Sometimes the most difficult thing we can do is to let go of a goal. In two weeks I’m registered to run the Philadelphia Half Marathon. This would be my second consecutive year running this race. And, after today’s training run it’s apparent I’m just not going to be ready. I need to let go…

I’ve left jobs before. In fact, early in my career I changed jobs every two to three years.  So, you think I’d be somewhat numb to moving on.  But you’d be wrong.  After spending five years with Ten Thousand Villages, leaving feels bittersweet. I love my job…truth be told.  It’s rare to be able to…

In honor of this “Back to The Future” Day Dear Michele From The Future: Look at you, Mishka! You made it! You have a daughter in grad school and are enjoying your European life. The Mediterranean has proven to be the perfect home for you. The crystal blue water that rests beneath your hillside oasis is…

Tonight I will be preparing a traditional Thanksgiving meal for some very special people who have never experienced this American tradition.  I love cooking for people…especially people I’ve just met. It feels like such a welcoming gesture. A comfort of sorts. There is something very comforting about this meal. I suppose the carb over-load might…

I read a man’s obituary this morning. He wrote it himself. I didn’t know this man; yet, somehow he has managed to leave an impression and give me pause. In his light-hearted and heart-felt final message, he offered this quote as a parting piece of advice: “Dream as though you have nothing to lose, believe…

How did they know I would need that little pick me up precisely at the moment I received it? As I was driving home from work today I felt the sadness begin to creep in once again. This time, a stupid song on the radio triggered a memory that stung me pretty hard. No need…

Lately I have rediscovered the joy of cooking.  I am fortunate enough to live in an area where fresh produce and organic meats are plentiful. And that just makes cooking more enjoyable, at least that’s how I see it. Recently, I had the pleasure of meeting and spending a few hours with a man named…

Today is one of those “blue” days. I have them from time to time. It used to surprise me how seemingly out of nowhere the sadness would surface. But now I’ve just come to accept it. I know it will be fleeting. I’ll feel it, sit in it for a little bit, and then let…

It was July 4th weekend and I had nothing to do. My daughter would be with her Dad for the four day stretch, and I had made no plans for myself. A long weekend and I had nothing scheduled…no one to visit, no barbecues to attend.  I committed to nothing. I hated the thought of…

Eight months ago I packed up my husband’s belongings, placed them in a storage shed and changed the locks to our home. I discovered things that devastated me.  So I did what any self-respecting woman would do. I had a meltdown. It’s hard for me to remember exactly how I felt last fall when I…