Category Archives: Family Matters

I’m curious about a lot of stuff…

Posted on September 7, 2016 by sheilawill

Does my desk show that I’m curious, or sentimental, or a habitual collector, or is this photo too dark to see any of my tchotchkes (trinkets)? There’s a small ceramic head that my son made in 1st grade. There’s a cheery … Continue reading →

Posted in Baby Boomers, Family Matters, Nature Girl, The Rest of the World | Tagged , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Chocolate-covered coffee beans at a historic hotel in Flagstaff, Arizona

Posted on April 24, 2016 by sheilawill

A handful for twenty-five cents. That’s right; the same amount of chocolate-covered coffee beans from Godiva or any other hoity-toity chocolatier would be at least two dollars. We probably ate at least fifty each. We were on a mini-vacation, so … Continue reading →

Posted in Family Matters, Fight wimpiness, Food/happy hours, Nature Girl, The Rest of the World | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Thankful for taxi drivers, leftover leaves, and Thanksgiving leftovers

Posted on November 27, 2015 by sheilawill

Kalid, the taxi driver from Dubai who took me from the airport to Brook and Gian’s new home in Chapel Hill, was full of Thanksgiving wisdom. Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday because it’s not about religion. It still came up, … Continue reading →

Posted in Family Matters, Food/happy hours, politics, The Rest of the World | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

From my desk to my ocean: taking time to smell the roses

Posted on September 12, 2015 by sheilawill

See the tiny handcrafted bowl of dried roses? My dear friend Olivia made it. She lives in Berkeley. See the photo of Brook, about to turn 5, ready for her first day of kindergarten in Bass Harbor, Maine? She will … Continue reading →

Posted in Bopping Around Tucson, Family Matters, Mount Desert Island/Maine | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Being in charge of myself…the way life should be!

Posted on August 20, 2015 by sheilawill

It’s been almost a month since I plunged back into an independent work life. Quitting my job after 10 years has been a relief — both emotionally and politically. For those of you who have sent kind words about missing … Continue reading →

Posted in Family Matters, Fight wimpiness, Journalism/Writing, Mount Desert Island/Maine | Tagged , , , , , , | 10 Comments

Saga of a Reluctant Landlord

Posted on April 11, 2015 by sheilawill

Twelve years ago, I packed my bags and headed west from Southwest Harbor, Maine, to Tucson, Arizona. I’d rent my beloved house during the winter so I could keep it for my kids, prospective grandkids to enjoy every summer, when I’d return … Continue reading →

Posted in Family Matters, Mount Desert Island/Maine, Neuroscience needs me | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Happiness 2015: The Givers and the Takers

Posted on January 2, 2015 by sheilawill

I’m an extrovert. I get caught up in the New Year’s hype. I’m glad that “the holiday season” is done and that it’s a time for starting over. That’s how I see it, but it probably isn’t as easy for … Continue reading →

Posted in Family Matters, Fight wimpiness | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

We may be a family of turkeys…

Posted on November 28, 2014 by sheilawill

I’m “grated full” — as one of my U.S. history students years ago wrote — of gladness on the day after Thanksgiving (boo black Friday). Dan joined me in Jersey City for my favorite holiday, despite the cold, icy rain … Continue reading →

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Motherhood: 37 years/Tucson: 12 years

Posted on September 26, 2014 by sheilawill

How have 37 years gone by so quickly? On Sept. 25, 1977, my beautiful daughter was born, the first newborn I ever held. On Sept. 25, 2002, I drove into Tucson at sunset. “I don’t know what I’ll do now … Continue reading →

Posted in Bopping Around Tucson, Family Matters, Fight wimpiness | Tagged , , , , | 4 Comments

Tune-up for getting old (er)

Posted on August 30, 2014 by sheilawill

Life was going along smoothly. Kids okay, no tension at home, easy job compared to teaching. I was revved up for the three-day pre-nuptial Ethan and Steph celebration in Minneapolis last weekend. Surprises at a family gathering…is anyone surprised? Old … Continue reading →

Posted in Baby Boomers, Family Matters, Fight wimpiness | Tagged , , , , , | 4 Comments