Let’s play the game, “Never have I ever”… Never have I ever visited a gravesite on a yearly basis. At 53 years-old I have never visited the gravesite of a loved one on a yearly basis. Why not? It’s a fair question and I’ll give you three answers. For starters, although my parents could have…… Continue reading Lost Tradition
It was strangely cathartic. We all gathered one Saturday in the month of March to clean my mother-in-law’s house; my husband, his two brothers, my sister-in-law and myself. We laced up our sneakers, donned our work clothes, and banished ourselves to the basement, garage, and attic until the job was done. Since his passing, one…… Continue reading Cleaning Catharsis
If you had only one day to spend in New York City, what would you do? Dine out via “Yelp” help, shop at Saks and Tiffany’s, get tickets to a Broadway show? So many choices, so little time. Here’s what our one February day looked like. Times Square Diner A hearty breakfast at the Time…… Continue reading One day in NYC
It took almost three years, but I finally made good on a Christmas present way overdue; a glass blowing workshop with my 25-year-old son Joshua. A few years ago, I had come across a local glass blowing artisan, Peter Ridabock, who offered various workshops to eager students interested in learning how to mold glass into…… Continue reading Sweet Hearts
We have a friendly pair of bar stools waiting for us at the end of each week. We have selectively weaned out those stools in our favorite watering holes that do not offer us optimum space, premium access to the bartender, and the most satisfying ambience. Of course, we can adjust if need be, but…… Continue reading Bar stool anthology
We couldn’t get out of the car fast enough; flying effortlessly up the steep cement steps and into the house where hugs and Christmas greetings welcomed us. A shot of brown liquor was ceremoniously thrust into my father’s hand. We added our coats to the mounding pile and breathed in deeply; the smells of my…… Continue reading Simply the best
I’ve been cleaning! Yup, it’s like I’m nesting, but I’m not. It all started in the kitchen one day, and then successfully moved to the cellar, various closets, and culminated with an attack of the ever popular under bed storage containers. Needless to say, it takes time and a strong will to clean out properly;…… Continue reading What would you say?
The sound bellowed through the house like an angry swarm of bees; she could not ignore the call. She walked with purpose from one end of the house to the other; she was not afraid. Once she entered the room, she forcefully pulled the door open and retrieved the rascal from its warm cocoon. This…… Continue reading The unruly one
Two small salmon swivel rockers sat in front of the family room window. For the last ten years of her life, I took up residence in one of those chairs, listening intently as she reminisced about the past and asking questions about her youth. That swivel seat afforded me time to know her not only as my grandmother, but as a…… Continue reading Front row seat
I pushed the heavy door open, slowly, and a bit reluctantly. The room was somber and devoid of sunlight. I could see my aunt caressing my grandmother’s thin white hand while gently cradling her face with the other. My grandmother appeared strained, tired, absent. I gingerly walked into the room finding my place at her bedside. She…… Continue reading Behind that door
Pretty Mama Cares 