You probably have a story or two like mine growing up. Picture this. It is a Saturday. A day that any kid would believe should be spent sleeping in, homework free, and yours to fill as you saw fit. In my childhood, that was not the case. Rather, we were told to grab your sister, head to the apartment building, and scrub the stairs. No, there wasn't a machine, a mop, or even a Swifter. What we had was a bucket filled with warm water and liquid soap. Our tool? Our elbow grease and a rag.   Growing up, our grandparents held firm that each child needed to be responsible for doing chores. Not ..read more

Szostak side of the family on the farm 1976 Embarking on a journey to a foreign land is always an adventure, but for me, a 16-year-old from Chicago, my trip to Poland was not just about exploration—it was a voyage of discovery, connecting with my heritage, family, and the rich culture of my ancestors. Despite not speaking the language, I embraced the opportunity to immerse myself in the world my relatives called home. My journey began with a multi-leg flight from Chicago to Warsaw, with layovers in Detroit, New York City, and Shannon, Ireland. It was a whirlwind journey, but stepping onto Pol ..read more

Do you go to church? This is not a judgment question, just a simple question. Any church, synagogue, mosque, or temple in the past seven days? If you have, you are one of the 34% of the US adult population that regularly attend a religious service. I was part of that statistic as a kid. I was raised Roman Catholic, more specifically, Polish Roman Catholic. Learning the hymns, memorizing the prayers, studying the procedures of genuflection, the saints, the sign of the cross, and everything in between was how, back in my day, we developed our spiritual capital. Regardless of what we think about ..read more

It’s the time of year when everything is blooming to life again. The seeds planted in the Fall are yielding beautiful buds and flowers that one day will produce a harvest.   And in the Spring, we celebrate Easter.  Easter, for the faithful, is the resurrection of Christ from death to life. And, just like new buds, It is through death that new life is born. This seems so opposite and upside down from what is intuitive to nature.  Many examples of opposites exist in our world today. How often have we said it’s more fun to give than to receive? And by helping a stranger we are the ..read more

I loved my family. No, let me correct that: I love my family. Growing up was safe and supportive. Even though, at one time, there were two adults and five kids living in a two-bedroom, one-bath home, I always felt that I was heard until I wasn't. Don't worry; I hope to take you on a whimsical and heartwarming tale of this brave little adventurer who decided to run away to Grandma's house. Let me start by telling you about the reasons behind this little kid's decision and the challenges faced along the way. But first, let me ask you…have you ever run away as a kid? Did you ever think about it ..read more

Ah, Spring… Growing up in the Midwest, we had the privilege of experiencing the significant changes that the four seasons bring. There is something magical with each change, and yes, some challenges. Spring brings the flowers blooming and warmer weather. Almost in an instant, summer heats up, and we knew what the "dog days of summer" really meant. Then, the beautiful and colorful foliage and harvests set the stage for the winter chills where the snow could be found in "feet" and not "inches." But if asked, spring is my all-time favorite not only because of the signaling of the end of winter a ..read more

Madeline in her library at Belle Hampton For a passionate book lover like myself, there's nothing quite like the magical world a book opens up. Each volume is a portal to a different time, place, or perspective, offering a chance to escape the mundane and embark on thrilling adventures, explore profound emotions, or delve deep into the realms of knowledge. In the realm of books, every page is an invitation to explore the infinite possibilities of the human imagination, making it a sanctuary for those who crave the magic of storytelling. As authors, people often think that writing is our prima ..read more

Step with me into the shadows of history and architecture as we embark on a haunting journey to unravel the mysteries surrounding the legendary Ghost of Notre Dame. No, not the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris where the infamous hunchback and monstrous gargoyles, silent witnesses to the supernatural, could be found, but rather the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana. The hushed discussions about this prestigious school with high academic standards and rigorous programs were a grown-up conversation often heard after we were sent to bed. One morning, we were suddenly faced with the sta ..read more

Being a grandparent is a rewarding and cherished role. It's a chance to build strong connections with your grandchildren, watch them grow, and offer unconditional love and support. At least that's what "they" say. However, "they" don't tell you how to accomplish that when distance separates you. Being a long-distance grandma, building a solid connection, watching them grow, and just "being there" can be challenging. How can you be a part of their daily lives, be there for the special moments, and develop a connection when you are miles away? When my first grandchild was born, and he was just ..read more

During the Renaissance period from the 14th to the 17th centuries, individuals with a wide range of intellectual, artistic, and practical skills were known as "polymaths" or Renaissance men. These people were admired for their diverse talents, broad knowledge, and ability to excel in multiple areas of expertise. A Renaissance man was expected to understand several subjects, such as literature, philosophy, mathematics, science, art, music, and more. How do we inspire the next generation of Polymaths? Growing up in a small Polish community, the far-reaching identity of a Renaissance Man or, in ..read more