Disguised behind sunglasses and a Tilley hat, she lives as “Lesbian Brenda” – hiding from coworkers, motherhood, and expired documents. Her children prepare to fly alone to Moscow. One never to come back to Canada. She’s blocked her mother and her ex. It feels like living in a The Academy of Fools sketch – a clown released from the Cuckoo’s Nest.What is the cost of this freedom?
Brenda the Lesbian Blocks Her Loved Ones Read Post »
From quiet suffering in Moscow to Caribbean cruises in Canada, this reflection contrasts how different cultures treat aging, love, and dignity in the twilight years.
Starbucks Seniors vs. Soviet-Era Suffering Read Post »
At Starbucks, the supervisor is part floor general, part therapist, part janitor. They orchestrate workflow, assign roles, motivate the team and occasionally drown in milk. It can be a real-time battlefield delegation. Leadership here isn’t about barking orders – it’s about laughing through the chaos and making sure everyone survives another shift with a smile.
Supervising at Starbucks Read Post »
What do we all reminisce about on New Year’s Eve? If we focus on the good, then good will happen. Being a manager and building a team that laughs together, hotel stories best left untold, quiet holidays spent with family. Meeting J – who embodies my dad’s patients. And, like Hercules, ready for the labors ahead.
What We Tell Ourselves on New Year’s Eve Read Post »
Reflective story about finding unexpected joy in taking out the trash, complete with backyard bears, folding boxes at Starbucks, and the quiet pride of adulthood.
Recycling Meditation, & My Backyard Bear Read Post »