by Chrysa SmithIf you're reading this blog, chances are you are near, at or past the official age of retirement. Obviously, I am. But yet the mere mention of retirement sends me into a panic attack. Me? Retire?First of all, as a writer, I might say 'from what?' I work from home, don't dirty my hands, ride buses and trains or have a real boss. Writing comes as naturally as breathing---I don't have [...]
by Chrysa Smith In the spirit of NRFGP, this New Year's Eve, I decided that Mark and I would go out. That's right. We'd give up our positions on the couch and the big tv countdown, in lieu of a night on the town. So off we went. Wanting to do a latin restaurant for some time--partly because of the food; partly because of the salsa dancing, we headed into the city. And [...]
by Chrysa SmithIf you're lucky enough to live in a town with theaters that play 'arts' movies, you may have heard or seen Hyde Park on Hudson. In my opinion, a movie well done.In it, Bill Murray plays FDR, president on the verge of WWII. Laura Linney plays his fifth cousin and implied lover, who calms and keeps the paralyzed president at ease in his hectic and harried world. And it all happens [...]
by Chrysa SmithAround this time of year, you hear people talk about their grandma's recipe, a family favorite or a time-honored tradition. And it got me to thinking about myself and my family. Exactly what are our traditions?Sure, we do a roast, bake some cookies, but there's no 'specialty' of the season. In fact, as goes my personality, I like to shake it up a bit---consciously not repeating the same dishes year-after-year. And [...]
Dress your age! Act your age!When we were little, our mothers would warn us about hiking up our skirts, wearing low-cut tops and yes---too much makeup. Anxious to be an adult, we played nice in front of mom, then broke out the hip clothing and cheapy makeup behind her back. Oh, wishing to be older---if only we knew what would be awaiting us a few decades down the road.Now, when people tell us to [...]
by Chrysa SmithTolerance.It sounds good. Makes us feel good--like decent, caring people, even. But tell me, what happens when tolerance crosses the line? When we're put on the spot, because the actions of others cross the boundaries of being caring, decent people?Well, if you're over 80---or maybe over 40, you just say it!Case in point: I was at yet another 'fair.' For some reason, although I keep telling myself that I'll never do [...]
by Chrysa SmithHotel du Village.Sounds like a quaint locale in France. But what it actually is, is a lovely restaurant tucked away from the world, just outside of New Hope, PA.We had been there a long time ago. And I'm really not sure why we waited so long to return. Probably because it's not right around the corner. But this French Country building houses one of those experience meals. It feels special. It [...]
