by dlb916
As Hallmark is announcing ad nauseam, the holidays are upon us. Thanks for that; I had no idea😒. I can’t imagine anyone needs a reminder every fifteen minutes given the fact stores have been decorated for Christmas since THE FOURTH OF JULY! I feel sorry for those of us who must endure the annual onslaught …
by dlb916
Evidently, it’s gift giving season, or so I’m reminded by the relentless holiday commercials. I don’t know what’s worse, the political ads or the ad nauseam marketing that suggests a new car wrapped in a bow or a diamond necklace will bring lasting joy. Read the collective room; Scrooge and I have our doubts. If …
by dlb916
Anyone else stuffed? My son, Matthew, hosted our Thanksgiving dinner this year and it was wonderful. My daughter, Kate, and her family were there, along with my mother who was visiting from Missouri. It has been years since we were all together. Along with my immediate family, there was a plethora of Matthew’s friends, many …
by dlb916
Back in the day, many, many moons ago, there was a television show called The Waltons. A few, but not many, may remember it, the reasons for which we shall not disclose here 😊. I can barely remember what I had for lunch yesterday so recalling a TV show that aired in 1972 is monumental. …
by dlb916
Do you make “To-Do” lists? I’ve done so for years. I find scratching things off the list to be ridiculously satisfying. In fact, I will add an item I’ve already finished just to be able to scratch it off. It’s the little things that keep me sane(ish). I usually start my list on Monday and …
by dlb916
My graduate students are in the final stretch of completing their Social Work Skills course. I’m always impressed with the students’ ability to begin the class with no previous social work experience and finish the quarter capable and confident. I also caution them that some unlucky student will probably be my social worker in the …
by dlb916
Anyone who lives with chronic pain, or lives with someone who has chronic pain, knows the devastation that ensues. Often invisible, unpredictable, and misunderstood, pain has the ability to impact every aspect of a person’s life, and the lives of those who bear witness to the suffering. At its best, pain is a nagging annoyance; …
by dlb916
I have been listening to a series of podcasts about grief hosted by Anderson Cooper and I’ve found them to be mesmerizing. He is so honest and raw when he talks about the loss of his father, mother, and brother. When his voice cracks (which it does often), my heart aches for him. If you …
by dlb916
Now that I have some free time, I’ve begun volunteering. One of my favorite organizations is Joy’s Kitchen. Kathy, the woman who created Joy’s, is amazing. Over the past 10+ years she has made it her mission to eliminate food waste, improve the lives of those experiencing food insecurity, and to effect climate change. Each …
by dlb916
Have you read the book, Simple Abundance – A Daybook of Comfort and Joy by Sarah Ban Breathnach? It is a daily journal filled with beautiful words of inspiration and encouragement. My book has highlighting throughout; so many of the entries feel like they were written just for me and always arrive just when I …
