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Back of the box recipes from Great-Grandma? Family treasure.I longed for sentimental family heirlooms 鈥� until I learned that pragmatism is inheritance, too.聽
The unexpected bounty of winter gardeningIn nature and in life, some seasons, like winter, are less celebrated. Under the surface, however, lies growth.聽
The actor and the ironing board: An unlikely lesson in improvisationIn our middle school musical, an eighth grade star averted disaster 鈥� and imparted valuable lessons in improvisation.聽
Hygge season: Learning to winter like the DanesIn exploring hygge, the Danish art of coziness,聽I learned to rest and savor the season. It鈥檚 a counterintuitive lesson in slowing down.聽
A friendly face in a foreign place: My encounter with a Soviet soldierOur visit to Soviet-era Moscow resulted in a chance encounter, and a lesson in humanity, that would stay with me for decades.聽
Let there be light: Re-sparking my love of learningAs a veteran professor, I decided it was time to turn the tables and go back to school. I was immediately overwhelmed. Had I made a mistake?
Snow, glorious snow! Savoring the timeless delight.In reliving the jubilation of scraping snowplows, school cancellations, and snow days, our essayist finds newfound wonder in every child's delight.聽
鈥楢 visual map of my life.鈥� Navigating a new year, calendar in hand.In an increasingly digital age, paper calendars offer a reassuring guide to the year ahead, and a story of the past.
Rekindling a family friendship across continentsEven when geography, language, or customs differ, sometimes the strongest bonds transcend boundaries.
Hallelujah! My Christmas chorus memoir (an animation).I鈥檝e sung Handel鈥檚 鈥淢essiah鈥� since I was 4 years old. Much has changed 鈥� including my voice 鈥� but the exuberance and joy remain.
In the chaotic crush of travel, an oasis of calmI was dreading my layover in a loud, crowded airport. It turned out to be the highlight of my trip.聽
The hands that shaped me: My grandma's loving touchWhenever I think of my grandmother's helping hands, I am filled with deep appreciation for the hard work and gentle gestures that defined her life.聽
The transforming power of a thank-you noteRevisiting connections sparks newfound appreciation for old friends and lessons learned.
鈥楢 ray of light鈥�: How I found gratitude in trying timesI was doing gratitude wrong.聽It turns out I was looking for it聽in the wrong places.
Chicken soup for the frazzled soulWhen the world goes to pieces, I go to the kitchen. Cooking calms my rattled nerves.
Please don鈥檛 buy my booksIt wasn鈥檛 until I set out to sell my old books that I realized the precious memories they held.
Hey kids, don't try this at home!A childhood spent perusing DIY magazines ushers in a life of mechanical mishaps.聽
Outdated? Patriarchal? Why I still celebrate the Hindu festival of love.Though it鈥檚 criticized as outdated, Karwa Chauth symbolizes love and romance.
Grizzlies and caribou and wolves, oh my! Savoring Denali鈥檚 delights.We jumped at the chance to visit Denali. We were rewarded with a soul-stirring experience.聽
What to do with a beloved shirt in shreds?My favorite shirt was on its last legs, er, arms. But I wasn鈥檛 ready to shed it, tattered or not.