“You get what you pay for.” I’ve heard that line many times over the years. We think that if we don’t pay a substantial price for something, it isn’t worth much. Sometimes there is truth in the saying. But who doesn’t love to hear, “No charge!” How does that work with the also old axiom, “The best things in life are free?” Well, it doesn’t really. But that’s okay. I…

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Were you wondering why Baby Boomers are the way they are? We received some very confusing messages from our parents. The good news is that I have never heard anyone in my generation who repeated these statements. Perhaps this will help you better understand the boomer generation:                     I’m confused “I suppose you think you’re special, Lady Jane.” My name’s not…

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For several days last week, television featured John McCain’s funeral. His passing saddened me because we lost a man willing to be present with, give emotional support to, and befriend many who did not agree with his politics. Over the years, I have witnessed coworkers, friends and families split over politics or social media posts. Remember, your relationship with friends and family must come first. Your senator, congressman or president…

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Last week, with a bit of sadness, I glanced up at my ash tree to find one small branch with leaves that turned yellow—a portend of the fall and winter to come. The rest of the tree retained its green, viable appearance. While staring at that one branch, questions came to mind: With maybe 20-25 leaves, what about that branch caused it to turn yellow first? Perhaps that branch is…

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This spring, while taking my bicycle out for a first spin, my abundance of confidence led me to tackle a long hill. I’m older now, and the incline proved to be quite a challenge. Winded and tired, my body struggled. The farther I pedaled, the father away the top of the hill appeared. Discouraged, I took my eyes off the distance and focused on the ground just ahead of me,…

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I am a planner. I like my world organized, taking time to anticipate and head off problems. I don’t think I overdo the planning thing–though some might disagree 😀. However, I found there is wisdom in preparing to be unprepared. I suspect some of you are impressive preparers—scheduling the course of a vacation to the last detail, positioning place cards for the perfect seating arrangement at a wedding or dinner…

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I’ve both blamed myself and I’ve been blamed by others for following my own white rabbit down many a rabbit hole, leaving me in a place of emotional and logical nonsense. Well, guilty as charged! But I know I’m not alone. The term rabbit hole originated with Lewis Carroll’s 1865 classic, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, in which Alice follows the White Rabbit into his burrow, which transports her to the…

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Okay, I admit it. I’m notorious for packing the proverbial kitchen sink. When I hear the term “packing light,” I can’t help but smile. I’ve worked hard to become efficient at packing, and it’s taken a long time. Fear of the unknown necessitated that I pack for every eventuality–a behavior rooted in insecurity. Heaven forbid I find myself in an unfamiliar place without some small item like my personal shampoo…

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Last night I dreamed I was dancing again. At one point, Randy and I were dancing together. In reality, Randy doesn’t dance, but it’s my dream, and I can dream what I want. Woke up feeling refreshed and happy. Most people don’t know that I danced as a young woman—ballet, ballroom, line dancing, Texas two-step—anything that my dates could or would put up with. Shortly after we were married Randy…

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Remember when western movies and TV shows about cowboys were popular? Box canyons were an expedient part of the plot. They have steep walls on three sides, allowing access and escape only through the mouth of the canyon or by climbing its walls. Actually, box canyons were used in the American west as convenient corrals with only the entrance fenced. In the movies or on TV, the good guys chased…

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