Gillian Pieper

As the light slowly creeps back into our days, let’s set an intention for the next several months. Ancient people once thought of this whole month as a time reflection. The god Janus (who the month is named after) had two faces: one that looked back at what could be learned, and one to look […]

In a world full of uncertainties, a tradition can help provide an anchor, even just for a moment. Making life feel predictable and structured, nostalgic and purposeful, rituals of tradition born out of the holiday season can be, well, like a warm cup of cheer; a chance to take a beat, breathe, and reflect, removed […]

Oh boy does that have new meaning! Some are saying the 2022-23 flu season is shaping up to be the worst ever, even calling it a “Tridemic” (COVID, Flu and RSV — a child respiratory illness). The best prevention on record is to get a flu shot and stay away from those who are sick. […]

The expression originally appeared in a Welsh publication in 1866 as “Ait a happle avore gwain to bed, An’ you’ll make the doctor beg his bread” or “Eat an apple on going to bed, and you’ll keep the doctor from earning his bread.” Love the old English. In 1913, in a book Rustic Speech and […]

September is many splendid things and a hearty breakfast on a crisp fall morning can be a slice of heaven! “When you wake up in the morning, Pooh,” said Piglet at last, “what’s the first thing you say to yourself?”“What’s for breakfast?” said Pooh. “What do you say, Piglet?”“I say, I wonder what’s going to […]

Gracious! Does it seem like everyone is getting COVID… AGAIN? By George it does (why even George himself has got it). This thing continues to mutate and nag at us like those relentless, late summer deer flies who were supposed to be logy by now. With the giant Sequoias of Yosemite at risk, a drought […]

Welcome to the heart of Summer! The term “dog days of summer” came about because the hottest days of the year coincide with the rising of Sirius, or the Dog Star, at dawn. Sirius is part of the constellation “Canus Majoris”. With Sirius being the brightest star in the sky other than the sun, its […]

For IMPORTANT Final Notes on the Challenge, scroll to the end. For this week’s message of inspiration, read on: “Everything in the country, animate and inanimate, seems to whisper, be serene, be kind, be happy. We grow tolerant there unconsciously.” — Fanny Fern, 1853 Easier said than done in these bewildering times. In this final […]

In the late 1780’s, French courtier, Élisabeth Louise Vigée-Le Brun debuted a self portrait that scandalized the Paris elite. Her lips slightly parted with her teeth visible created gasps galore. Can you believe it? To that point, people smiling broadly in art or life were thought to be either wily, demented or schnockered. A toothy […]

American Dancer and award-winning choreographer Agnes DeMille said “to dance is to be out of yourself. Larger, more beautiful, more powerful.” It makes perfect sense. In the stress of today, we spend a lot of time all balled up. Shoulders to ears, fists clenched, jaw set, holding our breath, ready for the next blow. A […]