The Aging Perspective

Is lying ever embraceable? If so, how did we arrive here?

Is lying ever embraceable?  If so, how did we arrive here?

by Jill Modell Modell-Dion Once upon a time —like in a fairytale is the go-to line I often use when addressing my middle-grade students. More often than not, it’s a guarantee to lose their interest immediately. Believe me when I say they’re a tough audience. Maybe I’m annoying when I complain about the world and its present state or when I open a conversation with, “When I was a kid.” I scan the room and can see their faces cringe as I am about to recall tales of the past. The question I should be asking at that exact moment...

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Discovering a Bit of “Pink” on Our Adventure

Discovering a Bit of “Pink” on Our Adventure

Sometimes the road best traveled is the part that’s not journeyed alone. Despite this truth, no one more than me appreciates the benefits of solitude. My motto proclaims, “Writing allows me to create a world where I’m never lonely.” And when writing, I am usually alone, except in my head, and I typically enjoy the company. So when traveling, my preferences for time alone versus spending it with others varies. I delight in the singleness when flying. Earbuds are an excellent signal to others, “Please leave me alone,” but if I am lucky and find myself next to an interesting...

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“The Envelope Please” Cinema Heaven

“The Envelope Please”  Cinema Heaven

     Sunday night, you know where to find me. I’ll be on the couch, in constant contact with my Oscar mates. Yes, another year, and what makes this year different is I saw more movies for this year's award ceremony than before. I usually catch up with them after the Oscars, but what I did differently was I went to the theater.       Going to the theater is a concept many have abandoned because we can stream most movies at home. We’ve become content watching movies on our computers, tablets, and tv home screens. And especially young people...

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How do we repair the ridiculous?

How do we repair the ridiculous?

    With Thanksgiving around the corner, it’s been four years since my last gratitude luncheon. Oh, how I miss this day, feeling there was much more to be grateful for back then. We made it a tradition. One week before the holiday, clients, families, staff, and friends would all gather to enjoy a meal of gratitude. On our special day, before we ate, we always began with a prayer of appreciation. We were in a place we went to every day where we laughed, ate, and played together. And on this day, the universe seemed flawless, each with our...

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Surviving a hurricane from the Eye of a SWFL Senior

Surviving a hurricane from the Eye of a SWFL Senior

It’s five days since IAN the Terrible ravaged our communities. It tore through our homes, schools, stores, and beautiful island beaches. Having been through a few of these natural disasters before, one should never have to witness these things. How does one get these images out of your head? Go ahead and google, -----“Find the words to describe a category 4/5-hurricane.” One will get explosive, fierce, raging, and relentless; adjectives that define the mass destruction Southwest Florida recently experienced. But, I have trouble coming up with words that describe the understated losses.--- The little things we grieve. As I rode...

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