I love to connect with my readers, and in my monthly newsletter, I share my thoughts, updates about events, a discussion of what I've been reading, stories from life in Connecticut, and much more. Feel free to browse my past newsletters and stop by at the beginning of each month to read my latest note to you.
I adore the foxgloves growing in Charlie’s front yard!
I love you. Happy July 2026.
The month of June in Stonington Village seemed magically enchanted. Our gardens are in peak bloom. We’ve enjoyed seeing all the boats return to their summer places in the harbor, getting ready for the 250th anniversary celebration of our independence.
I want to share some highlights of fun experiences I’ve enjoyed.
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(left to right)
LTC Ferguson and LTC Cook, Alexandra,
Colonel Matt Kennedy and Colonel Dave Underwood
Dear Friends,
Peter’s roommate at Yale died from complications from being sent overseas during World War II. Don told Peter something that made a huge impression on him ever since his “bright college years.” “Around every corner is the possibility of the unknown.” I'm continuously astonished by the ...
read moreDear Friends
I woke up September first, and after getting out of bed, I literally jumped for joy. After making myself a cup of coffee, I went to my desk at the downstairs study and called both Alexandra and Brooke. Looking past the geraniums in the window boxes and the ...
read moreDear Friends,
Other than one weekend in the middle of August, I have been here at the cottage¬¬, savoring every precious, delicious moment, alone. Brooke and Cooper came on a train in time for dinner at Breakwater, outside overlooking the expansive view of the harbor. Cooper lost her first front ...
read moreDear Friends,
I’ve experienced several joyful months, giving talks and retreats, visiting friends and spending time with their children. Spring and early summer opened her generous arms to me; I felt the lightness of being, the happiness that springs from the gifts of a compassionate heart and love.
Returning ...
read moreDear Friends,
I genuinely hope the entire month of June was a rich one, full of learning and discovering, surprises and delight. June, June, June – busted out all over and the treasures of our gardens uplift our eyes and hearts. It would be hard to imagine a more joyful month ...
read moreDear Friend,
Exciting news! The Inn at Stonington is hosting a one day and night event, a Women’s Happiness Retreat, on Sunday, June 14th. As many of you recall, after my book Choosing Happiness was published, I had regular Happiness Weekend events for years. This retreat is the first ...
read moreDear Friend,
April brought me great happiness as I returned to my main focus in my writing: lasting, genuine happiness. As I prepared to go to Washington, DC for a “Happiness Retreat: Choosing Happiness at Every Stage of Life,” at Sibley Memorial Hospital, a member of John Hopkins Medicine, I ...
read moreDear Friend,
When Peter romantically proposed to me at a charming little French bistro in New York City a few blocks walk from my apartment on East 63rd Street, he told me that there will be many surprises. Obviously he didn’t have a crystal ball to look into to ...
read moreDear Friend,
Happy March! The days are longer, the snow keeps coming, and the sun is bright and beautiful. The daffodils are underneath the snowdrifts. Last winter was severe: 2015 is historic.
The weight of the snow in the blizzard on the flat roof of the downstairs study addition to ...
read moreDear Friend,
I spend much of my contemplation time meditating on the three wise words of my spiritual advisor and mentor, the late John Bowen Coburn: “You never know.”
I was leaving the cottage Sunday at noon to go to the news office to pick up the New York Times ...
read moreHappy, happy New Year! Never before have I felt these words of hope and new beginning more deeply or more heartfelt. Since Peter died September 25th, I have tried to live in my breath, in the present, mindful of what’s going on, aware of the awesome beauty available to ...
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