Mary Lou Waldinger Silverthorn

The feelings that come like a flood when mothers face the impending empty nest are universal and timeless. Whether they have stayed at home, or have enjoyed rewarding careers, many mothers feel varying degrees of loss and confusion as their …

Timeless Words from a Seventies Mom Facing an Empty Nest Read more »

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Happiness Walk USA map taken from its Facebook page.

I’ve always wanted to walk across the country. Now, I’ve met someone who’s actually done it—in the name of happiness. I will probably never walk across the country, but I did drive it solo once on Route 66—so I have …

Happiness Walker Asks What Truly Matters Read more »

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Beach 8 (Pettinato Beach)

Last weekend, out-of-town relatives were visiting and wanted to go to the beach while they were here. It’s always interesting for us to see our Presque Isle State Park in northwestern Pennsylvania through fresh eyes. We grew up with the …

Accessible Beach on Lake Erie Welcomes All Read more »

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Our daughter playing the old clunker.

Recently, I had my aging piano tuned. As pianos go, it’s a middle of the road model. We purchased it when my daughter was taking lessons and showed more promise than the clunker we had purchased from someone’s basement could …

Should You Purchase a Piano for Your Progeny? Read more »

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Highly respected and iconic actor, Glenn Close, gave a heartfelt tribute to her mother at the 2019 Golden Globe ceremony as she accepted the award for best actress in a drama for her role in The Wife. While I agree …

Glenn Close Says “Follow Your Dreams.” At What Cost, Though? Read more »

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The other day, my younger daughter invited me shopping to find some new clothes for her upcoming business trip. She works at well-respected Fortune 500 company, and she wanted to make a good impression. I was glad have time with …

A Logical Look at Today’s Female Work Attire Read more »

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Lady Bird earned five Oscar nominations in 2018, and when I say earned, I mean earned. I’d also say it was robbed of wins, but that would begrudge the winners. Lady Bird operates on many levels that can speak to just about …

Lady Bird: So Relatable Read more »

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The past few years have marked a century since the war that promised to end all wars. We know that the world didn’t learn its lesson, and so the Great War became World War I. This is the story of …

WWI: A Perspective on the Concept of “Enemy” Read more »

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Recently, I visited with my daughter, son-in-law, and two-year-old grandson for three weeks around the birth of my new granddaughter. Not 24-hours in, I remembered why I was so tired when my three kids were small in the 80’s. How …

7 Things Learned from a 3-Week Visit with a Toddler Read more »

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