sharonbraverman

Relief from Grief

With the recent Southern California fires just getting under control, feelings of loss, sadness, and devastation remain understandably heavy on the hearts of so many. Accompanying this weight is also the desire for comfort. That easing of painful feelings. Some relief from all the grief. While these fire events have been extremely traumatic, the wishContinue reading “Relief from Grief”

One Way

Last month I was scouting around for titles to suggest for our next book club meeting. In addition to my usual sources, I checked Maria Shriver’s online publication The Sunday Paper for recommendations. I knew I’d find something inspiring in its “Get Lit” section. There I came across Pema Chodron’s When Things Fall Apart: HeartContinue reading “One Way”

Loss

It happened again. This past week we awoke to the sound of silence and realized our power was out. I wrote about the last time in my post “Unplugged” on December 16, 2024. While then I looked for the upside of being without power, this experience has been much different. Although our electricity has now beenContinue reading “Loss”

Taking Care This Year

As soon as the countdown begins, 10-9-8…I am ready to welcome in the new year! No matter what happened in the previous 12 months, there’s always so much to look forward to! Day One begins with watching the Tournament of Roses Parade from the comfort of a recliner with hot coffee in hand. All theContinue reading “Taking Care This Year”

For the Rest of Us

Sometimes we experience flashbacks of the show. Like waiting in a line for an eternity and feeling overlooked, one of us might say, “Remember the Chinese restaurant episode?” Or when ordering soup when out to eat, we may chuckle and say, “No soup for you!” Or when walking to our car after shopping, we mightContinue reading “For the Rest of Us”

Season’s Greetings 2024

With our presidential election decided Some are elated, others enraged Perhaps this is an important reason We all need to stay engaged. While it may seem difficult to reconcile And put our differences aside Maybe it’s a way we can begin To bridge the gap in our divide. At home we love being retired OurContinue reading “Season’s Greetings 2024”

Unplugged

It was the sound of silence that woke me one morning last week. No white noise from my sound machine and no gentle rumble of the heat turning on throughout our house. Startled, I looked over to check the time. No numbers were lit on our analog our clock. Bolting upright, I knew this couldContinue reading “Unplugged”

Deck the Halls

Why do I, or should I say we do it? Especially given there are a few sound reasons not to. Number one, it’s time consuming. Second, it’s dangerous, and number three, it’s short lived. If I had to guess, I’d say it takes a total of fifteen hours to complete the task and another fiveContinue reading “Deck the Halls”

Rock On!

Colorful lights strung along the eaves of homes twinkling bright in the dark of night. Sticky sweet peppermint candy canes swirling around in mugs of hot chocolate. Pine scented candles glowing and enlivening rooms with the smell of Christmas trees. Toasty warmth emanating from orange yellow flames dancing in fireplaces. Carols and noels we knowContinue reading “Rock On!”

Blessings

Just three days away, Thanksgiving is almost here. While many look forward to gatherings with family and friends around a table sharing a festive meal and enjoying traditions like watching the Macy’s Day Parade, cooking food together, and rooting for a favorite football team, I like Thanksgiving for another reason. It gives me time toContinue reading “Blessings”