Things I've been thinking
Five pointers for doing business better
Some days, I wonder about people. I wonder if we’ve forgotten all method and manner of decorum—if we’ve lost all means to effectively communicate with one other. I wonder if we know how to conduct ourselves as business men and women, as friends, and even as human beings—or if we’ve […]
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The magic of eight jumbo crayons
A recent trip to a superstore found me lamenting the outlandish school supply lists that students are given at the beginning of a new year. The short list is typically a 24-pack of Ticonderoga pencils (that’s right, Ticonderoga, please), 12 washable markers, 2 jumbo bottles of hand sanitizer, a 12-count […]
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Lessons from the road: strangers trump technology
Since they moved to Maryland a couple of years ago, Colton and I journey east every summer to spend a week with my daughter and son-in-law. Last year, we made the trip old school and relied on paper maps to lead the way. Off we went, through the backroads of […]
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On daredevils, adventures and rites of passage
Colton is the daredevil of the family. I’m not sure where he gets it —certainly not from me—but I’m convinced daredevilism (is that a real word?) must be a part of one’s DNA. Once you have it, it’s hard to shake. As is the memory of one of Colton’s most […]
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What our photo streams say about us
Humor me, won’t you? Pull out your phone and look at your photo stream. What do your most recent photos say about your life? Do they leave you feeling excited and ready to plan your next great adventure? Are you filled with memories and good times of days gone by? […]
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Lessons from pesto
I use to have pipe dreams of growing a big garden every year. In this pipe dream I’d plant tomatoes and cucumbers and onions and carrots. I’d wear a cute little sundress and coordinating hat as I toiled in the soil. I’d write books like, The Thoughtful Gardener or You say […]
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What test-taking and distilling have in common
Every now and then, we all experience something that reminds us of childhood. Maybe it’s the smell of a long forgotten scent, or the sound of a favorite song on the radio. For me, it’s the angst that comes with having to take a test. And it was the latter […]
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How I was almost a Jello wrestler
When was the last time you freed your mind? I mean really let your thoughts go to the point you didn’t have a care in the world? For me, it was last week. After procrastinating for a year and a half, I finally made it to the float tank for […]
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What I learned from a three-layer cake
Last weekend, I helped my mom make one of her signature desserts—a decadently rich and wonderful triple-layer chocolate cake. A cake so good that several family members fight for ownership, claiming that Nan (my mom) created it especially for them. My kids are among those fighting for dibs. And because […]
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