Baseball, apple pie and American Idol.  I can’t wait for my bi-weekly slice of Americana — American Idol.  If you are one of the few uninitiated, you can view the previous performances of David Archuleta and David Cook, the two remaining contestants, by using their names as the search terms on http://www.youtube.com/. Tonight is the final competition between the crooning 17 year old and the would-be bartender.  Both have gone from total obscurity to being flanked by masses of scre... Read Full Story

     Where did my youth go?  It must have scampered out the door when I wasn’t looking . . . perhaps in the middle of a confusing relationship or a disappointing date.  And, if it’s really gone, what am I supposed to do now — visit a plastic surgeon? Take up knitting and begin a cat collection?       If the forties are the new thirties (whatever that means), then what is 44.5 and why is it freaking me out?  It’s more than those little crinkling lines around my eyes whi... Read Full Story

In a previous post, I wrote about scraping my plate clean.  As soon as I did that, a flood of new adventures came my way. There has also been a bit of lonliness from my fairly strict adherence to avoiding male friendships. . . although, life has become so much less complicated!  I hate lonliness, but I think I dislike confusing, complicated interactions more — a revelation it took 44 years to reach.  It was my birthday last week. Now that my plate is clean and has extra space, I canR... Read Full Story

So, who was the woman with the tear-stained face shaking in my living room?  Normally, one of the most intelligent and driven people I have ever known.  She was a war baby, initially raised by her mother and her grandparents.  She didn’t meet her father until she was nearly two. Gorgeous, even as a baby, she was eventually raised by parents who had an ongoing love affair for over 50 years.  She began college at 17, and married my father at 18.  She tho... Read Full Story

 Chaya Bella at Excelling at the Art of Life wrote:      With Halloween almost come and gone,  it’s time to start preparing for the next big holiday — Thanksgiving!  Here, in Texas, we all know about Greenberg’s Smoked Turkeys.  It is one of the top ten coveted gifts for November and December.  Once you’ve had one, you’ll be sending them out to your favorite friends. Treat yourself to a most delicious season kick-off — a Greenberg Turkey.  Order now to make sure you will have one in Novemeber... Read Full Story

      How is it that my mother came to live in my dining room?  It is a very good question that no one ever dares to ask me. . . anyone who knows us, also knows the circumstances that led up to this unusual situation.  People only ask “Is your mother still living with you?”  Yes, she is and, on November 1st, it will be the one year anniversary.     The day my much loved, smart, funny 36 year old brother was sudd... Read Full Story

     How many times a day do we find ourselves enmeshed in a negotiation?  Where to eat and who will take out the trash are examples of routine negotiations. Daily debates could also come under that classification.  But what can you do when you find yourself involved in an unproductive exchange over something of import to you?  Here are a few tips to get you through:1.  If you are in the midst of a heated exchange, disengage.  Use a ... Read Full Story

     How many times a day do we find ourselves enmeshed in a negotiation?  Where to eat and who will take out the trash are examples of routine negotiations. Daily debates could also come under that classification.  But what can you do when you find yourself involved in an unproductive exchange over something of import to you?  Here are a few tips to get you through: 1.  If you are in the midst of a heated exchange, disengage.  Use a statement like: “Let’s talk about this when we ... Read Full Story

     Over a decade ago, a younger neighbor told me she didn’t believe men and women could be “friends” — that a romantic component is always at play.  I vehemently disagreed with her position.  I had several male friends at that time.     Now, I am actually beginning to think she is correct. As I review my list of male friends, they all seem to have originated from a dating or romantic cont... Read Full Story

Posted by Single Parent On The Go   Today’s blog is about the gift of friendship.  One of my favorite friends is Sunshine — so aptly named, as you will see from her words, below.  I’m sharing her personal “blog” to me with the hope that her infectious zest for life and love traverses across the Internet waves, comes through your screen, and fills you with some of her great energy.  I told her that she should have a blog — if you agr... Read Full Story