French version / version française © D A Wolf How do you say “tongue in cheek” in French? He ignores me. He types next to me. He’s concentrating on his work, but he reaches his hand over to my knee. Must I ask again? “I don’t know how to translate that,” he says, looking at […]
Pick Your Moments
When it comes to effective communication – especially with kids – discretion can certainly be the better part of valor. In other words, don’t embarrass your children in front of their pals, think before you speak, and pick your moments – carefully. The same could be said for spouses, co-workers, or friends, but they’re adults […]
Switching It Up
“You’re more beautiful in person,” he says. I look up from my checkbook, as I’m writing out the amount for groceries. We’ve been chatting as I unload my basket and he rings me up. I’m only half-paying attention; I have budgets on my mind. Worries over money. Worries, always worries. He studies the image on […]
Square One
Thoughts on forward movement.
Swept Up In Yes
Have you ever run out on an errand – something dry and uninteresting – that turned into an absolute pleasure? Are there moments when you set aside your checklists and your jammed schedule, allowing yourself to be swept up in yes – the yes to conversation, yes to coffee, yes to the momentary marvel of […]
No Pity for the Limping Duck
No pity for the what? Huh? So what does that mean? Ever page through entertaining English expressions? Or expressions in the language of your choice? It’s great fun! And might we start with the duck? Ne pas casser trois pattes à un canard. That means to be mediocre; to be nothing out of the ordinary, […]
Storm Warnings
Yesterday was tense. Last night, even more so. Tornadoes and storms swept across the southern region of the US, leaving devastation and death in their wake. In my little neck of the woods, it was a day of darkening skies and flickering power surges. And waiting. And bracing. Just before dinner I inched my vehicle […]
“Living a Life That’s Not Working”
Recently I read words I could relate to, written by a woman who was feeling – at that moment – overwhelmed and trapped. No matter what she tries – and she is working hard in so many ways – she lapses back into a sort of “creep” as she calls it. It is something many […]
Be Careful What You Wish For
Is it love? Is it money? Is it just a day or two to yourself? Is it something harder to generalize, impossible to articulate, or too private to admit to? Do you have a foolish little dream – or a glitzy big one – something from childhood – shelved and dusted off, shelved again, only […]
If you feel it, is it real?
Men and women. We’re so different. Women and women – biologically less so, yet in terms of character, nature, personality – I believe our differences are as broad and deep as those that separate the genders. I was looking over my musing of a few months back on the topic of what makes men tick. […]