2nd Middle Age

You have been preparing for this all your life – it's going to be great!

[2ndmiddleage]

Exploring Shimla: India's Queen of Hills

Exploring Shimla: India's Queen of Hills

[2ndmiddleage]

Our Journey to Shimla on the Scenic Toy Train

This is the 3rd installment of my India travelogue, highlighting experiences of India through the eyes of my husband Matt on our first trip together to India last December. I started traveling solo to India in May 2000 for the biopharma industry. In December 2025 we had our opportunity to travel together. Earlier installments available here and here. One non-negotiable part of the trip was our…

Our Journey to Shimla on the Scenic Toy Train

[2ndmiddleage]

India Does Uber Differently

This is the second installment of my India travelogue; my first post described the Christmassy vibe of our December 2025 trip. During our trip we spent a fair amount of time in traffic. Thinking about New Delhi traffic always brings the famous Hindustan Ambassador car to mind. When I first started coming to Indian 2000, I saw a lot of Ambassadors on the roads; now the variety of vehicles is…

India Does Uber Differently

[2ndmiddleage]

When I wake up too early …

When I wake up too early …

[2ndmiddleage]

Once you start making Mu Shu with Chinese pancakes it is honestly hard to stop. They really are that good.

New Year's Mu-Shu with Pancakes

[2ndmiddleage]

India may be the world's epicenter of Christmas decorations – offered each December to guests in nearly every hotel and guest house in the true spirit of Indian hospitality.

India – the most Christmassy Place?

[2ndmiddleage]

Quick Tip for Peeling Thin-Skinned Avocados

Quick Tip: Peeling Thin-Skinned Avocados

[2ndmiddleage]

In Memoriam: Garden Recollections of Menuhah (Suzanne) Peters (May 22, 1956 – October 24, 2025)

Menuhah Peters was the best early educator I ever had the privilege to know and to call my friend. This morning I have just learned the sad news of her passing from 6000+ miles away, and so am writing to share a few recollections. Menuhah made a huge and lasting impression on the world through her early education teaching and what she shared about it online (photos always shared with written…

In Memoriam: Garden Recollections of Menuhah (Suzanne) Peters (May 22, 1956 – October 24, 2025)

[2ndmiddleage]

Are You Counting what Really Matters?

There is a truism that what we count matters. Where and when we have clear metrics, it is easier for us to place value. The problem is that some things are harder to count than others. Diet and exercise are two areas that are relatively easy to track, and where counting really matters. Every day, for example, my smart watch tracks my health through established benchmarks (steps, minutes of…

Are You Counting what Really Matters?

[2ndmiddleage]

Are you looking for something that you can do - at the person-to-person level - to combat the Global Governance Crisis? Your thoughts and actions can make a positive difference. Here's how:

Navigating the Global Governance Crisis

[2ndmiddleage]

Are you looking for something that you can do - at the person-to-person level - to combat the Global Governance Crisis? Your thoughts and actions can make a positive difference. Here's how:

Navigating the Global Governance Crisis

[2ndmiddleage]

Are you looking for something that you can do - at the person-to-person level - to combat the Global Governance Crisis? Your thoughts and actions can make a positive difference. Here's how:

Navigating the Global Governance Crisis

[2ndmiddleage]

Virtually no one else cares about my – or your own – insecurities. It is just another example of the Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) adage: Not everything you think is true. And if it not true, why bother?

The Truth: Others Don't See Your Self Doubts and Insecurities

[2ndmiddleage]

The Truth: Others Don't See Your Self Doubts and Insecurities

Lately I have been thinking a lot about Radical Acceptance. Accepting where we are now can free us from misleading and even false self-criticism and assumptions. Mitigating self-criticism can improve your self-confidence and reduce suffering. We can be our own harshest self-critics. And we assume (erroneously) that others share our negative thoughts. An epiphany dating back to my Southfield High…

The Truth: Others Don't See Your Self Doubts and Insecurities

[2ndmiddleage]

Radical Acceptance can transform our life. Accepting your circumstances as their are without judgment helps you to move forward and to mitigate suffering. How do you practice Radical Acceptance in your own tradition or faith practice?

How Radical Acceptance Transforms Our Lives

[2ndmiddleage]

What are you doing since October 7th to find a feeling of comfort in uncomfortable spaces? I have found refuge both in my longstanding Jewish traditions and in Yoga (with an exceptional teacher.)

Finding Comfort in the Uncomfortable

[2ndmiddleage]

Did you know that so-called tropical viruses have come to the US and Europe? You can protect yourself and your family with safe and effective essential oil mosquito repellent.

DIY Mosquito Repellent: Essential Oils for Skin Safety