Just when you think everything you planned is going to go this way, it goes that way. Sometimes that way is the better way. Sometimes it’s not. Bottom line; be prepared for the unexpected. I’m not a travel writer, but here’s a story about a trip I went on. Here’s a little backstory, I was not prepared for the unexpected!

The question, “How did I get here and where am I going?” is always a present thought. Is this random, chance, or prescribed? Is my tale already set in stone and I’m simply following along a controlled path? Does someone or something have the game controls of my life? I wonder…

Now, I feel like a seasoned old hen! Older and somewhat wiser, but still not able to spell well. The old lesson I grew up with now has a new attachment to it. New Lesson: If you want something really badly, then work super hard for it and you will earn it. However, if obtaining it is completely out of your control…

When I think back to my youth, I was fascinated with plants and growth. How a little bean when planted grew into a stem, into a strong bean plant, and reproduced beans of its own. The life cycle of the bean was incredible to watch.

I used to be able to work in the garden all day. I still work in the garden, but I need to take into consideration my achy back and stiffer knees. I also need to eat, drink and pee more often. Now, I cover my skin entirely to prevent sun damage and skin spots. I usually stop my gardening activity when my back can no longer tolerate the bending over. BECAUSE I’M OLD! It’s getting easier to say it.

For some, a great day might be a day without pain. For others an excellent day might be spent on a gorgeous beach in paradise. Some people might say a perfect day is spent at home, alone in a quiet peaceful place. Others might say their best day is every day as long as they are healthy and well.

Everyone has a special talent within them. It might take years to uncover it, but it’s definitely there. The key is to unlock your talent and utilize it to its maximum potential.  When I was younger, I didn’t know I would be a writer. I knew that I needed to write in my diary every day.  I didn’t know this passion would become a profession. It took years for my writing seed to germinate and grow. I suppose the seed was always there inside of me. I just needed to harness and develop it.  Some people have innate talents, which are completely a part of their landscape. No lessons are required to hone their skills — they just got it!

During the winter, many people complain about the cold temperatures, the snow, and the ice. I think I am one of the few people who love winter. Perhaps, complaining in general is non-stop. I constantly hear, “It’s so damn cold. The wind is a killer. I can barely walk from all the ice. I just can’t seem to warm up.  Alas Spring!!!! I think the complaining season has come to an end…

Hampstead resident and Suburban columnist, author and educator Suzanne Reisler Litwin has also been working tirelessly — for 35 years — to help find a cure for T1D through fundraising. She was inspired to do so when two of her teen friends, brothers, were diagnosed with the disease. “When I think about the day it’s deemed cured, I can’t imagine a greater feeling of success.”

Apricots! Oh, how I love apricots!!! My love for apricots developed around 35 years ago. I was around 20 years old. That summer, I went to Israel to work and tour the country. The group trip was called, “Experience Israel”. During the first part of the trip we lived and worked on a Kibbutz in the Negev Dessert. During the second part of the trip we toured Israel.

I worked on a Kibbutz for about a month. We woke up every morning at 4 a.m. The air was cool at 4:30 a.m. We were told to pick the fruits which looked colour filled and unripe. We were told to only eat the fruits which were ripe, but not to eat too many. If we ate too many, our best friend would be the toilet!