Where’s the Fire? My baseline pace is, shall we say, uptempo. Zippy. I walk quickly, talk quickly and think quickly (usually). It is partly because I like to get things done and be efficient, but it is also how I am wired. I may be part hummingbird. A few weeks ago I had my first—and […]

When Chickens Aren’t Enough “Bring the chickens into the house.” This is the go-to phrase in our household whenever things are difficult. It comes from a Yiddish folktale about a man who is miserable, living in a cramped house with his wife, mother, and kids. He seeks counsel from the Rabbi who first tells him […]

Hack It Your Way I can’t resist “life hack” clickbait. Want to be more grounded? Meditate for 5 minutes every day. Want to have more energy? Jump rope. Want to feel less rushed? Get up an hour earlier. Click, click, click. Part of what makes these alluring is that they seem so dang simple, even […]

Find and Seek Inspiration It has always made sense to me that the word “inspiration” comes from the Latin word “sperare” meaning to breathe. Moments of inspiration can feel like a giant breath of fresh air—elevating, lifting and nourishing.  Life-giving.  For many, inspiration has felt scarce lately (if by lately I mean the last few […]

Threads of Hope So far it looks like 2021 didn’t get the message that it was a NEW YEAR. As some have said, 2021 came around and told 2020, “Hold my beer.” After, shall we say, an unprecedented year, many imagined that along with turning the page on our calendars we could move forward individually […]

Kinder and Gentler: Resolution Lessons Many years ago, I announced to my family that my New Year’s resolution was to become a “kinder and gentler Elona.”  It became a running joke. They would witness my hot-headed reaction or hear a snarky quip and tease: “How’s that kinder and gentler thing going?” I am not here […]

Midnight of the Year I like to say that I am “solar powered.”  The sun and what it provides—heat, light, energy—recharges my battery. Summer makes me feel alive, brimming with vitality and pep.   The sun and what it provides—heat, light, energy—recharges my battery. Summer makes me feel alive, brimming with vitality and pep.   […]

Let Green Couches Go It was still there. My neighbors down the street moved out, leaving a large, green, faux-leather sleeper sofa on the parking strip (or, my preferred name, the “tree lawn”). The first two days it was there I thought it was just awaiting pick up. Days three and four still seemed reasonable—everything […]

Where you least expect it  It was time to put the Department of Practical Sunshine out into the world. Gulp. I’d spent weeks (along with my über-talented designer/husband) poring over the copy, design, and function of my website, and I woke up excited and nervous. As I triple-checked all of the technical aspects (links, return […]