Writing from the Heart: The middle way
Many, many years ago, I went to a meditation retreat, and at the end, we all lined up and one by one we each met the lama for a very brief connection.
I could hear...
Writing from the Heart: Good enough
“What other people think of me is none of my business.”
A mantra I repeat now and then, just to remind myself to be myself. I only need to hear it when I'm feeling that...
Writing from the Heart: Slow down, Turbo
My son Dan used to look at me with a cute grin on his face and say “Mom, slow down, Turbo!” It became a little private joke, and all I had to do was...
Writing from the Heart: Right ranting
WHY AREN’T PEOPLE RUNNING DOWN THE STREETS MUTTERING? WHY AREN’T THEY OUTRAGED”!! What is wrong with people!!!
So you already know this is my husband’s rant that he has been ranting since 1966. That was...
Writing from the Heart: Compassion fatigue
A few years ago, a friend of ours was diagnosed with a rare blood disease. We didn’t even have to do a meal train. We were on it before anyone asked. His wife was...
Writing from the Heart: RIP, Alan Arkin
Was this the summer you did the stupidest thing ever?
No? Well, it was for me. I wrote a two-page letter to Alan Arkin. That wasn’t the stupid part. Before you start imagining, he did...
Writing from the Heart: Life goes on
I was going to start a piece with the following:
I thought I couldn't live without Arnie Reisman. Paul Selwyn. Bob Dente. My son Dan, my sister Margie, my adorable mother. My funnier-than-anybody father. My...
Writing from the Heart: Ancestors
I want ancestors. Well, obviously I have some. Everyone does. But I want to connect with mine. I want to see them. I want to hear them.
I watch Henry Louis Gates’ “Finding Your Roots”...
Writing from the Heart: Learning what ‘hard’ really is
Many years ago, I was on the beach with my husband, who was reading an article in Newsweek. “Listen to this,” he said as he paraphrased. “Man is an animal. Man is supposed to...
Writing from the Heart: Chilmark fantasy
I am sitting on the outside patio at the Chilmark Tavern, happily devouring my Middle Road Honey and Citrus Panna Cotta, when Jenna comes out and says, “Ted and Mary want you to come...
Writing from the Heart: Check the date
My kids used to look at the expiration dates on food when they were perusing what their teenage bodies were craving in that big humming General Electric icebox holding all manner of possibilities. They...
Writing from the Heart: Like good wine
A few days ago, I went to a dear friend’s 75th birthday party. The invitation said no gifts, but to bring a funny quote on aging. Typical me — I only read as far...
Writing from the Heart: Eating your grief
“What was your grief food?” my friend Cindy says, as I am handing her the black bean soup I brought as my offering in what I know must be her darkest hour. Condolence calls...
Writing from the Heart: (Un)reality
The movie "Everything Everywhere All At Once" is nominated for an academy award. My husband and I just might be the only people who didn’t love it. We just didn’t get it.
It reminded me,...
Writing from the Heart: Antique lace
Yesterday I took a walk on Lucy Vincent. When we got to the pond I had a sudden flash of a distinct memory.
So many years ago every weekday morning, I would ride my bike...
Writing from the Heart: Compassion fatigue
There’s a pile of three nickels on my table. The VFW sends them twice a year with their fundraising envelope. They peel off very easily. No residual, yucky, gooey stuff. Should be easy peasy...
Writing from the Heart: The case for living memorials
I went to a memorial a few days ago. One speaker after another got up and told these amazing stories. I knew him slightly. It was really his wife I was there for. But...
Writing from the Heart: Keeping your heart open
God, this lamb korma is good. And the rice, the rice has whole cumin seeds! I love those.
My husband and I are eating at the new Indian restaurant in Oak Bluffs. I’m so happy...
Writing from the Heart: Do something different in 2023
I always make my New Year’s resolutions after New Year’s. It doesn't really matter when I make the list, since it always starts with the same thing: Quit sugar.
Which is why I have to...
Writing from the Heart: Christmas envy
This is the first year in my entire life I don't have Christmas envy. Over the years, my kids have known about my vivid memory of walking into my friend Arlene Keefe’s house during...