If you hear a voice within you say ‘you cannot paint,’ then by all means paint, and that voice will be silenced. -Vincent Van Gogh Dear Writers, I have already written at least once about watching my cousin, Alisan Porter, compete on The Voice. I have to admit: I LOVE hearing her sing. Well tonight,…
family
Dreams
Martin Luther King said, ““Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.” I love this idea. In my writing life, I try very hard to write about topics that will get my readers thinking and talking. I want to push them to join me in making the world better…in…
A Quick Look Back
This time last year, I wrote some pretty specific goals. We had just moved to Evanston, Illinois, and I was full of energy and optimism. I also knew this year would offer a lot of change and personal challenges. Reflecting on those goals, YES. In terms of writing, this has been an excellent year….
Time to reflect
Congratulations to my son, Elliot, who this week graduated from high school. He’s the baby who crossed the busy street in a diaper. He’s the boy who wanted me to read the National Geographic Book of Mammals–especially all about the musk ox. He’s the bar mitzvah boy who thought that Sarah became the Messenger…
Four children, one story (redux)
When my children were young, my mom wrote a short seder in rhyme. We wanted them to hear the whole story! This is how it begins: In the Torah it says you shall keep the feast Of unleavened bread—that’s bread without yeast. And during this feast we’re obliged to tell The Exodus story til we…
Are you having one of those days?
A friend called me this afternoon. She was feeling very low about her career. But then she remembered: Her kids were doing great. Her new idea for a book was exciting. She is in a great marriage. Has great friends. She is not broke. Food on the table. She can afford the new shoes…
Goals and Resolutions
2012, like all years, was filled with ups and downs. Actually, for my family, HUGE ups and HUGE downs…moments where I asked big questions of fairness, fate, and justice….and moments where I celebrated personal accomplishments and joy in our family. In our world, we watched terrible tragedies. We talked politics A LOT. And then we…
There are many things to be grateful for.
(the view of my most beautiful tree) Life IS a sine wave. Every year gives you ups and downs, and 2012 was not the exception. Today, I humbly feel gratitude for the biggest joys of the year: The kids thriving. Special kudos to E–the senior who is also the new kid. (He IS like John…
It’s no secret that Presidents inspire me and my family
Last night, my son, Elliot, voted for the first time. Here is the moment when he realized: I am part of this. He has always been the history buff, the boy who knows all about Presidents. Last night, he became, in his words, an American. (And a fetcher of tissues for both of us.) “America,…
Feeling grateful
So grateful that my friends and family on the East Coast are safe and doing well. The images are frightening! Special kudos to the men and women who work for Emergency Services!! NOW I can go back into the cave! Time to get some more DANGEROUS pages done!