Grandparents Day, celebrated in the U.S. on the first Sunday after Labor Day, is on September 10 this year. Internationally recognized on the fourth Sunday of July, when in 2021, Pope Francis declared World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly. Whether celebrated in July or September, Grandparents Day deserves its due. If you are/were fortunate […]
They Made Me What I Am Today Read More »
So, it’s September and back to school is on the horizon. With that, a memory of one such event in my life. Seeing the 18- and 19-year-old baby faces in my first FIT design class highlighted every one of my adult years. Any enthusiasm for returning to school took a nosedive as I thought of
“But Ma, he followed me home.” I looked up at my mother, my eyes, and voice pleading, already knowing in my eight-year-old bones she wasn’t buying it. Her lips pressed into a thin line; she watched the stray mutt lope over to our dog’s food dish. About the size of a miniature pony, the brown dog
Thankfully, the humidity of the past week had dissipated by the Saturday I showed up to my first session of community oyster gardening. Gloves in hand, I and 11 other volunteers were ready to start this new adventure. Martha, the program manager, described what we’d be doing over the next hour or so. Sunlight lit
How Do You Grow an Oyster? Read More »
Who doesn’t love the sight of a full moon? Countless poems, songs, and myths attest to Sister Moon’s power to enchant and inspire romantic notions. On the practical side, the moon’s silvery glow has long been a guiding light for travelers, whether over land or at sea. Tonight, she will not only be full, but
By Any Name, She is Inspiring Read More »
It’s called to me for over 20 years. The Berkshires, a spectacular venue within driving distance of NYC, offers everything my little heart desires. Located in the mountains of western Massachusetts, the region features lively main streets, a thriving farm-to-table food scene, vibrant arts and culture communities, and breathtaking outdoors that encourage getting out and
MASS MoCA: Mind, Soul, Body Read More »
Years ago, I broke the habit of making New Year’s resolutions. The whole venture seemed too compulsory. There was too much outside “encouragement” and too much disappointment, when despite so many good intentions, the inevitable “two steps back” kicked in. So, lately, I decided to take a gentler approach, one that doesn’t involve such earth-shattering
One Down, More to Go Read More »
As Women’s History Month wraps up, I think it’s as important to recognize the women who aren’t necessarily activists, artists, dancers, musicians, and scholars, but contribute nevertheless toward making a difference in our lives. These are the women who probably won’t be well-known, or among those who have made a mark globally. Instead, they step
Jeanette, Working Class Warrior Read More »
Discovering, then immersing oneself in a compelling, engaging story is one of the incomparable joys of reading. For me, this often leads to further exploring the “back story” or on to a path that expands the original content beyond its face value. After recently finishing Julia Alvarez’s novel, How the Garcia Girls Lost Their Accents
More Unsung Heroines Read More »
As Women’s History Month winds down, once again it’s compelling to revisit how far we’ve traveled. The road leading to The Art World is one such subject of much discussion, and inevitably, the touchstone essay, “Why Have There Been No Great Women Artists?” is referenced. Written by art historian and critic Linda Nochlin in 1971
Really? No Great Women…? Read More »
