10 Lessons Learned from 20 Years of Marriage

by Nina Vallone, posted in marriage

It was a cloudless, blue sky day in Chicago 20 years ago this month. The weather held at 83° at 5:30 pm as Hubs and I exchanged vows in the Lakeview neighborhood where I lived. We celebrated with friends and family until late in the night. I still get a dreamy smile on my face … Continue reading 10 Lessons Learned from 20 Years of Marriage

Being Brave: Can We Speak AND Listen to End Gun Violence?

by Nina Vallone, posted in Bravery, Gun violence, integrity, intentional living, living better

We are here again. Heartbroken, incredulous. Perhaps some of us are even desensitized. I sure hope not. It hurts. This place of fear and uncertainty. Yes we need thoughts and prayers. We also need to speak up and speak well. We cannot name call and dehumanize even those of us who act inhumanely. By dehumanizing … Continue reading Being Brave: Can We Speak AND Listen to End Gun Violence?

Five Things I’ve Learned in the Five Years Since My Dad Died

by Nina Vallone, posted in aging parents, eulogies, Grief, journaling

It's been five years since my Dad died. Some days, it feels like just yesterday he was here teasing me about my overprotective child rearing ways, and on other days? It seems like he's been gone forever. I've learned so many things about myself and about life as a result of his death. I imagine … Continue reading Five Things I’ve Learned in the Five Years Since My Dad Died