F. Scott Fitzgerald borrowed the poet’s phrase “Tender is the night” to become the title of his 1934 novel. The term “Bright Star” was taken from one of his poems and used as the title of a 2009 biographical film on the poet’s life. Rachel Carson’s 1962 book “Silent Spring” (on the adverse effects on … Continue reading The Negative We Actually Need Today
Mind Over Body OR Body Over Mind?
For many years I have found the subject of the mind/body connection fascinating. One of the original books on the topic that hooked me goes back to 1987. Minding the Body, Mending the Mind by Dr. Joan Borysenko is still applicable all these years later. In fact, I include the book as suggested reading to … Continue reading Mind Over Body OR Body Over Mind?
A Life’s True Calling
My friend Kimberlee Baer says her response is sometimes a conversation starter. At other times it can bring a conversation to a screeching halt. The question: “What do you do for a living?” Her response: “I’m a licensed funeral director.” Presently most funeral directors are male. The percentages vary depending on a) whether you’re looking … Continue reading A Life’s True Calling
Making Ourselves Sick (with fear)
I rarely write about topical issues mostly because it’s the “stuff” that everyone else is already talking about. If your email inbox is anything like mine, this week you’ve had new mail from your bank, the credit union, your church, the grocery stores, your insurance agent, your children’s school, and any place where you might … Continue reading Making Ourselves Sick (with fear)
My Snobbiest Post Ever
I accidentally realized today that this is my 400th post. This is meaningful to me…that I’ve stuck with writing for my tribe even on those days when I didn’t feel like writing. Thank you to all my readers who subscribe or who like my LiftedUp.us page on Facebook. Just for fun, I Googled “four hundred” … Continue reading My Snobbiest Post Ever
At A Loss For Words
Occasionally that first year after October 2008 I would run into acquaintances who had basically ignored the death of my son. It seemed to be the same routine each time. They would offer up something like, “I’m sorry I didn’t reach out to you when Tim died. I just didn’t know what to say.” That … Continue reading At A Loss For Words
Who Knows What’s Next?
My mother-in-law Rosalie often quipped an adage up to the week before she died at the age of 100: “Old age isn’t for sissies.” QuoteInvestigator.com says that the phrase first appeared in the Reader’s Digest April 1968 magazine, having been submitted to their “Life in the United States” section by a Ruth Hain from California. … Continue reading Who Knows What’s Next?
Love Story x 3
Since it’s Valentine’s Day, I’ll share a trio of love stories. But they may not be what you’re expecting. Barbara Elaine Smith, a beautiful and outgoing African American woman, had two successful careers. As a model in 1976, she was the second black woman to appear on the magazine cover of Mademoiselle. Her modeling work … Continue reading Love Story x 3
How To Not Forget
Several commercials that first aired during this year’s Superbowl have people talking. Google’s Loretta is one that many folks are responding to with deep emotion. The commercial tells the love story between the unnamed man narrating and his late wife Loretta. Obviously elderly, he appears to be fearful of forgetting the details of what their life … Continue reading How To Not Forget
A Peace Page A Day
Last June I gave a dear friend (who at the time had just been diagnosed with ovarian cancer) the gift of a year in the form of a National Geographic book: Daily Peace, 365 Days of Renewal. The book’s jacket encourages readers to “Pause to reflect, enjoy life’s simple pleasures, and renew your spirit with … Continue reading A Peace Page A Day