Relationships can be complicated. This “Relationship Tip” is based on a simple premise. Any goal or gesture made without a a specific commitment or deadline is most times… meaningless. Before I go further, a little disclaimer. The picture above is of a man and a woman having coffee together. Maybe he’s tried to connect to […]
https://mybrickleys.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/C9F6337A-A91D-46FD-B83A-E2A0800585C9.png10241536Bob Brickleyhttps://mybrickleys.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/brickblog-80x80.pngBob Brickley2026-01-27 15:37:432026-02-05 22:40:39A Relationship Tip
My two daughters were meeting a few years ago in NY. Neither had any idea what the other would be wearing. They look like twins here … but they are not. They do have the same mother though. My wife. They dressed exactly alike this day. Only one example of how close they are. All […]
Not his nickname necessarily. Just what I call him. David Peak and I attended competing prep schools (his school competition for mine?? No) … in Philadelphia fifty plus years ago. Went to the same college. Never knew each other very well. But three years ago, we reconnected. “Mysteriously” For reasons we don’t understand to this […]
“It’s about time!” … hear this a lot. But this phrase applies particularly well here. I just finished reading an article written in “The Trinity Reporter,” a college publication. Wanted to catch the spirit … my emotions at this moment. The article honored a friend of mine for his lifetime of commitment to a cause, […]
Zoom!! “Why don’t we just do a Zoom call.” Today? Maybe 3, 4 times a day … I’m asked to have a Zoom call. With a coachie, a group, a friend for “cocktail hour.”Hey! Now we don’t have to drive anymore to see one another. Worry about that reserving for lunch. “Is there room at […]
I was privileged to attend one of the finest prep schools in the country … The William Penn Charter School in Philadelphia. My loyalty to the school is strong … real strong. Since graduating in 1963 I’ve traveled from CT and Atlanta over many years to join in special events at the school. You know, […]
She’s my little sister. “Chrost” is our loving nickname for her. She was born five years behind me. She’ll never be as old as me … but she’ll always be very special to me. Seventy … 70 great years with Christine. Fun times, some challenging ones too. But above all, we love each other … […]
lingua franca … A bridge language, communication … linkage between two people connecting them. How people speaking two different languages can connect with one another. Without words. lingua franca … there are no words. (Admittedly I take some liberty with my use of lingua franca here.) But it helps me make my point. Lynda Denworth wrote […]
https://mybrickleys.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/6EA1BA21-EE67-4586-B4ED-484FD4DD829A.jpeg14062500Bob Brickley bbrickleyhttps://mybrickleys.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/brickblog-80x80.pngBob Brickley bbrickley2020-02-15 09:38:422020-02-15 09:38:42lingua franca …
The following is a revision … a reprint of a post from 2017. The “Fahey Cup” lives on. We will gather to celebrate our 20th “Fahey” next year at Essex County Club … The first “Fahey Cup” took place in 2001 at Essex County Club outside Boston. A group of my fraternity brothers from our […]
https://mybrickleys.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_0008.jpeg15372048Bob Brickley bbrickleyhttps://mybrickleys.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/brickblog-80x80.pngBob Brickley bbrickley2020-02-06 10:48:002020-02-06 10:48:00The Fahey Cup
A few early morning musings today. These always surprise me. Not only because they show up. But more because they are so vivid … compelling. Anyway. This morning? A friend of one comes to mind. I’ll not identify him here, because he probably would prefer I not. One of the reasons I write about him. […]
My Aunt Sis died yesterday. Sadness for sure. But at 90? Good for her. Wow! Did the memories flood in as I talked on my phone … to my brother, my sister, my cousins. The word that springs to my mind as I remember her … “elegant” Was she ever. Never really knew her well […]
Back and forth … back and forth … back and forth. Reciprocal things. A metronome. A swaying branch on a tree. A swing. An unforgettable, repeating melody. So many things move slowly back and forth, so rhythmically show beauty. The symmetry in life. Call it reciprocity. Nancy and I had dinner with two dear friends […]
One of the challenges one faces later in life is the passing of friends … maybe especially, old friends. Because with old friends the history is so rich. The memories rush to mind. Tears well as I recount them in most cases. Not just for this person. But because it also brings your own mortality […]
I often see things that converge together. It happened again this morning when I watched a “Talk Talk” on the subject of dying. There, a man with only one limb left on his body, gave a stunning eighteen minute talk. His speech lovingly dealt with death as “soft” … even “celebratory.” Deflecting much of the […]
Yesterday I read an eighty year study at Harvard on “happiness.” Involved a couple of thousand men, women. What makes one happy? Riches … accomplishments … pride … status. All the things we strive for. Are these really key to what makes us truly happy? Don’t think so. The key? According to Harvard. Nourishing, lasting […]
What could I possibly mean by these? Well, I’ve decided to act, behave differently every time I sit at a bar, fly in a plane or get my haircut. What do all these experiences have in common? People. Usually to my right. My left. People I have never met.Previously, I chose never to engage with […]
A friendship. One seeded in college. But it really sprouted five years ago. With a Diet Coke in Wilmington. DE, A three hour conversation and we bonded. But as we have since shared … a bit unexpectedly. We all know those friends who kindly offer, “We have to get together sometime.” … “I’ll call you next […]
I hope you’ve had a friend or two you see infrequently, but always reconnect with instantly. Connection rich in history, emotionally resonant. Dave Montgomery was this kind of friend to me. Monty died yesterday. I’ll not try to address his incredible resume here. Rather I’d like to share a few stories as so many others […]
No … I’m not referring to 💤💤s … as in sleep. Rather I’m remembering the gathering of dear relatives of mine, I’ll call them “Zs” … last Sunday in Doylestown, PA. The occasion? The Easter Sunday christening of the latest addition to our clan, four month old Ezra.“Z”s traveled from San Francisco, Charlotte NC, Atlanta […]
This was written in May 2017 … I am posting it today in celebration of his 92nd birthday … I was new to Atlanta… loved my golf, maybe the friendships the game gifted me above all. Then there was that day in the summer of 1990 when that Series 7 BMW roared up my driveway […]
“Runaway” friends? What could I possibly mean by that?! Friends I’ve fought with … who left me?! Maybe because I was mean to them or maybe just because I needed to change deodorant? No … let me explain.Nancy and I just came home from a week at Runaway Hill on Harbour Island. Our refuge, our love […]
The following is a piece I sent to Nancy’s sister. We’ve shared laughs over the years about those we’ve known who simply always take themselves way too seriously … like this gal here. Camille. We’re at Runaway Hill on Harbor Island. Having dinner at the Landings. A restaurant here owned by a loan shark. Why? So […]
“The Space Between the Notes” is now three years old. Over 100 posts. Thanks to you who have taken time to visit. Allowing me to share intimate thoughts and experiences that I’ve felt were worth sharing. Again my greatest purpose here? To leave these writings for my precious grandchildren. But then my mentor, guru told […]
I read a biblical message every morning. Yesterday the passage entitled, The Power of Silence. Just sitting, doing nothing and allowing a spiritual “message” or two float into your mind. I had an email exchange yesterday with my nephew Scotty. Someone I see infrequently. Today during my “quiet time” he came to me. Thus this. […]
If you’ve read any of this Blog you know I was blessed at age 51 to “uncover” my calling in life … helping people grow. I was fortunate three years ago to meet this 33yr old “kid” from Jackson, MS. “Kid” because I hope Taylor in many ways will always be, yea, a “kid.” Taylor’s a […]
NEVER FORGET YOUR FRIENDS A newlywed young man was sitting on the porch on a humid day, sipping ice tea with his father. As he talked about adult life, marriage, responsibilities, and obligations, the father thoughtfully stirred the ice cubes in his glass and cast a clear, sober look on his Son. “Never forget […]
https://mybrickleys.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/IMG_2163.jpeg15362048Bob Brickley bbrickleyhttps://mybrickleys.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/brickblog-80x80.pngBob Brickley bbrickley2018-11-10 21:44:262018-11-10 21:44:26The Value of Friends …
We met on an airplane in 1989 traveling to an industry convention. “Hi, I’m BB Brown. Where’d you get those glasses?” (They were metal… horn rim. So like BB to notice.)“Where’re ya from?” (BB is always more interested in you than trying to be interesting himself). Turned out we were in both in the life insurance business. We compared […]
I many ways I live an enchanted life. Enough cash, a great family, lots of golf… the amazing people I coach. This week Nancy and I are on Harbor Island. An idyllic two mile square paradise off Eleuthera in the Bahamas. We’ve been coming here the last five years. Will continue to come here for […]
Gary and me. The Not So Odd Couple? … not odd at all. We’ve known each other for a long time. But have really gotten closer in recent years. Both of us excelled in the insurance industry. I’m the “Oscar” … Gary’s the “Felix” in this Not So Odd Couple. Unique.You see I had a […]
https://mybrickleys.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/brickblog-80x80.png00Bob Brickley bbrickleyhttps://mybrickleys.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/brickblog-80x80.pngBob Brickley bbrickley2017-12-22 10:07:442017-12-22 10:07:44The Not So Odd Couple…
Martha SterneI don’t know Martha Sterne well. Nancy and I have retired on “Someday Isle” when it comes to church. You know… some days I’ll go… some days I won’t.We have been members of All Saints Church however for 26yrs. Love the place. It’s because of wonderful people, clergy like Martha. Key reasons why this […]
I have many “bright lights” in my life today. People, events, learnings… all amplify my growth, my journey in these later years. None shines as bright as the “light”… joy I’ve received from my granddaughter, Payson. She’s beautiful, smart, feisty… maybe more so now as a teen. Full of energy. She spends most of it […]
I’m at Hartford’s Bradley Airport having just attended my 50th college reunion. A weekend full of faces known and unknown. “Who’s that?” … was a question I had to ask myself all weekend long. My class consisted of an incredibly accomplished, impressive group. Revealed in part by essays we all submitted prior to the event. […]
Jake …”Tee hee hee”… “Look, here comes Jake!” 10 year old girls in the hallway at Jackson Elementary. Giddy. Walking down the hallway? My grandson, Jake. Oblivious to the attention. Handsome, simply a beautiful child. Wide eyed little girls… well, just having fun admiring him for the moment. True story? Doesn’t matter if it’s true […]
Harvard came out with a 72yr study recently. “1 Secret to a Fulfilling Life ” What did they conclude? The secret?… Love. 72 years, one word, love. Hmmm, how bout that. Further, “Good relationships keep us healthier, happier.” If you’re fortunate to have on or two people, relationships in your life you can share all […]
Who am I? …We all go through phases, don’t we? The ups the downs. Those crucial decisions that define in many ways the path we choose for our lives. Marriage or significant other, career, avocations. The years after educating ourselves are dedicated to achieving things, paying the bills, success (defined in a number of ways). […]
https://mybrickleys.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/brickblog-80x80.png00Bob Brickley bbrickleyhttps://mybrickleys.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/brickblog-80x80.pngBob Brickley bbrickley2017-03-04 11:03:022017-03-04 11:03:02Who Am I ?
I have a friend. Call her, “——-, my Belle (old Beatles tune) for the sake of anonymity. I sent this to her this morning. I learn, grow so from our friendship. She doesn’t know this is so. I’ve known ——- for 17yrs. Talk to her once every three. Maybe. The connection between us? Instant. inspiring. […]
https://mybrickleys.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/brickblog-80x80.png00Bob Brickley bbrickleyhttps://mybrickleys.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/brickblog-80x80.pngBob Brickley bbrickley2016-12-10 13:26:522026-01-12 15:07:36——–, and The Essence of Heart
The Boys… …my triplet 13 yr old grandsons in CT. Born a pound and a half each at birth. In the hospital for months before coming home. They’re special. A loving father, a beautiful mom, my daughter. The early days revealed that one, Willy, was not quite right… autistic. Sadness?… of course. The reality? He’s […]
https://mybrickleys.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/brickblog-80x80.png00Bob Brickley bbrickleyhttps://mybrickleys.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/brickblog-80x80.pngBob Brickley bbrickley2016-12-02 14:40:182016-12-02 14:40:18The Boys
A Relationship Tip
RelationshipsRelationships can be complicated. This “Relationship Tip” is based on a simple premise. Any goal or gesture made without a a specific commitment or deadline is most times… meaningless. Before I go further, a little disclaimer. The picture above is of a man and a woman having coffee together. Maybe he’s tried to connect to […]
Sisters
RelationshipsMy two daughters were meeting a few years ago in NY. Neither had any idea what the other would be wearing. They look like twins here … but they are not. They do have the same mother though. My wife. They dressed exactly alike this day. Only one example of how close they are. All […]
The “Peaker”
RelationshipsNot his nickname necessarily. Just what I call him. David Peak and I attended competing prep schools (his school competition for mine?? No) … in Philadelphia fifty plus years ago. Went to the same college. Never knew each other very well. But three years ago, we reconnected. “Mysteriously” For reasons we don’t understand to this […]
Jerry
Relationships“It’s about time!” … hear this a lot. But this phrase applies particularly well here. I just finished reading an article written in “The Trinity Reporter,” a college publication. Wanted to catch the spirit … my emotions at this moment. The article honored a friend of mine for his lifetime of commitment to a cause, […]
Relationship … “empty calories”
RelationshipsZoom!! “Why don’t we just do a Zoom call.” Today? Maybe 3, 4 times a day … I’m asked to have a Zoom call. With a coachie, a group, a friend for “cocktail hour.”Hey! Now we don’t have to drive anymore to see one another. Worry about that reserving for lunch. “Is there room at […]
Jack Rogers
RelationshipsI was privileged to attend one of the finest prep schools in the country … The William Penn Charter School in Philadelphia. My loyalty to the school is strong … real strong. Since graduating in 1963 I’ve traveled from CT and Atlanta over many years to join in special events at the school. You know, […]
My Loving Sister …
RelationshipsShe’s my little sister. “Chrost” is our loving nickname for her. She was born five years behind me. She’ll never be as old as me … but she’ll always be very special to me. Seventy … 70 great years with Christine. Fun times, some challenging ones too. But above all, we love each other … […]
lingua franca …
Relationshipslingua franca … A bridge language, communication … linkage between two people connecting them. How people speaking two different languages can connect with one another. Without words. lingua franca … there are no words. (Admittedly I take some liberty with my use of lingua franca here.) But it helps me make my point. Lynda Denworth wrote […]
The Fahey Cup
RelationshipsThe following is a revision … a reprint of a post from 2017. The “Fahey Cup” lives on. We will gather to celebrate our 20th “Fahey” next year at Essex County Club … The first “Fahey Cup” took place in 2001 at Essex County Club outside Boston. A group of my fraternity brothers from our […]
A Friend …
RelationshipsA few early morning musings today. These always surprise me. Not only because they show up. But more because they are so vivid … compelling. Anyway. This morning? A friend of one comes to mind. I’ll not identify him here, because he probably would prefer I not. One of the reasons I write about him. […]
Aunt Sis
RelationshipsMy Aunt Sis died yesterday. Sadness for sure. But at 90? Good for her. Wow! Did the memories flood in as I talked on my phone … to my brother, my sister, my cousins. The word that springs to my mind as I remember her … “elegant” Was she ever. Never really knew her well […]
Reciprocity
RelationshipsBack and forth … back and forth … back and forth. Reciprocal things. A metronome. A swaying branch on a tree. A swing. An unforgettable, repeating melody. So many things move slowly back and forth, so rhythmically show beauty. The symmetry in life. Call it reciprocity. Nancy and I had dinner with two dear friends […]
Gabe
RelationshipsOne of the challenges one faces later in life is the passing of friends … maybe especially, old friends. Because with old friends the history is so rich. The memories rush to mind. Tears well as I recount them in most cases. Not just for this person. But because it also brings your own mortality […]
Annie …
RelationshipsI often see things that converge together. It happened again this morning when I watched a “Talk Talk” on the subject of dying. There, a man with only one limb left on his body, gave a stunning eighteen minute talk. His speech lovingly dealt with death as “soft” … even “celebratory.” Deflecting much of the […]
Relationships
RelationshipsYesterday I read an eighty year study at Harvard on “happiness.” Involved a couple of thousand men, women. What makes one happy? Riches … accomplishments … pride … status. All the things we strive for. Are these really key to what makes us truly happy? Don’t think so. The key? According to Harvard. Nourishing, lasting […]
Bars, Planes and Barbershops …
RelationshipsWhat could I possibly mean by these? Well, I’ve decided to act, behave differently every time I sit at a bar, fly in a plane or get my haircut. What do all these experiences have in common? People. Usually to my right. My left. People I have never met.Previously, I chose never to engage with […]
The Bird’s Nest
RelationshipsA friendship. One seeded in college. But it really sprouted five years ago. With a Diet Coke in Wilmington. DE, A three hour conversation and we bonded. But as we have since shared … a bit unexpectedly. We all know those friends who kindly offer, “We have to get together sometime.” … “I’ll call you next […]
Monty
RelationshipsI hope you’ve had a friend or two you see infrequently, but always reconnect with instantly. Connection rich in history, emotionally resonant. Dave Montgomery was this kind of friend to me. Monty died yesterday. I’ll not try to address his incredible resume here. Rather I’d like to share a few stories as so many others […]
The “Z”s
RelationshipsNo … I’m not referring to 💤💤s … as in sleep. Rather I’m remembering the gathering of dear relatives of mine, I’ll call them “Zs” … last Sunday in Doylestown, PA. The occasion? The Easter Sunday christening of the latest addition to our clan, four month old Ezra.“Z”s traveled from San Francisco, Charlotte NC, Atlanta […]
Claude …
RelationshipsThis was written in May 2017 … I am posting it today in celebration of his 92nd birthday … I was new to Atlanta… loved my golf, maybe the friendships the game gifted me above all. Then there was that day in the summer of 1990 when that Series 7 BMW roared up my driveway […]
My “Runaway” Friends …
Relationships“Runaway” friends? What could I possibly mean by that?! Friends I’ve fought with … who left me?! Maybe because I was mean to them or maybe just because I needed to change deodorant? No … let me explain.Nancy and I just came home from a week at Runaway Hill on Harbour Island. Our refuge, our love […]
Camille
RelationshipsThe following is a piece I sent to Nancy’s sister. We’ve shared laughs over the years about those we’ve known who simply always take themselves way too seriously … like this gal here. Camille. We’re at Runaway Hill on Harbor Island. Having dinner at the Landings. A restaurant here owned by a loan shark. Why? So […]
Chris
Relationships“The Space Between the Notes” is now three years old. Over 100 posts. Thanks to you who have taken time to visit. Allowing me to share intimate thoughts and experiences that I’ve felt were worth sharing. Again my greatest purpose here? To leave these writings for my precious grandchildren. But then my mentor, guru told […]
Scotty
RelationshipsI read a biblical message every morning. Yesterday the passage entitled, The Power of Silence. Just sitting, doing nothing and allowing a spiritual “message” or two float into your mind. I had an email exchange yesterday with my nephew Scotty. Someone I see infrequently. Today during my “quiet time” he came to me. Thus this. […]
Taylor
RelationshipsIf you’ve read any of this Blog you know I was blessed at age 51 to “uncover” my calling in life … helping people grow. I was fortunate three years ago to meet this 33yr old “kid” from Jackson, MS. “Kid” because I hope Taylor in many ways will always be, yea, a “kid.” Taylor’s a […]
The Value of Friends …
RelationshipsNEVER FORGET YOUR FRIENDS A newlywed young man was sitting on the porch on a humid day, sipping ice tea with his father. As he talked about adult life, marriage, responsibilities, and obligations, the father thoughtfully stirred the ice cubes in his glass and cast a clear, sober look on his Son. “Never forget […]
BB
RelationshipsWe met on an airplane in 1989 traveling to an industry convention. “Hi, I’m BB Brown. Where’d you get those glasses?” (They were metal… horn rim. So like BB to notice.)“Where’re ya from?” (BB is always more interested in you than trying to be interesting himself). Turned out we were in both in the life insurance business. We compared […]
Darren
RelationshipsI many ways I live an enchanted life. Enough cash, a great family, lots of golf… the amazing people I coach. This week Nancy and I are on Harbor Island. An idyllic two mile square paradise off Eleuthera in the Bahamas. We’ve been coming here the last five years. Will continue to come here for […]
The Not So Odd Couple…
RelationshipsGary and me. The Not So Odd Couple? … not odd at all. We’ve known each other for a long time. But have really gotten closer in recent years. Both of us excelled in the insurance industry. I’m the “Oscar” … Gary’s the “Felix” in this Not So Odd Couple. Unique.You see I had a […]
Martha Sterne
RelationshipsMartha SterneI don’t know Martha Sterne well. Nancy and I have retired on “Someday Isle” when it comes to church. You know… some days I’ll go… some days I won’t.We have been members of All Saints Church however for 26yrs. Love the place. It’s because of wonderful people, clergy like Martha. Key reasons why this […]
Payson
RelationshipsI have many “bright lights” in my life today. People, events, learnings… all amplify my growth, my journey in these later years. None shines as bright as the “light”… joy I’ve received from my granddaughter, Payson. She’s beautiful, smart, feisty… maybe more so now as a teen. Full of energy. She spends most of it […]
Al Elstein …
RelationshipsI’m at Hartford’s Bradley Airport having just attended my 50th college reunion. A weekend full of faces known and unknown. “Who’s that?” … was a question I had to ask myself all weekend long. My class consisted of an incredibly accomplished, impressive group. Revealed in part by essays we all submitted prior to the event. […]
Jake …
RelationshipsJake …”Tee hee hee”… “Look, here comes Jake!” 10 year old girls in the hallway at Jackson Elementary. Giddy. Walking down the hallway? My grandson, Jake. Oblivious to the attention. Handsome, simply a beautiful child. Wide eyed little girls… well, just having fun admiring him for the moment. True story? Doesn’t matter if it’s true […]
Peter…
RelationshipsHarvard came out with a 72yr study recently. “1 Secret to a Fulfilling Life ” What did they conclude? The secret?… Love. 72 years, one word, love. Hmmm, how bout that. Further, “Good relationships keep us healthier, happier.” If you’re fortunate to have on or two people, relationships in your life you can share all […]
Who Am I ?
RelationshipsWho am I? …We all go through phases, don’t we? The ups the downs. Those crucial decisions that define in many ways the path we choose for our lives. Marriage or significant other, career, avocations. The years after educating ourselves are dedicated to achieving things, paying the bills, success (defined in a number of ways). […]
——–, and The Essence of Heart
RelationshipsI have a friend. Call her, “——-, my Belle (old Beatles tune) for the sake of anonymity. I sent this to her this morning. I learn, grow so from our friendship. She doesn’t know this is so. I’ve known ——- for 17yrs. Talk to her once every three. Maybe. The connection between us? Instant. inspiring. […]
The Boys
RelationshipsThe Boys… …my triplet 13 yr old grandsons in CT. Born a pound and a half each at birth. In the hospital for months before coming home. They’re special. A loving father, a beautiful mom, my daughter. The early days revealed that one, Willy, was not quite right… autistic. Sadness?… of course. The reality? He’s […]