joannejagoda

Almost Paradise

All the way through my eight chemotherapy sessions I kept a vision in my mind of going to Maui. The thought of ocean waves, warm sun, sandy beaches and drinks with paper umbrellas provided me with a dream to cling to during rough patches. I had no idea that chemotherapy would be so tough. TheContinue reading “Almost Paradise”

Cigar Smoke Memories

Most people loathe the smell of cigar smoke, but for me a whiff transports me to a long forgotten time of my youth. I can picture it. A festive Saturday evening party at my parent’s house with relatives and friends gathered for dinner. Guaranteed this was no pot luck as my mother did all theContinue reading “Cigar Smoke Memories”

Angel on the 620 to Phoenix

Catherine scrunches in the seat avoiding the passengers entering the Greyhound. She makes herself small and inconspicuous praying no one will sit next to her. She absently reaches for her hair to lift it off her shoulders realizing with a start that she had chopped it off—her, blonde, perfectly-highlighted, thick gorgeous hair. All that isContinue reading “Angel on the 620 to Phoenix”

7 Tips for a Successful Grandchildren Sleepover

This article appeared in Grand Magazine, September 2019 Well, you said “yes” and now you have to entertain your grandchildren, ages two and four for a weekend, which can mean up to 72 hours but who’s counting? Whether you are called Grandma, or Abuela, or Nana, or in my case Savta (Hebrew for grandmother) youContinue reading “7 Tips for a Successful Grandchildren Sleepover”