True enough - I never really know what to say to this - "what's new?" - Now, as you demonstrate here, if someone asks about a specific aspect of my life, I can go deeper - "How is the class you're teaching this semester? or "What's going on with your book project..." Or "what flowers are in your garden this season... " Something that demonstrates they've listened before - and gives me a chance to be a bit reflective - but the conversation requires a partnership - calls on me to also know them, to remember our connections and their interests so I can ask them to reflect and give them a chance to share their experiences. Thank you, Ellen, for this gentle reminder.