Category Archives: current events/themes

Letting go of expectations during the holidays

Posted on December 8, 2011 by stillalife

After reading the Classic Peanuts comic strip in this morning’s paper I said to my husband, “Lucy is expressing my sentiments.” In this, she tells her brother she always wants to get her way and when he assures her this … Continue reading →

Posted in current events/themes, inspiration, stress | 3 Comments

Mrs. Scrooge goes shopping

Posted on November 26, 2011 by stillalife

Yesterday marked the beginning of the official holiday shopping season. Selecting gifts for others is high on my list of activities that stress the body and challenge the intellect. How do I know what anyone else wants and needs unless … Continue reading →

Posted in current events/themes, friends and family, personal reflections, seasons | Tagged , , , , | 5 Comments

Nice work if you can get it

Posted on November 19, 2011 by stillalife

Since I’ve spent the last month writing, writing, writing for no money, this week I jumped at the chance to talk for money… in a focus group.  For years I’ve been in the database of a local market research company but … Continue reading →

Posted in current events/themes | Tagged , | 1 Comment

“Spooktacular” Event

Posted on October 30, 2011 by stillalife

A friend and I were reminiscing yesterday about Halloween in the “good old days,” a time when everyone dressed up as a ghost (old sheet with holes cut out for eyes); a princess, fairy, or queen (crown, magic wand, robe … Continue reading →

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Stories to create and preserve traditions

Posted on September 28, 2011 by stillalife

We all love a good story, but usually don’t think about the role stories play in our lives. In traditional societies, story telling helps preserve customs, pass on important knowledge and set behavioral norms.  According to the blog Architecture and … Continue reading →

Posted in current events/themes, personal reflections, support and caring | Tagged | 3 Comments

For those who think “Twitter” is a bird call

Posted on April 6, 2011 by stillalife

From an AARP (American Association of Retired Persons) April 5 tweet:  Boomers *are* exploring technology and media – for themselves and sometimes to continue the relationship with their kids/grandkids.  But it seems they have a lot of work to do … Continue reading →

Posted in aging, current events/themes | Tagged , | 6 Comments

Cross-cultural exchange is a gift

Posted on February 2, 2011 by stillalife

How do Asian students feel about receiving a hug when the occasion demands it (in our view)?  Is it offensive to open up a gift in front of the giver?  Are students uncomfortable about being called on in class?  Should … Continue reading →

Posted in current events/themes, volunteering | 1 Comment

“Pen pals” create global community

Posted on January 16, 2011 by stillalife

Saeide is my email pal.  She’s the first email pal I’ve had, but that’s because in the age before computers we had pen pals, people to whom we hand wrote letters.  My first pen pal lived in England.  I was … Continue reading →

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Addendum by David Horsey

Posted on November 14, 2010 by stillalife

Political columnist and cartoonist David Horsey isn’t writing about gratitude in his November 11 blog, but he is reinforcing the notion that no one can do it all alone, which is part of my blog of November 13.  He also … Continue reading →

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Policy makers need to go back to school

Posted on November 11, 2010 by stillalife

Geoffrey Canada, whose Harlem Children’s Zone was featured in the controversial film, “Waiting for Superman,” (controversial over what many viewers believe to be an anti-teachers’ union stance) is a powerful and persuasive speaker on the topic of changing education.   … Continue reading →

Posted in current events/themes | Tagged | 1 Comment