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Peaches, Yum! Week Twenty Nine in the New Abnormal
![Peaches, Yum! Week Twenty Nine in the New Abnormal Peaches, Yum! Week Twenty Nine in the New Abnormal](images/Life-SizedCourage/cache/images/Life-SizedCourage/proportion/IMG_4575_w140_h140/IMG_4575_07160853.jpg)
It’s 1967, it’s hot. It’s a July weekend so I’m not at Hilltop Day Camp. The sprinkler is on, back and forth from one side of the lawn to the other. I have mixed feelings about sprinklers. I love the constant whir of water from the circular type, but I don’t get a break. It’s more of a free for all than a game. With the alternating side sprinkler, I can time it to race through when it comes my way, while taking a breath when it switches sides. In the end, that’s my preference. Get soaked, get hot, and start all over again.
Moods Ebb & Flow, Week Twenty-Eight in the New Abnormal
![Moods Ebb & Flow, Week Twenty-Eight in the New Abnormal Moods Ebb & Flow, Week Twenty-Eight in the New Abnormal](images/Life-SizedCourage/cache/images/Life-SizedCourage/proportion/IMG_4476_w140_h140/IMG_4476_07100504.jpg)
The cycling of moods continues. Today I’m happy. It’s beautiful outside. I get to walk on fairly empty sidewalks, and I’m ticking things off my to-do list. Earlier this week I was crestfallen. Too many tragedies and so much shared pain in the world. I find it fascinating how the ups and downs shift from day to day. Well, really, from moment to moment.
Compassion vs. Disregard, Week Twenty-Seven in the New Abnormal
![Compassion vs. Disregard, Week Twenty-Seven in the New Abnormal Compassion vs. Disregard, Week Twenty-Seven in the New Abnormal](images/Life-SizedCourage/cache/images/Life-SizedCourage/proportion/IMG_4471_w140_h140/IMG_4471_07020200.jpg)
Reactivity, Week Twenty-Six in the New Abnormal
![Reactivity, Week Twenty-Six in the New Abnormal Reactivity, Week Twenty-Six in the New Abnormal](images/Life-SizedCourage/cache/images/Life-SizedCourage/proportion/IMG_1946_w140_h140/IMG_1946_08290826.jpg)
Honestly, the news this week has not been good given my values. A lot of powerful women have been sharing opinions. Yes, I concur, but I have found that it’s been challenging to be my best self in the face of these upsetting decisions. I’ve not been able to separate my reactions from the deeply disturbing news. In this moment the political is personal.
Ah, Spring, Week Twenty-Three in the New Abnormal
![Ah, Spring, Week Twenty-Three in the New Abnormal Ah, Spring, Week Twenty-Three in the New Abnormal](images/Life-SizedCourage/cache/images/Life-SizedCourage/proportion/IMG_0677_w140_h140/IMG_0677_05021243.jpg)
It feels absolutely freeing to wear lighter clothing. Spring is here and I’m thrilled. Even if the mornings or evenings require a light jacket, putting away the wool is such a relief. In theory, I love the changing seasons. Each season bringing a mood, a swath of colors, or, as in winter, shades of white and grey. But, in practice I prefer the warmer months. If only I could transplant New York City to a more temperate climate. Alas, such are the compromises I’ve made to be a New Yorker.
Post-Vacation, Week Twenty-two in the New Abnormal
![Post-Vacation, Week Twenty-two in the New Abnormal Post-Vacation, Week Twenty-two in the New Abnormal](images/Life-SizedCourage/cache/images/Life-SizedCourage/proportion/IMG_4125_w140_h140/IMG_4125_05290124.jpg)
I don’t like the phrase at the end of a vacation, “Back to real life.” I think vacations are real life. It’s a break from the everyday, but enjoying that break is very real. Coming back to my work and apartment, and New York City after this vacation was a terrific reentry.
Goodbye Galapagos, Week Twenty One in the New Abnormal
![Goodbye Galapagos, Week Twenty One in the New Abnormal Goodbye Galapagos, Week Twenty One in the New Abnormal](images/Life-SizedCourage/cache/images/Life-SizedCourage/proportion/IMG_4014_w140_h140/IMG_4014_05220954.jpg)
I’m sitting at the Quito airport in the wee hours of the morning. This past week I had about one hour total of internet. It was divine. I thought I had overcome my reliance on electronics, but I have been habituated. And, as much as I enjoyed the downtime, I also am happy to be on my way home to enjoy the benefits, while cursing the downside of being “connected.”
A Trip to the Equator, Week 20 in the New Abnormal
![A Trip to the Equator, Week 20 in the New Abnormal A Trip to the Equator, Week 20 in the New Abnormal](images/Life-SizedCourage/cache/images/Life-SizedCourage/proportion/IMG_3992_w140_h140/IMG_3992_05140934.jpg)
No one could have prepared me for the beauty of Ecuador. Wherever I turn the vista is extraordinary. The pictures barely capture the awe that we’re experiencing. Going on vacation is the refresh I so needed.
Reparenting on Mother's Day, Week Nineteen in the New Abnormal
![Reparenting on Mother's Day, Week Nineteen in the New Abnormal Reparenting on Mother's Day, Week Nineteen in the New Abnormal](images/Life-SizedCourage/cache/images/Life-SizedCourage/proportion/IMG_3759_w140_h140/IMG_3759_05081122.jpg)
Though cards, commercials, and media would have us romanticize motherhood, the truth is Mother’s Day can be stressful for so many. Whether families grapple with mental illness, death, physical illness, the court systems, mismatched needs of child/mother, in-law drama, or whether there are reproductive issues, or other circumstances that make the day difficult, allow for kindness and caring while enduring the day.
City Blooms, Week Seventeen in the New Abnormal
![City Blooms, Week Seventeen in the New Abnormal City Blooms, Week Seventeen in the New Abnormal](images/Life-SizedCourage/cache/images/Life-SizedCourage/proportion/IMG_3604_w140_h140/IMG_3604_04240128.jpg)
A three-minute walk from our apartment stands a small lone cherry blossom tree. It’s located behind a dull brick building. On this seemingly empty city block the tree feels like a sign of hope. Hope that beauty can hold up in the face of asphalt and concrete.
On Repeat, Week Sixteen in the New Abnormal
![On Repeat, Week Sixteen in the New Abnormal On Repeat, Week Sixteen in the New Abnormal](images/Life-SizedCourage/cache/images/Life-SizedCourage/proportion/IMG_3560_w140_h140/IMG_3560_04171134.jpg)
Rest for the Weary, Week Fifteen in the New Abnormal
![Rest for the Weary, Week Fifteen in the New Abnormal Rest for the Weary, Week Fifteen in the New Abnormal](images/Life-SizedCourage/cache/images/Life-SizedCourage/proportion/IMG_3442_w140_h140/IMG_3442_04100131.jpg)
In my mind this weekend was filled with activity. I was going on long walks, I was starting to prepare for Passover, reading as research, writing, walking Lucy, finding items to give away, cooking for the week, and everything else that involves time and effort when not at work. I forget what is required to get so much done, especially when a nap is in order.
Awards, Week Thirteen in the New Transition
![Awards, Week Thirteen in the New Transition Awards, Week Thirteen in the New Transition](images/Life-SizedCourage/cache/images/Life-SizedCourage/proportion/IMG_3401_w140_h140/IMG_3401_03261026.jpg)
Though award shows don’t hold the same cache as they did in my childhood, this weekend is the Academy Awards. Fraught with politics and self-promotion, the awards have lost some of their shimmer. Yet, while growing up I wrote and rewrote my acceptance speeches. It was my fantasy of ultimate success. If I felt insignificant or hurt, my bright future would prove to the world I was somebody. My bullies would see I was special. That was my secret revenge.
Welcome Spring, Week Twelve in the New Abnormal
![Welcome Spring, Week Twelve in the New Abnormal Welcome Spring, Week Twelve in the New Abnormal](images/Life-SizedCourage/cache/images/Life-SizedCourage/proportion/IMG_3377_w140_h140/IMG_3377_03201205.jpg)
Hello Spring, you couldn’t come soon enough. We’ve all needed to lighten our loads. And what better way to start than by taking off our parkas? Like the shining moon hidden under the clouds, you’ve come from behind the cold for renewed hope.
CIty Gallery, Week Nine in the Time of Coronavirus
![CIty Gallery, Week Nine in the Time of Coronavirus CIty Gallery, Week Nine in the Time of Coronavirus](images/Life-SizedCourage/cache/images/Life-SizedCourage/proportion/IMG_3144_w140_h140/IMG_3144_02270225.jpg)
We went for a lovely birthday celebration of a new friend. To get there we took the subway. It’s been quite a while since I last went on the underground train. The most recently expanded line, The Q Train, has an artist featured on each of the newest stops. We got a good look at a few by Chuck Close done with tiles as portrait mosaics.
Tech Unsaavy and More, Week Eight in the New Abnormal
![Tech Unsaavy and More, Week Eight in the New Abnormal Tech Unsaavy and More, Week Eight in the New Abnormal](images/Life-SizedCourage/cache/images/Life-SizedCourage/proportion/IMG_3126_w140_h140/IMG_3126_02200119.jpg)
I don’t really understand Instagram. I’ve heard it’s for boomers. As a Baby Boomer, I am virtually clueless on how to navigate this social media platform. I can send hearts to a photo, but opening attachments, or anything more than loving a post eludes me. I keep meaning to find a tutorial I can follow, but my time is spoken for, so learning how to use Instagram stays low on my to-do list. I post to Instagram weekly. I’m not sure if it goes through, or if people just see pictures but can’t open the attachments.
The Winter of Our Discontent, Week Seven in the New Abnormal
![The Winter of Our Discontent, Week Seven in the New Abnormal The Winter of Our Discontent, Week Seven in the New Abnormal](images/Life-SizedCourage/cache/images/Life-SizedCourage/proportion/IMG_3094_w140_h140/IMG_3094_02130100.jpg)
Thwarted Plans, Week Two In The New Abnormal
![Thwarted Plans, Week Two In The New Abnormal Thwarted Plans, Week Two In The New Abnormal](images/Life-SizedCourage/cache/images/Life-SizedCourage/proportion/IMG_2954_w140_h140/IMG_2954_01090259.jpg)
I keep deluding myself into thinking I know the best formula for getting through these difficult times. I meditate twice daily. I make sure I don’t make plans more than once a week, except in special circumstances. I go for daily walks. I work. I try to make dinner a few times a week. I like doing all these things. While I’m doing teach of them, I feel perfectly fine. But in other moments I am short-tempered. I am impatient. I long for more support.
Generosity of Spirit, Week 34 in the Time of Transition
![Generosity of Spirit, Week 34 in the Time of Transition Generosity of Spirit, Week 34 in the Time of Transition](images/Life-SizedCourage/cache/images/Life-SizedCourage/proportion/IMG_2810_w140_h140/IMG_2810_12190118.jpg)
I always thought I was a generous person. Then I got married and I came to realize that I was only generous in certain circumstances. If something was my idea, great, I was happy to offer services, a gift, or lend an ear. However, if asked, I found I could be withholding. Somehow I felt being asked for something implied I was stingy. And I was. Sometimes I still am. Apparently a generous heart is not a one way endeavor.