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 […]