by Amy Downing | Feb 2, 2026 | Everyday Tools
For years, I could tell almost immediately when a book was right for me—and when it wasn’t. Some books pulled me in quietly. Others felt like effort from the first few pages, even when they were well written and widely praised. I trusted that instinct. What I didn’t...
by Amy Downing | Jan 30, 2026 | The Friendship Gap
It was just a casual night out. A small group gathered for drinks and appetizers in a low-key, cozy bar—the kind of evening you expect to leave feeling good, having spent a few hours catching up with people you’ve known for decades. The conversations are always...
by Amy Downing | Jan 23, 2026 | The Friendship Gap
In the summer of 2022, things were starting to reopen after COVID. Like a lot of people, my thoughts turned to reaching out to friends I hadn’t seen during the lockdown. A favorite winery had moved to a new location, and it had a patio. I texted my friend and...
by Amy Downing | Jan 13, 2026 | Life After 50
Notes from a casual tasting with friends; thank you to Susan Romano for the photos. Shortly after the Christmas holiday, I hosted a small mocktail tasting with friends. I thought it would be a fun excuse to get together, but also I’ve been curious about the options...
by Amy Downing | Jan 6, 2026 | Life After 50
September 2026 update: My follow-up bone density scan is complete, and I now have the results I promised to share. My bone density improved between my 2024 and 2026 scans. You can read the full update in My Bone Density Test Results: What Changed After Two Years....
