Category: Uncategorized

Challenging the Challenge: Why I Passed on the #challengeaccepted

When Instagram began to fill up with black-and-white photos of women tagged #challengeaccepted, I googled it. The lead article mentioned some female country singers promoting natural beauty - no makeup/hair, no special lighting or filters, no glam, just women being themselves. Women supporting women being real women. But that wasn't what came across my Instagram … Continue reading Challenging the Challenge: Why I Passed on the #challengeaccepted

Reading: July 2020 Pt2

I normally read a lot on vacation, and this year I didn't even have to pack and travel to accomplish that "more than usual" book consumption. Staying home I had more time than ever! Book titles link to Amazon for more info + easy purchasing. Please note: As an Amazon Associate, I may earn from … Continue reading Reading: July 2020 Pt2

As the Rattle Shakes: All’s Well that Ends with the Rattler Relocated

The first time I personally encountered a rattlesnake we were hiking the trail to the top of Yosemite Falls in Yosemite Valley. Not the gentle walk to the bottom of Lower Yosemite Falls, but the Serious Hike to the top. If I’d read in advance descriptions of the hours of strenuous switchbacks, I would have … Continue reading As the Rattle Shakes: All’s Well that Ends with the Rattler Relocated

Who Will Be the Good Samaritan?

When someone tells you they’ve been hurt, you wouldn’t tell them they haven’t.When someone shares with you about their experience, you wouldn’t tell them that can’t have happened because you have a different experience. When a whole group of people tell us they’ve been hurt, a compassionate response involves listening.When a whole group of people … Continue reading Who Will Be the Good Samaritan?

Reading: July 2020 pt1

Nothing like a global pandemic to shut down summer travel! During a typical summer, we would spend a week on the Monterey coast. We would probably also get away for some camping or to visit family. Guy and Q16 had reservations for a Scout bike trek in Maui, and Q would also have gone to … Continue reading Reading: July 2020 pt1

My Days of Wine & Movies

Yesterday marked what would have been the third anniversary of my first shift working at the sweetest little wine bar. Three years and one week ago, I arrived at the bar for the first time to attend a private party in honor of a friend. Some months earlier, I had seen an ad that the … Continue reading My Days of Wine & Movies

Sorry, Not Sorry

We were on vacation, lounging about as appropriate. The teen had fallen back asleep on our bed where he had retreated to get some alone-time from the parentals. Guy and I were reading quietly side-by-side in the living room with the patio door open to allow the breeze to circulate, and wind through the quivering … Continue reading Sorry, Not Sorry

Family Traditions: Breakfast of Champions

Have you ever surprised yourself with a family tradition you didn’t recognize as such until you discovered yourself in the middle of it for the bazillionth time? Last weekend we got away for a few days in Tahoe. We like to stay in places that have a kitchen so we can prepare at least a … Continue reading Family Traditions: Breakfast of Champions

Reading: June 2020

In May I finally got around to reading Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. The song the Oompa-Loompas sing in response to TV-obsessed Mike Teavee shrinking when he is the first human "sent by television" caught my attention: How used they keep themselves contentedBefore this monster [TV] was invented?Have you forgotten? Don't you know?We'll say it … Continue reading Reading: June 2020

Mid-Year Goal Check-In

Think back to New Year's Eve 2019. We had no idea what this year held in store... Of course, we never know the future, but December 31, 2019 feels almost like another lifetime, doesn't it? Still, did you set any intentions for the year? I made a Not-20 for 2020 List, and thought I'd revisit … Continue reading Mid-Year Goal Check-In