• Curated,  Movies

    Favorite Christmas Movies Revisited

    December 29, 2020 /

    After my last post, my friend Bill Spicer asked why “Miracle on 34th Street” was not on my list. I had not watched it for over 10 years, and well, to be honest, it was not on my radar. So, Elizabeth and I watched it tonight. And Bill, you were right. It is now in my top 10. Released in 1947, it was nominated for best picture, and won Oscars for Best Writing, Original Story, Best Writing, Screenplay, and actor Edmund Green won Best Actor in a Supporting Role for his portrayal of Kris Kringle. The film also won several Golden Globes. So, it is a film with chops. It…

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  • Letters

    Thanksgiving Revisited

    November 25, 2020 /

    James – Your First Thanksgiving, 11.26.20 It is Thanksgiving week, and yesterday, your grandmother Lizzy and I watched a video that contained a “Thanksgiving Message” from an industry colleague and friend. In her message, she shared some recent challenges faced by a close friend. She talked about grief, but also about gratitude. Her poignant message spurred me to revisit the meaning of Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving is a uniquely American tradition which we, as a country, began to formally celebrate as a National holiday in 1863, during the midst of the American Civil War, when President Lincoln proclaimed a national Thanksgiving Day to be held each November. But how did this tradition…

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  • Books,  Curated

    Happiness is a Choice

    November 15, 2020 /

    As another delightful weekend at The Homestead with wonderful long-time friends comes to an end, I feel compelled to share some wisdom from a book I read a few years ago. In fact, a friend who was with us at The Homestead a few weeks ago recommended the book – “Happiness Is A Choice You Make” by John Leland. She had heard John Leland speak at a conference on the importance of social connection. She was so impressed by his talk, she bought and read his book.  After her recommendation, I have done the same. The following is a review and some key take-always. A writer for the New York…

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