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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
I know I can be so serious on this blog . . . all contemplative and questioning–all blah-blah-blah-[and-then-I-thought]-blah-blah-blah–but the fact of the matter is I laugh A LOT or at least try to. If I didn’t, I’d have been dead or insane a long time ago. Anyone who knows me well is familiar with my … Continue reading »
I love to bake. Right now, I’m baking Irish Soda Bread and oh, my . . . I can hardly wait until it’s out of the oven! As I assemble the ingredients–caraway seeds, raisins, buttermilk, sugar, flour, etc.–the anticipation starts building. Cutting the butter into the flour, the stream of consciousness starts flowing. I start … Continue reading »
