Yesterday I walked to Barre — a town about 10 miles from my house. I wore a bright pink shirt that read “for the woman who had no support.” The shirt’s message gave me a boost. It was the reason I had decided to take a sunny day and spend most of it walking to get no place in particular.

My sister was diagnosed with breast cancer a few years ago. When Joan was in a Boston hospital getting chemotherapy, the woman who had no support inspired her. (more…)

Last Thursday, April 22nd, when I logged in to my computer and checked the Internet, I was reminded that it was Earth Day – “a day designed to inspire awareness and appreciation for the Earth’s environment” (Wikipedia).

Well, that got me thinking – have I been doing my bit to promote and care for the environment? Sure, on Earth Day we can make a point of turning off the TV (even though hubby would have a fit) or using less electricity and water – but shouldn’t we be doing this consistently rather than just on one day every year? (more…)

Call me cynical (many have) but I’ve never had much time for Valentine’s Day. Cards, flowers, little (or not so little) gifts, declarations of undying love…all reserved for just one day? (more…)

Once a week, Mumsie and I go to our local church to help prepare sandwiches and hot food, which we then serve to the homeless.

Someone once criticized our efforts at the soup kitchen, saying we were just doing it to make ourselves feel good. Well, that’s true – in a way we are doing it so that we feel good about ourselves. But if feeling good about ourselves can help others regain their self-respect and dignity, isn’t that a win-win situation? (more…)

Now that I’ve become a self-proclaimed enthusiastic expert in using my Neti Pot, I’ve been on the lookout for someone to share this great experience with.

And – all joking aside – it really is a great experience. I don’t even think twice about going through the process every night, now that it’s become part of my ritual. I’m convinced that Neti has helped alleviate my headaches, lower my high eye pressure, and enabled me to sleep better at night. (more…)

Have you ever woken up to the moon before?

Yes, you read right. Waking up to the Moon!

Well, I just did.

At first, I assumed it was the sun and thought “how odd” because I was looking towards the West. Then I made out the lines of the moon and was mesmerized by its beauty. (more…)

Wow, I still cannot believe that today…now…this moment is Christmas Day!

Time is flying by so quickly…gifts? What gifts?

I thought I was better prepared this year but, that being said, I have not even had a moment to pack a thing, ship out a thing. I just got enough packaged for midnight and that was it. We celebrate at midnight. (more…)

I would like to take this moment to wish you all a very Merry Christmas, although I was recently told that I’m supposed to say “Happy Holidays” instead.

Why can’t I wish people a “Merry Christmas?” I realize that it’s not considered politically correct to use that phrase because it’s a Christian one and not everyone is a Christian. So, whenever someone wishes me “Happy Holidays,” I thank them and respond in kind, respecting the fact that they are probably not Christians. However, whenever I wish people “Merry Christmas,” the same respect does not always seem to be reciprocated. (more…)

It’s that time of year again. You know – time to spread love and joy and peace and harmony…

What planet am I from?! Have you been Christmas shopping yet? Where’s the love, the joy, the peace, the harmony? Never mind that – where’s the nearest pub…I need a drink to fortify myself for Christmas shopping (and I don’t even drink)! (more…)

So, I find that every time I visit with my family, I am offered the most wonderful gifts in self growth. This has not always been the case as in the past I wasn’t open to receiving this gift. However, I now recognize the concept that EVERYTHING in our lives is an opportunity for us to grow and learn from, and this belief has become integrated into my system.

Recently, my sisters came from Colorado and New York (which is where I am from) to visit me at my place in LA. I am the “baby” of the family, with my sisters being seven and ten years older then I am. (more…)