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What's Up With That?

A cat speaks up

I’m a cat and I’ve got hairballs for a reason. I guess you could call them pet peeves. I admit that when I’m stressed, I might drop a hairball, but we all have them, don’t we? Especially these days, there’s congestion in our throats when... Continue

The visit

I always enjoy writing “hairballs” (learned from my cats) but this one is difficult. I believe in communication but what to do when you love someone who can’t speak? I visited my brother last week in southern California. He can’t walk or talk. He’s been lying... Continue

Where are the dogs?

Thank you, Sonoma, for your love of my two little dogs! Yesterday, while doing errands, everywhere I went people said, “Where are the dogs?” Each time it surprised me. I don’t know why; I guess I’m lost in my own world sometimes. But it always... Continue

Up on the roof

My roofer came out last month and told me what it would cost to fix my leak! After we bargained on the price, I calmed down. I asked myself, “Self, why do you feel so comforted?” Immediately, the other voice in my head said, “It’s... Continue

Getting down hairball

Does everyone have pent up hairballs or is it just me? Job security, pensions, investments, health, home ownership, and people’s moods are just a few hairballs in the air. What’s up? The cost of groceries, hip replacements, the divorce rate, homes owned by banks, violence... Continue

Does midlife always bring regret?

“What if I had stayed in that job, that house or that relationship? Could I have taken more risks?  “Did I quit too soon? Should I have quit? Could I have spoken up more? Why didn’t I plan for retirement?” Beyond midlife, some people question... Continue

The importance of conversation

“I need to hear it, need to sense it, need to know that I am loved. Open your mouth for once Dad.” From “Making Sense of Suffering” J. Konrad Stettbacher, Swiss Psychotherapist It is my contention that conversation can change the world.  In these trying... Continue

Hairball to die for

Sex, death and money are taboo subjects but to tell the truth, as someone over 50, death’s been on my mind. It’s hard to write about dying but we all do it. The upside is that we realize life is short and it wakes us... Continue

Hairball on speaking up

These days a lot of us are full of huge hairballs. Unfortunately, cats get them out better than people. Telling the truth can be risky but not speaking up can also have serious consequences. If peace and closeness are what we want, communication is imperative.... Continue

Where to turn in a world full of hairballs?

The latest stocks falling into oblivion makes me want to eat potato chips. And on top of this, friends are getting sick or afraid of getting some disease.  Losses abound and all the way around, I’m letting go. Housing, people dying, bank statements, friends relocating... Continue