(Local View from 4'2, Lake County Press, January 9, 2026) New Year, newer me. I am not one for resolutions but I am one for being intentional and self reflecting. This new year finds me processing things from 2025- loss of family members, grief loved ones carry for a variety of life reasons, new relationships personally and professionally, and old projects that have lingered too long. Oh and my needy body that seems to have more interesting needs as the aging process marches

(Local View from 4'2, Lake County Press, December 19, 2025) As we gather with friends and family during this holiday season there are so many things to remember and consider. This time of year can be full of joy and happiness for many but also full of sadness and hurt for others. If we are honest, for many of us, it is all of these and more. Some things I am practicing personally this season is to manage my expectations. Over the years I have learned that I don’t have to cele

(Local View from 4'2, Lake County Press, November 28, 2025) Creating and Sharing Welcoming Spaces In recent weeks I have been in so many spaces. Medical spaces, leadership spaces, driving spaces, resting spaces, growing spaces, fun/laughter provoking spaces and uncomfortable spaces are just a few that make my list. In all of these spaces I felt welcomed to show up, to take space, and to let the walls down in vulnerability as I wanted. Here are some of the lessons learned in t

(Local View from 4'2, Lake County Press, November 14, 2025) Accessible versus Functional Recently a disabled friend shared a video on Instagram with me. The video was of a young woman in a manual wheelchair cooking in her kitchen and her points were about accessibility versus usability. This has been my message for decades but maybe with too many words at times. Far too often places, spaces, and people claim to be accessible or wheelchair friendly. They use words like “being