The October edition of Fast Company published an article by Dan and Chip Heath of Made to Stick fame, about the idea of the use of emotion in advertising contrasted with the "real thing."

What's the real thing when it comes from a corporation? Accor… Continue

I'm 52 years old, married to the nicest man on earth, and I have two beautiful children, Nicole (26) and Joe (20). For three weeks in 2008, the nice man and I were "empty nesters." We had worked towards that status, looked forward to it, and once there, we enjoyed it immensely! I just really don't understand parents who lament the moving on of their children. After all, our job is to raise productive, independent adults, right?

But a tragic accident on August 30, 2009 changed everything for our… Continue

Co-working in Santa Cruz, CA.

Greetings to all on this December afternoon. I am writing this blog entry at our local co-working offices and cafe, NextSpace. NextSpace has opened the doors to… Continue

...and I ain't referring to a BLT or a PB&J.

I'm making reference to this time in my life where I believe many of us are at - we're still raising kids and we're taking care of our elders. I'm there and it certainly is not a PB&J sandwich.

You haven't heard from me for a few days because of this sandwich life, which is getting harder to deal with in many aspects, especially on an emotional level. My 76 year old mother, who has been widowed for two years, is losing her short term memory… Continue

i have finally honored both my grandmothers, who both passed away years ago in their 90's. my maternal grandmother was norweigian and always made lefse for holidays -- my paternal grandmother was a wonderful cook and made cardamom braid every christmas for us. i have finally accomplished mastering them both -- for some reason they don't taste 100% the same to me, but i am reassured by my family that is only because "grandma" didn't make it -- my heart is warmed with their presence and memory....… Continue