They had me the first time I walked through the door. Some happy person placed a cup of coffee and a sample in my hand right off. I progressed on, passed through the entrance flanked by a multitude of colorful flower bouquets as I nibbled on my morsel. I hummed along with the pleasing music and basked among unique products with clever packaging everywhere I turned.
Read MoreIn this episode, we begin where the interview ended. My guest, Sarah Topar, is a food blogger and friend who
Read More“Tell Me Another” (TMA) is a game for everyone. It’s a bold statement, but let’s dig in to explain. The rules provide game strategy
Read MoreDo you remember the days of researching newspaper archives using microfiche? It wasn’t all that long ago that scouring newspapers was a painful process. I remember having to pull film reels from drawers at the library, with a window of dates in mind
Read MoreThere are loads of how-to articles, blogs and books that give you steps to craft your family stories into photos and words. It sounds beautiful, and you quickly find yourself lost in the fantasy
Read MoreOn sunny Memorial Day 2017, we gathered at the Lone Tree, Iowa Cemetery to pay respects to fallen soldiers. Lt. Colonel Dan Curtis (retired) and other veterans officiated a service in their honor.
Read MoreIf you’ve seen the movie “Back To The Future,” you probably remember where Dr. Brown explains to Marty McFly how to time travel in the DeLorean-turned-time-machine by setting the clock to any point in history. Moments later, the car flashes out of sight leaving a trail of fire in its tracks.
Read MoreWhat was the first live concert you attended? This is a common reminiscence with people of all ages. As a recently minted member of AARP, I chuckle when I hear some, as in, “My first concert was Blues Traveler waaaay back in 2005!” My first concert story is a seemingly harmless Sonny and Cher show in 1972, but what I wouldn’t give for
Read MoreIn the post on how to create your life timeline, I suggest you reach out to family and friends to see what they remember of the events you’ve listed. I guarantee, even if you have the best memory, you’ll be surprised and learn something new. Their memories will enrich your storytelling and provide you with an opportunity to connect and dig deeper.
Read MoreDo you have a special memory of a favorite toy when you were a kid? I had a Gumby in the 1960s, that bendable green man. He was my reliable friend and had a huge following, even his own Gumby Show. He became famous again in the 1980s on Saturday Night Live with Eddie Murphy’s hilarious
Read MoreThere is a great Seinfeld episode that includes a funny bit about a record Jerry is proud of: not throwing up in 13 years. Yes, a non-vomit streak. In episode 73, “The Masseuse,” Jerry claims he has not retched since June 29th, 1980, over 13 years prior. George and Elaine agree that it’s an impressive feat. (I should say before we go on
Read MoreThe popping of burning wood and the smokey plume that rises as a fire takes hold, transforming the solid logs into glowing embers, is hypnotizing. The fire pit on an autumn evening is the perfect spot for friends to gather, particularly with a bottle of wine…or two. Time lengthens into the quiet of darkness, and stories unfold.
Read MoreI saw Casablanca again this week, and I enjoyed it as much as ever. I’ve seen it in theatres, outside venues and at home at least 20 times over 45 years. The first time I saw it was at the Varsity Theatre when I was 11, back in 1972. It’s still the perfect movie with its stellar cast, world-stage story and impeccable script. That script includes the most
Read MoreWe take massive amounts of photos. In his post on Stastica, Felix Richter says that in 2017, the world will snap a whopping 1.2 trillion photos! Step back from that number, and compound it over the number of years that we've reveled in smartphones and other technology...and then add
Read MoreWe grew up poor for the most part – everything was second-hand and hand-me-downs, discounted to the final bin under the best of circumstances. Usually we “shopped” at the Salvation Army store. Raising nine kids on a professor’s salary in the 1960s was not a simple thing, and with so many mouths, dinners were certainly a simple fare. But there was one thing
Read MoreMaybe Thanksgiving is an easily navigated event for your family. You have traditions in place—eating, watching football, playing games and perhaps a midnight excursion for shopping. But how much conversation do you engage in, and what do you talk about?
Read MoreIt’s not a great memory. But I was there, it’s part of my history and I still think of it often. But why is sharing not always easy? This experience was folded into a traumatic period of my life already, and I tend to keep sad storytelling inside, but I know that others need to share. How do you share tragedy?
Read MoreWhat choices in life have you made that stretched you beyond your comfort zone? It’s hard to break from routine but when we do doors open to new opportunity. This FIRST episode of The Delicious Story is both an enchanting look at one woman’s adventure, and her reflections on how memorable meals have added flavor to her life.
Read MoreAs the November weather takes its turn towards winter, I already miss autumn. I love the temps cooling off and all the colors fall brings; it’s the most popular season in the nation, with 29% preferring it (except those 18-34-year old’s, who prefer summer). I guess it’s largely nostalgia for me, because fall reminds me of good times
Read MoreThanksgiving has come and gone, and around here that means that it’s officially the Christmas season. Number one on the list: the Christmas tree is up, decorated, and shining brightly. I know what many of you are thinking –
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