, in that lounge, I had more energy than I’ve had in a long time. Which was great. Except there was no sleeping for me when I got home.
First off, I was totally wide awake. I tried going to bed not long after I got home, at around 11:30. I was Continue reading
I did it for years. At some point around this time of year, I’d think back over the past eleven months. Shake my head, ‘tsk tsking’ at all the things I’d wanted to do, 
but didn’t. I’d pat myself on the back for whatever I had managed to get done. Being the kind-hearted person I am, I’d forgive myself for my transgressions. Then I’d revel in all my ‘triumphs’.
You know what comes next, don’t ya? I’d start making ‘the list’. The new list. Next year’s.
The list. You know. “This year I’m going to lose twenty pounds. This year I’ll stop smoking. This year I’ll clean out the garage. This year I’ll be a better friend. This year I’ll leave that lying, cheating s.o.b. This year I’ll finally learn to speak Italian. This year I’ll get a better job. This year we’ll finish the basement. This year I’ll save some money. This year I’ll finally take that vacation.”
We’ve all done it. We’ve all made those lists.
But. How many of us can honestly cross each ‘promise’ off our lists? Done. Tick. Done. Tick. Done. Tick. Done. Tick.
Not me. You? You don’t have to tell me, if you don’t want to. Hell, you don’t even have to admit it to yourself. All Continue reading
365 And Counting 