A few of my favorite things…

I’m a fan of books and libraries. When compared to the severe impacts of Covid which affected almost everyone and everything, losing access to the library sounds petty. But for me, books have provided an oasis from the bad news — medical crises, economic devastation, and hopes & dreams quashed or postponed. The proliferation of…

Grab him by the ballots…

What a time! With Halloween this weekend, and followed by Election Day… It’s hard to know which is scarier. Halloween, celebrated each year on October 31st, has predictable features — skeletons, monsters, masks, and treats (similarities seemingly shared with political office holders). The Halloween tradition started with Samhain, an ancient Celtic fire festival at the…

The Sound of Kids Playing Together

With some schools open and everyone walking on edge trying to navigate these rough pandemic waters, it is such a joy to see children playing together again. Walking the tight rope between preventing transmission of COVID, preventing social isolation, stunted development of social skills and loneliness, schools are cautiously open, most with a hybrid between…

Right in front of your nose

When we lived in Tampa, a hurricane was forecast. The usual buildup preceded its arrival: shopping for essential supplies, securing potential projectiles, monitoring evacuation orders. We were aware of the predictions about the storm’s timing, path and strength but planned to shelter in place. My husband’s impending deployment took precedence over the weather.  When we…