Aug 3, 2019This little light of mineSometimes the darkness overtakes us — We are all darkness and light. Sometimes the darkness overtakes us. But from birth we are light. We do things, we experience things and sometimes they seem to overtake the light, but they don’t. We just get to a place where we can’t see it; we can’t see the tiny…Life3 min read
Jun 29, 2019Member-onlyTo My Daughter on Her 18th BirthdayToday I get to reflect on the miles you’ve traversed to get here; terrestrial and spiritual. — Some miles have been longer and more excruciating than others. At times you’ve been abandoned to walk alone, other legs you were surrounded by friends and family who love you. Supporters cheered from the sidelines, others threw rocks to deter you and block your way. …Life Lessons3 min read
May 12, 2019Member-onlyOde to a MomAren’t mothers strange things? We all have them. — Aren’t mothers a strange thing? We all have them. Fundamental, foundational and necessary for life. Our cells and blood mingle as we evolve over months and then years into the creation we are; connected to this woman at the instant we, ourselves, come into being. We are profoundly, forever bound…Motherhood2 min read
Jan 22, 2019Taking Aim at FIREDude, the future is the future. — There has been quite a lot of noise lately in the world of FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) as a result of Suze Orman’s comment on the Afford Anything podcast that a couple would need $5 million or even $10 million saved to retire at age 35. This is more…Retirement5 min read
Jan 11, 201925 Things You Can Learn from a MeerkatThis is not about office cubicle etiquette — Meerkat Wisdom: Periodically, lift up your head from the whirlwind of day-to-day living, stand on your tiptoes and take stock; of what’s going on around you and to consider your forward strategy. …Gratitude4 min read
Jan 10, 2019The Ironic $64,000 QuestionWhy is there no real easy way to get out of debt? — (This was originally asked and answered on Quora.) It’s tough, isn’t it? And just when you start to make some headway, something really expensive comes along, that isn’t a choice, and you’re back where you were or even deeper in debt. My own experience, not only having run businesses and…Money4 min read
Jan 10, 2019If My Mother Were a TreeAren’t mothers a strange thing? We all have them. — Aren’t mothers a strange thing? We all have them. Fundamental, foundational and necessary for life. Our cells and blood mingle as we evolve over months and then years into the creation we are; connected to this woman at the instant we, ourselves, come into being. We are profoundly, forever bound…Motherhood2 min read
Dec 31, 2018Puppy Pee & the NarcissistI have a puppy and I have depression. — I have a puppy and I have depression. This means my house stinks. I just shampooed the rug in my living room and even though the shampoo soap is lavender-scented, the rug and the room smell like puppy pee. And that reminds me of my Narcissistic ex-husband. “Well,” you say…Dogs4 min read
Dec 19, 2018Charity is Great But, What’s In It For Me?Should giving be about my happiness? — With the Judaeo/Christian holidays upon us, appeals for donations to non-profits and charities are in full swing. Many are moved by the sentiments of the season; the more cynical might acknowledge the tax deduction deadline. And there are many who choose not to give. In an article by Jason Marsh…Charity5 min read
Oct 29, 2018Bernard, part 6Alpha and Omega — “Ahh, Manina!,” the junior customs inspector greeted me. The entire customs staff, about 8 men in gaudy uniforms, thought it was nothing short of hilarious that I performed this pantomime every 10–15 days. ‘Manina’ was Miss in some combination of local Portuguese and Shangan (a local tribal language). I hated…Short Story7 min read
