I posted this blog six months ago. Little did we know…… Last Sunday, we took a flight back to New York from the happy island of Aruba (that’s the subject of another blog). I had given some thought to the usual concerns associated with flying and getting sick. Flo had a very adequate supply of antibacterial wipes - which were put to good use. …
Our local supermarket follows the guidelines for masks and social distancing. In addition to monitoring the number of people inside, masks, and providing disinfecting wipes when you enter, the supermarket has imposed “one-way” aisles. A good idea from my perspective.It is annoying to me that some people don’t respect the designated direction of the …
I was waiting in line for the farmer’s market in Great Barrington when a woman nearby said that she liked my T Shirt. I was wearing a T Shirt from Hawaii featuring the Rainbow Drive-In Diner in Honolulu. A big smile appeared on her face as she told me that her grandmother lived a few blocks from the Diner. I often vacillate between wearing t-shirt …
A few days ago I was inspired to think about the temporary nature of so many things in our lives. Although one could contemplate that everything is temporary, my attention turned to our Passion Flowers.Our Passion Flowers last just one day. The buds form over time and slowly prepare for the flower to open. We watch, hoping the buds survive to bloom …
Recently, I attended a webinar on the topic of Diversity and Inclusion and I heard the simplest, and most insightful, explanation of Implicit Bias that I have ever heard. I share it in the hope that it adds to each of our understandings and helps in our respective journeys toward better self-awareness. The speaker recalled that whenever his grandf …
We had just gotten on the short line outside the ice cream parlor. Two couples ahead of us. I felt the presence of a person behind me and turned around to see an older man without a mask — it was on his chin — uncomfortably close to me. As I turned to look forward and considered whether to say anything, a man ahead of me turned and called out “How …
"Play Ball" I was actually looking forward to hearing that call.Yes, it would be different. No fans in the stands. But then again, no one came to watch me when I played ball. So much drama leading up to the season. Negotiations. On, off and on again. A short season. A sprint, not the marathon of the usual baseball season. But, perhaps, a little mov …
“What protocols are you following?” It’s an appropriate question - especially now. When making an appointment or reservation, ask the question. Where appropriate, most establishments have precautions in place, but I’ve seen that nothing should be taken for granted. I am shocked to learn that some establishments where one might reasonably expect to …
The other morning we sat down for our morning meditation. As we do every morning, Flo turned on the Calm app on her phone. But weird things ensued. The app kept crashing.After a few tries, we gave up and took an unguided moment to ourselves. Then Flo turned on the radio. NPR.Resigned that if we can’t have Calm, why not theanxiety of the news?A retu …
We’ve all been impacted over the last few months. Some routines and habits dropped and others formed.Most changes were imposed upon us by the shutdown and we adapted. Cardboard delivery boxes appeared at our doorstep in never-imagined numbers. Zoom replaced conference rooms, and on and on. But will these changes last?I often wonder what the new nor …
The current issue of The New Yorker arrived at our home the other morning. As is our practice, we allow our mail to “sit” for a day or so before handling it. The cover - see the picture - just stared at us from its perch on the floor.A picture we felt compelled to share.And when we picked up the magazine, we learned that thepainting on the cover is …
I’m not sure how many times I’ve seen the statue of Teddy Roosevelt in the front of the Museum of Natural History in New York City. The statue that is now being taken down.I first saw it as a child on one of the many trips I was taken on to the Museum. More recently, I passed it with a grandchild that I was taking to the Museum.I must have been exp …
In the midst of everything that is going on, we strive for a few moments of calm. Over the years, I’ve tried to adopt various forms of relaxation - unfortunately most efforts have not been successful.Recently, we came across the app “Calm” and have been using it every morning.Five minutes of guided meditation.Recognizing the need for calm was the f …
I’m still angry when I think about it — angry at myself.Several years ago, I was at a small wedding reception dinner and found myself at the bar with the father of the groom (I was from the bride’s side). I don’t remember much of the conversation except that he was talking about his background and used the Yiddish term (the “S” word) for a black pe …
What’s your background? As Zoom, Webex and other virtual meeting platforms become the new norm — they are here to stay— your background is bound to make a difference. Soon, if not here already, there will be sophisticated analyses of how your background impacts your presentation and message. I am not a fan of those artificial scenes. Somehow your …
