Current Obsessions

Why I’ll Never Win a Blogging Award

While watching the Oscar awards last week, I got to thinking. There are so many fabulously talented actors and actresses, directors and producers, animators and screenwriters out there. There are so many others behind the scenes who I don't even know about or will never quite understand what it is they do. They all work so hard. Their work consumes them. And they've likely been at it for a very, … [Read more...] about Why I’ll Never Win a Blogging Award

Is Surrender and Acceptance the Same?

Published in: Aging, Exercise, Fitness, Goals, Health, Letting go, Midlife, Walking

Seems that in this so-called midlife I've been fighting surrender on a lot of fronts. But lately, I’ve been at the losing end. For instance, I have a bum left knee. I first realized something was wrong a little over ten years ago, while visiting Paris. It was my first European trip and I was determined not to let anything ruin it. Not the torrential rain we had. Not the record cold … [Read more...] about Is Surrender and Acceptance the Same?

What Do You Know For Sure?

It happens to me every winter. My head and body feel like they belong to someone else; somewhere else. Call it a bad case of SAD. The winter just does a number on me, leaving me feeling depleted and depressed. I walk around in a fog, unsure of what I'm thinking and where I'm heading. But I fight it, knowing that all good things must come to an end. Here's something I know for sure: Spring is on … [Read more...] about What Do You Know For Sure?

My Sunshine Award

It's always nice to be recognized. It couldn't have come at a better time. Winter is so not my cup of tea. There's nothing I like about it - not only does the cold cut right through my bones, but the lack of sunshine sends my mood plummeting to minus minus minus degrees. So receiving this Sunshine Award, passed from one blogger to another (thank you Lois Alter Mark, of Midlife at the … [Read more...] about My Sunshine Award

7 Things a trip to Mexico taught me

Published in: Friends, Happiness, Health, Learning something new, Travel

Last week, Alan and I went on a much-needed vacation to Mexico. Although it was only January, the winter was already wreaking havoc with my mood. I got through each day of bitter cold temperatures and snow by telling myself, "Well... at least you'll be getting away to some sunshine and warmth soon." Well-stocked with plenty of sunblock, my kindle loaded with books, I was ready. I even bought new … [Read more...] about 7 Things a trip to Mexico taught me

Why I Don’t Make New Year’s Resolutions

It's not because I don't have any resolutions to make. It's not because I am perfect. It's certainly not because I lack any self-criticism. And it's most definitely not because I can't be contemplative or even self-loathing at times. I'm all of the above - and more. But after years and years of observing my so-called new year's resolutions become scarcer and almost extinct, followed by years … [Read more...] about Why I Don’t Make New Year’s Resolutions

A Smile for the Day

Published in: Happiness, Holiday Cheer

Holiday Hangover? Coming down from all the excitement can be tough. Here's something guaranteed to make you smile. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ThQKtgBloUw … [Read more...] about A Smile for the Day

Finding the “Right” Gym

Published in: Aging, Exercise, Fitness, Goals, Gyms, Health, Midlife, Moving, Walking, Working out

Since moving to a new town, I've been on a mission. I'm in the market for a new gym. Yes, my building has one (that's one perk of living in an apartment). But sometimes it's not enough (since I work from home, I need an excuse to actually leave the building otherwise I fear I'd never breathe any fresh air or see the outside world. Besides, staring out the window into a courtyard while you're … [Read more...] about Finding the “Right” Gym

C’mon, Brain: Help Me Remember

Published in: Exercise, How to Remember, Memory, Secrets for Better Memory, Sleep

Up until about the age of six, I never went anywhere without my beloved bedraggled stuffed teddy bear; my stand-in for a security blanket. It didn’t matter that its once-white coat turned to a pallid shade of gray, nor that its once-robust shapely body became a sagging hint of what once was. I still clung fiercely. Sometimes I feel like that old teddy bear; my skin no longer glowing nor my body … [Read more...] about C’mon, Brain: Help Me Remember

Truth and Reality

If you convince yourself that something is true...does that mean it really is? Can your thoughts alone have the power to make something real? If a tree falls in a forest and no one is around to hear it… Does it make a sound? I’ve been feeling a bit frustrated for a few weeks; my creative juices drying up to nothing more than a mere drop. And I’m just about parched. Being a writer, that’s … [Read more...] about Truth and Reality

A High School Student and Aspiring Writer from Australia Reaches Out…

I would love to hear a few things on the prospect from a first hand-perspective, and would be thrilled to learn more about it from you. Your advice is well valued and I’m very grateful to have such wise words from someone with such first hand experience.

I will be looking forward to reading more of your wonderful articles in the future!

Best wishes,

Mikayla

Due to your article, traffic and sales have been great this past week!

On behalf of our entire organization, we'd like to thank you so much for featuring our product in last week’s Parade Magazine. Due to your article, traffic and sales have been great this past week.! We are a small business that prides ourselves on excellent product quality and customer service. We work hard to make quality products and market them effectively but then sometimes you get a gift like your article which really takes us to the next level. We will be eternally grateful to you for choosing us as one of your eye product recommendations.

I’m writing to express my admiration for the work you are doing!

I'm a young medical writer trying to get a foothold in the industry, so the portfolio you have on your website showcasing your accomplishments is something that I'm aiming to achieve.

I don't want to take up too much of your time, but I am hoping you can share some advice, tips, or guidance as I work on this, my lateral career change!

Thanks for taking the time to read this - I know you probably have much more exciting things to be doing, but just know that your work is inspiring me to continue down this writing path.