A Beginning Blogger’s Story
The day my mother was cremated, I bought this blog site, having no idea what my purpose was or whether it was for me or for public consumption. Nevertheless, it beckoned me and I answered.
In the weeks leading up to her death, I was so consumed with bearing witness to my mom’s final days that my usually analytical mind was preoccupied. My creative mind flourished and stories and poems started to flow. I dictated them into my phone as I drove to work. I jotted them down on random sticky notes at my desk. I scrawled them in my many notebooks. It seemed there was no limit to what was on my mind and how I wanted to say it. And for once, there was little to no self judgement.
And so, what lies within are thoughts, feelings, half baked ideas, musings, challenges, new learning, inspiration, photography, and more. I write to sort, process, and clarify what I’m navigating in life. If it resonates with you, I’d love to hear from you. If not, I hope it starts you on your own journey of chronicling your world.
Click here to find me on Twitter, Instagram and my website
- Weekend Update
Friday night was our staff party at our principal‘s house not far from school. He lives on a game reserve and has beautiful views of it from his balconies and… Read more: Weekend Update - Exploring New Experiences
Sometime during my first two weeks, I met a friend of one of the teachers at school. He is a life coach and leadership coach and we had some great… Read more: Exploring New Experiences - Tiny, Happy Stressful Rituals
I love the title I envisioned for this piece and kept singing it to myself a la “Shiny Happy People” by R.E.M. as I was walking at lunch today. I… Read more: Tiny, Happy Stressful Rituals - Pilanesberg National Park Day 3
We slept in a little bit, packed up, and had our last meal at the lodge. After checking out, we drove Betty back down to the park entrance for our… Read more: Pilanesberg National Park Day 3 - Pilanesberg National Park Day 2
We woke up at 5 am and made it to the drive vehicle by 5:15! There were probably 10 of us as we set out. I do not like waking… Read more: Pilanesberg National Park Day 2 - Pilanesberg National Park Day 1
Because I teach at an American school, we get American holidays off. I had a bit of an unconventional Thanksgiving by traveling less than two hours northwest to Pilanesberg National… Read more: Pilanesberg National Park Day 1 - Nov. 21-23 Weekend Update Part 2
From Gold Reef City, we switched buses to take the Soweto tour. I was so excited to see this section of Johannesburg having just finished Born a Crime, Trevor Noah’s… Read more: Nov. 21-23 Weekend Update Part 2 - Nov. 21-23 Weekend Update, Part 1
It was a long week with not feeling well, so I capped Friday off with some spa care rather than happy hour. I chose a manicure and pedicure at a… Read more: Nov. 21-23 Weekend Update, Part 1 - Sick!
I was quite sick this week. It was actually building for a few weeks, but on Sunday, I really went downhill. I am never plagued by headaches or stomachaches, but… Read more: Sick! - Weekend Update
This felt like a very long week because the kids have been busy finalizing their arcade games and forces and motion writing pieces and also practicing a song in sign… Read more: Weekend Update - Delights
The week started with a double delight! My colleague’s eight-year-old daughter was badly hurt in a freak accident and she was home with her last week. I put together a… Read more: Delights - November 9 and 10
I got up and out relatively early to do my grocery shopping and was thrilled to find two loungers and a table on promotion at Makro (Costco-like). I was wheeling… Read more: November 9 and 10 - Johannesburg
Today I had a training session in Johannesburg at our campus there. I got up and drove down, enjoying the change of scenery and seeing both city and country. The… Read more: Johannesburg - Favorite Sayings So Far!
Here is a list of my favorite sayings here in South Africa as I pass the 6 week mark. Now, Just now, Now now: This can mean in a few… Read more: Favorite Sayings So Far! - A Little Update
Last week, the Spanish teacher threw a breakfast for the new hires. She emailed us in advance and asked us to send a picture of ourselves and a little write… Read more: A Little Update - Some Stories
A man came to lay fibre at my house last week. He was a white South African, not an Afrikaner. He had me in stitches with his stories. He used… Read more: Some Stories - Conferences and Such
This week I had parent teacher conferences, some with the students included, and they were amazing! I have always loved these meetings because it’s an opportunity to better understand the… Read more: Conferences and Such - Apartheid
I am reading It’s Trevor Noah: Born a Crime, Stories from a South African Childhood. Early on in the book, he gives what I think is a simple and brief… Read more: Apartheid - Mongoose Monday
Walking onto campus at 6:45 this morning, who should come running down the corridor toward me but a yellow mongoose! He stopped and sat up on his hind legs and… Read more: Mongoose Monday - Weekend Update
Saturday began with tea while grocery shopping, though my favorite barista wasn’t there and this one made my dirty chai very dirty!! Back home, I watered plants and tried to… Read more: Weekend Update - Friday
Some musings today… I have a five minute commute to work. Today I counted exactly how many speed bumps and roundabouts are between my house and my school. The answer?… Read more: Friday - Closets, Closets, Closets
MOFY fans will enjoy that title! So, what to say today? I thought I’d mention some interesting house observations. Mine and the few others I’ve seen the interior of. First,… Read more: Closets, Closets, Closets - Cold and Wet
Apparently, it was quite hot in Pretoria last week. Over the weekend we got some much needed rain and it felt like maybe the rainy season was beginning. Last night… Read more: Cold and Wet - Connection
I woke early this morning and joined Yuri for a hike. The weather was supposed to be rainy, but the day dawned gorgeous! He met me at Moreleta Park, which… Read more: Connection - A Neighbor and a Friend
I dragged myself out of bed this morning, having gone to sleep at 2 am after my travels back home. I went grocery shopping to fill my fridge after the… Read more: A Neighbor and a Friend - Last Day in Cape Town
Yesterday was my last day in Cape Town. I slept in a bit, then stayed in bed a bit longer to enjoy the beautiful view out the wall of windows.… Read more: Last Day in Cape Town - More Hopping On and Off
More facts I learned from the blue route bus tour today. Cape Town has 3 universities and 2 technical colleges. More and more businesses are moving their headquarters, or body… Read more: More Hopping On and Off - Hopping On and Off in Cape Town
If there’s one thing I love to do when I travel, it’s to take a trolley or bus tour on the first day and get the lay of the land.… Read more: Hopping On and Off in Cape Town - Some Finer Details
The weather in Cape Town is quite unpredictable. It can go from sunny to cloudy to drizzly to stormy and back again in a matter of hours. It is also… Read more: Some Finer Details - Cape Town
I chose “Holiday” by Madonna for my Instagram post today because I am truly enjoying being on holiday this week in Cape Town. There is so much to do. I’m… Read more: Cape Town - Holiday!
I headed out to do some errands this morning, including visiting my sweet neighbor, Sue, who is already planning where she’ll take me for tea next weekend! This evening, I… Read more: Holiday! - Just a Little Sunday Walk Here in South Africa
Well, today was one of those days where you can’t even believe you’re living the life you are! I am so filled with gratitude, wonder, awe and excitement! I drove… Read more: Just a Little Sunday Walk Here in South Africa - This and That
Some random observations from this Saturday… As I set off to do some errands today, my GPS wasn’t working, but I was pleased to see I knew my way around… Read more: This and That - International Day
Today was International Day at the Johannesburg campus. Our third grade classes wore clothes that represented their countries. Most of our students have parents with two different nationalities, so it… Read more: International Day - House Issues
It’s been quite a week here. This has been one of the busiest weeks at work, with an early morning meeting with our Head of Schools, a late afternoon meeting… Read more: House Issues - Homes
Houses here are made of brick and/or concrete and poorly insulated. I haven’t seen vinyl siding on any structure so far. I’ve also not seen stucco finish. The homes are… Read more: Homes - Doctor’s VisitIt’s Spirit Week this week and most teachers and students forgot today was Crazy Hair Day. With my hair on just a regular day, I couldn’t help but wonder if… Read more: Doctor’s Visit
- A Quick Note About Lightning
Lightning here is not to be taken lightly (pun intended). It is severe and strong and I have heard more than a few personal stories of people being struck. Because… Read more: A Quick Note About Lightning - A Quick Note About TVs
When I purchased a tv yesterday, I had to purchase a tv license. Or licence, as it is spelled here. Anyway, it’s R265, which is $15.44 for the year. You… Read more: A Quick Note About TVs - Not Quite Costco
Okay, Sunday news. I have been using the weekends (well, all two of them) to catch up on some sleep and have leisurely starts since my weekday mornings start so… Read more: Not Quite Costco - Rugby
Despite having so many pairs of sneakers back home, I brought a scant few and regret it. Teighler told me to go to the Adidas outlet and get Ultra Boost… Read more: Rugby - Friday’s Fun
Yesterday was a fun finale to the work week. The kids got to go to the library yesterday to exchange books and the librarian, Promise, gave me some wonderful travel… Read more: Friday’s Fun - Perspective
A little perspective…last night I was talking to my friend, Tom, and I said I’m not great with night driving here because the oncoming lights shine directly at me because… Read more: Perspective - Thursday’s Thoughts
Yesterday was a long and busy one. The kids have an early release day, leaving at 1:30, but we stay until 4 in various meetings. Because the school day was… Read more: Thursday’s Thoughts - Tuesday’s TalesAgain, some random pieces of information from today… If I die in South Africa, it won’t be from any of the horrible safety report reasons I read about before coming.… Read more: Tuesday’s Tales
- Monday’s Musings
Some musings on today… I had my first African thunderstorm last night into this morning. The thunder was loud, the wind kicked up and the lightning lit the sky beautifully.… Read more: Monday’s Musings - Sunday in Pretoria
A quick one tonight because I’m no longer a pensioner and have been prepping for work tomorrow! Our day starts at 7:10, so I’m trying to get to bed earlier.… Read more: Sunday in Pretoria - Saturday in Pretoria
My first weekend in Pretoria and time to explore a bit while doing some errands. Today I took to the highways and felt totally comfortable. I only hit my wipers… Read more: Saturday in Pretoria - Animals and More
Today’s post is mostly about animals. I have some answers thanks to my local colleagues. The other day I mentioned my bird app and also that I may or may… Read more: Animals and More - First Day of School!
Today was the first day of school for me! Meanwhile, the kids have been in school for about 5 weeks! I am the one needing to get up to speed!… Read more: First Day of School! - First Impressions
In my quest to arrive in South Africa healthy, I wore a mask from the time I boarded my plane at Dulles until the time I disembarked in Johannesburg, with… Read more: First Impressions - The Last Night
When scheduling my flight to Johannesburg became challenging for the HR department at my new school, I offered up Washington as a possible place of departure. And it turned out… Read more: The Last Night - Lasts
The lasts are bittersweet, melancholy, nostalgic,inducing memories, feelings, stories,involving people and places and food,tugging at my heartstrings, flooding my senses, bringing tears to my eyes. They are about connection, community,… Read more: Lasts - Writefully Hers
Not long after my mom passed away, I felt an urge to commit myself to writing and began an almost daily ritual of doing so. I also knew I wanted… Read more: Writefully Hers - Sanctuary
My last few days are intentionalin thought, activity and location.Packing and repacking are certainly on the list,and so are final precious moments spent with special people,but also time in this… Read more: Sanctuary - Sara
My dear friend and co mother in law came to visit from Colorado, and I was anxious to show her all my favorite places. I’m not sure that even Sara’s… Read more: Sara - How Do I Say Goodbye?
Having my siblings in for the weekend was so significant. After my mom (who gathered us for events big and small) passed, we knew we would have to make the… Read more: How Do I Say Goodbye? - My Mentor
Three hours?!?!It feels like 20 minutes!Have we really been sitting here that long,Lingering lavishly over tea and treats, Swapping stories of our families, Exchanging experiences on vacation, Mentioning our memories,Laughing,… Read more: My Mentor - Grandpa
Grandpa’s home!Grandpa’s home!He’s here on R&R!The kids run fast,And have a blast,Their relationship’s back on par!I’m so grateful my brother had some time back home to visit with his children… Read more: Grandpa - End of an Era
This school year marks the end of an era for me. I retired in July and am not starting this September like I have started every September from 1991 to… Read more: End of an Era - Live On
Given to my mom in June 2002,by my sister’s mother-in-law,when my dad died,thrived in my mom’s house until…February 2020, when we moved my momto an assisted living home nearby,and the… Read more: Live On - Family
One thing I love about my family is that almost everyone loves to travel and we are spread out in so many places. It was so wonderful that my niece… Read more: Family - Happy 3rd Birthday, Spencer!
Such a big boy now,Though you still act like a pup,You live with such joy! Photos: over the years by LA - Making Every Moment Count
Summer is always my time to see friends, take day trips, vacation and make the moments count. But no summer has been more significant than this one, knowing that there… Read more: Making Every Moment Count - Hiking Group
Nancy and I met in a body pump exercise class. We would say hi and bye coming and going, and eventually during class we would make faces at each other… Read more: Hiking Group - JT in NJ
Saturday night’s concert was a dream come true. I have always adored James Taylor’s soulful voice and beautiful lyrics, and getting to see him in person was pure magic! His… Read more: JT in NJ - US Open 2025
What a beautiful day to enjoy one of my favorite events in person! My daughter, her fiance and I made our way to Flushing Meadows, NY for a full day… Read more: US Open 2025 - Visa Day
From July 10th, when I received my contract with AISJ until today, when I reported to the South African Consulate in New York City, I was busy! I needed to… Read more: Visa Day - Beach Boys
Moving to another country for two years is exciting, but it is also hard. It means saying goodbye to good friends and family. It means long distance and long gaps… Read more: Beach Boys - Portland and Vancouver, Day 17
My last full day in the Pacific Northwest. I’m ready for more adventure, but want to pump the brakes! I’m not ready to leave the kids, the beauty, the travel… Read more: Portland and Vancouver, Day 17 - Manzanita, Day 16
We set aside this day to hop on the 101 South to Manzanita. The views were stunning and we pulled off at countless little beaches to hike a trail or… Read more: Manzanita, Day 16 - Wandering Oregon, Day 15
It was a beautiful day of wandering and wondering in the wild. I found myself so grateful to mother earth for the trees, sun, sea, animals, and all that she… Read more: Wandering Oregon, Day 15 - Astoria, Day 14
Flexibility was the name of the game today! Going to sleep, the plan was that I would ride into work with G, walk the riverwalk and go to Blue Scorcher… Read more: Astoria, Day 14 - Astoria, Day 13
Today began at my youngest daughter’s house, enjoying the property and beautiful flowers. She and her roommates have made it such an inviting home. It was a beautiful day with… Read more: Astoria, Day 13 - Crescent City to Astoria, Day 12
My last day of road tripping. Condensing a 7 day journey into 4, the drives were beginning to make me a bit weary. But I had been anticipating my first… Read more: Crescent City to Astoria, Day 12 - Santa Cruz to Crescent City, Day 11
Today’s theme was Twists and Turns…the road, my schedule, the rental car. It was to be my longest day of driving and on this day, I overslept. Not sleep through… Read more: Santa Cruz to Crescent City, Day 11 - Santa Barbara to Santa Cruz, Day 10
This morning began with a grocery run at the local Target. From there, a stop at a beautiful stretch of Santa Barbara waterfront. I have a huge blister from all… Read more: Santa Barbara to Santa Cruz, Day 10 - San Diego to Santa Barbara, Day 9
I’m exhausted lying in bed trying to recap this day. It began with a bittersweet goodbye to my daughter as she dropped me at the rental car station. Driving multi… Read more: San Diego to Santa Barbara, Day 9 - San Diego Day 8
It was my last day in San Diego today, which was bittersweet. I know the kids need to get back to their routine and I have more excitement ahead of… Read more: San Diego Day 8 - Small Moments of Joy
Here are a few things that brought me joy today, simple pleasures that have no accompanying pictures because I just soaked in and savored the moments. A little dog striding… Read more: Small Moments of Joy - San Diego Day 7
I enjoyed a quiet, early ride to work with my middle daughter again. My first stop was a walk to get tea in the big bubble again because it was… Read more: San Diego Day 7 - San Diego Day 6
Early start again today, riding into work with my daughter. From there, walked a mile to the pier while catching up with a friend by phone. Got a cup of… Read more: San Diego Day 6 - San Diego Day 5
I’m up early out here because my daughter and her husband are pre-dawn risers. One was out for a walk with the pups, the other for a run, so I… Read more: San Diego Day 5 - San Diego Day 4
After an early morning walk where I met a fun group of rollerbladers dressed in yellow and dancing to their boombox as they glided down the boardwalk, Saturday brought a… Read more: San Diego Day 4 - San Diego Day 3
With one daughter out for a run and one sound asleep on the couch with the pups, I set out for an early morning 6 mile walk along the beach… Read more: San Diego Day 3 - San Diego Day 2
The day began with my youngest pulling into port in San Diego! It was exhilarating to see her boat and crew at work! My heart was full seeing her on… Read more: San Diego Day 2 - San Diego Day 1
Morning walk on the beach,Late morning explore of town,Lunch on the back patio,Dinner prepared by the kids,Evening together on the cliffs for stunning sunset. Photos: Pacific Beach, Sunset Cliffs Natural… Read more: San Diego Day 1 - Henry’s Western Adventure!
Our day of travel in pictures… Photos: 8.5.25 by LA - Old Friends
I met an old friendat a favorite little cafe of minein Lambertville,halfway between our two homes.We hadn’t seen each othersince last fall,but we jumped right in,catching up on work, kids,family,… Read more: Old Friends - DC Open
Our yearly tradition, my oldest and I, at scenic Rock Creek Park in Washington, DC,the DC Open,a combined ATP and WTA 500 tournament,founded the year I was born, 1969.It’s one… Read more: DC Open - Dog’s Best Friend
Proof that friends come in all shapes, sizes, colors, and forms.They are a source of comfort and companionship,a soft place to lay our heads,travel with us wherever we go, if… Read more: Dog’s Best Friend - Reservoir
There’s a reservoir across from my gym, a place I’ve camped, raced, kayaked and swam at for years. To get to the entrance, you go farther north, turn left at… Read more: Reservoir - Hometown Reunion
I grew up in a small town in New Jersey, where neighbors were friendly and everyone’s parents kept an eye on everyone’s kids. If you were doing the wrong thing… Read more: Hometown Reunion - Prayers
Prayers for those impacted by the massive earthquake on Russia’s eastern coast. Prayers for those impacted by the tsunami or high waves and flooding that resulted. Prayers for my newly… Read more: Prayers - The Squad
Back in April 2020, it became apparent that we weren’t heading back to work and school, and that staying home and quarantining was here to stay for awhile. I was… Read more: The Squad - You’re In My Heart
Day two of my friends visiting found us having breakfast out on the front porch with toasts to order, as well as chocolate sourdough with cherry jam brought by my… Read more: You’re In My Heart - Kick Off
The weekend we’d been looking forward to was finally here! Four of my favorite people staying at my house for four days! The term 5eva was used more often than… Read more: Kick Off - Class Dismissed
If there’s one thing I’ve gotten better with as I’ve grown older, it’s sitting with my feelings without trying to rush or fix them. And shockingly, I’ve found that when… Read more: Class Dismissed - Never the Same Walk Twice
I walk the same basic routes,on a daily basis,but yet it’s rarely if ever the same walk twice.Sure, there’s the weather,the time of day,the day of the week,and those all… Read more: Never the Same Walk Twice - Give Me a Sign?
This sign made me laugh when I saw it on my walk. It’s true that my street has been torn up over the past few years due to various road… Read more: Give Me a Sign?
The Journey Inward 