I am completely infatuated with the pomegranate trees on our property. You could say I have a crush on them. Like a fetish-stricken voyeur, I’ve probably taken about 50 photos so far and expect to take 50 more before their tender, juicy fruit is ready to be plucked from the branches. One tree is but … Continue reading »
Divorce: Prepare for Surgery MASH-Style
“Scalpel,” commands the divorce lawyer. “Scalpel,” confirms his paralegal, handing him the knife. “Sponge,” demands the lawyer. “Sponge! Sponge! Sponge! Damn . . . watch out y’all; we have a bleeder.” ——————- Divorce. It cuts like a cold, steel knife. It cuts your life and everyone around you. If you elect surgery, you have been … Continue reading »
Near-Fatal Job Market Fueling Middle-Aged Suicide Rate?
The New York Times recently ran an article entitled “Suicide Rates Rise Sharply in U.S.” in which the reporter, Tara Parker-Pope, relays a startling fact: “From 1999 to 2010, the suicide rate among Americans ages 35 to 64 rose by nearly 30 percent.” So, middle-agers are now filling in what once was a huge gap … Continue reading »
Ridiculous Job Listings Rant & a Call For 7 Habits of Highly Effective Companies
It’s amazing how little prospective employers are willing to pay for an educated, skilled employee. Scouring the Help Wanted ads, I find it amusing how many hiring entities are offering a whopping $10 or $15 an hour for college-educated, highly skilled staff with umpteen number of years experience. For this generous salary, you–the prospective employee–must … Continue reading »
A Prayer Without Words
What do you say when there is nothing to say? What good are your words when they cannot change the outcome? You say what is in your heart. My heart aches for all of you suffering today. In Boston. In Newtown. In New York City. And on, and on, and on. My heart aches for … Continue reading »
One Coyote, Two Coyote: Keeping Fear in Check on the Trail
Early February–before my mid-month bicycle wipe-out–I was out on the mountainous trail alone. There are some truly awesome trails near where I live. Many of the houses in this area back up to the Santa Monica Mountains National Park and with just a stroll down the street, I have access to trailheads and can always … Continue reading »
Easter Traditions–Grandma’s Lamb Cake
Just like Irish Soda Bread, there is one other big tradition in my family, and that is the Easter Lamb Cake. Many in my family will be making this cake today and, as with the Irish Soda Bread, it will connect us because most have the memories I do about Easter Day. The first time … Continue reading »