Facelifts that leave your cheeks looking like you’re facing into 100-mph headwinds are not for me. Or are they? Read more.
DON'T MISS!
I've written hundreds and hundreds of posts over the years. To help you find your way to the best of the best, I've tagged my favorites "Don't Miss!" Scroll down here to find them.
Another way to locate Riffs on Life that you might enjoy is to click above on your favorite category – "My Ever-Changing Family," perhaps, or "Funny Button." You can also use the search box located way up top to hunt for stories by topic. There's fun reading at "garden," "aging," "kids" and, of course, "Jon."
Big News — Big Changes for This 2009 Website
Two big changes for my — 2009! — website: a major redesign and a more spacious writing schedule for me. Read more.
Finding Hope for Our Time — In Handel’s ‘Messiah’
Finding hope for our time: Charles Jennens’ libretto for Handel’s “Messiah” was a response to his time — and ours. Read more.
The Top Religion Stories of 2025 — From Religion News Association
The top religion stories of 2025 from the Religion News Association reflect a world of turmoil — and hope. Read more.
I’m Thankful for a Window. It’s Small, but It Opens Onto . . . Everything
I’m thankful for a window. It’s small but it opens onto everything: a tree. A bird. A squirrel. Not much. But in fact everything. Read more.
Widowed: My Husband Is the Hero of My Next Book
My husband is the hero of my next book. I wanted it all — family and career. And Jon made it possible. Read more.
Widowed: Do I Still Miss Him?
Widowed: Do I still miss him? Not really. Missing Jon is not the shape my grief takes. Most days. Read more.