Mary Jo Bellner Swartzberg Perhaps we all remember when, in elementary school, we received Valentines from friends. And we absolutely knew that receiving a Valentine meant you were special. Perhaps times have not changed … as, even now, receiving a Valentine does carry with it a sense of … I was thought of today. Receiving…
Tag: This I have learned
Generals, December 2022
This I have Learned … The Apron
Mary Jo Bellner Swartzberg A friend suggested that I write an article on the topic of the apron; I am glad that she did, for this little “article of clothing” holds a multitude of memories for many people. The word apron is from the French word “naperon,” meaning a small tablecloth. The Merriam-Webster Dictionary gives several…
Generals, November 2022
This I Have Learned … Start Your Engines … And Welcome to the Holidays!
Mary Jo Bellner Swartzberg Like the tradition of spicy pumpkin pie or the memory of a crisp, colorful fall day, November ushers in the tradition of starting holiday shopping. Indeed, many of us have been preparing our holiday shopping list for weeks. It is a time for giving and receiving—stuff. It is also a time…
Features, September 2022
This I Have Learned
Curious About British Words and Sayings? Mary Jo Bellner Swartzberg My husband and I recently returned from a trip to England. We were there during the Queen’s Jubilee—what lifelong memories. I am nothing if not enamored of England. London was amazing—and traveling through the countryside was as if we walked into a painting by Gainsborough. Patchwork…
Features, June 2022
This I Have Learned … Their Favorite Things!
Mary Jo Bellner Swartzberg We received a “Catalog of Favorites” in the mail the other day. Favorites? Well, the catalog was a clothing catalog and, frankly, I am about tapped out on clothes these days, at least until I cull previously termed favorite clothes out of my closet. But there are other favorites that could be talked about here:…
Features, May 2022
This I Have Learned…
A License to Laugh! Mary Jo Bellner Swartzberg Do you ever look at license plates while you are stopped in traffic or at a red light? Some of us do. For it seems that creativity, in the form of a unique admixture of letters and numbers on license plates, abounds on the highways and byways…
Features, April 2022
This I Have Learned… Being Careful (or Being Careless?) Out There
Mary Jo Bellner Swartzberg It was time for my bi-monthly sit with my hair stylist at a Tucson hair salon. I look forward to those times when I am at the mercy of my hair artist who will “make me look complete!” On one recent visit, I was settling into the swivel chair when I…
Features, March 2022
This I Have Learned… The Art of Recycling/Repurposing
Mary Jo Bellner Swartzberg Do you ever get a queasy feeling in the pit of your stomach when you see food go to waste in restaurants; when you know that your garbage is merged with cans, plastics, and glass bottles; or knowing that people do not recycle at all? You are not alone. Americans have…
Features, February 2022
This I Have Learned: New Year’s Resolutions!
Mary Jo Bellner Swartzberg Okay—raise your hand if you made resolutions for the new year. Ah, I see that about 50% of you have. For those of you who have, you might not enjoy this article, and for those of you who haven’t, you will enjoy this article even less. To wit… The habit of…
Features, December 2021
This I Have Learned: Imagine If Historical Figures Used Texting
Mary Jo Bellner Swartzberg Most of us love technology, and, let’s face it, technology has improved our lives in numerous ways. As examples: a GPS for our car; instantaneous communication via computer, or cell phone (texting, etc.); high-tech refrigerators/ovens; microwaves; as well as medical procedures/implements that improve the human condition. However, when we have learned to…