Virginia Buckingham

I’ve only seen one of the seven wonders of the world in person. But the eighth has to be a backyard in New England in August. Lucky us. I’ve written before about the soothing power of the color green. The physical explanation that your eye doesn’t have to make any effort because the it focuses green right on the center of your retina makes sense. As does the evolutionary explanation that green sends a signal of safety and plentitude. Yet what is the science behind…

Last year, I wrote a column entitled “Pruning and possibility” about the physical act of pruning the trees in my yard as well as things I spend energy on in my life. The goal was to let the light in literally and figuratively. Now in this new light-filled season, I find myself doing the opposite – planting for possibility. The crowds at area garden centers indicate I’m not alone in the literal endeavor of planting. My patio containers are all filled — abundant with purple,…

Like Virginia O’Hanlon’s (of “Yes, Virginia” fame) father once said of the New York Sun, if Merriam-Webster or Oxford says something is true then it is. And the estimable online dictionaries state unequivocally that the word “hope” is not just a noun (n- desire accompanied by expectation of obtaining what is desired or belief that it is obtainable) but indeed a verb, albeit a transitive one (v- to express desire for a specific outcome). Yes, I cherry-picked the definitions that most aligned with the purpose…

All apologies to Hallmark but my husband David and I don’t exchange Valentine’s Day cards anymore. We didn’t make a conscious or even neglectful decision to stop doing so – no, “Sorry honey I forgot this year” or “these commercialized holidays are stupid” commentary underscored our reasoning. We had no reason at all, as far as I know. And if you wake up to pink paper hearts on February 14 th , I’m neither judging nor jealous. It’s totally great to be wooed that way.…

As I write this, I am sitting by our beautiful harbor on a January morning watching sea birds skim across the surface of the 40-degree water. They seem content continuing their daily rituals regardless of the temperature. A temporary easing last week of the stretch of frigid air didn’t last but it gifted me a sense of contentment, too. Winter is not so bad! Check in with me in a month or so to see how durable this feeling is, but once again, I’m in…

Something’s going around and it’s not just the flu. Everywhere I turned last week, there were lists and columns and stories of things to be optimistic about in 2026. That’s the one bandwagon I’m happy to jump on. What were some of the upcoming developments inspiring hope? They ranged from the very personal to the global economy to everything in between. Starting with health, several observers singled out mRNA technology as the probable answer to new, more effective treatments for all kinds of cancer. According…