Now That You Ask

From my childhood escapes through books, my varied career paths, and the connections I've forged around the world, my experiences have really shaped the person I am today. Listen in as I expound on how my upbringing in the South has influenced me, the lessons I've learned from living in the Middle East, and the importance of embracing life’s unpredictability. As I look forward to the futur...

This week I found myself reflecting on the simple yet powerful quote by Arthur Ashe: "Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can." This idea resonated deeply with me as I considered how often I overlook the tools and wisdom I already possess. Listen as I share my personal journey with starting over, the fears that come with trying new things, and the humor I find in my own m...

In this episode of  Now That You Ask , I reflect on a vivid nightmare that led me to confront the reality of my own mortality. I talk about regrets, hopes, and the quiet truth that my time is more limited now. It’s not all heavy—there’s also a thread of curiosity, a bit of grace, and the realization that letting go is part of the journey. If you’ve ever found yourself facing life’s big questions i...

In this episode, I reflect on a beautiful and haunting quote by Chief Crowfoot that I've come across many times — a poetic description of life as a firefly’s flash, a buffalo’s breath, a shadow across the grass. This time, instead of simply admiring the words, I let them stir something deeper. I explore what it means to see life not as a serious, pressure-filled pursuit, but as something fleet...

I like the idea that being odd is what makes us special. The whimsical world of Dr. Seuss, and one quote in particular, reminds me of my childhood's limitless possibilities and I have learned that embracing my uniqueness is vital. I adopted the philosophy of "let your freak flag fly," celebrating my quirks and finding joy in being true to myself. This journey led to deeper connections with others,...

Allow me to take you through my peculiar daily ritual of getting dressed. Each piece of clothing seems to 'speak' to me, guiding my choices and influencing my mood. I often rely on black for its versatility and slimming effect, but I constantly find myself grappling with the right combination of colors and patterns. It is a daily journey of trusting my intuition for fashion decisions, occa...

What does it mean to live fully and wisely regardless of how much time we have left? Time is the only currency we spend without knowing our balance. And sure, we know we should use our time wisely, do our best to enjoy the present moment, and balance indulgence with maturity, but what does that actually look like in our lives. Listen as I share my thoughts about time lately. Now That You Ask is a...

Personal style is fascinating to me. My own experience has been an empowering journey of discovering and embracing my true self through fashion. In this episode, I explore personal style through the lens of two iconic women: Coco Chanel and Dolly Parton. Chanel's minimalist elegance contrasts with Parton's bold glamor, yet both women embody the principle of dressing for oneself. Listen in...

What does in mean to live "in the present moment?" To answer this I draw inspiration from poets, sages, and spiritual teachers. Listen in as I discuss the significance of being present, the challenges it poses, and how it has influenced my own life. I truly believe seizing the day, embracing simplicity, and being where you are is the best way to find inspiration and gratitude and I hope...

Allow me to take you on an evocative journey through my breakfast rituals. From the creamy pleasure of vanilla yogurt with fruits and granola to the incomparable satisfaction of a freshly toasted slice of bread, I explore the sensory delights and emotional connections of my morning meals. Listen in as I recall the joy of eating sun-ripened cantaloupe, weekend indulgences of bacon and eggs, and the...

 I've met many good men in my life, each of whom have helped me in their own way, but this episode is about the life of Elmo Brandon, a wonderful black man who worked for three generations of my family. Elmo played multiple roles in our lives, from running the warehouse to driving my youngest sister to school. His kindness, humility, and strong presence made him an integral part of our family....

On my journey of self-discovery, I often find myself reflecting on the concept of 'being called forth' and the importance of kindness. Simple acts of kindness, whether towards others or myself, can bring astonishing joy and fulfillment. To this day, I am blown away by the interconnectedness of giving and receiving kindness and how these small gestures can shift perspectives and brighten da...

2025 is the Year of the Snake. What does this mean for me, a Fire Dog born in 1946? Wisdom, charm, and introspection are often associated with snakes and I see these traits as positive possibilities for personal growth and transformation this year. Listen in as I share my challenges and plans to embrace change, shed old habits, and stay optimistic. How can the snake's energy influence your lif...

A recent trip to the grocery store made me realize how much Southern culture remains a part of my life. It also got me thinking more about various Southern idioms and their meanings, contexts, and the nuances of their usage. From Southern manners and expressions of surprise, to busyness, and critique, it seems there is a Southern idiom for everything. Now That You Ask is a podcast that looks at to...

79 years old. This number has me reflecting on all the poignant and humorous milestones of my life, from the excitement of turning 21 and 30 to the unique celebrations and realizations at 40, 50, and 60. I kind of love that my search for new adventures and thrills is unwavering despite the passage of time. Listen in as I navigate the complexities of aging, find humor in the inevitable, and look fo...

I have a deep-seated aversion to casseroles. I also have disdain for dishes like Shepherd's pie, chicken pot pie, and tuna casserole ( but not macaroni and cheese). Childhood experiences with fish sticks and chicken pot pie may explain my selective eating habits and early rebellion against imposed food rules. I generally prefer individual, unadorned food items on my plate and in this episode I exp...

Why do I write about myself? These days, documenting my thoughts and experiences has become a part of who I am. From the self-exploration it enables to the pure joy of the written word, writing has introduced me to a deeper understanding of myself and serves as a powerful outlet for my innermost feelings and reflections. Listen in to hear more about the compelling reasons behind my passion for wri...

It's amazing how quickly I can shift from gratitude to judgment. And how easy it is to judge others' behavior (especially while driving). I know this has negative effects on my well-being and I am grateful to have a wonderful coach who encourages me to show compassion towards myself and others and reminds me of the importance of understanding and empathy. Join me as I navigate the complexity of em...

Gratitude has had an undeniable and positive influence in my life. It was especially evident during this heartwarming Christmas spent with my adopted family. From unexpected happy moments to deep, engaging conversations, both happiness and gratefulness have enriched my life. This episode captures the essence of feeling loved, giving back, and savoring the magic of special moments. I hope for the s...

Once again, I am confronted with the inevitability of change in life. Some people welcome change and some resist it, but either way change still happens. My father had his unique coping strategies and I have my own adaptive methods (like using tongs for toast and enlisting help for household tasks), this episode illustrates the importance of accepting adjustments and finding special ways to manage...

I wanted to share a spiritual piece for Christmas this year, but instead, I have found myself deeply moved by Dan Vasc, a heavy metal singer. His rendition of 'Amazing Grace' has captivated me with his strong voice, striking appearance, and an incredible performance. Despite my initial desire for a more traditional spiritual experience, I have found joy and transcendence in Dan's music and presenc...

Who am I? As I get older, and especially at the end of the year, I look back and reflect on the concept of identity and the winding journey that has been my life. From pondering who I was at 16 to who I've become, and the experiences and wisdom I've gained over the years, I quite enjoy the rumination. And now more than ever, I appreciate the small unexpected moments and people who've guided me and...

Practicing presence has brought me to a deeper appreciation of life's simple yet beautiful moments. From observing a stunning rainbow after days of rain, to engaging in heartfelt conversations, sharing moments with pets, and being moved by art and nature, I explore the essence of being present. These reflections highlight the transformative power of truly immersing oneself in the present, revealin...

I am learning more about the significance of small acts of kindness in our lives. My personal journey towards understanding the impact of silent support and genuine care during times of stress or sorrow is a work in process and I still struggle with wanting to take action rather than simply 'being' with others. But now I see the value in slowing down and seizing opportunities to offer sincere, hea...

I have an abundance of mirrors and Buddha statues in my house, most of them in the literal sense, but I'd like to tell you about another pair of mirrors in my life - my elderly cats, Sid and Nancy. Their habits, challenges, and personality changes really mirror my own experiences of aging, solitude, and preference for certain routines. My cats and I share a mutual understanding and acceptance of o...