So, I’m guessing that you probably know who Jackie Robinson is. If not, go see the movie, 42. I saw it this weekend - great film about a great man. 42 highlights the tough, often discriminating, often prejudicial road Jackie Robinson traveled as the first African American player in major league baseball. The whole movie was enlightening, but there was one scene in particular that really got me thinking. Picture this. Jackie had just joined the Brooklyn Dodgers. He enters the team locker room, filled with white men, all of whom have their own … [Read more...]

Have you ever been parasailing?  I've gotta tell ya, there's something about it that's just a little too scary for me. But not for my brother and my two nieces, who went parasailing during our recent trip to Greece together. I was really impressed with their bravery and tempted to get hard on myself for feeling a little too scared to do it, but I didn't... Because I reminded myself of all of the other brave things I've done in my life. Like... :: Lived, breathed and overcame a traumatic spend-the-night phobia as a child. :: Moved to … [Read more...]

Ya-sas. Buongiorno! I've recently returned from Greece and Italy and can you believe that all I picked up language-wise was 'hello'? (Well, I also picked up a few wonderful pieces of ceramics, but that's another story.) It was a special trip, though. For my dad's 70th birthday, I, my parents, my brother and my two nieces spent a week together in Greece before my parents and I went on to Sicily. I can't believe how quickly my nieces are growing up - Kathy, the oldest, is going into ninth grade this year! Wow, do I remember the ninth grade. … [Read more...]

Have you ever had one of those days when you were just feeling a little 'blah' about yourself, even if just a little bit? And you don't necessarily have time to read an entire blog post or even have a long drawn-out conversation with a friend about it. You're just looking for a quick little pick-me-up to get you back on track. Something like a quote. I love wise, self-affirming quotes, and here are ten of my favorites that I thought I'd share with you this week in case you have a 'blah' day and need a little pick-me-up yourself... 10 … [Read more...]

So, I know Memorial Day was a couple of weeks ago, but did you happen to catch the National Memorial Day Concert on PBS? Amazing concert this year, hosted by actors Joe Mantegna and Gary Sinise. Well, one part of it really got me choked up and riled up, if I can admit. It was when Joe Mantegna and Gary Sinise poignantly recounted the story of brothers, Joe and Earl Granville, both of whom served in either Iraq or Afghanistan. Thankfully, Joe and Earl both made it home safely, but Joe made it home with something else...Post Traumatic … [Read more...]

Have you heard of Christoph Waltz? Brilliant actor. I loved him in Quentin Tarantino's Inglourious Basterds. I love fine actors like that who deliver unforgettable performances that nourish the soul. But you wanna know what I don't love as much? Celebrities. Celebrities like those who pull a "Do you know who I am?" attitude or who are famous for just being famous, not for any true talent. But even celebrities can teach us something... There is something about celebrities that I kinda admire, however. And that is their ability to seemingly … [Read more...]