Forty Nine Octobers
In my forty ninth October I learned my first name is acronym of my grandmother’s full name. Something I probably knew, but forgot I knew. Something about someone I don’t remember, but whose DNA I carried and passed on.
Bookshelf: July-Sept. 2025
I’ve read a lot of great books this quarter; the blog photo does not do the list justice. Reader friends, I’m always open to suggestions, too.
Conversations, Connections, and Candy Corn
Some days, the unplanned turns into the meant-to-be, with connections woven through the fabric of hours. Unexpected meaningful conversations pull me deeper into my thoughts through the day.
For the Love of a Cup of Coffee
The coffee, and especially the kindness, brightened my morning and my time in that waiting room.
Bookshelf: April-June 2025
How is it already July? I’ve had a lot going on (daughter’s wedding among other things) but I still managed to read some great books. See if any of these might appeal to you.
The Day I Went to the Principal’s Office
Indeed, we were going to the principal’s office! It wasn’t the first time, and it won’t be the last. This school and this principal are special.
Real Life – April 2025
What is a month? A blip of time that passes all too quickly.
Bookshelf: Jan – March 2025
I love a new pile of Christmas gifts/books. My list this year was mostly older books by authors I have recently enjoyed and want to explore further. My TBR stack is a mix, so here goes:
Bookshelf: Oct – Dec 2024
It's the end of another year of good reading, with anticipation of a treasure trove of new books and authors in 2025. Check out my final selections for 2024.
Thoughts in the Dark Before the Stars
Twice in my life, I have voted for a smart, strong woman to be president of the United States.
Bookshelf July-Sept 2024
You may recognize some authors I've enjoyed before in this list, and please know the photo is just a sample of books I had nearby. A couple of this quarter's favorites were Sisters Under the Rising Sun, The Hours, and Hold My Girl.
Proud to be from Miami
For all her flaws, there’s nothing quite like the city of Miami. Indeed, I feel privileged I was brought up on an amalgam of sights and sounds you can’t get from one singular place anywhere else in the world.
Bookshelf April-June 2024
As busy as it was, the crossover from spring to summer made for some good reading. The best of the bunch this quarter was A Great Country, which was no surprise based on my reactions to her previous novels. What books have you loved recently?
Year-Round Pride
We were all just people there. June may be Pride Month, but pride and support are year-round.
My Civic Duty…aka Jury Experience
Just after noon, I found myself being sworn in to a jury panel for the first time. For an expected 3 -4-day trial. We all groaned a little when we heard that.
A Camp Like No Other
The counselors and volunteers who work directly with the children do amazing and heartfelt things to help these children grieve and grow.
Bookshelf: Jan – March 2024
The first of the year brought a stack of new books to enjoy, along with anticipation of new releases. But how is it already April, and I've read those and more? Guess I have to wait until my birthday and Mother's Day for more. (Just kidding.)
The Nicest Thing Anyone Ever Said to Me
Words. No trophy more significant; no weapon more powerful. Nothing with more capacity to change the world.
Full Circle, Friend
As my dear friend Sharon reminded me, “You don’t always realize you’re making memories when you are.”
A Skirt with Tattered Edges
I had my first dream of motherhood in my childhood bed Knew the weight of a distended belly, when I woke my braids were soaked in a cold sweat I saw birthday candles melt, hair turning gray, my blood turning boy into man And I never saw my mom that morning in the kitchen ever the same way again —— Being a woman means knowing the world’s dying, but
Bookshelf: Oct – Dec 2023
The final quarter leading to Christmas and hopefully, a new stack of books, but several of these were real standouts for the year.
Another Ending, Another Beginning
As 2023 draws to a close, I’m filled with deep contentment. For me, it’s not just “jolly holiday” happiness either. It’s more of a “what do I have not to be happy about?” feeling.
My Era of Hearing Aids
Why are hearing aids so different, seemingly a harbinger of old age? Truth: I’ve been wearing hearing aids for more than a month now.
Bookshelf: July – Sept. 2023
Book lover friends: I read some truly wonderful books this quarter. The first and last were particular standouts, but half a dozen of those in-between were excellent.