Why does the scent of a pine tree make me smile? Probably because it is my first memory as a small child as I was fascinated by the glow from our Christmas tree. It was the start of many joyous family traditions. The wonderful memories created by traditions help to define us. But, the interesting…
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What Happened to Community
Growing up, I listened to stories my grandparents told of the great depression, the dust bowl and the history they lived as children. They fought in World War II and were young adults during the Civil Rights Movement. Life was hard. They fought for everything they had and worked to keep everything they earned. In…
TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF SO YOU CAN HELP OTHERS
Taking care of yourself so you can help others is much easier said than done. Today’s woman has a to-do list a mile long. We all are juggling work, family and friendships. Whether you work inside or outside of the home, you are still very busy. Just waking up and feeling refreshed can be a…
Pesticides in Produce: Should You be Worried?
Eighteen years ago, we made a family decision to stop using chemicals on our lawn and around the house. Like most in suburbia, we had a lawn service and exterminator that came to the house regularly to spray pesticides. Why stop? I came upon troubling studies that pointed to the fact that pesticides were particularly…
The Face in the Mirror
The face in the mirror is different. I can now see a life well worth living. What caused the change? How did I get to this point? I believe it began when a life altering message awaited me as I looked cancer in the face and won – do not let your heart be troubled,…
TAKE MONEY MATTERS INTO YOUR OWN HANDS
Money is a way to allow us the freedom to do the things we want to do. I have always enjoyed having money and enjoyed earning it creatively. I really have had some interesting jobs throughout the years– Magician’s Assistant, Jazz Dance Teacher, Motivational Speaker, Published Author, Performing Actress, Professional Fundraiser. Conservative employment has never…
Defining My Worth
As June came to a close, I sat down to work out our finances and get our summer activities paid off when I came across an email from Becoming Minimalist. The title of the article struck me and made me take a second look at what exactly we were spending our money on: “Our Money…
Summertime Weight Woes
Back in the day, summertime for kids meant long days playing outside, spending time at the neighborhood pool and going back to school a little taller and leaner with a nice tan. Not so much anymore. Several recent studies have shown that the risk of children becoming overweight or obese increases over the summer. You…
Close your Eyes
Close your Eyes and imagine. Covered in dark clothing, your eyes are down-cast. As a young girl, you are taught never to make eye contact with men! The rules are very strict connected to religious law and therefore eye contact is very inappropriate in Middle Eastern Cultures. Similarly a daughter may politely drop her head…
