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Cicely’s Japanese Maple Tree

by Karen, posted in family, friends, gardening

We have a Japanese Maple Tree in our backyard. We brought it here when we moved from another house, and we had brought it to that house when we moved from another house. Even that wasn't its original location though. In all, moving it to this home was its third transplantation. From whence did it … Continue reading Cicely’s Japanese Maple Tree

Metamorphing

by Karen, posted in Midlife Crisis, Turning 50

I am not exactly sure if  'metamorphing' is the correct word; maybe 'morphing' would suffice. I only know that this year of being 50 has been much different from what I expected. My forties were a decade of furiosity, including but not limited to: furious writing, reading, cooking, baking, yoga-ing (walking, hula-hooping, Wii-dancing and other … Continue reading Metamorphing

50: The year I got old

by Karen, posted in (it's all about the) food, Adult children, family, fitness, health, Midlife Crisis, no fear, Turning 50

I was thinking about how I have been in a funk these past several weeks, when I realized, no, it's actually been several months now that I've been feeling this way.  I realized what is partly affecting my mood and my decisions is this: I feel old. My skin looks old. All of my joints … Continue reading 50: The year I got old

Gratitude Journal-Hello, it’s been a while

by Karen, posted in Gratitude Journal 2013

March 15, 2013 1 The sun shining in my kitchen window this afternoon 2. My husband painting my daughter's room 3. My whole family here under my roof together for a few hours today all at the same time for once 4. Finishing up the leftovers for lunch 5. Making time for the Deepak Chopra … Continue reading Gratitude Journal-Hello, it’s been a while

Mentoring: top ten tips

by Karen, posted in Life in the cube, Midlife Crisis, quest for the best, Work from Home

In my first career, I managed a restaurant. Over the years I trained a lot of waitresses, ice cream scoopers, grill cooks,  supervisors, and even managers. We had a three step process that worked really well.  First, she watched me do it. Next, I watched her do it. Finally, she did it by herself, but … Continue reading Mentoring: top ten tips

Birthdays

by Karen, posted in (it's all about the) food, family, friends

My lovely daughter is turning 14 in a couple of months. We have given her a birthday party every year of her life, so there is a  fair chance that she will be expecting one this year too. What to do? There is some pressure not only to do something that is new and different … Continue reading Birthdays

The joys of dementia

by Karen, posted in health

I was at work, caring for an elderly woman with dementia. She was propelling herself around the unit in her wheelchair, talking and singing, as was her usual routine. She had her  'baby' (doll) with her, a small bundle in a pink one piece piggy outfit, complete with little ears and a tail. As she … Continue reading The joys of dementia

Choose happiness

by Karen, posted in (it's all about the) food, books, Midlife Crisis, Turning 50

I read about Liz Gilbert's Happiness Jar idea last year when I was turning 50. I thought it was a great idea. I thought I would do it. I did not do it. Today, I was thinking about how I used to get on the scale every day, so I could nip any pesky post-Weight … Continue reading Choose happiness

Resolutions

by Karen, posted in books, Midlife Crisis, no fear, quest for the best, Turning 50

I remember getting to the end of 2011 and thinking "What an awful year this has been," and hoping 2012 would be better. Fast forward one year: I remember getting to the end of 2012 and thinking, "What an awful year this has been," and hoping 2013 would be better. I'm sensing a pattern here, … Continue reading Resolutions

Gratitude continued

by Karen, posted in (it's all about the) food, family, Gratitude Journal 2013, Marriage

January 24, 2013 1 For my husband, who took my daughter to school when it was 1 degree below zero so that both I and she could stay warm. 2. My Grampa's Garden microwavable body blanket. Enough said. 3. My washer and dryer. I remember hauling laundry to the laundromat. 4. My crock pot. Best … Continue reading Gratitude continued