Barbara Blomquist
Barbara Blomquist is a Naperville resident, wife, mother, quilter, and screenwriter. Contact her at BWBLomquist@aol.com.
Transitions – A positive new year
I recently had my annual blood workup. I did not like the results. I must exercise more, drink more liquids, (not caffeine or alcohol), and avoid...
Transitions – A different tradition
My little granddaughters are like many of today’s affluent kids – they have more dolls, toys and books than anyone in my generation. Unfortunately,...
Transitions – Powell and Jefferson
What do Thomas Jefferson and the late General Colin Powell have in common? They were both the first. Jefferson was the first Secretary of...
Transitions – Fun with non-digital treasures
I am of the age where fun was enjoyed without electrical power. So, when I buy gifts for children I go to the old...
Transitions – An Olympics Without Spectators
The 2020/2021 Olympics prevailed despite overwhelming doubt of their success. The lackluster opening ceremony did not inspire confidence, but the athletes went out and did...
Transitions – STEM AND MEDICAL BREAKTHROUGHS
Several years ago, I saw movie critic Roger Ebert “speak” using a computer. Ebert’s lower jaw had been removed to treat his cancer, which...
Transitions – Independence Day: A debt owed to our immigrants
We think the Revolutionary War was fought over taxes, but a bigger complaint was that King George prevented immigrants from coming to America and...
Transitions – Back to the movies?
There is nothing quite as exciting as going to the movies with the big-screen experience, surround sound, popcorn, and the "Wow" factor when hundreds...
Transitions – The cemeteries that honor our fallen
Have you ever driven by a military cemetery and got a chill mingled with sadness and respect?
Military cemeteries are meant to evoke some emotion...
Transitions – The Pledge & The Anthem
Recently we experienced one of those small Zoom blessings when we saw our kindergarten granddaughter recite the Pledge of Allegiance. It was a proud moment...
Transitions – Yeomanettes, the first enlisted women
March is Women‘s History Month, so it seems appropriate to honor some women firsts.
Amy Bauernschmidt was recently selected as the first female captain of...
Transitions – A heroic ruse
In 1946 Jackie Robinson, the first black man to integrate baseball, was chased by white men – his fans. Robinson had helped the 1946...
Transitions – Serenity for the New Year
‘Tis the time that we often make resolutions for the New Year, so what kind of resolutions do we make for 2021?
The Serenity Prayer...
Transitions – A timely miracle
It’s been quite a year – with hurricanes, riots, forest fires and, of course, the virus.
Fortunately, many in Naperville have not been affected as much...
Transitions – Remember them all
In 1968, Congress made the fourth Monday of October Veterans Day, the idea being to stimulate the economy by giving Americans a chance to...
Transitions – Some good news in 2020
Before school started, I received an email from my daughter asking for donations for MASK (Mothers/Men Against Senseless Killings). My Amanda knows several supporters of the organization...
Transitions – WE HOLD THESE TRUTHS TO BE SELF-EVIDENT, THAT ALL MEN ARE CREATED...
The Declaration of Independence signed in 1776 is a crucial part of American democracy because it expresses the ideals and goals of our nation....
Transitions – The Grandparenting Pandemic
“We laugh to survive. Then, with joy we thrive.”
– Mary Anne Radmacher
Before our oldest grandchild was born we attended a class for new grandparents....
Transitions – Which elephant in the room?
Over 50 years ago, I lived through the violent destruction of the city where I grew up — Detroit. Fires burned and I heard gunshots...
Transitions – Gratitude during a pandemic
Roman statesman Cicero wrote that "Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all the others."
That’s difficult to embrace during this...
