Happy New Year 2016

December 31st, 2015
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HappyNew Year

 And now let us welcome the New Year

Full of things that have never been.

                                   ~ Rainer Maria Rilke

On this last day of 2015, I find myself reflecting, probably just as you are, on how the year went by so quickly, on some of the good and bad things that happened and what I have might learned from all of these amazing experiences.

It seems like the natural thing to do.

2015 has been quite a year, bringing all sorts of surprises, but it also brought me a renewed sense of discovery.  A sense of appreciating instead of just … Read More

Experiencing The Holiday Spirit

December 28th, 2015
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Don’t you find that every Christmas has its own vibe and dynamic? I reminisce about Christmases past and there are things that stand out that I will never ever forget. From childhood Christmases, there is always the cozy sounds of Johnny Mathis while running around in my pajamas getting ready to put out cookies and milk for Santa on Christmas Eve.  Adult Christmases bring back loving memories of my late husband and those first Christmases with our young son.  I remember those Christmases as being simple in decorations and gifts and always having a feeling of innocence. And then there… Read More

Holiday Temptations

December 4th, 2015
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Photo Courtesy of Katie Lee Kitchen Oh my goodness! A few days ago, I looked in the refrigerator and spied the last containers of homemade mashed potatoes and stuffing and I couldn’t take it anymore. I hate to waste food yet I had to throw the rest of the Thanksgiving leftovers away!  I know I overindulged over the holiday and it was yummy and fun but it also is time for the food party to stop. But it’s really hard, right?  I know it is for me.  Maybe it’s a little easier for you.  I definitely like to think you… Read More

A Whale of A Baby

October 5th, 2015
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Baby Shower Table Scape Notice the whale as centerpiece   My Mom and I hosted a baby shower for my niece yesterday and it was healing in a fun way to pause with my other sisters and close relatives to celebrate the arrival of a new family member. I think it’s always good news when a baby is on the way; beginnings are always exciting and so full of hope! At the shower we had an advice jar where people wrote their tips on slips of paper for my helping my niece transition to motherhood.  Here are a few examples… Read More

A Letter to Hallie Biden

June 11th, 2015
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Beau Biden and his family:                                                 Wife Hallie Biden (Left) Daughter Natalie (Middle) and Son Hunter (Right).                                                 Special to The News Journal/SAQUAN STIMPSON Dearest Hallie: We have never met but my thoughts are with you this morning. Please accept my sincerest condolences upon the death of your beloved husband, Beau Biden.  His funeral this past Saturday was touching and heartbreaking and by allowing his Mass to be aired on television, you gave others the opportunity to grieve with you and also to draw strength from the open and emotional manner in which the Biden family gracefully handled the heartbreak of Beau’s… Read More

A New Look For Cry Laugh Heal

June 3rd, 2015
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  Hello! I am beyond excited for you to finally see the makeover of Cry Laugh Heal. It has been in the works for months and after a lot of hard work it feels wonderful to finally reveal it live and in living color. This remake comes about because I wanted a fresher, more polished look for Cry Laugh Heal.  One that would continue to contain personal thoughts about the explosive changes and quiet moments of desperation that can happen when a loved dies but also to give others who are grieving and trying to figure out how to get… Read More

Ways of Encouragement

May 21st, 2015
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You’re having a day. Guess what?  So am I! Let’s join each other in encouragement. We know it’s hard.  It’s stressful and sometimes it’s even lonely and painful. And yet I know I don’t want to give up.  And I know you don’t want to either.  Because right around that corner or even the next time we try to go at a problem and process those feelings of frustration, there is the possibility that it could go away. Right? What is the purpose of always being in a position of trying to solve something?  Sometimes I’m not sure.  Sometimes, I… Read More

Monday Calm & Renewal

May 18th, 2015
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It’s Monday.  I know.  I hear myself joining you in a collective groan. But instead of immediately thinking of all the things I need to accomplish this week, I am going to pause.  And breathe.  Deeply.  Closing my eyes again (not to go back to sleep) and letting my neck slowly drop as I breathe in and remain still. I am determined not to be in a hurry.  I don’t want to rush and I don’t want to be late but I also need to fill my emotional reserves with a feeling of inner calm before I tackle a new… Read More

5 Things Money Can’t Buy

May 5th, 2015
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Hi there Resilient Readers: I’ve been off the grid for a while and am happy to be back.  I needed to take a bit of break but I missed you A LOT and hope your life is currently full of some magical mixture of love, laughter and vibrant health. While I have been juggling some challenging issues affecting my family and friends, it has pushed me into having some spirited conversations and lots of quiet thought about what really makes life go ’round. I think it pretty much comes down to five things, and for me, the following five things… Read More