Up until about the age of six, I never went anywhere without my beloved bedraggled stuffed teddy bear; my stand-in for a security blanket. It didn’t matter that its once-white coat turned to a pallid shade of gray, nor that its once-robust shapely body became a sagging hint of what once was. I still clung fiercely. Sometimes I feel like that old teddy bear; my skin no longer glowing nor my body … [Read more...] about C’mon, Brain: Help Me Remember
Truth and Reality
If you convince yourself that something is true...does that mean it really is? Can your thoughts alone have the power to make something real? If a tree falls in a forest and no one is around to hear it… Does it make a sound? I’ve been feeling a bit frustrated for a few weeks; my creative juices drying up to nothing more than a mere drop. And I’m just about parched. Being a writer, that’s … [Read more...] about Truth and Reality
Overheard in the Shoe Department
Although my sister and mom both live within driving distance - an hour and two hours away, respectively (that's on a good day when the traffic gods cooperate. When they don't, well, all bets are off), our schedules don't allow us to get together too often. This past Saturday when hubby was out of town with our boys - their way-delayed annual father's day overnight - mom, Lynne and I had our … [Read more...] about Overheard in the Shoe Department
On Not Procrastinating
How can I think that time is limitless? I know it's not. I learned this early when I was diagnosed with breast cancer at a relatively young age. I was reminded of it when I lost my two best friends to the same disease. I knew it when other's close to me died; a cousin's young wife, more friends and acquaintances, and too many relatives. And, on a lighter note, I knew it when I missed that … [Read more...] about On Not Procrastinating
50 Things I Learned in 50-Plus Years
In a few days, I'm turning 50-something. There's no point in denying so-called aging– it's something I wasn't always convinced I'd be here to enjoy witness– but I can't help getting my real age number stuck in my throat when I have to actually say it. It kind of reminds me of the time in fourth grade when I was sucking on a huge sour ball in math class and accidentally swallowed it, but … [Read more...] about 50 Things I Learned in 50-Plus Years
Ten Things I’d Change If I Were in Charge Of the Midlife World…
My boys, when they were teenagers, used to say "If I were in charge of the world, here's what I'd do." It usually translated to things like: Eliminate homework Drink soda for breakfast Never make my bed and Play video games all day without mom yelling at me to get-outside-and-get-some-fresh-air! Well, now it's my turn. There are so many things about this so-called midlife I embrace and … [Read more...] about Ten Things I’d Change If I Were in Charge Of the Midlife World…
Need To Know: Seven Important Flu Shot Facts
Did you get your flu shot yet? It's not too early! Although the flu usually peaks around January and February, it can start as early as...now. And if you get the shot now, you'll be protected for the season. I'm assuming you do get a flu vaccine. Don't you? I recently wrote an article about flu shots and my research taught me a lot I didn't know. And it's possible you don't know … [Read more...] about Need To Know: Seven Important Flu Shot Facts
Menopause and Anxiety – A Connection?
Note: I'm bringing you this post from my other blog, MidlifeMatters, which runs on healthywomen.org. It first hit the website in 2011, and attracted lots of eyeballs and comments. And a lot of women were relieved and comforted, feeling like "it" was not all in their head. (Midlife Dictionary: It (used to represent a vague sense of unease, only understood by women of a certain age, about to be … [Read more...] about Menopause and Anxiety – A Connection?
Emotions in the Waiting Room
Emotions. They can get scary at times, especially if you tend to be the type of person who blurts out what you're feeling before composing yourself to come up with the best way to say it. And I'm a pretty emotional person, so I'm afraid I've done this -over and over and over again. (Will I never learn?) But it takes me a long time to get there. I always start with trying to be "nice." It … [Read more...] about Emotions in the Waiting Room
Here’s To Friends
This past weekend, we had dinner with friends who we haven't seen in ages. As usual, the conversation, after being a lively one between the four of us, narrowed down to the guys discussing sports with one another (with some business thrown in) and the ladies discussing...well, anything and everything. Honestly, sometimes I think the worst of what I think is my tendency toward ADD emerges … [Read more...] about Here’s To Friends