Yes, I know it’s a bit cliche to refer to these chaotic days with kids at home as long days and short years but it’s the truth. I’m trying to get my head wrapped around how I feel like each day is a marathon and yet time is just flying by.

As today’s title implies, this is episode number 293! And that seems just crazy to me. How did that happen? Today, let’s chat about how small changes, starting one new thing, can change just about everything!

It’s 2026 -- that’s crazy! Happy New Year my friends. Today, let’s chat about intention setting. If you are looking for some suggestions of how to approach this new year with an open heart and clear intentions, take a listen!

Today I share my own poem (a first for me!) to help ring in the new year: Let This Be the Year!

And just like that the holiday is here --- it’s Christmas! Today’s episode isn’t exactly about Christmas but more ways that we mark time -- how we create monuments to remember. And celebrating Christmas is exactly that -- a monument.

Yes, December is almost gone for you listeners. But, for me, it’s December 1st. Which means this Jewish family dives head first into advent! Let the countdown to Christmas begin!

Today I share some stories of ’synchronicities’ or signs. We don’t have to figure out the ’why’ -- sometimes that’s really well above our pay grade. But it’s fun to pay more attention to these ’universe’ whispers because they tell us that reality is not really as black-and-white as it seems.

Today I share another one of Cara Bradley’s Sparks ’Oh the Haters.’ The question is -- are we afraid of the real haters (of whom I believe there are very few) or the idea that their may be some haters out there -- folks who might hit a nerve and say the thing we are most afraid of? This episode may not solve the ’fear’ problem but we can at least address the elephant in the room!

Today I share a really great JOY SCHOOL question (and some responses) that was submitted prior to Thanksgiving but is very relevant for this period of holiday gatherings. Because sometimes we all future trip and catastrophize about getting together with folks we haven’t seen in a while.

Today I share two poems from poet Hannah Rosenberg from her recently published book of poems ’Same.’ I love these two poems -- I can’t tell you how often I’ve read them. They are perfect for this month of gatherings and holiday meals!

It’s tough making new friends as you get older -- sometimes I think there should be a dating app but just to make new friends. I’ve made some new friends lately and I’m thrilled. Let’s talk about friendship and the process of really getting to know new people.

In my hunt for some paint brushes for the craft projects (from last week’s episode), I stumbled into a veritable treasure trove! I can’t wait to share the ’treasure’ with you! Really, it’s good stuff!

Some recent school projects have provided the needed stimulus for me to remember my crafty days of yore. It’s so interesting when you haven’t really done something for like 30 years and then, all of sudden, you are back to it. Somehow, our fingers remember what to do!

My dad would have enjoyed today’s episode -- I share some thoughts about what he liked to call ’process’ and how to make some of your holiday busyness feel a bit more doable (less overwhelm = more fun)!

Today I share some very ’light’ advice as holiday gatherings approach. My hope is that you can be present, relaxed, and truly enjoy your holiday get togethers. And maybe today’s tips will help!

Yes, as the title of today’s episode implies, today is about books. What I’m reading, what I’m putting off (I do love procrastinating), and why I’m a huge fan of reading in general. We are moving into winter, friends, so it may time time to pile up blankets, make tea, and get a big stack of books ready!

Today’s episode is all about being grateful for what you don’t have. And, just to entice you to listen, I share stories of your fearless podcast host doing dumb things. See, now you have to listen!

If you’ve ever wondered: what it is like to have twins? Then today is your day! Well, to give you a real picture of ’twin life,’ I might need to write a second book. But at least this episode gives you a taste of it!

Don’t worry -- I’m not spilling state secrets or even major family secrets. These are not the kind of secrets you have to wait for some folks to pass on before you can share them. But, secrets all the same! We have so little gossip in our house of very even-tempered boys -- it’s kind of fun when we do!

People change. I know that old saying: you can’t teach and old dog new tricks. Well, I’m not so sure that’s true. We are all changing/evolving and sometimes we have to remember that the people in our lives may not always ’be’ who we remember them to be.