The photo is my guest talk at Westminster Unitarian before 3 realtor groups. I’ve been out there, talking up my new book, Boomerrrang, and in all my talks, there’s great interest. People tell me they LOVE the humor. (See the reviews of “Boomerrrang: The Amazing Journey…” on Amazon.) I’m thrilled they’re enjoying my guest-speaking, because…
A Caregiver’s First Duty and Commitment Reflecting over this past year, I am mindful of how very fortunate Paul and I have been. My decision to place Paul in a long-term care facility was a wrenching one; I was so very afraid; I wanted him safe but I didn’t want him staring at institutional walls…
What’s the common denominator? The word “Care” No matter how you slice it, a caregiver/caretaker is a person who cares… for another. Many of us have been mothers, probably since our 20’s. Some of us became single parents (through death of spouse or divorce), meaning we absorbed most and, in some cases, all parental responsibilities….
I’ve always been impressed with the folks who accomplish wonderful things, mostly out of the public view. As such, I determined to give these heroes a spotlight. My mission started years ago when I began writing about my career as teacher–relating the funny, touching episodes, as well as the troubling. My stories allowed the public…
They (the naysayers, that is) can say what they wish about Rhode Island but we who have traveled and lived elsewhere know our little state is where we want to be…for perpetuity (my ashes will be tossed—elegantly, I hope, off Rhode Island waters, while he’ll be ceremoniously interred in Veterans’ Cemetery.) For many years, we’ve…
Last week I was in a small supermarket (oxymoron?) in Wickford, Rhode Island, when a young woman called out: “Hello, Colleen…I’m Kerry (last name I omit). You helped my husband and me buy a home some years ago.” We hugged and chatted; she told me they’d sold that home and bought a new one in…
Happy Thanksgiving, all….and I’d just like to say: In recent years, I have many Rhode Islanders to thank, for what’s happening in my life. First, I thank Providence Journal Vice-President and Editorial page editor, Ed Achorn, for running my columns, monthly. In these, I hoped to give the public a window on the world of…
“Heck, Asheville…You Came in 2nd.!!” That’s right–Asheville, North Carolina was always on our Bucket List but you know what? The Tar Heel state ended up being our 2nd. most favorite state of all 50. No small accomplishment. North Carolina just couldn’t outpace our #1 favorite–little Rhode island. So, after living 9 years in Asheville, that…
Shaken or Stirred? You know the famous expression referring to James Bond’s preferred martini. “Shaken, not stirred.” It’s the most famous quote searched for in Google. Bond did not vocally order one himself until Goldfinger (1964). In the 1967 film You Only Live Twice, Bond’s contact, Henderson, prepares a martini for Bond and says, “That’s, um, stirred not…
Reviews of Our Talks and My Book, “Boomerrrang,” Are Wonderful!! The main review is in–from their person who lines up guest speakers for the Tavern Hall Preservation Society, in Kingston, RI. His is an important review since I have followed some RI notables who came before this group (judges, college presidents, etc.) I’m loving my…
