Author Archives: sheilawill

A kinder, gentler nation

Posted on May 5, 2011 by sheilawill

When someone I thought was a gentle, sensitive person sent me a gruesome photo of bin Liden’s face, with a link to a video of his demise, I was shocked.  That disgusting image has been popping up for me all … Continue reading →

Posted in politics, The Rest of the World | Tagged , , | 4 Comments

Three funny stories, but not the funniest ever

Posted on April 26, 2011 by sheilawill

There I was, naked in the Jewish Community Center locker room post-Zumba class and shower. A young woman ran into the room announcing “Sheila Wilensky is writing a story on kids’ fitness for the Post.” “Uh, that’s me,” I said … Continue reading →

Posted in Bopping Around Tucson, Mount Desert Island/Maine | Tagged | Leave a comment

Genevieve Ferguson (1917-2011)

Posted on April 20, 2011 by sheilawill

“Oh sit by me dear. Tell me about Tucson and your life…” Gen was elegant. She loved art. She loved music and beauty and surrounded herself with beautiful things. I’m sure they all meant something to her, and recalled her … Continue reading →

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People are so much nicer in NYC than they used to be

Posted on April 16, 2011 by sheilawill

I used to be afraid of going to THE CITY so everything seemed scary. But now people smile at each other on the subway. Guys give up their seats to old ladies (not talking about me here). People are generally … Continue reading →

Posted in Family Matters, The Rest of the World | Tagged , | 1 Comment

Family: back east and in Tucson

Posted on April 7, 2011 by sheilawill

I’m going on a family vacation today — not to the Bahamas or Italy but to the heart of it all — hanging out with my kids in New York City. I’ll arrive at Brook’s new digs, which she and … Continue reading →

Posted in Bopping Around Tucson, Family Matters | Tagged , , , , | 5 Comments

Cornel West preaches, “Get Funky”

Posted on April 2, 2011 by sheilawill

It almost didn’t matter what Cornel West said, it was the cadence of his voice that grabbed me. A blues man, an intellectual chiding us to live the unsettled, or funky life. I identified with him. “Greed has been running … Continue reading →

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It’s all about the brain

Posted on April 1, 2011 by sheilawill

If I were younger and smarter I’d study neuroscience. All those fascinating connections, how we’re actually wired for cooperation — not intra-species violence — but greed has taught us otherwise, at least us Americans. I don’t believe obsessive greed is … Continue reading →

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Wildcats Meet Huskies

Posted on March 29, 2011 by sheilawill

I’m a fair weather basketball fan. I like the most exciting games, which are usually played during the playoffs. Sometimes in the regular season I’ll turn on a Celtics game to see if I can find my brother, who’s had … Continue reading →

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Geraldine Ferraro (1935-2011)

Posted on March 27, 2011 by sheilawill

It was 1984. How proud I was that a woman was finally nominated as vice president. How excited I was to hear Geraldine Ferraro speak at an authors’ breakfast at the American Booksellers Convention that year. I was bad. She … Continue reading →

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To speak or not to speak

Posted on March 25, 2011 by sheilawill

On my walk yesterday morning I passed a young man, probably an African immigrant, starting his day. He’s leaving his sleeping spot, carrying lots of blankets and a water bottle. We pass each other quietly. I wonder if he recognizes … Continue reading →

Posted in Bopping Around Tucson, Tucson Festival of Books/good books | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments