The long-awaited holiday is here! Christmas has finally arrived. Expectations are high in the children watching out windows for a glimpse of a fat man in a red suit driving a sleigh pulled by reindeer. I wonder how many parents still teach their little ones about the spirit of Christmas. My parents raised me Catholic,…
Best Friend Love Is A Snap
I just got a snap from my best friend, Kristie, on the popular social media app Snapchat. I love when she sends pictures of the dogs sleeping quietly by her side. Or, such as this particular snap, a video of them playing noisily on the bed when they should be settling in for the night….
Stop Judging Me By My Surname
I live in a very conservative-leaning town. Some days it feels like we are still living in the ’50s. In some ways, this can be refreshing and pleasant. But in other ways, it is frustrating beyond belief. Unfortunately, judging others has no time limit, and it is still a favorite pastime here. The world has…
‘Tis The Season To Be Unhappy?
The holiday season is supposed to be joyful and merry. Friends and family gather at large dinners and exchange cards, gifts and other expressions of love. Holiday songs fill the air. Parades stroll down Main Street. Calendar blocks contain craft fairs, work parties, and school programs. For some, it’s the only time they connect with…
When Friends and Family Are Toxic Supporters
I have spoken much this year of abusive spouses and toxic relationships. Not only is this topic dear to my heart, but it seems to be more prevalent these days. However, in these situations, the spouse may not be the only toxic person in the victim’s life. Family and friends can also be poison. Again,…
17 Years Of Heaven And Hell
Wow! You can’t believe I would use such a headline for a post about my wedding anniversary. Yes, on December 7, my husband and I will have been married for 17 years. However, I will not lie, nor pretend everything has been perfect. No marriage ever is. Heaven? Hell? It depends on the day, the…
Stop Breaking Your Own Heart
I started this blog with the concept of writing about topics relevant to empaths, writers and women. Because I fall into all three categories, I feel I am qualified to write about these. While geared toward women, there are topics men will identify with also. This post may be one of them, but I write…
Holidays Are Fun When You Are Poor
It’s the holiday season again. Once again we are inundated with red and green colored everything, cinnamon-scented scenery, and ringing bells. As we cruise the aisles of shopping malls, the sounds of the season assault our eardrums. For some this is pleasant. Others, not so much. As a child, I looked forward to the holiday…
December Is For Remembering
December is a mere week away. Where has 2018 gone? I’m sure there are so many asking that question as the year draws to a close. We had high hopes for the year. Have we met our goals? December is for remembering and reappraising. The holidays cause us to reminisce about days gone by many…
Making Thanksgiving Gravy
I made my first Thanksgiving dinner when I was a teenager. My mother and siblings had gone to visit relatives in Milwaukee and spend the holiday with them. By choice, I remained home with my father and his friend, Frank. I felt important being able to cook Thanksgiving dinner for them. Because I was already…