When is a luxury worth the money?
One of the best moments of my day yesterday happened on the elliptical machine. I’m not an athlete by any stretch of the imagination. I do have a persuasive best friend who talked me into trying the...
View ArticleAre creative ‘someday’ projects cluttering up today?
My grandmother was a creative, artistic soul who loved craft projects. Every winter, I am grateful for her talents when I wrap myself in quilts and afghans she made. She had lots of ideas and projects...
View ArticleAdvent for one can be a refreshing season
Today, just for a moment, set aside your to-do lists and holiday stress. Take a deep breath and celebrate Advent. Advent is the countdown to Christmas. It’s a time to look forward with anticipation and...
View ArticleWhat’s for dinner? Homemade ‘fast food’
Have you ever made a casserole and then eaten it for eight days in a row? It was probably pretty tasty on the first day, and even the second. It was tolerable on the third day, and maybe the fourth. …...
View ArticleTake the ‘goodwill challenge’
“How do you do that?” my young friend Morgan asked, after discovering that I could make him smile simply by looking at him. He crunched up his mouth, resolutely trying not to grin. And yet, within...
View ArticleI put my Christmas tree on a diet
This year, I put my Christmas tree on a diet. This Christmas season whizzed by – but decorating the tree took longer than I would have liked. I put up my tree in mid-December, and then, each day as I …...
View ArticleAn easy solution to a pesky problem
We have a mantra at our house that might be familiar to anyone with young children. It’s this: “You get what you get and you don’t throw a fit.” We use this phrase, not to be snarky, but to remind …...
View ArticleStretch yourself and await good surprises
I vividly remember sitting on a plane, book in hand, completely gripped by an intriguing plot. I had picked up this particular book while I was on vacation because I had discovered the author is a...
View ArticleA pile of good books are calling my name
I love the pleasure of getting lost in a good book, savoring the plot twists, surprises, or characters that make me laugh out loud. For my entire career, I’ve been a writer and editor. With all that...
View ArticleThe adventures of an occasional thrifter
Have you ever marveled at someone who found a beautiful piece of furniture or a terrific article of clothing at a rummage sale or thrift shop? I have been convinced for years that, like gardening and...
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