The last six months have felt normal. I’ve finally built a home, established some bedrock friendships and have a somewhat flexible routine. It’s right on time, too. When I relocate, it takes six months for the newness and excitement to wear off. For six months to a year after that, it’s pretty damn lonely and […]
Read MoreThe first time I met via video chat with Jamie, one of my trainers in Tennessee, I was distracted by the poster of Dolly Parton to the left of his head in the video frame. “Are you a Dolly fan?” I asked with a laugh. “Fan” is the understatement of the year. Jamie is a […]
Read MoreThe first really chilly weekend is upon us up here in Southwest Michigan, and I’m ready for some warming foods. Last Sunday I stocked up on all the local produce I could find – golden pears, apples, butternut squash and sweet potatoes. I love cooking cinnamon-laced fruit compote when it’s cold, sipping on spicy chai […]
Read MoreLast night my friend Jill and I saw the play “Tiny Beautiful Things” in a Lincoln Park theater. The play brings to life Cheryl Strayed’s advice column called Dear Sugar. Several years ago on one of the best vacations of my life, I hiked by day off the Blue Ridge Parkway and read Wild by […]
Read MoreI just wanted to post something today but I don’t really have a topic. I suppose it’s Monday. I’m just trying to get my arms around being the best Sharon I can be today. I feel anxious this morning for no particular reason. Meditation helped. I’m recommitting to eating slowly and until I’m 80% full. […]
Read MoreA friend of mine was anticipating running into an old girlfriend this weekend. He was trying to set himself up to be successful in managing what could be a painful situation with some dignity. I am beginning to plan how to handle a tricky situation later in the year that will be painful for me. […]
Read MoreWhat’s on your mind? Facebook implores. The first instant I am tempted to oblige, remembering the Facebook days of old when people were nice and language wasn’t so loaded. Back in those days I didn’t read the news much to my friends’ dismay. Today I read the news much to my dismay. My mind was […]
Read MoreImagine the beautiful salmon fighting her way up and over the rapids and through the driving current to at long last give birth and die. Whether she knows what is going to happen or not, she follows her instincts and wills herself to the call of her greater nature. I drew the Salmon Card this […]
Read MoreI realized last night that I have now lived in Michigan longer than I lived in Louisiana on my second round. Of course, I lived my whole childhood there so it’ll take a while to surpass that. I’m starting to feel like I have a full life here. I have things to do with friends […]
Read MoreA cold snap came through this week. It was still 75 degrees yesterday, but with the low humidity I opened up my windows and let the breeze blow through the summer cobwebs and stale air-conditioned air. The cool respite is a reminder that fall is coming, the crowds are leaving and apples are ready for […]
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