New Year. For Real

Now that the confetti and pine needles have been cleared… Now that the flurry of holidays and celebrations seems long ago… Now that all those good intentions and certain promises no longer compel or inspire… Now what? I love the momentum of a new calendar page or ritual to inspire the changes I know I should…
Book Covers, Yoga Pants, and Lipstick

I spend many days dressed very casually. Life gets lived in that uniform -grocery shopping, banking, and any other obligation of adulthood. When I’m really lucky, it’s pajamas and slippers all day. Then, other than an occasional from-the-neck-up video call, my daughter’s the only one to be graced with that particular sight. Regularly, I also…
Rollercoasters and the Lake

The Same. And Different.

I uttered two words yesterday that startled me as they came out of my mouth. “Bundle up.” The temperatures have dropped enough that I needed to suggest an extra layer on an afternoon walk. Sure, that layer was only a light sweatshirt. And it’s still sunny and bright and beautiful. (Which is infinitely…
Slippery Walls and a Comfy Seat

Sympathy, Empathy, and Not Making it Worse

Chasing Rainbows

It was a typical day in the Pacific Northwest: overcast with spots of rain throughout the day. On the long scenic drive from one of my honey’s favorite annual rituals (an oyster festival) we were enticed with several stunning rainbows. There are few things that fill me with more child-like glee than rainbows. The…
Feedback. And Vomiting.

Rise. And Rise Again.

My name, Pascale, is related to Easter. It’s, admittedly, an odd choice for atheist parents to name their daughter, but I digress. Rebirth is my middle name. (Actually, Elizabeth is my middle name, but you know what I mean.) For whatever reason, renewal, reinvention, and renaissance have been on the marquis of the theater…
Your Check Engine Light Is On

Even the most rudimentary, single-celled organism has the ability to seek pleasure and avoid pain. Why, then, are we – as complex beings with consciousness and choice – taught that the pursuit of pleasure and avoidance of pain are the root of all suffering? After decades of asking, and searching, I still…