Learning something new

What Wake-Up Calls Teach Us

Published in: Aging, Exercise, Fitness, Friends, Happiness, Health, Learning something new, Midlife, Returning to school, Staying Healthy

Not to be all depressing and morose, but this past week has been kind of sad. I've heard one bad story after another. A friend's 17-year-old daughter diagnosed with ovarian cancer; a cousin's 28-year old son's thyroid cancer diagnosis; a co-worker of my husbands with a blood disease so rare I've never heard of it nor can I pronounce it or understand just how the body can turn on itself that … [Read more...] about What Wake-Up Calls Teach Us

When Nothing is Sure…Everything is Possible

Published in: Aging, Breast Cancer, Empty Nest, Giveaways, Going back to college, Happiness, Health, Judy Dench, Learning something new, Letting go, Maggie Smith, Midlife, Movies, Returning to the workforce

Yesterday, I eavesdropped on Dame Judy Dench and Maggie Smith. “How many new lives can we have?” asked Ms. Dench. She answered her own question with the best five words I’ve heard in a long time: “As many as we’d like.” Lest you think I hang out in such royal company, I don’t. That question comes from the movie, The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. Have you seen it yet? I haven’t – my efforts … [Read more...] about When Nothing is Sure…Everything is Possible

Keeping Up is Hard To Do

Published in: Aging, Happiness, Learning something new, Midlife

If you’re old enough to remember that old saying “Keeping up with the Joneses,” you’re old enough to understand how hard it has become to really keep up. But I’m not talking about the Jonses any longer. That’s old news. I’m talking about keeping up with the wild pace of technology. My father (may he rest in peace), at 89, taught himself to use a computer. But then again, he was always handy … [Read more...] about Keeping Up is Hard To Do

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

Midlife Crisis? Strike That Phrase From the Dictionary.

Published in: Goals, Learning something new, Letting go, Midlife, Midlife Crisis

Now that I’ve had a few years to settle into my so-called midlife, I have some bones to pick. There are those two words…so common to the boomer generation…that stick in my craw. (Okay, that expression should be struck, too.) I’ll admit there are some words that deserve to live together eternally. Like “King” and “Queen;” “Odds” and “Ends;” “Bread” and “Water.” “Wrinkles" and … [Read more...] about Midlife Crisis? Strike That Phrase From the Dictionary.

7 Secrets to Being Happy-Happier-Happiest

Published in: Happiness, Hobbies, Learning something new, Moods

Having just emerged from a year filled with disappointment, loss, injury, sadness, pain and more disappointment, I'm determined to make 2013 a better year. Silly me to think that it's that easy. As if these things were under my control. A girl can wish, right? Not to be deterred, here's what I decided is under my control. And I want to share some things that are definitely more realistic:, not … [Read more...] about 7 Secrets to Being Happy-Happier-Happiest

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.