“The new year comes with happiness, with songs of love and cheer.   The new year comes with many joys, oh, I am glad it’s here!   Happy New Year! Happy New Year! Happy New Year to you!   Happy New Year! Happy New Year! Happy New Year to you!” This is one of my [...]

Recently, one of my sisters and her family were visiting our home. We had shared a lovely meal and at my husband’s urging retired to the music room to sing. We have many musical instruments purchased over the years and I am not sure how we decided to pass the instruments around to the children [...]

As part of the holiday season, we have a tradition in our family to make various treats and share them with family and friends.  We would usually spend the better part of an afternoon working on rolling, dipping, and drizzling various peanut butter, pretzel, and coconut confections.  This year, we have carried on that tradition, only [...]

One of my sisters and I had a conversation once regarding behaviors that seem to feel empowering at the time, but, in reality, they are not.  Can you think of activities that you participate in right now that might carry with them the appearance of empowerment but are actually empty? A prominent one on my mind right [...]

This morning, I was unexpectedly surprised when I walked out of the front door. The wind was biting and I was unprepared. I had on a short sleeve shirt and it was still dark. I shivered! Quickly, I walked to the car. And I thought of the line from the famous Christmas song, “Baby, It’s [...]

I pause sometimes to watch children around me.  When I do, I am often surprised; I look upon them in wonder, awe and amazement.  Many times, I see their delight in the simple joys around them.  I find that they are easily forgiving, kind, and often just seek for love, acceptance, and attention. I sat [...]