My Relationship with the Moon

I suggest you queue up Pink Floyd’s "Dark Side of the Moon" while reading this, my first musical blog. I watched the 1969 moonwalk on a black-and-white Zenith TV. It was a hot July night, and the house on East Church Street was not air-conditioned. I thought we were somewhat fancy since our TV wa... Read More

My Relationship with Jealousy

I’ve realized something about myself that I never thought I’d say out loud: I am officially jealous of a primate. If you aren’t familiar with Punch the Monkey, let me catch you up. Punch is a baby Japanese macaque, or snow monkey residing in a zoo in Tokyo. He didn’t have the easiest start. His m... Read More

My Relationship with Trust

“I promise…” Two little words usually followed by “forever” or “always.” You know the drill: I promise I’ll love you forever. I’ll be there for you, always. I promise I know what I’m doing—just trust me. Like most of you, I’ve survived a few broken promises and pride myself on not becoming a cyni... Read More

My Relationship with Tests

Remember the physical fitness tests of the 1970's? I do. I have three badges. How about your first driver's test? I aced mine-- first time-- in a gigantic Ford Mercury station wagon. I also nailed dozens of dance, vocal and acting auditions for decades. I'm a good test taker. I like to study, pra... Read More

My Relationship with Elections

I didn’t vote for Pope Leo the Fourteenth, but I felt a swell of Catholic pride when a Chicago native was chosen to be the spiritual guide for the world. I was raised Catholic—but not a practicing one— so I was surprised by my reaction. An American. The first American Pope! He didn’t have to sco... Read More

My Relationship with Joints

Just recently, I was at an airport gate for a seat assignment. The gentleman assigning seats looked at me, smirked, and said, "Mary Jane." Now, I know that smirk and the not-so-subtle slang associated with my name. But, folks, this blog isn't about marijuana—it's about hips, my hips--sorry, but I... Read More

My Relationship with Luck

“I was lucky!” In my younger years that was my response when anything good happened for me. What a crock! Most good fortune that has come my way has been the result of faith and fucking hard work. I had been living my determined dream 16 years before The Secret was published. That book claimed th... Read More

My Relationship with Love

It's the day of LOVE. Here are my thoughts on what I currently love, have loved, and will love in my future. I love watching the tiny little Geckos on my outside patio. They feel like true friends. Each morning I open my blinds to see their heads bobbing as if they're saying, in a cockney accent,... Read More

My Relationship with Ambition

Eat more vegetables was my New Year's Resolution for many years. Undoubtedly the vegetables would slowly rot in the fridge along with my rotting resolution. After recoiling from the putrid smells each time I opened my fridge, I revised my resolution to: eat healthier. The variety of glossy cookbo... Read More

My Relationship with Traditions

Watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is a familiar tradition for most of us. Growing up, I would watch it while the smell of roasting turkey filled the house. The Rockettes were the only thing that mattered to me. After all, I was determined to dance on Broadway and maybe even be a Rockett... Read More