As a follow-up to a recent column, here’s part deux in the Cheap Thrills series. It is my attempt to help stretch your dollars this summer as our belt-cinching continues. So for your consideration: 1. How about packing a picnic for the park just like they do in the movies? It would surely be cheaper… Read more »
For years I’ve used this space and elsewhere to gush about the joys and benefits of reading. I’ve mentioned favourite writers like Julia Cameron, Joan Barfoot, Carol Shields, and others. I’ve recommended titles of books both fiction and non-fiction that have impacted me and may interest you. I’ve suggested free and affordable ways to get… Read more »
All the financial experts out there agree on one thing: hindsight is the only way to be absolutely sure the recession is over. It is only by looking back at markets, employment numbers, cost of living, inflation/deflation rates, the length of Bernie Madoff’s sentence, the total number of scoundrels charged and convicted, GDP, and political… Read more »
For two or three days I’ve been revamping my office. It started Monday night with the moving of small stuff into the living room, hallway, or bedroom. With Benjamin Moore’s Aura line of paint I knew I could theoretically have two coats cut in and rolled on in a few short hours. Because I played… Read more »
Has a book ever spoken to you? Have you been convinced the author knows you alone and has written something so profound and accurate and timely the little hairs stand up on the back of your neck? Well, it happened to me in the silence of my retreat at Hilary’s condo. I had a suitcase… Read more »
When was the last time you were silent? Or sat in silence? Have you ever spent more than an hour or two without the companionship of the radio or television? Have you ever laid down your cell phone and your iPod? What about non-verbal communication? How long can you go without emailing, Twittering, texting, and… Read more »
A few short hours ago our daughter took off to Tokyo for eight days. As with any mother this draws out conflicting emotions: pride because She’s so worldly at 23; excitement because It’s sure to be a great adventure for her; terror because my baby girl is flying halfway around the world and I can’t… Read more »
On February 28 I began, in earnest, a walking program. You may think I suddenly became aware of the benefits, health and otherwise, and dove right in. You would be wrong. Like many sedentary people I was intellectually aware of all the good reasons to walk and still did nothing. I knew that other than… Read more »
Buckle up; I feel an Andy Rooney-type rant coming on. These are a few things that irk me and I’ve gotta vent. Jon and Kate are having marital trouble. I’ve never watched an episode of their reality show, but do ya think living your life in a fish bowl of worldwide scrutiny could have had… Read more »
Anyone (and everyone) with email has received inspirational, motivational, tear-jerking pieces that tug at the heart strings. Often there is music or poignant images. Way too often there is the exhortation to send this along to ten or 12 people in the next seven minutes. I admit that most of the time I read and… Read more »