Contemplating this question prompted an infusion of FUN in my life, and it can do the same for you too. — Can you recall the joy, lightness, and playfulness in a young child’s heart? Imagine how fun life could be if we maintain these energies inside of us, regardless of chronological age. I believe it’s possible, and here’s one way to do it. Considering what we love about children can reawaken…

How I used them to improve the flow around our home — If you’re like me, you may be left with gaps when you put away your Christmas decorations. Of course, you can reset your home to how it looked before the holidays. Alternatively, you might want to rearrange your decor in a way that’s more functional and attractive. This is an…

Classic Rock Edition — After reading an article by Darren Weir about the top 10 songs that inspire him, I had to ask myself, what are the songs that really get me going, even when I’m feeling down? Which songs energize me? I love music from across six decades and multiple genres. However, I…

Can a pair of twenty-somethings from the F*R*I*E*N*D*S era make romance work? — Hollywood, 1996 Rob and I returned from getting drinks to discover that our friends had passed a vote. By unanimous decision, all present said “Aye,” and it was ratified that we should be together as a couple. Except we, the ‘couple’ in question, weren’t present. “Excuse me, what just happened here?” I…

How I survived a wedding wipeout, an off-limits offering, and a somewhat sloppy smooch — Natalia’s Wedding, 1999 We’ve all had ideas that sounded good at the time but didn’t pan out as well as we imagined. That’s what happened when I paired my skin-tight satin bridesmaid’s dress with mega-high heels. It was my vain attempt to blend in with an exceptionally tall wedding party — comprised chiefly…

What am I now, chopped liver? — Everyone knows Elsa’s my cat. She chose me. I’m her person. Or so I thought. Now I see just how fickle she is! For five years my husband’s maintained that he doesn’t like the cats. But I’ve been on to his ruse for a while. First, I caught him petting…

Musings and Big Island Dreams 1/3/23 — Heavenly shades of night Under an indigo dome In my heart of hearts This island is my home Lightly sunburned skin Soothed by a cooling breeze Buzzing of cicadas Bo-peep of frogs in trees Sandals padding softly Across the golf course turf Rustling of lithe palm fronds Rush of swooshing…

It is well with my soul — Prompt: What does well-being mean to you? I’m well. I’m doing well. Well, not bad; I guess things are OK. Well, well, well, what have we here? Well…hmmm. Well, I don’t know. Tricky word, well! Is well is as well does? Or is well a state of being? If we’re…

Celebrating a milestone and sharing how I’ve expanded my reach within Medium and beyond — Welcome to my 102nd post on Medium! I launched my blog in March of 2022. It’s been a cross between a rocketship ride and a slow burn. Had I known in the beginning what I know now, I might have jetted more rapidly. Fortunately for me, it’s about the journey…