Hélène’s

Somehow, I’ve ended up in the ER in most every city I’ve lived in. Not for anything serious, mind you. It’s a little embarrassing actually. I came home from college to my hometown of Greenwich, CT,...

I am a planner. I like to predict and anticipate every eventuality. I hate surprises. And I'm not just talking about negative events. I'm turning 60 in January and I've made it clear to my husband:...

We live in the city of Chicago, in a house on a quiet residential street. As such, we're responsible for maintaining not only our yard but also our parkway—you know, the area between the sidewalk...

I love to purge my closet. At least once a year, I take a critical look at my clothing and accessories and determine what needs to go. They're usually items I have not worn, mostly because I dread...

My husband and I went out to dinner last weekend with one of our daughters as well as my mother-in-law who was visiting. The Chicago restaurant I chose is a well-established casual American eatery...

I realized quite recently that I have no hobbies. I'm an avid reader. I journal. I’ll walk my dog or meet a friend for lunch. I volunteer with women's organizations. Are these hobbies? Hmmm... Kinda...

I thought when my girls were grown that parenting would get easier. I'm finding out it's just different. For sure, the physical demands have eased. No more long nights up with a crying baby or late...

My husband Peter likes to fix things—he jokes that he's a rare breed of "handy Jew." His dream is to rebuild a vintage car someday. So when something goes awry in our house, he's quick to jump in...

A few months ago, during a routine physical, my physician found a lump on my thyroid. You know when they put their hand on your throat and ask you to swallow? That's so they can feel for any masses....

A few weekends ago, I went to the movies at the Chicago Music Box Theatre. I was keen to see a new release that was only available in theaters: Women Talking. The film is an adaptation of the Miriam...