Category Archives: PERSONAL

Wanting to say “no” is enough

Posted on August 22, 2017 by Rina

. You want to say “no.” You want to say “no,” but you feel like you can’t. You want to say “no,” but you feel that you shouldn’t. You want to say “no,” even though… even despite… even if… Yet … Continue reading →

Posted in Criticism, Fear, Friendship, Guilt, Love, PERSONAL | Leave a comment

Guilt or Glory

Posted on August 20, 2017 by Rina

A few weeks ago, I wrote an article about self-respect.  One theme running through that article was the concept of boundaries in relationships.  Saying “no” when that’s what your heart is telling you, regardless of outside pressure to say “yes” … Continue reading →

Posted in Friendship, Love, PERSONAL | 2 Comments

Crushed tomatoes with subtle notes of basil and a hint of sweetness on a bed of socarrat with a light, nutty flavor

Posted on August 14, 2017 by Rina

The children and I have been sending emails to each other lately, just for fun.  The other day we were talking about our kitchen experiments (See Friday’s blog post and also all of these) and that night my oldest daughter … Continue reading →

Posted in Bunchkin, Cooking... not so much, The Eigh of 'em | Leave a comment

I Remember

Posted on August 11, 2017 by Rina

I don’t know my children’s birth dates.  I realize that most parents know these rather insignificant little details about their children: height… weight… eye color… and curiously I’ve also discovered that most parents are expected to know these things.  I’m … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment

Boiling the frog

Posted on August 9, 2017 by Rina

Is it wrong to admit that sometimes… just every now and then… once in a blue moon… not often at all, really… I’m just a teeny tiny bit amused when my super-organized, neat-and-tidy friend who just recently gave birth to … Continue reading →

Posted in Humor, Parenting, PERSONAL | Leave a comment

Lisa

Posted on August 8, 2017 by Rina

Six years ago, my Aunt Lisa was diagnosed with ovarian cancer.  I started this post with the intention of writing about a fundraiser for the Celma Mastry Ovarian Cancer Foundation but instead I sit here struggling to find the words … Continue reading →

Posted in Family History, PERSONAL | 4 Comments

Sanctuary

Posted on August 7, 2017 by Rina

In my dream, a man was acting inappropriately toward myself and a friend.  Panicked, I searched my friend’s face asking myself “is she okay with this?  Is she okay?”  In my head, I heard a voice respond: “Are you?” Then … Continue reading →

Posted in Friendship, PERSONAL | 2 Comments