foursetsofeyes

The magic of the season

I read somewhere that while Thanksgiving is a day, Christmas is a season. That was all I needed to jump-start the celebration. The tree went up over Thanksgiving weekend despite looking weary on Christmas morning. Brittany & Robbie, Donovan, Ryder, and Tasha were living with us while their house was under renovation, so holiday cheerContinue reading “The magic of the season”

Grit & Grace in 22

Last year brought signature moments, beginning with an elegant wedding ceremony on LBI for Ashton & Paul. The birth of our fifth grandchild, a daughter named Tessa, wound out their year. The surprise birthday party for Rich with all his children validated his wish for a big family. I fought for those who could notContinue reading “Grit & Grace in 22”

The Summer of 22

Sitting on the deck looking at the scaffolding on Old Barney, I am reminded of the similarities. The 163-year-old structure needed refurbishing, and, in some ways, so did I. The break from my full-time job was the unexpected answer. A girlfriend asked what my favorite part was about not working, and my answer was havingContinue reading “The Summer of 22”

When the wrapping doesn’t match the gift

“Did Sean fill his open job?” popped up in a Slack message from our Chief People Officer, and I had my answer. Without significant revenue, the company could not survive. Over the weekend, the leaders met to decide who would be laid off to make up the shortfall. Just like that, along with 17% ofContinue reading “When the wrapping doesn’t match the gift”

Because I loved a dog

I am a cat person and have always been a cat person. If there was a stray cat within 25 miles, they would find their way into my home and heart. And then I met Sophia. In 2005, Brittany continued to struggle with the loss of her father. She dropped out of college, spending theContinue reading “Because I loved a dog”

That’s a wrap

While 2021 brought incredible beginnings, 2022 looks like whiplash on steroids. After selling my parents’ home on Long Beach Island, I felt a physical ache. My place of solstice and peace was gone. A random call from a realtor about an area we had never considered and a price that gave us palpitations, we wroteContinue reading “That’s a wrap”

Every ending is a new beginning.

For months I have dreaded this morning. After four decades of hosting multi-family Christmas celebrations, today will be different. My daughters have families of their own, and there is nothing better than spending the morning in PJs watching the kids enjoy their gifts in your own home. Selfishly that is why I began hosting ChristmasContinue reading “Every ending is a new beginning.”

Reflections from 2020

Sitting around Sheila’s kitchen table, she announced, “I am in my final 20”. Care to explain? She shared that as we mature, we realize that our time left on this earth has an end date. This year COVID gave me a gift of reflection, and I am grateful. As I write this, I am sittingContinue reading “Reflections from 2020”

Silver Lining

When we learned that graduation was canceled, we all felt the void. We knew our students earned and deserved a celebration. The concern was short-lived because the Brookdale Community College family began planning to make it happen. Graduation Day was hot, really hot. We didn’t have the speeches, the luncheon, or much of the pompContinue reading “Silver Lining”

Lighten the Grip

Seven years ago, I reluctantly took up the game of golf to appease my husband. My only regret is that I didn’t do it sooner. The lessons of the game continue to weave into my life. During a clinic last week, the pro reminded us that the only thing we can control is the setup.Continue reading “Lighten the Grip”