I love that feeling of being genuinely surprised by something, someone or even by myself. But, I do not like having surprises pulled on me. There’s a difference. For instance, I made Charlie swear on the sanctity of our marriage that he’d never throw me a surprise birthday party. I honestly don’t think I could recover from being the worst dressed person at my own celebration. See, I’m a gal who likes to plan, to have all my ducks in a row. And that’s a good thing. I mean, it’s served me well for over sixty-five years. But lately, I’ve come to the realization that sometimes I can get so focused on doing something my …

I love it when Easter’s in April. Yes, it’s nice to have a holiday in March, but too m y new Easter dress with white ankle socks or tights, white patent leather shoes, my pink Easter coat (my sister Irene’s was identical, but blue), white straw hat with fake flowers and white gloves. All brand, spanking new. Oh, and new underwear, too. Almost forgot about that. any times that means cold and snow, which is disappointing. Easter is about  daffodils, bunnies and sunshine. It’s about eating too much ham and scallop potatoes and way too much chocolate. Back when I was a kid, I prayed for a beautiful spring Easter day. Not so the Easter …

As many of you know, I’m big into decluttering. It just feels so good to get rid of stuff you don’t really use, things that are weighing you down. Plus, it’s mud season. Sure some days are bright and sunny, but we’re also having our fair share of rainy, raw weather. If you’re like me, you need to do something to get the energy moving. Decluttering makes me feel like I’m being productive, without working up too much of a dew, you know? Now, that’s a win/win. I learned about decluttering from my niece Caitlin who, along with her job down to Mahoosuc Health Food, just happens to be a certified Feng Shui consultant. She …

The other day, I was visiting my niece Caitlin down to the Mahoosuc Health Food, and I overheard a couple of the regulars talking. This gal’s got these Rastaman dreadlocks down to her waist, and the fella’s sporting this tattoo of a snake coiled around his neck. Whatever floats your boat, right? “Hey, Connor!” she says. “Hey!” “How’s it going?” “Can’t complain. I came in to pick up some of this magic herbal juju for my bonsai. The stuff’s epic.” “Cool! That little tree of yours is perfection. You’re an artist, my man.”  “Thanks! Follow your bliss, right?” Wow, I thought, “Follow your bliss.” Sounds good, but what is my bliss? And if I’m busy …