My Wardrobe Essential: The Old Sweatshirt

We played the game of “Life” not long ago. At times, I get distracted during these board games and, even though it’s usually just the three of us playing–my husband, my son Ethan and me–I lose track of who’s turn it is.

It’s your turn, Mrs. Wear-A-Sweatshirt-Every-Day.

Ethan didn’t say it in a snarky way. Just matter-of-fact. I had no retort, other than, “I don’t wear the same sweatshirt every day” and “I

The Story of My Son’s Adoption.

“Blessed.”  That was the last word I wanted to hear the day the baby was born.

A word uttered by the proud father who, along with his girlfriend, held the fate of this precious newborn we hoped to

Happy Holidays! And Merry Crash-mas?

Illustration by deuter (David Neal Johnson)

I have been taking some time off, but wanted to say Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas, etc. etc. My older brother, Dave—who is in prison-–sent us a holiday card with an original illustration that I wanted to share with you. A bit esoteric—can anyone translate?

If I don’t post anything until 2012, cheers to you and yours and a happy, prosperous, peaceful new year!

A Visit With My Brother.

My older brother appeared much older than I remembered him.

We hugged. “It’s been a long time,” he whispered.

It had been three years. On my dad’s 70th birthday. As usual, he and I had nothing much to say to each other, that particular day.

What would we talk about during this visit, I wondered.

As my husband, Craig, and I followed my brother into the sitting area, I couldn’t help but notice the increasing spread of his waist