Humanity is challenged, once again, in London

The murders carried out nearby London Bridge last night were not the work of religious men but members of a cult. “This is for Allah,” shouted a perpetrator as he stabbed a girl at least 10 times, according to eyewitnesses. “This is for Allah,” hollered the perpetrators as they ran into crowds, kicking and stabbing people, say eyewitnesses. I missed this scene by about 10 minutes. Had I not […]

Good manners can ease these polarizing times

We live in uncertain, trying times. Uncertain because several surprises have arisen, from general elections and corruption in the “civilized” world to genocide and terrorism. Trying because we are constantly confronted with situations or outcomes that don’t reflect our values. We feel that our own way of life is under threat and that we don’t control it. The past year has brought questions like these: Where’s the balance […]

Tough moments can cast a shadow on all

Everyone I know is struggling with the shock, horror and sadness surrounding the Metro-North commuter train accident that killed five people last week in Valhalla, N.Y. Reports say it will take one year to understand how an S.U.V. got stuck on the railroad crossing moments before a train traveling nearly 60 m.p.h. came barreling through, smashed the car, lifted the third rail into the carriage … and made our […]

“The Last Ship” is a gripping tale of three types of love

“The Last Ship,” Sting’s musical that ends its run on Broadway this Saturday, has a hold on me. It is a powerful, exhilarating story of hopes, dreams, disappointments, and triumphs of love. This musical tells the story of a teenager, Gideon, who flees the ship-building town of Wallsend in the north of England to seek a different life for himself than that of his father, his father’s father, and every […]

“Remember the love”: An unexpected mantra kicks off my new year

I was all set to write about how 2014 had been a transformative year for me. The lessons I’ve learned. The newfound practices I’ve cultivated. How I was going to make these things my lifestyle. But then my cat died. It was on the evening of New Year’s Day. My dear friend from high school was visiting me for a week, and we enjoyed a half-day outing of a five-mile […]

Can I get an order of inspiration to go, please?

After a wondrous, energizing week on Block Island I closed up my rented cottage, then met a realtor for a quick walk-through on a rental I’m considering for my next trip here — during the high season, if I can last that long before returning. Then I drove to the ferry, and my car was first in line to board. With 20 minutes to spare, I walked across […]

Nature inspires a step out of the comfort zone

I’ve been in Block Island three days now, and I am so inspired — by the nature, the landscapes, the ocean, the sunsets, the sounds, everything. It makes anything and everything feel possible. I think this invigorating inspiration is capable of drawing out our best and encourages stepping outside the comfort zone. I have been doing that this week…I got back into yoga, I’m trying to cut out dairy, and I even ordered fish for […]

Dare yourself to connect with strangers.

Finding service with a personal touch IS possible in an anonymous city

In this city of 9 million residents and millions more of tourists, it’s easy to go through the motions and errands of each day anonymously. Locals are adept at getting in and out of places quickly. We walk purposefully, eyes down, and we’re often in a rush. We know how many seconds it takes to cross the street as the crosswalk indicator blinks and how many inches we […]

A shopping trip tests nerves, then something beautiful happens

Last Saturday I finally acted on a long-held plan to get modular bookcases and other home organization items to transform my living space toward the streamlined, light, airy place I envisioned. This step was earned by sorting through clothes, linens, housewares, and memories to figure out what I could live without and then donating or tossing it. So I drove to the home goods superstore to fulfill my […]