Recently, I traveled to Sharon Springs, New York at the invitation of my friend Christine, who offered to host a book signing for me. Sharon Springs is a village of 547 people. It’s tucked away between the Catskill and the Adirondack mountains and extends just a half mile in every direction.
A brief conversation on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean became a lesson in life’s endless possibilities.
In the years I was teaching, when parents called to say their child would miss class due to travel, I cheered. Travel introduces us to change, cultures, cuisine, and teaches inclusion as it expands our universe.
In a few days spring arrives. Spring opens the curtains and welcomes a fresh outlook, and a more expansive view comes into focus. With the drapes pulled back on spring, I begin to consider the year’s prospects: a trip, a new view of life, or a detour in nature.
My grandmother would caution us to treat each other as if we were a guest in our own home. She said that kindness was something that we needed to share with our family, not just those who come to visit. I find myself remembering her words when I lose patience with myself. Why not be…
I had lunch with my sister the other day and, as we often do, we talked about growing up together. I am always surprised that our memories are so different. She’ll say, “Do you remember…” I’ll say, “No, but do you remember…: and she’ll say, “No.” Then we’ll laugh, and together we reconstruct our childhood. …
Today as I was getting ready to go to the dentist, my five year-old self showed up, “No, I don’t want to go!” No matter how old we are on the outside, that little person is still there. I’m more comfortable admitting she sometimes makes my decisions than ever before. However, it was my older…