In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month, I am reprinting this blog I wrote in response to a salon.com “open call” on the question, "What can’t you bring yourself to throw away?" While it's a sad reminder of a period of my life I don't want to revisit, it's also a reminder that breast cancer is real, and still affecting far too many people. Let this be a reminder that screenings and early detection saves lives. Early detection definitely saved mine. It sits on the top shelf of my closet, … [Read more...]

One of the advantages of being "home" is being able to attend important events like family weddings and funerals.   We've lived away for so many years that we've missed most of these key family events. While it sounds morbid, I've been reminded of how much I love a funeral.   I'm not talking about the heartbreakingly sad funerals for people who suffer from tragic, untimely deaths, I'm talking about funerals for people who have lived long, full lives and are ready for the next step … [Read more...]

On the cover of the recent Conde Nast magazine Traveler, there was this: We Live for Summer That caught my eye because it is so true. Winter is finally over. The snow is gone. The temperatures are hot and delightfully dry; and in Utah, evenings are refreshingly cool and comfortable. Oh, there are the occasional temperature extremes, some rain, and wind. But, still, it's summer, and it's time to plan some fun. Many years ago, we gathered with some friends and brainstormed what we wanted to do … [Read more...]

I'm not sure whether this blog is about the power of perspective or the need for remembering. Maybe it's both. I stumbled upon a blog entry I wrote May 28, 2007 that reminded me of some lessons I thought I'd never forget. The result is a refreshed attitude with a heavy dose of gratitude. 2007 was the year I was recovering from cancer -- the year I swore I'd never forget what I learned. Among some of my lessons: Don't complain about bad hair days because, HELLO, I have hair. Don't … [Read more...]