Lucy the Golden Doodle puppy, and Twix the rescue kitten are the newest additions to my brother’s family. At first glance one might think them to be unlikely companions. In reality, they’re best buddies. Their jest and banter, acceptance and affection for one another are examples from which humans could benefit. No one taught them…
Love is an insatiable human need. When we give a gift we strive to make it the “perfect” gift, so why not strive for the same thing when we give love? Different types of relationships require us to love differently. There is romantic, familial, friendly, and self-love to consider. Not everyone needs to be loved…
Once upon a time, life gave me what most would call a nightmare. At the encouragement of others, I turned the nightmare into a dream and wrote a book about the experience. But what is it called when a dream I’ve never imagined comes true? I can only think a blessing is what you call…
I think it’s safe to say we’re all feeling the holiday hangover. I don’t even mean the overindulgence of cocktails. I’m talking specifically about the emotional and physical toll of the holidays. As exciting as the hustle and bustle of the holiday season is I’m always ready for it to be over. It’s time to…
Of all your holiday memories what do you most recall? If I had to guess it isn’t the “perfect” ones. It’s the holiday mishaps that stick out. The once in a lifetime situations like the Thanksgiving turkey that slipped out of Grampy’s hands. A turkey is a turkey, but the one on the floor that…
I’m taking this opportunity to say “Thank You” to you. Thank you for your friendship, support, and love. Every blog enjoyed, page read, or social media post liked is appreciated more than I can express. The enthusiasm I’ve received for my writing has been touching in so many ways. Book reviews and invitations to speak…
Alcoholics Anonymous defines insanity as “doing the same thing and expecting different results.” You don’t have to be in the program to see the logic of the statement. The concept is pretty simple, yet people (myself included) continue to behave insanely around the holidays. Cooking, cleaning, present wrapping, and people pleasing is exhausting. Come January,…
As Thanksgiving approaches gratitude is on the forefront of my mind. When I think of gratitude I also think of happiness. In my opinion the two go hand-in-hand, so when I heard about my dad’s “Happiness Calendar” I knew I had to share the idea. My dad likes to keep track of things, miles biked,…
When I was in high school a friend from Spain came to visit for the summer. Her English was very good but she couldn’t remember the word, smile. Whenever the word escaped her she filled in as best she could and substituted the words “happy teeth” instead. I have never forgotten the phrase. At times…
There’s no doubt that fresh squeezed orange juice is better than any store bought kind. Sure there’s something to be said about the convenience of what comes off the shelf, but the taste isn’t nearly as good. Fresh squeezed orange juice is sweeter tasting and sweeter smelling. The texture is thicker, the color brighter. Juicing…