Back to reality. I’m on week 4 of “How to Train a Wild Elephant.” I had to suspend last week’s lesson on filler words. Although I do want to write in concise sentences and not go on and on and on about nothing of particular relevance, I speak succinctly. I’m blunt. Some say ‘curt.’ I’m a brevity ...
Enjoying tourism without the tourists
If given the choice, I prefer to write with an ocean view and soundtrack. On Tuesday, It got up to 69 degrees. And we got coatless. Days in the South have a way of rolling in like a wave. Always being the first riser, I take Trixie on her first walk of the day. The beach is ...
Meanwhile, back at the Beach…
As Chicago celebrated President’s Day with another snowstorm and snow thunder, I continued my respite in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The temperature was around 45 degrees with a biting wind on Monday. Myrtle is still recovering from recent ice storms. Trees and branches litter the side of the roads. And tourism is way down. So, ...
We did the Charleston
South Carolina is a gentle state. Myrtle Beach is nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway (starts in Massachusetts and ends in MIami). The coast is the hard kind of sand that makes walking easier. Shells speckle the path. The waves roll in with a soft, lulling roar. The brisk temps 40s/50s keep ...
Hello, Myrtle!
2014 Chicago has been 45 days of -30 to 20 degrees. I’m gotten used to wearing two scarves, a coat, a sweater, a long-sleeved top, leggings and a skirt. When I peel a layer of clothing off, it comes with a layer of skin. On my dark apparel, it’s most noticeable. I strip off a ...
Dear mom and dad, I already miss you…
I dropped the parents off for their month-long cruise around South America. They fly out today and will be off the grid until March 21st. We’ve officially flipped roles. I feel like the parent dropping her kids off at camp. Sure, I want them to have a good time but I’ll worry about them. They ...
“Gypsy” (Chicago Shakespeare Theater): Oh, Momma!
Chicago Shakespeare Theater presents GYPSY. Until last night, I had never seen any production of GYPSY. I had heard snippets of the musical sung by the grand dames of Broadway, including; Ethel Merman, Bernadette Peters, and Patti LuPone. Still, I had no expectations for this iconic musical. GYPSY premiered in 1959. It is a showbiz reflection on the death of ...
Spinster’s Guide to Valentine’s Day – Volume II
Happy Valentine’s Day! Last year, I blogged theSpinster’s Guide to Valentine’s Day Survival. Although it still makes me chuckle, I can’t help but describe myself as bitter. I really sound uncharacteristically afraid... afraid of a day dedicated to love. What a difference a year makes?! Valentine’s Day creeped up on me. Unlike last year, I wasn’t dreading ...
Word.
Words are my favorite form of art. I delight in a finely crafted statement. In the last week, here are some memorable ones from my ongoing collection. In my book, “Life After Life,” a mother’s failure to instruct a young bride is described as ‘hinted but fallen short of anatomical exactitude.’ Jen recently texted me this wise ...
Happy Birthday to me… Again! :)
I successfully have extended my 50th birthday celebration into a third month. Last night, my boss took me out for an extravagant dinner in honor of my milestone. We went to Tru in Chicago. It was the second trip for both of us. Maureen picked it because we both so love a Tru experience. Besides the innovative cuisine, the ...