by Marlene Bumgarner | Jun 19, 2016 | Aging, Child development, Family, Grandparenting
Father’s Day Sorry I missed Mother’s Day, everyone – I was boarding a plane to Greece. However, today being Father’s Day, I thought I would commemorate both grandparents, especially since one of my favorite people delivered today’s topic...
by Marlene Bumgarner | May 2, 2016 | Aging, Community, Family, Grandparenting
Last week I drove to San Diego for my son’s wedding. Helping him and his fiancee put the final touches on their plans, then stepping back and participating in each event, I experienced joy over and over, breath-stopping joy. And in unexpected places. I think...
by Marlene Bumgarner | Apr 12, 2016 | Aging, Child development, Family, Grandparenting
Today’s post is an essay I wrote during a recent writing workshop. The prompt was “In 500 words write about a time that you were given a second chance.” It was an interesting exercise, and elicited some forgotten memories. Life is what happens...
by Marlene Bumgarner | Mar 1, 2016 | Aging, Community, Family, Grandparenting
Be in the Moment My five year old granddaughter spent last weekend with me. I had been looking forward to the time together as a special treat, but I had no idea that I was about to receive a lesson in mindfulness. Bean and I are generally together for four hours at...
by Marlene Bumgarner | Feb 17, 2016 | Aging, Community, Family, Grandparenting
You’ve Got Mail! I should have taken my blood pressure the day my jury summons arrived. I remember feeling lightheaded, and the hair on the back of my neck felt prickly. It wasn’t the first summons I’ve received, of course. I’m a committed...
by Marlene Bumgarner | Feb 1, 2016 | Aging, Community, Cooking and Eating, Health
Paradise I awakened this morning to blue sky and sunshine. By the time I had eaten breakfast and finished my coffee, the Adirondack chairs on my deck were steaming and the puddles left from two weeks of welcome rain had started to recede. After exercise class I read...