It’s my birthday month. This, of course, got me thinking about presents. I’m a big believer in birthday and Christmas celebrations and I put a lot of thought into the presents I give. As for the presents I receive, well, I have had some truly wonderful presents given to me and also some that have...
When I was in my teens I loved watching a TV program called The Millionaire in which the host, John Beresford Tipton, would award a worthy person $1 million. I have my own version of this. While I don’t have millions to give away, I have collected, inherited, and purchased many items that are unusual,...
I miss my daddy. I miss our morning walks. I miss lots of things actually. It is times like these I like to bring him close to me by indulging in memories and by reminding myself of the many gifts he gave me. From genetics to life lessons, he will always be with me. Now...
An earthquake woke me up at 5am. This is not a metaphor. Although it does get me thinking about metaphors, mortality, and whether or not I am prepared for “the big one.” It is a strange thing to prepare for catastrophe. I suppose the alternative is to choose to be in denial about it all...
What is the most unexplainable thing you’ve ever experienced? This is a story about the first time I visited Vienna. It is one of those stories that I wouldn’t believe if it hadn’t happened to me. Now That You Ask is a podcast that looks at topics that range from death to desire, and from...
Memories are funny things, aren’t they? It is interesting to me what will trigger a memory and what I have come to love because of its connection to some of my sweetest memories. For example, peonies and gardenias are my favorite flowers. They make me nostalgic for the South I remember from growing up. I...
I have been thinking about dying a lot lately. I have my preferences about how my life ends, but ultimately I don’t have much say in how it happens. And what is it like after we die? For now, I am ok with the mystery of of it all. Now That You Ask is a...
Does Wonder Woman ever have bad days? How does she feel after she saves the day? I can definitely say that I am good in a crisis. When an emergency arises, I am clear-headed about what needs to happen and I take action. It’s afterwards when the threat has passed that the downward spiral begins. This...
Someone recently remarked that I have a strange family and, after some reflection, I realized there might be a grain of truth in this statement. So, I’d like to introduce you to one of my quirkier family members, my grandmother on my father’s side called Lizzie. She was a walking contradiction, a rigid rule follower,...
How do you step away from self-centeredness when it’s not serving you? I like to think that I will show up one hundred percent for other people in my life when they need me to, but the truth is sometimes I know I am not fully engaged. Perhaps I am being too perfectionistic, but I...