Only a few weeks ago, I thought this flower was a fail. But it turned out to be a gardening win. And while it lasts, for me it is more than a zinnia. It is my writing cheerleader. In the summer, I like to work from my screened-in back porch. It is a small, cozy… Continue reading Why this colorful flower is my favorite writing cheerleader
When my kids were little, my life advice to them was lofty. The older they got, the more practical I became. By the time they entered college, my counsel revolved around debt avoidance and family planning. But now, my youngest will celebrate college commencement. I’m facing an empty nest. As a result, I’ve been pondering… Continue reading Four thoughts on how to live a rich and rewarding life
Friday is friend day. Once a week, I get together with a group of female friends in the late afternoon at a coffee shop on “The Hill” in St. Louis. We chat about our lives. We share our triumphs and challenges. We talk about families, careers, movies and politics. By 5 p.m., we scatter, promising… Continue reading The unexpected joy of midlife friendship
There’s beauty in every season, even winter. All it takes is an open mind, and a zipped coat, to discover it. This morning, my husband and I braved the freezing temperatures to keep our six-mile Sunday walking date. We craved fresh air and nature. Plus, we knew we'd jog a bit more to keep a… Continue reading Winter survival: An open mind and a zipped coat
Last week, I asked a controversial question on Facebook – and it had nothing to do with politics. The first reply came in a matter of minutes. Soon, a flurry of thirty responses and counterarguments were published. The question that provoked the outpouring: What traditional Thanksgiving dishes do you dislike? This Thursday, we’ll celebrate Thanksgiving… Continue reading Thanksgiving foods we love to hate
What possessed me to suggest taking a long walk on a Sunday morning? That I can’t remember. But I do know that somehow, I convinced my husband to give it a try. A year later, we continue our weekly walking dates. Our outings began in August 2017 in Forest Park, an oasis of nature in… Continue reading Three benefits of walking six miles with a loved one
Geri Dreiling 