Dorothy A. Winsor Sometimes writing is easy. You’re in the zone. The words pour out. Good words! But sometimes, writing is so difficult it feels impossible. You have the dreaded writer’s block. There can be different reasons for writer’s block, and overcoming it depends on why you have it. Fear, boredom, and unarticulated problems with… Continue Reading OVERCOMING WRITER’S BLOCK
Transparency and communication with Garlands management and members is key to successful ongoing relationships. Even in the times of COVID-19 and social distancing, Garlands leadership and residents share “coffee and conversation” and engage in productive dialog . . . albeit virtually. The content of this month’s Zoom meeting was, as one might expect, primarily related… Continue Reading Even When We are Apart, We are Together at The Garlands!
Mahjong is a tile game that originated in 19th century China and links back to Confucius and his love of birds. The “twittering of the sparrows,” or shuffling and tinkling of the tiles, signals the start of the game. At The Garlands, the Mahjong bird metaphor continues, as in “birds of a feather flock together” to… Continue Reading The Ancient Art of Mahjong and Friendship . . . in Virtual Times
Dorothy A. Winsor In February, I went to a Chicagoland SFF conference called Capricon. Among the engaging panels, I attended was one called “Book Reviews vs. Literary Criticism: But is it good?” Panelists included a publicist, a couple of writers, and a book reviewer for a newspaper. The topic they started with was the difference… Continue Reading SHOULD I REVIEW THIS BOOK?
THE BEST ADVICE I EVER GOT Dorothy A. Winsor Back when I was writing academic books and articles, I conducted a five-year ethnographic project at an engineering center. My area is professional communication, so I hung around the center watching engineers try to communicate in their natural habitat. It was a lot of fun, and… Continue Reading Be BRAVE
SupercalifragilisticexpialiCOVIDocious! A “spoonful of sugar” from Dr. Sandra Sieber, The Garlands Inspirational Wellness Advisor We all remember P.L. Traver’s books and the beloved movie, Mary Poppins, starring Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke. But have you seen the more recent rendition, Mary Poppins Returns, with Emily Blunt and Lin-Manuel Miranda? As with the original, the… Continue Reading A Spoonful of Sugar
You want to know what I’ve learned about writing during a pandemic? It’s hard. And for me at least, maybe impossible in any sustained way. That’s what I’ve learned. For the first couple of weeks, I felt guilty because I had all this extra time while I was locked down at home, and yet I… Continue Reading WRITING DURING A PANDEMIC
Like most of you, Garlands of Barrington members are closely following CDC guidelines and referring to local, state and federal protocols as we hunker down and shelter in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19. As difficult as this situation is for all of us, over the course of the last few weeks we have… Continue Reading We’re All in this Together . . .
The Garlands COVID-19 task force continues to meet regularly to discuss new federal, state and local guidelines, our current safety precautions and lessons to be learned from outbreak areas throughout the U.S. and world. As a result, and in conjunction with the nation-wide extension of the mandatory social distancing policy through April 30th, we are… Continue Reading March 30: COVID-19 Update
Beyond handwashing and social distancing (which are, of course, very important), it is also important to take other precautions to prevent the spread and risk of illness for your mind, body, and soul! Here are some helpful tips for healthy living as we look to the coming weeks:
Maintain as positive and healthy a mindset as you can!
Your healthy mindset may vary depending on the day, but when negative thoughts start to enter your head, make it a game you play with yourself that you just won’t go there! Continue Reading Shine by Taking Extra Care of Yourself!
Now more than ever we need a little inspiration! In addition to reminding you to wash your hands, drink plenty of water and maintain a healthy diet with a variety of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and healthy fats, please consider some of these tips for living well: Work in some easy and enjoyable movement into your day.… Continue Reading A Note from our Inspirational Wellness Advisor
We at The Garlands of Barrington continue to carefully monitor the information issued by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Illinois Department of Public Health and elected officials relative to the global outbreak of the coronavirus (COVID-19). Although we currently do not have any active cases of COVID-19 reported at our community, The… Continue Reading March 18: COVID-19 Update
The Garlands of Barrington is carefully monitoring the information issued by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) relative to the global outbreak of the coronavirus (COVID-19). Although we currently do not have any active cases of COVID-19 reported at our community, The Garlands is acting with an abundance of caution and taking proactive measures… Continue Reading COVID-19 Notice
We all know that exercising the body is beneficial. But what exercising the mind? Or combining the two? Since the brain actually tells the muscles what to do and controls all bodily functions and organs, brain health is directly related to body health. That’s why The Garlands of Barrington’s Inspirational Wellness Advisor, Dr. Sandra Sieber, encourages clients… Continue Reading Mind Over Matter . . . Matters!
Teddie Kossof entered the beauty industry in the late ‘60s and in 1975 opened the doors to his namesake salon and spa in Northfield. Forty-four years later it continues to be among the nation’s top salons, serving Chicago’s North Shore. In 1998, Teddie’s son, Alan joined the salon business and co-owns the salon, overseeing the… Continue Reading Welcome Kossof Salon
NEW Virtual Reality Bike Exercises Body, Mind and Competitive Spirit for Garlands Members By Dr. Sandra Sieber We all know that exercising is beneficial. However, thinking and engaging the brain during exercise boosts Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), which substantially encourages brain growth. That’s exactly what the Garlands newest piece of “exergaming” equipment delivers! The interactive… Continue Reading New Virtual Reality Bike (CyberCycle) Comes to The Garlands
Peering over The Garlands gingerbread village, onlookers marvel at the candy craftsmanship of the masterpiece on display now at The Garlands of Barrington. This year admirers may even spy some sweet additions, tasty changes and even (gasp!) a festive holiday ghost! New gingerbread maker, Garlands Pastry Chef, Julie Swieca-Gannon put her unique, candy stamp on… Continue Reading New Garlands Gingerbread Maker Crushes the Ultimate Candy Challenge
Sample some of the holiday magic at The Garlands of Barrington and year ’round with images captured at the life plan community’s annual Winter Wonderland event – a celebration for Garlands members, team members and their families.
Special thanks to Garlands Play Readers, John and Barbara Seaman, Garlands Grandchildren of John and Jackie Matecki and all our Winter Wonderland guests for lending their time and talent to The 2019 Garlands Holiday video. Set to the following “Garlands-ized” adaptation of The Night Before Christmas, the holiday greeting captures the magic of the holidays… Continue Reading ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas . . . at The Garlands
Whether you need a custom cake for a special occasion or enough desserts to fill a sweet table for a crowd, The Garlands new Pastry Chef Julie Swieca-Gannon is your baker. Chef Julie has been whipping up creative, seasonal and tasty desserts that delight for hospitals, restaurants, grocery markets and country clubs since earning her… Continue Reading A Sweet Addition to The Garlands Team