WHO IS YOUR NORTH STAR?

Our world constantly changes. As we go through life, we need people to guide us. How do we learn what is important? How do we form our morals and values? What happens when we lose our way? Everyone needs someone to keep them on track and remain focused. From an early age, my constant North Star was my Dad. He was smart, funny, honest, and held everyone to a high standard (including himself). He inspired me to be a caring daughter, granddaughter, sister, niece, and cousin. I was shown that you treat your Mom, grandparents, aunts, and uncles with respect and reverence. They too, had lots to teach me! I was taught that all people are created equal. There was never any predjudice exhibited in my house. Dad valued education and instilled in me a curiousity and a love of learning. As I matured and went through high school and college, my friends stepped in as my prominent North Star. They guided me to make (mostly) smart choices! There were a few missteps along the way. Our long conversations and discussions helped me to examine matters of the heart, how to navigate life choices, and how to courteously debate news topics and politics with one another, even if we had differing beliefs. Most of all, they showed me how to be a good friend and always inspired me to try my hardest and do my best. If you choose the right friends, they will be your cheerleaders for life. They will never tear you down. They will build you up and give you constructive criticism when it's necessary. And, they will make you laugh when you need it most! I met my husband at a fairly young age, and early on in our relationship, I knew we shared similar values and morals. We both valued family, education, honesty, acceptance and kindness, and liberal thinking. He has been my North Star for forty nine years. He reiterates (when necessary) what is really important in life. He gently discards the sillier things I may have concerns about and puts it all in a clear perspective. He helped me teach our children right from wrong, ambition versus laziness, the importance of family and always treating everyone with kindness. Now as I have matured to a scary age, I find that in addition to my husband, my daughters and my grandchildren have entered into the North Star Category for me. They hold me accountable for every action (and inaction). They often challenge me on many thoughts or beliefs (maybe a tad too much!) And I think how did they learn to hold everyone to such high standards? ha ha.... It's so important to have cherished relationships in your lifetime who will be truthful, inspiring, and caring. You will never get to far off track if you have the right people guiding you on the proper path- just like the North Star. A FEW SUGGESTIONS BEFORE I SIGN OFF: RESTAURANTS Brick and Dough-110 Walnut St. Montclair. Artisan pizza, has gluten free and vegan too. And A Slice Window. Outdoor seating! Campofiore-664 Bloomfield Ave. Montclair. Very difficult res to get. farm to table Italian. Clementina-627 Valley Road Montclair. Modern Italian. BYOB Sardela-571 Bloomfield Ave. Montclair. Greek Mediterranean. Not sure if it's BYOB-Check before you go. Oddfellows-450 Bloomfield Ave. Montclair. Interesting ice cream choices. You can rent out the store for a party! 3rd Joint Slice Shop and Bakery-98 Walnut St. Montclair. Slices, sandwiches, and baked goods. Toastique-11 S. Passaic Ave, Chatham. Gourmet Toasts, and Bowls. Falls Kitchen-90 Main Street Little Falls. Old world diner serving breakfast and lunch. Roma Pizzeria-709 Main St. Boonton. They recommend the Bread Bowls. Old world pizzeria joint. Felina-570 Springfield Ave. Summit. New Italian restaurant in former Summit Hotel. Has a liquor license. Dao-258 Main St. Madison. Upscale Chinese. Res. recommended. BYO. Ugly Dumpling-1711 NJ-10 Suite 6, Morris Plains. Obviously, try the dumplings Bucky's Pizza-465 Main Street, Chatham. Sourdough Grandma, Vodka, and Detroit style Pizza. Joe's Meat Market-28 Main St. South Bound Brook. Supposedly excellent deli sandwiches. BOOKS Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke London Falling by Patrick Radden Keefe Whistler by Ann Patchett Waiting on a Friend by Natalie Adler Good Dirt by Charmaine Wilkerson Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid Television Hacks-HBO MAX Friends and Neighbors-Apple tv The Burroughs-Netflix Widow's Bay-Apple tv The Testaments-Hulu Marshals-CBS and Paramount plus Rooster-HBO Euphoria-HBO