Hi Everyone,

I don’t usually have a lot of spare time to watch TV, because I’m always working. And evenings and night time are the best time for me to work, without interruptions, although I write during the daytime too. But my strong suit is not relaxation—I’m much better at working. I’m one of those awful people who, the moment I sit down for 5 minutes, think of all the things I should be doing, and always feel I should be working. With four or five books in progress at once, I can always think of work I need to do. And when I run out of work (editing, writing, making notes on a new outline, or doing a re-write), I then immediately get antsy and start » read more »

I gave myself a very special Christmas gift this year. A bracelet. Not just any bracelet, it’s a bracelet that the famous French jeweler Van Cleef and Arpels made in l970. I was too young to be interested in jewelry then, but I saw one of these bracelets many years later, and have seen a few since at vintage jewelers, and because they are so rare, and were a limited edition, and have become a collectors’ item, they were out of my budget. A few months ago, my daughter who is the fashion editor of a magazine told me she had read about it, and that Van Cleef was making another limited edition of the famous bracelet, at a normal price, not the price I’d seen over the years in fancy vintage stores. And I called the store in Paris and immediately ordered one for me, and for each of my daughters. (Once again, it’s a limited edition, and I believe there are between 50 and 100 being made, and they won’t make any more after that). It’s not a fancy, jazzy bracelet, there are no diamonds on it. It’s a beautiful, very simple bracelet with a great message on it, kind of a good luck charm. I’ve always wanted it, and I love both art and jewelry that involves words, or a message. (I have a wonderful gold link bracelet with one word engraved on each link, like ‘love’, ‘laughter’, ‘harmony’, ‘friendship’, all the good things in life that make us happy.) » read more »

Hi everyone,

Well the New Year is underway, and I hope it’s off to a good start for you.

I was reading something the other day, and came across a little phrase that I really liked. I was reading a religious magazine, which I often do, to get back on track, or if I am stressed, tired, or feeling anxious, it reassures and relaxes me. Whatever works, for each of us. And that works for me. And as I was reading, a simple sentence jumped out at me right off the page. (The other phrase that jumped out at me and I loved was one that I firmly believe: “A good marriage is the union of two good forgivers”. I firmly believe that forgiveness is essential to any good relationship, whether romantic, familial, or even business, or between 2 friends. Forgiveness is essential). » read more »

Hi Everyone,

I had an experience recently, which was all too familiar. It’s something that happens in business sometimes, in employee/employer relationships, romantic ones, or even in families.  For me, it usually happens in human relations, and it’s a matter of hearing and following your instincts and good judgment. It’s what happens when you get new information (and not necessarily good information) in a situation. It has happened to me typically when I hire a new employee. All is hopeful at first, you’ve made what you think is an intelligent decision, after reading their resume, checking their references, maybe even comparing them to other candidates for the job, and you selected them!! All seems to be on track and you move ahead, confident in your decision…..and then three weeks later, or six weeks, something you don’t like happens, maybe just a small thing, and a yellow light goes off in your head. Caution: New information. » read more »