Just Thinkin

This House Believes

As of the day after Thanksgiving - officially known as ‘Decorating Day' in our house - this sign hangs down in the center of our fireplace

by Lisa Dingle

Once upon a time some time during the year 2000, my dear husband and I had a conversation over a cup of coffee on one of those rare, quiet mornings when we beat the kids out of bed. We make sure to have this particular chat every once and a while - say, twice a year or so - when we kick around the whole concept of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

by Lisa Dingle

I'm not a bumper sticker fan. And yet, I admit to having bumper sticker envy.

by Lisa Dingle

As I write this column, the sun is shining on the beautiful Main Street in Concord. I'm at Helen's - my favorite breakfast spot (great toast!) and a man is sitting at the counter talking to Sandy, my favorite waitress here. The man is wearing a faded orange t-shirt with even more faded grey letters that spell out "Save Wa l n W ods".

What the heck was I thinking?!

If you are a long-time reader of these columns, you may recall that I have a particular affinity for the Christmas season. I've written to you about the importance of the key holiday that falls between Thanksgiving and Christmas (Decorating Day ), how I learned to appreciate the value of (gasp!) colored lights and really large lawn ornaments (preferably in the forms of polar bears and snowmen), and my affinity for the secret gifts of the holiday lines that I once dreaded (long lines at McDonalds usually result in super hot, fresh fries). But today, my small-town friend, I am not feeling cheery.

About a year ago, I read a very inspiring book by the author, Joan Dideon, called The Year of Magical Thinking. I say ‘inspiring' because her ability to take a deep look into her thoughts and emotions following the tragic and sudden loss of her husband, John, with both clarity and humor was (and is) an astounding ability to me.

Have you ever had a migraine?  

If you immediately wondered, "Hmmmm.  How should I answer Lisa on that?  HAVE I ever had a migraine?"  then I can, with virtually 100 percent certainty, assure you that you have NEVER had a migraine.