One of my most treasured memories of my father was when he would sing to us. His serenades were not a constant, but occurred spontaneously, generally while he was driving. The destinations of those day trips I cannot recall. What I do remember is the feelings his singing evoked; safety, comfort, simple happiness, like steppingContinue reading "Songs my Father Sang"
Finding Mary
A visit to a cherished next door neighbor, fifty years later, revealed a surprising revelation; you can go home again...
For the love of a sheep
It was a late February morning on Achill Island and the clouds looming above the Irish sea were tinged in silvery gray. Working in unison, they waged war with the sun whose halfhearted attempts to breakthrough fell short, resulting in only faint slivers of light which fell meekly on the ground. The wind though temperate,Continue reading "For the love of a sheep"
A Wee Sentimental Treasure
Sentimentality: excessive tenderness, sadness, or nostalgia. I am not superstitious by nature, but this lovely, simple symbol of my Irish heritage is never far from my side. In fact, I keep it tucked in a small zippered compartment of my purse. Made from Connemara marble, the Irish Worry Stone so smooth and cool to the touch, is reputed toContinue reading "A Wee Sentimental Treasure"
Stayin Alive
Last night I attended a Bee Gee's concert. Well, not exactly. It was a tribute band playing the Bee Gee's songs. The Bee Gees, short for “brothers Gibb,” were a group of three siblings from Australia whom I idolized in the late 1970's, amid the explosion of disco music and dancing. The movie, Saturday NightContinue reading "Stayin Alive"
The Chanin Building
The Chanin Building NYC Some days, when I arrive in New York’s Grand Central Station, I partake in a ritual. Crossing 42nd, I carefully dodge the urgency of yellow cabs and harried commuters and proceed to the Southeast corner of the street. I enter the gilded, art deco lobby of the Chanin Building, site ofContinue reading "The Chanin Building"
Friendship in the Big Field
After three years of pleas, promises and prodding, on my thirteenth birthday, my parents gifted me with a twelve-week old, Yorkshire Terrier puppy I had found through an advertisement in the newspaper. Clutching a buttery soft, sky-blue chenille blanket tucked safely under my pre-teen arm, we departed our Long Island home, my father and I,Continue reading "Friendship in the Big Field"
Undercover – Memories of Dating a G-Man
Just the facts Ma'am We met them on a balmy summer evening at New York's South Street Seaport. In a place and time where the iconic twin towers still loomed tall and proud in the background. And where hoards of young singles, desperate to toss off the woes of a stressful work week, gathered amidContinue reading "Undercover – Memories of Dating a G-Man"
The Day the Music Died
Re-sharing this story on Kay's 62nd birthday... It is 6:45 AM and the sun is slowly rising over the hospital's still silent campus. Entering the conference room for morning report, I wonder as I always do, what type of day is in store. But the moment my eyes fall upon my fellow Psych Tech and friend,Continue reading "The Day the Music Died"
The Gymnastics Game
Nadia Comaneci In the summer of 1976, at the ripe old age of fourteen, my best friend Janet and I signed up for an eight week Gymnastics class offered on Tuesday nights at the Buckley Country Day School. The Buckley school boasted a fine and renown reputation offering rigorous training in all things gymnastics; theContinue reading "The Gymnastics Game"
The Summer Wind
Joe and I at a friend’s wedding He answered after the third ring. It was not his voice I remember, but the strains of Frank Sinatra crooning in the background. "The summer wind came blowin' inFrom across the seaIt lingered there to touch your hairAnd walk with me" And when he did at last speak,Continue reading "The Summer Wind"
Three Little Things
There are three memories of childhood that stay with me almost sixty years later. Small things bestowed by my mother. All took place in the Queens neighborhood of Jackson Heights where I was born and lived, my first six years. Though there were countless other places my mother took me and my three sisters throughoutContinue reading "Three Little Things"
The Blind Date
"Just one question," pleaded my best friend Sue as we went over last minute details. "Is it bad?" "Very," came my swift reply. I gently placed the receiver down not allowing a single second for her response. I imagined Sue, phone still in hand, slowly digesting my words. Her mood once brimming with hope andContinue reading "The Blind Date"
