Nikki Mastro

Thanksgiving is often depicted as harvest tables and family gatherings, but the story behind it is more complex. The first Thanksgiving, as many of us learned in school, was presented as a peaceful meal between the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag people. However, this oversimplifies a history that includes conflict, survival, and betrayal that happened before …

Thanksgiving: Holding Truth, Honoring History, and Finding Hope Today Read More »

Every morning starts the same way in my house: the quiet hum of the coffee maker, the soft shuffle of Teddy and Bear’s paws, and the comforting weight of my favorite mug, a gray, slightly speckled one that somehow feels like an old friend, embracing me in its warmth and familiarity. It’s not fancy, but …

Coffee Thoughts: The Coffee Mug That Knows Me Best Read More »

In times of disagreement, it can feel like shouting is the only way to be heard. But history, nature, and even our everyday experiences remind us that progress rarely happens through noise. It occurs through the powerful tool of calm, thoughtful negotiation, the art of listening, reasoning, and finding common ground even when the stakes …

The Art of Calm and Thoughtful Negotiation Read More »

Every November, I find myself pausing a little more. The air gets crisp, leaves crunch under my feet, and a feeling of reflection seems to settle over everything. A part of that feeling is tied to Veterans’ Day. Behind every veteran is a personal story of sacrifice, courage, and commitment. Veterans’ Day is for them. …

Honoring Our Veterans Read More »