26Oct 2015 by CJ

Friendship requires the gift of your time

Life & Living, Love & Relationships
“Why did you do all this for me?' he asked. 'I don't deserve it. I've never done anything for you.' 'You have been my friend,' replied Charlotte. 'That in itself is a tremendous thing.” ― E.B. White, Charlotte's Web When I lived back in New Jersey several years ago, a dear friend and I always made time during the week to see each other. Sometimes it was nothing more than coffee at a local Starbucks or Barnes & Nobel, a relaxing walk around a picturesque park or dinner at our favorite pizzeria restaurant. The setting was irrelevant to our meetings – what was vital was sharing time together to discuss the highs and the lows of the preceding days. That dedicated time helped build a strong, long-lasting friendship between us…
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28Sep 2015 by CJ

You’re stronger than you think

Life & Living, Love & Relationships
When I'm stuck with a day that's grey and lonely I just stick up my chin and grin and say, oh The sun will come out tomorrow Sentiments easier expressed through lyrics than in reality. But songwriters Charles Strouse and Martin Charnin capture something utterly profound in their song Tomorrow – featured in the hit musical and movie Annie. Simply put – everything is temporary. Every one of us can look back in our history and remember times when we didn’t know how we were going to make it through. Times when we were riddled with self-doubts and insecurities – grieving with a broken heart or a broken life. And yet here we are survivors – perhaps a little more jaded and guarded, but definitely more courageous. Somehow as everyday…
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22Sep 2015 by CJ

Change is possible – if we deal with feelings first

Life & Living
Sometimes (okay, most of the time) it’s invaluable to have someone outside of yourself alert you when life seems to have derailed from normalcy. Such was the case recently. The other day my wife asked me, “Why have so many of your blogs been so sad and depressing?” At first I was slightly perplexed. I read and re-read each and every post at least three or four times before I ever hit the “publish” button, and couldn’t necessarily say “sad” and “depressing” were the only sentiments I’d use to describe them. Writers often pour the emotions they’re feeling at any given moment into their work, and I’m no different I suppose. And while I wouldn’t use the words “sad” or depressing” to describe my current state of mental health, I…
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16Sep 2015 by CJ

A Handbags Purpose is Not Dictated by Cost

Life & Living
I wrote this article back in 2007, when I was writing a regular editorial column for The Leader Newspapers in New Jersey. I stumbled upon it recently and was so amused by the concept that I thought I’d share it with all of you. It remains unchanged from its original publishing. Jennifer and I each got a good laugh out of it again – I hope you all do as well. _________________________________________________________________ My good friend Jennifer has an unhealthy obsession. No, it’s not with food or cigarettes or even alcohol. It's with pocketbooks. Yes, you heard me correctly – pocketbooks; over 20 different varieties to be exact. As most men will attest to, it’s hard to understand the complicated world of women’s handbags. After all, I have but one wallet…
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15Sep 2015 by CJ

Memories – the things you never want to lose

Life & Living, Love & Relationships, Youth
Many of you might remember the television dramedy The Wonder Years which ran on ABC from 1988 through 1993. Set in the year 1968, the series followed young Kevin Arnold as he made his way through pubescent life - dealing with typical societal issues of that time. The show was narrated by a much older and wiser Kevin, often describing what is happening and ultimately what he learned during any given situation. On the series finale of the show, as a group of young children can be heard playing in the background, the final narration is given: “Growing up happens in a heartbeat. One day you're in diapers, the next day you're gone. But the memories of childhood stay with you for the long haul. I remember a place, a…
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