I’ve been thinking a lot about happiness lately. No, I’m not in the midst of an existential crisis and yes, everything is okay. I’ve been thinking about happiness because with the new year approaching lots of people are talking about their New Year’s resolutions and asking me what I’d like to be different in the new year.
What the Toddler Taught Me
I’ve been thinking a lot about happiness lately. No, I’m not in the midst of an existential crisis and yes, everything is okay. I’ve been thinking about happiness because with the new year approaching lots of people are talking about their New Year’s resolutions and asking me what I’d like to be different in the new year.
By the Lights
Things are different out in the valley. There’s a lot of land, which means lots of driving between Points A and B. For example, to get to my childhood home you would literally have to go over the river and through the woods, cross a mountain, and keep your eyes peeled for deer, possums, and sometimes stray livestock along the way. The drive can range from relaxing to devastating, depending on the weather and time of day.
A Cure For Holiday Cynicism
The holiday season can be a tricky time of the year. Yes, it’s a season of giving and togetherness, of sharing good times, good food, and gifts with those we care about, and these are all wonderful things. But all this comes at a price. It takes planning, organizing, budgeting, and usually some amount of baking to successfully navigate the holidays. It’s enough to stress out even the most “perfect” Martha Stewarts among us. Even if you don’t observe the holidays, all this is happening around you and usually demands some sort of participation – or worse, an explanation of […]
Thanksgiving and Survival
These days everything’s political, including Thanksgiving. It doesn’t take much research or study to know that there’s more to the Thanksgiving story than we were taught as children. A condensed history would suggest that the Pilgrims were terrible guests in a new land, stealing from and even slaughtering the Native Americans whose lands the Pilgrims claimed for themselves. As such, modern day Thanksgiving can bring with it an icky sense of guilt that makes some wonder if we should still be celebrating a holiday with such a sordid past.
Risky Business
Project T407 and Tori Amos I spend a lot of time and energy avoiding risky situations. I always look both ways before crossing the street; I don’t drive fast; I wear sensible shoes. Maybe this makes me boring, but it also keeps me safe and, for the most part, happy. I think a lot of us fall into this pattern as we get older, which is why when we do anything out of the ordinary it’s a cause for celebration. On these occasions we remember that in trying to keep things consistent by avoiding lows, we also sometimes miss out […]
‘Me Too’ and the Tipping Point
When the allegations of sexual abuse against Harvey Weinstein made headlines, part of me wanted to be shocked and surprised. When the “Me Too” campaign took off shortly after, with countless survivors of sexual harassment, abuse, and violence posting “me too” on social media, I again wished that I was shocked, either by the number of posts or the fact that I personally know so many survivors. But the truth is, I wasn’t.
Seeking the Snallygaster
Maryland’s Infamous Monster For as long as I can remember I’ve been a collector of stories. I like learning new things about people, places, and things (ok, just nouns in general), and it’s rare that I hear a story that I deem completely insignificant or unworthy of remembering. That said, my love of stories is much like an addiction: each story ups my tolerance, leaving me wanting more. I’ve harvested and collected hundreds, thousands, of stories over the years, always in search of a new favorite. That’s why I was surprised to learn that a centuries-old story has been quietly […]
Domestic Safety
October is Domestic Violence Awareness month. Many people think of domestic violence as physical brutality but it is much more than that. The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence defines domestic violence as “the willful intimidation, physical assault, battery, sexual assault, and/or other abusive behavior as part of a systematic pattern of power and control perpetrated by one intimate partner against another. It includes physical violence, sexual violence, threats, and emotional abuse.”
Keep Your Cool!
Summer is upon us! Pride celebrations, picnics, days at the beach – all under the beating sun. Heat related illnesses – heat exhaustion and heat stroke– are serious medical situations. Know the symptoms: Heat exhaustion could include some or all of the following: fatigue, nausea, headache, excessive thirst, muscle cramps, weakness, confusion or anxiety, drenching sweats, often accompanied by cold, clammy skin, slowed or weakened heartbeat, dizziness, fainting, or agitation.