Now That You Ask

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...

"The past, present, and future walk into a bar. It was tense." It's so interesting to me how a joke like this prompts me to think about how these three periods interact within my life. You just never know what will spark reflection I guess. Yet here I am pondering the significance and interconnection of past memories, future hopes, and the importance of living in the present moment. Through this e...

Do you ever ponder the fleeting nature of existence? I sure do. Throughout different stages of my life—from my thirties to my seventies—I grapple with the realization that time passes more quickly than expected, like a shadow approaching a sunset. For this reason, I like to focus on cultivating kindness and discernment in my choices. I also strive to connect deeply with people and leave a legacy o...

I am still struggling with lingering COVID symptoms and it is really taking an emotional toll on me. Feeling exhausted, in pain, and a bit depressed, I come across an inspiring quote by Maya Angelou that prompts a transformative shift from self-pity to a feeling of openness and gratitude. This episode explores how a simple message can uplift our spirits and reminds us to embrace the beauty and rad...

I admit I have an inclination towards whining about minor discomforts. Not only that, I tend to downplay serious issues. In this episode, I share about my experience with COVID-19, detailing the symptoms and frustrations of being sick and isolated. And yet despite the misery, I find small moments of relief and realization about my body's resilience. Listen in to hear how I cope with both physical...

The difference between hurried procrastination and trusting that things will be accomplished in good time is a matter of quieting the mind, trusting the process, and not allowing the overwhelming number of tasks there are in a day to induce anxiety. While it sounds simple enough, is not always an easy endeavor. We humans like to complicate things. But this new approach has shifted my perspective t...

This episode features two short pieces reflecting on the my adventurous life and evolving sense of beauty. Inspired by a childhood admiration for fearless characters like Nancy Drew and the free spirit of wild horses, I share experiences of traveling and exploring diverse cultures in the Middle East during the 70s and 80s. Despite not viewing myself as particularly brave, my willingness to embrace...

On this poignant Friday the 13th, I find myself consumed by a sense of melancholy. Despite years of therapy, the sadness resurfaces, prompting me to look back on past regrets and unfulfilled desires. Yet, amidst the heaviness, I recognize the countless blessings and dreams I have realized, offering immense satisfaction and fulfillment. I am learning to embrace and integrate melancholy, using it as...

In this episode, I share my journey of landing my first "real" job and navigating the challenges of working as a woman in the 1970s South. From a nerve-racking typewriter test to becoming a successful TV ad buyer for the Coca Cola account, I recount the obstacles I faced, including an awkward lunch meeting and a difficult medical emergency. With determination and resilience, I proved myself in a m...

Synchronicity led me to create a one woman show titled 'Made of Cotton.' From the initial suggestion in a writing class to meeting a director by chance, and ultimately performing on stage, I experienced the challenges, surprises, and joys of stepping out of my comfort zone. This transformative experience not only boosted my confidence but also helped me connect deeply with my writing and the audie...

I have a deep-rooted love for Alabama football, a tradition handed down from my daddy (who would have celebrated his 104th birthday today). Growing up in the South, Saturdays were marked by football gatherings, food, and camaraderie. Listen as I share fond memories of these gatherings, the joy and anguish of being an Alabama fan, and how this passion was rekindled in my 40s. Now, as a diehard fan,...

As in Rumi's words "Let yourself be silently drawn by the strange pull of what you really love. It will not lead you astray." I can attest that my strange pulls have lead me through various phases in life, each with their own unique joys and lessons. In this episode, I reflect on the shifts in my passions and how they have shaped my path towards comfort, spirituality, and fulfillment. Now That You...

The universe often throws unexpected changes our way, disrupting our plans and shaking our expectations. These moments have shaped my perspective on trust and adaptability and I've learned to view these disruptions as opportunities for growth and discovery. One of the bigger lessons I've learned is that we must let go of rigid expectations and remain open to the new possibilities that come our way...

Like many people of the world, I recently watched a bit of the Olympics and found myself somewhat awestruck. After seeing those inspiring athletes and, believe it nor not, as a result of my own experience working with a trainer at the gym, I am reminded of the significance of perseverance and recalibration in achieving fitness goals. There is great value of self-belief, adapting to challenges, and...

It is not uncommon in life to have mixed emotions brought by unexpected events both joyful and sorrowful. While I realize change is inevitable, I also know that embracing our feelings and finding strength and gratitude in the face of impermanence is a crucial part of being alive. Now That You Ask is a podcast that looks at topics that range from death to desire, and from wondrous to downright whac...