Blog
The Lobster
When the movie The Lobster was first released I could not watch it. My second marriage was in a precarious position and a thoughtful inquiry into the nature of relationships, especially romantic relationships was not on the menu. A recent viewing of the film proved to be a delight and got me thinking, as well-crafted art tends to do. The movie postulates that couples need to be similar to be success. I disagree. Similarity can be a start while compatibility is much more important.
Are you a quiz taker?
Checking my horoscope, taking personality assessments, and online quizzes are entertaining. Sometimes I even want to believe the results. I am hoping to find out something about myself that will provide a guide, a clear path forward. The real information is found within. No subscription necessary.
Where do you find yourself on the Kindness Meter?
In a fast-paced world, slowing down and showing kindness can transform your life. Simple acts like greeting strangers, responding thoughtfully, or pausing between tasks foster connection, trust, and a more compassionate daily experience.
Temporal Setting
Temporal setting is a storytelling device. Stranger Things is an example of its use by the creators The Duffer Brothers. We do not get to select the time we live in. We do get to make choices to support the story we want our lives to tell. I have chosen the usual paths on many occasions. Paying attention to my life is worth the investment of time and energy. Allowing time and energy to stay curious is worth it.
You can’t always get what you want…
The Rolling Stone lyrics “you can’t always get what you want” kept going through my head after a recent walk in NYC and lots of eavesdropping. It was the end of the workday on a Tuesday and already a dark, chilly evening. I wondered if anyone who was complaining had really taken the time to ask themselves-What do I want? What do I need?
Death by a thousand cuts
My first marriage eroded slowly, almost without my noticing it. I am aware of other times I have allowed dreams and ideas to die a slow death. It has been a pattern. With attention, it is possible to achieve dreams, grow ideas into a reality, and deepen relationships. Each day, one step at a time.
Star Words
I had already picked the word play for 2026 then I went to church. That Sunday, the congregation was invited to pick a star word. My second word for 2026 is stability. It was not a word that felt ‘right’ until I spent a little time thinking about how play and stability could work together and support my year ahead.
Word for 2026
A recent encounter reminded me of the practice I used to do-pick a word for the year. A word to inspire me and remind me of what I wanted more in the year ahead. My word this year is Play. I would like to try things out for the sake of doing something without too much pressure about the outcome. I want to remind myself not to let my hobbies to become work.
Recipe to Welcome a New Baby on 12/27/96
in anticipation of the birth of my second child who was due after Christmas in 1997, inspired this reflection written as a recipe or life instructions. I was excited and nervous because I wasn’t sure if I had enough love in my heart for this new child. My heart had broken open with the birth of my first baby.
Hope and Healing, One honest day at a time
Spaghetti on the Wall, an elegant journal to organize the messy ideas of life, began as a tool to help my coaching clients. Business owners for whom their patterns and habits were in competition with their stated goals. In an effort to help them gain awareness around their behaviors, I made SOTW. The resulting journal and the simple daily practice of journaling was exactly what I need to examine my own very messy life.
Upstream swim
Exiting...
Anticipation, excitement about something that is coming up in the future. Expectation, belief that something will happen.
The holiday season tends to hold a combination of both anticipation and expectation. There is an emphasis on the future, an exaggerated focus on what we hope will happen, what we are thinking is going to happen, or what is supposed to happen. Ask yourself, what would you like to create in these last few weeks of the year? I am using the word ‘create’ on purpose. Lean into what genuinely matters to you right now.
A prayer for the people-pleasers
People-pleasing takes a lot of energy, and trusting ourselves presents its own challenge. But here is my reminder to trust myself and how to best set myself up for success.
T-take time for myself each day, if only a series of 3 breaths.
R-regular rest is required.
U-unlearn old patterns, permission to try something new.
S-stay present.
T-twirl, dance, skip, and laugh.
Chris Roberts-Antieau Artist Statement
Explore the whimsical art of Chris Roberts-Antieau in Santa Fe, NM. From taxidermied swans to embroidered masterpieces, explore her gallery and studio, and find inspiration to enjoy life and create joy.
Jill of Many Trades
Persistence, perseverance, and practice, these are the three P’s of Mastery. Even if we don’t become the “jack of all trades”, we can master the “jack of one trade” through this and master curiosity, creativity, and kindness.
Stillness
Amid the holiday rush, finding stillness can feel impossible. Let’s give ourselves permission to pause, notice our bodies, and embrace stillness during the busy holiday season.
A Helping Hand
When my youngest ended up on crutches in NYC, I was reminded how hard—and how beautiful—it can be to ask for help. From strangers’ kindness to quiet companionship, I realized asking for support isn’t weakness—it’s connection.
Joy of Journaling
The Joy of journaling with Spaghetti on the Wall. Learn how a simple 15-minute daily practice can help you uncover patterns, release what no longer serves you, and build self-trust. Perfect for beginners and seasoned journalers alike.
I hate Mondays, not.
I’ve always loved Wednesdays—the little midweek pause that became a ritual of TV trays, snacks, and quiet moments that somehow made the week feel full. These memories remind me how the small, simple routines can bring joy and connection.
A year ago today…
A year ago, I said yes to being a “good daughter,” hosting family, and accommodating others—only to realize that true connection with my mom means honesty, not obligation.
Wash & Wear?
Starting middle school came with new uniforms, awkward fits, and unexpected smells—but also small freedoms like sweater choices and “Free Dress” days. This story reflects on the humor, anxieties, and little victories of navigating school life and finding your own comfort in the chaos.
Open to Surprise
Life is full of unexpected moments waiting to be noticed. From chance conversations to fleeting discoveries in a garden, embracing everyday surprises reminds us to stay curious, present, and open to joy in the small things.
Autumn Friday Salon-Week 2 Harvest Reflection
This is a personal reflection on facing fear and trying new things, challenging old family patterns, and learning to embrace both courage and vulnerability. From daring adventures abroad to confronting difficult truths at home, it’s about discovering growth by stepping into the unknown and allowing yourself to truly feel.
Summer Jobs
A summer in Ketchum, ID, taught me the beauty of curiosity, hard work, and learning from extraordinary people. Between restaurant kitchens, art galleries, and willow furniture-making, I discovered how immersion, guidance, and the everyday hustle shape growth, creativity, and a life fully lived.